REASON FOR THE SEASON

Summer, Fall, Winter and Spring! This is the first year in more than a decade that I have remained in Canada for ALL the seasons. Although Canada is where my family prefers to be, the allergy season in Vancouver is usually the time of year I get the ‘fever’ and want to be any where else.

So this week, the mantra that helps me appreciate where I am is “I nourish the universe and the universe nourishes me.” It reminds me to give gratitude and kind thoughts to the air that sustains me. Even when affected by allergens, using this mantra brings a feeling of acceptance and reciprocity with Mother Earth. As I love and nourish her, along with family, home, yoga class, private clients and other people around me, I feel content that I am doing something positive for my environment.

As it is Earth Week however, there is also heightened awareness about my families carbon footprint. We carry on each day with the hope that everything we need will continue to be provided for, yet we REALIZE that the abundance will not last forever if we are not more careful. We can always do better and there is an increasing need for us all to pay more attention to how we are using the earth’s resources. How do we do that? First, we educate ourselves so we can care for the earth in whatever capacity we are able. Then, we chose to be mindful and make the most sustainable choices whenever possible. This will lead to kindly sharing our sustainable ideas with others and likely getting involved with community or global projects.

Canada is my home and native land and regardless of current allergies, I feel very fortunate to live here. Along with this privilege, I chose to bring environmentalism to the forefront. And as I prepare for the “15th & Final Yoga by the Beach” the eagerness to do something about climate change grows stronger. I have loved the Yoga by the Beach classes since I started them, before opening Body Harmony Yoga Studio in 2002! Even when living in South America for 3 years, I made an effort to return home each summer to teach them. However, with all the unpredictable weather, last summer the weather was not appropriate on our days (nor the night before) and it was the worst season ever for class cancellations. Then I started to wonder if the class had run its course? I nearly put an end to the program already, but upon great contemplation have decided to have faith in the midst of uncertainty, and give it one more season. Global warming is evident, but earth, moon and sun salutations will be honored. Please see below for details about the program featuring a new Unlimited Outdoor Yoga Pass. In the meantime, truly BE outdoors and reciprocate with the earth. She is generous, beautiful and full of life.

Namaste,

Lori Charko