Wednesday Wellness Reflection

Amber_Young
Welcome to this week’s Wednesday wellness reflection.

Beautiful YOU!

I invite you to take a moment and close your eyes, or find a calming focus point.  Tune into your breath and notice how it feels flowing in and flowing out.

Is it difficult to concentrate on that rhythm?

 Does this simple breath practice support a calm internal state or do you notice a wave of anxiety? Try if you can to just stay curious to what’s happening for you in this moment.

If your mind is wandering,  perhaps invite your attention back to your breath, consciously invite ease and peace into your body and try to be gentle with yourself.

In this space of stillness, I wonder how you’re doing? 

Take your time here, honouring however you show up right now.

I went for a walk in the woods the other day searching for peace and quiet.  As I stepped outside however things were different, the normal quiet I have been accustomed to in the forest, had been I felt robbed, by the sound of a jackhammer echoing through the trees.

I was craving quiet as it was my first day alone at our home after 6 weeks, needing time to decompress, I had a strong desire and raw base need for silence.

With that first step I could feel my body growing more tense, annoyed at how they could ruin my time of solitude.  I traveled through irritation, to annoyance, to what seemed to be anger bubbling up inside of me.  As I walked and breathed into the whole emotional soup that was steadily brewing, I  could sense all the emotions from not just that moment, but from this past year, coming up to the surface, triggered yes, by the jackhammer – it felt like they were breaking through the stone of how I thought I was, allowing me a window into the truth of my core in this moment.

At a certain point I found myself sitting beside a tree, tears streaming down my cheeks, no longer aware of the jackhammer.

Something happened in that moment, a deep sigh of relief, for that sound that only minutes before brought up anger slowly urged me deeper – deeper into the woods and in that journey, deeper into myself.

Slowly my breath too deepened, and I could truly connect with the contact points beneath my own body as I leaned into the constant comforting support and nurturing embrace that I find only as I sit upon and connect with the earth.  As the soup simmered I sat in silence, gratitude seemed to flow through me for the workers who are simply helping my neighbours to create a home in the forest, they were not intentionally trying to steal away my silence.  Gratitude for the miracle that has brought me and my family to these healing woods.  I felt gratitude, believe it or not,  for the sound that urged me deeper inside, yes the jackhammer itself.

I was able to detach from the external distractions, realizing to immerse myself in that much needed quiet I first needed to find it in myself, regardless of what was happening around me.  There is no cave that can bring us that silence, it is what many spend their whole lives searching for, and meanwhile it’s always here patiently waiting inside.

We talk about this so often in our yoga classes, and we experience glimpses of the practice with the hopes that those glimpses will come with us as we roll up our mats.  Sometimes those distractions or external “annoyances” we attach to and blame for a practice that we feel didn’t serve us, that pulled us out of our center – however often those are the times on our mats that often serve us the most – helping us to realize sometimes how far from our own centre we have actually strayed.

With everything happening in the world, I feel the fragility of life a little more these days, recommitting to my own life experience for this brief time I have in this body.  I am also reminded to step out of the experience of I a little more often, and reflect on the bigger picture, all the pieces in the grander puzzle.

If you can, I encourage you to take a little bit of time over the next while to:

Think about your own motivations as you move through the ups and downs of your days. 

Think about the way you respond or react to life.

Consider the impact of the stress, the pain, and the uncertainty in our global community on you. Are you able to acknowledge how perhaps your feeling the feelings that are being felt outside of yourself.  Hmm, you may want to read that again, less confusing on the second read through!

Can you be gentle with yourself, and carve out windows for you – despite the jackhammers, and all the other external distractions that will assuredly arise in those moments.

Consider what triggers you, and perhaps dive deeper.

“Transformation is not accomplished by tentative wading at the edge.” – Robin Wall Kimmerer

Thank you for taking the time to consider my thoughts, I hope this reflection helped you in some small way on your own journey.

Please know I’m holding you in my heart,

With so much love,

Amber

xo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you want to practice with Amber on your own schedule, in the comfort of your own home, consider subscribing to her exlusive weekly wellness capsules and practice videos.  To find out more click here

Where Are Your Roots?

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I am so grateful you are here as we explore this weeks Wednesday Wellness Reflection.

As I ponder our practice today the snow glistens on the tree branches and the sun is shining, nourishing the earth and the trees that take root upon her sacred ground.   Personally I love the snow (for brief windows that is),  gazing upon the magical white flakes – each so precious and so incredibly unique, hmmmm like each of us.   I consider the winter as  an invitation for a little deeper introspection, a time to cocoon so we are clear when the spring arrives.

Today I offer you the exploration of tree.  Take a few moments to connect with your breath, feeling into the rhythm you arrive with – in this moment.  Notice how you feel today, are there parts of you that need a little extra care?  Take as much time as you need here, and then when you feel ready we’ll explore this powerful posture.

In Sanskrit tree pose is translated as Vrikshasana, Vriksha means “tree”.  In this posture we explore balance, steady and rooted as we bring one foot against the lower leg or inner thigh of the other.  Your arms may raise from prayer pose at the heart and slowly stretch over head just as the limbs of a tree stretch up towards the sunlight. You will wend  your own way into your perfect tree today.   Some days my tree is found lying on the ground covered in moss, somedays I embody a brilliant Charlie Brown Tree, and others I rise into my favorite majestic white pine.

As you approach your practice today, I suggest you also call on the support of a chair, a tree, or wall if you’re working with your balance, being gentle with wherever you are.

To come into tree feel your feet grounded, sensing your own roots traveling from the soles of your feet down deep into the earth.  We steady ourselves on one leg, engaging the muscles so our trunk is strong – but our knee remains soft.  Our opposite leg slowly lifts either resting toes on the ground with your heel against your lower leg or ankle, or perhaps it raises up from the ground resting against the inner aspect of your calf, or it may go even higher pressed against your inner thigh.  We create stability by counter balancing our lifted leg and our sturdy trunk.  As we find strength here, our hands come up to rest at heart center in prayer pose or they may lift up towards the sky, stretching your branches out exploring.  Keep your gaze at a steady point, and don’t forget to breathe.

 I offer you some reflections to ponder in tree pose:

Where are my roots, are they solid or just skimming the surface?

Have my roots spread?  Do they continue to deepen?

When the wind blows do I stand tall, or am I blown out of the ground?

Where do my roots get their nourishment? Am I feeding my roots, or depriving them of that nourishment? 

Which roots are mine, and where have my roots become tangled with something or someone else’s?  

Am I willing to prune my tree, releasing that which stands in my way for optimal growth?  

There is a lot of medicine in the tree.  I recommend coming into the posture 2 times on each side if that resonates for you, stay focused on your roots, feel your breath, invite ease into your body as you stand strong.

“The roots of all goodness lie in the soil of appreciation for goodness.” —Dalai Lama

What are you grateful for today?  Take some time, and feel your gratitude right in your heart, send it out into the world.

I am grateful for the trees; they provide shelter, oxygen to help nourish, homes for so many, medicine in it’s bark, needles, leaves, flowers and for all the bounty they offer us in numerous ways.

I am grateful for the history of my own roots, and all the rocks along the way.

With so much love from ME to YOU

Amber

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A morning walks reflection

Breaking Out Of Boxes To Be Who You Truly Are

Amber_Young

Welcome To Your Wednesday Wellness Reflection

Flowers don’t open and close according to who walks by. They embrace all of what they are and show it to the world around them. The peony doesn’t try to compete with the cherry blossom, and the cherry blossom doesn’t try to compete with the tulip – they own what they are and trust the timing of their true nature. You’re being called to do the same.

– Rebecca Campbell

Do you own the truth of who you are?

Or do you change depending on whose company you keep?

Regardless of past patterns, or how others sometimes like to put you in a box – it’s important at this stage of our lives to break out of any boxes.

In yogic anatomy we think about this being human in terms of having 10 bodies that comprise components of our unified self. We consider all these precious aspects; the good stuff and the stuff we often try to hide away, understanding that there are many elements to living a balanced life. On our practice mats we have the opportunity to remember that we are more than just a body, or just a mind, we have the opportunity to reconnect with all these amazing elements that make us whole.

In last week’s reflection, I mentioned taking just 3 minutes in your day – is it that hard to find for your self care.

Well it definitely can be, I understand. Being in another round of lockdown with my boys home, I am juggling the responsibilities of not only my own care, my professional responsibilities, but also the new territory of having us all home yet again, establishing a new rhythm with school, work and hmmmm self-care.

Finding 3 minutes is not always that simple, but it is essential to maintaining peace of mind and moving from a place of wholeness and truth, especially when we’re being challenged. Believe me, I understand.

If that window becomes blurry, be gentle with yourself as tomorrow is yet another opportunity to find at least those 3 minutes.

The place we’ve been finding most of our deep breaths together has been in our backyard forest classroom, where we’ve also been greeted by many friends whom we share this land with. A beautiful buck, many white tailed deer, our friend the wise owl, all the winged beings, the voles, and our constant companion and new friend the woodshed bat. Breathing in the healing that the forest offers us, I find my 10 bodies and all the aspects that come together within me, seem to easefully weave together as one.

From a yogic lens, what are your 10 bodies??

This is a very brief snapshot, simply intended if you’d like to keep reading, to give you a little more insight and a consideration in supporting these elements within yourself. Which might I add, spending time in nature is the best medicine to help you integrate all these beautiful aspects of yourself.  Perhaps this isn’t of interest, but I thought you would like the choice to read on or not.

I realize, this is a bit of a longer piece, some food for thought.

1) The Soul Body – your inner light and foundation, where you connect with feelings of safety. When strong and balanced you easefully live from your heart and there exists a gentle flow with the ups and downs of life. We accept easier, and we find comfort and stability in our inner guidedance. To support : Singing, dancing, heart opening postures and practices, truthfully anything that helps you feel alive and inner joy.

2) The Negative Mind – provides you with discernment and protection.  Important as it helps to warn you of danger, helping to keep you safe, strengthens your trust in your own intuition and personal judgement. To support: Commit to yourself care, no matter what –  commit and value that time for you. Quiet time in meditation is very supportive, practicing saying no when something doesn’t feel supportive.

3) The Positive Mind – allows you to see all possibilities and opportunities in front of you. The positive mind creates an expansive worldview within, it supports an inner framework of hope and trust. To support: Use positive affirmations, doing postures to strengthen and support your naval point, open around your heart centre, waking up the energy inside of your body every day.

4) The Neutral Mind – This aspect of yourself corresponds to your heart centre, allows you to weigh in the positive and the negative coming to a neutral and equanimous place. To support: adopt a daily silent meditation practice, working with breath practices where we allow a pause after our inhale and again after our exhale, tuning into your heart centre when making decisions. Increased awareness of breath patterns.

5) The Physical Body – This is your sacred body temple, it requires your consistent and dedicated care. When your physical body is at ease you’re able to more fully participate in life. This also represents our teacher aspect and gives us confidence when we feel strong physically. To support: move your body daily, nourish yourself with water and foods that support you, ensure a balance between exercise and healing rest.

6) The Arcline –An aspect of your energy body. This gives you the ability to clearly project your truth out to the world, and supports you to feel stable and centered.  This corresponds physically with your heart center and your pituitary gland. To support: spend time in meditation with your eye focus at the point between your eyebrows, and explore movements that move the arms across the front of the body and over the head.

7) The Aura – The protective energy around your body. A strong aura supports you to attract what you need to thrive, and to repel anything that drains you or negatively affects your life force. Helps you to feel confident and secure. To support: hot and cold showers, dry brushing, practices that help you to clear negative energy and create healthy boundaries, meditation, singing, cleansing pranayama.

8) The Praanic Body: Life giving force, the flow of energy through you. Helps you to feel awake and alive, and often more trusting that you are exactly where you need to be and have clarity in steps you need to take to move forward in your life. To support: Any pranayama (breathwork) practices.

9) Subtle Body: Your sensitivity, your patience, and your calmness in whatever life hands you. Your ability to respond to your intuitive knowing. To support: Quiet listening meditation, and committing – with an open heart – to a spiritual practice for an extended amount of time.

10) The Radiant Body: This is your radiance, your courage, your personal power and presence. When this is strong you feel you are the flow of life, and attract what you need to do what you’re here to do in this lifetime. To support: daily exercise, pranayama, dancing and singing, surrounding yourself with people that uplift you, committing to your daily self-care.

Sending you love as you travel on your path, holding you in my heart

Till next week,
Amber
xo

If you want to practice with Amber on your own schedule, in the comfort of your own home, consider subscribing to her exlusive weekly wellness capsules and practice videos.  White Pine members also get unlimited access to online classes with their membership.  To find out more click here

Wednesday Wellness Reflections

Amber_Young

Hello Beautiful YOU!

Perhaps today is a good day to think about a few simple things you can do on a daily basis to nurture yourself.  Keep them simple, we often think we have to carve out an hour and do grand things for our self care, but truthfully it’s the consistent practice of the simple things that help us the most.

I want you to feel the best you possibly can as you move through your life, today and every day!

“We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop.” – Mother Teresa

You are integral to the whole, remember that, and no one can bring forward your amazing energy and what you are here to do – in the way you can.  It’s important to take care of yourself so that your drop in the ocean keeps flowing, unobstructed.

Did you know that your nervous system functions optimally when you take little periodic breaks throughout the day, breaks to restore equilibrium which  is easily thrown off from the constant stimulation and busyness of our external world.

Those breaks can be simple; 3 minutes to take some long deep breaths, singing something you love, walking with a clear intention to slow down – paying attention to your feet as they make contact with the earth beneath you – offering gratitude with each step, mindfully having a glass of water or tea, or if you’re able lay down for a few minutes in a restorative resting place and simply follow the rise and the fall of your belly with your breath.

Sometimes we don’t think we have enough time in our day to take even a 3 minute break, but I ask you, what is 3 minutes in a 24 hour cycle?  I have a sense as you prioritize your own self care, those 3 minute breaks will easefully make thier way into your daily routine.

Life is fragile and did you know that for every break not taken you are taking away from your own life force – from your own longevity.

The ocean would be less because of that missing drop that is you, remember that.

With so much love

Amber

xo

If you want to practice with Amber on your own schedule, in the comfort of your own home, consider subscribing to her exlusive weekly wellness capsules and practice videos.  To find out more click here

 

 

Wednesday Wellness Reflections

Amber_Young

Wow, 2020,  this has been a year a year of passionate reflection, understanding my own guiding principles and a continuous recommitment to being and doing my best.  This has been a year of accepting, doing what can be done out of service to one another and our community, as well as a year of learning, definitely unlearning and relearning in an effort to try and make sense of it all.  I know this continues.

Like many of you, I am exhausted and tired, looking forward to the pause between 2020 and 2021.  I am grateful to my family, my friends, my inspirations and strong anchors who have encouraged me to keep going with courage, and to all of the people who helped us get through this year – from health professionals and essential workers to anti-racism organizers, and the pillars in our community that kept showing up because they knew it was important.

I’m grateful to our community, deep in my heart, I am grateful.

I sincerely hope you’re doing well.

Taking lots of time for introspection these days, reflecting on all that has happened and allowing time for healthy integration.

A few things to ponder:

What was your biggest learning from 2020?

What is important for you to repattern in your own life as we enter this next chapter in our lives?

What brings you joy, and how can you cultivate more of that in 2021?

Surya Daya was definitely not immune to the effects of Covid – 19.  Looking back at this past year, I can’t help but take a big deep breath as I too process all the change.

Many of our teachers stepped away from teaching to focus on their families and personal lives, after paying overhead for 3 months with the initial forced closure the reality of our lived experience amidst the pandemic hit and I realized we needed to vacate our sacred little studio space with rising costs and an uncertain future – creating an online yoga hub in this little pocket of the internet.

A few of us shifted gears to offer some zoom classes, which a few classes continue as an anchor for students.  I am surprised how comforting it is to be able to come together and practice in this way.

A collective of us came together during the summer and offered a special outdoor series called Under The Oak Yoga, at a dear friends sacred outdoor space.  Ahhh still breathing in the medicine from that wise old Oak.

I was able to offer some free community outdoor summer classes in partnership with Carebridge, The Mississippi Mills Youth Centre, and Ocean Bridge, as well as some small forest classes.  We offered a few karma classes; supporting local families, our local Food Bank and most recently, holding an online restorative yoga class on Christmas eve for Interval House (where we were able to raise $350 for this very needed resource).  Thank YOU, beyond words, thank YOU.

I am grateful for all of these opportunities to come together in community, through outdoor classes, online offerings, videos, and back doing my massage work.   I am repeatedly reminded that we live in such a special town.

As I think back over the past year, I am also reminded of the quote by Theodore Roosevelt, which Brene Brown often refers to

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly…..”

Perhaps we could all bring this appreciation into 2021.  We’re all just doing our best, remember that, be gentle with yourself and those around you, we’re all just doing our best in new territory and during  this confusing chapter in our lives.

The future is so uncertain but I know in my heart that something beautiful and strong will be born from all of this.

Life has changed for each of us, please know I hold that in my heart for each of you.

Due to the impact of COVID 19 all passes can be used towards our online zoom classes, or email me and  I can send you links in lieu of classes for access to recorded yoga sessions.  I think the need for creativity is definitely needed here.

We’re unable to carry passes forward from Rising Sun as that was a very different chapter in the history of yoga in Almonte, one we’re unable to carry forward.

We’re also unable to offer refunds for passes, due to the financial impact of COVID on our studio.  For this we are grateful for your understanding.  Your passes will remain in our system and our support continues to be here for you,  and we encourage you to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.  Things are continually changing, for us too.

I too am learning to truly live and focus on the now of my life.

We hope you can find it in your hearts to understand our situation amongst this global crises, 11 months later.

I wish for each of you a peaceful winter, and a new year filled with ease, health, vitality and prosperity. 

I miss our in studio class sessions, so much, and look forward to holding that space again one day.

With so much love, and respect for each of you,

Amber

If you want to practice with Amber on your own schedule, in the comfort of your own home, consider subscribing to her exlusive weekly wellness capsules and practice videos.  To find out more click here
Photo credits to Jasmin Mori

Karma Yoga Class For Interval House

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For the past 2 years, since transitioning into Surya Daya, we’ve held a karma class for Interval House on the afternoon of Christmas Eve.  I can’t imagine this year going by without holding that safe container to help support a very needed resource in our community – as well to offer you a peaceful practice of self care to nurture YOU during the holiday season.
There are so many things I miss most about our studio space.  Seeing all of your beautiful faces, holding safe space for you to explore yourself in body and mind while offering a more personal in person support, and our monthly karma classes in support of our community.
We know this year is a different year in so many ways, but the strength within our community has only grown, and the realization of how important it is to reach out when help is needed.
 I will still be holding this special class, but this year you can practice in the comfort of your own home as we move through a nourishing restorative practice together – online.
The class will be held at 1:00 pm on Thursdsay, December 24th, and the cost to register is free, but we encourage you to take some time to reflect on the importance of Interval House in our community.
In years past we have collected items for Interval House, but this year we’ll be holding this sacred space inviting you to hold the women and children, and all the supports and services at Interval House in your heart. This special class will also give you the space to compassionately take some time in silence to hold all the people in your own circle of care that perhaps need a little extra support this year (that may include you).
If you’re able we would like you to consider making a donation directly to Interval House, or you can send an e-transfer to info@suryadaya.ca with Interval House in the message and once all donations are in we’ll get it to them to help support their work and the people they offer respite to.
Sadly, this year domestic violence numbers have increased and funding for these needed resources in our community have decreased.
100% of all proceeds will go directly to Interval House.
We hope you’ll carve out this time to recieve the nourishment of our practice together, taking time to be still and connect with the peace within your heart.
To register click here (preregistration is required)
https://suryadaya.punchpass.com/classes/7255116
Remember, we’re all in this together,
With so much love
Amber

On The Day Before Christmas

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On this Christmas eve, I offer you this gift, from my family to yours.
We hope you’ll join us for our practice today, our full 12 posture sequence for the holidays! click here to join us for our special offering 
Thank you so much for being on this wild journey this past year, alongside me, as I offer you these teachings and hold you in my heart.  I want you to know how much YOUR support means to me.
Wishing you a peaceful holiday season, and please know I join you in the great exhale as we near the end of 2020.
Take good care of you,
With so much love,
Amber, Jay, Noah and Lucas

Wednesday Wellness Reflections

Amber_Young
Welcome to our Wednesday Wellness Reflection, I’m so grateful you’re here.
Today  I offer you a little food for thought. 
I find this a powerful reminder to enjoy the journey, and all the paths along the way.
 
That we are where we need to be in this moment, not always “ideal” or comfortable – but the only place we can be at this precise moment in our lives.   I know this is especially hard right now.  
If we can release our attachment and clinging, to things being a certain way – or the way they used to be, we often find we can find peace and surrender into our life as it is now – Acceptance.  
It’s important to keep dreaming (especially right now), and to not ever give up on those dreams while you take steps forward, but also to feel deep gratitude for the life you’re living in this moment – sometimes messy, confusing, often hard, but part of the whole hidden picture.  
 The true gift of arriving in each and every breath.  
 I read this quote in class on Tuesday, written by Meggan Watterson, as I felt into today, it felt important to share again here. 

“The guru, the saint, the magi, the “perfected” ideal of yourself that can radiate beams of light like Princess Fiona after Shrek’s true love kiss, and remain that way, is an illusion.  This is often used as a way for us to feel inadequate.  To constantly compare ourselves.  To constantly suggest to ourselves that we’re not there yet.  We haven’t arrived.

The good news is we never arrive.  None of us.  Not even the holiest person you can think of in this moment…… We never get there.  That’s the whole point of being human.  The point is to constantly arrive.  For some of us with each breath.  We constantly return to love.  This is the good news; that we can.  That it’s set up that way.  That no matter who we are or how long we’ve been seperated from feeling the presence of love, it’s actually right here.

Within.” 

Take a few moments and simply notice what arises inside of you after reading these thoughts, perhaps take some time with your journal.

I wonder as you move through the next few weeks if you can offer yourself the invitation to arrive in every breath.  With all of your senses can you feel the complete cycle of each breath – inhale and exhale.

Can you be fully present in this moment – this one, right now, you will never be here again.

Can you give yourself permission to connect with the very beat of your heart.  Your center of compassion and kindness, bringing you back to that deep well of love – with every breath.

Sending you love today, from deep within,

Amber
xo
Just a reminder that tomorrow (Thursday, December 24th) is a live online Karma class for Interval House from 1:00 – 2:00 pm.  I’ll be leading you through a nourishing and restorative gentle practice, offering you a little nurturing self care before the holidays.  If you’d like to find out more click here
If you want to practice with Amber on your own schedule, in the comfort of your own home, consider subscribing to her exlusive weekly wellness capsules and practice videos.  To find out more click here

Honouring Winter Solstice with Mary

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A special post from Mary Biggs: Yoga- Week of Dec. 21st

Winter Solstice is upon us…. the shortest day of the year when we need our inner light to be strong within. Solstice is the time to go inwards and to quiet the mind. 

Our practice this week will begin with a 3 part sacred Solstice meditation to realign with the rhythms of the universe and to remind us that even in the darkest days of December, our inner sun is always there. 

Our postures will stimulate the heart chakra and allow light around all our inner organs.  Offering us a gentle reminder that we are all connected, we are all in oneness.

Feel free to do a few warm ups of your choice from past practices before the meditation. This is your yoga time, so the length of each segment is yours to decide.

Amber has also created a little special solstice practice and reflection for you, to view this sweet little offering click here

Sacred Solstice Meditation- Part 1– to build nerve strength and helps us to access our deeper self.
  • Come to a comfortable seated position.
  • Raise Left hand, fingers in guyan mudra (thumb and index connect, other 3 fingers extend up), at 60 degrees to the front of the body
  • Chant silently, Wahay Guru.
  • When ready, switch sides and repeat.
  • To end: Inhale deeply, hold the breath and allow the energy to circulate. Exhale, sit quietly and breathe.
Sacred Solstice Meditation- Part 2– to increase powers of concentration, balance and healing. Will stimulate the glandular system, release tension from both sides of the body and balance energy on both sides of the spine.
  • Bring Left palm over Right (males opposite), palms facing down about 4” in front of the sternum.
  • Focus at the Third Eye point between the brows.
  • Hold the pose, breathe normally and feel perfectly balanced between past and future.
  • To end: Inhale deeply, relax hands down. Interlace fingers and extend arms forward and stretch to your maximum. Then sit quietly.
Sacred Solstice Meditation- Part 3– to activate the central pathway of the spine. Imagine you are the universe- beautiful, timeless, creative!
  • Bring both hands into guyan mudra (other 3 fingers point up) and bend arms at the elbows, palms face forward (as if in a salute). Elbows press against the ribcage. Feel perfectly balanced.
  • Imagine you are looking at the tip of your nose.
  • Chant Ra Ma Da Sa Sa Say So Hung
  • To end: Inhale deeply, interlace your fingers and stretch in all directions.  Then relax or stretch before beginning the postures.
Postures:

Swimming- to open the rib cage, create space between each organ

  • Sit comfortably. 
  • Begin big forward circles with your arms as though you are swimming across a lake.
  • Reach out, extend make the biggest and strongest circles you can.
  • Go as long as you can! Make this work for you! Challenge yourself!!

Rock pose- come into silence, listen to the beat of your heart. The spine will open, releasing fear.

  • Sit on the heels and come down into rock pose
  • Arms extend back, palms face the sky
  • The 3rd eye point must touch a pillow, blanket or the ground- use whatever supports you need to make that contact. Breathe normally.

Shaking the Spine

  • Remain in rock pose
  • Inhale deeply, hold the breath and move like a snake to shake the spine. Exhale when you need to.
  • Repeat 2 more times.

Curl up, sit in Easy pose and breathe from the belly.

When ready, come into your shavasana and let go completely. Relax every part of your body.

A Christmas Blessing:

May I be blessed with good friends

And learn to be a good friend to myself

May there be kindness in my gaze when I look within

May I journey to that place in my soul where there is love, warmth and feeling

May I experience each day of the holiday season as a sacred gift

Woven around a heart of wonder. 

From our hearts to yours, may the Christmas spirit shine brightly around you and  within you.

Love to each of you,

Mary and Amber

Amber and Mary at our Gratitude Celebration last winter. Feeling grateful for all of you.

Wednesday Wellness Reflections

Amber_Young

Welcome to our Wednesday Wellness Reflections,

I hope you’re taking time to pause amidst this busy time of year.

I know I often forget to savour the pause when I’m trying to “get things in order” before the holiday season and the transition into a New Year.  Organizing everything so I can officially pause once the holidays are here.

I wonder if we would feel the same need for a pause if we were able to take healthy regular breaks during our busiest times.  I know we often feel like we don’t have the time to stop – but these are the times our bodies often force us to stop in unhealthy ways, or we end up spending our “break” exhausted and recuperating.  I believe we’re meant to actually enjoy this human experience, even when we have a lot on the go.

As the years pass and I watch my children grow, I’m realizing how good these regular breaks feel, and how much I don’t want to miss out on my life now.

Over the next few weeks I invite you to begin to incorporate little mini breaks throughout your day to nourish yourself on a daily basis.

This can be as simple as starting your day with a little bit of time to connect with your breath, simple long deep breaths and then committing to maintaining that connection throughout your day.  Consciously nourish your body with good foods, maintain your hydration, spend time with a gratitude journal, move your body every day, practice some simple stretches like neck rolls or shoulder opening postures to help keep your energy up and your body feeling strong, and protect your windows of self-care time regardless of what everyone else needs or wants in those moments – these windows need to be your priority even if you have to get creative.  Sometimes I find myself with legs up the wall when my littles need me in those windows of self-care time– holding space for them while revitalizing myself.

I don’t want  you to fall apart, the world needs you.

Make a list of easy simple things you can do throughout your day to calm your mind and give your nervous system a chance to keep up.

The more we can open around our hearts, the more we can remember to show ourselves compassion and kindness, especially when we’re being pulled in lots of different directions or our workload increases.

I repeat – I don’t’ want you to fall apart, the world needs you.

Thanks for reading, and taking some time to reflect.

Much love

Amber

xo