Amber Joy Young – Offering Care and Support

Today I invite you to take a bit of time with your breath, not forcing or trying to control, but rather noticing your natural breath rythm with curiosity.  

What parts of your physical body respond to the movement of breath through your body?

Does it feel easeful, or do you notice restriction?

Is your breath rythm fast or slow?

When we are under a lot of stress, or we’re deeply concentrating, we often hold our breath, or revert to rapid shallow breathing, which in turn creates more internal stress on the body and the mind.

I invite you to take 5 minutes over the next few days to simply carve out a little window to observe your breath, and then perhaps invite the following practice into your body, noticing how you feel.

HOW TO BREATHE FOR VITALITY:  THE FULL RESTING BREATH

1. Sit in a comfortable position, with your back straight – this allows for a greater ease in your breathing.
2. Inhale slowly, through your nose – breathing deeply and consciously
3. Take a minimum of 5 seconds  – first fill the lower part of your lungs, feeling your abdomen push out as you inhale, bring the breath to the middle of your lungs feeling your ribs expanding, now into your upper chest – the upper part of your lungs
4. Slowly begin your exhale to a count of 5 or more, allowing the air to leave from your upper chest, your rib cage, and now slowly pulling your abdomen in to hug your spine – allowing your body to rid itself of any stale O2 in the bottom of your lungs
5. Briefly pause after the exhale, before the next inhalation begins
6. Repeat steps A to E at least 5 times in repetition, 3 times a day

When we nurture ourselves through our breath, we feel more grounded and solid in ourselves.  Over time we also tend to feel more comfortable in our bodies, more connected to what we need to thrive in body and mind.   

When we know who we are, we can overcome our fears and insecurities.  We surpass our smaller selves who suffer the slings and arrows of our conditioned reality, and we move to the unconditional truth of our larger selves.  The answers to the questions of what to say, what to do, whom to let in, and whom to keep out become a clear and simple matter of listening to our hearts.  That inner voice helps us align with our purpose, because each of us has a purpose, even if we judge it to be insignificant. 

The voice is there, we just need to listen to it.

When we do, we live in fearlessness

Arianna Huffington (On becoming fearless)

Thank you for joining me today

Holding you in my heart,

Amber

xo

Statistics show that most people experience breast concerns at some point in their lifetimes, and that the number of women that will discuss these concerns with their primary care giver, or to anyone, is quite low…it’s important to reflect on the why? here.

Perhaps because breasts don’t always receive healthy and therapeutic attention as an important consideration in an individuals overall care of their bodies.  Breasts are often seen as a “taboo” topic, sexualized rather than respected, which gives many people a decreased sense of confidence in voicing any concerns they may have about their breasts.

I want to very gently remind you that your breasts matter, that you matter; every inch of your body matters and is deserving of care and attention.

Breasts are an incredibly important part of female anatomy.  They feed and nurture life for our infants, and hold the energy of nourishment for all of our creations, our breasts are intimately connected to our heart and our lungs, they have an extensive role in our lymphatic system and individualize our beautiful feminine bodies.

I love Sat Dharam Kaur’s analogy of our breasts being like a tree of life within our bodies.   The specific anatomical components are reminisent of a beautiful tree, and their purpose is to nuture life, as well to hold compassionate space for ourselves, our creativity, and for others.

Our breasts have a simple anatomical design and quite straightforward needs; however they are much too often neglected in the overall care of our bodies which can create pain, discomfort, lowered self-confidence and sometimes hold fear or anger.

Breasts don’t have muscles to facilitate movement; therefore they require aid to support ongoing circulation and to prevent dis-ease.  I’ve been working with individuals for almost 20 years now, exploring their breast health and whole body wellness through massage and yoga.  In response to this work and a call for support,  I started holding  breast health workshops in 2007.  It has been an honour holding this space and continueing my own learning along the way.  I’ve witnessed various changes throughout a persons lifespan which directly and indirectly affects our breast health;

• The menstrual cycle
• The natural process of aging and associated changes
• Menopause
• Pregnancy (both during and after)
• Breastfeeding
• Dietary changes
• Emotional stress and trauma
• Environmental stressors
• Surgeries, diagnostic procedures
• Physical trauma
• Benign and malignant conditions

What can you do for yourself? There are so many simple yet powerful ways you can help to support yourself  in the care of your whole body.   It might be a good consideration for you to educate yourself around:

• Self-massage
• Drainage techniques
• Oils to support your breast tissue
• Contrast showers and dry brushing
• Dietary support for your body
• Yoga and stretching specifically for your breasts.

Your breasts are a part of your body, a life nourishing part, that are as deserving of care as every other part of you; it’s never too early or too late to establish healthy breast practices.

Written with love by Amber Young

Join me later this spring, in April, for a powerful 6 week exploration into your breast health, and your whole body wellness.  Dates and details to be announced

I look forward to this journey with you…..

What can you expect?

• We’ll be discussing the connections between your breast health and your whole body
• Learn and practice yoga and stretching specifically for your hormone and breast health
• Learn self breast massage and other self care techniques you can put into practice immediatlely
• Learn more about your lymphatic system and how you can optimize the ways it supports you
• Discuss the emotional aspects of this sacred part of our body
• Connect with community in a safe way
• Weekly check in/practice sessions (either in person and/or zoom – TBA closer to the date)
• Recieve practice videos, worksheets, and handouts as we move through the weeks
• Ongoing support

Who am I?  I’m a Registered Massage Therapist, Healthy Breast Program Facilitator (in training), Registered Yoga Teacher and mother of 2,  with a diverse background in breast health, hospice work, cancer support, stress management and relaxation techniques.

I’ve spoken for organizations such as Rethink Cancer: Live, Laugh, Learn in Ottawa, Wellspring Cancer Support Center in Toronto, Breast Education seminars for RMT’s, Annual Perth Women’s Health Conference in support of Interval House, as well as for various clinics in Toronto and in the Ottawa Valley area.  My focus in clinical practice is on breast health, cancer support, cranialsacral therapy and  mindbody wellness – integrating your whole self wellness into your care.

If you have any questions or concerns that you think I may be able to help you with, or if you’d like to find out more about this spring offering, send me a direct email at amber@suryadaya.ca

Thanks for reading!

When I am among the trees,

especially the willows and the honey locust, equally the beech, the oaks and the pines, they give off such hints of gladness.

I would almost say they save me, and daily.

I am so distant from the hope of myself, in which I have goodness and discernment, and never hurry through the world but walk slowly and bow often.

Around me the trees stir in their leaves and call out “stay awhile.”

The light flows from their branches. And they call again,

“It’s simple,” they say, “and you too have come into the world to do this, to go easy, to be filled with light, and to shine.”

– Mary Oliver

This beautiful piece was shared with me after a community karma class that I held a few weeks ago on this sacred land, the birthing place for this 30 day yoga support challenge.

A group of us gathered for an outdoor community class in support of a precious little man, and in honour of all the brave little souls who are handed very big challenges in the early days of their lives.  We know many of you have travelled some difficult roads these past 7 months, you are being held in my heart, always.

I wanted to share this poem by Mary Oliver with you today, it really hits home and I feel reminds us of what is so often forgotten.  It perfectly encapsulates our time together over these 30 days, and the gifts of this practice, especially as we deepen our connection with nature.

We made it!  Whether you joined us on our 5 check point days, checked in every few days, or were here for the full 30 days I want you to know how proud of you I am!  Infusing your daily practice with self love and gratitude, such a gift.

I wish you could be with me today, dancing in the forest, for our celebratory day 30 – something to look forward to one day!

To view todays practice click here

I wonder how you’re feeling? How this experience has been for you.

Let this be a starting place for your own daily commitment to your self care and living a life infused with gratitude, that is my hopes, as the waves continue.

Thank you to everyone who stayed the course with me, you have been amazing companions – and I am sooooo grateful.

I also want to thank everyone who came out to the forest for our recent and spontaneous community classes.  It has been magical coming together to practice again, quite emotional.

It makes my heart happy that Lindsey is offering some  weekly classes, through to December, at the Old Town Hall.  We can connect you directly with Lindsey if you’d like more details or would like to register.  We have some other potential in person offerings being created, following all the COVID guidelines, just working out a few details.

We know this has been a long road, and the road of uncertainty continues, but we’re still here holding ground for you, as we navigate our next steps.

In the meantime, I wonder – what are YOU grateful for today?

Today I feel so grateful that mother nature supported this important project, our 30 day yoga support challenge, all the way up to where we find ourselves today

I feel grateful for the people that hold safe space for me, and for you

I am grateful for the music found in nature, a perfect symphony of support

Our journey doesn’t end here, and I am excited for what’s ahead (all of your seeds are being planted – thank you for your wish lists for video and online offerings going forward, yep, I’m excited).

For those of you who want to go back and move through the full 30 days, it will be staying up on my video page, the link is below.

Wishing you a beautiful and joyful rest of your week.

With so much love, and a huge congratulations hug,

Amber

xo

If you’d like to practice with Amber in the comfort of your own home, Click here to subscribe to Amber’s exlusive weekly videos, class recordings, and extra wellness support 

Amber also offers small group classes in your home, one on one sessions, and classes in the forest.  Contact her directly to find out more details.  amber@suryadaya.ca

Today we take time to remember.   Time to honour all those we’ve lost – and all those who continue to bravely risk their lives in the name of freedom.

We remember, and will always hold you all in our hearts.

Beautiful YOU, celebrating you today from the forest!!

Welcome to day 20, wow, this has been an unexpectedly profound journey!

I’m so grateful you’re here, and for those of you joining us from our wider circle, welcome to a check point day on our 30 days of self-care, nature yoga, and gratitude!

Today is extra special as we also lean into the energy of the full moon and this transitional time in the full cycle of a year.

Sharing some thoughts that arose for me this morning…………..

Allow gratitude in when you don’t know something, this gives you the opportunity to feel curious, to explore and to learn.

Allow gratitude in during the difficult times. these are the times you have the opportunity to grow and to reassess.

Allow gratitude in for your real and imagined limitations, they give you opportunities for compassionate awareness, empathy and deeper understanding.

Allow gratitude in for every new challenge, this is when we access our courage and dive deeper into our strength, building upon our foundation

Allow gratitude in when you make mistakes, they remind us we are human and they help to keep our egos in check

Allow gratitude in when you’re tired and weary and feel like you can’t keep going, it reminds you to rest and to tend to your own self care.

It’s easy to be thankful for the obvious things in our lives, but the biggest gifts are often in the hidden blessings.

GRATITUDE ….. fill your whole self with gratitude……..every day……..

I wonder how you’re feeling today?

As I sit and ponder what is needed for our practice today, so many things float into my awareness, I sit and breathe a little longer before I press record, listening to the earth, and allowing the wisdom of our collective consciousness – yes that’s all of you, and whatever arises in my body, to guide our time together.

Join me as we move through a gentle flow of breath and body, honouring our yoga as a meditation giving ourselves permission to be mindful of the whole process.

To join me for the practice Click here

Make sure you listen to what is needed for you today.

Thank yourself for taking this time for your own self care, remember we have to build our own resources to continually nourish and revitalize ourselves in order to keep ourselves feeling balanced and whole.

Self care is paramount to your ability to keep moving with the flow of life, riding the ups and the downs. I want to remind you it’s your birthright to be happy and to feel good in your body and mind.

I wonder now, what arises for you as you turn your attention to your gratitudes today? Breath it into your heart, and send it out.

It’s a good idea to start with 3 things, they can be as simple as the pillow you rest your head upon as you drift off to sleep. I know I’m grateful for mine 😉

I am also grateful for my nana, who left this earth far to early

I am grateful for my grandmother and the opportunity I had to really know her and to really see her

I am grateful for the moon and all of her phases, for the wisdom found in aligning with her cycles, and the invitation for healing in the calmness of her energy.

Till tomorrow, and for those of you in our greater circle joining us for our check in dates – we’ll see you on day 30!!

Much love
Amber

For access to the full 30 days, weekly exlusive practices, and recordings of Amber’s live classes, you can sign up here

Welcome to Day 15 on our 30 days of yoga, self care and gratitude together!

I’m so grateful YOU are here, so grateful! Yahoooooooooo we made it, we’re at the midway point of our time together – well for this 30 day challenge anyways!!

Welcome also to our greater community, as we share today’s practice with a larger group as a check in day. Remember, we’ll be sharing day 20 and day 30 as well, to help keep you all on track during this time of great change in our world.

Today feels like a good day to move through some sun salutations together, as the rain falls outside, what a better way to celebrate our inner sun – carrying us through the cloudy days! Although I’m going to offer you a variation of sun salutations with rest periods and opportunities to explore along the way.

To practice along with me, and view today’s video Click here

Surya Namaskar or Sun Salutations are an amazing daily practice, they stretch all parts of you, they move our energy, they create space inside, and they help us to feel more awake and alive.

When I named the yoga studio a few years back it was a very meaningful and personal process.  I spent a lot of time in silent meditation waiting for the name to be given to me, I knew then things were changing and it was important to give birth to something new. I had countless conversations with my life partner around the meaning and the intentions that I brought and continue to bring to our community. I remember the morning,  It was very clear as Surya Daya was whispered inside of me.  Surya means sun in Sanskrit – the energy of the sun encourages us to grow into our full potential, inviting us to release unhealthy patterns and negative energy to welcome in a positive influx of strength, nourishment and love, balancing the body and the mind. Daya means compassion – the place I want you to connect with inside of yourself every time you come to your practice – your compassionate heart is YOUR greatest teacher. This is my intention every time I hold space for myself and for YOU, to follow the wisdom of compassion.

As the yoga studio is once again evolving, Surya Daya will stay with me, as a safe haven for your wellness journey. Grounded in compassion, always, grounded in compassion.

Take your time with this practice today, and I encourage you to move through the flow at least 3 – 5 times on your own. You can follow my offerings as a guideline, or allow your sun salutations to be birthed from your body wisdom, the best kind.

I am so grateful you are taking this time everyday to care for your self

I am grateful for these ancient teachings and for everyone brave enough to continue to carry the torch forward. I am honoured and grateful to be able to share these teachings with you.

I am grateful for all of my teachers, there are to many to name here, but I whisper their names every morning in deep gratitude.

What are you feeling grateful for today??

Sending you my heart full of love, ‘till tomorrow for those on the full daily 30 day journey with me, and for everyone else, we’ll see you on day 20!

Big hugs,

Amber

Welcome to day 10, on our 30 days of yoga support, a journey of gratitude as we commit to our own self care cultivating peace and balance!

This is a milestone day, for those of you who have been following along with the videos, thank you for being such an inspiration to me. I too have committed to this self care journey right alongside of you.

To join me for our practice video for today click here

For those of you checking in with us on these check in points along the way, I’m so glad you’re here and I hope you find our practice together nourishing!

“Hokusai says look carefully.

He says pay attention, notice

He says keep looking, stay curious

He says there is no end to seeing…….

He says everything is alive – 

Shells, buildings, people, fish

Mountains, trees.  Wood is alive.

Water is alive.

Everything has its own life.

Everything lives inside us.

He says live with the world inside you……

It matters that you care.

It matters that you feel.

It matters that you notice.

It matters that life lives through you…..

Look, feel, let life take you by the hand.

Let life live through you.”

I love this piece by Roger Keyes, as he reflects on the teachings of a wise Japanese Artist. This musing reminds us of our belonging – not only to ourselves, but to life as a whole. He opens us to the remembrance that we matter and that within each of us we contain the potential to move with the whole experience of life.

If you’re working with a journal through our 30 days of gratitude and yoga support, I offer you an invitation to sit with this piece. Take some time in silence before sitting with your journal and reflect on what arises for you. What you feel, what moves through you, what you notice – ALL of it matters.

As an additional support today I’m including the link from the recording from our live mindful meditation and movement class from yesterday, just if you feel a longer guided practice would be supportive for you. In our class we brought in the profound reflection of Keyes’s poem, as an anchor and a moving meditation for our practice, I offer that experience for you here

To access the recording from Tuesdays Mindful Movement class click here

Please note, as we do live in the forest and this is where I do many of my live classes, due to our limited internet the recordings of my live zoom classes aren't always the sharpest, this Mindful Movement class is from a live recording.  

The active practice of gratitude changes our life, it opens us and allows us a deeper understanding of what is handed to us, honouring the darkness and the light.

Thank you for being on this journey with me, if you have any questions or thoughts, I’m here as a safe space for you.

I ask you now, what are you grateful for? Start with 3 things, and see where that takes you……….

I am grateful for the roof over my head, giving me shelter and warmth.

I am grateful for the strength I find in my sisters

I am grateful for the way my body moves, and the understanding that yoga is what keeps my body moving despite any aches or pains, yoga is my medicine

Thank you for being with me on this 30 day journey, either on a daily basis – or for these milestone check points.

For many of you, I’ll see you tomorrow, and for our greater check in community, see you on day 15 – our midway point!!

Lots of love,

Amber

https://www.patreon.com/amberyoungwellness (to access the full 30 days you can go to my patreon page, or send me an email at amber@suryadaya.ca)