my creative fling

Changes

2012-01-25T10:55:00.000-05:00

My friends, it's been awhile, I know.

I've been busy looking for a job, teaching yoga, and coordinating and promoting the Power of Movement event. (I would love for you to check it out and help support Canada's largest yoga fundraiser for arthritis and autoimmune research.)

I'm also updating my blog's look and content. It's time for a change and it's a chance for me to put my creative skills to use. Looking forward to the makeover. I hope you'll stick around for a peak.

In the meantime, please check out www.powerofmovement.ca for more information!

Have a great day and talk soon.

Meet Charlie

2012-01-13T08:06:00.001-05:00

Isn't my friend's new guy such a sweetheart? That's it. Stay warm!

Happy 2012!

2012-01-08T08:00:00.002-05:00

It's not too late to wish you a happy new year, is it? I hope not because I really mean it! It's going to be a great year, I can tell.

I've been away on holidays and am in transition right now but stay tuned for more creativity, inspiration, and healthy tidbits.

Peace.

Happy holidays!

2011-12-19T10:43:00.001-05:00

Last week I promised more recipes but I was too busy to blog and now I'm enjoying time with family and friends. It's time for the crisp sound of skate blades gliding on the ice, baking cookies (or gluten-free/sugar-free brownies) with mom, cuddling with puppies, sipping warm drinks with girlfriends, sitting under a blanket watching the lights twinkle on the tree. I love Christmas, can you tell?!

Look forward to a fresh start wtih new recipes and more inspiration in 2012.

For now, I wish you all a Merry Christmas and happy holidays.
Peace.

Smoothies, Buddha bowls, and building new habits

2011-12-12T07:16:00.000-05:00

It's funny--the first question I get when I tell people I did a 40-day cleanse (eliminating meat, gluten, dairy, sugar, and alcohol) is, "What did you eat?" I still ate a lot but I changed the way I ate. I grabbed different snacks and made different recipes but there was always plenty to eat. Changing what and how you consume is a choice, be it food or clothes. I'm not saying it's easy to change our ways but it is possible. Maybe it's something you do slowly or maybe you go for it and eliminate what you want all at once. That's the thing though, it didn't end up feeling like I was depriving myself; it felt like I was adding good things to my life.

Every morning started out with warm lemon water and a big smoothie full of goodness. These smoothies had frozen berries, bananas, kale, spinach, Udo's oil, coconut oil or avocado, flax and hemp, cinnamon, Greens powder, coconut or almond milk, and sometimes yogurt, almond butter, and/or broccoli. The smoothies filled me up with all the nutrients I needed to start my day off right.

For supper I often made the Buddha bowl with Dragon Sauce. Dawn, a Montreal yoga teacher and friend of mine shared this sauce recipe. She was right--it's potentially addictive and hard to live without! I found the Buddha bowl recipe in Kris Carr's book but of course tweaked it as I went.

Buddha Bowl (for two or three people):

1-2 cups brown rice
1-2 cups broccoli
1 cup chickpeas
1/2 purple onion
1 carrot, grated
1/4 cup ground flax
1/4 cup hemp seeds
1 avocado
8-10 olives
Dash of cayenne

Cook the rice using a 1:2 ratio (one part rice to two parts water). Use above vegetables or any combination you have on hand. Lightly steam broccoli and onion. Stir chickpeas in with rice. Place rice/bean, broccoli/onion in bowls. Top with carrot, flax, hemp, olives, sliced avocado, cayenne, and Dragon Sauce.

Dragon Sauce:

1/2 cup olive oil or any good quality oil
1/2 cup nutritional yeast
1/4 cup Bragg's (or gluten-free tamari)
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 garlic clove, chopped or minced
1" piece of ginger, finely chopped

Put all ingredients together and shake until combined. For more flavour make in advance and let sit.

Soooo good!

Enjoy.

You are what you eat

2011-12-09T14:34:00.002-05:00

I've been going on about this 40-day cleanse for the last 39 days! Yes, tomorrow is the very last day. I kind of can't believe it. On one hand, time has passed quickly and on the other hand, 40 days is a long time. It's enough time to incorporate new habits into my lifestyle. Watching documentaries like Food Inc. woke me up a bit. Eating this way has started to feel normal. I'm not craving processed white sugar treats, red meat, poultry, croissants, or even, gasp, coffee! I did have three allongés in total but that's it. I'm not really craving anything, except maybe fish. I am looking forward to a nice pan-fried, macadamia-crusted salmon. But I have to say, I'm surprised at how normal it feels to eat a vegetarian, gluten-free, mostly dairy-free diet. (I had yogurt in my smoothie sometimes.) I'm also surprised that it's doable--it's not some strange new way of eating where you can never eat out again.

The best thing is I feel so good! For 40 days, well, 39, I have not experienced any brain fog and my digestion and skin continue to improve. I feel stronger mentally and physically thanks to a daily practice of yoga and mediation. Pretty good pay offs!

I want to share with you some of the food I've been making. Look for recipes next week. In the meantime, feel free to ask any questions you have about this journey.

Stay warm and healthy this weekend!

Roar from time to time

2011-12-05T07:45:00.000-05:00

"Sleep like a baby. Live like a curious child. Love like a foxy, passionate, open lover. Move like water . . . fluid, consistently, gently but with enough force to make a difference. Forgive like you just don’t care to hold on anymore. Say no when you need to and yes when you don’t. Roar from time to time."
--Kris Carr

{photo credit: kigurumikoara}

Nine more days

2011-12-02T08:40:00.001-05:00

Yesterday I decided I wanted to kick it up a notch for the last 10 days of my cleanse. I feel energized and inspired by the home stretch of this 40 day journey (and I feel energized by all the good stuff I've been putting into my body).

I am meditating for 30 minutes, cleaning out one thing in my space, and creating one new thing each day for the remainder of this cleanse. I'm also going to do a one-day green juice fast on the last day.

If you haven't done a cleaning out of your diet and life yet why don't you join me for the next 9 days?

Have a great weekend and if you need some inspiration, watch this little film clip.

Gluten-free, sugar-free raspberry pear crisp. Really.

2011-12-01T08:33:00.001-05:00

It can be a challenge when you want something sweet but you're off sugar and gluten. The good news is that it is not impossible. It is getting easier to find delicious recipes because so many people are gluten-sensitive or have celiac disease these days. And like any kind of cooking or baking, once you know the basics, you can play around a little more. The bonus is that you get to enjoy a sweet treat without the brain fog and inflammation that tends to accompany sugary goodies.

Luckily for me, and all of you, my friend sent me a recipe for gluten-free fruit crisp. I tweaked it a bit and came up with this. The original recipe over at The Kitchen Operas used rhubarb which would be yummy too.

Let me know if you try it and if it satisfies you the same way a traditional crisp would. The crispy topping is a hit around here! How could it not be with coconut oil and maple syrup?

Topping:

1/4 c. coconut oil
1/4 c. maple syrup
1 1/2 c. oats, gluten-free (Only Oats is a great brand)
1/2 c. cornmeal
cinnamon
ginger, grated
vanilla

Fruit base:

2 c. raspberries
3 pears, sliced
ginger, grated
cinnamon
1/4 c. maple syrup

Preheat oven to 350˚.
Combine fruit, ginger, cinnamon, and maple syrup in a baking dish.
In a separate bowl combine topping ingredients and mix until the coconut oil and maple syrup are blended well with the dry ingredients. Use fingers to cover the fruit with the topping. It should be a lumpy texture just like a traditional crisp.
Bake for 30-45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the fruit is cooked through.

Enjoy!

Life so far . . .

2011-11-23T09:32:00.002-05:00

As you know I've been on a cleanse. It's been 23 days now. 23 days I've gone without dairy, meat, sugar, alcohol, and gluten. There have only been two coffee indulgences (without dairy or regret)--and they were good!

I have talked a little about why I wanted to do this. It's a kind of a general cleaning up of all areas of my life. Really, that means living with more awareness as to why I do things. I wanted to answer questions like why do I crave this? Why do I feel I need to buy this right now? How can I be more honest with myself and others? If I clean up a little and get real with myself, can I move forward in my life from a more authentic place?

My goal is not to get overwhelmed by all of these questions, however, I feel it is important to shine the light on ourselves once in awhile and see if we're okay with how things are. Am I okay with where my food comes from and how it's being produced? How is the food affecting my body? In yoga we learn to listen to what's going on. That's what I've been trying to do.

In three weeks my skin and digestion have improved significantly. I have more energy and no brain fog at all! I have been doing yoga and meditation every day. I feel like I'm letting myself be myself by saying what's on my mind and acting from clearer intentions.

I have not really been craving anything either. There were a couple nights were I wanted something sweet so I had naturally sweetened cranberries or Kris Carr's chia tapioca pudding and I was satisfied. The thing is, now I crave this feeling of health and vitality more than the cheese and the croissant. And I've learned a lot about nutrition and food combining along the way.

I haven't decided if I will continue not eating meat and I'm sure I'll have a croissant or cookie now and then, but I would rather jump through life feeling this way rather than trod about sluggishly with cotton in my head.

It just takes a moment to step back, to put some space between your desires and your actions, so you can question the motivations behind and the effects of your decisions.

p.s. It finally decided to snow in Montreal!

How to be alone

2011-11-16T08:54:00.000-05:00

A friend sent this to me yesterday and I just had to share it with you.

It's a sweet film about being alone. We all crave time alone or little adventures now and then. This film beautifully guides you on a journey towards feeling comfortable with being alone with yourself. And maybe you'll even learn to have a touch of fun too. You never know what you'll find along the way.

This was the perfect thing to come across as I clean up my life. Finding time to be alone helps me get quiet and see more clearly what I want and don't want, what I need and don't need. Being alone helps me get real with myself.

Enjoy.

{Poet: Tanya Davis/Filmmaker: Andrea Dorfman}

Speak up

2011-11-15T09:57:00.000-05:00

"When you are straightforward, honest, and open with others; they will either trust you more with increased intimacy, or they leave your life.

Sound harsh? It really isn’t. Speaking your truth with kindness creates vast freedom in your world while refraining from being this open takes a huge toll on your self esteem.

Why not speak up and see who’s still standing?"

--Tamara Kerner

Miss Q does yoga

2011-11-11T12:35:00.001-05:00

Yoga is for everyone!

Not only am I adding green juice and truthfulness to my 40-day cleanse, I'm also practicing yoga and meditating everyday. Yesterday someone decided to practice with me.

Remember, practice is whatever you need today. Maybe you need an hour and a half of hot yoga or maybe you need a more restorative class. Maybe you only have 5 minutes to sit in silence or maybe you have time to meditate for 20 minutes.

Let your body be your teacher.

"The quieter you become, the more you can hear." --Ram Dass

Observing a craving

2011-11-10T11:51:00.004-05:00

I'm grateful the weather has been warm the last few weeks because it's made being on the cleanse a little easier. As soon as it gets chilly I start to crave all things cozy like a croissant and an allongé.

This morning I really, really, really wanted coffee! I'm not stopping it forever; I don't drink that much anyway. I'm just setting it aside for the first few weeks of this cleanse. One reason is it is highly acidic and the second reason is because I like milk in my coffee and dairy is another item I have cut out for now. I notice when I consume too much dairy I feel congested and my skin breaks out. The research I've done suggests this is because dairy causes inflammation and a build up of mucus in the body. Personally, I know that when I'm not sipping creamy coffee or nibbling on brie I feel more clear and my skin glows a little more. But I think I also owe the glow to green.

Anyway, no coffee today. I did it. I almost caved and had some with steamed soy milk. Instead I steamed almond milk with a spoonful of almond butter, vanilla, and a touch of maple syrup and added that to my Earl Grey tea. It satisfied my craving for coziness. Pretty delicious, actually.

Cleanse: week 2

2011-11-08T12:58:00.000-05:00

I am on week two of my cleanse and I love how I'm feeling these days. The first few days I was kind of grouchy but since then my energy has been high, thanks to the inclusion of daily doses of green and due to the removal of inflammatory/acidic food and drink.

The past week, I've been focusing not only on diet but also on how I can clean up other areas of my life--getting rid of clothes I no longer wear, not buying anything new until after Christmas, cleaning out the dusty corners of the apartment by tossing stuff that just sits there staring, devloping a habit of effective budget-keeping, turning off the computer more, and cleaning up my attitude, like being truthful, like saying what's on my mind instead of bottling it in, like being proactive.

Satya, or truthfulness, is the part of the cleanse I'll focus on this week. It seems simple, doesn't it? I mean, we are all taught to tell the truth. And for the most part we do, except for those little omissions of information or the white lies that won't affect anyone anyway or the words we tell ourselves to justify our actions. When you think about it, if we are going to get real, being honest is not always easy to do, right? I don't know when it starts but I think many of us getting into habitual patterns that become the norm. We forget to question why we are doing the same thing over and over. I don't think we're doing ourselves or anyone in our lives any favours. I would like to be the most authentic version of myself so this entails peeling away the layers of scum that have built up over the years; this means tossing the habits that are no longer serving me, but instead are holding me back.

Next time you withhold the truth, even a truth you deem unimportant, or next time you tell yourself a fluffy white lie, notice how you feel in your body. Do you tense up anywhere? Do you feel a knot in the pit of your stomach? If you do it's okay. This is just about becoming aware of what is going on when we are not being truthful. Today, become aware of what seeds you are planting. Remember, the future shows up as the present moment, so take care of these moments right in front of you.

Just spit it out. Notice how much lighter you feel when you live authentically.

{image found here}

Cleanse: week 1

2011-11-01T10:51:00.001-04:00

I'm not sure if starting a 40-day cleanse in November is the smartest idea or not. I mean, I know I'll feel great but as the weather starts to cool and the snow tries to fall who doesn't love sinking into comfort foods like olive bread, brie, red wine, and Starbuck's salted caramel mochas.

The time just feels right because fall induces change. I've felt a tad stuck, especially since convocation. I feel a stagnation mentally, emotionally, and physically -- my skin and digestion are congested, my energy levels are not as high as they were in summer, my job search has been fruitless so far. I feel like a cleanse of my life is needed right now so I can make room for new possibilities.

I'm eliminating food/drink that is hard on my body -- gluten, dairy, sugar, meat, alcohol. I'm adding goodies that will nourish my body -- green juice, good fats, more beans and legumes, more whole grains (gluten-free), warm lemon water. I'm excited to experiment in the kitchen and find new comfort foods. I'm also purging in other areas of my life. I'm cleaning out the apartment and getting rid of items I don't need. I'm changing my routine a little so instead of spending wasted time online first thing in the morning, I'm starting my day with at least a 10-minute meditation. I'm continuing to do yoga everyday but I'm adding a few more sweaty classes into my week. And I'm practicing satya (truthfulness). I'm getting honest with myself and others in my life so I can move forward from a place of authenticity.

I'm looking forward to this cleanse. I find that each time I do one it doesn't seem so extreme because I've slowly dropped habits that do not serve me. For me, the point of this cleanse is to feel good inside and out. When I feel positive, I can pass it on.

The end of the road

2011-10-19T15:55:00.000-04:00

Two years ago I decided to go back to school. It was one of the most challenging and fulfilling things I have ever done.

Tomorrow I leave for Victoria to meet up with my friends to convocate from Royal Roads University.

I am so excited to complete this two-year journey with one of the best cohorts ever. We hit if off right from the start as we all set out to accomplish something big on our to-do lists. I feel so lucky to have been a part of this supportive and loving group of people.

I just want to take this opportunity to thank and congratulate this year's RRU Professional Communications graduates.

What I had to give up to finish this goal was made up by the courage, confidence, and skills I gained along the way. Don't let fear get in the way of following your dreams. Your journey starts the moment you take one step forward. The road may be long, you may fumble or take a few detours, but take that first step. I think attempting something is better then one day looking back on life and wishing you would've done it.

p.s. Don't you just love the card my sweet friend, Kendra, sent in the mail? I do.

"Do the one thing you think you cannot do." Eleanor Roosavelt

React vs. respond

2011-10-14T08:50:00.000-04:00

"We don't have experiences in life. What we have are reactions to experiences. Things don't happen to us. Things happen in and of themselves, and what we do is react to them.

If you start to see the reaction rising and feel your emotional feathers getting ruffled, just step back from yourself, come back into your body, watch your breath, and feel the reactiveness dissipate. if reactions happen, let them go, come out of your head, and anchor into your body.

Halting your cycle of reactiveness allows you to have a perspective shift, so that you have the chance to respond in better, more positive ways."

~Baron Baptiste, Journey Into Power

{photo credit: princess_devil}

Free yourself

2011-10-11T09:42:00.001-04:00

This past Thanksgiving weekend we did something we've never done at home -- we went Internet-free for three nights and two full days. Neither of us have smart phones so we only had to put away one laptop.

Out of habit we wanted to run to the computer as soon as we walked in the door or woke up in the morning but did it ever feel good not to.

Instead of spending time mindlessly looking at Facebook or checking sports scores we went for walks in the warm October sunshine, we ate breakfast and read in the park, and we made pumpkin pie with loads of whipped cream for our non-traditional Thanksgiving meal of takeaway Indian food.

Taking a break from being online taught me a few things. I learned that spending so much time on the computer takes away from getting more important things done. It's kind of an avoidance technique: walls were painted red, bathrooms were cleaned, piles of to-dos were sorted through. The habit of constantly being online also takes away moments to cultivate time alone and quality time as a couple.

I also realized how dependent we are on our cyberworlds. It's simply unavoidable now, for both our personal and professional lives. We still chose not to turn the computer on to look up the train/bus schedule but peeked once to check out a yoga studio's schedule. It didn't count.

I felt energized to be present and proactive in my life. It was such a needed break that I think it might become a regular occurrence every weekend, for at least one day.

Have you taken a cyberbreak today?

{photo credit: mrkvm}

Your heart not your head

2011-10-05T09:35:00.000-04:00

"Center in your heart instead of your brain.

Sit quietly and let your awareness settle in the area of your heart. Stay here as you take and release ten breaths. Then come from this place as you go about the rest of your day."

--Judith Hanson Lasater

{photo credit: princess_devil}

October already?

2011-10-04T10:20:00.005-04:00

I cannot believe it is October already! Did someone put life on fast forward and forget to tell us?

Fall in Montreal is such a beautiful time. The leaves slowly change from green to red, starting with the stems. Colour is slowly painted on the leaves until the wind comes around to nudge them down, like a gentle reminder that it is time for change.

My fall has been a big change. I have been teaching yoga a lot more, which is the part I love. Teaching allows me to pass on a brighter, calmer day to to someone else. There is no better gift than that. Also, I've been searching for communications/public relations jobs because I finished my degree in the summer. Looking for work can be exhausting and discouraging. Have you ever felt that way?

I'm looking at job searching as my job right now -- working on it during the day and then trying to set it down in the evening so I can enjoy the transition of summer to fall. It is also important to set it down so I don't get too down and carry it around all day and night.

I'm grateful for yoga, my own practice and my teaching, because it always reminds me to breathe, practice gratitude, and accept where I am right now. Acceptance allows us to move forward instead of remaining stuck in ignorance and frustration.

Are you settling down with fall's activities -- drinking chai lattes, crunching leaves, wearing boots and sweaters?

Feeling grateful for these cozy moments helps me to stay positive, present, and confident through changes and challenges.

Have a lovely week.

You are not in charge

2011-09-26T08:16:00.000-04:00

"Letting go means realizing you weren't in charge anyway.

We often worry about so many things, most of them beyond our control. Just today, let go whenever you can by embracing the understanding that you are not in charge of the world."

--Judith Hanson Lasater, A Year of Living Your Yoga

{Photo credit: EllenJo}

Pickled

2011-09-20T08:31:00.002-04:00

My mom and I have started making pickles every summer. There is something so satisfying about picking the cucumbers off the garden, adding a few ingredients to a jar, and eating homemade pickles a week later. It's so easy that I never want to buy them from the store again.

This recipe is for a 1 quart (32 oz) jar.

Sterlize jars (tops down) and lids in a pan of boiling water.

Wash small cucumbers and slightly trim both ends.

Add to the bottom of the sterilized jars:

1 Tbsp. coarse sea salt (or pickling salt)
1 tsp. white sugar
1 tsp. brown sugar
1/2 tsp. pickling spices
1-4 garlic cloves
dill

Pack the cucumbers into the jar. Top with more dill and pour in 1/2 cup vinegar.
Fill jar with boiling water and wipe the top rim of the jar to seal properly.
Gently shake to dissolve the sugar and salt, then turn jar upside down overnight.
Turn right side up the next day and let cure for at least a week before eating, if you can wait that long!

Photo shoot : Andrew, pt. 2

2011-09-12T08:58:00.000-04:00

Here are more fun photos I took of Andrew playing yoga.

Yoga with Lynette

2011-09-09T08:46:00.000-04:00

I want to share this little film of my outdoor yoga class from this summer.

What a beautiful group of people. I have been teaching them for a few years and the group has turned into a little community of friends with new additions, like babies and puppies. Pure love.

I feel honoured to teach such a group. We carry on the class via Skype when I'm in Montreal. It's not the same as our summer backyard yoga class but it's wonderful to continue joining together to practice.

This was filmed by my cousin, Kylie, who is a film student in Vancouver.
I edited it and the beautiful song is Slow Your Breath Down by Future of Forestry.

Photo shoot : Baby O, pt. 2

2011-09-08T08:11:00.000-04:00

Baby Ori is so loved! Just a few more photos of my photo shoot with baby O and his mommy and daddy.

Photo shoot : Baby O

2011-08-31T09:01:00.000-04:00

Just a sneak peak of the family photos I did with Keli, Tosh, and baby O this past weekend.
What a doll!

blue skies

2011-08-26T09:40:00.000-04:00

I cannot believe how beautiful our summer weather has been. It's been a few years since we have had a summer like this. The sky is so vibrant and the sun so warm. I'm happy to have caught a few shades of blue this season.

birthday musings

2011-08-17T16:19:00.000-04:00

Time really does pass by in the blink of an eye. I noticed it yesterday because it was my birthday.

I always browse over my list of goals and observe the direction my life is taking during this time. It is a new year, after all. How lucky! Not everyone gets another chance.

Time passes quickly and if we're not present, if we're not taking in our moments, they are gone and it's as if we were never there.

Do you notice how you'll be out with a friend or walking the dogs or in yoga class and your mind is racing with thoughts of your to-do list or thoughts of wishing you wouldn't have said or done something? If we are not really in the moment, smiling at our dog's funny quirks or relaxing our body in a yoga pose, those moments disappear quickly.

I've been trying to be. here. now. It is challenging. We have so many distractions in life and it is simply part of being human to have a wandering mind. No wonder it's a challenge to be present. But it's a choice -- a positive habit to start.

I notice that if I can slow down, take deep breaths, and use all my senses to be where I am, when I look back on the moments, I remember that I was there.

Life is going to fly by. We all get older. That is out of our control. But how we exist in life is up to us.

I started thinking about my friend who is struggling with her health and I quickly remember how precious and short life is. We don't know where we'll be in one year. If we're using all our senses to be present and listen to our hearts, life unfolds. Yes, we have to be clear about what we want and we have to do the work but we can't get too caught up in the past or the future or we'll miss what's right in front of our eyes.

Stop and feel the sun on your skin. Stop and smell the wild roses on your morning walk. Stop and listen to the person who is talking to you right now. Taste your food. Give more hugs and kisses and smiles today. Soak it up. Today is all we have for sure.

This is how I used my birthday moments. Today I smile fondly and carry on.

Have a great week!

random summer moments, pt. 3

2011-08-15T09:34:00.000-04:00

Two beautiful girls I know. And more fun with film.

random summer moments, pt. 2

2011-08-12T10:33:00.001-04:00

And summer continues. These photos are more of my moments, captured with my 35mm film camera. It's so fun to play with film again! I find I'm really careful in choosing the moments to capture because I can't just delete them if I don't like them.

How have you been filling up your summer?

Enjoy the weekend!

random summer moments

2011-08-08T10:09:00.000-04:00

In case I haven't mentioned it yet, I love summer!

Photo shoot : Andrew

2011-08-03T09:53:00.000-04:00

Do you remember Andrew and his wise words? Well he and I got together early one morning to play yoga.

We even snuck onto a condemned bridge (ssshhh, don't tell) to see what the view was like upside-down.

More photos to come....

Photo shoot : Tara and family

2011-08-02T08:29:00.007-04:00

I did a photo shoot this weekend with Tara and her family. Gorgeous family, warm weather, and lots of laughs. What more could we ask for?

Hope you enjoyed your long weekend! Happy August!

vintage camera collection

2011-07-28T09:47:00.003-04:00

Over the years I've collected a number of vintage cameras. They are super cool but I am in the process of clearing out material things to make more space in my life.

Some things are hard to let go of -- do you notice that? What do you have trouble letting go of? For me it's books but they are next.

If you know of anyone who collects old cameras stay in touch because I'll be selling those above and these too.

Grad 20 1 1 : Taylor

2011-07-27T10:44:00.000-04:00

I did a fun graduation photo shoot with Taylor in June. What a gorgeous dress and smile!

fun with diana

2011-07-25T10:20:00.002-04:00

Summer puts me in the mood to play. I've been capturing these sweet moments with my digital, film, and Diana cameras. I plan to put together a little film as well. Secretly, I hope summer never leaves but I know she'll have to one day soon.

In the meantime, get outside and play!

relax, renew, restore

2011-07-22T11:47:00.001-04:00

Join me for an afternoon of deep relaxation and sweet renewal on Saturday. Your faster-paced yoga practice will be balanced by a grounding and healing restorative practice. Learn how to release tension in longer-held, supportive poses and learn calming techniques you can use on or off the mat. Let's spread the peace. All-levels welcome. Another reason to come to Saskatoon this week!

$20+gst/$15+gst student
register online: http://www.joos.ca/registe r_rrr.html

If you can't make it, I hope you find some way to get your peace on this beautiful summer weekend!

country living

2011-07-21T09:56:00.001-04:00

Last weekend it felt like such a relief to disconnect from technology, hang out with my family in the countryside, and play the old-fashioned way, with my film camera. I love this 35mm lomography film!

So far, I'm loving summer! I hope you are too.

Nicki and Eddie in Saskatoon

2011-07-18T13:06:00.000-04:00

My yoga teachers, Nicki Doane and Eddie Modestini of Maya Yoga, will be in Saskatoon next week for a full week of training. If you can find Saskatoon on the map (it's a beautiful place in summer), if you love yoga, and if you want to learn from two of the best teachers around, sign up today! You won't regret it. If you come, you can have ice cream from the red bus too!

freedom

2011-07-15T09:59:00.005-04:00

I am going Internet-free for three whole days!
I can't think of a better way to spend three beautiful summer days -- completely disconnected.

Have a great weekend!

i meditate because . . .

2011-07-13T09:45:00.001-04:00

I meditate because I need to make space in my brain. Sometimes, especially in times of change and uncertainty, my mind's rollercoasters (yes, sometimes it feels like there are more than one) won't stop spinning.

Getting up a a tad earlier and dedicating 10 minutes* to sitting quietly facing the morning sun helps to start my day with a peaceful mind. And sometimes in the middle of my day, I'll stop and find some solitude to sit for a few minutes just breathing in and out deeply.

How does it work? Deep breathing calms your nervous system which calms your heart and brain rhythms. I know if I don't take these moments in my day to find stillness in my mind and body, I start to feel stuck or overwhelmed. If your thoughts try to take over when you're meditating say to yourself, inhale and exhale. Go back to your breath.

* If you are just starting a meditation practice I suggest starting with a period of time that seems manageable to you. Sitting quietly can be one of the hardest things to do. A minute is perfect if that's where you are. Then slowly add time on. Just remember to start where you are. Only then can you move forward.

{Turquoise Ocean Mala from Tiny Devotions}

peonies

2011-07-11T09:41:00.001-04:00

Aren't these peonies beautiful? They sing summer!
Have a great week.

kale - my new best friend

2011-07-08T10:33:00.001-04:00

I had kale for the first time last year and this year I eat or drink it in some format almost everyday. Talk about a super food!

I pulled out my juicer for the first time in a few years (not sure why it was ever in hiding) since being inspired by Kris Carr and my Montreal fave, Crudessence.

My creation this past week has been made up of kale, celery, ginger, parsley, cucumber, and apple. Who would've thought that these ingredients could taste so good together. And not only that, you get a glass full of nutrients that will make you glow from the inside out.

Since committing to eating kale, swiss chard, or spinach everyday for the last three months, I've noticed health benefits like clear skin and improved digestion.

I'm originally from Saskatchewan so it's hard not to be a Riders' fan! I'm not known for my love of football but the energy from the green-clad fans every summer is inspiring. That's the kind of energy this green drink gives me. My brain feels more awake than when I have a cup of coffee in the morning. Gasp! I probably won't stop my occasional morning coffee routine but I will include my Rider Green Juice every morning as well!

Cheers and good luck this weekend, Riders!

pausing

2011-06-20T13:20:00.001-04:00

I want to take a little time off blogging, however, I won't be long.

In the meantime, check out my Etsy photos if you need some warm inspiration. You can also find me on my "Yoga With Lynette" Facebook page. Or, feel free to chill out while I guide you through a short relaxation.

See you soon!

Peace,
Lynette

wading through the yoga sutras

2011-06-16T11:30:00.004-04:00

For a few years I had been attempting to read the Yoga Sutras. In the classes, trainings, and workshops I took I appreciated hearing about them but I just couldn't get into them. I bought a handful of different versions thinking, this time, this will be the book that sinks in. I carried the books around in my bag, sure that I would find them interesting one day. I didn't have much luck until two things happened.

First, I came across two books -- The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali by Sri Swami Satchidananda. There is something about the way this version is interpreted that I could relate to. It breaks down the Sanskrit sutras clearly and the explanations that follow each are rooted in tradition but are alive in the present. The other book I enjoyed is How Yoga Works -- an explanation of the sutras through storytelling. I have learned that the Sutras are an important part of yoga and are so applicable to life off the mat.

Take the second sutra for example: Yoga is the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind. Seriously, do we not need this more than ever while we navigate our way through a time where we are constantly connected to something or someone?

The second thing that happened to allow the Yoga Sutras to finally start sinking in was that I realized something very important: when you are ready, the teacher appears; when you make space, new lessons will come; when you turn on the light, you will see a little more. Practicing yoga, learning life lessons, training to teach, and passing time all brought me to a point where I was ready to hear the words I was reading.

Lately I've been noticing how, without even really trying, I've been wandering through the yamas (discussed in the Yoga Sutras). This started last year with ahimsa (non-violence). I started to understand how ahimsa isn't only about physical fighting. It's about asking myself how in my life am I doing harm to myself and others through not only my actions but with my words, thoughts, and intentions. My habit of worrying about the future is actually a violent act. I'm wasting my time, energy, and health and it is a habit that accomplishes nothing.

As I start to understand one concept, I notice it falls away and makes space for another, without me having to try at all to "get it". Lately I've been pondering satya (truthfulness) and asteya (non-stealing). It is fascinating to realize that though I consider myself an honest and good person, there are ways in which I am not always truthful in my life, like through omissions or embellishments. As I become more aware of this I realize how it puts my authentic self out of alignment and how much energy it uses up. And with asteya, I've become aware of how when I am late, I am stealing someone's time. Isn't that a perspective shift?

My biggest lesson here is that change starts with awareness. Awareness is the first important step. Awareness means you're awake! The next step is to not beat yourself up when you realize you are falling into old patterns. It takes time to change. Thank goodness we are constantly given new opportunities to try again.

Namaste.

maya angelou

2011-06-14T08:55:00.001-04:00

"You can only become truly accomplished at something you love. Don't make money your goal. Instead pursue the things you love doing and then do them so well that people can’t take their eyes off of you." ~Maya Angelou

reduced summer hours

2011-06-10T09:00:00.004-04:00

I will only be posting once or twice a week for the rest of the summer. I am busy finishing and starting projects. Also, I kind of just want to get out there and enjoy the beautiful weather while it lasts! We only get a few months of it people.

I can't wait to see family and friends. There are a few big birthdays to celebrate. I'm looking forward to spending time near the water. I'll be teaching yoga, snapping photos, and creating in the kitchen.

What are your summer plans?

I send you off on summer holidays with this lovely thought by Judith Hanson Lasater:

"Letting go is the hardest asana [pose]. Life is about letting go: of every exhalation, of the day as we fall asleep, of our children as they grow up and leave home. When we resist letting go, we are resisting the flow of life itself. What can you let go of right now?"

all right life . . .

2011-06-09T08:12:00.001-04:00

Interview with a teacher : Dawn Mauricio

2011-06-06T13:01:00.003-04:00

This interview is part of a series I'm doing to help promote yoga and all the inspiring work teachers are doing. So happy to pass it on to you.

Dawn Maurico teaches public and private classes all over Montreal. Her teaching style has evolved into a playful and dynamic approach that draws from her trainings and experience in Kripalu, Ashtanga, and Mindfulness Meditation. Dawn is leading a portion of Centre Luna Yoga's teacher training this year. Workshops are open to the public.

LS: When and why did you start doing yoga?
DM: I started doing yoga in 2000 mostly because I wanted an easy way to stay in shape. As I was getting older there were less organized sports available. I just wanted a physical practice. I didn't get it when I first started. It was too slow and I didn't like Savasana.

LS: What changed for you?
DM: After a challenging time in 2004, I went back to it and tried out Ashtanga yoga. I noticed changes. Things started getting stirred up inside. There was a mind-body connection but no one had any answers for me as to why this was happening. I was hooked and wondered what else would come up.

"I broke up with yoga over again. It was a dysfunctional relationship."

LS: How did you end up in a Thai monastery and what did you learn?
DM: When I finished my marketing degree, I didn't know what I wanted to do so I went travelling to South East Asia in 2006. I realized how little I need to be happy. I kept meeting people who swore by Vipassana/Insight meditation so finally I decided I had to do it. My room only had a chair and sheets to sleep on. I learned about detachment from things.

"It was hardcore but I learned to live minimally to live fully."

LS: What does meditation teach you?
DM: Meditation is one tool in my toolbox. When it gave me a clear answer, I knew it was working. I thought I'd trust my intuition. [Dawn decided to teach yoga full-time instead of pursing a marketing career.] Meditation helps in seeing issues. It helps to bring forth who we really are.

LS: What advice do you have for those who meditate or want to start?

DM: Whatever you do, just do that. When you're eating, just eat. Brushing your teeth is a good activity to practice meditation. My dentist said to take two minutes to brush. At first this felt like forever. But when you brush, just brush your teeth. Focus on that, not on everything you have to do. Dedicate a couple moments a day to this one thing. Playing, writing, and walking are other tools I incorporate into my meditation practice.

LS: What did you learn from the first few yoga classes that you taught?
DM: I learned to loosen up and to trust more--to have an idea about what I want to do but then go with the flow. I know I'm guided by something to give what's needed in my classes. When I over-plan there is no room to let anything else in.

LS: Do you have any advice for people facing challenges on or off the mat?
DM: Yes, to remember, there's a lesson in this. You don't have to know what the lesson is now but trust that it's there because whatever is happening, is happening.

"You can't be seduced by the voice of the ego. Listen to Heart. She knows best."

LS: What are five things on your bucket list?
DM: This is my list just for the summer! I want to teach myself astrology and enneagrams. I've started to eat only raw vegan food for the month and maybe the whole summer. I want to continue my Spanish studies. I want to do more gardening and composting. Art--I want to cultivate a creative outlet. I've been playing with clay, Play-doh, markers, writing every morning, and I want to start making jewellery.

"If you play, it's not childish, it's child-like."

Namaste.

Read other interviews here.

{photo credit: my creative fling}

what have you got to lose?

2011-06-02T09:14:00.000-04:00

"Are you living your life 100 percent? Warts and all? Are you embracing life and honoring the sacred flow of events, or are you trying to control things again?

Being 100 percent there means that you have to have faith in others, faith in yourself, and faith in the fact that life has meaning. If you find that you are holding back, consider this for a moment and think about what sort of energy you are putting out there in the morphic field. What are you inviting to come back to you?

Again, what have you got to lose?

If you are going to fail, you may as well fail greatly! Give 100 percent and embrace the results."

~ A.C. Ping, from the book Faith

{photo credit: Gabriele Chiapparini}

saint therese of lisieux

2011-06-01T08:05:00.000-04:00

Great deeds are forbidden me. The only way I can prove my love is by . . .

every little sacrifice, every glance and word, and the doing of the least actions for love.

~ Saint Therese of Lisieux

etsy photos

2011-05-30T08:29:00.000-04:00

In case you missed the news, I have new photos for sale in my Etsy shop.
Enjoy the view and have a great week!

go to the beach

2011-05-27T09:15:00.001-04:00

I'm so excited to tell you that I have new photographs for sale in my Etsy shop! This series is a collection of peaceful Maui moments I was lucky enough to capture during my trip in April.
All photos will arrive to you professionally printed, packed with love, and ready to inspire.

Take a peek. This weekend, go to the beach!

fill your life with colour

2011-05-26T08:45:00.005-04:00

I'm having a full week but I wanted to take a moment to show you my bathroom. Yep, that's right. I picked up some recycled paint (yes, recycled) and filled my life with more turquoise. Love. This. Colour. I think I love it because it reminds me of the ocean.

What's your colour and why?

the sun shines in montreal

2011-05-23T15:06:00.000-04:00

I had such a lovely May long weekend here in Montreal. I spent as much of it as I could outside. The bonus? This is the first weekend of lilacs! As you know, they're my favourite.

over the rainbow

2011-05-19T08:44:00.000-04:00

"Let the beauty that you love be what you do." ~ Rumi

tortilla chips y salsa

2011-05-18T08:44:00.000-04:00

So there is one thing I really love to eat--Mexican food! Since living in Guadalajara, Mexico for almost a year, I developed a taste for the unique blend of spicy, salty, and sweet that makes up Mexican cuisine. The combination of cilantro, jalapeño, and lime makes my mouth water. Add to that a touch of sweetness, like roasted tomatoe, and I'm drooling.

I play around with salsa combinations all the time and one of my favourites is inspired from a friend's recipe with black beans. They add a whole new layer of texture and flavour (and protein).

Fruit and black bean salsa*:
Baby tomatoes
Pineapple, peach, or mango
Jalapeño peppers
Black beans (canned or dried)
Cilantro
Lime juice
Avocado

Combine and enjoy with homemade corn tortilla chips!

* The amounts above vary. The best way to make salsa is to taste. Add a bit of this and that until it suits your taste. I like things extra spicy so I tend to add more peppers.

tea tin herb garden

2011-05-17T09:06:00.000-04:00

This apartment doesn't get a lot of light so I have to think carefully as to what kind of plants to keep. One side gets a few hours of good afternoon light so I have a little family of green in one corner of one room. But I love the idea of an herb garden and wanted to give it a shot. Not only do they smell good, especially the lavender I got, they taste delicious, and they make a house, or in this case, an apartment, a home.

I have a collection of Starbucks tea tins that work perfectly for keeping the herbs cozy and they look cute too. Now, if only the rain would stop so the sun could help them grow!
Four days of rain and I want to curl up in a tea tin and sleep too.

Wish me and my little herb garden luck.
Have a good day!

crudessence

2011-05-16T07:51:00.007-04:00

Since returning from Maui I've been craving raw/vegan food. I was doubtful I would find an eating spot like Maui Kombucha in croissant-loving Montreal but I found a place here! Crudessence satisfied my raw dessert craving with lime pie. Oh my. And bonus--they had coconuts! If you know me, you know I LOVE everything coconut.

Crudessence isn't on Maui but I got to spend the afternoon with my sweet friend, Paula, in the park on a lovely Montreal afternoon.

p.s. Crudessence makes kombucha too!

tiny devotions

2011-05-11T22:27:00.000-04:00

I am honoured to own one of Tiny Devotions' malas, the Turquoise Ocean Mala, to be specific. This mala promotes communication, protection, and balance -- just what I need! Malas are made with 108 beads (plus one guru stone), which is a sacred number in many traditions.

To me, these gorgeous, Canadian-made malas represent taking a chance, following your dreams, and working hard to make them happen. If you check out the Tiny Devotions story you'll be inspired too.

Thank you to Diana and everyone at Tiny Devotions for being so lovely and for creating beauty and sharing it with the world. Namaste.

{photo credits: 1. my creative fling 2, 3, 4. Paula Derdiger}

centre luna yoga

2011-05-11T08:29:00.001-04:00

You've heard me rave about Centre Luna Yoga in Montreal. Well, now they are offering a teacher training starting May 20! Jennifer, Bram, and Dawn are knowledgeable and loving teachers who have many wise lessons to offer anyone hoping to teach or deepen their own practice.

Check it out if you can!

you'll see the way to fly

2011-05-10T10:13:00.001-04:00

{quotation found here}

maui, maya, and more . . .

2011-05-05T12:32:00.002-04:00

"It doesn't matter how long you've been in the dark. Turn on the light. On is on. Start where you are."

I am not really sure where to start.
I've been catching up on my sleep and figuring out how to integrate my favourite things about Maui and Maya Yoga into my back-to-normal life. It's always a little challenging to return from a magical experience, especially one full of sunny weather, family, lovely friends, days full of yoga, healthy and delicious food, and an overall feeling of lightness and love. The thing is, I might not be able to bring the ocean to Montreal or control the weather, but how I live my life is a choice. How I fill up my time, what perspectives I choose to take, and how I eat and take care of myself are all choices I can make anywhere.

The Maya Yoga teacher training is one I recommend to anyone. Nicki Doane and Eddie Modestini have combined all of their life experiences and lessons from teachers like B.K.S. Iyengar and Pattabhi Jois to create a yoga system grounded in tradition, alignment, flow, and love. Their knowledge, strength, gentleness, and sense of humor made getting up at 4:30 a.m. to get to the North shore of Maui easy. The training is well-balanced and meets all of Yoga Alliance's requirements for certification. My favourite part was Physiology week with Dr. Robin! I am missing my days with them a bit right now. But, I also know I am so very lucky to have had the opportunity to study with them, on Maui yet. Maui is a special, healing, loving place to be.

Last year, after my training, I talked about how important it is to build a strong foundation. Only with a strong foundation can we grow. This idea resonates with me whether I am in Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog) grounding down through my index finger and thumb or whether I am dealing with a different challenge off the mat. We need to stay grounded and clear with ourselves no matter what our next steps are.

"What is practice really, other than preparing us for the real work, which happens on a day-to-day, hour-by-hour basis, off the mat and in our own lives."

This year I was lucky enough to do my training with a good friend. Sharing encouragement and support with her and the rest of the amazing group was a lesson as well. Learning to listen, support, acknowledge, and create boundaries for self and others are huge lessons that yoga can offer. By learning how to do all of these things on the mat, through poses, you learn to build that strength in everyday living. That is the real yoga.

So as I sit here on this rainy day, kind of wishing I was back on the sunny beach, drinking kombucha and eating local, vegan lunches, surrounded by loving and like-minded peeps, I remember I can cultivate all of this right here and now. The future shows up as the present moment, right? Well, maybe I can't bring the beach back but I can be the healthiest, lovingest version of myself right now.

"Yoga is about taking personal responsibility."

I can't wait to do my 500-hr teaching training with Maya Yoga. Time to write down my next goals and dreams and plans. I never thought I would be able to make this year's training. It's amazing what can happen when you decide you CAN do something and then work hard. Dream big!

{my Maui sunset}
{all quotations by Nickie and Eddie}

cherry blossoms

2011-05-03T07:44:00.000-04:00

I stopped in Vancouver on my way home from Maui to warm weather and these beautiful cherry blossoms. It made returning back to the land of cold much more bearable. In fact, in Montreal, I'd say it's spring-like. I would like to go back to Vancouver and spend time hanging out--what a beautiful, healthy city!

More to come on my yoga teacher training. I just returned and am still processing this life-changing experience. I'm also feeling a little jet-lagged and sleepy.

Have a great week!

another beautiful sky

2011-04-29T03:02:00.002-04:00

one of my favourite colours

2011-04-28T02:22:00.000-04:00

kombucha

2011-04-27T01:55:00.000-04:00

This was my first time drinking kombucha, a natural probiotic drink. It was delicious and my digestion has never worked better!

I was floating on a happy high after visiting Maui Kombucha in Haiku. It could have been because I got to hang out with some sweet girls (from my teacher training). It could have been the delicious raw, vegan food we ate, like the coconut cream pie. I'm still speechless about that pie! Or it could have been because the kombucha was doing all sorts of good things inside my body.

I can't wait to go back there before I have to fly away this weekend.

sunset sky

2011-04-26T02:49:00.000-04:00

maui yogis

2011-04-25T02:34:00.000-04:00

Maya Yoga teachers/Maui tree planters

plant a tree

2011-04-22T12:18:00.002-04:00

As part of my yoga teacher training with Maya Yoga we planted Rudraksha trees on the island. It was such a beautiful way to learn about sustainability and regeneration. My friend Star and I named our tree Ahimsa and planted our prayers for the earth and for ourselves with the tree.

My hope is that we give back to the earth instead of always taking from her.

Have a beautiful Earth Day and weekend!

my morning stroll

2011-04-22T03:28:00.000-04:00

hibiscus

2011-04-21T01:18:00.000-04:00

gratitude

2011-04-20T02:17:00.000-04:00

kamaole beach

2011-04-19T10:00:00.011-04:00

friends, yoga, and crepes

2011-04-18T01:03:00.000-04:00

Love these apple, brie, and avocado crepes at Cafe Des Amis in Pa'ia. I even got to enjoy them with my sweet friend, Natalie. She's here on Maui doing yoga teacher training too. Life is good.

the beach

2011-04-15T01:11:00.000-04:00

palm trees

2011-04-14T01:32:00.002-04:00

bougainvillea

2011-04-13T01:24:00.001-04:00

waves

2011-04-12T10:00:00.008-04:00

world 's best cinnamon bun

2011-04-11T02:59:00.000-04:00

Just saying. Beach sunsets, warm weather, and teacher training are not the only reasons to go to Maui.

yoga for youth

2011-04-07T12:11:00.002-04:00

This little lion stands for a big deal!

Ryan Leier of One Yoga in Saskatoon is the director and founder of Yoga For Youth, a non-profit organization designed to meet the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs of youth in the public school system. By purchasing a lion shirt, you are contributing to the healing and growth of children.

You can find tank tops for women (perfect for summer) and t-shirts for men at the I Love Yoga Clothing Company under the Yoga For Youth Collection.

One Yoga also offers a variety of lion apparel. Please contact them directly for more information.

Send out a big lion's breath and support Yoga For Youth today!

Roar.

maya yoga

2011-04-06T06:28:00.000-04:00

I am off to Maui this morning! What a way to start the day.
I'm so very excited to be heading to Hawaii to do more yoga teacher training with Nicki Doane and Eddie Modestini of Maya Yoga. Last year's experience was intense and emotional but I'm ready for another challenge. It was worth. every. moment.

If you're not familiar with Maya Yoga, I encourage you to take a workshop with them if they ever travel your way. This husband and wife team teach a beautiful blend of flow and alignment. They are a duo to learn from!

I'm also excited because, well, I'll be on the island of Maui! I cannot wait to smell the plumeria-scented air and feel the tropical sun shine on my skin.

This three-week training will occupy most of my time so I will be posting a (Hawaiian) photo a day or a quotation a day for the rest of April. Stay tuned for daily doses of love from Hawaii. Get ready for May when new prints will be available in my Etsy shop.

Take care and stay warm.
Aloha,
Lynette

{photo: Megan Ross}

Interview with a teacher : Nina Cutter

2011-04-04T10:56:00.008-04:00

This interview is part of a series I'm doing to help promote yoga and all the inspiring work these teachers are doing. So happy to pass it on to you.

Nina Cutter (of Naturally Nina) is a yoga teacher based in Boston, Massachusetts. She recently received her 200-hour teacher's certification from the Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health. Her style is inspired, loving, and fun. She believes yoga is for everyone and you can find her teaching classes at Soni Yoga.

"Yoga is the perfect opportunity to be curious about who you are." ~Jason Crandell

LS: When did you start doing yoga?
NC: I took my first yoga class in college in 1999. It was love at first downward dog.

LS: Why did you decide to do a teacher training?
NC: As soon as I started practicing yoga regularly, I noticed positive changes in both my body and my spirit. I wanted to share that with others. I often daydreamed about becoming a teacher. The impetus to actually do the training was of a tragic sort. I lost someone close to me and felt that I could honor her by living my life fully and following my dreams.

LS: Tell us about your Kripalu training.
NC: It was a month-long intensive and we practiced yoga for over five hours a day. I spent the month learning, growing, and bonding with my fellow teacher trainees, eating healthy food, and figuring out what kind of teacher I wanted to be. It was a roller-coaster of the best kind.

LS: What did you love most about your training?
NC: We were trained so well during our month-long program that we could actually go into a classroom and teach with confidence upon graduating. It was incredibly empowering.

LS: What did you find the hardest during training and how did you work through it?
NC: I missed my family and friends terribly. I coped better on some days than others. Mostly, I just wrote in my journal, called my loved ones when I had the opportunity, and remembered why I was there.

LS: What are five qualities you think a yoga teacher should have?
NC: Humility. Grace. Confidence. Patience. Passion.

LS: What are five things teachers should be aware of when teaching?
NC: 1. It's not about you, it's about them. 2. They trust you. Be kind with their trust. 3. You have the potential to change their entire day, or week, or life with a beautiful practice. Embrace that amazing opportunity but don't let it go to your head. 4. Experience levels vary. Allow each student to feel empowered and capable in class, while still challenged. 5. Don't over-think the class too much. Let it flow.

LS: What is your favourite pose?
NC: Every once in a while, I declare X or Y as my favourite pose, but I honestly don't have one. They are all perfect in their own way and work well for me in different ways on different days. Of course, Savasana is a top contender.

LS: What is your most challenging pose and how do you work through it?
NC: I spent years struggling through Ustrasana (Camel Pose). I finally worked through it when I realized that my mental anguish about the pose was the actual problem. The first time I did it without fear, I cried. It was such an emotional pose for me. Now, I struggle with Handstand. It feels impossible at the moment. I work through it by reminding myself that I don't have to do it if I don't want to. That takes the pressure off.

LS: Where would you like to focus your teaching?
NC: Right now I am still exploring what my niche might be. I love working with seniors as well as students with injuries or disabilities. But lately, I've also been itching to do prenatal and kids' yoga training. As you can tell, I am still open and enthusiastic about all the possibilities.

LS: What projects are you working on right now?
NC: I recently launched a beginner's yoga program consisting of 10 private sessions. I also just developed a yoga for brides program that I am really excited about. Finally, I am on a herniated discs kick at the moment. I want to learn every modification, posture, and exercise that can help my students overcome their back pain.

LS: What is the most important advice a yoga teacher gave you?
NC: "It's not about you." I think too many yoga teachers are attached to the idea of being on display in front of their students and the attention that comes with that. I think our culture also makes celebrities out of famous yoga teachers and I think they are missing the whole point. To be a teacher is to empower others, not create a hierarchy or a sense of "betterness."

LS: What is your advice for people new to yoga?
NC: Know that it's challenging and that it's okay to struggle in the beginning. Nothing comes easy in this life, including your health. Commit to yoga and you are committing to your own wellbeing and worth. It will bring rewards beyond what you could imagine. Find a teacher that makes you feel safe and loved.

LS: Do you have any tips for people making career changes? Can you talk about your experiences?
NC: Transitioning from a full-time marketing career to teaching yoga is by far the hardest thing I have ever done. My advice is simple: Be prepared for tough days and be sure that it's what you want to do. The risks are enormous, emotionally and financially, so take your time deciding. At the end of the day, do what you love, and the rest will follow.

Namaste.

Read other interviews here.

could you?

2011-04-01T08:24:00.000-04:00

Could you say no to a face like this? Me neither.
Quigney is our new friend and we're looking after her until her mommy and daddy get back from their holiday. We love her. A lot.

Have a great weekend!

the voting has started

2011-03-31T10:29:00.000-04:00

I entered Yoga Journal's contest. I do silly things like this sometimes. I don't think yoga is about competition but this is just something fun. I don't know about you but I try to fill my life with as much fun as I can to balance out the serious parts.

So, check it out. Maybe vote. Maybe vote for me or at least for one of the many talented yogis out there.

Thanks!

opportunity

2011-03-30T09:48:00.000-04:00

{photo & quotation: my creative fling}

yogas citta vrtti nirodhah

2011-03-29T11:48:00.004-04:00

Yoga is the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind ~ Yoga Sutra 1.2

If you are just starting yoga or have been doing it for awhile and are curious about the Yoga Sutras, I highly recommend the book, The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, translation and commentary by Sri Swami Satchidananda. I've browsed through many versions of the sutras and I find the explanations in this book easy to understand. It is translated in a practical way that I can apply to my everyday life, on and off the mat.

The second sutra is my favourite. Maybe it is un-yogi of me to pick favourites, but it just resonates with me. It is an important step in having a peaceful life.
Our thoughts, feelings, perceptions, and emotions are constantly swirling around our minds, keeping us distracted and never giving us a moment's rest. They keep us on a rollercoaster of ups, downs, and attachment to the outside world. The physical practice of yoga (postures and breath work) helps us to clear away the junk in our minds and helps us become more authentic. Peace is our natural state. All the things that run through our minds disturb that peace.

Can you close your eyes for a moment and just notice the stories that are running through your head? Then imagine you are stepping into another room with a big glass window. You are on one side and all of your thoughts, feelings, and stories are on the other side of the glass. You see them. You notice them. But, you are not attached to them. As you sit and observe without attaching to everything, remember you are the one in control. All of that stuff is part of life and only passing by. Some of it you have to deal with but when you create space like this you can see that you are in charge of your life. You are the one who will decide what to do and how to react to all this activity.

"Things outside neither bind nor liberate you; only your attitude toward them does that."

peace & love granola bars

2011-03-25T09:08:00.000-04:00

The theme of my week? Peanut butter.
It's important to have healthy snacks kicking around, like these homemade granola bars, to keep your mind and body energized.

I left the chocolate out this time because we have enough chocolate around here!
Like I mention in the recipe, feel free to play around with the ingredients to make these granola bars as healthy or naughty as you would like.
I love the sweet and salty combination of this nutrition-packed snack.

Have a great weekend!

my favourite :

2011-03-24T08:26:00.001-04:00

I'm not a huge chocolate lover (crazy, I know) but I have to admit that Reese's Peanut Butter Cups are my favourite store-bought treat. I had never thought about making them myself but then I found
this recipe and I couldn't look away.

I used one bag semi-sweet chocolate chips and one bar of good quality dark chocolate (instead of 2 bags of chips). Next time I'm going to just use dark chocolate. I also used natural instead of processed peanut butter because I'm slowly weaning myself off the not-so-healthy stuff. I also recommend using natural peanut butter because you will be adding butter and powdered sugar to the mixture. I'm trying to make my desserts as natural and healthy as possible. Don't worry though, there is nothing missing from these chocolate peanut butter cups*.

*Warning: Eating one cup may lead to eating many. Sharing with friends and family is highly recommended!

Enjoy.

your signature

2011-03-23T09:00:00.001-04:00

it's the possibility

2011-03-22T10:35:00.000-04:00

radiate love

2011-03-21T09:24:00.000-04:00

"Let your light shine. Be a source of strength and courage. Share your wisdom. Radiate love."
~ Wilfred Peterson

{quotation found here and this print inspired me.}

lemon pudding

2011-03-18T08:36:00.000-04:00

I found this lemon pudding recipe while browsing through Pinterest a week or so ago. It's been on my mind ever since.

I followed the recipe exactly, using organic granulated cane sugar and 1/4 cup each of freshly-squeezed lemon and tangerine juices and zest. I served the pudding with a spoonful of Mexican vanilla-infused whipped cream. (I have to say, I showed great constraint with only having a spoonful. Usually I have a bit of dessert with my whipped cream.)

Next time I think I'll use limones (also known as key limes) and use the pudding for a tart filling. Yes.

Have a great weekend and enjoy every moment.

brownies

2011-03-17T10:49:00.001-04:00

I was craving Nutella. I happened to have half a jar left. Oh, the possibilities. I’m not a huge chocolate fan, but sometimes, just sometimes, it’s the only treat that will satisfy.

I decided on brownies. But, I wanted to make them gluten-free. I came up with my own brownie recipe after being inspired by these three recipes. I crossed my fingers and continuously peeked into the oven window until they were done--chewy and a tad gooey on the inside with a firm brownie crust on top.

Delicious. Chocolaty. Not perfect but very good for a first go. Can’t wait for round two. I think I’ll shave a few minutes off the baking time.

p.s. They are really good right out of the freezer if you want to save some for later.

so now what?

2011-03-15T12:32:00.002-04:00

I've been feeling a little down lately. It's been a sad news week. Sometimes it feels like I can feel the whole world's pain. Do you ever feel like that? It makes my heart hurt that people have to endure such hardships. And it can make the observer feel helpless, right? No one seems to know what to do.

I went for a walk to buy daffodils the other day because I didn't know what else to do and spring flowers are never a bad thing. As I was walking with my yellow buds under a gloomy sky, I was reminded that the only thing we can count on is change. Humans try to control everything, but really, we are not in control of much, are we? When I watch the devastating footage from Japan or hear about the heartaches happening to those I know, I realize that worrying is not going to help.

For a second, my thoughts started to go down the sad path. What's the point then? Why do we try so hard if everything is going to change? And then I looked at my little flowers and my perspective shifted. Yes, change, death, sad things are going to happen, just like the wintered trees beside me with their peeling bark and bare branches. They've gone through a transformation just like we do in winter or when a significant event happens. The trees shed their layers, get rid of the old, quiet down, and wait. That's kind of how I feel right now. It's been a long winter. The prolonged cold sometimes makes it harder to deal with challenges. It feels good at first to wind down and hibernate. But after awhile I just want to air out my skin. I want to feel the warm sun on my arms. I want to run barefoot through the grass. I want to see the smiles you only see on a warm day with an iced lemondae in hand. I feel like one of the bare trees, a bit helpless and a bit cold.

I'm reminded that life is a continuous cycle--birth and death, winter and summer--we know that for sure. So now what? We all do the best we can to leave something positive behind. And what's the point? The point is, we can do the best we can. We can make our own little corner of the world a better place. Positive change starts with us. I think that is the best way to spread it around the world. We cannot stop earthquakes and tsunamis from happening but we can control the intentions behind our words and actions. It doesn't matter what we say or do. What matters is what we mean. Our intentions are the one thing we can control.

Sad things are going to happen. The one thing we can do is use our life for good.

tlc for your eyes

2011-03-14T09:47:00.002-04:00

I'm so excited to tell you about these eye pillows from Yogamoves!
Judith Hanson Lasater recommended them when I was at her restorative training last year. I had an eye pillow but it was too heavy. These are slim and light so they don't put any pressure on your eyes. Too much pressure can cause you to see spots or blur your vision. Also, these beauties are stitched in the middle so the the flax filling stays evenly distributed.

We relax best when we are warm, quiet, still, and in the dark. Covering the eyes helps the nervous system to calm down. I love to use mine at the end of yoga during savasana (relaxation). I also use mine at night. Falling asleep is so much easier when I'm not stimulated by the light outside my window.

These eye pillows are made with attention to detail by Laureen Lucero. Of course, mine's turquoise.
If I were you, I would go and buy one for everyone you love.

“Relaxation seems to be the single most important element of eye health. So be
sure to close your eyes and let them rest when they feel tired.”

slowing down

2011-03-11T11:26:00.001-05:00

Most of my life I've been known to be a tad klutzy. I blame it on long arms and fingers. Glasses were knocked over, toes were stubbed, knees were bruised, arms have flailed.
My friend, who also claims to be klutzy, said she thinks it's because I was a figure skater and she was a dancer. Her reasoning was that we were just used to having so much space around us to move our bodies. Not sure, but I love it.

Lately I've been thinking that maybe I just need to slow. down. Could it be that simple?

When I catch myself tearing around the kitchen dropping things and banging my head, I think it is that simple. It's interesting what happens when I catch myself. I slow down my breathing and my thoughts and I try to move with a little more awareness. All of a sudden things feel calmer. And the 30 seconds I lost from slowing down was worth it. No broken glass, splattered flax seeds, or bruised forehead.

We live in such a fast-paced society with so much multi-tasking done that I think it's important to consciously slow down. When I do this, even making my morning smoothie becomes a meditation.

Do you need to slow down sometimes?

"Smile, breath, and go slowly." Thich Nhatt Hanh

{photo credit: Diana Lemieux}

moments

2011-03-10T09:03:00.001-05:00

Sometimes my afternoons are filled with clementine oranges, nut-butter cookies, and chai lattes in pretty new mugs. (And I love my mugs.)

What do your afternoon moments look like?

Since hearing some sad news from friends and after watching this lovely little film, I've been savouring every moment.

comfort food

2011-03-08T09:11:00.003-05:00

Do I need to say more? Well, I have to tell you, if you ever get the chance to make fries out of Korean sweet potatoe, do it! There are only a few hiding in this photo because I ate them all. The skin is a pretty shade of purple when raw and the white potatoe tastes sweet once cooked.

I thinly sliced both varieties and covered them with cold water for an hour. This seems to help them get nice and crispy. I drained the water and spread them evenly on the pan where I tossed with olive oil, sea salt, pepper, and sesame seeds, then baked them at 425º for about 45 minutes, depending on how browned you want them. Remember to toss regularly.

I also made homemade mayonnaise. I was inspired awhile back and haven't craved the store-bought stuff since. (And those who know me know mayo is a guilty pleasure. I feel so much better about this now.) With this batch, I reduced the salt then added a bit of lemon juice and a spoonful of honey to the original recipe. I didn't add garlic this time but I like it better with.
So good.