Our loyalties must include the whole human community, the entire planet Earth

Parabola Magazines Facebook status update today:
Human history can be viewed as a slowly dawning awareness that we are members of a larger group. Initially our loyalties were to ourselves and our immediate family, next, to bands of wandering hunter-gatherers, then to tribes, small settlements, city-states, nations.

We have broadened the circle of those we love. We have now organized what are modestly described as super-powers, which include groups of people from divergent ethnic and cultural backgrounds working in some sense together — surely a humanizing and character building experience. If we are to survive, our loyalties must be broadened further, to include the whole human community, the entire planet Earth. 

Many of those who run the nations will find this idea unpleasant. They will fear the loss of power. We will hear much about treason and disloyalty. Rich nation-states will have to share their wealth with poor ones. But the choice, as H. G. Wells once said in a different context, is clearly the universe or nothing.

–Carl Sagan, "Cosmos," Random House, 1980, p. 339

A really inspiring talk on nutrition and MS

It's PTSD Awareness Day.

Chances are extremely high that you know someone with PTSD. It is common among Veterans as we know, but it's not only Veterans who get it. I happen to know a lot about this disorder and one day when I have the time I'll do a longer post about it. (It's getting late and I only just realized that its PTSD Awareness day)! Folks with PTSD basically have a faulty fight or flight response which can be very debilitating for those with the disorder (and tough on their loved ones and families as well.) People with PTSD often suffer from flashbacks, nightmares/sleep disturbances, anxiety attacks, depression and dissociation, and they sadly sometimes wind up making their world very small due to the avoidance of triggers. It is a very debilitating disorder, and one that people need to work at on a daily basis. Therapy helps (cognitive behavioral therapy in particular ,whether one on one or in a group setting.) Yoga is very helpful for PTSD on many levels providing many tools for coping and helping to self regulate the nervous system (therefore counterracting the fight or fight response etc.) The practice of mindfulness meditation and breathwork (pranayama) are a godsend for people with PTSD (as all anxiety disorders).

Really happy to see that there is a PTSD Awareness Day! Its a start :)

Dear friends in Japan from Thich Nhat Hanh

March 15 2011

Dear friends in Japan,

As we contemplate the great number of people who have died in this tragedy, we may feel very strongly that we ourselves, in some part or manner, also have died.

The pain of one part of humankind is the pain of the whole of humankind. And the human species and the planet Earth are one body. What happens to one part of the body happens to the whole body.

An event such as this reminds us of the impermanent nature of our lives. It helps us remember that what's most important is to love each other, to be there for each other, and to treasure each moment we have that we are alive. This is the best that we can do for those who have died: we can live in such a way that they continue, beautifully, in us.

Here in France and at our practice centers all over the world, our brothers and sisters will continue to chant for you, sending you the energy of peace, healing and protection. Our prayers are with you.

Thich Nhat Hanh

Denman Island is my favourite place in the whole wide world. It's magic. Its no wonder I cry everytime I have to leave. Click pictures to enlarge.

The peace, the quiet, the natural untouched beauty of Denman Island... and only 75 km from Nanaimo. The place is truly a dream. My partner grew up on this tiny island and I am so glad he did, otherwise I probably wouldn't have ever heard of it. It is two ferry rides from Vancouver and I can not recommend going there enough. There aren't even words. We feel so blessed to have many wonderful friends there to see and visit when we go, but even if you didn't know a soul, the people are really lovely and friendly. This place is peaceful beyond words. If you want to nourish your soul, your mind, your body, write, practice yoga, meditate, play music, heal or restore on any level, Denman Island is just a hop skip and jump away from our big city! Personally, I can't wait to get back. Keep in mind that this post does not even include any photos of Chickadee Lake or Fillongley Park. Two other really amazing spots you wouldn't want to miss. You really must go. My pictures don't do it justice at all. No photographs could. Its really that spectacular. Namaste.

Join me at the BC Cancer Agency Saturday October 23!

I'm proud beyond words to be representing The Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada at the BC Cancer Agency on Saturday October 23! There will be presentations by Oncologists and other Healthcare Specialists. Networking, Support groups and more! Lunch is provided and it's FREE to patients, their caregivers and healthcare professionals. ♥.♥.♥.

Registration required- 1-800-265-5106 ext 231 or register online at www.infodays.ca

One Conscious Breath

Breath is the bridge between the body and the mind. Regulate breath, and the body and mind will follow.

That is (as far as I am concerned) one of the few guarantees in life. And it's free! Yippie!

The Brain Tumour Foundation is hosting an Education Day here in Vancouver on September 18!

Have you been affected by a brain tumour or know someone who has?

Brain cancer is something that most people don't like to think about but its very real.

Did you know that In Canada, there are an estimated 55,000 people living with a brain tumour, and each year an additional 10,000 are diagnosed? It is really frightening but there IS help out there and support.

Brain cancer is one of those orphan cancers that doesn't receive very much attention/funding etc. but I can tell you... it is a devastating diagnosis.

But there is hope! There's always hope and lot's of it!

Thousands of people find emotional support and comfort and resources through The Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada's programs and services, all the while gaining a better understanding and knowledge of their disease.

Next month The Brain Tumour Foundation is hosting an "Education Day" and you are invited! It's a morning of hope and support and information for all!

It is a Pediatric Brain Tumour Seminar Saturday September 18th from 9:00am-12:00pm and is at BC Children's Hospital, Main Auditorium. 4480 Oak St, Vancouver.

I'll certainly be there!

The topics are:

-Late Effects of Brain Tumor treatment

-Transitioning panel discussion

For more information or to register click this link www.educationdays.ca

A link to the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada is www.braintumour.ca

The ultimate expression of meditation comes when we can feel all the pains of the world, experience them with mindfulness and equanimity so they dissolve into energy, and then recolor that energy and radiate it out as unconditional love, moment by moment, through every pore of our being.

—Shinzen Young

"The greatest gift you can give yourself is a little bit of your own attention." Anthony J. D'Angelo

A Herb Walk

I thought I'd share this video because I find it sweet and very informative.

Todd Caldecott is a Medical Herbalist and Ayurvedic Practitioner with a practice here in Vancouver. He also has an amazing website chock full of information to help keep you and your loved ones happy healthy. His website is here

As much as the rain gets to me sometimes it is pretty amazing living in a rainforest where it is just so lush, and green, and fragrant, all year long. Even in the dead of winter it is green green green....

We can't really complain having countless forests and the ocean for a backyard. Literally! I mean, who really even needs a backyard living here?

Anyways, enjoy this little video and check out Todds site.

But remember that medicinal herbs are drugs and should be treated that way. if you are expecting or breastfeeding always make sure that you check with your healthcare provider/midwife/herbalist/caregiver etc.

Savasana with Sarah Powers

I love Sarah Powers and have greatly enjoyed workshops with her in the past and hope to again.

I thought I'd share her description of Savasana (corpse pose) here.

For many it's the hardest pose of all.

And remember... savasana can be practiced anytime, not just at the end of class.

I hope you take the time to invite a little peace into your life this weekend.

I'm off to enjoy one right now ♥☺

See this little place? Well, talk about a healing sanctuary. And located right in my glorious hood! I am no stranger to acupuncture, but this is acupuncture in a group setting. Everyone together creates this healing space.

Much like a yoga class really.

The space is very quiet, lights are dimmed, essential oils are burning, soft music playing...it is just too wonderful for words, and deeply healing on every level. (acupuncture helps with literally whatever ails you)

The chairs are extremely comfy and you are left to meditate, relax, even drift off until you 'intuitively' feel done. The needles are removed and voila, you are free to leave and enjoy your day. (You can also stay for a specific amount of time too of course, and they'll let you know when your times up if you have to be somewhere etc.)

What is HUGELY amazing as well is that they have a 'sliding scale' to separate the issues of money and treatment. (and you can still submit your receipts should you have any extended health insurance as acupuncture is covered by most plans)

Treatments are $20-$40 a session so you can come as often as you wish, and not only get better, but stay better! (the first session is an extra $10 due to the paperwork etc)

I really can not say enough about this place! (And yes these are licensed Acupuncturists, not to worry)

The place is called Poke Community Acupuncture and it's located at Main St@ Kingsway right next to my fav little neighborhood coffee shop, Our Town.

Poke Community Acupuncture

(225 E Broadway) 604-568-7322

info@pokecommunityacupuncture.ca

Anyways, gotta fly!

Happy healing and Namaste♥

You can bury a lot of troubles digging in the dirt.-Author Unknown

I wrote the little little story below for the Roundhouse recreation guide last fall and feel every bit as excited, thrilled and inspired to be getting back to the garden now. If you've been thinking about starting a garden, just do it!

Honestly, If I can do it anybody can..♥

If someone told me a year and a half ago that I would be growing my own food, I would never have believed it.The thought had honestly never occurred to me. Not once. Nobody in my family grew plants. I actually don’t recall seeing a single houseplant during my entire childhood!

At one of the yoga classes I teach, a participant (and now friend and garden buddy!) mentioned that she was getting on a list for a plot at a community garden in our neighborhood, and I found myself a little intrigued…

I decided to attend a garden meeting to find out what it was all about, and couldn’t believe that I got a plot right away! I was both scared and excited. I didn’t know a single thing about gardening. But you know what? It doesn’t matter! Having a garden is one of best things I have ever done. I couldn’t recommend it more highly, and the food couldn’t be more delicious! I am saving money, eating the most delicious organic food, and lightening my carbon footprint. I am also greatly enjoying being more involved in my community.

I am literally brimming with happiness over my garden.

The therapeutic benefits of gardening are absolutely endless, and well documented. Studies have shown that simply looking at a plant can reduce stress, and lower blood pressure. You get to engage all your senses, while getting out into the open air. It is also a mindful practice in which we are reminded about the cycle of life.

You could grow vegetables, flowers, herbs, or a combination of things. You could garden in your community with others, or you could garden on your window ledge, in containers, on your fire escape, rooftop, or even other people’s backyards.

I cannot recommend enough, growing your own food. There is such an incredible satisfaction in watching your garden grow.

And for children, the benefits are truly endless. Studies have shown that once kids see where their food comes from, they will make healthier food choices, while learning patience, self-sufficiency, self-esteem and environmental awareness.

There are countless resources out there for getting started, and people who know how to garden love to help and share their wisdom, and even they will admit that sometimes things don’t grow, or they die.

Oh well…just plant something else!

For me it’s all one big, fun, tasty experiment in which I get to play in the dirt and connect with the earth.

And the harvest? Now, That’s the best part!

Gil Hedley's "Fuzz Speech" (real human cadaver, not for the faint of heart)

Use it or 'in-fact' lose it. Those words couldn't be more true. All you have to do is wake up in the morning to notice how we are all a little stiffer. And as we age? Well, countless things begin to happen and thats what makes a yoga practice so incredibly important. Yoga, massage, body work of all forms. Just plain movement!

Gil Hedley Ph.D, the anatomy teacher in this video (whom I would give anything to one day study with), really couldn't put it any simpler. We are continually being covered over with fuzz and need to break through it or well...

We won't be able to move! seriously!

Energy won't flow, we'll feel like crap, we'll be in pain, depressed and eventually become ill. Lack of movement, believe it or not, can actually cause joints to fuse together! That means the joint is gone and is no longer a joint!

Talk about frightening...

I don't speak very often about an accident I was in once, but I know all about being unable to move, atrophy (muscle wasting), trauma, healing, and yes...being absolutely covered in fuzz! I'm talking about a three year recovery here...life support, the works. (but enough about me. I really couldn't feel better!)

Thought I'd share this video just in case you know someone who was 'debating' going to a Yoga class...don't debate, just get on your mat!

Forget the mat just get on the floor! Get inside your body. Really inside. Life is just too short to not connect with yourself and break through the fuzz.

And while you're at it you'll be receiving countless other benefits. The benefits of a regular yoga practice are literally endless and on many levels. Whether you come to yoga on a Doctors suggestion, or to increase flexibility, improve athletic performance, get strong, ditch stress, meditate, heal from trauma... or even just to look great in that new bikini. (haha)

Yoga is for everyone.

I think I can speak for all of us in saying that we all want to feel as vibrant and healthy and vital as we possibly can while we are here.

So let's get moving. Let's do it up and enjoy life to the fullest!

Take that first step and find yourself a yoga class near you and get started. Our beautiful city is brimming with yoga venues of all kinds and some of the greatest teachers anywhere.

And a special thanks to my most cherished teacher in this city Bernie Clark for bringing Dr.Hedley to my awareness and for sharing so much of his incredible knowledge, wit and wisdom over the years (most recently in my Yin Yoga Teacher training). Bernie is the man. In my opinion Bernie Clark makes the yoga scene in Vancouver what it is. To find out more about Bernie, yin yoga and what he does for this incredible planet of ours go to... www.yinyoga.com and www.mindtheplanet.org