See these kids? I know them all as well as their incredible parents.

They are all some of the bravest and coolest (and most fun) people I know! They are local brain tumour fighter/survivors and their parents and I am really fond of each and every one of them (and they are all doing well right now too I am happy to add).

The are part of an program I love called BrainWAVE. BrainWAVE is a support program for families with a child (19 years old or younger) with a brain tumour and it is comprised of four separate but related components: events, parent support, information sharing and education. If you are looking for a way to provide fun and support for your child and family as you face the journey with a pediatric brain tumour, consider joining BrainWAVE.

Several times a year, BrainWAVE families have the opportunity to meet and relax through fun activities such as trips to sports events, historical sites and other family attractions. These FREE events give all members of the immediate family a welcome break from treatments and doctors' visits. Our next event is March 4 and I can't wait!

For more information on BrainWAVE and Brain Tumour Foundation click the links. If you have been affected by a brain tumour you are NEVER alone and there is ALWAYS hope and Brain Tumour Foundation is a wonderful resource with Education days, Support and Loads of information whether you are a child or an adult, have a brain tumour, or love somebody with one.

The 2012 Spring Sprint is coming up as well on May 27 click here for more info on that. Its a wonderful time for everybody. Namaste.

I love my community.

Today I am off to a garden party/potluck at my community garden. Its where my fellow gardeners (neighbors/people from the community/folks from all walks of life) get caught up, clean up, work together planting, pulling weeds, etc... We just basically work together doing whatever projects that need to be done. And we visit, get caught up with each other, and make new connections. Its really nice. Even in the pouring rain its nice.

It just just got me thinking about community this morning and the sheer importance of it, especially in this day and age. Whatever you choose to get involved in not only benefits you but it benefits the whole community. Children of all ages can get involved in community/volunteer projects as well, and they can learn a lot of great skills while they're at it. And its so fun and rewarding.

Heres a great quote by Kurt Vonnegut Jr. on community;

"What should young people do with their lives today? many things obviously. But the most daring thing is to create stable communities in which the terrible disease of loneliness can be cured."

It sure is a beautiful world we live in. Its important to make connections and be there for each other. Namaste.

A video I made last month at the Shanti Uganda Society's Gala Do. This is VERY exciting stuff!

I have been both dreaming and awakening with thoughts about the Shanti Uganda Society lately. (Might be time to throw another fundraiser!) Or at least to get out there and volunteer at some festivals! Although the organization is never far from this proud Ambassadors mind I am just blown away when I think of what it must be like there. Its so incredible what this organization has done and continues to do in Uganda. Did you know that in addition to the many local birthing mothers who birth at the Birth house many other birthing women and new moms are flocking to the centre from from surrounding villages as well?

Have you been keeping up through their blog? There is really something new (and absolutely thrilling) happening all the time! And many ways to help and get involved. Both here and in Uganda! And it's FUN!

Click here for updates from the Project Coordinator and here for volunteer activities.

Oh, and turn this video up LOUD! (my camera isn't the greatest but what Natalie says is really, really exciting)!

I'm having a giveaway!

Wow!! There are only 4 days left in this year! Time just flies! 2011 here we come!!

To help celebrate the arrival of the new year I will be giving away a free 2011 Inner peace prenatal calendar to the first 4 participants that show up to my Prenatal Yoga class at Mt.Pleasant on Jan 5 at 630-745pm. (please note that this particular class is drop-in only).

*For info on my regular class schedule and registration please follow the link on the right hand side of this page.

They are available for purchase and are truly lovely. Proceeds from this calendar go to Shanti Uganda Society. This is an organization that assists and supports women, children and communities in Uganda.

To purchase one click here

Namaste.

Do you volunteer?

Do you volunteer? Over the holiday season or throughout the year?

Pretty much everywhere you go this time of year you can see people giving of their most valuable commodity. Time.

Speaking as somebody who has volunteered pretty much my whole life I can tell you that everybody wins. Not only the person/people you are giving the time to, but you too benefit. Hugely. I'm not exaggerating in saying that it might just be one of the most valuable experiences of your life.

If you give of yourself, good on ya!

And if you don't you should do yourself and the folks in your community a favour by giving of yourself. There is only one you. And the world needs us! All of us.

We all have causes we believe in and topics that interest us. And we all have skills and ways of helping unique to us. Everyone can benefit! I almost feel guilty volunteering. Nothing makes you feel better! It adds such a richness to your life. I believe it releases endorphins too. And from a karmic stand point you can't go wrong. We will all need help in this life and thats a fact. So why not help?

I have an array of organizations I love to help but the two biggest are The Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada (website here), including their BrainWAVE Program ( website here), and the one and only Shanti Uganda Society (website here). *Both of which are always looking for volunteers!

If you ever had any questions for me or wanted to be pointed in the right direction feel free to contact me, anytime at yoginilori@gmail.com I'd really love to help you get started. You will not regret it!

Happy holidays and namaste xo

camp moomba yogathon pics ॐ

Sure was a lovely day had by all! Camp Moomba raised $70,000(www.campmoomba.com) and we didn't do too badly at our little booth either. (Shanti Uganda Society www.shantiuganda.org )

It's never too late to donate to these amazing organizations with your time, money or awareness. Spread the word!

Thought I'd post a few pics of that very special day. Glad to have been a part of it ♥