A Fine Balance Yoga Therapy & Wellness

I love Bridge Pose, although this pose is not always easy for everyone based on the condition of their back.

As you come into this pose, be sure to keep the arms by your sides, soften the lower back to the ground, press gently into the feet, and slowly lift using your legs, not your back to lift.

Elongate your neck, and then position your arms where you'd like. Keep gentle pressure into the feet and BE sure to breathe.

When your ready to come out, slowly lower, then bring both knees into your chest.

You start dying slowly ;
if you do not travel,
if you do not read,
If you do not listen to the sounds of life,
If you do not appreciate yourself.
You start dying slowly :
When you kill your self-esteem,
When you do not let others help you.
You start dying slowly ;
If you become a slave of your habits,
Walking everyday on the same paths…
If you do not change your routine,
If you do not wear different colours
Or you do not speak to those you don’t know.
You start dying slowly :
If you avoid to feel passion
And their turbulent emotions;
Those which make your eyes glisten
And your heart beat fast.
You start dying slowly :
If you do not risk what is safe for the uncertain
If you do not go after a dream
If you do not allow yourself
At least once in your lifetime
To run away from sensible advice
Don't let yourself die slowly
Do not forget to be happy!
~ Pablo Neruda

I am a huge advocate of holistic health and ways to stay healthy without having to take medication.

Here are some great ways to keep our mind and body healthy naturally.

Beautiful, glowing skin starts with how we eat. It's not always about what we put on our face, but what we put inside our bodies.

Wake up each morning with a stiff back?
Is your back sore at the end of each day?
Do you suffer from daily back pain?

Take a look at these poses and give them a try. Remember to find what works best for your situation and body

I recently came upon this book. As we question circumstances along our lifetime, this seemed to be an interesting read.

10 powerful lessons from the book Todd Henry's book "Die Empty"
1. Defeat mediocrity: Strive for excellence by pushing yourself beyond your comfort zone and avoiding the trap of settling for "good enough."
2. Live each day to the fullest: Don't waste your days on autopilot. Approach each day with intention and purpose, making the most of every opportunity.
3. Embrace discomfort: Growth often requires stepping outside your comfort zone and facing challenges. Don't be afraid of failure; view it as a learning experience.
4. Identify your strengths and passions: Understand your unique talents and what ignites your enthusiasm. This self-awareness will guide you towards fulfilling work.
5. Align your work with your purpose: Don't just go through the motions in your career. Find work that utilizes your strengths, aligns with your passions, and allows you to make a positive impact.
6. Beware of the 7 Sins of Creative Stagnation: Henry identifies these as Perfectionism, Comparison, Competition, Fear, Distraction, Hurry, and Apathy. Recognize these obstacles and develop strategies to overcome them.
7. Take decisive action: Don't get stuck in analysis paralysis. Once you have a plan, take action and move forward, even if it means taking calculated risks.
8. Focus on delivering great work: Obsess less about external validation and more about creating high-quality work that you can be proud of.
9. Be patient with the process: Success often takes time and consistent effort. Don't get discouraged by setbacks; trust the process and keep moving forward.
10. Embrace a growth mindset: Never stop learning and evolving. Continuously seek out new challenges and opportunities to develop your skills and knowledge.

Are you staying on track with your diet?
Keep in mind it takes a whole body approach to staying healthy

Happy Sunday

Here it, the latest on the Dirty Dozen

Blueberries, strawberries again on the ‘Dirty Dozen’ list Based on government tests of pesticide levels, here is the Environmental Working Group’s 2024 list of the produce with the highest and lowest levels of pesticides.

Tis the season, Allergy Season

As we begin to approach Spring, here are some of the wonderful, Holistic options I recommend to my clients.

Also, if your eyes are red and swollen, I love cold slices of cucumber 🥒 place one slice on each eye, lie back and relax for about 10-15 minutes.

1 tsp of local honey is also good for reducing allergy symptoms.
Helps to reduce swelling

Here is a spectrum of caffeine.
If you are trying to cut back, take a look and see if you want or need to make some adjustments.

I LOVE CHICKPEAS otherwise known as GARBANZO BEANS
They are PACKED with vitamins and nutrients such as protein, fiber, potassium, iron and magnesium as well as high in vitamin B. They add with digestion, are low on the glycemic index and are a favorite for eating a Plant based diet.
I enjoy the hearty, nut taste they offer along with the various ways you can enjoy them.
In a salad
Sauteed with garlic, onion and tomato
The multiple ways to make hummus
and just snacking on them warm or cold.

This recipe is a DELICIOUS way to also enjoy them as a snack with a bit of a kick.

INGREDIENTS:
14 oz can chickpeas
1 tsp coconut oil or olive oil
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp ground turmeric
2 tsp lemon juice or pomegranate molasses

INSTRUCTIONS:
Preheat oven to 400 F (200 C).
Strain, rinse, and dry chickpeas, then toss with oil and salt.
Bake on parchment-lined baking sheet for 20 minutes. Remove chickpeas to bowl and toss with remaining ingredients.
Pour back onto baking sheet and bake for a further 5 to 10 minutes, depending on how crispy you want them.
Easy as that, so now
ENJOY!

Here's to all the beautiful Women I know
Here's to you for being INCREDIBLE

March is National Nutrition Month and as we come towards Spring it's time to take a look at what fruits and vegetables are in Season.

Eating seasonally is the healthy way to keep your digestive track working properly and the body functioning optimally.

So check your local Farmers Market and see what's in season

Weight training/resistance training is key to our overall health, well being and longevity.
Not only does it protect our bones, but helps us to maintain muscle strength, move with ease and give us the ability to be STRONG 💪 in mind and body

So ladies, if you are exercising with weights never stop. For those of you that currently don't , it's time to start because walking, swimming, yoga isn't enough.

I've been lifting weights for 47 years now and I don't plan to ever stop. So join me

Good Morning Ladies,
So let's chat about SUPPLEMENTS/VITAMINS...
I'm curious, do you take any and if so what do you take and why?

Feel free to list or take a photo.

Hi ladies,
If you are not lifting weights/resistance training, what type of activity or exercise routine are you doing regularly?

Ladies,
Thank you for giving me your input on whether or not you are lifting weights/resistance training.

Lets continue the conversation.
Why ARE or AREN'T you? If you are, how did you get started? If you are not, WHY NOT?

Good Morning Ladies,
I'm looking to start a conversation and am VERY curious as to
HOW MANY OF YOU LIFTS WEIGHTS or do some type of RESISTANCE TRAINING.
Look forward to hearing from you

Bone broth is rich in immunity-boosting minerals and healthy protein.
Boil in some ginger, a pinch of cayenne and some garlic for an extra-strength cold & flu fighter.
You can drink a cup of this each day if you feel something coming on, or if you ended up catching a bug to feel better sooner.

Looking for a refreshing way to drink water?
Take a look at these amazing, healthy blends and give them a try

8 Powerful Lessons from "Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life":

1. Find Your Ikigai: The core concept of the book is the pursuit of "ikigai," which translates to "a reason for being" or "life purpose." This purpose lies at the intersection of your passions, skills, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for. The book encourages active exploration to discover this unique intersection.

2. Small Steps, Big Impact: Don't be overwhelmed by the big picture. Focus on small, achievable daily actions that align with your ikigai. Small wins create momentum and reinforce your sense of purpose.

3. Embrace Flow: Find activities that immerse you in a state of "flow," where you lose track of time and are completely absorbed in the present moment. This flow state can be incredibly satisfying and energizing.

4. Connect with Nature: Spending time in nature has proven benefits for physical and mental well-being. Integrate nature walks, gardening, or simply enjoying outdoor spaces into your daily routine.

5. Nourish Your Body and Mind: What you eat and drink impacts your energy levels and overall well-being. Choose a balanced diet rich in whole foods and engage in activities that stimulate your mind and body.

6. Cultivate Gratitude: Practicing gratitude for the good things in your life, big or small, fosters a positive outlook and enhances happiness. Keep a gratitude journal or simply take daily moments to appreciate what you have.

7. Live in the Present: Don't dwell on the past or worry about the future. Focus on making the most of the present moment and savor the simple joys of everyday life.

8. Never Stop Learning: Continuous learning keeps your mind sharp, fosters personal growth, and opens up new possibilities. Embrace new experiences, challenge yourself, and never stop exploring the world around you.

Nature is a beautiful thing when Food becomes Medicine.
How many of these do you use?

Did you know there is an incorrect way to do yoga.
Posture and alignment are so important as you move in and out of poses to help avoid injury.
Be mindful and listen to what your body is telling you.

I know plank is not everyone's favorite pose, but hopefully this depiction helps you see just some of the benefits.

Always an option to go on your knees and hands. Try and hold it as long as your comfortable, maybe even come in and out of it several times to help build strength.
Go ahead, give it a try