While this sedating, soothing treatment takes just mere seconds to prepare, its calming and toning effects are blissfully long lasting. Juniper, which has an extensive history of therapeutic use, has many healing properties that affect the immune and circulatory systems as well as the digestive tract and your largest organ, your skin. In a bath, using juniper helps combat mental fatigue and restores personal calm. It blends well with geranium oil, which is believed to stimulate the adrenal glands and balance your hormones.

• 6 drops juniper essential oil
• 6 drops geranium essential oil

Add the two essential oils to a bath filled with warm, not hot water. Relax in the bliss for 15 to 20 minutes. Enjoy!

Like the old saying goes, “Love makes the world go round.”

As you celebrate the love in your life be sure to take the time to celebrate one of the most important relationships in your life – the one with YOURSELF! Due to old ways we have been programmed to think we associate the phrases self-love and self-care with selfishness (I’ve struggled with those myself many times) but in reality it is exactly the opposite. Until we can love, care and appreciate ourselves fully we can’t truly bring those attributes to a relationship.

“You must love yourself before you love another. By accepting yourself
and fully being what you are,  your simple presence can make others happy.”
~ unknown

Take today and the rest of the week to nurture your body, spirit and soul and notice that goodness radiate out to others around you.

On the healthy side: Get heart healthy and cut out some meat. Did you know that by reducing your animal protein intake, you immediately lower your risk for heart disease and reverse some affects of currently blocked arteries!

Stress reduction is the best medicine for an overworked heart and head! Start planning your vacation now and reap the benefits for the next few months. Do you hear those waves lapping up on the shore…feel that sand moving between your toes…how about the sun shining its love down on you?Whether its a full blown retreat or just a quick getaway squeezed into a busy schedule – taking a break is so very needed and well deserved – you work hard so don’t forget to recharge and reward yourself.

So enjoy the day for yourself and while you’re at it pick up your favourite flowers and chocolates, go home, light a candle and wrap yourself in a great big hug or hop online and start doing your travel research!

You deserve it!

“Only from the heart can you touch the sky” ~ Rumi

Taking the time to go a little deeper with my yoga & meditation studies as of late – delved into more learning on Chakras and how they can truly identify things during times of stress and challenges. Both of these things come with being a business owner, a parent and most importantly a human being! I share with you a bit of my learning curve and hope that it can give you some clarity the way it has for me!

Using our breathe – we can explore our seven power centers and see how they reflect what is going on in our bodies and our lives. These points of reference our called our Chakras and are also represented by colours similar to those found in rainbows.

Chakras are the psychic energy centers of your body. Yoga practitioners often refer to the chakras as ‘Lotus flowers’ and this is a very good way to visualize your chakras, particularly when opening them up or closing them down. Opening a chakra can be likened to a flower opening up its petals. When closing down the chakras, it’s useful to visualize the chakra as a flower closing its petals so they become tightly shut.

Each of the Seven Major Chakras is associated with a different colour, each one relates to several different parts of the human anatomy. Blockages within a chakra energy flow may lead to an imbalance and to a mental, spiritual or physical disorder in that part corresponding part of the body. Physical, mental or emotional injuries may cause cracks, breaks, shrinkage or deformities in the chakras. Chakra balancing is used to restore balance and harmonize the energy in the chakras. In the art of Crystal Healing, suitable crystals are placed over chakra points. Each chakra is linked to one or more crystals, and most chakras have an element associated with them.

Some brief descriptions of the 7 Chakras:

First Chakra: AKA the Root/Base Chakra. Located at the base of your spine and associated with our sense of security in the world, survival, self-esteem, shelter and food, the material things in life and making money. This is where our emotional and physical stability and balance co-exist. (Body Parts – Spine, Nervous System) COLOUR – RED. Its element is EARTH. Conditions said to be associated with blockages within this chakra are irritable bowels, hemorrhoids, constipation, sciatica, joint stiffness. Crystals associated with Base or Root chakras are ruby, red garnet, smokey quartz and black obsidian.

Second Chakra: AKA the Sexual/Spleen Chakra. Located in the curve of the sacrum and associate with sexuality, sensuality, procreation, passion, emotion and creativity. This is where the energy of our ancestors exists. (Body Parts – Spleen, Digestive organs, Sexual organs) COLOUR – ORANGE. Its element is WATER. Conditions said to be associated with blockages in this chakra are hormonal imbalance, impotence, infertility and fungal infections. Crystals associated with the Navel or Sacral chakras are calcite tiger’s eye and carnelian orange.

Third Chakra: Located in the upper stomach area just below the rib cage, behind your navel and associated with our sense of personal power, the EGO. This is where our energy comes from when we compete, protect, control, transform and make choices. Hence the term – Gut Instinct! (Body Parts – Stomach) COLOUR – YELLOW. Its element is FIRE. Conditions said to be associated with blockages in this chakra are eating disorders, diabetes, stomach disorders, ulcers, indigestion and gastritis. Crystals associated with the Solar Plexus chakra are citrine topaz and golden calcite.

Fourth Chakra: Located in the area of your heart and associated with unconditional love, compassion, joy and unity with all living things. (Body Parts – Lungs, Heart) COLOUR – GREEN. Its element is AIR. Conditions said to be associated with blockages in this chakra are heart and blood pressure problems and allergies. The Heart Chakra is used psychically when undertaking healing, psychometrics or spiritual work that involves compassion. Crystals associated with Heart chakra are rose quartz, kunzite, watermelon, tourmaline, jade, emerald and adventurine.

Fifth Chakra: Located in your throat, this is the Bridge Chakra which allows us to receive nurturance and permits us to express our deepest truths. It is associated with creative energy, communication and self-expression. (Body Parts – Immune System, Hormones) COLOUR BLUE. Its element is a new one called ALCASA (gateway to liberation). Symbol for ALCASA is a triangle inside a circle. Conditions said to be associated with blockages in this chakra are sore throats, laryngitis, tonsillitis and tinnitus. The Throat chakra is used psychically for channeling, inspirational speaking and clairaudience (as ears and throat are connected). Crystals associated with the Throat chakra are aquamarine, sodolite and turquoise.

Sixth Chakra: Located just above and between your eyebrows it is also known as the THIRD EYE and is associated with our intuition, deep wisdom and spirituality. (Body Parts – Pituitary Gland, Mental and Spiritual Processes) COLOUR INDIGO. It has no associated symbol because this chakra transcends all that is physical. It’s linked to the nervous system, the left eye, ear, nose, pituitary gland and lower brain. It can be referred to as our ‘knowing sense’ because it helps us visualize higher concepts. Conditions said to be associated with blockages in this chakra are nightmares, snoring, migraines, dental problems and disturbed sleep. The THIRD EYE chakra is the psychic center responsible for clairvoyance, psychic sight, precognition, dreams and imagination. Crystals associated with the THIRD EYE chakra are lapis lazuli, blue sapphire, blue fluorite.

Seventh Chakra: The final Chakra is also known as the CROWN CHAKRA and is located just above the top of your head. It is thought to be our gateway/connection/access to the Spirit world. It is here that we feel and know that we are ONE with all that is, was and will be. (Body Parts – Top of Head) COLOUR VIOLET. This chakra allows cosmic energy to flow in and through our bodies. It has no element because it’s not earthly. This chakra has a higher vibration which connects us with Spirit and Higher Spiritual aspects. It affects the upper brain and pineal gland. Conditions associated with blockages in this chakra are insomnia, headache, stress, anxiety and fear. Crystals associated with the Crown chakra are amethyst, clear quartz and oregon opal.

Namaste

As we headed into 2012, I stopped to take the time to ask a few from the AYA Life Health and Wellness Collective their Top 3 Tips for 2012.

Top 3’s for 2012 from Amie Hoff, Hoff Fitness and FitKit.com

We caught up with Amie Hoff in New York this past December and here are Amie’s Top 3 suggestions heading into 2012:

http://youtu.be/ugqCLyCCeVg

You can find her at http://www.hofffitness.com/ or http://www.fitkit.com

Try out the many versions of the new FitKit’s! I don’t travel without mine anymore!

Top 3’s for 2012 from Erica Mather, Forrest Yoga Instructor New York City

Here are my Top 3’s suggestions heading into 2012:

1. Eat more dark, leafy greens – Drink more water – Sleep longer
2. Be swift to love – Live every day as if it were your last – Work to heal your wounds
3. Find work you love that is also profitable – Learn how to be an entrepreneur – Prioritize paying off your debt

Erica, E-RYT 200, has been teaching yoga in New York City since 2006. She teaches at the Wanderlust Festival in Kripalu, and will appear during 2012 at the Bali Spirit Festival. Erica studies yoga with Ana Forrest, is a Certified Forrest Yoga Instructor and Forrest Yoga Mentor Teacher. You can find her at http://www.ericamather.com

Top 3’s for 2012 from Michelle Currie, Meditative Arts

http://meditativearts.ca/

Here are my Top 3 suggestions heading into 2012:

1. Carve out 10 minutes of your schedule each day to be with your breath. This gives your body and mind a chance to refuel and take everything in.
2. Fill your days with people and things that give you energy. There’s nothing worse than starting the new year off on a sluggish foot.
3. Remember that you are powerful and creative enough to get through the blahs, especially from January to March when there’s little daylight.

It’s time to put your sanity on a pedestal! It’s being centred and relaxed that will actually help you get more done and help more people. A burnt out and frazzled you only limits your potential. Refuel AND stay sane without spending tons of $ or time ! Try out Michelle’s Bliss Kit  http://meditativearts.ca/shop/blisskit/

Ecological Footprint: The amount of natural resources required to sustain a plant or animal to full growth

Eco-conscious: Having the awareness and being concerned for the environment

Fair Trade: Those people who make the textiles and the clothing – being paid a fair price and having decent working conditions

Organic: In relation to fabric, Fibres that are grown and produced without chemically formulted fertilizers, pesticides, insecticides, herbicides, growth stimulants, etc.

Reclaimed:Those textiles or garments that have been discarded or given away and are suitable for re-use

Recycled: Those textiles that have been manufactured from previously made items/products such as bottles and cans

Renewable: Those resources that can be replenished within just a few years – not decades

Vegan: Those products that are made without the use of animal bi-products

Peppermint & Rosemary Facial Steam

This herbal steam will open your pores, extract impurities and clear your sinuses. It’s also very helpful for alleviating headaches.

• 4 drops peppermint essential oil
• 4 drops rosemary essential oil
• 1 gallon/3.8 litres boiling water

Pour boiling water into a large bowl and let cool slightly before adding the essential oil. Being careful not to burn yourself with the steam, but face over bowl and cover your head with a towel, allowing vapors and steam to accumulate for 10 minutes.

Enjoy!

It’s not for money,
It’s not for fame,
It’s not for any personal gain,
It’s just for love of fellow man.
It’s just to lend a helping hand.
It’s just to give a tithe of self.
It’s something you can’t buy with wealth.
It’s not for medals won with pride.
It’s for that feeling deep inside.
It’s that reward down in your heart.
It’s that feeling that you’ve been a part of helping others far and near that makes you be a volunteer.

- (Anonymous)

Ancient stones and Sacred sites

Many ancient sacred sites are on the island of Great Britain and are connected it is said by invisible “ley lines” that carry a mystical energy around the world.  And while their mysterious origins and exact ritual purposes are lost in those mists of time there is no doubt that these sites with their careful construction and astonishing astronomical positioning have been focal points of the sacred to the societies who built them. To be able to witness firsthand, to run your hands over and touch the ancient mystical symbols carved into solid rock gives you a brief powerful ways of the magic crossing the centuries from eons gone past.

Stone circles, crop circles, an ancient burial chambers are part of the spiritual heritage of many countries where strong cultural groups tell the legends and stories of their history.  Let us take the small journey to sacred sites around the world.

There are sacred sites all over the world, each with their own unique structures and legends, where invisible world connects with the mystical.  What stopping you from taking a trip to those you feel most attracted to and connect their magical energy to yours? Here are some examples from around the world but there are so many that this article would be an entire book! (Note to self – new travel book idea!) I invite you to do your own research to determine if you have a connection or need to visit a certain one or a selection of a few. I encourage you to discuss with your yoga/meditation instructors and to check various travel sites to determine the best time to visit based on festivals etc.

Europe Highlights

Stonehenge (England) the most famous stone circle in the world.(see above photo)

Glastonbury (England) this town is no end for its magical energy, and it is overseen by an ancient tor, St.  Michael’s Tower.

Avesbury (England) the second most famous stone circle in the world.

Silbury Hill (England) this 4000 year old giant ceremonial mound rises out of the plains of the English countryside.

Les Eyzies (France) these cave paintings and ancient artifacts date from the time humankind began to express its mystical connection to the world.

Lascaux (France) these splendid cave paintings are possibly the most significant prehistoric expression of the spiritual known to exist.

Newgrange (Ireland) this megalith is an ancient Celtic structure.

Hypogeum (Malta) a 5,000 year old site used by many different cultures for Goddess Worship

The Neolithic Temples of Malta (Malta) Holy sites that are dedicated to the Goddess

The Palace at Knossos (Crete) a spectacular Minoan palace complex honoring Goddess culture

The Temple of Delphi (Greece) Home to the supreme oracle in ancient Mediterranean world and also believed to have been the seat of the Earth Goddess Gaia

Middle East Highlights

Oracle Shrine of Didyma (Turkey) this pre-Greek goddess sanctuary was finished in the 6^th century B.C.

Aphrodisias(Turkey) an ancient goddess city that predates Greek culture

Yazilikaya(Turkey) a prehistoric ceremonial sanctuary dates back to 15^th to 13^th century B.C.

Asia Highlights

Mt. Fuji (Japan) this highest peak in Japan is also said to be the home of a Shinto goddess

Temples of Bali (Bali) Everywhere is sacred as is the splendor of the Balinese temples

Angkor Wat (Cambodia) this is one magnificient 1,000 year old Buddhist city is set deep in the forest

Banaras (India) Goddesses and gods abound here and devout saddus wander the streets in India’s holiest of holy city

Mt. Kaliash (Tibet) acknowledged as “The Center of the Earth” in many traditions, this is home to the Hindu god Shiva and the seat of the sky goddess Sipaimen in Tibet’s pre-Buddhist Bon religion

Australia Highlights

Uluru (Ayers Rock) the colossal outcropping rising out of the earth in the outback of Central Australia that is sacred to the Aboriginal people

Megalithic Stone Alignment (Central Australia) these “stones” are dated between 10-15,000 years old

Lake Narran (Australia) according to an Aboriginal myth, the creation story of the world was imparted to its inhabitants here 10,000 years ago

Africa Highlights

The Great Pyramids and the Sphinx/Giza ( Egypt) the Great Pyramid of Giza was one of the ancient wonders of the world, and even most travelers today would not consider a trip to Egypt complete without seeing the pyramids and the mysterious Sphinx

Luxor ( Upper Egypt) the Temple of Karnak, which was used in ancient times for major religious ceremonies. The temple is known for its massive towers, some of them 70 feet tall.

Binu Shrines of Mali (Mali) these are the sacred mud shrines of the ancient Dogon people, who revere the spirits of their dead ancestors

Tshipise (South Africa) Mapungubwe Ruins, recently declared a World Heritage site as one of 24 new global sites inscribed on Unesco’s World Heritage List. Mapungubwe developed into the largest African kingdom before it was abandoned in the 14th century as the people moved, according to some scientist’s, to establish Great Zimbabwe

Matobo Hills (South Africa) Known as “Amalindidzimu” – the dwelling place of the spirits, it was known by the ancients as the ‘burial place of kings’

The Great Zimbabwe Ruins (South Africa) The Great Zimbabwe Ruins known as the place of the ‘Sun People’ is a mysterious and sacred ancient city. Your journey will take you along the sacred pathway, travelling northward above the great subterranean river known to the ancient African Priests as – ‘Lulungwa Mangakatsi. Of special note is that the Great Zimbabwe Ruins are situated on the sacred Nilotic Meridian (associated with Zep Tepi – the beginning of time on earth) and due north of the birthplace of the White Lions of the Timbavati – the star beasts

The Americas Highlights

Machu Picchu (Peru) a stunning Incan city is set on a remote mountaintop, its mystical significance shrouded in mystery

Chichen Itza (Mexico) this is a sacred center of the Mayan world that has been wonderfully restored

Palenque (Mexico) a magnificent Mayan city in the highland jungle is full of ceremonial sites and ancient temples

Chaco Canyon (New Mexico, USA) the greatest architectural achievement of the northern Native Americans is the site of a great Kiva, which was the circular sacred den of the ancient Anasazi people

Mt. Kilauea (Hawaii, USA) this sacred volcano is said to be where the mountain goddess Pele dwells

The Background: Tanya, who is a trial lawyer, opened Walker Law one year ago, located at 401 Bay Street, in the Simpsons Tower.  Walker Law employs the fabulous Kai Yorke-Edwards, who is also an alumni of York University and the skilled Sara Deol, a lawyer from Osgoode Hall.

Walker Law specializes in Commercial Litigation, specifically Franchise and Property disputes. Tanya has appeared before the Landlord and Tenant Board, the Superior Court of Justice, Commercial Court, the Court of Appeal, Divisional Court, Federal Court and has represented claimants before the Human Rights Tribunal.

The talented Ms. Walker currently volunteers on the Ontario Bar Association committee on Franchising and has written an article on Franchising that will be soon to be published.  She has also been sharing her time as the head of the Auction Committee for the Second Chance Gala Committee, and being a member of the Canadian Association of Black Lawyers and BBPA. Tanya is a vibrant philanthropist and has regularly spoken to various groups and organizations on issues affecting minorities such as the Jamaican Canadian Association, Dollars and Cents Wake up Series, Women’s Enterprise, the BBPA and the black female lawyers retreat, Sistahs-in-Law.

In the time that I have known this inspiring woman, she has achieved even more accomplishments and prestigious job roles.

In 2010, the Honourable Jean Augustine, who was the first black female member of Parliament, nominated Tanya Walker to be recognized on the official Black History Month poster titled “The Next Generation”. This poster was displayed in all schools, libraries and fire stations across Canada, showing the entire country an amazing role model.

In August 2010, her contributions to her community were again recognized and rewarded, allowing Tanya to become the Women’s Enterprise Woman of the Year ahead of 19 other worthy candidates.

In September 2010, she was appointed by the Lieutenant Governor to become a member of the Assessment Review Board and in this judicial role, she is responsible to render decisions regarding tax disputes between Property Owners & the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation.

The Foreground: When this multi-talented woman has some spare time, she enjoys travelling (Tanya has visited over 30 countries), various forms of fitness and spending time with her family & friends.She recently shared my 40th birthday celebration with many of our common friends, enjoying the amazing menu selections at Bloom Restaurant in Toronto.

To find out more information about Tanya Walker – my first entry in Women Doing Their Thing – please visit http://www.tcwalkerlawyers.com  or call 647-342-2334.

Here is what Lisa and Jason, owners of Live in Motion ( www.liveinmotion.ca ) had to tell me in my learning curve about bootcamps at destination

“boot camp”

 “Boot camps are a wonderful way to participate in group activity as a single person, with friends or even family members. Creating just the right atmosphere for any type of client!! This is also a great way for someone to meet new people with the same interests from other parts of the world.  Boot camps offer a variety of training techniques including building the aerobic and anaerobic system! This is done through some very short sprints, stair climbing, speed and agility exercises as well sometimes through trails in the local forest or along the beach front! For some it’s about building up their cardiovascular system to enhance a sport or even work on building up strength so the participant doesn’t feel out of breath walking up a flight of stairs or even carrying their groceries from the car! WHAT a great way to spend time doing something you enjoy while receiving the benefits of exercise!

Sessions also offer muscle endurance, strength and flexibility.  Some participants report strength gains in their abdominal muscles, legs, back and even report a newly found tight BUTT!!! Let’s not forget weight loss!! Many boot campers brag how much weight they have lost and how their energy levels have improved. Participating in a week long camp will allow the individual to improve or continue their ability to train in a safe monitored environment while enjoying the beautiful scenery of Mexico! 

Boot camp sessions can take place in or out doors depending on the environment! Participants love the outdoors because they get to enjoy the fresh air, the beautiful city and the scenery at the beach. Over all it changes the atmosphere of a work out that is constantly done inside all winter or in stuffy gyms!!

Traveling, learning new things, taking part in group exercise and yoga, eating right and coming home with a newly rejuvenated body is the perfect gift you can give yourself.   “

So this year don’t let the winter season take away the blast of results you can get from a bootcamp! Try taking part in one at a destination and soak in the sun and all the healthy goodness!