With all of the demands on our time these days, being healthy is a conscious choice. Choices like what we eat, how much sleep we get, and how we move our bodies. As the year winds down, we find ourselves evaluating our choices and looking ahead to a fresh start in January. What choices are we making? Where do we put ourselves on our to-do list? How much time do we allow for ourselves? In a world which seems to move faster every day, yoga is a practice which helps us to slow down time and find presence as we build healthier bodies and minds. Creating this space for ourselves is even more important as our routines stretch to fit in holiday events. Make the commitment to yourself now, and not only will you feel less stressed over the holidays, but you’ll also get a head start on your goals for next year.

Susan Turner, www.YogaConnections.ca

There has been a lot of hype around “mindfulness” these days. It has seemed to taken the world by storm, and it’s showing up in all kinds of forms; yoga, Ayurveda, meditation, chanting, gong baths, singing bowls, drumming, essential oils, and the list goes on. One might ask what does it do? To tell you the truth the benefits are numerous, and we’d have to write a book to capture it all. For the sake of space let us capture a few: relaxation, self exploration, being present, increased energy, releases of “unbalanced” energies, relieving illness such as anxiety, depression, post traumatic stress, and insomnia.   I’d have to say for me, the biggest benefit in my life has been that all of these practices of “mindfulness” bring me to a place of inner and outer peace. The only way you are going to know for sure if any of these benefits apply to your life is by experiencing it!

Carole Tetreault, www.shineyourlight.ca

Fall’s a season of relaxation and change, the leaves turn red and the rhythm of nature slows down. It’s a time of preparation for winter. As humans, the rhythm of our bodies coincides with the one of nature, following its grooves throughout the year. Like a bear in its den, we must prepare ourselves for upcoming changes. A proven way to emerge your body into its natural flow is nourishing it according to seasons. Applying techniques such as yoga and meditation eases the mind and soul during this transition. An easy way to begin this life giving process is to take part in a retreat hosted by your local holistic practitioner. The practitioner will teach you methods to nurture your mind, body, and soul so that you are attuned to and flowing alongside nature. Fall’s a sloped season of transition for all living beings. Allow your soul to be nourished at a retreat near you.

Celine Sartoris, www.shineyourlight.ca

“The best things in life, aren’t things.” With Christmas approaching and thoughts of what gifts to buy it’s an opportunity to be mindful about what sort of ‘things’ we really value these days. Most of us have enough stuff but are lacking in time and energy. That makes gifts of time a wonderful, caring gift that we can be happy to give. Time away from the daily demands of work and family, time for experiences that promote self-care, health, and wellness. Whether it’s a weekly class or a one-time workshop, time for yoga is time for self and time for caring for our body and our mind. How do you give this? It’s easy! Most studios sell gift cards that can then be used towards services and/ or products. Available in any denomination, your gift becomes just the right ‘thing’ because the receiver gets to choose how they use it!

Susan Turner, www.YogaConnections.ca

A tabloid reads, “Grapefruit diet’s key to losing 20 lbs. quick!” Sure, eat only grapefruit and your body weight will likely drop. The decrease you see on your scale compromises lean muscle, smooth muscle, water, bone, and body fat. The muscle you lose is one of the best tools you have for burning body fat. When you get sick of the grapefruit and return to normal eating, your body weight will likely rebound higher because your energy requirements have lowered by decreased muscle mass. Crash diets don’t work. Beware of “lose weight quick” scams. The best way to decrease your body fat is with a combination of exercise and a balanced diet. Incorporate lean protein in your diet to maintain your muscle mass while decreasing body fat. Body composition is comprised of 75% from what you eat and 25% from your exercise regimen. You cannot out exercise a bad diet.

Todd Dennis, www.northstrongfitness.com

Thai Foot Massage/Reflexology

Thai Foot Massage/Reflexology is a treatment for lower legs and feet that originated in Thailand about 2000 years ago. This therapy utilizes stretching, massage, thumb-walking, and the use of a wooden stick to stimulate reflex points. Thai foot massage restores balance to the body/mind through reflexes of the feet and lower legs that are linked to the body’s 72,000 energy meridians (sen). Reported benefits include: improved circulation in legs, lymphatic drainage, removal of toxins, elevated functioning of the immune system, and reduced stiffness. Additional outcomes are: improved flexibility, relief from stress, and improved sleep. Thai foot massage doesn’t cure illnesses, but it promotes good health. Thai Foot Massage is intended to stimulate reflex points of the feet, the internal organs, and encourage free flow of energy throughout the body. If you would like to balance and harmonize the flow of energy throughout your body and stimulate the internal organs, then Thai Foot Massage/Reflexology is for you!

Rositha Jeanson, www.rositha.ca