Holy Nights
In the Christian traditions the period of time between Dec 24th and January 6th is known as the Holy Nights or the 12 Days of Christmas and is honored as a sacred time. For myself I feel that my own Holy Nights begin on the Winter Solstice and run right through to the Feast of Epiphany on January 6th....
Solstice Musings On Ritual And The Meaning of 108
Every year for the last seven years I have celebrated the Winter Solstice by doing 108 rounds of Surya Namaskar with my local community here in Tofino. In eastern philosophy the number 108 is considered a number that represents a complete cycle and is the ultimate end of an event or phenomenon and so for this reason it is common to do 108 rounds of prayers on auspicious occasions....
Winter Wisdom Restorative Practice
Here is a very simple restorative practice from the handouts for my Seasonal Wisdom Workshop that is coming up this Sunday the 18th. This practice would be an ideal way to start a gentle winter day off or for ending a busy day when you get home from work....
Meditations on Subtlety & Spaciousness
This time of the year is characterized by the qualities of subtlety, lightness, dryness, and mobility and this morning I could feel each of these qualities so clearly. The dry frosty ground beneath my feet, the cold wind on my skin, the lightness of the tree branches looking so fragile without their leaves, and the subtlety of light and morning mist that lends mystery to this season. It is beautiful for sure and lends itself to the more subtle practices such as reflection, inquiry and deep meditation. You may find that you are more naturally drawn to these practices or that those of you who have established meditation practices can go deeper more readily....
Community Fun and December News
The weather has been gorgeous here in Tofino as we switch into December and already the festive season has begun...
Ayurvedic Tips on Cleansing
November is 30-Day Challenge month in Tofino and many of the…
October Reflections & Halloween Recipes
Happy Hallow's Eve! Halloween has always thrilled me and though…
Ayurvedic Tools for Maintaining Balance Through Autumn
We are halfway through Autumn and the days are getting cooler while the leaves are starting to fall from the trees. You many be noticing that things are changing within your own inner environment as well as the energetic nature of this season is so different from that of summer. According to the ancient Indian science of Ayurveda the autumn season is characterized by Vata dosha, which means, “that which moves things”.
Autumn Harvest
It is a precious and sacred time of year and hope that each of you are able to find some space and time to enjoy it amidst the busyness of the back to school routine or any other seasonal shifts that occur in your communities. I wish you all the best as you make your own transitions from the fullness of spring and summer into the stillness and sweetness of autumn and winter.
The Joys of Home Practice
Fact: Life has less ease and connection when I don't make time to practice.