reach out with yoga

That seems to be the mission of yoga outreach and they seem to be expressing it tangibly through their work in schools, prisons, health-care and mental care facilities the reaches of our communities that don't have an easy access to yoga. Eoin Finn (my husband) led a special "superflow" yoga class at their annual retreat in Brackendale (just past Squamish) en route to Whistler, last Saturday May 24th. It was a wonderful celebration of flow, joy, community and fun. To learn more about Yoga Outreach check out www.yogaoutreach.com

Wake up and cleanse:

It is still spring time for most of us here in Canada. And we all know the merits of this time of awakening and cleansing our bodies from the heaviness of winter foods and embracing the lightness of this new season. I have been leafing through many books concerned with cleansing and eating according to the seasons.
My prescription for this time of the year however is simple, tried and true.

Try to go to bed early
Wake up with the light.
Upon rising squeeze fresh lemon juice into luke warm water and sip.
A wonderful way to begin your body's morning cleansing process.

If you like tea in the a.m. here is a delicious and easy, cleansing tea recipe with a hint of chai spices.

Warming - Digestive Tea
Crush some fresh ginger, green cardamom pods and fennel seeds, add along with 1 tsp. loose tea leaves (green. herbal or black), add hot water, let steep and enjoy. The ginger, cardamom and fennel are all warming spices and will add a sweetness so you won't even miss the honey. You can also add milk to this if needed and maple syrup or honey. Enjoy.

Natural Health Products Bill: Learn, listen and act

This came to my attention recently and I believe it is important to pass it on.

The Canadian government is currently discussing Bill C-51, a bill that seeks to classify Natural Health Products (NHPs) in Canada as similar to pharmaceutical drugs, enforcing stricter controls and more regulatory scrutiny that cannot be met by most NHPs. There is a nationwide movement underway to speak to this Bill and educate consumers of their health choices and the potential lack of choice if this bill is passed.

Please visit: www.stopc51.com to learn more. You can read the actual bill on this site as well.
Here's a good article on CBC.ca about the implications of this bill.
And if you want to sign a petition against this bill, please go here.

There have been 2 readings in parliament already, in less than 3 weeks under the Harper Government which has been trying to keep these proceedings away from significant media scrutiny. Only 1 more reading is required before it can be voted into law.