Good Tidings to You...

 Happy Holidays!

Roots to Breath, Dona Anderson

Each year the holiday season is a special time that provides us with opportunities for creating memories, wonder, connections, reflection, and if you let it, stillness.

Growing up on the Canadian prairies, the winter holidays always offered opportunities to  go for a long walk in the crisp new snow, bundle up with many layers of soft warm clothes, mittens, and scarves, listen to the squeaky sounds of winter, and to be able to see your breath so you knew it was right there with you.

I remember walking on a milder evening with a friend while beautiful snowflakes fell and talking for hours about nothing I remember but feeling it was the best.  I remember being able to walk over to relatives to drop off presents instead of mailing them and getting to see them thankfully placed under their tree, and then having a cup of warm cocoa and some homemade cookies. 

I got to go along to the store to buy the big turkey, and help pick out the most beautiful Christmas tree to decorate.  It was always the best when I got to place the angel on top of the tree, and then to feel the pause in the air when the tree lights were first turned on.  And, there was nothing better than helping fill tins with freshly baked cookies and getting to eat the ones that were not quite perfect.  

I remember anxiously waiting for family to return home for the holidays, and sitting at the long decorated dinner table for hours with our best dishes and silverware, over second and third helpings, and then the finale, Mom’s Christmas Pudding for dessert!

One of my wishes for many years has been to sit at my Mom’s Christmas table again but now as an adult with all the same people.  I would like to listen again to what my parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, other relatives, and dearest family friends talked about, to see how they all laughed and connected, and most of all, to learn more about who they were. 

As a child and teenager, we often get little glimpses inside the people around us without getting the opportunity to really know them and their stories.  We think there will be lots of time later, but unfortunately life and time always changes our world and those in it.   

Our daily lives and how we communicate is different from back then to now, but in so many ways the same.  Even with all the changes and differences, I think the really important things, the hopes and the desserts of our life are the same, to love and to be loved, to laugh and smile, to be happy and healthy, and know that someone is there to notice, to see us, and be part of our lives.

So, my wish list always has on it for me to continue to make simple memories and joy with others through our laughter and smiles, through a walk together, through our exchange of stories, through our enjoyment of each bite of the food we eat together, or through our just sitting and talking for awhile about maybe nothing important but it will feel the best.   Each time I do this it gives me an opportunity to connect and be part of the simple moments in their day, and to let them connect to mine.  These are my most special gifts to me...

And while the earth in this part of the world is preparing to rest now for the winter and we say good bye to 2011 and welcome 2012, I will take some time to pause for awhile and celebrate with gratitude all that is in my present life, celebrate my hopes for the future, and I’ll replace some of those thoughts that go through my head with lots of wonderful memories to enjoy and celebrate again!  

Good tidings to you wherever you go, good tidings at Christmas, and a Happy New Year!

... Can someone pass the pudding and the sauce please!

Spreading gifts of wellness...

One Rose Wellness Cards

How they Began

Roots to Breath, Dona Anderson


A few years ago after Simply, One Breath At a Time was printed and I was doing some group library readings, I wanted to end that special time with all of us participating in something together. So I started pulling little messages from Simply, and putting them on paper so each person could pick one, share it with the group if they wanted, and then take it home with them.

This started what later became my set of One Rose Wellness Cards. 

I have the regular set of 105 cards all looking wonderful in various colored organza bags, and then I repeated the same messages in a set for sharing with people at shows.  I put the messages on a few different colors of paper so they can either just pick one or pick from the colors.  I ask those passing by if they’d like a wellness card, some say no, but most say yes, and it is usually the start of a smile coming to their face as well.

Some pick a card, say Thank You, and read it as they continue on their way but most people stop and read it, smile, say Thank You, and so many say this is just what they needed or it is so true for them. When groups are picking they all read each others message and have fun together.  Many people like to stay to chat for a few minutes, some have shared their stories of sadness, and some talk about wellness changes they’ve been making in life. 

I really enjoyed it this summer when one little boy came behind the table and asked for a card, and needed one for his Dad as well.  Recently two young teenage girls told me about how stressed their mothers are when they came home from work each day, and some tell me their card from the last time I saw them is still on the fridge and being read every day.   

This year I have given out over 2100 of the individual wellness cards, and I hope these little messages will reappear from the bags, pockets, and purses to be read again another day... 

TED Talks link

I had to share this here as it is so wonderful.  Enjoy


http://www.ted.com/talks/louie_schwartzberg_nature_beauty_gratitude.html

What’s on Your Christmas List!

This is a busy time of year with Christmas shoppers checking out who is on their list, wondering what to buy, and how much to spend. Then comes questions about what you might like.  Lots of times the answer is nothing much or you may have big house items that are needed, or sometimes a vacation will be your gift this year.

We have been kind of downsizing for quite a few years now so usually Christmas presents are not a big part of our celebrations anymore.  Getting rid of the really old or not suitable things has been great, like getting rid of the hutch on my buffet and dresser opened up two beautiful walls, one for a mirror and the other for a picture. Getting rid of an old sofa bed let me put a love seat from another room in its place making two rooms look much better. Getting rid of 1980’s sweaters freed up lots of space in my drawers, and cleaning out a basement room gave me my very own yoga room!

Opening up some space is wonderful and it also gives you a chance to breathe, and have the opportunity to fill it with better things, like maybe things for new activities.

When I started Yoga, then Reflexology and Reiki, I needed lots of things to get set up and then adding on the fun extras took me to lots of bookstores, gift shops, rock shops, CD stores etc.

When we started drumming, we visited music stores and even a drum maker.  I hadn’t been in a music store for 25 years, and had never visited someone who actually handmade drums, so the first drum soon had a few friends.   I also went again and bought a guitar to learn.  An open space now displays beautiful instruments that will bring joy and lots of learning for years to come.

New activities create a real opportunity not only to enjoy and learn the activity but to go to different places, see what other people do and offer, be curious, be excited, meet lots of like minded people, and it gives us something new to talk about. 

If you have nothing much on your list, maybe this year you can find a new activity that is interesting to you and then set it up.  This year maybe you can give gifts to yourself to renew or start a new activity that may be about learning, exercising, meeting more people, improving your health, supporting your community, or the gift of simply time to pamper and take care of yourself.

Maybe simple things like new shoes for walking, paints for painting, yoga pants, a song book, a how to book, a relaxation CD, registering for a course, a journal for writing, a new computer program can be on your list, or give a friend an invitation to lunch out or make a movie date for you both to enjoy!

When talking about my book I often use the phrase, Gifts that keep on giving... finding gifts that keep on giving gives us more opportunities to feel, think, and be better, and to then pass on these positive energies to others.  When we really support ourselves and put ourselves on the list things change as one thing leads to another.

And, maybe that one gift will be the one to bring you gifts for a lifetime!

A Touch of Saltspring, Christmas Show 2011

I will be there!  Dec 2-4, 2011.

They are advertising 230 crafters and artisans all for your shopping enjoyment.

Show is in North Saanich, more details at http://www.atouchofsaltspring.com/

I am really looking forward to being at this great show again, and what's new from me this year is my relaxation CD, Permission to Rest. It has two guided relaxations to help you rest and restore.

                 ...Gifts that keep on giving!

Awareness!

A few months ago I was asked what I blog posted about, was it things from my book, and I answered no.  This was a great question and at the time I guess it really seemed odd to the person and to me that I would answer no.  I had to think about an answer then replied, I think it has been more about increasing awareness. 

So later I looked for a theme and presence/awareness was what seemed to be more often repeated.  I never used to have much awareness, I just went about my life with the busyness of home, family, and work.  I guess I have to again attribute my change to yoga.  That’s when I started noticing more things, paying more attention, noticing the space in between and leaving room for the space.  To me, Yoga is not just about what you do on the mat, it’s also a place to learn more about yourself, it’s a place to accept, nurture, improve upon, and it’s about what you then take out into the world. 

I found that instead of just wanting to do something, I started doing something, then finding more things that I could do, and one thing led to another.  I was encouraged on a deeper level to grow, move forward, sit in the front, talk to people, be comfortable with who I am,  to succeed on my terms with my limitations, and to enjoy even more how I dance and sing even when someone is watching. 

Lots of times I still get confused with myself because I don’t know how to process what I’m doing, getting into, or where it’s leading me.  Then awhile ago, I was reading a yoga teachers blog post about how the many middle and beyond aged ladies she was meeting despite their varying stories and challenges were now experiencing funnel shaped lives.  They were expanding their interests, passions, wisdom, fun, and using their talents for inspiring others wherever they could. 

This was interesting and maybe reflects some of what I’m doing as well.  l used to think we were supposed to be our best when we were younger, but I like this approach  better as I think I was just in training then to prepare me to now seek out and enjoy the other things that can come into and fill the rest of my life.  

I’ve been telling myself lately that I am happily broadening and expanding myself and it has nothing to do with the size of my waist or hips!

Rest as if ...

I just opened up my book and my eyes rested on these words that I thought I'd share.

"Rest as if there is nothing left to do in your world ... soften as if there is nowhere to go ... surrender as if there is nowhere else to be but here, resting in this quiet moment ... "


Hope you have a great day!

Quote taken from Simply, One Breath At a Time, relaxation titled Favorite Flower

Travelling Books on Journey of Wellness

Travelling Books

 Spreading Wellness Around the World

Roots to Breath, Dona Anderson
 
One Year Later - last year on Sep 28, I gave out the first of the 100 Travelling books.

Over the next few months, I packaged up ones to send away, and had fun handing out lots to people I know, friends, teachers, some went to wellness centres, and others to events I attended.  

I also gave some to people who already had a book that I wanted to be part of this event, and would then pass it on to someone they knew right away.  
 (See earlier post for more info)

I really enjoyed the response I got when giving them away.  It was so wonderful to see the smiles, the wonder in their eyes, and the looks on their faces.  And, what was really fascinating was when I told them the story about these books being on a wellness journey to move from person to person, most everyone knew immediately who they were going to pass it on to next.

I don’t know where they all went, but some holders that live locally have told me they still have theirs and do plan to pass it on when they finish, but they are still on their favorite page, or it is still on their night table.

Hello to everyone who is part of this unique growing wellness group, enjoy the book, and pass it on when you’re ready.  It started with 100 books and 100 people, I wonder what the people count is now.

If you have or had a book, I’d love to hear the story of how you got it and where it’s been so far!

My wish is for the books to be spreading wellness and travelling the world...

How cool would that be!

check out the Resources page for more info

and my second book Moving Forward from the Heart.

Click here to get started!

I have to admit it, last year when I started looking at making a blog, I didn’t really know much about blogs, but I thought it would be easier to do than a website.  I went to different sites for making your own and I remember it saying click here to get started. After a while to my surprise, I did, one click, then another, and another, and soon something started to appear.

I do not understand computer language, but I did it, and I was so proud of myself.  Then the next part was what do I say, and somewhere it said to just write something and things will come. 

Looking back at my first posts, I remember feeling quite scared of this connection out into the huge world.  Who would visit me? Why would they visit me?  A year later I’m not scared anymore and I’ve just kept writing to see what comes.

Anyway, much thanks to all of you for your visits of support!! 

For me, I’ll never know what I can find next if I don’t get started...

Dr Wayne Dyer wrote:

"You cannot always control what goes on outside, but you can always control what goes on inside"

I'm glad I get great words of wisdom sent to me on Facebook.  I received this one a while ago and saved it as I knew it would of course come in handy.

During the last week, I had my rain jacket stolen from a store I was visiting when I laid it down for a few minutes, and only for the second time in my life, walked out of a restaurant.  I only had water so I didn't need to pay and felt I needed to escape in that moment to be in control.  Sorry, but I can get miserable when I'm both hungry and tired!

I was so glad the jacket did not contain keys, wallet, or any other valuables.  The person left with a few used Kleenexes and a pair of $1.00 gloves.  Why would someone steal and risk getting caught over an inexpensive used jacket?

The restaurant only had 3 other people there and they were eating already.  Why would it take over an hour to not get a pizza, and also have to cancel the order for the "appetizer special" that was obviously forgotten and not to be the appetizer... 

It is so nice to have a treasure chest of tools to bring out when needed.  I hope the lady likes my jacket and someone else got to eat our pizza whenever it was hot and ready! 

Take Care!

Time to get out again!

I am excited to be going out next weekend to do some promoting of my book.

Will be at the Penticton BC's Farmers Market on Saturday Oct 1 with David Korinetz of Red Tuque Books.  I will join him there and have an opportunity to meet lots of people at their great market.

On Sunday, Oct 2, I will be at the Festival of the Grape in Oliver BC.  I finally get to go to this festival and will have a vendor table in amongst lots of other great products at the festival.  It will be a great day!

I'm so looking forward to both events!!

Love you Tilly!

We all have some weeks in our life that are hard to get through.  Last week we had to say good bye to our beautiful Scottie dog, Tilly.

I love Scottie dogs, they are loyal, loving, full of inner strength, and are gentle best friends.  Ours was sick but we didn’t know it until last week when it all happened.

She also had a bad few months in the winter that was unrelated to this that showed just how she took on a terrible painful crisis and showed so much strength, courage, determination, and kindness to those who had to look after her.

It is hard to tell others about what happened because even though some may have not even known her well, we connect to the loss, feel the sorrow, and go back to our own pet loss stories.  We share and cry together, and thank you because it helps. 

Please give your pets, family, and friends extra hugs ...you can tell them it’s from a Scottie girl named Tilly. 

Thanks.

Weekend of Friends and Meditation

We were going to go out camping in our little motor home last weekend but one thing led to another and we got two invitations out to friends for supper, and I saw an advertisement for a day of meditation on Sunday at the Buddhist centre.   I had been to a meditation there earlier in the year and welcomed the idea to go again.  This introductory course was about five sacred syllables that correspond to five chakras.

The advertisement said by chanting the sounds and focusing on the chakras location, we develop increasingly open presence with positive qualities.  These qualities were love, compassion, joy, and equanimity.  It said that these qualities then become a support and connection with self, deeper wisdom, and to our existence.

As Sunday was the 10^th anniversary of 911, the weekend would also be a time to remember and be aware of the many ongoing struggles still in the world, and how fragile our existence really is. 

The weekend was about connecting to love, compassion, joy, and equanimity, and it was also a time to remind myself to be thankful for all that I have in my life every day, and for all those who are part of my life. 

These positive energies are now with me to continue practicing and experiencing, and I hope the energies we felt and sent out yesterday in our meditation are now travelling to you and throughout the world.  

Four simple yet powerful words...

Love, Compassion, Joy, and Equanimity

Namaste. 

First year of blogging!

One Year, 17 Countries!

It’s been a year since I started creating this blog and thanks to Google for making it easy for me to do.   I've had lots of fun, and 54 posts later, I’m still learning.

Thanks so much to everyone who has visited it.  So far, there’s been visitors from 17 countries around the world, and I'm always excited when I see a new country appear on the list. 

I hope I don't miss anyone -  Thanks to Canada, United States, Malaysia, Germany, Japan, India, Australia, Pakistan, Austria, Finland, France, Israel, Romania, Taiwan, Turkey, United Kingdom, and New Zealand.

Wow, Wow, Wow!!!

Thank You...

Purchase CD Online

You can now also purchase my CD, Permission To Rest, online through Amazon.ca.

http://www.amazon.ca/gp/offer-listing/0987772309

Great news for everyone!

Forgotten - One Yoga Mat

Below is an article that is listed under my Relaxation Tab that was printed in the Fall 2010, Comox Health and Recreation Guide. As fall is approaching and we start to prepare for the restart of many activities, I thought I’d post it for you to enjoy. 

Many of the great benefits and opportunities of yoga are found through letting the yoga mat take us to different places.  Whether it is to simply focus and breathe, create stillness, be strong like a mountain, or fold to release, we go places and do things that are just for us to feel and enjoy. 

I will always be a beginner, and be open and happy with whatever comes my way that day.  I hope you have lots of fun activities in your life and can relate to this one of mine.  

Forgotten – One Yoga Mat

When the warm days of summer take us outside to other activities or on vacation, we sometimes take a break from our yoga mat.  Instead of travelling to our yoga class or the gym, they stay rolled up leaning against the wall, in the closet, or buried somewhere in our vehicle.  They’re put out of our minds for a few months.

The pleasing colors of green, pink, blue, purple, yellow, and red that were our close companions during the rest of the year are left unused, forgotten.

When we do get a glimpse of the lonely mat, we think, maybe later, or another day.  It’s too hot, or I’m busy right now.  The mat doesn’t complain, it knows you are taking a break and you will return eager to begin again, and not knowing why it has been so long.

Where else can you immediately find a place to honor your body, a place to build and feel strength, awareness, and balance.  It is a place for your body to breathe and soften, a place for your mind to find stillness and peace, and a place for your heart to find courage and compassion.

This small mat gives us permission to open up to possibilities and choices. It gives us a place where we invest in ourselves and create an awareness that we can take out into the world.  It is a place where the gifts are endless and lifelong.

When you’re ready – Welcome Back!

                                                                 By Dona Anderson

Cd Cover

I have to keep learning how to do things so this is a trail run. 

This is the cover of my CD.

A Time to Laugh

A few days before Nautical Days I wanted to get my hair cut.  It is all one length and since I didn’t have an appointment with my regular hairdresser, I thought I’d go to the no appointment, cheaper place.  It was one of those days when I wanted it cut right now and didn’t want to wait, and I would get to save myself a few dollars as well.

Anyway, all was good until I got home and looked in the mirror.  The hair had been sprayed with water to cut it, and now of course it was going out in all directions.   Oh well, I’ll wash it tomorrow and all will be good.  Unfortunately, it was not.  After drying I could see something was wrong, one side was obviously longer than the other.  Oh NO! 

I didn’t feel like going to get it fixed right then as I was busy with other things, so this was how I looked all weekend talking to lots of people.  Do you think they noticed? And to add to the story, my hairdresser visited the next table to see the jewelry lady and noticed me and we talked.  I was trying to stay back so she wouldn’t notice and wonder about my hair.  Then after she left I told the jewelry lady about my hair, and we had a good giggle.

A few nights later, I was in the bedroom laughing at how funny I looked, and then I remembered a few years ago when we were traveling my husband got a haircut somewhere and it looked like they put a bowl on his head.  So then I started laughing even more and my husband came in the bedroom wondering what I was doing, who I was talking to, and what I was laughing at.

So the next day I went to get my hair fixed.  I was in the right place that day to go back and ask them to fix it.

I am reading a book on healing with my ladies group and the chapter we are on right now is loving yourself.  This is a pretty important chapter about honestly accepting everything about yourself in this moment, the good and the bad.  We put out what we believe and feel about ourselves and that is how we’re treated and is what we get back.  We can make our life as wonderful or not by what we choose. 

The journey is not about how I look, it is about what I believe, what I tell myself, feel, accept and let go of.  It is about always growing and improving.  I may not be where you want to be yet, but I’m not where I used to be either. 

Years ago I would have gone right back to get my hair fixed, but that week, I laughed about it and knew that I would go and get it fixed another day.  It didn’t affect what I was doing or who I was. I had more important things to do, and I was perfect that day just as I was.

He picked a Green Card

One of my special moments of the festival weekend was with a small boy, maybe 4.  He must have seen me handing out the wellness cards from a distance and when he got to me, I was talking to a friend, so he came right back behind the table and asked it he could have one of my cards.

I said of course and that he could pick out his own, and to also pick one for his Mom.  So he picked a yellow one for his Mom, and then said his Dad needed one so he picked a blue one for him, and then he said he wanted a green one, then off he went so happy.

As green is the color of the heart chakra, I was not surprised he picked that color.  He seemed full of warmth and generosity.

I just love it when the little ones create those special moments so easily that touch your heart!


(My show handout cards are on colored paper, where the actual cards are white with colored roses)

Great Festival Weekend!

Thanks for the great weekend, Nautical Days!  Nice weather, so much free entertainment, and those plates of fries sure looked good as they passed by!

Thanks to everyone who stopped to chat.  I handed out about 800 wellness cards and received a lot of thanks and smiles back as the message was fitting for the day.  

Now I need to go off and listen to my CD and relax myself!

Again, a big thanks to everyone I met and talked with , and thanks to those that made purchases. 

Hopefully I will get to attend Nautical Days again next year! 

Online Sales

Simply, One Breath At a Time is now available through Amazon.ca

Glad to share this link with you.

http://www.amazon.ca/Simply-One-Breath-At-Time/dp/1897518870


My Book, CD, and Cards are still all listed on the Shop Tab of this Blog.

Nautical Days!

I will be at Nautical Days for the long weekend, July 30 - Aug 1. 

It runs at the same time as the Filberg Festival so there is lots to see and do in Comox then.

I am excited to be able to get out again and meet people, talk about the book, cards, and new this year is the CD. 

Hoping to get some nice summer weather for all of us that will be outside in our tents. 

The other evening when the sun finally appeared in the blue sky, I was reminded of that old song about the boy who sent a letter home from camp asking to come home, then the sun finally came out and all was good.  So I've been humming that song, Camp Granada, quite a bit since then.

Will the sun please come out and stay for a few days so I can get a different song playing in my head!

Hoping your summer and travels are good, safe, and relaxing!

A Rainy Morning

I felt like I was reading a page in my book as I sat out on the covered back deck early this morning with my tea.  It was raining a nice steady rhythm and I was listening to spa music.

Covered with a blanket, I felt so comforted and aware of my surroundings.  The sound of the rain mixed with the water sounds from the pond seemed part of the music I was listening to.  I focused on my breath for awhile and just let it be a time to breathe, relax, and enjoy where I was.

I looked around my yard and neighboring yards at the trees I could see and enjoyed all the different colors and shades.  Their leaves all seemed different sizes, shapes, and textures.  The flowers that are blooming right now are so rich in their colors.  The sky was a soft grey and seemed to be the perfect background, not dark like a storm was coming, this was soft, and gave off a fuzzy kind of feeling.

It is so wonderful when you don't have to go far to relax, breathe, and be aware.  This time it was right outside my back door.

A Few Weekend Treasures

Summer brings us so many opportunities to enjoy ourselves. 

A weekend away brought beautiful drives and 2 detours to explore.

A parade and evening fireworks let us join the celebrations of a small town and its neighboring communities and watch how they come together to enjoy each other.  The most fun was seeing the smiles when someone saw someone they knew, or watching them just have unexpected unrehearsed fun!

A farmers market brought the sights and smells of fresh food, a chance to hear young musicians who will be famous one day, and a chance to join a wonderful drum circle full of life and energy.

Being late for the ferry gave me the opportunity to hear another musician singing and playing his music in the park  … I clapped, and he acknowledged me with a big smile.

A few days away gave the yellow rose time to have its first bloom as a surprise gift for my return home.

I think this weekend was all about doing, being, and certainly having more just because I got out.

Quote from Rumi

Rumi poem 

One of my favorites!

You suppose you are the trouble
            But you are the cure
            You suppose that you are the lock on the door
            But you are the key that opens it
            It's too bad that you want to be someone else
            You don't see your own face, your own beauty
            Yet, no face is more beautiful than yours.

     ~Rumi~


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Much thanks!

Helping Hand

Years ago I read this quote of Audrey Hepburn, it said, "Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you’ll find one at each end of your arms."

A few days ago I had surgery on my little finger, and my hand is bandaged up for 8 days.  It rests on an angle with a support to keep two fingers still and straight. It is very interesting how the bandaged hand is still always trying to help out, how our body automatically reacts to do things. 

My left hand has its job and it is very difficult to keep it still.  It shows up and is ready to do whatever it should be doing. Of course the result is the bandage is not so clean anymore, but the hand is happy to try and see what it can do with one or two fingers to help out sometimes rather than to totally rest and let the other hand do all the work.   Sometimes we’re not aware that our hands automatically go to work to help the other without being asked or thanked.

Whether I think it is helping or not, it is a helping hand.

Another quote from Audrey Hepburn says… "As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others."

Licks of Love

About ten years ago my husband met a most wonderful elderly lady. She was moving from her house and was happy to give away some of the flowers and bushes in her yard.  We had a bare new yard so it was an instant friendship between two gardeners.

After that, my husband visited her every Tuesday morning that we were home.  He’d take flowers to plant for her in the spring, an occasional donut that she loved, flowers and fresh vegetables from our yard, and each week she would be sitting at her window waiting for him to arrive for tea and a visit.

A couple of years ago she moved again to a care facility.  She very happily informed my husband that dogs were allowed to visit so he could bring the two dogs with him, and he did. Both at once didn’t work well, so on alternating weeks one of the dogs would get a quick brush that seemed to signal something important was ahead, and off they’d go for their special outing and visit. 

The lady friend was always so happy for each visit.  She loved to see the dogs and have them sit beside her, to pat them, and most of all she happily received all the kisses they could give out. 

We are so happy that at her last visit she got to receive tons of the licks of love that made her so happy. 

Thanks for a Weekend in the Forest

It was another wonderful weekend at the Yoga Outreach Retreat.  A wonderful time for yoga, sharing experiences, spending time with friends and meeting new friends.

I had also saved 10 of the travelling books to take to this event, I wish I had more but they all went to good homes.

Sometimes it takes me a while to be able to relate what happens in such a place and I've been there 6 times now, but there is something always wonderful and kind of magical.  The place is full of great energy from the surrounding forest, mountains, the river, and the people who are all there for their own reasons.  I was asked in one class what the common thread was that brought me back, and I said each year I had needed something different, and each year I was able to get it. 

Year one, I was a new learner wanting anything I could get, writing all kinds of notes, the next year, I wanted to just absorb what was, another year I was carrying around unresolved grief, the next year, I wanted to be energized, the next time, I wanted connection, and this year, I wanted mainly restorative/healing that was found from a variety of classes and teachers.  I also wanted to meet up with friends that went there, and I met some great new ladies, enjoyed the nightly concerts, the food, and the wonderful time you get to spend in a forest.

Thanks so much to the organizers of this retreat and for the work done by Yoga Outreach.  I am glad to support your work by attending this fundraiser.  You make the event feel like a family reunion and I am so glad to be part of the family.  Namaste.

I'll be checking my mail next spring for 2012 retreat information.
http://yogaoutreach.com/

How to show our thanks to Oprah!

I'm like a lot of TV viewers that are wondering what will I do without the Oprah shows.

She has changed the world, and showed us all what one person can do.  A few years ago I sent her one of my books with a letter but then saw that they weren't accepting all the mail she gets.  I wanted to give her something to help her relax and to let her know we are listening. 

My letter thanked her and said how she continued to give of herself to us, to inform, entertain, and inspire us.  How she taught us to believe in ourselves, and that we can always start over and create our best life. I wanted her to know that I went on to do something I believed in.

She has given us so many gifts of ongoing inspiration, motivation, and encouragement to create and follow our own best life, and now we can show our thanks by doing just that.

I'm sure I'll be crying a lot as I watch the last show today, and my tears will be shared with those around the world.  But rather than tears of sadness, I believe they are tears of thanks, special memories, and joy that we were able to be part of and see this last 25 years of change and connection.

Thank you Oprah.

Beginning This Spring, 4

I thought I'd finish this as the long weekend is here and you may be experiencing some of what this last part offers.  Have a great long weekend and I hope the weather is wonderful where you are...

Beginning this Spring
When you visit the ocean, discover the water rushing up to greet you, to welcome you

When the songbirds arrive, listen as they sing it's time to start again

When spring flowers bloom, examine their many colors and fragrances - breathe in

When warm drops of rain are falling on your face, enjoy the freshness of nature

When the trees are full of spring blossoms, embrace their gifts to you and the world

When you receive a smile, notice it is a gift that connects you with the present moment

When you breathe in, let gratitude fill you with deep inner joy

Namaste.
_____

If you're not by the ocean, this next line can be a replacement or make one of your own.  

When you see the sun rise high up in the sky, celebrate its radiance, warmth, and energy

Beginning this Spring, 3

This spring, think about space and freedom as the breath releases old worn out feelings, thoughts, and habits. 

This spring, treat yourself to a way of life that is simpler, easier, calmer, and softer.

Beginning this Spring, 2

Spring is a time to pause, to notice changes, to find awareness as we celebrate new beginnings.

It's a time to let go and create open spaces, simplicity, and freedom.

It's a time for peace, kindness, and compassion.

Beginning this spring

Over the next few weeks I will be posting some selected parts from my article Beginning this Spring.  As the past winter fades from our memory, and the freshness and beginnings of this spring arrive, let's open ourselves up to new beginnings as well.

This Spring, you can feel awoken, refreshed, and grateful.

This Spring, instead of just treating yourself to a new pair of runners for your daily walks, ask yourself, who am I now?  What do I like, what makes me smile?  Give yourself a few moments to rest and observe what comes to mind.

_________
To see the full article online, go to my Relaxation Tab for info on this and other articles in the Comox Valley Health and Recreation Guide.

Retreats coming up in May

If interested in my Finding Relaxation workshop, please see the post dated April 13, or under the tab Events.

This note is to share info on two retreats in May.  A wonderful time for a weekend get-away!

The first is a Women's retreat from May 13-15 on beautiful Hornby Island.  It will be a nurturing and empowering weekend led by two yoga teachers, and include healthy vegetarian meals, yoga, free time to explore the island and nature.  There will also be private healing and energy sessions if interested for an additional amount. And, there is a hot tub nestled in the woods!

There are single and double occupancy rates,  The theme for this retreat is Joy!

If interested you can contact kathyrb@telus.net for more details.

The second retreat is the Yoga Outreach retreat in Paradise Valley, north of Squamish May 27-29.  This is an annual event for the Vancouver based charity who shares the gifts of Yoga with adults and youth facing challenges in their lives in healthcare, social service, and correctional & recovery facilities. 

You are lodged in cabins nestled in the woods, and will get to participate in classes led by a variety of teachers.  Wonderful vegetarian food, and evening entertainment.  Theme for this retreat is Compassion!

For more information visit retreat@yogaoutreach.com

Namaste.

Finding Relaxation Workshop

If you're in the Comox Valley area on Wednesday April 27, I'm holding a relaxation workshop at the Royston Community Hall, from 1:30 - 2:45.

We'll be flipping the pages of my book, Simply One Breath At aTime, and seeing what's there!  It will be a great chance to talk about how to use the book, and look at the different relaxations and breathing exercises.
 
The workshop is $10.00 and if anyone wants a book as well I'm combining both for the very special price of $20.00.

One Rose Wellness Cards, and the CD Permission To Rest will also be available.  Both are based on writings from the book.

If you have your own copy of the book please bring it along so we can read together, and if it's not signed, I will sign it for you!

Give yourself some time to rest your mind and body, and just breathe for a while.

Info is also shown on the Events page.

Supporting Canadian Authors

If anyone has a favorite or knows of a new bookstore, gift shop, or library in Canada that would like an all Canadian authors book catalogue, you can send me the contact name and address and I will pass it on to my distributor Red Tuque Books.

They have quite a variety of books such as mystery, romance, poetry, cooking, sports, health, children's etc etc and of course my book Simply, One Breath At a Time. 

Email me at rootstobreath@gmail.com and I will pass the information on.  Lets get more Canadian authors in our stores.

Thanks so much!

Bags of Treasure

What do you do on your Morning Walk?

Dona Anderson

Roots to Breath, Dona Anderson

On my walk this morning I gave a wave to a man I often see who walks and picks up papers, coffee cups, and other things along the way.  He has a huge smile on his face and a happy walk, one that moves with joy in each step.  I was just walking by myself, in and out of paying attention.

I met the man again a bit later as we were each travelling in different directions and he reminded me of lady we used to see in Edmonton walking very early in the morning.  She also had a bag to carry things she'd pick up.  She was happy, and always had a big smile and a warm "good morning."

They were cleaning up my neighborhood, and on their way here and back were doing the same in other neighborhoods.  They didn't get upset about the things people carelessly dropped or threw away, they were busy picking it up with a smile.

We often travel with a bag to bring home treasures of a trip and this is kind of the same.  They were seeing and experiencing more of their walk than I was, they were smiling, making a difference, and their body moved with ease to collect each new addition to the bag. 

Thank You,  Thank You,  Thank You!

Do you know of someone who does similar things to help others or where you live? 

Think about their kindness, generosity, sharing today and maybe talk about it with others and I hope if you get the chance give them a smile or a Thank You!


Hugs!

Thought to share from the Dalai Lama

Quote to remember when we get busy!

Roots to Breath, Dona Anderson

The Dalai Lama always shares such wise words. I found this a few weeks ago and thought I'd share it with you.  I'm sure it may relate to ourselves at some point in our lives or to others we know.  

When asked "what thing about humanity surprises you the most?"the Dalai Lama answered:

"Man, because he sacrifices his health in order to make money,
then sacrifices money to recuperate his health,
then he is so anxious about the future that he doesn't enjoy the present,
and as a result, he doesn't live in the present or the future.
And he lives as if he's never going to die and then dies having never really lived."

I hope we all live each day well.

Permission to Rest

I'm so thrilled to announce that my CD Permission to Rest is now available.

This CD will instantly relax the listener.  The calm and gentle words mixed with uplifting music guides you through 2 different relaxations to tempt your senses and remind you of simple ways to find wellness, one breath at a time.

The first relaxation starts with breathing and relaxing the body, then it takes you to the ocean where you will walk barefoot in the sand , fill your senses and your heart. The second relaxation asks you to notice feelings of relaxation throughout your body as you breathe, soften, and become still.  The breath then takes you to a place where presence and awareness are waiting to move in and fill your body, mind, and spirit.

I also added a music track only between the relaxations to extend the first one, or is a great start to the second.  You can do one at a time or if you have time enjoy both. 

For more info go to the Shop tab. 

Patterns

I have been thinking lately about patterns and habits.

How you peel an orange, apple, potato.  How may sections do you have in your banana peel, 3, 4, 5?

How do you butter your toast, do you have to cover every corner?  How do you set the table, do the dishes, clean the house?

We all seen to have our own unique style.  Our way of doing things, our pattern, rhythm.

We only seem to notice it when we watch someone else do it differently than we do. 

I think I'll watch a bit more and maybe find new ways to do things, maybe even better!

Stillness and Silence

Our world is often spinning around so fast with activities, noise, or thoughts, that the mention of trying to find stillness and silence can seen scarry and difficult.  Our lives are often consumed with busyness and  the thought of being still and quiet is  in conflict with the activities, the noise, the thoughts, and our daily need to be doing and accomplishing something. 

On my Facebook page I get daily coach tips from Martha Beck.  I love it when I notice a theme being repeated in various ways so that I start to really pay attention as each one is a little seed that settles in a place where a bouquet will eventually appear.

Lately some of Martha Beck's tips have been talking about silence and stillness and how, " the voice of inspiration is a gentle one," and  "there are things that can only happen through you when you are still", and "silence is often the most important work you can do".

I will continue collecting my seeds.  They are the things that do only come in the pause of silence and stillness and I will continue to listen.

Thank you, Martha Beck.

CD, Permission to Rest

I am so excited.  The CD is now being produced in Vancouver. 
There are two relaxations with a music only track in between to continue the relaxation from the first one, or can start it for the second. 

Or if you're like me, I just stay there for the both. Wow!

Time to get out and breathe!

It has been a busy time lately.  I've been working on the CD, getting a cover picture and writing info for the back about the relaxations, contacting the manufacturer, and listening to reference copies multiple times on 3 different players. 

Happy to say that now I've approved the graphics and the last reference CD so now the master can be produced, then one last listen before sending it off to Vancouver.

My old brain will finally get to rest again!  Although I did have a wonderful day on Sunday.  I went to a meditation workshop with a Tibetan Lama.  It was a nice chance to rest and let go of all the other things going on. I also met a wonderful lady who sat next to me that had moved here from Edmonton as well.

Driving home from the workshop I was reminded that I've been staying in the house too much lately, so now I have to get out and breathe, drive over to the ocean with my tea, get my runners on and just go.  Why not!   

Book Distribution

I am very happy to announce that the book Simply One Breath At a Time, is now available for on line sales through Red Tuque Books, ABE Books, and book information for booksellers and libraries is available through Book Manager.

ABE Books also handles international sales.

http://www.redtuquebooks.ca/

http://www.abebooks.com/

http://bookmanager.com/tbm/

A Master at Work

The last two days were at the recording studio.  That was fun!  My part was short, reading the relaxations then the rest of the day was in the experts hands.  Editing and making miracles happen with the music.  It was wonderful to watch parts of different tracks being merged together, overlapped, slowed down, cut out, lengthened etc to make it all work together with my words and timing. 

A Master at work is always wonderful to watch. 

So now, I can say I did pick the music that I wanted.  As the music is a huge part of the relaxation experience on a CD that will be listened to over and over, I wanted it to be soothing and at the same time uplifting, not dragging and depressing.  So this has all sorts of sounds that take you on a listening jouney as well. 

This has been a wonderful experience, and if I get the opportunity to make another CD, I will be even more excited as all the stress and uncertainty is gone and I'll just have creative juices on full speed now that I know what can happen when you have someone great to work with.   

Finding Music

This may be the hardest part of this recording process.  Maybe not later when I know more, but to find music from short samples is very difficult.  I spent days finding something and then more days agreeing with what I got and searching for an alternative because I just wasn't feeling it from the samples.

Anyway, I ended up getting something totally different and not sure I made the right choice.  The music is wonderful, but again, I'm not sure.  I hope it all works out.  I wish I had  more of  "the people" those experts who know about these things, take care of things in the background that I don't even know about yet, or who do all those others things to support me that need to be done because I'm not doing things I should be.

And as I write this, I'm realizing that I don't say thank you enough to those who are here, helping, and supporting me.  Expectations can often get in the way of thank yous and appreciation for others daily contributions to make things in life smooth from making lunch, walking the dogs, doing dishes, to always helping with computer stuff, etc etc etc.

I had no idea this note would be about anything other than finding music, and it has gradually gone in a different direction.  One of awareness, and expressing appreciation and gratitude.  A wonderful detour, and now I have some thank yous to give out!

Happy New Year!

I hope that this new year will be all that you want it to be!  May all your hopes and dreams come true...