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.

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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.