Playlist For My Ladies @ Semperviva Yoga

   








Today is June 16th... and it's pouring rain,...it's cold...and everything looks black and white.
     I taught on Granville Island, at Semperviva Yoga. The studio there hangs right over the water. It's almost made up entirely of windows, the ceilings are high and decorated with solid wood beams, and to top it off the floors creek! On days like these, there is nowhere else I want to be.
       However, when I walked in it was quite difficult to pick up on the energy in the room. Personally, I was craving a cozy class, but half of the students seemed quite lively. Mmmm, what music do I play and how to a cater appropriately?
     I scrolled through some playlists, but nothing was resonating with the complicated vibe. Instead, I just asked everyone what they were in the mood for: Bumpin Reggae or Yummy Folk.
      Both answers were thrown at me!!! GREAT...I shouldn't have asked.
      Why not make everyone happy? I scrambled to help these two very different musical styles find unity and quickly mixed them together. After some dissecting and resembling we rocked out to a not so shabby playlist.
          And by request, HERE IT IS !!!!!!!!!



1) Jamming~ Bob Marley
2) Mile Maker~ The Innocence Mission
3) Bloom~ Paper Kites
4) I've Got This Friend~ Civil Wars
5) Track #3 (not sure of title) ~ Finely Quay
6) Fears~ Jono McCleery
7) Swing~ Zero 7
8) New Love~ Josh Heinrichs
9) I am A Light~ Sarah Slean
10) More Love~ Molyah
11) Je Te Laisserai Des Mots~ Patrick Watson
12) Redford~ Sufjan Stevens
13) Swimming Pools~ Patrick Watson

Harvest The Spirit, Nourish The Soul: An Autumn Yoga Retreat

THIS JUST IN!!!!!

Sue Horning, owner and founder of Unity Yoga, and I will be leading a retreat to Salt Spring Island, BC.  Join us at Stowel Lake Farms from Sept, 28th-30th. 

For more details please visit, www.harvestthespirit.wordpress.com.

Here is a summery of what we'll be offering:

One of our biggest challenges of modern day living is to live harmoniously with 

nature and the changing seasons.  Autumn is a time to harvest the bounty we grew 

in summer, to store and prepare for the winter ahead, and is associated with the 

metal element, signifying contraction and introspection, as opposed to the upwards 

and outwards movement of

the fiery summer. It is a time to reflect, to receive what 

is of essential worth, and to let go of what is not useful to us. Through Yoga, Thai 

Massage, Chinese Astrology & Meditation, we’ll draw inwards to connect to the 

energetic change of fall, at cozy Stowel Lake Farms, on Salt Spring Island. 

Wanna come? Email mlemillen@yahoo.com to sign up!!!

.

~ The wind 


            blew through the trees 
                                       
                                                                   and said, 


" Don't worry, Emily.                                                             All is well."

Feel Good Tip Of The Day

Light a yummy stick of incense in your bathroom when you have a shower or bath.
 I recommend opening a window, or keeping the door open, so you don't hot box yourself :)

I took this picture at one of the most beautiful temples in Thailand.

Potions: Tips For Choosing Clean Beauty Products

    I'm a bit of a snob when it comes to natural lotions, face wash, body oil, shampoos, etc. I say "snob" because it is a privilege to have access to naturally derived products, not to mention to be able to pay for it. I don't have a surgeons salary by all means, but everyone has their fetish they can't really afford. I'll walk right by the shoes section or the accessory isle, and head straight for the potions.  Unfortunately, once you go "plants", it's hard to go back. And when you steer clear of products with chemicals, you become even more sensitive to their artificial texture and smell.
   In last months Yoga Journal Magazine, Amy Galper writes that, "what you put on your body has an effect on your health and environment."
   As I write this I can't help but cringe, as I'm sounding like a yuppie, Whole Foods addict. Luckily, I was born in a country that has freedom to explore alternatives, and I happen to live in a city, amongst a community, that is environment conscious and respectful. Wouldn't it be beautiful if the planet got to a place where these products, that are authentically made to nourish all parties involved, were easily accessible?
   For now, here are some tips on what to look for when picking out your beauty products, from the magazine's "Organic & Artisanal" article. I found them very informative and helpful.

1) Avoid products with ingredients you can't pronounce. Parabens and phthalates (hormone disrupters), and diazolidinyl urea (releases formaldehyde, a known carcinogen) are good ones to avoid.


2) Avoid the word "fragrance". This is code word for synthetics and harmful chemicals. Look instead for products scented with essential oils, or chose products that are fragrance free, and add your own oils.


3) INTERESTING!! If water is one of the first few words on the label, keep in mind that water attracts mold and bacteria, which calls for extra preservatives.


4) Natural preservatives are better. Look for jojoba, coconut or shea to help extend shelf life. Also vegetable-derived Vitamins E and C will do the trick.

Katy Schroeder Photography

Here are a few shots from a spontaneous shoot, with Katy Schroeder. Check out her work at, http://katyschroeder.viewbook.com/