Welcome, I'm glad you're here!

On Sunday, we meal prep!! Do you struggle to prepare nutritious (and delicious) meals for you and your family? How would it feel to have dinner all ready on those nights you are exhausted from work? I am working on something that can help you with that! #mealplanning #deliciousfoodmadeeasy #sundaymealprep

I’m so proud of my friend Misty on the opening of her new studio! If you are in the area you must check it out! @enrichyandw #yegyogacommunity #yegyogastudio #inclusiveyoga #yoagtherapy

Making granola today. Living with multiple food allergies means sometimes the only way to get tasty allergen free food is to make it myself. Recipe is on the blog, let me know if your try it, I’d love to hear how it turns out. #livingwithallergies #holisticnutrition #slowfood

Lately I have been noticing that an account I follow has been talking a lot about the scale and “weighing in”. Now, I’m not anti doing what is right for your body, if you are pursuing intentional weight loss and you do not have trauma around it, you do you. I know I am where I am today because of dieting, counting points, calculating calorie intake and expenditure, and “weighing in” (not despite all of that). These references are super triggering for me, and I’m really disappointed when an “expert” I follow posts about those things. So, I unfollowed her, because this is my social feed and I get to control how it makes me feel. You have the same power, you are allowed to set boundaries around what shows up in your feed, and your life. ❤️ #settingboundaries #screwdietculture

Life can be tough, but you can get through it! Give yourself grace and self compassion. Breathe…. You’ve got this! #selfcompassionbreak #imcheeringforyou #selfcare #bodyrespect #healthateverysize

One of the pillars of my business is self-compassion. If the practice of self compassion is not part of your life, starting can seem overwhelming. Simply recognizing when you are in need of some self compassion is the first step. According to Dr. Kristin Neff, the three elements of self compassion are: Self kindness - be gentle with yourself, don't beat yourself up if you make a mistake or are having a bad day. Common humanity - you are human, and like all humans, you are fallible, we all make mistakes, we all have bad days Mindfulness - be present in the moments of your life, the good and the bad, without judgement. So, if you are having a moment if suffering (no matter how small it may seem), take a moment and breathe into it. Know you are not alone, and talk to yourself the way you would talk to a dear friend. It will be okay, you've conquered obstacles before. You've got this. ❤️ #selfcompassion #mindfulness

This thing of beauty was brought to me today by my garden! There is no comparison between fresh tomatoes still warm from the sun and the ones in the produce aisle. The only thing missing was the bacon but it’s just too hot to cook bacon today! #gentlenutrition #wholegrains #gardenfresh #growyourownfood

I’ve shared my prepped salads but I’ve never shared what I put on them before I have them for lunch. Today it’s leftover grilled pork, feta, pumpkin seeds, and dried cranberries. The base is usually the same but every day the toppings are different. While I was making salads I also cut up some cucumber to for snacking. A little prepping saves me from when I’m hangry! #gentlenutrition #eattherainbow🌈

I am always studying, trying to improve my knowledge to serve you better. I recently completed the Functional Hormone Educator certification and I’m excited to share what I’ve learned! I have something amazing in the works! #hormonehealth #gentlenutrition #comingsoon

Here is your daily reminder that there are no “good” or “bad” foods. My pizza game is strong with this BBQ chicken pizza. Pre-made Costco crust, shredded chicken, peppers, red onions, pineapple, and next is cheese but it just looked so pretty at this point. This local sauce from @motleyque is so good! A quick and easy weeknight dinner. How do you feel about pineapple on pizza? Do you love it or are you wrong 😉? #pineapplelove #holisticnutrition

Bulking up my lunch smoothie with some hemp hearts, pumpkin seeds, and coconut. If you are not a fan of drinking your meals, try using less liquid and creating a smoothie bowl. Also, smoothies are not just for breakfast, this was the perfect lunch today! #gentlenutrition

Back from another amazing yoga retreat thanks to @aboveaveragewellness As usual the attention to detail at Trista’s retreats is next level, the food, yoga, woman’s circles, etc. Making art with @gatesofwellnessab was a highlight as well. @pureawarenessyoga was such a beautiful venue, the grounds were just gorgeous. I am grateful beyond measure.

Another meal prep for the win! This chocolate chia pudding has added protein powder that makes it a great breakfast choice. This morning I stirred in some mixed berries and topped it with a dollop of whipped cream and granola. Filling and delicious! #holisticnutrition

Todays meal prep is omelette jars! To say I have never been a morning person is an understatement; it takes me at least an hour to be a functioning adult so breakfasts have to be super simple. These jars are packed with chopped tomatoes, yellow bell pepper, green onions, spinach, and mushrooms. Store them in the fridge until ready to use. Simply sauté the veggies in a frying pan and then pour the whipped eggs on top. If you want less dishes, you can make this a grab and go breakfast by prepping them in larger jars, adding eggs and shaking to mix, and then pop them in the microwave to cook before eating them out of the jar! Make them with your favourite mix of veggies, add cheese, ham, bacon, there are so many delicious combos! #easyrecipes #mealprep #eatyourveggies #holisticnutrition

This is my self care. Life has been rough around here lately but today I am prepping breakfasts & lunches, drinking plenty of water, and listening to 80s music. #selfcarematters #thisisselfcare

I’m excited to be working from @stalbertcoworking such a lovely vibe!

Meal prep doesn’t have to be complicated, these 10 salads cost me $27 and took less than 20 minutes. We top them with our choice of protein (chicken, boiled eggs, chickpeas), some healthy fat (avocado, olive oil vinaigrette), and whatever else is in the fridge or pantry. I love adding pumpkin seeds, dried cranberries, goat cheese, or even leftovers! The best meal plans are the ones you enjoy eating, so use your favourite dressing or switch out the veggies for the ones you like most. Don’t waste your time and money making food you don’t like just because someone told you that’s what you should eat. I love salad so that’s what I prep! #mealprep #yegnutrition #eattherainbow🌈

How many minutes can you spare for self care today? #startsmallstartnow #selfcarematters

Here is your reminder to stop scrolling and drink some water #stayhydratedfriends #yourewelcome

Take time to day to stop and breathe deeply…. Inhale to a count of four and exhale to a count of six, seven, or eight. It will help to calm your nervous system, lower your heart rate, and when used at night, can help you fall asleep. #justbreathe #calmyourmind

We are all just doing the best we can and that is enough! If something in your life is causing you stress, here is your reminder to give yourself grace. The best you can with where you are right now and the resources you have available is ENOUGH! #youareenough #selfcompassion

Have you been getting the Gentle January emails? If you signed up and you're not, please check your spam folders. Emails go out every morning at 7:00am MST. How often do you stop and just be where your feet are? #mindfulness #gentlejanuary

I’ve been quiet on the socials for the last few weeks. I’ve been working on some upcoming offerings and originally I was planning to release them at the beginning of the new year. But, it doesn’t feel right for me to be jumping on the “new year, new you” bandwagon. Diet culture has us all thinking we need to “improve” ourselves to be worthy and the last thing I want is to add to that noise on January 1st. Instead, I am beginning 2022 with a Gentle January… 31 days of loving kindness and self compassion. Simply sign up for my newsletter and beginning January 1st I will send you daily journal prompts, positive affirmations, and more to help you ease into 2022. No stress, no assignments, no obligations, just take what you want and leave the rest. I hope you’ll join me. #lovingkindness #selfcompassion #gentlenutrition #hello2022

Is there anything more decadent on a cold day than a creamy hot cocoa topped with marshmallows? Unfortunately for me, dairy is not my friend and I also have to watch my blood sugar so traditional hot cocoa did not make me feel fabulous. Gentle nutrition sometimes means finding new ways to consume an old favourite if those old foods don’t make you feel good! You don’t have to give up comfort foods, just learn to listen to your body and make adjustments! My new version is packed full of things that make me feel great! This trio of rockstar products has been a game changer for me! A heaping tsp of @itsblume reishi hot cocoa mixed with steamed @besproud pea milk, topped with @lovemaxsweets marshmallows and an extra dash of cinnamon! Pure bliss on a cold day! #gentlenutrition #holisticnutrition #dairyfree #comfortfood

Where are you on purple vegetables? Yeah or nay? Tonight I sautéed a head of purple cabbage with some red onion and a handful of dried cranberries. Then simmered with some apple cider vinegar until it was tender and delicious! A perfect side dish for some pork. There are so many benefits from eating purple foods, an often unsung hero of the produce world. If you want to read the science, I’ve added a link in my bio. #eattherainbow #eatmoreplants #holisticnutrition

Today was a photo shoot day for my new business photos. I can’t wait to see the results! It was so much fun! I used to hate being in front of the camera and was never happy with the results when I was…. But I have learned to love myself the way I am! I am perfectly imperfect, and I refuse to dim my light for people who judge me without knowing my heart! I stepped way outside some old comfort zones in the past two years and these photos will reflect that! I can’t wait to share them! #loveyourself #shinebright #biglifeholistics #bodypositvity

Magnesium is an essential mineral required by the body for muscle and nerve function, maintaining heart rhythm, building strong bones and energy production. The secretion and action of insulin also require magnesium. The recommended daily value of magnesium is 420mg. One cup of cooked spinach provides 157mg, an ounce of pumpkin seeds is 156mg, and a one ounce square of dark chocolate provides 65mg! Other excellent sources include: Lima beans Tuna Brown rice Almonds Avocado Nutrition doesn’t have to be complicated, you don’t need expensive shakes or supplements to nourish your body. #gentlenutrition #holisticnutrition #eatyourveggies #chocolateislife

With our hours of sunlight getting shorter it is more important than ever to take some time to get outside. Just finding a spot to sit in the sun for a few minutes during your lunch break will give you a boost of Vitamin D, important for strong bones (your body needs vitamin D to absorb calcium), as well as immune system support. Walking in nature has shown added benefits of easing anxiety, increasing positivity, improved memory & concentration, and better sleep. It requires no special equipment, and it’s free! #takeitoutside #vitaminD #naturelover #freshair #sunshinevitamin

Cooler weather = soup season! One thing I love about making soup is that it's so forgiving, just throw everything in a pot and let it simmer! One of my favourites for fall is roasted root vegetable soup. Peel and chop two cookie sheets full of your favourite root vegetables, toss with olive oil, salt & pepper. Roast in 450 oven for 30 minutes, stirring halfway through. In a large pot, sauté a chopped onion, a couple cloves of minced garlic, and herbs of your choice (I like thyme, rosemary, savory, and a bay leaf or two) until the onions are translucent. Stir in some bone broth or stock, bring to a boil, and let simmer for 10-15 minutes. Let cool slightly and blend with an immersion blender. For creamier soup you could stir in some heavy cream or full fat coconut milk. I like to sprinkle mine with roasted pumpkin seeds for an extra boost of nutrients, but you could also top with chopped bacon, green onions, parmesan cheese… be creative! Meals don’t have to be complicated to be delicious and soup almost always tastes better the next day so make enough for leftovers. What are your favourite root vegetables? I haven’t met one yet that I didn’t love. Excellent options for this soup are pumpkin, turnip, rutabaga, carrots, parsnips, sweet potatoes, and winter squash. #seasonalcooking #happyfall #gentlenutrition #holistichealth #soupislife

The Clean Plate Club was actually a propaganda campaign that began in 1917 and continued through both the first and second World Wars. During times of food scarcity it’s goal was to discourage food waste by encouraging citizens to “clean their plates”. So what’s wrong with that now, when many of us have ample access to food? Forcing children to clean their plates teaches them to ignore their bodies natural hunger and fullness cues. Adults who have been lifelong members of the clean plate club may still struggle with the habit of eating past fullness. Our brain creates neural pathways around daily habits that can be hard to break but it can be done with patience and consistency. Try these steps: - listen to your body and stop eating when you are full! If you do overeat, don’t beat yourself up about it, talk to yourself as you would to a loved one. - If you are really having trouble breaking the habit loop, try purposely setting aside a couple of bites at the beginning of the meal. Eventually you will create new neural pathways that replace the old ones. - Eat when you are hungry! Have a snack when you need one, don’t ignore your hunger cues. - Take your time and eat mindfully! #mindfuleating #holisticnutrition #bodyawareness

I was talking in my workshop last night about self care. Often, the first things that pop into our minds when we hear those words are “treats” like a movie night or retail therapy and those are great… but not necessarily effective in calming a overtaxed nervous system. Take some time for activities that foster connection… to your true self, to nature, to a higher power. That can be as simple as sitting in silence, even if that means taking a few minutes in your parked car before going into work. A few deep breaths can lower your stress levels, and your heart rate, giving you a reset. #selfcaresaturdays #silenceisgolden #restanddigest #tendandbefriend

It’s #internationalselfcareday What does self care look like to you? For me it’s connecting with nature (especially water), being creative, gardening, spending time with loved ones, and nourishing my body with delicious food. Whatever form your self care takes, please make time for it on a regular basis! You can’t pour from an empty cup!

We can learn so much from trees. Have you ever looked at the cross section of a tree? One year in a trees life is measured by two rings, the lighter coloured ring marks the spring and summer, the period of most growth and the thinner, darker ring which marks the fall and winter when growth slows. Not all the rings are the same width, if the tree was stressed by drought or a severe winter the rings are more narrow. Wider rings show times when water and nutrients were plentiful. People are much like trees in that way, you cannot grow if you are feeling stressed or if you are depriving your body of the things it needs like water, nutritious food, joyful movement, and rest. We are also beginning to understand that trees support each other and communicate through their root systems. A group of trees has a much better chance of weathering a storm than a single tree with no other support. We humans are the same, we need connection to survive. Cultivate friendships, find groups of like minded people, spend time with loved ones. Take care of yourselves. Not every year will look the same, some will have more growth than others. If you’re going through a time of stress, give yourself time to rest, nurture your body and your spirit. This is just one ring in your tree of life. You will get through it, just listen to the trees. #takecareofyourself #growthmindset🌱

Brace yourselves, dear ones, this is a long post…… My husband took this photo moments after I had sung my grand-babies to sleep. We are experiencing a heat wave and they were seeking a reprieve from the heat in our air conditioned house. These little souls are my whole heart. This is a photo of pure love but my first thought at seeing it was a negative one. Initially I chose to share a photo that had me cropped out. This journey of body respect and acceptance is a hard one and not linear at all. Diet culture has taught us that to be worthy of love and acceptance we must fit into a certain BMI range, that anything outside that range is unhealthy, unattractive, unloveable. If I can think of their chubby little bodies as absolutely perfect, why do I still have thoughts that I need to make mine smaller to be worthy? These moments still come, but they are more fleeting these days. I am doing the work to love and accept myself the way I am. My wish is for everyone who reads this to know that they too can tame that inner critic. That we are all worthy of love, respect, and acceptance RIGHT NOW! That you do not need to wait for one second longer to live the biggest, most magical life! Not after you lose 10, 20, or even 100 pounds… RIGHT NOW! This is what I have been working towards. I hope you continue to follow me on this journey, the lessons I am learning is what I am building my business on! #bodyacceptance #doingthework #healthatanysize #launchingsoon

🥵 it is HOT here in Alberta! On days like this it is even more important to stay hydrated. I like to add frozen fruit to my water to add some flavour as well as nutrients! #drinkyourwater #staycool

I absolutely love summer salads! This orange cranberry kale salad was simple to make and tasted AMAZING! I had to write it down before I forgot what I put in it so I could make it again. #newrecipe

Turmeric chai latte in a favourite mug! Research suggests that the curcumin in turmeric is as effective as some anti-inflammatory drugs, but with a lower risk of side effects! It is also an antioxidant that helps protect against the damaging effects of free radicals! Adding some turmeric foods into your meal plan has amazing health benefits and it’s delicious! #holisticnutrition

Taking a holistic approach to your health means so much more than just what you eat. Our homes are full of toxic chemicals that can be harmful to our health. Making a few simple switches is an easy way to cut down on the toxic load in your home. This is the best streak free window cleaner! 1/2 cup vinegar 1/2 cup alcohol 2 cups water 2 tbsp cornstarch Shake well before each use. Get clean, shiny windows without the chemicals! #holistichealth #chemicalfreeliving

It’s a #throwbackthursday post today! Remember pre-covid when fun runs were a thing? Movement should be fun, and I loved doing fun runs! Regular movement improves both your mental and physical health and should not feel like a chore. Find something you love to do and give it your best! Don’t compare your best to anyone else’s... just do your own thing. Your mind and body will thank you for it! #holistichealth #mindbodymovement

Do you grow your own food? According to studies at Harvard University, growing your own food has many health benefits: It helps you eat more fresh fruits and vegetables. You decide what kinds of fertilizers and pesticides come in contact with your food. It lets you control when to harvest your food. Vegetables that ripen in the garden have more nutrients than some store-bought vegetables that must be picked early. If you’re interested in growing food in your backyard, here are some tips: Start small and plant things you’d really like to eat. Pick a spot with at least 6 hours of good daytime light and access to water. Use contaminant-free soil. Consider using a raised garden bed, which allows you to control the soil and nutrient blend. Talk to farmers or other backyard gardeners in your area to get a sense of what grows well in your region and when. If you don’t have space for a garden at home, a community garden is another option! Research has also shown that joining community gardens can help reduce the rates of diabetes, arthritis, dementia, and depression. There are so many reasons to give gardening a try. #holisticnutritionmonth2021

Taking a holistic approach means so much more than looking at what you eat! It also looks at where & how you eat. When we are stressed our digestive system cannot function properly. Doing our best to slow down, relax, and focus on our meal away from distractions is a crucial step toward good digestion. If this sounds like a fairytale to you, (I get it, family mealtimes can be crazy times), can you commit to making just one meal this week free of distractions? Small, sustainable changes done regularly can make a lasting impact on your health! #holisticnutritionmonth2021 #babystepstowellness

Let’s talk about ginger! Whether you add it to your stir fries and smoothies, steep it in hot water or tea, or just suck on a thin slice, ginger can add a burst of flavour and has numerous health benefits! I slice and grate fresh ginger and freeze it so it’s always ready to use, a couple of slices in some warm water with lemon in the morning gives your metabolism a boost to start your day! #holisticnutritionmonth2021

Let’s talk about your grocery bill! Do you avoid buying fresh produce because of the cost or because you have bought it numerous times and thrown it out after you found it in a slimy state in the bottom of the fridge? Frozen fruits and vegetables can be a less expensive option. I always have frozen kale in the freezer to throw into soups, sauces, and smoothies. It can also be a great way to sneak those leafy greens into foods for your picky eaters. No more food waste and it’s easier on your food budget! #holisticnutritionmonth2021 #eatyourveggies

Always learning! Such great speakers so far on day one of #chnc2021 #holisticnutrition

Hands down one of my favourite snacking veggies are peppers! I love the colours and the crunch plus they are perfect for dipping into hummus! Fuel for my brain during another day of studying. #holisticnutrition #eatyourveggies

Happy Earth Day 🌎 I was so lucky to grow up literally surrounded by forest (barefoot whenever I could) so I have always known how great being in nature makes you feel. I recently read an article published in the Journal of Environmental and Public Health that examined the connection between our health and time in nature. Read on... “During recent decades, chronic illness, immune disorders, and inflammatory diseases have increased dramatically, and some researchers have cited environmental factors as the cause.” “Emerging evidence shows that contact with the Earth may be a simple, natural, and yet profoundly effective environmental strategy against chronic stress, autonomic nervous system dysfunction, inflammation, pain, poor sleep, disturbed Heart rate variability, hypercoagulable blood, and many common health disorders, including cardiovascular disease. The research done to date supports the concept that grounding or earthing the human body may be an essential element in the health equation along with sunshine, clean air and water, nutritious food, and physical activity.” So get out there and hug a tree! Celebrate Mother Earth today and every day!

Chop, chop, chop! Doing to some breakfast prep today. I have never been a morning person so having something I can quickly heat up in the morning is key to me eating breakfast. Just chop up whatever you have on hand, there are no food rules here... I sauté my fillings, top with cheese and whisk up some eggs to pour on top. Using parchment paper baking cups in my muffin tin makes cleanup a snap! #deliciousfood #nofoodrules #nourishyourbody

Look at those colours!👀 Did you know that your brain starts to signal your body to release enzymes for digestion before the food even hits your fork? Savouring the sights, smells, and sounds of delicious food prepares your body for proper digestion and absorption of nutrients. The key to feeling your best is not only to nourish your body with food but to take your time to enjoy it! #eattherainbow🌈 #holisticnutrition

One of my favourite late night snacks, frozen pomegranate seeds! No prep required, I buy them frozen 🥶 sweet and delicious 😋 #nutrientdensefood

Having fresh fruit salad ready to go in the fridge makes grabbing a healthy snack easy! Full of phytonutrients, I love to top mine with some Greek yogurt for added protein and hemp seeds for magnesium, zinc and iron! #deliciousfood #nutrientdense #earrealfood

I will never forget how I felt the first time I tried to meditate. I was a anxiety ridden over achiever with a mind that never stopped and I thought there was no way I could ever “quiet my mind”. Fast forward to today and meditation is just one of the many contemplative practices that I use to stay balanced. Learning to manage stress is an important step toward optimum health. Which practices do you use? #stressmanagement tree courtesy of @contemplative_mind

One more time for those in the back! Modifications are a sign of wisdom NOT weakness! I actually try not to use the word modification when I’m teaching yoga as I think it can sometimes make people feel like by modifying a pose they are “less than” others. But I heard this in a class I took lately at it rang true. Listening to your body and making adjustments to a pose to make it work for you is an act of self compassion. Do not let it make you feel weak, it is a sign of your strength shining through! #yogaforeverybody #radicalselfcare

Worried about getting enough vitamins and minerals? Eat more colour! #eattherainbow #naturalnutrition

Wishing you 12 months of adventure, 52 weeks of laughter, 365 days of fun, 8,760 hours of joy, 525,600 minutes of good luck, and 31,536,000 seconds of happiness! #farewell2020 #happynewyear

This is a hard Christmas for so many of us. Normally it is a time filled with family & friends, sharing in the sights, sounds, and tastes of the season. This is not the time to feel guilty or shame around what you eat! Enjoy your favourite foods, relax and give yourself grace. Stressing yourself out will do more damage to your body than a gingerbread cookie! #mindfuleatingforlife #restanddigest

I am in love with this new mug and how much it holds. We are so blessed to have @potterybyheather in our little town! You know how much care is put into each and every piece and using them always brings me joy 😊 #supportlocalbusiness #supportyourartistsandmakers

Have you tried shakshuka? It’s a delicious way to add veggies to your breakfast! #eatyourveggies

Currently obsessed with these micro greens from @microeatsyeg #eatyourgreens🌱

I thought it was time to post a photo of myself in my “after the workout glow”, just kidding... here is my “no makeup, hair not brushed, listening to podcasts on the treadmill glow”! I am clearly not running a “fitspo” account, I do not believe that you need a thigh gap to be healthy or feel worthy. Do not beat yourself up making comparisons to edited and filtered photos on social media. Learning to love yourself exactly the way you are is one of the greatest things you can do for your mental health. Moving your body to improve and maintain your health is also an act of self love. Find something you enjoy doing, and do that as often as you can. If you “miss a Monday”, it’s not a big deal, life is complicated and each day your priorities can be different. Movement shouldn’t be a punishment for something you ate, it should be something you do for yourself because you love your body and want it to be healthy. Dance, skip, bounce, hoola hoop, or go for a walk! None of these things require special equipment or gym memberships, and can be done with a friend. Rid yourself of those old mindsets around exercising for weight loss and do it because: *It strengthens your bones and muscles *Improves your mood *Improves your balance and coordination *Can help lower risk or manage various conditions, including heart disease, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes *can help you be stronger, have more stamina, and be more flexible for things like playing with your kids or grandkids, going on adventures or just doing day to day activities! Whatever your reason, do it when you can and rest when you need to. Listen to your body... it knows what it needs from you. #haes #holisticliving

As if being in a global pandemic was not enough, the colder weather brings with it cold and flu season. Giving your body proper nutrients is one of the best ways to strengthen your immune system and oranges are a nutritional powerhouse! Oranges are an excellent source of Vitamin C. They are also a very good source of dietary fiber. In addition, oranges are a good source of B vitamins including vitamin B1, pantothenic acid and folate as well as vitamin A, calcium, copper and potassium. #eatrealfood #holisticnutrition

Do you ever have those days when you just can’t get in your 5-10 fruits and veggies? I keep #ruvi on hand for those days, link in bio! #rethinkyourdrink #goruvi #plantbasednutrition #holisticnutrition #fruitsandveggies

Here is your Monday reminder to be present. Whatever you are doing today, be all in, do it with your whole heart and full attention. #mindfullnessmoment

There was a time when I ended my day with a glass of red wine... now my go to drink is ginger kombucha, so good for gut health! #holisticliving #healyourgut

Best day ever when I win a book and get to talk about stress and the gut-brain connection!

I was recently introduced to the poem “Fire” by Judy Sorum Brown. I have printed it and placed it where I will easily find it when I need a reminder to slow down and breathe. What are the “logs” of your life? Family, careers, health concerns? If you are struggling, give yourself some space...some oxygen... close your eyes and take three deep breaths. Fire will burn itself out with space between the logs.... so will you. 🔥🔥🔥 Fire What makes a fire burn is space between the logs, a breathing space. Too much of a good thing, too many logs packed in too tight can douse the flames almost as surely as a pail of water would. So building fires requires attention to the spaces in between, as much as to the wood. When we are able to build open spaces in the same way we have learned to pile on the logs, then we can come to see how it is fuel, and absence of the fuel together, that make fire possible We only need to lay a log lightly from time to time. A fire grows simply because the space is there, with openings in which the flame that knows just how it wants to burn can find its way. Judy Brown

Look at those colours! It a noodle bowl day, one of my favourite meals. Eating the rainbow is one way to make sure you are getting the nutrients your body needs! #naturalnutrition

What did this global pandemic look like in your world? For me (in my privileged world) it was a time of looking inward. My well laid out plans for a home studio went spiralling down the drain as the world shut down and new health and safety protocols were put in place. I am shifting focus slightly as I return to school next week to earn my diploma in Holistic Nutrition. My goal was always to create programs that encompassed more than just the asanas (poses) of yoga and this is the next step toward that goal. I hope you continue to follow me on this journey! #alwayslearning #growthmindset🌱

I spent my weekend immersed in yoga philosophy. Although much attention is given to the asana (postures) of yoga, it is only one part of the yogic path. This journey is neither easy or linear but the peace and joy found along the way is worth the work to get there. Chart is from the book “Meditations on Intention and Being” by #rolfgates

A little teabag wisdom!

I was recently vacationing in Arizona and this little yoga sloth found his way into my suitcase. Perhaps he is my yoga spirit animal? We all have those days don’t we? When we’re tired and slow? What does wellness look like on days like that? Maybe you are one of those people who “never misses a Monday” and pushes through to fire up those endorphins. If that works for you then I applaud you, we are all on different paths, walk yours proudly. If you are like me it probably means extra sleep, some herbal tea and a book, maybe a walk in the fresh air. On those days, I can be a bit of a yoga sloth... my practice consists of some very slow sun salutations, child’s pose, and savasana. I am ok with that. It has taken me years to learn to listen to the messages my body is send... It’s ok to let some things slide and just give it extra rest. I can finally embrace my inner yoga sloth. What would your yoga spirit animal be? #yogasloth #selfcare #restandrestore #teaandbooks 🧘🙏🏻☕️📚

Some days, you just have to offer yourself a little grace. Give yourself a pass from judgement... if that seems hard for you, aim for one judgement free afternoon. Try replacing judgement with curiosity. Nobody is perfect. As a recovering perfectionist that simple three word statement holds power. Everyone makes mistakes, it’s what makes us human... perfectly imperfect.

Are you feeling the effects of Blue Monday? Having a daily gratitude practice will help beat the winter blues. What are you grateful for today? I am grateful for warmer temperatures today! #bluemonday #practicegratitude

I led a lovely midday restorative class today. Did you know that a short 15 minute restorative practice done daily can help lower your overall stress? #tendandbefriend

My first studio class is this Thursday at Above Average Wellness! Looking forward to putting my new restorative teacher skills to use!

Always learning! #restorativeteachertraining #yogaeveryday

Don’t be intimidated by the images you see of yogis doing headstands and arm balances. Yoga is more than that and can be done by anyone. It’s not about fitting your body into the pose, it’s about making the pose work for your body. #yogaforeverybody

More compassion is so needed in the world right now...For others and for ourselves!