Instigate Change

How would it feel if you Namaste? Right here, right now. How would it feel if you stay?

Having just recently completed 200 hours of Vinyasa Flow Yoga Teacher Training the journey unfolds. Talk about working through the tough stuff and peeling away the layers. Our instructor would ask us "How would it feel if you stay" all the while leaving us in a pose that made me shake and cry and think very mean thoughts toward her (that passed with every out breath.) Then we would come out of the pose with the feeling of accomplishment like no other.

Even though it was hard, it was possible. It changed the way I viewed life from the inside out.

Yoga allowed me to connect with my body, my mind and the experience was all mine. The others in my tribe had their own but we shared what is now a transformation.

Support from our families was on full alert. We gathered that resistance was not only ours but also from the outside. Shedding the stuff that does not serve us and gaining a mindful and deliberate self.

Yoga taught us how to make better decisions, ask better questions and take out the trash. We became better aware of food choices. Most of all, discovering Patanjali's Yoga Sutra. Completely expanding our horizons and creating space where there was no space before. Standing before our tribe raw with fear of the unknown yet completely supported by our sisters as we guide them through a few poses. Learning even more that it is possible to connect with and embrace the divine order of the universe. Bringing about awareness, instigating change. We repatterned the breath to give back when we really need it. Thank you Ujjayi.

The gift of Yoga unveiled the truth. The authentic voice, the uniqueness of what I could bring to the mat. I am that.

I made this seasonal recipe that was emailed to me from the

ORGANIC FARMERS’ MARKET

In the heart of Myrtle Beach

YUMMMY!

**********************************

Butternut Squash and Apple Soup

1 tablespoon butter

1 large onion

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

4 ¼ pounds butternut squash, peeled, seeded, cut into 1-inch cubes

4 ¼ cups vegetable broth

1 gala apple, peeled, cored, diced

1/2 cup apple juice

Light sour cream, optional

Chopped fresh chives

1. Melt butter in large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion and nutmeg; sauté until onion begins to brown, about 5 minutes.

2. Add squash, broth, apple, and apple juice. Bring to boil; reduce heat and simmer uncovered until squash and apple are tender, about 30 minutes.

3. Working in batches, puree soup in blender until smooth. Return soup to pot. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

4. Bring soup to simmer, thinning with more broth if desired. Ladle soup into bowls. Garnish with sour cream (optional) and chives.

Supporting Local Farmers

This morning I am eating a cantaloupe for breakfast. Reason being that it's not a bagel or bacon and eggs with a piece of toast is that I just recently watched Food Inc. As well as listening to an audio CD of Skinny Bitch.

My oh my what a wonderful world we live in that inhumanly treats our food before we digest it. A hint of sarcasm there.

With out getting to deep into the science of "The Pain Gate" which I will leave that up to Rory and Kim. It is scary to know that before these animals die they feel fear and pain. The nervous system then releases chemicals in the body such as histamines, adrenalin and so forth. This is all in the meat we consume.

No wonder I had road rage after eating that hamburger from the fast food joint that uses this meat.

That was a year ago that I stopped eating red meat. I made the announcement to my family at Thanksgiving dinner. Yes I got funny looks but they have been supportive. It will be interesting this Thanksgiving when I deny the bird.

So here are some positive benefits to eating healthy;

1. My waist has gotten smaller. (I have missed you, my favorite pair of slacks!)

2. I feel lighter. (By saying this I mean mentally and physically.)

3. I am supporting local farmers. (Less of a Carbon Footprint)

I am not able to make to many major changes since financially it does cost more to buy fresh eggs from down the road than a combo meal from a fast food joint. Food Inc talks about this. So little by little I aim to do better. By promoting presence of body, mind and spirit through massage and skin health, I get to talk about why my skin looks fresh and healthy. Baby steps, just baby steps.

Read the labels and make smart decisions.

Healthy Regards,

Amanda

http://www.organicconsumers.org/

http://www.nongmoshoppingguide.com/

Mindfully Aware

Yesterday, two friends and I drove up to Charlotte to see Jack Johnson in concert. We stopped and ate at a nice Indian Food restaurant and then went on to the show. This being my first show to see of him and friends I was pretty excited. Although tired from celebrating another friends Birthday the night before, I wasn't going to let that stop me from having a good time.

Big venues have their pros and cons.

You get to meet a bunch of new people that share a common interest.

And you get to meet people that you wouldn't normally hang around.

When going out to events like these I try to be aware of other people and their belongings. I watch were I step and I apologize if I bump into someone. They didn't ask for my elbow much less crushing their snack that was over priced anyway.

So when this boy walked right over my purse last night, I asked him to please be aware that we have our belongings on our blanket and to not step on them. The detailed disrespect that came out of his mouth was unmentionable. As well as the rest of his friends that continually ashed their cigars and cigarettes on our blanket.

Again I had to ask another girl to stop doing just that. Yet, I said politely "Pardon, but if you could please be mindfully aware and not drop your ashes on our blanket."

The amazing part of all this is that their attitudes didn't mix right with the music or the reason behind the show.

"An individual action, multiplied by millions, creates global change." That is what it reads in the passport I received yesterday.

http://allatonce.org/

"Your actions, your voice and your choices all have a huge impact. "

And they don't go unnoticed!

This may be an isolated incident, I hope that we all try to share how important it is to be mindfully aware of our surroundings and our actions.

From the Dr. Hauschka Rhythms Newsletter

PLANT PORTRAIT:

Honey/Mel

Overview: Apart from the plants,

many animals live in the gardens

at WALA, including honey bees and

wild bees. There are currently sixteen

bee colonies which have become an

established presence within the WALA

gardens. When choosing the plants

for the outside areas and meadows,

gardeners are careful to provide the

bees with a rich variety of nectar

and pollen throughout the season

to maintain a healthy biodynamic

ecosystem. Ingredients derived from

our bees include beeswax, honey,

propolis wax and royal jelly.

Source: Beehives maintained using

organic methods.

Found in: Intensive Treatment 04

and Rhythmic Night Conditioner

contain rhythmitised dilutions of

honey to support and enhance

the skin’s vitality and processes of

renewal. Regenerating Day Cream and

Regenerating Serum are formulated

with clover blossom honey, a light

honey from the clover plant. In

addition to encouraging the natural

process of cellular renewal, honey

also helps to calm and cool red,

irritated and sensitive skin.

I find this interesting because just

recently a local bee farmer came in with

all kinds of honey. And now my spa,

Elements Day Space

is selling it. Infused honey, with

lemon, lemon-ginger, lime, orange,

creamed and other varieties. Let me

bee the first to tell you that it is

very tasty. This morning I had some

on my breakfast biscuit and hash rounds.

Yumm!

Not to mention the benefits honey

has on the immune system.

http://www.benefits-of-honey.com/

Wouldn't you like to bee well

with cold and flu season right

around the corner?

Hey Spring peepers,

I hope this finds you busy with abundant gardens,infinite

potential and joyous outdoor events.

Speaking of outdoor events this Saturday, April 17, 2010

The Elements Day Space Team will be at Market Common

with the Earth Day Festival all around us. This event is

has live music, chair massage provided by all the ladies

from the spa and a bunch of other goodies.

Our tent will have a "Radiant You" facial that anyone can

participate in beginning at 1:00 pm. We are giving away

some Dr. Hauschka "Radiant You" kits and you can register

to win a free service from the spa.

Oh and for all our Elements Day Space members,

Yes that means you.... Thursday April 22, 2010 Earth Day

you can schedule a 60 minute Swedish massage for $50.

Call ahead so you don't miss out on our special.

(843)839-2762

Healthy Regards,

Amanda & The Elements

Day Space Team

Evening Of Beauty

Join Dr.Hauschka Educator, Allison Martin-Attix and Amanda Powell-Wooten, Spa Owner & Dr.Hauschka esthetician, for a luxurious "Evening of Beauty" featuring Dr.Hauschka's holistic organic and biodynamic skin care. Get a free consultation and receive complimentary samples!(843)839-2762

Date:	Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Time:	6:00pm - 7:00pm
Location:	Elements Day Space
Street:	1700 N. Oak St, Suite B
City/Town:	Myrtle Beach, SC

The Magnificent

One of the most beautiful sites in the world is real close to the home. I have lived very near here and the low country has so much history as well as culture brought from all over. Yet the land has it's own voice. She calls to the trees to grow toward her. Their relation is one of unconditional giving. Justifying the beauty of being grounded and reaching for the Sun at the same moment. This is where time stands still as it should. Save the Angel Oak and it's neighboring trees by becoming a fan on Facebook and signing the petition on the website. http://www.savetheangeloak.org/ They are magnificent and poised and they need our help.