Nanci

These are 10 life lessons from the Bhagavad Gita, an ancient Indian text dense with wisdom.

1. Change is the Law of The Universe

 

“What you have taken, Has been from here
What you gave has been given here

What belongs to you today
belonged to someone yesterday
and will be someone else’s tomorrow

Change is the Law of The Universe”

Nothing is constant. No-thing is permanent. True stillness comes from embracing movement – the ebb and flow of life. The earth is moving through space. Night follows day.

Each moment is completely new. To be wise is to accept change. To be enlightened is to love change.

2. Everything Happens for a Reason

 

“Whatever happened was good
Whatever is happening is good
Whatever will happen will also be good”

This mindset empowers you. This mindset attracts more of the good.

What has happened has happened. There is nothing more to be done.

The future is a picture, an illusion. It will never come.

It is always now. You control the present. Live it to the fullest.

3. Love the Process Without Depending on the Outcome

 

“Set thy heart upon thy work, but never on its reward.”

Never engage in action for the sake of reward. Do your work with love. Expect nothing. You are rewarded in the present.

Do from a place of joy.

Create from a place of no-mind.

Give from a place of love.

4. Give Without Expecting Something in Return

 

“A gift is pure when it is given from the heart to the right person at the right time and at the right place, and when we expect nothing in return”

Be pure when giving. Love grows when shared.

Give and you shall receive.

5. Let Go of Attachment

 

“You came here empty handed, and you will leave empty handed.”

Attachment to material things can weigh you down. We do not possess things, yet things can possess us.

Sensory pleasures are short-lived. When they disappear they can cause suffering. The wise do not attach their happiness to such pleasures. They go beyond them.

Take no possessions. Always travel light.

6. The Soul Is Eternal

 

“For the soul there is never birth nor death. Nor, having once been, does he ever cease to be. He is unborn, eternal, ever-existing, undying and primeval. He is not slain when the body is slain.”

Birth and death are of this realm. Birth and death are of the duality.

Energy can never be created or destroyed; it transforms from one form to another. Energy is in essence non-dual.

Consciousness is not of the human body.

7. We Are All One

 

“The man who sees me in everything
and everything within me
will not be lost to me, nor
will I ever be lost to him.

He who is rooted in oneness
realizes that I am
in every being; wherever
he goes, he remains in me.

When he sees all being as equal
in suffering or in joy
because they are like himself,
that man has grown perfect in yoga.”

Treat every being the same. Treat others as you want others to treat you. See the inherent goodness in all beings. See through labels and stories.

We are all God. We are all One.

8. You Are What You Think You Are

 

“We behold what we are, and we are what we behold.”

“Man is made by his belief. As he believes, so he is.”

Mind over matter. Think happy thoughts and you are happier. Know you can, and you can.
Look for things to be grateful for. Look for the good. You will find it.

9. Meditate

 

“When meditation is mastered, the mind is unwavering like the flame of a lamp in a windless place.”

Meditation makes you happier. It is a timeless truth.

10. Dream Big

 

“We’re kept from our goal not by obstacles, but by a clear path to a lesser goal.”

See it, feel it, become it. Have no fear when dreaming. Dream as big as you can. Let how you feel be your guide. Move your dream into the present moment to manifest it.

Blog by Vegard Paulsen. He is one of the two founders of Global Harmony Crew.

Global Harmony Crew points you towards deep realization, and guides you towards powerful manifestation. For more timeless truths and life-enhancing material, join the crew by subscribing. You will get their video course on Inner Peace for free.

Graham Parsons is an incredibly kind and devoted teacher, and we are proud to have him teaching alongside Caitlin Varrin on our Smitten with Life Yoga Retreat this Nov.13-23 in Nicaragua in partnership with Yogalife Studios! Graham is a curious wanderer and you can often find him on the road teaching workshops at conscious music festivals and/or backpacking abroad with his mat, teaching at lovely retreat spaces most recently in Guatemala and Hawaii. Seldom not smiling, he is passionate about anything that lets people re-acquaint and connect into the contentment and simple joy at the very center of ourselves.

Learn more here about Graham, his path and perception as a teacher.

How did you find yoga?

My mom. Yet another reason amongst many to be deeply thankful toward her.

What to you is the most essential quality in a teacher?

The ability to mindfully but gently create a space, a container in which each individual can feel into their own medicine, their own amrita (nectar). My favorite teachers are ones that set students in motion in a direction of healing & clarity, without imposing or lecturing. So perhaps a better term than Teacher would be ‘Yoga Suggester’ but that wouldn’t look great on business cards.

As a teacher, what is the core of your message?

To lovingly but firmly shift oneself internally, to arrange one’s tissue, organs, and neurochemistry  toward a perspective of seeing out into the world around us each day from a state of steady, quiet wonderment. This is my yoga.

What are the biggest challenges yoga has brought you?

Having been so deeply & exquisitely inspired by the teachings I’ve been lucky enough to immerse in, the challenge of trying to unpack it and gift it outward, both from the seat of a teacher and in my daily life is one I struggled with for a long while and still do from time to time. That experience of sometimes feeling hampered by language & not being able to convey the full richness of the yoga(s) we practice. But through this struggle I’m constantly reminded of how beautiful it is that we’re all constantly sharing these little glimpses with one another.

Where is your favorite place on earth?

Halfway up an banyan tree at the top of the waterfall looking out over the hidden valley on Hale Akua Organic Farm, Paia, Maui, Hawaii. In my travels thus far it’s my favorite place in the world to just Listen. Mahalo.

Other than people, what has taught you the most on your path?

My breath, plant medicines, and music .

What is your favorite style to teach?

Yin Yoga. It was my first love on my mat, and no matter how many other styles or trainings I pick up, this always feels most like home.

I only began studying yoga about 20 months ago. While I fell in love with the benefits immediately, I wasn’t sure how I could bring that experience into my own home practice. The classes were so very neatly ordered and teachers rarely slipped up in their well thought out and rehearsed classes.

I didn’t know how I could possibly run myself through the complicated sequencing I was walked through in class. I am not a natural born yogi and was a bit intimidated by the complexity of it all. Anytime I got on my mat at home I would remember the first few poses we did in class, perform them and then become lost.

What next? How do I build my practice? What are the rules? How will I ever remember all of these positions? And when I do, what order do I do them in? And the names! Padagustasa what??

I always felt like I was doing something wrong. Usually I gave up and threw on a Youtube video, which gave me the instruction I seemed to need to feel like I was doing yoga.

I got to India and realized that these perfectly coordinated classes were only a version of yoga. I have practiced with some high caliber teachers here and for the most part have experienced a very basic, accessible practice. The ego of yoga practice is just not there, at all.

These teachers, in their 30s, 40s and 50s, who have been practicing not since they were 21, but rather since they were 6, sit on the floor and spend the first half an hour sitting and doing stretches you would do with your team mates before a soccer game as a child. We stretch out our necks, reach high for the sky, touch our toes, make tight fists and stretch out our fingers. We even take time to open our eyes as wide as we can and then shut them tightly, and move our eyeballs looking around in biiiiig wiiiide circles.

We get warm, we move our big muscles and our little muscles, it is not fancy and it doesn’t have to be.

Then nearly every class we come to a standing position and spend the next 10-20 minutes going through sun salutations. This is a very basic traditional sequence anyone can learn in a few days.

It is only at this time, nearly half way through class, that we begin to pick our way through some asanas. Usually beginning again very simply with Tree Pose (standing on one leg) or Tadhasana (standing on tippy toes with hands above the head). Usually afterwards we move into some sort of side bend, back bend, forward bend, twist, and another balancing posture or two. Then we go to a seated position to go through some more forward/back bends and some twists. Then to a laying position for 5 minutes or so of simple abdominal work, bringing us to a final set of twists. At this point the energy of the room is slowed down and we are walked through a calming Savasana.

There are excellent tips along the way, a lot of attention to detail, and incredible lessons in anatomy and philosophy. That is what makes the classes unique and worth attending, not some fancy flowing sequences.

So how has this effected my home practice? The format has not changed at all! Rather, the change has been in confidence, and confidence is everything. In the beginning, I was doing it right, I just didn’t know it. I was hopping on the mat and stretching it out, breathing my way to a better day. This is what separates yoga from other exercise. This is what soothes the mind. Moving the sacred body in sync with the sacred breath. Get on, mat or no mat, and move your body with your breath.

Yoga is not sexy pants and fancy postures. Yoga should not be scary for anyone. Self practice should never feel incorrect. Yoga is loving yourself, by simply taking care of yourself. Yoga should have no walls to climb, no clubs to access, no uniform. We should all be welcomed to be within ourselves, to practice being, in class or at home, with no expectations.

Written by Jordan Ross Dore

136SHARES

When I found kitchari my life completely changed for the better. And everyone who knows me well has heard about kitchari and my infatuation at some point. So, what’s all the hype about this soupy little dish?

Ayurvedic practitioners swear by kitchari for its ability to balance all of the doshas and its ability to promote healing, digestive health and overall well being. Have you been a little overindulgent and need to clean up your digestion? Kitchari. Feeling sick or recovering from illness? Kitchari. Changing seasons or just need a fresh start with a clear mind? Kitchari. It is one of your most powerful tools for clearing out the old in order to make way for the new.

Now, I’ll be honest with you, I have explored practically every cleanse out there from cabbage soup to the master cleanse to air and light (yes you read that right). But kitchari made me a believer. This simple, soupy dish made primarily of rice, split mung beans, seasonal veggies and spices changed my whole outlook on cleansing and transformed my relationship with food and my body. Instead of feeling deprived, it made me feel nourished. Instead of frazzled and delirious I felt grounded, safe, and secure. And coming off it I felt clear and connected. I knew this was the one for me.

The beauty of this dish is that you can eat it for a single meal to give your digestion a break or do a full cleanse of 5-7 days where you really begin to release stored toxins and accumulation. It’s a great introductory cleanse because you still get to eat something throughout the day but at the same time it is the most effective tool I have found for healing and soothing the digestive system, increasing agni (digestive fire), reducing bloating, clearing the mind, healing attachments to food, and kick starting the body’s natural ability to heal itself. And yes, you may loose a few pounds long the way.

HOW TO DO A KITCHARI CLEANSE

• Determine the number of days you will cleanse for
• Begin to eliminate common foods that cause imbalance a few days before the cleanse (alcohol, caffeine, sugar, meat, processed foods, etc)
• Make kitchari daily (if possible) and eat it for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
• Drink warm, herbal teas and water throughout the day
• Get plenty of rest and take time for self care (oil massage, warm baths, yoga, meditation)
• In the mornings drink a cup of warm water with lemon followed by another glass of warm water to flush the system
• If you need to eat something other than kitchari try some fresh, seasonal fruit in the morning or cooked grains with ghee

HERE ARE FIVE TIPS THAT I FIND HELPFUL WHEN DOING A KITCHARI CLEANSE:

1. Use fresh, organic and seasonal and local veggies. This will give you the most vibrant energy, keep your nourished and connect you with the cycles of nature. Be sure to use organic veggies since we want to make sure you aren’t adding more toxins and pesticides while you are trying to clean them out.

2. Make a new batch of kitchari every day. Having it fresh will keep you motivated and interested in eating it, and it will also allow you to enjoy the prana (energy) of the food, which is depleted in leftovers.

3. Set an intention. Remind yourself of why you are doing this cleanse and dig deep to find your higher purpose for it. Your body and your energy will respond to your thoughts and intentions. Your body doesn’t respond in the same way to “I want to lose 5 pounds, I want to lose 5 pounds, I MUST do this…” as it does to “I want to heal my body and come back to balance. I am willing to release old habits and connect to something deeper…” Personally, I like to set and intention to heal and connect to my deepest self. To remind myself I simply say “I love you,” to my body every time I feel hunger. This brings new awareness and sweetness to the practice and reminds me of my intention. In short, setting an intention brings the practice from the ordinary to the sacred.

4. Feed yourself nourishing thoughts and energy rather than food. We are nourished by our thoughts and actions just as much as we are nourished by food. So clear out your calendar as much as you can. Know that you are prioritizing you and your health during this 3-10 days. Take the time to ease into the morning, start a meditation or yoga practice daily, get yourself a massage or take baths each night. Let this be a time for total self-love, reflection, and connection. It is amazing how much time and energy we have when we don’t need to think about food and preparing it. Use that time to connect to spirit, God, the deepest part of yourself.

5. Get your friends involved. Let people know that you are on a kitchari cleanse and see if you can get them on board (hint: share this post!). This will keep you accountable. I think cleansing is always more fun and easier with a buddy. On a recent cleanse I would look forward to an email from my cleanse buddy each day like I used to wait for mealtime. It’s an opportunity to reflect, connect, and encourage each other.

MY FAVORITE KITCHARI RECIPE

This recipe comes from a friend of mine at the Ayurvedic Center in Vermont. He told me his theory that adding the ghee and salt later in the process made the flavor come out more, and I totally agree.

This makes about 4-6 servings. You can cut it in half if you are cooking just for yourself. Or make a bunch to eat throughout the week (though I do recommend making it daily if that is a possibility for you).

SIMPLE KITCHARI

PREP TIME10 minsCOOK TIME30 minsTOTAL TIME40 mins

Serves: 4-6 servings

INGREDIENTS

• ¼ cup split mung beans (these can be found at most natural food stores or online. They can also be found whole rather than split, you can use these but be sure to increase your cooking time to break them down fully)
• ½ cup organic basmati rice
• 1 3×2 inch strip of kombu, cut into small pieces
• 6-8 cups of filtered water
• 3-4 cups fresh, organic and seasonal veggies (use at least one green veggie such as spinach or kale and one orange or root vegetable such as carrot, sweet potato or squash)
• 1-2 Tbsp of CCF blend (made by grinding equal parts of cumin, coriander and fennel seed or by mixing the pre-ground spices)
• ⅛ tsp asafoetida
• ½ – 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 Tbsp chopped fresh ginger root
• ¼ – ½ cup shredded coconut
• 1 cup loosely packed chopped, fresh organic cilantro
• 2-3 Tbsp ghee (Vegans can use coconut oil in the warmer months or sesame oil in the cooler months use less ghee if you have kapha imbalance, lots of accumulation, or excess weight).
• 1 tsp rock salt

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Rinse the rice and split mung beans (I don’t really measure I just do a 2:1 ratio of rice to beans) then put them in a pressure cooker with the kombu and water enough to cover by at least an inch or 2 (about 3 cups of water depending on your pot).
2. Boil until soft, 10-15 minutes (longer if not using pressure cooker). Chop veggies and cilantro and grind spices (if using whole spices) as the rice and beans cook.
3. Add the veggies (keep kale or quick-cooking veggies out for now), add 2 more cups of water and cover. Cook 3-5 minutes or so until the water boils veggies are starting to soften. Add more water and adjust temperature as needed.
4. Once veggies start to soften, add the diced ginger, coconut and spices (cumin, coriander, fennel, asafoetida and turmeric).  When making a warming kitchari in the fall or winter I’ll add a little black pepper and a dash of cinnamon too, maybe some raisins.
5. Add the kale, spinach or other quick- cooking veggies and the fresh cilantro. Stir.
6. Then add ghee and rock salt.
7. Turn off heat, and serve with fresh cilantro and coconut garnish and a wedge of lime if you like.

Author: Krissy Ruddy

Journey into India, where every blink of the eye brings something new!

With well over a billion people, over 100 native languages and tens of thousands of Gods and paths to spirituality there is truly no place on the planet like India.

Visiting India can be overwhelming – it’s hard to decide where to even begin! To help ensure your trip hits all the right marks, we’ve taken the time to get to know mother India so we can offer unique access to its best teachers, hidden gems and most incredible experiences.

For those interested in exploring the roots of yoga as a way of life, there is truly no alternative to India. Here we find yoga everywhere, from schools and prisons to the homes of everyday people. The practice has been a part of the very fabric of Indian society for as many as 10,000 years, though some practitioners will tell you it’s actually been since the very beginning of time.

The explosion of yoga in the western world has been a beautiful thing, as the spread of this positive practice only makes the world a better place. But some key elements have been lost in translation, and going to the source of this magic can completely transform and elevate your path as a yogi.

Learn more this amazing trip here!
 
 

Every time you walk into a grocery store, you have thousands of choices. Everyone has to eat and most consumers attempt to make good decisions in the face of colorful, happy packaging touting the latest improvements in taste, quality, and content.

Unfortunately, in order to make those “improvements,” all sorts of chemical additives are included in the final product. Flavor enhancers like salt and sugar, preservatives to make them last longer in your pantry, and colorants to make them look better are a marketer’s dream and are hugely profitable for an industry that fights for consumer dollars.

In an attempt to fight the confusion and strengthen health, many of us are choosing the benefits of organic food. An important thing to remember though is that “organic” doesn’t always mean “healthy.” It’s the latest marketing ploy to attract people like you who are interested in serving better quality foods to your family. Words such as “natural” and “whole grain” are other marketing catchphrases that can muddy the waters of healthy eating.

There are organic snacks available for children filled with sugar. Even organic food benefits are lost when they contain too much of this ingredient. Sugar is unanimously considered dangerous to overall health, especially in the quantities the average population in America consumes.

Is There a Difference Between Organic Foods and Non-Organic?

As long as you read your labels, experts agree that most organic foods are healthier for us to consume. Food grown without the use of fertilizers and chemical pesticides is always better.

Organic foods also tend to contain more vitamins and minerals that are missing from commercially grown or raised fruits, vegetables, or livestock. That means they have a stronger impact on your immune system, help you sleep better, and have a more positive effect on body weight.

The Quality Low Input Food (QLIF) project is a study in the European Union researching the benefits of organic food. They raised cattle and grew fruits and vegetables on adjacent properties. One was organic, the other a traditional non-organic site. What they discovered was shocking.

• The organically produced fruits and vegetables contained 40% more antioxidants.
• They contained higher levels of vitamins and minerals such as iron and zinc.
• Organically raised cows produced milk that tested with almost 90% more antioxidants.

These findings show that eating organically can increase nutrient intake for people that don’t normally consume the recommended servings of fruits and vegetables on a daily basis. You’ll get more nutritional pop with the benefits of organic meat and produce.

As a result, European countries are considering changing their public opinion of organic foods. Currently, the majority of the population identifies “eating organic” as a lifestyle choice rather than a recommended course of action.

In America it’s Business as Usual

In the United States, instead of truly moving more firmly toward organic food benefits, large food manufacturers are slapping the “organic” label on foods that might not deserve it. It’s a multi-billion dollar industry and sales of organic foods are growing by approximately 20% every year. Consumers believe they’re buying healthy when they’re actually being ripped off.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) put half of their federally certified organic producers on probation for certifying foods as organic when it couldn’t be verified.

This compromises your ability to trust the labels on your food.

• Organic milk is a prime example. It is still pasteurized and has most of the same issues as regular commercially-produced milk. Unless it’s raw milk, it’s not organic.
• Potatoes are available organically and are an excellent choice. Organic potato chips, however, are still junk food. They’re made with hydrogenated cancer-causing oils and remain one of the worst foods you can eat.
• As far as cake, cookies, and ice cream – they might contain organic ingredients but they’re still loaded with sugar that makes them a poor choice for your anti-cancer diet.

Issues with Imported Organic Food 

There is also a huge issue with foods imported from other countries such as China.

With other items making national news (toys testing positive for lead and contaminated dog food, for example), there is no way to safely assume that imported so-called organic foods are even safe for consumption, much less organic in the first place.

The Chinese government doesn’t allow foreign inspectors on their farms and many of the Chinese inspectors won’t report poor farming practices out of fear of retribution from their own agencies. Imported Chinese ginger being sold under a popular organic label was found to be contaminated with Aldicarb – a pesticide that causes nausea, blurred vision, and headaches. The amounts found on the contaminated goods weren’t even permissible for non-organic fresh ginger.

Can You Trust the USDA’s Labeling?

Even the USDA’s “organic” label is misleading. The National Organic Program (NOP) is responsible for overseeing foods that receive this label. Their interest lies purely in agricultural production and profits. It doesn’t take farming methods, soil quality, or environmental pollution into consideration.

The USDA recently chose to deem some chemicals and food additives as acceptable in foods carrying the “organic” or “made with organics” labels. These include pasteurization, irradiation, and modified sterilization. These techniques are believed to be the best ways to make food safe and the USDA accepts the word of food scientists as truth.

With none of the world’s largest food producers shouting for doubling and tripling organic food production, and labels providing misleading or outright false information… what’s a consumer to do? Until the USDA changes their shady business practices, diligence is key.

There are things you can look for to ensure the safety of your food. You’re going to have to look deeper than the label to ensure the following:

• The item is grown in a sustainable way and without chemical enhancements. These practices include minimal water, natural fertilizers, protected soil, and natural forms of pest control.
• The item was not produced on a factory farm.
• Absolutely no artificial additives and/or preservatives were added to the food.
• Animal products are from free-range animals not fed with grains or by-products but with native food occurring naturally in their environment. Grass-fed cows and free-range chickens scratching for their sustenance, for example
• No added hormones, antibiotics, or other drugs
• Not genetically modified (GMO) crops. The biggest culprits are soy, corn, and sugar beets. The list of GMO foods grows daily and companies are not required to tell you!
• The item is fresh. Sometimes fresh, non-organic produce can be a better choice than organic food that is wilted and not as fresh as it should be. Make sure you soak it thoroughly in a sink of cold water with a bit of vinegar to remove bacteria and surface pesticide residue.

Getting the Most Health Benefit From Organic Food

Farmers markets and CSAs (Community Supported Agriculture) are an excellent way to purchase your food. They enable you to develop a relationship with the people that grow your food. From naturally, humanely raised meats and eggs, to raw milk and fresh produce, it’s important to nurture a relationship and know the name of the person that sold it to you.

You can ask questions directly about their practices and methods. Most of these farmers are full of excellent information and advice, and may even encourage you to try growing some of your own food.

The benefits of fresh, high quality organic food for your body and health outweigh the extra effort. Choosing organic is a wonderful part of your anti-cancer lifestyle.

Blog by Ty Bollinger from The Truth About Cancer

Art by Beth Hoeckel
 
 

I want to know if you belong or feel
abandoned.
If you know despair or can see it in others.
I want to know
if you are prepared to live in the world
with its harsh need
to change you. If you can look back
with firm eyes
saying this is where I stand. I want to know
if you know
how to melt into that fierce heat of living
falling toward
the center of your longing. I want to know
if you are willing
to live, day by day, with the consequence of love
and the bitter
unwanted passion of your sure defeat.

I have heard, in that fierce embrace, even
the gods speak of God.

– David Whyte

This beautiful poem was introduced to us by our trip leader and yoga teacher Sarah Zandbeek. She says “It’s all about cracking open the mind and the body simultaneously. One does not open without the other, though there are exceptions to everything.”
 
 

 
 
Meet two of our three founding team members, Melissa Jol & Chris Elliott. Here is a little bit about them and what led to the creation of Breathe in Life.
 
 
The name “Breathe in Life” came to Melissa in a dream. Her most cherished of all, her mother, uttered those 3 words then suddenly Melissa jolted awake and was overcome with the absolute realization that this idea will work and it will be life changing!

Melissa has a deep desire to help people, give tools to create more compassion and happiness, and show people what life has to offer; mentally, spiritually & physically. She is dedicated to the goal of breaking down the limitations in people’s minds and helping them to discover their full potential. She hopes people leave a Breathe in Life trip with a new appreciation for their life, a new love for themselves, less judgment and more acceptance, and most importantly a profound deepening of awareness and a commitment to not taking life too seriously.

She feels extreme gratitude for her time spent working with Free & Easy Traveler and for all her 10+ years of travel and adventure. Those experiences led her to think outside the box and to never give up on her passion for guiding people through the countries which she has grown to love with all her heart. With the support of an amazing team beside her she feels Breathe in Life is unstoppable!
 
 
“After first discovering my love for travel when visiting Thailand 10 years ago, I set out on a life path of exploration to further my development as an individual, while incorporating a passion for yoga and a fire for improving myself and the world I live in. This love for travel organically turned into a job opportunity as an international tour guide/ manager, which was well suited after completing school for tourism and business management. Getting to spend so much time overseas and being able to live and breathe in all the culture and experience has given me a deep appreciation for the beauty of life and love which I strive to share with as many people as I can. I feel truly blessed to have crossed paths with so many phenomenal teachers and friends and for my continuous travel adventures all over the world.

Recently, I have been fulfilling my dream to start up Breathe in Life with close friends and family. I wear many hats within the company and pour my heart and soul into everything and everyone that Breathe in Life comes into contact with. I look forward to a bright future in doing what I love and devoting more time on my yoga mat as it has always been a place to ground my thoughts in my incredible, ever changing lifestyle.”
 
 

 
 
And here is a little bit about beauty Chris Elliott and his gorgeous hair.

Back in 2011 Chris was given a life changing opportunity to begin working as a travel guide for Free & Easy Traveler. He had finished University and also completed school to become a fireman but his itch for travel was much too strong. He followed his heart and took the job as a tour guide. Soon after he started a relationship with Melissa and with their goals for a more health conscious travel lifestyle, Chris naturally fell into the role of getting #BreatheinLife off of the ground.

He wanted to help create something that not only provided unbelievable experiences through travel, but also gave traveler’s something to take home with them. Opening their minds to new ways of living, thinking, and focusing on the important things in life.

Growing up Chris always seemed to find himself working in a leadership role. Whether it was working as a snowboard instructor, camp counsellor or wakeboard instructor, the reward of passing new skills on to others was always something he thrived on. Sharing these life changing experiences on the road that changed him, along with so many others, is what keeps Chris ticking.
 
 
“Although health and wellness has always be an important part of my life, travel didn’t come into the picture until I finished university. After graduating from the University of Ottawa with a degree in Criminology and Seneca College with a degree in Firefighter Education, the path to a “normal” life and career seemed imminent. A trip to Thailand in 2008 created a new spark and from that point on I developed a love for travel. After returning to Thailand in 2011, I was hired as a tour guide for our friends at Free and Easy Traveler. I guided hundreds of guests on trips throughout Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Nicaragua, and the Philippines. As time progressed I moved on to become country manager in the Philippines and spent time in the Free and Easy headquarters involved in flight co-ordination and customer service. Throughout my time as a guide I discovered the difficulties of maintaining a balanced healthy lifestyle while guiding on the road.

When Breathe in Life came along, the concept of providing that same adventurous exploration of a country whilst supplementing it with yoga and a healthy lifestyle presented a perfect combination for the next steps in my life. I look forward to introducing you to the beautiful places our planet has to offer while creating calmness and clarity within yourself.”
 
 
Check out our website for more: http://www.breatheinlife.com/why-breathe-in-life/the-team
 
 

Raw “Tuna” Salad Wrap

Spring is in the air and it’s time for renewed commitment to your health. Winter comfort food cravings start to subside and fresh, lighter foods are where it’s at. A perfect recipe to add to your mix is the sunflower “tuna” salad below. Perfect for topping on rice crackers, cucumber slices or lettuce wraps with the recommended goodies. Go to http://www.innerglownutrition.ca/something-to-chew-on to read up on more health benefits of sunflower seeds and be sure to check out this month’s Chew Tube Video as well! Just 2 minutes! http://www.innerglownutrition.ca/chew-tube

Recipe Serves 2

This Delicious faux “Tuna Salad” is a huge hit. Enjoy on top of crackers, (rice crackers or raw), with just cucumber slices or as a wrap as per below.

2 Cups Sunflower Seeds, soaked 12-24hrs

1/2 Cup pickle Juice (Bubbies Brand is best for some fermented goodness!)

¼ Cup Lemon Juice

½ Cup White Onion, minced

½ Cup Celery, minced

¼ Cup Red Pepper, minced

¼ Cup Parsley, minced

¼ Cup Dill, minced

2 Tbsp Dulse Flakes (or ground fresh dulse)

*Optional toppings: vegan mayo, cucumber, tomatoes, pickles, sprouts

1. Process sunflower seeds with pickle juice and lemon juice.
2. Mix in remaining Ingredients.
3. Place in Wrap of choice: Collards, lettuce or sprouted grain tortilla with fresh sliced cucumber, vegan mayo if desired, fresh pickles, chopped fresh cherry tomatoes, mixed sprouts and enjoy!

Written by Kristen Fraser of Inner Glow Nutrition and cook for our March 17 – 27 2016 Rejuvenation retreat in Nicaragua with Sarah Zandbeek! Click the link below for details!

http://www.breatheinlife.com/trainings/rejuvenation-retreat/welcome

Facebook Link if you want to“Share”:

https://www.facebook.com/SomethingToChewOn 

For more info on recipes, cooking classes and retreats with Kristin Fraser go to www.innerglownutrition.ca .

Since the 1970’s Majuli islander Jadav Payeng has been planting trees in order to save his island. To date he has single handedly planted a forest larger than Central Park NYC. His forest has transformed what was once a barren wasteland, into a lush oasis. Humble yet passionate and philosophical about his work.