Lifestyle

Photo by Renee Tamara

For many years I worked in palliative care. My patients were those who had gone home to die. Some incredibly special times were shared. I was with them for the last three to twelve weeks of their lives. People grow a lot when they are faced with their own mortality.

I learnt never to underestimate someones capacity for growth. Some changes were phenomenal. Each experienced a variety of emotions, as expected, denial, fear, anger, remorse, more denial and eventually acceptance. Every single patient found their peace before they departed though, every one of them.

When questioned about any regrets they had or anything they would do differently, common themes surfaced again and again.

Here are the most common five:

1. I wish I’d had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.

This was the most common regret of all. When people realize that their life is almost over and look back clearly on it, it is easy to see how many dreams have gone unfulfilled. Most people had not honoured even a half of their dreams and had to die knowing that it was due to choices they had made, or not made.

It is very important to try and honour at least some of your dreams along the way. From the moment that you lose your health, it is too late. Health brings a freedom very few realise, until they no longer have it.

2. I wish I didn’t work so hard.

This came from every male patient that I nursed. They missed their children’s youth and their partner’s companionship. Women also spoke of this regret. But as most were from an older generation, many of the female patients had not been breadwinners. All of the men I nursed deeply regretted spending so much of their lives on the treadmill of a work existence.

By simplifying your lifestyle and making conscious choices along the way, it is possible to not need the income that you think you do. And by creating more space in your life, you become happier and more open to new opportunities, ones more suited to your new lifestyle.

3. I wish I’d had the courage to express my feelings.

Many people suppressed their feelings in order to keep peace with others. As a result, they settled for a mediocre existence and never became who they were truly capable of becoming. Many developed illnesses relating to the bitterness and resentment they carried as a result.

We cannot control the reactions of others. However, although people may initially react when you change the way you are by speaking honestly, in the end it raises the relationship to a whole new and healthier level. Either that or it releases the unhealthy relationship from your life. Either way, you win.

4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.

Often they would not truly realise the full benefits of old friends until their dying weeks and it was not always possible to track them down. Many had become so caught up in their own lives that they had let golden friendships slip by over the years. There were many deep regrets about not giving friendships the time and effort that they deserved. Everyone misses their friends when they are dying.

It is common for anyone in a busy lifestyle to let friendships slip. But when you are faced with your approaching death, the physical details of life fall away. People do want to get their financial affairs in order if possible. But it is not money or status that holds the true importance for them. They want to get things in order more for the benefit of those they love. Usually though, they are too ill and weary to ever manage this task. It is all comes down to love and relationships in the end. That is all that remains in the final weeks, love and relationships.

5. I wish that I had let myself be happier.

This is a surprisingly common one. Many did not realise until the end that happiness is a choice. They had stayed stuck in old patterns and habits. The so-called ‘comfort’ of familiarity overflowed into their emotions, as well as their physical lives. Fear of change had them pretending to others, and to their selves, that they were content. When deep within, they longed to laugh properly and have silliness in their life again. When you are on your deathbed, what others think of you is a long way from your mind. How wonderful to be able to let go and smile again, long before you are dying.

Life is a choice. It is YOUR life. Choose consciously, choose wisely, choose honestly. Choose happiness.

About the author:

Bronnie Ware is the author of the best-selling memoir, The Top Five Regrets of the Dying – A Life Transformed by the Dearly Departing, released worldwide, with translations in 27 languages. She also runs an online personal growth and song-writing course, has released two albums of original songs, and writes a well-loved blog. Bronnie’s newest book, Your Year for Change: 52 Reflections for Regret-Free Living, was released in October 2014.

Bronnie’s previous work has included mixing cocktails on a tropical island, management in the banking sector, caring for dying people, teaching song writing to prisoners, and a few things in between. She is now an author, personal growth facilitator, and speaker. Bronnie lives in NSW, Australia.

Check out more of Bronnie’s work at bronnieware.com

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Most Commonly Found: Kombucha originates from China. It quickly spread to Russia and throughout Europe. Today it’s commonly found throughout the world in a variety of health food stores and general grocery stores. It’s also common to make kombucha at home.

Stone Cold Facts: The word “kombucha” can refer to any of a variety of fermented, lightly effervescent sweetened black or green tea drinks that are used as functional beverages for their various health benefits. It’s naturally carbonated and is filled with amino acids and probiotics. It is produced by fermenting tea using a “symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast” (SCOBY). The yeast component generally includes Saccharomyces and other species and the bacterial component usually includes Gluconacetobacter xylinus to oxidize yeast-produced alcohols to acetic and other acids.

What to Heal:

*Since kombucha contains probiotics, it helps to re-establish the natural ecology of the intestinal flora and boost immunity, enhance mood, fight allergies and detoxify and rid the body of disease.

*It also alkalinizes the body, balancing internal pH. It detoxifies the liver, improving the drinker’s mood.

*It increases metabolism and improves digestion, keeping your system moving.

*Kombucha is said to rebuild connective tissue, helping with arthritis, gout, asthma and rheumatism.

*It can help prevent cancer since it is high in antioxidants and polyphenols.

*It may alleviate constipation, boost energy (helping with chronic fatigue), and reduce blood pressure.

*It is said to relieve migraines and headaches, as well as to reduce kidney stones.

*It can improve eyesight and help heal eczema when used topically.

*It may also reduce grey hairs.

*It prevents arteriosclerosis (when plaque builds up inside the arteries) and helps speed the healing of ulcers.

*It also helps clear up candida and yeast infections and aids healthy cell regeneration.

*In addition, it lowers glucose levels, preventing spiking from eating. It is also said to boost the libido.

Related Chakras: It is said to balance the Solar Plexus and Heart Chakras

 History + Lore: Kombucha is an ancient elixir which as been consumed for around 5,000 years for medicinal purposes in China, based on Qin dynasty records, it was known as “Devine Che” and was highly regarded as an energizing and detoxifying drink. It was in China where it got its name as the “immortal health elixir.” Then, according to legend, a Korean doctor named Kombu brought the tea to Japan for Emperor Inkyo in 414 AD as an aid for digestive difficulties. It also spread to Russia, Germany and Europe as a whole.

How to Heal: Kombucha is generally drunk as a beverage and can be made at home. Below is a recipe from Wellness MaMa.

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How to make Kombucha!

Equipment & Ingredients Needed

• a gallon size glass jar (make sure its really clean!!)
• 1 gallon of brewed sweetened tea (ratio: 1 cup of sugar per gallon of tea) I use regular black tea, though I’ve heard of others using green or herbal teas
• a SCOBY and 1/2 cup of liquid from a previous batch of Kombucha
• coffee filter or thin cloth and a rubber band

Instructions

1. Prepare the sweet tea. I use 1 family size tea bag or 8-10 small bags per gallon of water. Add 1 cup of regular sugar (organic preferably). Do not use honey!
2. Let tea cool to room temperature and make sure it is really cool! This step is very important as too hot of tea can kill your SCOBY.
3. Once tea is completely cool, pour into glass jar, leaving just over an inch of room at the top. Pour in ½ cup liquid from a previous batch of Kombucha or if starting from a dehydrated SCOBY, pour in ½ cup from a store-bought bottle of Kombucha.
4. With very clean hands, gently place the SCOBY at the top of the jar of tea. It should float, though if it doesn’t just let it fall and don’t stick your hands in the tea!
5. Cover the jar with the coffee filter or cloth and rubber band tightly (flies love this stuff!)
6. Put the jar in a warm (around 70-75 degrees is best) corner of the kitchen where it is at least a few feet away from any other fermenting products.
7. Let sit to ferment for around 7 days, though the length of time may vary depending on your temperature. You can test the Kombucha by placing a straw in the jar carefully (slide under the SCOBY) and sipping. It should taste tart but still very slightly sweet also.
8. At this point, Kombucha is ready for a second ferment. If you aren’t doing the second ferment, just pour the kombucha into another jar or jars with airtight lids and seal until ready to drink.

 Notes

If making into soda, you’ll also need:

-another gallon size jar or 5 quart sized jars
-about 1 quart of fruit juice- (we prefer grape or apple for this) or ½ cup frozen berries

For Second Ferment (How to Make Soda!)

Just as with water kefir, using fruit juice can make Kombucha carbonated and slightly sweeter, which is often more appealing to kids. It is an easy second step too!

1. Get another very clean gallon sized jar or 5 quart sized glass jars (I prefer this!)
2. Pour 1 quart of juice of your choice (not citrus or pineapple though!) into the big jar or divide between smaller jars, filling each jar about 1/5 full
3. Pour the finished Kombucha into the smaller jars until about 1 inch from the top. Make sure to leave about 1/2 cup brewed Kombucha in the jar with the SCOBY
4. Once the Kombucha is poured off, pour the SCOBY and remaining juice into a clean bowl.
5. Repeat the steps above for the first fermentation to start another batch of Kombucha
6. Tightly cap the smaller jars with the fruit juice added and leave at room temperature for another 2-7 days until carbonated to your taste.
7. Refrigerate before drinking or pour over ice.
8. Enjoy!!

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Blog by yoganonymous + Wellness MaMa

Ever thought of growing your own food but didn’t think it was possible? It’s more than possible! It might even be the way of the future. If the Dervaes family can do it while living in Los Angeles, I think you can to.

The Dervaes family live on 1/10th of an acre 15 minutes from downtown L.A.. In itself that’s not strange. What’s crazy is that they manage to maintain a sustainable and independent urban farm. Complete with animals!

In a year they produce around 4,300 pounds of veggies, 900 chicken , 1000 duck eggs, 25 lbs honey, and pounds of seasonal fruit. There are over 400 species of plants. What?! They have everything they need to ‘live off the land.’ From beets to bees. Chickens to chickpeas.

What the family doesn’t eat they sell from their porch, making around $20,000 a year. Local organic food is so popular that they don’t have any problems finding customers. Even chefs from restaurants seek them out.

Here’s the video… Enjoy!

Originally Published by Diycozyhome

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What’s important about finding ‘flow’?

Finding flow in our lives can have incredible positive effects on our performance in life and our well-being. Incorporating more flow experiences regularly invites us to choose authentically, be more present, and experience life more fully.

What does it mean to find ‘flow’?

Csíkszentmihályi (cheek-sent-me-hi) describes flow as a state in which it feels like time does not exist. We are totally immersed in our experience coupled with feelings of spontaneous joy. It is an experience of energized focus, enjoyment in the process, and immersion in the moment.

“Flow involves effortless, letting-be of the process and the graceful, integrated nature of being present to an experience.” – G Privette

Flow can be experienced within any activity; although, it is most likely to occur when a person is genuinely intrinsically motivated. This is motivation in which we are driven by internal reasons such as interest or enjoyment in an activity rather than for external rewards or external pressures. Other ways of describing ‘flow’ include effortlessness of performance, fluid continuity, and the ability to progress with ease.

6 effective ways to increase ‘flow’ in your life

1 – Get to know YOU and what you’re passionate about. Ask yourself the powerful questions and discover what is really important to you. What do you love to do? What activities have meaning and heart for you? What do you value most in life?

2 – Be Autonomous in your Choices. ‘Let go’ of needing approval. Intrinsically motivated activities are those which you do because YOU enjoy them, not those activities done for approval from others. Let go of seeking approval and start doing more of what you love.

3 – Set Goals. Flow experiences involve clear set short term goals. This helps you create a balance between opportunity and capacity. Goals also help to prioritize activities in your life that provide you with optimal challenge and enjoyment.

4 – Cultivate Mindfulness. Being mindful allows you to fully experience the activities you enjoy. Characteristics of mindfulness include present moment awareness and an attitude of open-mindedness, acceptance, and non-judgement. There are many ways to incorporate mindful presence into your daily routine. I suggest deep breathing, meditation, and/or yoga. Even, try being more present while doing your daily activities such as cooking, washing dishes, walking or driving.

5 – Embrace Change. Flow involves being able to let go of the past so you can allow yourself to be fully present to each moment as it arises. ‘Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes’ – Lao-Tzu

6 – Integrate Flow into various aspects of your Life. Since flow can be experienced in any activity, create ways to experience flow in various life areas including: career, contribution, family life, personal experiences, health-related activities, personal growth or education, hobbies and social interactions.

Enjoy bringing more flow into your life!

live courageously,

Erin Tetarenko, www.ibelife.com

Photo by Jordan Ross Dore

The condemnation of spiritual practices is rampant among those who herald modern rationalism as their savior. However, many of their standard rejections don’t apply to the actual beliefs of most spiritual people.

Sometimes the principles of spiritually-conscious individuals are referred to as “woo-woo.” This is misguided. And while some of these beliefs lack scientific or rational basis, this could also be applied to the rhetoric that manifests from the metaphysical views that are disguised as orthodox “science.”

One example is materialism, or the belief that everything in the universe is fundamentally made up of or can be reduced to lifeless matter. Ironically, this is a metaphysical position because it attempts to explain the essential nature of reality. However, this view has not in any way been proven and doesn’t account for life at all. In fact, there is strong evidence that implies that the universe is fundamentally non-material, interconnected and even potentially “alive,” as represented by the quantum sciences.

So in contrast, those who truly look objectively and critically at the evidence, whether they consider themselves spiritual or not, consider the dogmatic narrative of mainstream science as woo-woo, too.

In any case, three modern misconceptions of spirituality need to be addressed so that true critically-thinking minds are not misled when investigating their own relationship and connection to spiritual ideas and concepts.

Misconception #1: The Belief in a Personal Conception of God

Most spiritual people do not believe that God is a conscious being who looks over us and laughs at the turmoil and destruction that occurs on planet Earth. They do not believe that God has the power to intervene in our free choice. They also find it ludicrous to believe in a vengeful and sadistic God.

In fact, even true religious fundamentals don’t imply this absurdity.

Therefore, spirituality does not advocate this misconstrued conception of God. In spiritual mindsets, God is simply a term that can be used interchangeably with consciousness, existence, reality and nature. It describes all-that-is, the source of everything.

It may be naturally self-creating, as illustrated through sacred geometry, and in-and-of-itself consciousness, however that doesn’t intrinsically infer that it’s self-aware. God is purely the interconnecting factor between all things and self-awareness is what manifests in complex creatures such as humans.

In addition, whatever we personally prefer to call the interconnecting fabric of reality—God, source, consciousness or quantum probability field—isn’t really important. We just need to acknowledge its all-encompassing nature, and that God is not outside of us, it is us.

The truth is, whoever decides to embrace the quantum principles of entanglement and non-locality can also believe in the spiritual concept of God. This might just be the right catalyst to open a closed mind to their inherent spiritual nature.

Misconception #2: The Rejection of Science

In general, spiritually-inclined people do not reject science, unlike many scientifically-inclined people, who reject spirituality. The former actually embrace science, at least in its true form; they view science and spirit as two sides of the same coin. The fact remains that many people, no matter their philosophical preferences, understand that the mainstream narrative of the scientific orthodoxy is delusional at best and harmful to our planet and society at worst.

Science is meant to be an objective and independent analysis of the classical and quantum worlds, however this has been shown to not occur. Corporate funding, taboos, biases and establishment pressures have all influenced the direction of careers in science and the areas that scientists feel safe and supported to study and advocate. This happens in basically every discipline and is the obvious reason why it takes so long for “accepted science” to undertake necessary paradigm shifts.

For example, the material world is not fundamentally real; quantum physics clearly illustrates that it’s an illusory manifestation of a deeper order of energy, vibration, force and information. However, old school thinkers and internet trolls continue to argue until they’re black and blue that everything is physical and unconnected. They falsely claim that they’ve debunked any alternative theories and ridicule anyone who doesn’t believe their dogmatic beliefs and hypocritical assumptions.

Regardless, many minds, both spiritual and scientific, have moved on. Eventually old school thinkers will have to as well, as it’s not sustainable to continue arrogantly believing that they’ve answered all the big questions and are now just filling out the gaps. It’s one of the biggest delusions in modern-day science.

Ultimately, most spiritual thinkers do not think that science is irrelevant, just the dogma and some of the practices of the orthodoxy, including their unscientific assumptions and their current meta-paradigm of beliefs.

Misconception #3: A Lack of Rational Thought

Just because someone believes in something more encompassing than the inert and purposeless realm of matter doesn’t mean they haven’t thought rationally about that belief. Simply, many people have had a consistent array of hyper-natural experiences happen that reflects to them that something more than the manifest world is going on.

Examples include so-called random thinking that manifests as reality; knowing true information intuitively; feeling when a loved one sustains a serious injury or passes away in unfortunate circumstances; telepathic experiences between close friends or family members, particularly twins; out-body-experiences (OBEs); near-death-experiences (NDEs); deep meditation; religious ecstasy; psychedelic expansion and having a dream or premonition before it eventuates in the future.

All this represents an interconnectedness between the internal and external realms.

Therefore, a common principle in spiritual circles is that everything is one and the same. This is illustrated by the concept of quantum non-locality. More evidence supporting a holographic model of the universe could also reinforce this truth. Yet, how can one rationalize an ongoing entanglement in their daily human life, given that our superficial experience is so seemingly separate?

Symbolism is one method. Symbolism is the “conscious” awareness of external symbols that inherently reflect interconnected information and is a rationale that many spiritual people embrace. They are consistently aware of their interrelated experiences, which demonstrate that chance is not a reasonable candidate to explain the phenomenon. The critical and rational mind has been engaged, chance has been ruled out, and the only answer left is “infinity to one,” or interconnection.

In addition, some people are okay with just feeling their spiritual nature, and there is nothing wrong with that, either. Our instinct and intuition are perfectly good tools for contributing to our understanding of reality. However, for many spiritual people, engaging the rational aspect of the ego is a complementary and necessary approach on the never-ending journey of self-empowerment and enlightenment.

Ultimately, for the record, those who condemn spirituality are not the only mindset thinking critically.

Written by Phil Watt of Elephant Journal

Forget Whole Foods. The Germans have created a store with eco-conscious customers in mind. Well, at least in Berlin—the newest home of Original Unverpackt (Original Unpackaged). You won’t find any paper or plastic bags here—or any kind of bags for that matter. This new grocery store creates zero waste by allowing customers to purchase exactly how much they need, reducing waste in their homes.

Original Unverpackt doesn’t carry any products under popular brand names; instead, they carry mostly organic products. Original Unverpackt stocks their shelves using a bulk bin system with an assortment of fruits, vegetables and grains. Even shampoo and milk are dispensed from refillable containers according to Salon.

The Original Unverpackt is the first Zero Waste Grocery store in the World

The idea came to be when founders Sara Wolf and Milena Glimbovski were determined to create “something impossible.” They used crowd funding to back the store and decided to challenge the traditional shopping experience. The store’s mission is to stop contributing to waste that’s caused by food packaging by selling groceries in a sustainable manner (16 million tonnes per year in Germany alone).

Three studies conducted in 2013 found that 12 million tonnes of food waste is accumulated annually amounting to a price tag of £19 billion a year. This figure isn’t only swelling landfills, but also contributes to 20 million tonnes of the nation’s greenhouse gas emissions annually.

Sara Wolf and Milena Glimbovski are the creators of Original Unverpackt

The same study states that 75% of this waste could have been easily sidestepped with more efficient infrastructure.

In terms of pricing, some of the products offered at Original Unverpackt are more expensive, mainly because they’re organic. But other items are comparable, if not cheaper than standard supermarkets. The “fill-your-own-container” idea can save customers money by preventing them from overspending on food. Customers can bring their own containers, such as tubs and recycled bags—which are also sold at the store—and pay based on the weight of the products.

Although many believe that the sustainable supermarket model is unlikely to reach North America anytime soon, awareness and demand for low-waste alternatives will undoubtedly speed up the process.

A customer shops at the Original Unverpackt store in Berlin

Blog by KHADIJA KHAN

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Suzanne’s teachings encourage students to dissolve barriers, to dance & move through a resourceful practice in order to cultivate more intimacy with breath, body, mind and most importantly to each other. Her classes are devotional, dynamic and diverse…bold, mighty and introspective, weaving progressive sequencing, anchored in ancient teachings, and woven to attune to modern duty. As a former certified Yoga Works ™ Instructor, Suzanne dove into the reverent and integral offerings from the Iyengar and Ashtanga lineages with her teachers while living in Los Angeles. Suzanne also bountifully studied Anusara Yoga with Founder John Friend and several exceptional Anusara instructors since 2006.  Suzanne is Co-Founder & Co-Owner of One Yoga for the People in Vancouver and holds a doctorate within Educational and Counselling Psychology. She teaches 200 hr, 300 hr and 500 hr Yoga Alliance Teacher Trainings as the founder of Bindu Yoga School. She conducts teacher mentorship programs and international retreats & workshops. She is a primary faculty member for Yoga Therapy International and One Yoga Teacher Trainings. Suzanne is also the founder of The SARA Foundation, a charity organization aimed at yoga for cancer prevention & management.

Suzanne was incredibly honoured to have studied at the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute (RIMYI) in Pune, India, with BKS Iyengar himself, and several of his senior instructors including Geeta and Prashant Iyengar.

Suzanne delivers and facilitates teachings within a variety of avenues: public classes, international conferences, seminars, workshops, retreats, progressive immersions, teacher trainings, therapeutic sessions, interviews, online classes through YOGO.TV and has published in various medical journals. Suzanne was selected in Toronto’s Sweat Equity Magazine in 2012 as a primary leader within Canada’s yoga community.

Suzanne has orientated many of her studies of yoga philosophy within Tantra and her most influential teachers in this arena currently are Sally Kempton and Dr. Douglas Brooks. Suzanne continues to feed and share her curiosity in life by studying with several highly esteemed scholars and teachers, including within Sufi, Shamanic and  Buddhist traditions. She continues to draw from all these sources in her own teachings. Suzanne’s heart is captured, mesmerized and nourished by her husband, three children, malamute husky living in Ibiza, Spain, and her gracious yoga community in Vancouver, BC.

“One of Suzanne’s greatest gifts is her ability to hold and provide space for those around her. Having seen Suzanne teach in many different contexts and locations around the world, like nature, she fully adapts to what lies before her, only to craft a truly magical experience on the mat. With a profound understanding of the mechanics of the human body, and a deep understanding of the heart, Suzanne brings her students into a realm of personal experience that is intimate, life-changing, and incredibly rich with emotion, sensation, realization and reality. She is a true lover of the beloved practices of yoga” – Alli Shafer

We highly suggest you check out Suzanne’s life changing 200 hour Vinyasa Yoga Teacher Training in Ibiza, Spain in April of 2016! 

I love Legs Up the Wall. This posture is one of the most nourishing, grounding and calming poses I can think of, and I have turned to it many times in my own life when I was feeling overwhelmed, tired, or stressed.

What is it?

Basically, Legs Up the Wall posture is exactly as it sounds! You lie on your back with your sit-bones as close to the wall as is comfortable for you. From there, you extend your legs up the wall, so that the backs of your legs are resting fully against it.

In more therapeutic variations of this posture, you may have blocks under your hips to elevate them, creating a slight inversion in your lower belly, and a strap securing your legs together so that you can fully relax and release into the pose, without having to exert effort to hold your legs up.

For the most benefit, I generally like to recommend practicing this pose for at least 10 to 15 minutes, but even just hanging out for a minute or two will suffice. Here are five health benefits of Legs Up the Wall posture.

1. It reduces edema in the legs and feet.

By reversing the effects of gravity on your legs and feet, you can really help to move any stuck or stagnant fluids that may build up there if you have low blood pressure, or spend a lot of time on your feet during your day. In this posture, you will be using gravity to your advantage.

2. It relieves tired leg muscles.

Hanging out with your legs up the wall is one of the best ways to help drain tension from the legs, feet, and even the hips if you have them elevated on blocks.

If you have a strap around your legs, and have given yourself an extended period of time to allow your body to fully relax into the posture, you will find that tired, sore legs will feel a whole lot better once you come out of your posture.

3. It gives you all the benefits of inversion, without the effort.

You most likely know how good inversions are for you at this point—they can help to reverse the effects of gravity on the whole system, help regulate blood pressure, help move stuck fluids, and even help to improve your digestion.

However, sometimes the energetic expressions of inversions like Handstand are too much. We all have times in our lives when we need something that is just fully nourishing, and that is where Legs Up the Wall comes in.

You will still be getting many of the benefits of practicing an active inversion, while also fully resting and surrendering.

4. It is super calming for the nervous system.

This posture is really intended to be a deeply relaxing pose. When you combine a longer hold of Legs Up the Wall with slow, rhythmic breathing, you will be tapping into your “rest and digest” nervous response.

In this state, your body will be actively digesting anything you have eaten, as well as working to heal and repair your body. When you do poses like Legs Up the Wall consistently for a period of time, you may notice that your body feels healthier overall, and that you are better able to find a calm state of mind.

5. It helps quiet the mind.

As mentioned in the point above, this posture may help you cultivate a quiet mind if you practice it for a period of time. By fully releasing and relaxing your body and by focusing on deep breathing, you will evoke a meditative state.

Having the body feel safe and supported is one of the tools that we as yogis use to help reach this peaceful state. As you breathe, surrender and let go, you may find yourself slipping into bliss!

Blog by Ali Washington

1. Let lunch or breakfast be your biggest meal of the day.

People always go all out on dinner and while this isn’t wrong, the logic behind choosing lunch or breakfast as your big meal makes total sense. If you eat a big meal earlier in the day your body has way more time to digest it properly while you are active and moving. Most times after dinner and dessert nobody does anything or they go to bed shortly after.

If you do eat a big dinner, try to go for a long walk or find a dance floor afterwards to help with digestion.

2. Pack your vitamins.

Freeze dried probiotics are an actual thing and are a game changer while travelling.
Or, a kombucha a day would suffice. Probiotics are essential to keep your immunity up and ensure that vitamins and minerals are absorbed properly.

A good quality multi vitamin or other vitamins that are essential for your well being are a great idea to travel with, as you may not be getting it from your food that you eat from restaurants on the road. Often times, restaurants use cheap oils or GMO filled sauces that wreak havoc on your immune system while you travel. If you keep the vitamins and minerals flowing in your system you will stay healthy and strong!

3. Go easy on the alcohol.

While booze on its own is not always the main culprit in weight gain, it is the decisions that follow alcohol consumption that usually have the worst effects. Examples: late night snacks, too sluggish to be active, unhealthy meal choices, foggy mind creates less presence with the beauty around you, ect.

BUT IT’S SO CHEAP…. Cheaper usually means a worse hang over. If you are going to drink, stick to a minimal amount or drink higher quality alcohol with soda water and lime. You get what you pay for.

Tip – Try kombucha in place of wine!

4. Stay active!

Try not to be one of those people that sit in the communal area and watch movies every day. If the sun is shining get out there and explore! From diving to hiking to biking, there are loads of activities to keep you moving.

Or if you prefer to exercise alone or are on a tight budget you can pack a light travel yoga mat and download some videos to follow. Or find some HIIT workouts or other workouts you can do in your room. Travelling with a resistant band is light and a great tool for working out. You can also travel with a tennis ball to roll out your sore muscles (works like a foam roller would).

5. Find time to be alone or meditate.

I know that traveling may look like it’s all fun and games in the photos we post, but every backpacker knows that traveling can be stressful. Remember to ‘zen out’. Having time to yourself is needed for the mind and soul and keeps you grounded and centered within yourself.

6. Cook in your room or stay in air bnb’s or hotels with kitchens.

Depending on which country you travel to you may or may not have access to a kitchen. If you do have access to a kitchen, eat as many meals as possible made by you with fresh and local ingredients. That way you know exactly what has been put in your food and all your loving energy in your meal will be felt as well.

If you do not have access to a kitchen here are some great tips on how to cook in your room. Travel with a good knife, a small travel kettle or a small travel rice cooker. The kettle can be used to make an epic breakfast bowl with oatmeal, hemp hearts, chia seeds, dried fruit, nuts or whatever else you like. Use stevia or coconut sugar to sweeten. You can mix all your breakfast bowl ingredients in one Ziploc bag and then just add the hot water and sweetener. You can make many more things then just rice in a rice cooker. Use it to make a quinoa bowl with veggies from a local market or google other ideas of what healthy meals can be made in a small rice cooker.

You can also travel with high quality unrefined salt and organic black pepper and a few spices to add to your hotel room meals.

*Precaution – Any food you travel with should be stored in sealed containers to keep mice, rats, or bugs out of your bungalow or room.

7. Take advantage of markets.

The local markets in every country are some of my favorite places to check out. Eat and stock up on tons of fruit as snacks for travel days. Cut up carrots and other veg to carry around. Try new things you haven’t seen before, ask questions, google and research how the locals eat and what traditional meals are healthy and nourishing for your body.

8. Stay hydrated and add minerals to your drinking water.

I could go on and on about the benefits of drinking water, but I think you’ve heard it before, so drink up! Especially true if you’re spending heaps of time in the sunshine, or even just chilling in the tropical heat! A lot of the bottled water has been stripped of the good minerals our bodies need. You can purchase a small dropper vile of necessary minerals that you can add to your water while you travel or check out other options here -> http://wellgal.com/7-ways-add-essential-trace-minerals-drinking-water-health/

If you are somewhere with fresh coconuts, drink as much coconut water as you can! It is so good for you and has so many beneficial properties for you to maintain optimal health!

9. Coconut oil.

Lotion? Coconut oil. Eye make-up remover? Coconut oil. Sunburn? Coconut oil. Cooking? Coconut oil. The list goes on and on and it’s so much better for your body and the environment than most products!

10. Research where the healthy restaurants are located in each place you travel to.

Almost every city has a little organic café or a farmers market. Research where they are and try to eat where you know they use quality ingredients. Or ask for steamed veg instead of wok veg covered in cheap oil. Look for raw food restaurants!

Or when you order, try filling your plate with mostly veggies and have meat or a complex carb, such as a sweet potato or brown rice, as the side. Even better why not travel as a vegetarian or vegan for a bit and see how it goes?!

11. Ladies- use the diva cup.

Saves money and is better for you. It’s amazing!

12. Try intermittent fasting with Bullet Proof coffee or make your own high quality coffee in your room.

Research why high quality coffee matters to your health! Many places in the world do not serve very good quality coffee or sometimes you have no choice other then instant coffee… EW! I am a high quality coffee lover and will settle for no less. I travel with a stainless steal coffee press that doubles as a travel mug and my own high quality ground coffee. MEC carries awesome travel mug coffee presses!

Bullet Proof coffee is awesome! And can act as a breakfast meal replacement. I use a shaker cup instead of a blender while I travel to make my BP coffee. Intermittent fasting is when you don’t eat anything after 8pm, then you have a BP coffee for breakfast, and don’t eat lunch until about 1pm. It’s super great for your body! Learn more about intermittent fasting and Bullet Proof coffee here -> https://blog.bulletproof.com/bulletproof-fasting/

Blog by Melissa Jol, Co-Founder of Breathe in Life Health and Wellness Travel

Amit was born in Srinagar, Kashmir India to a Brahman (highest ranking of the Indian social classes) family. His grand father was a disciple of Swami Ram Ji who is from the lineage of Abninavagupta. His mother Krishna is a master in Sanskrit and father Dwarka Nath is a great follower of lord Shiva. Being born into the Kashmir Shaivism tradition and having interest in spirituality from young age, he grew up around great shaivite masters. This had a profound effect on Amit’s development and growth as a young student, leading him to start practicing meditation and yoga from young age. In the city of Pune while working as an Engineer, he was in a deep meditation and had a strong vision which led him to leave the comforts of his life and travel all over the Himalayas as a Sadhu (Holy Man), staying in various ashrams for six years on an intense spiritual journey. Through this process he connected with the deepest essence of his being and discovered his true calling as a yoga and philosophy teacher.

He studied the philosophy of hatha yoga, asana, pranayama and satkarmas at Gurukula kangri Vishwavidyalaya in the sacred city of Haridwar in the faculty of Oriental Studies and received his certificate in yoga. He then went to the famous Bihar School of Yoga in Munger where he received his certificate in Yogic Studies gaining a deeper understanding of satyananda yoga, karma yoga, Bakthi yoga and Jnana yoga.

Next he studied with world renowned yoga master B.K.S Iyengar at his Yoga Institute in Pune, India for more than fourteen years where he focused on body alignment, the proper use of props, correct postures and pranayams. He is  certified by Guru Ji BKS Iyengar as an official Iyengar Yoga teacher. He also studied Tantra and various scriptures at the feet of various masters to whom he bows his head with deep respect. Amit is a devoted practitioner and regularly practices the meditations as prescribed by the scriptures of Agamas and Hatha yoga.

He has been teaching his unique and deeply authentic style of yoga through out the world and in India, honoring his heritage as spreads the real meaning of Tantra.

Amit is an E–RYT 500 ( Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher) recognized by the Yoga Alliance