For the yogi looking for greater flexibility and independence in his or her workout, having a home yoga practice is immensely beneficial, providing a great opportunity to develop discipline, creativity and commitment to self. When you have your own yoga space in the home, whether it’s a room of your own or a designated area of a room where you can comfortably unfurl your mat, you have the power to … [Read more...]
You must brave being the odd one out Before you can find your way on the less-travelled path You must leap without a safety net Before you can feel firmly grounded on your feet You must dare to roll in the mud Before you can carve out a life of true beauty You must risk the missteps, tumbles and falls Before you can finally arise steady, strong and tall © 2015 Renee L. Canada … [Read more...]
As I lift my face to greet the star-studded night sky, jubilant Jupiter nearly stealing the show, a harsh wind whips across my bare skin. Though passengers aboard this whaling ship the previous two nights have failed to see what we’ve come to witness, my hopes are still high. It is my love’s birthday, and this display is one of the biggest reasons why we’ve chosen to come to Iceland (instead of … [Read more...]
The holidays are quickly upon us, and I’m cheerfully listening to Christmas music and wrapping presents. My love and I have three-and-a-half Christmas events we’re attending in the next two days, so I know how much time is a commodity for us all this season. If you are a last-minute shopper, I’m sharing my holiday gift guide, including some of my personal favorites for the body, mind and soul. And … [Read more...]
In this world of doing, achieving and getting, it’s very easy for us to put far greater focus on our time spent at work than our lives outside of the office. Our quest for progress and perfection often leads us to squelch pleasure for the sake of productivity. While ambition and industriousness is admirable, often leading to great achievements and success, there is also merit in taking time to … [Read more...]
What better time to talk about the benefits of a regular gratitude practice than on a holiday that celebrates giving thanks? Cultivating an attitude of gratitude can help us feel happier, more optimistic and appreciative. We are less overcome by stress, which is then seen as more of a challenge than a threat. Our self-worth rises when we feel the hands that support us. Recognizing our own … [Read more...]
For many folks living with the debilitating neurological condition dystonia, getting physically active and staying fit can seem like a near impossible dream. Repetitive, involuntary muscle contractions can cause the body to twist or take on abnormal postures, leaving muscles tight, strained and sore. Understandably, some fear exercise might make this condition worse—yet on the yoga mat, I not only … [Read more...]
Heather Von St. James was just 36 years old when she was diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma. The aggressive form of cancer, which affects the membrane lining of the lungs, abdomen and, rarely, heart, is most often diagnosed in people between the ages of 50 and 70. Von St. James was the mother of a 3-month-old when she discovered she had the most serious of asbestos-related diseases. “I’m a new … [Read more...]
"Threading The Needle" by Renée Canada I thread the needle Through tight angles And strained filaments. I look out and through the space That grows and slows with breath And settles from stillness to peace. The battle to control the resistance Overcome by love and acceptance Of my limitations and imperfections. … [Read more...]
As temperatures drop here in the northeast United States and more of us develop the sniffles, the cold and flu season is definitely on the mind of a lot of folks. Last Thursday, I had the pleasure of speaking with entertainer and fellow “lupie” Nick Cannon about the flu and his partnership with the makers of TheraFlu® and the national nonprofit organization, Families Fighting Flu. Cannon is now … [Read more...]