Greetings from my refuge in the golden state of California. Instead of calling it a quarantine, I like to think of this as an extended staycation. Life as we knew it has changed. If you are still alive and kicking, there is much to be grateful for, and many more opportunities to care for yourselves and and loved ones. Here’s a fresh batch of ideas for summertime wellness. Enjoy!
Skip to links:
Online Events | Yoga Classes | Wellness Trends | Discounts | Happiness Calendar
ONLINE EVENTS
I am happy to share an event held by Erica Mather, author and yogini from New York, whom I’ve admired for her dedication to wellness and generous offerings during the time of coronavirus.
Summer of (BODY) Love Book Group
July 8 – August 19
Join the author, weekly, along with other interested readers, to support your work through the book. One chapter per week, for seven weeks, each week will contain a short reading, Q&A, and a lead practice to help you integrate the work into your body.
Held via Zoom meeting, and administered through a private Facebook group, you’ll have new friends, support, and accountability.
WHEN? Wednesdays, July 8th- August 19th.
WHAT TIME? 3-4:30PM PDT
WHERE? Zoom meeting and Private Facebook Group.
REGISTER: Your Body, Your Best Friend Summer Book Group
21-Day Meditation Experience
Renew Yourself: Body, Mind & Spirit
Message about this event from CEO, Chopra, Tonia O’Connor:
As humanity undergoes a transformation, we are each being challenged to move beyond outdated, limiting beliefs and behaviors in order to evolve and achieve a new version of ourselves and our collective world. At Chopra, we are singularly focused on democratizing well-being and making self-care practices accessible to all, especially within communities where the need is greatest. As a global well-being company, we are committed to amplifying diverse voices and sharing our platform with thought leaders who have first-hand experience with the cultural barriers to healing and growth.
It’s to that end that we are proud to share our next free 21-Day Meditation Experience: Renew Yourself: Body, Mind & Spirit, led by Deepak and international music superstar and Latin Grammy Award winning artist, J Balvin. The program, available in both Spanish and English, underscores our mission to empower, serve and unite a diverse, global community. We hope you will meditate with us, because with a peaceful and centered awareness we can navigate humanity’s transformation while serving others.
(To read more of this letter from Chopra CEO please click here)
YOGA CLASSES
Yoga studios around the world are adapting to the lockdown by offering online yoga classes. This is a great way to get a variety of classes.
Upcoming free classes via Eventbrite
I like to search YouTube for classes by simply do a search on the timeframe that I have available. For example, when I just need a quick morning stretch, I search for “10 minute morning yoga” and select from the many results. If I need to kick up my metabolism, or have more time, “1-hour yoga class.” Experiment with your own search queries and have fun exploring your own favorite classes!
Tip: Bring your tablet or mobile phone outside to do yoga in the open air! Use earbuds if you’re in a public place. I’ve enjoyed doing these classes recently in my backyard:
I have many more yoga videos on my YouTube Yoga Playlist.
More yoga teachers and studios are offering video classes via Zoom, Livestream, studio membership, or by donation. If you have a favorite teacher or studio, most likely there will be video-based alternative to meeting in person. I encourage you to continue the healing practice of yoga, especially now during this time of uncertainty. You can always look for yoga videos on YouTube, but consider trying a class from one of my favorite teachers.
The last newsletter featured yoga teachers (Elika, Baxter, Jaime, and Nicolette) are still doing great work. Here are new picks this month:
Yoga Kula is currently offering virtual yoga classes with drop-in, 5-class pass, and weekly pass rates.
See classes and workshop schedules at: https://www.yogakula.com/
Melina Meza has wonderful gentle yoga classes five days a week. See YOGA at: https://www.melinameza.com/ (New to Nest Yoga? Use the code: MELINA2020 and get 10% off your first Membership) I love her new book, Seasonal Health and Wellness – Change Your Life One Week At A Time
Erica Mather is an author, speaker, educator, and yoga teacher based in New York City. See her class schedule and free offerings on her website: https://ericamather.com I can hardly wait to read her new book, Your Body, Your Best Friend.
Yoga University has great free resources and classes by some of the world’s best teachers. Register to receive updates of yoga workshops and occasional free classes at: https://www.yogauonline.com/
WELLNESS TRENDS
Kombucha
A glass of homemade Kombucha a day keeps the doctor away! And, it saves a lot of money compared to the store-bought stuff. Now is the best time to learn fermentation skills more than ever! Skip the long grocery store line to get your ‘booch fix by brewing it at home. Join this virtual workshop to learn how to make kombucha!
VIRTUAL KOMBUCHA CLASS
Tuesday, July 28
5:30 PM PST to 6:45 PM PST
Sliding Scale Workshop
Register for the workshop here.
This workshop is hosted in collaboration with Urban Adamah
DIY kombucha kit is sold separately from this workshop.
Free healthy recipes and practical nutrition tips straight to your inbox every month! Learn more and subscribe here.
DISCOUNTS
Farm Fresh to You
Since we are staying at home and only going to the grocery store about once a week, I appreciate my farm box delivery so much more. I use Farm Fresh to You and highly recommend them. Save $15 off your first delivery with my discount code: LAUR8755
https://www.farmfreshtoyou.com/
Below are a few of my favorite “tried and true” products that I have scouted out. Some are available through affiliate links from companies that have an ambassador program. I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases, which helps to cover my costs of hosting and maintaining this website. There is never any additional cost to you, and I always lookout for the best deal.
Clever Yoga
I have arranged a 15% discount for anyone who shops at Clever Yoga. Just use the code BEWELL or this link: https://cleveryoga.com/discount/BeWell
Social CBD
Check out socialcbd.com.
30% OFF All Orders, Plus Free Shipping
Banyan Botanicals
This is my favorite wellness supplement company because they don’t add any artificial ingredients, coatings or fillers. I use the Triphala, Women’s Transition, Healthy Bones, and Joint Support formulas. Free shipping on orders over $60. banyanbotanicals.com.
Take the Dosha Quiz. Learn more about Ayurveda: 6 Ways Ayurveda Will Show Up in 2020
Happiness Calendar from the Greater Good Science Center
The monthly Greater Good Calendar is a day-by-day guide to well-being. This month, we hope it helps you find a sense of belonging and care for others.
Download resilience calendar for July
The calendar has links to a different article or resource each day!
I would love to hear how you are entertaining yourselves during our shelter-in-place.
If you would like to subscribe to my free wellness newsletter, sign up here. If you’re interested in the Camino de Santiago, check out thecaminoprovides.com.
We’ll get through this together, from a safe distance apart!
Be well.
Laurie
PS: Enjoy a sound meditation from the amazing Melissa Felsenstein, founder of Inner Sounds:
High Quality ~ Koshi Chimes Ambient Music ~ Inner Sounds Meditation
Please let me know if you have wellness events or resources to consider for future newsletters.
Laurie Ferris Yoga & Wellness 