Dear Friends,
Happy autumn. Here we are, six months after the global pandemic changed life as we knew it. By now, you might be experiencing screen fatigue with everything going virtual. Humans crave real connection, and we miss things like hugs and hanging out with our friends, workmates and extended family, and tribes. I’m trying to maintain a sense of balance, despite the increase in workload and new challenges popping up ever day. And just when I thought it was safe to come up for air, the fires and smoke in Northern California kept us cooped up for longer. So, pardon me if I’m not cheerful as I was in previous newsletters. One thing is for sure: wellness is more important than ever!
For an autumn reset, I am looking forward to something I’ve been wanted to try (Ayurveda Fall Cleanse), and repeating something that has worked in the past to get me back in shape (Ultimate Yogi Challenge). There are a few other wellness options below, and many more out there for you to explore on your own. What works for me might not be for everyone. Trust your wisdom, and be kind to yourself.
Skip to links:
Workshops | Yoga Classes | Yoga Challenge | Discounts | Happiness Calendar
Workshops
One of my favorite yoga teachers, Kameko Shibata, has been doing seasonal Ayurvedic workshops over the years. Now that she offers them online, I’ll be signing up. Who couldn’t use a good dose of radical self-care!
AYURVEDA FALL CLEANSE
With Kameko Shibata – Nadi Girl Ayurveda
Unwind from the heat and upheaval of summer and prepare the temple of the body for a healthy and grounded Autumn. Amidst global uncertainty, there has never been a better time to strengthen your immune system and mental resolve.
WHEN? October 3-10th
DETAILS AND REGISTER: https://www.nadigirlayurveda.com/online-courses/online-fall-cleanse
Get a free Ayurvedic Profile by taking the free Dosha Quiz offered by Banyan Botanicals
NEW EVENT starting in October:
The Power of One
Creating the New Dream Global Visioning Event
October 1 – 31, 2020
Just added: Camino friend and best selling author Karin Kiser is organizing a meditation event in October.
Read Karin’s guest post on my Camino blog: The Power of One.
YOGA CLASSES
I recorded a few 25-minute yoga sessions when I was up in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, right before a fire caused smokey skies and threatened to destroy this beautiful forest.
Yoga for Tension and Stress Relief
It would have been nice to teach in the beautiful Hearst Gym this semester, but we’ll be zooming again for now!
There are many more tried-and-true yoga videos on my YouTube Yoga Playlist. Yoga studios around the world are offering online yoga classes, which is a great way to get a variety of classes. Also, see upcoming free classes via Eventbrite
YOGA CHALLENGE
The lack of physical activity over the last few months has caused me to gain a few extra pounds. I realize that this is also related to the additional stress of the world these days. Enough already! I am committing to the The Ultimate Yogi 108 Day Challenge again, starting on the Fall Equinox.
In 2014, I discovered The Ultimate Yogi practice with Travis Eliot. This series includes a booklet, detox recipes and a calendar to track the routines for 108 days. Each practice is about one hour and many of them are great cardio workouts. A few feature deep stretching and one has Pranayama breathing with beautiful gratitude meditation. Check out the overview video of the program. Unfortunately, the DVD set isn’t sold anymore, but you can do a streaming subscription through Udaya. There are two free classes on YouTube to see if this is right for you:
Everyone who completes the Ultimate Yogi program has significant results—the most noticeable for me were my arms became tone, I lost a few pounds and I gained more flexibility. I completed my first round of 108 days of yoga while I was in Santiago on a tour of northern Spain. It was a huge accomplishment! I did it again in 2016 and 2018. This is exactly what I need in 2020 to rev up my metabolism and shake the quarantine blues. If I feel like switching things up, I’ll modify as needed using some of these: 10 Ways to Hack your Yoga Practice.
Why 108?
Number 108 carries spiritual significance throughout a wide swathe of cultures:
* 108 is the number of the Upanishads, sacred treatises comprising Vedic texts with some of the central philosophical concepts of Hinduism.
* 108 is the number of names for Shiva (a really important Hindu god).
* 108 is the number of names for Buddha.
* 108 is the Chinese number representing “man.”
* 108 is the number of beads on a Catholic rosary.
* 108 is the number of beads on a Tibetan mala (prayer beads, analogous to a rosary).
* 108 is two times fifty-four, which is the number of sounds in Sanskrit (an ancient language of India).
* 108 is six times eighteen, which is a Jewish good luck number.
* 108 is twelve times nine, which is the number of vinyasas (movements linked to breath) in a Sun Salutation. ii
In some yoga circles, it is traditional to celebrate the changes of seasons—the summer and winter solstice and the vernal and autumnal equinox—by doing 108 Sun Salutations. This practice is most often done in large groups and often as an offering, such as an offering of peace or unity (see The Global Mala Project, which facilitates collective yoga events typically including 108 Sun Salutations).i
Surya Namaskar (Sanskrit for Sun Salutation) is a series of yoga poses done in a continuous, flowing sequence, intended to improve the strength and flexibility of muscles. Sun Salutations are an excellent way for hikers to warm up and stretch their body. You can benefit with just a few rounds before any workout or hike.
This makes me miss Berkeley. Sigh.
DISCOUNTS
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.
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
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/
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
Your Happiness Calendar for September 2020
This month, process your emotions and connect with what matters.
BY KIRA M. NEWMAN
The monthly Happiness Calendar is a day-by-day guide to well-being. This month, we hope it helps you process your emotions and connect with what matters.
To open the clickable calendar, click on the image below.
Download happiness calendar for September
I’ll be adding the October/November/December calendars here when they are published.
The calendar has links to a different article or resource each day!
I would love to hear how you staying well and balancing your lives during the fall season.
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 video about finding awe in the ordinary.
Please let me know if you have wellness events or resources to consider for future newsletters.
Laurie Ferris Yoga & Wellness 