Well often  the topic of Mindset comes up with my yoga + meditation students and coaching clients... But what is a Positive Mindset really? How do we cultivate it? For me it really was a practice of learned optimism that taken decades to fine tune -- having inherited the glass is always 1/2 empty mindset from my parents, forced me at a young age when I was under alot of stress in University to look at: How is this not serving me any longer? Who is that voice ? And who would I be without it?

So over the years through my own journey and practices of yoga, meditation and Holistic Interior Design I came across lots of amazing teachers, books and tools on my quest to cultivate a "Beginners Mind" as we call it in Meditation and to work on cleaning up my toxic thoughts...after all  "Your thoughts create your words create your actions?
AHA i think he was referring to mindset!

"Watch your thoughts, they become words; watch your words, they become actions; watch your actions, they become habits; watch your habits, they become character; watch your character, for it becomes your destiny."
-- Lao Tzu

Consider the following for Cultivating a Positive Mindset:

1) Healthy got flora - Yes! i know this sounds crazy, with all the talk about the stomach being your 2nd brain, this is a good place to start and focus your energy and this should be a cornerstone for building your health around. Check out this amazing cancer survivor Nutrition Coach Stacy Davis at flavorfulnutrition.com

2) Good Exercise - At least enough to get your heart rate up, I'm not talking a gentle walk in the park. In order to increase heart rate you need to move your body, dance, swim, weights etc. find things you enjoy, heck I even got into hula hooping one year after a car accident, so get creative!

3) Destress - This is key! Stress can cause of dis - ease in the body. Work on managing your stress, this takes some knowledge and awareness to change old habits and ways of doing. Take a yoga class online with me or listen to one of my guided meditations to get you more focused on training the brain toward relaxation. The time you invest will be rewarding.

4) Good sleep - Get plenty of restful sleep. I'm talking high quality, this is really crucial. This is where your bedroom design also comes in, I talk about this in my 1-1 Coaching, setting up your space in a healthy non-toxic manner, organic mattress and bedding,  with black out curtains or eye masks etc etc to make your bedroom a sanctuary for rest!

5) Positive Affirmations - I am a big fan of positive affirmations ( Louise Hay was one of my first teachers for this). I love to custom create them with my clients. Often when you start the affirmation seems like a lie until you repeat it over and over until eventually it becomes a part of your new language and belief system. ( It is important to clear old though patterns and beliefs that may be layered underneath I often use EFT and tapping as well as clearing and smudging as needed)

6) EFT - Tapping - This is a great technique I practice on my own and with others to work on the negative thoughts while tapping through the meridians in the body to reset the nervous system and I find it very calming as well as shifting mindset more easily. Check out this video.

7) Guided Meditations + Breathing - These helped me alot in my own health journey as well as overcoming cancer to calm my mind and relax my body, I love it so much i recorded my own cd!

8) Radically Shift your Routine - I noticed by breaking my daily routine and interrupt old patterns new one can be formed, that's why I love travelling I find I'm much more spontaneous and open to following the flow! Add in things that bring you pleasure and enjoyment. Hey why not have some fun! Instill a new way of exploring your day!

9) Reduce LED lights and screen time a few hours before bed to let your body get ready for sleep. Its also good to do some digital detox days. I used to host regular weekend detox retreats ( no devices!) LOL

10) High Vibes - Last but not least I would say: "Increase the vibration in your life" with positive actions, and giving to others and being grateful for what you do have, as you focus on an attitude of gratitude more good things and people attract to you and things seems to be easy and effortless...try music that lifts you up and sharing meal making etc with others, find others that are on the same path as you and forge a positive vibe connection.

I hope this has inspired you to take some small steps towards shifting your mindset and as you can see its not all about just reciting a few affirmations its really a lifestyle shift. "How you do anything is how you do everything" as one of my first teachers Wayne Dyer used to say. If you are on your journey post cancer or just wanting to get more aware of your mindset I know how challenging this can be.

I'm here to be of highest service book a 30 min free call, bring a cup of tea and lets chat about your next steps. I have so many great resources and connections you don't have to do this alone!
P.S. Check out this interview with host Veronica Parker on her "Live your Happy Now" Podcast.

With heart,
Alex
aka yogagurl

Live Your Happy NOW! Conversations to open up and live an authentic, happy and fulfilled life.100 Episodes Produced by Veronica ParkerWebsite
Live Your Happy NOW podcast with Veronica Parker gives us a sacred space where we can connect and truly show up as we are. It is not about pretending to be happy all the time and hiding fears, sadness or negative thoughts. It’s about embracing it ALL. It’s learning to choose your happy even in the m… read more

THIS COULD BE YOU! 
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Sometimes dreams are just too good to not go for them! I want to share my lifelong dream of visiting Egypt with you. I am personally inviting you, please email me to apply we have 3 spots left ( 6 of us are going).

Sometimes dreams are just too good to not go for them! I want to share my latest dream with you -- after overcoming skin cancer the beginning of this year and then having a fall right after I took it as a sign from the universe that it was time to wake up and step up in my life to living my life even more intentionally.

I had felt the call to go to Egypt since grade 5 when I did a Egypt project and visited the King Tut exhibit in my town!

I know going to these sacred sites will activate deeper potential in me as a human being and give me opportunity to heal old grief and anger that was hidden below the surface from long time ago. Whenever I embark on a Journey I always come back refreshed, enlivened and with a new perspective on life!

I started getting messages and hints of Egypt 4 1/2 years ago when I was working on an Interior Design Project that had a global flare to it I came across all these vintage fabrics form around the world and wove them into the project and remember saying to my client I feel I will be going to Egypt soon! HAHA I forgot about that day until now. I am a big believer in following your magic and seeing where it leads you!

​I've hosted lots of retreats over the years and I get butterflies in my stomach when I even just think of Egypt. I know this will be a life changing trip for myself and the women who accompany me and meet Monique there!

If Egypt is calling you and you are ready to pack your bags and go in 3 weeks then we have a spot ready for you!

Message me or email me to save your spot by April 26, 2022. 
​
www.yogagurl.com
​

We are a human having a spiritual experience...
When I began early on in my journey 25 years ago I came across Louise Hays book and it was a great foundation for understanding the body mind spirit connection.
Anyone who works with the body will know from experience the power of this knowledge.
While Western medicine provides surgeries and solutions to immediate problems it does not address the root causes or inquire into where possibly these came from. Ancient yogis, shamans, healers for centuries have looked deeper to see what may be at the emotional root cause. Combining western with eastern may lead to a more whole approach of health for individuals is what I have found!
From my own personal experience the healing process is most effective in a personalized approach combined with yoga, reiki, shamanic healing, essential oils, flower essences, dietary changes, exercise and nature connection. Trust this will inspire you to look and go deeper!

Deep breaths,
Alex

You Can Heal Your LifeLouise Hay
Symptoms list:A
Abdominal Cramps: Fear. Stopping the process.
Abscess: Fermenting thoughts over hurts, slights and revenge.
Accidents: Inability to speak up for the self. Rebellion against authority. Belief in violence.
Aches: Longing for love. Longing to be held.
Acne: Not accepting the self. Dislike of the self.
Addictions: Running from the self. Fear. Not knowing how to love self.
Adrenal Problems: Defeatism. No longer caring for the self. Anxiety.
Alcoholism: Feeling of futility, guilt, inadequacy. Self-rejection.
Allergies: Denying your own power.
Alzheimer’s Disease: Refusal to deal with the world as it is. Hopelessness and helplessness. Anger.
Amenorrhea: Not wanting to be a woman. Dislike of the self.
Anemia: “Yes-but” attitude. Lack of joy. Fear of life. Not feeling good enough.
Ankle: Inflexibility and guilt. Ankles represent the ability to receive pleasure.
Anorexia: Denying the self life. Extreme fear, self-hatred and rejection.
Anxiety: Not trusting the flow and the process of life.
Apathy: Resistance to feeling. Deadening of the self. Fear.
Appetite, Excessive: Fear. Needing protection. Judging the emotions.
Arm: Represents the capacity and ability to hold the experiences of life.
Arteries: Carry the joy of life.
Arthritic Fingers: A desire to punish. Blame. Feeling victimized.
Arthritis: Feeling unloved. Criticism, resentment. – Rheumatoid Arthritis: Feeling victimized. Lack of love. Chronic bitterness. Resentment. Deep criticism of authority. Feeling very put upon.
Asthma: Smother love. Inability to breathe for one’s self. Feeling stifled. Suppressed crying.
Athlete’s Foot: Frustration at not being accepted. Inability to move forward with ease.
B
Back Issues: Represents the support of life. Back Problems: – Rounded shoulders: Carrying the burdens of life. Helpless and hopeless. – Lower Back Pain: Fear of money or lack of financial support. – Mid-Back Pain: Guilt. Stuck in all that stuff back there. “Get off my back!” – Upper Back Pain: Lack of emotional support. Feeling unloved. Holding back love. – Back Curvature: The inability to flow with the support of life. Fear and trying to hold on to old ideas. Not trusting life. Lack of integrity. No courage of convictions.
Bad Breath: Anger and revenge thoughts. Experiences backing up.
Balance, Loss of: Scattered thinking. Not centered.
Baldness: Fear. Tension. Trying to control everything.
Bedwetting: Fear of parent, usually the father.
Belching: Fear. Gulping life too quickly.
Bell’s Palsy: Extreme control over anger. Unwillingness to express feelings.
Bladder Problems: Anxiety. Holding on to old ideas. Fear of letting go. Being “pissed off”.
Bleeding: Joy running out. Anger.
Blisters: Resistance. Lack of emotional protection.
Blood Pressure: – High: Longstanding emotional problem not solved. – Low: Lack of love as a child. Defeatism.
Body Odor: Fear. Dislike of the self. Fear of others.
Bones: Represent the structure of the universe. – Bone marrow: Represents deepest beliefs about the self. How you support and care for yourself. – Breaks: Rebelling against authority.
Brain: Represents the computer, the switchboard. – Tumor: Incorrect computerized beliefs. Stubborn. Refusing to change old patterns.
Breast: Represents mothering and nurturing and nourishment. – Cysts, Lumps: A refusal to nourish the self. Putting everyone else first. Over mothering. Overprotection. Overbearing attitudes.
Breath: Represents the ability to take in life. – Breathing Problems: Fear. Not trusting the process of life. Getting stuck in childhood. Fear of taking in life fully. – Bronchitis: Inflamed family environment. Arguments and yelling.
Bruises: The little bumps in life. Self-punishment.
Bulimia: Hopeless terror. A frantic stuffing and purging of self-hatred.
Burns: Anger. Burning up. Incensed.
Bursitis: Repressed anger. Wanting to hit someone.
C
Calluses: Hardened concepts and ideas. Fear solidified.
Cancer: Deep hurt. Longstanding resentment. Deep secret or grief eating away at the self. Carrying hatreds.
Candida: Feeling very scattered. Lots of frustration and anger. Demanding and untrusting in relationships. Great takers.
Canker Sores: Festering words held back by the lips. Blame.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Anger and frustration at life’s seeming injustices.
Cataracts: Inability to see ahead with joy. Dark future.
Cellulite: Stored anger and self-punishment.
Cerebral Palsy: A need to unite the family in an action of love.
Chills: Mental contraction, pulling away and in. Desire to retreat.
Cholesterol: Clogging the channels of joy. Fear of accepting joy.
Circulation: Represents the ability to feel and express the emotions in positive ways.
Colds: Too much going on at once. Mental confusion, disorder. Small hurts.
Colic: Mental irritation, impatience, annoyance in the surroundings.
Colitis: Insecurity. Represents the ease of letting go of that which is over.
Coma: Fear. Escaping something or someone.
Conjunctivitis: Anger and frustration at what you are looking at in life.
Constipation: Incomplete releasing. Holding on to garbage of the past. Guilt over the past. Sometimes stinginess.
Corns: Hardened areas of thought – stubborn holding on to the pain of the past.
Coughs: A desire to bark at the world. “Listen to me!”
Cramps: Tension. Fear. Gripping, holding on.
Crohn’s Disease: Fear. Worry. Not feeling good enough.
Crying: Tears are the river of life, shed in joy as well as in sadness and fear.
Cuts: Punishment for not following your own rules.
Cysts: Running the old painful movie. Nursing hurts. A false growth.
Cystic Fibrosis: A thick belief that life won’t work for you. “Poor me.”
D
Deafness: Rejection, stubbornness, isolation. What don’t you want to hear? “Don’t bother me.”
Depression: Anger you feel you do not have a right to have. Hopelessness.
Diabetes: Longing for what might have been. A great need to control. Deep sorrow. No sweetness left.
Diarrhea: Fear. Rejection. Running off.
Dizziness: Flighty, scattered thinking. A refusal to look.
Dry eyes: Angry eyes. Refusing to see with love. Would rather die than forgive. Being spiteful.
Dysmenorrhea: Anger at the self. Hatred of the body or of women.
E
Ear: Represents the capacity to hear. – Ache: Anger. Not wanting to hear. Too much turmoil. Household arguing.
Eczema: Breath-taking antagonism. Mental eruptions.
Edema: What or who won’t you let go of?
Elbow: Represents changing directions and accepting new experiences.
Emphysema: Fear of taking in life. Not worthy of living.
Endometriosis: Insecurity, disappointment and frustration. Replacing self-love with sugar. Blamers.
Epilepsy: Sense of persecution. Rejection of life. A feeling of great struggle. Self-violence.
Epstein-Barr Virus: Pushing beyond one’s limits. Fear of not being good enough. Draining all inner support. Stress.
Eye: Represents the capacity to see clearly past, present, future. – Astigmatism: “I” trouble. Fear of really seeing the self. – Hyperopia: Fear of the present. – Myopia: Fear of the future.
F
Face: Represents what we show the world.
Fainting: Fear. Can’t cope. Blacking out.
Fat or Weight issues: Oversensitivity. Often represents fear and shows a need for protection. Fear may be a cover for hidden anger and a resistance to forgive. Running away from feelings. Insecurity, self-rejection and seeking fulfillment. – Arms: Anger at being denied love. – Belly: Anger at being denied nourishment. – Hips: Lumps of stubborn anger at the parents. – Thighs: Packed childhood anger. Often rage at the father.
Fatigue: Resistance, boredom. Lack of love for what one does.
Feet: Represent our understanding – of ourselves, of life, of others. – Foot Problems: Fear of the future and of not stepping forward in life.
Fever: Anger. Burning up.
Fibroid Tumors: Nursing a hurt from a partner. A blow to the feminine ego.
Fingers: Represent the details of life. – Thumb: Represents intellect and worry. – Index: Represents ego and fear. – Middle: Represents anger and sexuality. – Ring: Represents unions and grief. – Little: Represents the family and pretending.
Food Poisoning: Allowing others to take control. Feeling defenseless.
Frigidity: Fear. Denial of pleasure. A belief that sex is bad. Insensitive partners. Fear of father.
Fungus: Stagnating beliefs. Refusing to release the past. Letting the past rule today.
G
Gallstones: Bitterness. Hard thoughts. Condemning. Pride.
Gas: Gripping. Fear. Undigested ideas.
Gastritis: Prolonged uncertainty. A feeling of doom.
Genitals: Represent the masculine and feminine principles. Worry about not being good enough.
Gland Problems: Represent holding stations. Self-staring activity. Holding yourself back.
Gout: The need to dominate. Impatience, anger.
Glaucoma: Stony unforgiveness. Pressure from longstanding hurts. Overwhelmed by it all.
Gray Hair: Stress. A belief in pressure and strain.
Growths: Nursing those old hurts. Building resentments.
Gum Problems: Inability to back up decisions. Indecisive about life.
H
Hands: Hold and handle. Clutch and grip. Grasping and letting go. Caressing. Pinching. All ways of dealing with experiences.
Hay Fever: Emotional congestion. Fear of the calendar. A belief in persecution. Guilt.
Headaches: Invalidating the self. Self-criticism. Fear.
Heart: Represents the center of love and security. – Heart Attack: Squeezing all the joy out of the heart in favor of money or position. Feeling alone and scared. “I’m not good enough. I don’t do enough. I’ll never make it.” – Heart Problems: Longstanding emotional problems. Lack of joy. Hardening of the heart. Belief in strain and stress.
Heartburn: Fear. Fear. Fear. Clutching Fear.
Hemorrhoids: Fear of deadlines. Anger of the past. Afraid to let go. Feeling burdened.
Hepatitis: Resistance to change. Fear, anger, hatred. Liver is the seat of anger and rage.
Hernia: Ruptured relationships. Strain, burdens, incorrect creative expression.
Herpes Genitalis: Mass belief in sexual guilt and the need for punishment. Public shame. Belief in a punishing God. Rejection of the genitals.
Herpes Simplex: Bitter words left unspoken.
Hip: Carries the body in perfect balance. Major thrust in moving forward. Fear of going forward in major decisions. Nothing to move forward to.
Hives: Small, hidden fears. Mountains out of molehills.
Hodgkin’s Disease: Blame and a tremendous fear of not being good enough. A frantic race to prove one’s self until the blood has no substance left to support itself. The joy of life is forgotten in the race of acceptance.
Hyperactivity: Fear. Feeling pressured and frantic.
Hyperventilation: Fear. Resisting change. Not trusting the process.
Hypoglycemia: Overwhelmed by the burdens in life.
I
Impotence: Sexual pressure, tension, guilt. Social beliefs. Spite against a previous mate. Fear of mother.
Incontinence: Emotional overflow. Years of controlling emotions.
Indigestion: Gut-level fear, dread, anxiety. Griping and grunting.
Infection: Irritation, anger, annoyance.
Inflammation: Fear. Seeing red. Inflamed thinking. Anger and frustration about conditions you are looking at in your life.
Influenza: Response to mass negativity and beliefs. Fear. Belief in statistics.
Ingrown Toenail: Worry and guilt about your right to move forward.
Injuries: Anger at the self. Feeling guilty.
Insanity: Fleeing from the family. Escapism, withdrawal. Violent separation from life.
Insomnia: Fear. Not trusting the process of life. Guilt.
Intestines: Represent assimilation and absorption.
Itching: Desires that go against the grain. Unsatisfied. Remorse. Itching to get out or get away.
J
Jaundice: Internal and external prejudice. Unbalanced reason.
Jaw Problems: Anger. Resentment. Desire for revenge.
K
Kidney Problems: Criticism, disappointment, failure. Shame. Reacting like a child.
Kidney Stones: Lumps of undissolved anger.
Knee: Represents pride and ego. Stubborn ego and pride. Inability to bend. Fear. Inflexibility. Won’t give in.
L
Laryngitis: So mad you can’t speak. Fear of speaking up. Resentment of authority.
Left Side of Body: Represents receptivity, taking in, feminine energy, women, the mother.
Leg: Carry us forward in life.
Liver: Seat of anger and primitive emotions. Chronic complaining. Justifying fault-finding to deceive yourself. Feeling bad.
Lockjaw: Anger. A desire to control. A refusal to express feelings.
Lump in the Throat: Fear. Not trusting the process of life.
Lung: The ability to take in life. Depression. Grief. Not feeling worthy of living life fully.
Lupus: A giving up. Better to die than stand up for one’s self. Anger and punishment.
Lymph Problems: A warning that the mind needs to be recentered on the essentials of life. Love and joy.
M
Malaria: Out of balance with nature and with life.
Menopause Problems: Fear of no longer being wanted. Fear of aging. Self-rejection. Not feeling good enough.
Menstrual Problems: Rejection of one’s femininity. Guilt, fear. Belief that the genitals are sinful or dirty.
Migraine Headaches: Dislike of being driven. Resisting the flow of life. Sexual fears.
Miscarriage: Fear of the future. Inappropriate timing.
Mononucleosis: Anger at not receiving love and appreciation. No longer caring for the self.
Motion Sickness: Fear. Bondage. Feeling of being trapped.
Mouth: Represents taking in of new ideas and nourishment. Set opinions. Closed mind. Incapacity to take in new ideas.
Multiple Sclerosis: Mental hardness, hard-heartedness, iron will, inflexibility.
Muscles: Resistance to new experiences. Muscles represent our ability to move in life.
Muscular Dystrophy: “It’s not worth growing up.”
N
Nails: Represent protection. – Nail Biting: Frustration. Eating away at the self. Spite of a parent.
Narcolepsy: Can’t cope. Extreme fear. Wanting to get away from it all. Not wanting to be here.
Nausea: Fear. Rejecting an idea or experience.
Neck: Represents flexibility. The ability to see what’s back there. Refusing to see other sides of a question. Stubbornness, inflexibility. Unbending stubbornness.
Nephritis: Overreaction to disappointment and failure.
Nerves: Represent communication. Receptive reporters.
Nervous Breakdown: Self-centeredness. Jamming the channels of communication.
Nervousness: Fear, anxiety, struggle, rushing. Not trusting the process of life.
Neuralgia: Punishment for guilt. Anguish over communication.
Nodules: Resentment and frustration and hurt ego over career.
Nose: Represents self-recognition. – Nose Bleeds:A need for recobnition. Feeling unnoticed. Crying for love. – Runny Nose: Asking for help. Inner crying. – Stuffy Nose: Not recognizing the self-worth.
Numbness: Withholding love and consideration. Going dead mentally.
O
Osteomyelitis: Anger and frustration at the very structure of life. Feeling unsupported.
Osteoporosis: Feeling there is no support left in life. Mental pressures and tightness. Muscles can’t stretch. Loss of mental mobility.
Ovaries: Represent points of creation. Creativity.
PQ
Pain: Guilt. Guilt always seeks punishment.
Paralysis: Paralysing thoughts. Getting stuck. Terror leading to escape from a situation or person.
Pancreas: Represents the sweetness of life.
Pancreatitis: Rejection. Anger and frustration because life seems to have lost its sweetness.
Parasites: Giving power to others, letting them take over and life off of you.
Parkinson’s Disease: Fear and an intense desire to control everything and everyone.
Peptic Ulcer: Fear. A belief that you are not good enough. Anxious to please.
Phlebitis: Anger and frustration. Blaming others for the limitation and lack of joy in life.
Pimples: Small outbursts of anger.
Pituitary Gland: Represents the control center.
Pneumonia: Desperate. Tired of life. Emotional wounds that are not allowed to heal.
Poison Ivy: Allergy Feeling defenseless and open to attack.
Polio: Paralysing jealousy. A desire to stop someone.
Premenstrual Syndrome: Allowing confusion to reign. Giving power to outside influences. Rejection of the feminine processes.
Prostate: Represents the masculine principle. Mental fears weaken the masculinity. Giving up. Sexual pressure and guilt. Belief in aging.
Psoriasis: Fear of being hurt. Deadening the senses of the self. Refusing to accept responsibility for our own feelings.
R
Rash: Irritation over delays. Immature way to get attention.
Right Side of Body: Giving out, letting go, masculine energy, men, the father.
Ringworm: Allowing others to get under your skin. Not feeling good enough or clean enough.
S
Scabies: Infected thinking. Allowing others to get under your skin.
Sciatica: Being hypocritical. Fear of money and of the future.
Scleroderma: Protecting the self from life. Not trusting yourself to be there and to take care of yourself.
Scratches: Feeling life tears at you, that life is a rip off.
Senility: Returning to the so-called safety of childhood. Demanding care and attention. A form of control of those around you. Escapism.
Shin: Represents the standards of life. Breaking down ideals.
Shingles: Waiting for the other shoe to drop. Fear and tension. Too sensitive.
Sinus Problems: Irritation to one person, someone close.
Skin: Protects our individuality. Anxiety, fear. Old, buried things. I am being threatened.
Slipped Disc: Feeling totally unsupported by life. Indecisive.
Snoring: Stubborn refusal to let go of old patterns.
Solar Plexus: Gut reactions. Center of our intuitive power.
Sores: Unexpressed anger that settles in.
Spleen: Obsessions. Being obsessed about things.
Sprains: Anger and resistance. Not wanting to move in a certain direction in life.
Sterility: Fear and resistance to the process of life or not needing to go through the parenting experience.
Stiffness: Rigid, stiff thinking.
Stomach: Holds nourishment. Digests ideas. Dread. Fear of the new. Inability to assimilate the new.
Stroke: Giving up. Resistance. Rather die than change. Rejection of life.
Stuttering: Insecurity. Lack of self-expression. Not being allowed to cry.
Sty: Looking at life through angry eyes. Angry at someone.
Suicidal thoughts: See life only in black and white. Refusal to see another way out.
T
Teeth: Represent decisions. – Teeth Problems: Longstanding indecisiveness. Inability to break down ideas for analysis and decisions. – Root Canal: Can’t bite into anything anymore. Root beliefs being destroyed. – Impacted Wisdom Teeth: Not giving yourself mental space to create a firm foundation.
Throat: Avenue of expression. Channel of creativity. – Throat Problems: The inability to speak up for one’s self. Swallowed anger. Stifled creativity. Refusal to change. – Sore throat: Holding in angry words. Feeling unable to express the self.
Thrush: Anger over making the wrong decisions.
Thymus Gland: Feeling attacked by life. They are out to get me.
Thyroid Gland: Humiliation. I never get to do what I want to do. When is it going to be my turn. – Hyperthyroid: Rage at being left out.
Tics, Twitches: Fear. A feeling of being watched by others.
Tinnitus or Ringing in the Ears: Refusal to listen. Not hearing the inner voice. Stubbornness.
Toes: Represent the minor details of the future.
Tongue: Represents the ability to taste the pleasures of life with joy.
Tonsillitis: Fear. Repressed emotions. Stifled creativity.
Tuberculosis: Wasting away from selfishness. Possessive. Cruel thoughts. Revenge.
U
Urinary infections: Pissed off, usually at the opposite sex or a lover. Blaming others.
Uterus: Represents the home of creativity.
V
Vaginitis: Anger at a mate. Sexual guilt. Punishing the self.
Varicose Veins: Standing in a situation you hate. Discouragement. Feeling over-worked and overburdened.
Vitiligo: Feeling completely outside of things. Not belonging. Not one of the group.
Vomiting: Violent rejection of ideas. Fear of the new.
WXYZ
Warts: Little expressions of hate. Belief in ugliness. – Plantar Warts: Anger at the very basis of your understanding. Spreading frustration about the future.
Wrist: Represents movement and ease.

Well this is exactly what happened to me a in November 2020 when my yoga student Jean showed up at yoga with a bright green knitted dishcloth. Little did we know a few weeks later she would be taking orders for more dishcloths in more colors and more fun sayings. Because next jean's friend custom ordered a bunch that she wanted to say F--k 2020, now there were 2 sayings...Alex's love of pink and cheeky sayings also led her to order a bunch in pink and red and purple in yoga inpired sayings like OM, peace JOY, AUM, LOVE, hugs which she shared with her students and immediately got an order for 5 from one person who was gifting them to women in her community...Jean was keeping busy knitting  and her daughter was surprised to find what her mom was up to and ordered a bunch for her co-workers. Jean and Alex kept talking and were loving the unusual collaboration that had this 70 something and 50 year old  feeling a sense of purpose and making a small difference, they felt they could ripple out some waves.
Alex gifted one to a women who came to her studio/shop whose husband had a heart attack and whose son fell off a roof, she chose the mauve "LOVE" version. Alex was loving sharing and having something positive to share in addition to her hand silk screened t-shirts and since her yoga studio pivoted online. Jean was loving the sense of purpose and keeping busy as she was stuck at home and it just felt good to be making things with her hands and spreading joy!
The two of them decided to do this as a labour of love and so the proceeds are going to the local womens shelter in Orangeville. Where this is all going they are not sure, Jean jokes that she is not sure she can keep up if too many more orders come in and Alex jokes she can't keep up with takin orders! For now they are not worried in fact they are enjoying this sideline project that is keeping them chuckling.

We're not sure where this is going and we want you to join the movement, buy 5 and gift them in your community or start a collective in your own community, find a 70 something year old that is home alone and knits and wants to spread joy and partner up with some others that want to get this joy out there and donate to a cause in your community!

We have decided we want to pay it forward and know you will too!

Thanks for supporting this fun local initiative:
don't forget to call or email us to  pick up through yogagurl.
Choose from what we have ready to go or Customize your 5 letter word:
F—k 2020, f—k it, OM, peace, love, hugs, calm, heart.
100% Cotton. Made in Canada. Sustainable! Will Last forever!

Proceeds go to Local Women’s Shelter. Minimum Donation $10 ea.  Suggested 5 for $100

As featured in Tish Hansen's The Concierge.ca
2020 Holiday Gift Guide | The Zero Waste Collective
Sustainable gift giving made easy. If you're inspiring others to go zero waste, The Zero Waste Collective's Holiday Gift Guide is for you! Including gift ideas for zero waste on the go, kitchen and cleaning, bathroom and beauty, home and decor, and fashion and accessories!

 CliciA few times a year when the seasons change is when I feel inspired to hit the reset button and keep away from tantalizing treats… well, for 7 days at least!

Over the years I've always done my own intuitive cleansing and when I was living on Maui one Winter I started having fun with my colored fruits and veggies and and coconuts and I got inspired to put together my own version of a Rainbow Cleanse and call it the Rainbow Maui Chakra Cleanse!

I opt for mainly veggie juice recipes – rainbow colored style! Since then I usually lead a juice cleanse online a few times a year, Now its even easier to join us or do it on your own as I've made it an official online course on our yogagurl online yoga studio platform – so what are you waiting for? Join us Online starting Oct 19th! https://app.namastream.com/#/yogagurl/auth/signin

Scroll down for a Rainbow Juice Recipe + Juicer tips! A special double feature post today! Why not have fun while you are being healthy.

Here’s a little general information about COLD-PRESSED juices, and why they are a premium and why its worth making or buying them. If you feel compelled to make your own yes you can use any juicer but be aware the quality will be affected. So best to research the juicer first before you invest. At the same time I also say that starting juicing is key so maybe start with an entry level juicer see if you like it and you can upgrade later. If you already know you love juicing then go for the more premium juicer right of the bat!

I'm big fans of cold-pressed method so the juices are are hydraulically extracted, providing the highest quality and freshest tasting juice possible. Very little heat is emitted through the machine (mainly because it crushes fruit and veggies instead of blending them), and because of that, enzymes and nutrients are retained at their highest form in your juice! ( I know locally in Toronto LIVE's juices are high quality as I drank them for years and ordered them for my yoga coaching clients)

As I'm writing this I'm also preparing to offer my online version of the cleanse Oct 9, 2020. And in light of the times I'm offering it free this month! (value $45USD) So click here to sign up!

Come Discover Maui, the land of rainbows on our journey from exploration to cleanse and lets make up some new juicy words for these liquid elixrs! 

Beautiful Beet it, Carrot Gingerale, Pineapple PEAR Paradise, Gorgeous Green Goddess and Calm Cabbage.

To anyone who hasn’t tried making juice at home: don’t fear it! It’s easy, simple, and AFFORDABLE…especially if you shop at a farmer’s market. (Check out Orangeville Farmer's Market or support your local farm, my favourite is Fiddle Foot Farms (get your winter CSA Food share) or Food Box Delivery near you!)
If you are super busy and time is of essence and you have the budget then picking them up at a local juice bar or ordering them is the way to go!

4 Juicer Options:

I personally have owned many kinds over the years and I’ve written up little short note on each so you can make a decision on your own. I hope that these reviews may help you in your decision on which juicer to buy!
I definitely recommend purchasing a juicer for the ease of use and convenience. They are an investment in your health you won't regret.
You can juice using any juicer, its good to find a juicer that it is easy to clean and store and doesn't heat the juice and keep all the nutrients out and that it comes with a warranty...

1) Entry level - Centrifugal juicers

These tend to expose the juice to heat and oxygen, killing off the essential healing enzymes in the juice. These juicers have difficulty in juicing leafy greens. Without the pressing action to extract the juice, many minerals and phytochemicals remain in the pulp, so the juice rendered is less rich in healing nutrients than juice from grinder/press or masticating juicers.
One of my first juicers was one of these, and there are many options at your local kitchen store. These are entry level way to start and at least gets you going.  Of course, they aren’t as good as medium/high-end juicers, but they will nonetheless make juice. Keep in mind you will need more produce than other machines.
Breville JE98XL Juice Fountain Plus 850-Watt Juice Extractor.
Juicers for Non-Malignant Conditions:Masticating juicers are acceptable alternatives for non-cancer patients as they extract a sufficient amount of juice, and preserve enzyme activity. There are many brands of masticating and twin-gear juicers out there. A few that coaching clients have found worked well are:

• The Champion (see below)
• Angel Juicer
• Green Star
• Green Power
• Solo Star
• Hurom Slow Juicer
• Omega Juicers (masticating models only)

2) Commercial Style - The Champion Juicer around $350+
The Champion Juicer is in a class of its own, in my opinion. I have had great experience and success with this juicer and have had it for 15 or more years. Why do you think it's in a class of it's own? The Champion Juicer is a heavy duty machine. It really is super durable. The sheer weight and materials of it make solid. It comes with a warranty.  I never had it break down and used it religiously. ( I happen to have 3 over the years and now I am selling 2 of them used if you want one). Also, if you intend to get a juicer that can handle frozen fruit sorbets, ice cream, purees, and nut butter, then this is the right one for you.

3) High end - Angel Juicer about a $1200+ juicer ( the one I have had for a over 5 years and love it) This is a cold press juicer, a slow RPM ... the 2 augers turn into one another and crush the plant so doesn't cause heat damage when pressing the juice so you get the full benefit of raw eating.

Juicers for Malignant Conditions:
4) Professional Style Juicer - Cold Pressed juicer.
Big fancy ones for people who have want to go to the highest level of juicing (often for those whose health is at risk and they are sick or suffering from cancer and need the most nutrients possible in a juice). Or if money is no object then this would be my top choice! These juicers can cost you around $3000+ and are a part of Gerson therapy.

To finish off the article here is my favourite recipes from the Rainbow Juice Cleanse! My personal dessert-like favourite is the ‘ Orange Ginger ---------’! There’s a ‘bite’ to it that just hits the spot for me. A vibrant orange juice with carrots, oranges, lemon, ginger, apple, and nectarine! Hydrating, refreshing, and packed with vitamins and minerals! Carrots are loaded with beta carotene which does wonders for the body and fights off disease-causing free radicals. (of course I love all green juice as well!)

Are you inspired? Then join us to hit the reset button on your health next week with our online Rainbow cleanse! Click here to our yogagurl online studio to register for free! As A BONUS GIFT you will get a back stage pass to check out our 12 month ONLINE yoga + holistic living mentorship value $97/month

If you are looking forward to having nutritious juice that will boost your immunity and ensure you remain healthy, then join us and make it for yourself and drink it as soon as you make it to get the most nutritional benefits!

yogagurl
xox
PS if you missed the date no worries you can now do it on your own time, anytime, on our online studio

...A few years ago when I moved back from Hawaii and my life took a turn for the worse. I had closed my studio in Toronto and had lost my community and friends in the city...
                                   --------------------------------
Click to blog post to read more about how I got to where I am today....

...I moved to a farming area and had no social structure, no car, source of income. I basically was starting my life all over again. It was scary and disheartening. My journey catapulted me into what I later came to know as "the dark night of the soul and the awakening process". If I somehow made it through the other side alive, I promised myself I would dedicate my time to holding space for others during their journey. The main thing I can say I learnt was the undeniable importance of my daily meditation and yoga practice and that there is medicine in grief. There were days I could barely get out of bed and there was no way I could practice yoga without sobbing on the floor on my mat. I was so so grateful I had spent all those years practicing so I could have some threads to hold onto during this time. Fast forward a few years later (this Jan) I felt compelled to write down some of my thoughts on How my Morning Practice saved my life as a process of my own integration. Today that is shaping into a little book I plan to share with you all soon! Then a few months later while pivoting my yoga studio online in March it was clear to me that waking up and teaching was important for my own health as well as others as this is what I live to do. During the past few years and months I kept doing my vision boards and journalling and meditating and asking what am I supposed to do next? This is when I knew it was time to step up and push through my own fears of being seen and vulnerable and follow my bigger dreams. I always wanted to lead a 12 month program that included all my passions and voila! The 12 month mentorship was born and with it the intention to create a virtual space for us to come together and connect and play and inspire one another while supporting one another to follow our own inner guidance and intuition during the global dark night of the soul.


On Oct 1st I am launching my online studio and 2020 Mentorship Program, a place for you to let your hair down and come on a deeper soul journey this year than you ever have. A year of no excuses, a year to live full out your best health and come back to loving yourself and seeing what happens. Imagine all the good things that could come out of committing a year to yourself? You might come out of the cocoon a version of yourself you don't recognize! A chance to write your next chapter with awareness while enhancing you life! I invite you to take the Journey with us and see what happens when you deepen your weekly practice and play more!

PS
This mentorship is possible through the encouragement and support of several of my students and friends as well as a very special young lady named Lauren who has been intrumental in working diligently on the back end with me over the past few months to make an online platform and community possible. A special Thank you to you all! 

Yes! Finally...yogagurl at Home...

yogagurl is all about cultivating community and connection...When the government mandated temporary closure of yoga studios, our newly located studio at Alton Arts Mill in Caledon was also impacted. We quickly pivoted and on March 17 launched online Classes as our way to be of service to the community when so many faced uncertainty from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

We offered sliding scale for those who lost their jobs and Wednesday nights complimentary to the community --- Online Yoga. This was a great way to connect online even though we couldn't connect in person. We also had a Monday morning, Thursday night, and Saturday class. My regulars stayed on and yes some didn't go for the online option and fell off the bandwagon. I noticed the students that stayed with their practice on Zoom developed a resilience and positive attitude and seemed to be empowered around their health --- in body, mind, and spirit. I too noticed the weekly classes provided a normality and community and were the glue that held us together in these uncertain times.

While the classes in-person have moved outside next to the waterfall at Alton Arts Mills in August & September, we also continued on Zoom.  We have now found a  new online home where we are creating our online studio and are excited to welcome back past students and new students alike. In addition, we're introducing an annual 12 month course to stay inspired, accountable and cultivate deeper connection and support while having a chance to hit the reset button on your health and mindset and create long term sustainable wellness habits.

We hope our new 12 month course (which includes weekly yoga and monthly holistic living topics to get you on track and stay inspired!) will reach our past students, but also span the globe and touch many more lives by empowering women and men as everyday leaders in yoga and holistic living.  We’ve had past participants in our yoga and coaching from as far as Egypt, New Zealand, Australia, Russia, Bali, the UK, France, Italy, Germany, all across Canada and the US!  We’ve received daily emails and social media posts on how Alex's Holistic philosophy is a vital support to so many and we wish to build this on our new online platform in this challenging time.
 
We recently launched yogagurl on Namastream.  Here you will find recorded classes and meditations when you sign up for our 12 month Mentorship Program.
We will continue to build on this offering over time and add more recorded classes and workshops.

Live Stream Classes on Zoom Starting on Saturday Sept 5, 2020

You will have the option to purchase a Drop-In Live Stream Day Pass Class for $28.  Those on Monthly payments for the annual Course mentorship will always have access to the live-streamed class.

To join the classes, you must make sure that your email address in your yogagurl account is current or you will not receive the access details for the classes.
Steps:

1. Create a secure account login by clicking on our "Online Studio"
   
2. Here, you can access our Live Stream Classes, Courses, Memberships and more under the "Shop" tab.
   
3. If you have purchased an existing course with us, this will automatically be used. If you do not have an existing course, you can do 1 of 2 things:
   1. ​
      Purchase a Drop-In option through the 12-month mentorship program as a "Single-Day Access Pass", which gives you access to our Weekly Live Stream Class (held on Saturday's at 10:00am EST) 
      
      **If you purchase a Drop-In single-day access pass, please make sure you sign up for it no sooner than 24 hours in advance of the start of the class, otherwise you won't have access to the online streaming portal. 
      
      ​OR
   2. 
      ​Purchase a subscription to the 12-month mentorship program which you can pay monthly or annually.
4. Once you have signed up for Class you will receive a confirmation email stating the Class Name, Date and Time you are signed up for.
5. 1 hour before class you will receive a second email with the Zoom access link and password for the class.  Click on the link to join the class via Zoom.

FAQs:

1. I didn’t receive an email with the link to the class. /  Log into your yogagurl Account.  Double check your email address under the “personal” column.  Be sure to also check your ‘junk’ and ‘spam’ email folders and any rules you may have that may be preventing the emails from arriving.
2. How do I join the class once I have the link? / All you need to do is click the link in the email and join via Zoom.
3. How do I book classes through the namastream App? / Download the free namastream App via your phone or mobile device and you will see the classes listed on the Schedule.
4. If I don't have the annual course can i just take a yoga class?/ Yes you can pay the day pass rate and check out all classes and look around inside the studio and we hope you'll join the 12 month mentorship program!
5. Can I use my Annual membership for the Live Steam Classes? / Yes, Annual Memberships can be used for the Live Stream classes.
6. What happens if I cannot attend the livestream class? / If you are unable to attend the live yoga class or workshop you can watch the recording in the media library.

Winter can teach us to play and have fun and to connect with nature all year round. Most of all right now the ice and snow on the trees and their ability to withstand such temperatures and weight are a testament to the trees incredible resilience and tenacity. There is a lot of wisdom and beauty in the winter landscape and snowy days! I've found the key is to embrace the winter and play in it and it will become your best friend!

If you need a little inspiration I have just the cure!

Join us this Sat for good ol' fashioned Winter Fun at the 10th Annual Alton Mill Fire & Ice Festival 2020.

Our new yogagurl holistic studio is now open in the Arts Mill so come & warm up & visit the indoor artists spaces. See full schedule in post above! Family Friendly!


Chillax Yoga Class with yogagurl Alex Leikermoser
10-11am, Suggested donation $15-25 - 9 spots available
First come first serve basis Studio 216

1-1:30 Outdoor Yoga - SNOWGA - Free
 
Aloha Chillout Lounge with yogagurl 2pm onwards, Studio 216
This is a reflective space to come to to breathe, relax, unwind and soak up some good tunes and tropical vibes. Leave your shoes and worries at the door. Complimentary.


altonmill.ca/visit/events/fi_2020_event/