Show Me How To Live

When I was a kid, I remember arguing with my grandpa one day that my birthday is in the summer and he insisted it was in the spring.  Being that my birthday is in the beginning of May, of course he was right but I only knew two seasons in Winnipeg.  It was winter for half the year and summer for the other half.  This year winter on the west coast has lasted way too long, we've had a lot of rain and there has been a lingering chill in the air.  

Despite this, I took a week off for my birthday and went camping around the island.  I was afraid we might freeze to death but we survived!  We even had a few days of sun in a row, but on our last night it rained. Thankfully, it happened on our last night because the tent was soaked and our blankets were damp.   

We started off on Denman Island, spent my birthday on Miracle Beach, then headed south west of Vancouver Island and explored Sooke, Sombrio Beach, Jordan River and Port Renfrew, finally returning home through Lake Cowichan.  

This has been something that I've wanted to do since I moved out here.  I have spent time visiting a lot of the same places I have in the past.  However, as there are so many beautiful places on this island it was great to finally explore new territory.  

Back home camping trips in Manitoba were usually done in the same locations, always starting on May Long weekend in the rain but we could usually count on sun for the rest of the summer. There is something about being on the open road and then sitting around a campfire that I enjoy immensely.

This long weekend we travelled back to Port Renfrew, where we had previously been rained on and enjoyed a beautiful night camping right on the beach again.  All the dogs came running over as we were cooking steak with bacon, baked potatoes and asparagus on the fire.   

We watched the fog and clouds roll in that evening and awoke to a beautiful sunny morning until the fog rolled in again.  We then packed up, in search of the sun and stopped at a view point to make breakfast wraps over looking the fog covered water.  It looked like our view was of a snow covered area as the fog was so thick and low, otherwise it was a beautiful sunny day.  

Birthday Campfire

Port Renfrew Campfire

Denman Island Sunset

“You gave me life, now show me how to live. ”

— Audioslave

Explore The Options

I spent the past hour, enjoying the last bit of sun on my patio while having a late lunch.  The sun felt so warm on my face, that I may be a little red in the morning.  A friend recently made the comment that I am energized by the sun.  I had never thought about it before, but it really does motivate me. After thinking about it again, I realized that simply a warmth in the air does a world of good for me, but the sun definitely makes it better. 

I have found it to be incredibly difficult to get motivated lately.  I sat down to write over the weekend but after about an hour, I still felt at a loss of what to write about.  It was raining heavily and a hike is usually my method of inspiration, although I couldn't bring myself to go outside.  I tried settling for just listening to music, but still nothing.  

As I thought about the month, which consisted of many different routines, schedules and a couple of stressful experiences, I couldn't even put it in to words.  It has been a very strange time, so I'm looking forward to the next few months of sun and warm weather to help me get back on track. 

The time I spent out in the sun today gave me the motivation I was looking for.  I am generally ok with the rain and cloud but throw in cooler than normal temperatures without much sun and I just wanted to go back to hibernation mode.

It was another reminder of how quickly we can accept the negative thoughts and feelings that go through our minds.  If I had only gone on a hike in the rain, I would have indeed found the inspiration I was looking for.  But then again waiting a few days for the sun to shine will work too! 

Enjoying the sunshine!

“You gotta move on, explore the options & embrace something new. ”

— Duotang 

The First Day of Spring

Well today is officially the first day of spring, but it sure doesn't feel like it.  The chill in the air has lingered for months now.  On the odd day we've seen the sun it can be quite warm, but as soon as it disappears that chill just cuts through you.  I was looking forward to the time change last weekend so that I could get back into my daily hikes but so far I've only done one evening hike as the sun is long gone by the time I get home and I just can't be motivated to get out in the cold. 

I've heard the same complaint from many, including how tired everyone has been lately.  I've been blaming the lack of sun and cold temperatures to which most can agree.  This is the first winter since I've been out here that I didn't keep up my evening hikes and I have been feeling off because of it.  Two friends had recommended that I start taking Vitamin D, I have been doing that for about a month now. I also started drinking hot lemon & honey water every morning before breakfast which is supposed to help with your metabolism. I've noticed I eat a little less at breakfast now. I don't have a scale at home but a few weeks ago I went for my physical and found out I've lost 2 pounds since finding out a month prior that I was the heaviest I've ever been in my life. My physical activity had definitely declined drastically this winter so I am looking at different options to help me get back in shape.  

To celebrate spring, I forced myself to get up early this morning to do Yoga, I did not want to get out of my nice warm bed but after just a few minutes of deep breathing and Yoga I felt wide awake.  I've recently learned about High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and one of my favourite Yoga Teachers is incorporating this into her Yoga routine.  She started doing this about 6 months ago and has become the fittest she has ever been. And the best part is, she only does 20 minutes a day for 5-6 times a week.  I know I can definitely find 20 minutes to spare each day instead of wasting time on Facebook & Netflix.  I am excited to try this new routine. I am really looking forward to it warming up so I can enjoy sunrise Yoga on my patio. I'm also going to start trying this before bed. 

http://www.healthspiritbody.com/drink-to-elminate-belly-fat/

This was my view this morning. Though I settled for Yoga indoors in front of my fireplace! 

Strange Days

This is my fourth West Coast winter and it has definitely been the coldest and most unusual so far. From what I've heard this winter has been quite strange across the country.  We received more snow than usual and it stayed for a couple months due to the cooler than normal temperatures. This prevented me from doing much hiking as we were still getting a lot of rain, so the trails were mostly ice covered snow, which made them too treacherous.  I am happy that the snow has finally melted so I can get back into what has become my regular routine.  

I'm not a fan of most holidays, especially in February, but this Valentines day I got to spend it with someone who came along in one of the most darkest times of my life.  About 20 years ago I discovered Matthew Good. an amazing songwriter and musician. He is the one musician that I have seen over the years way too many times to count.

However, this was the only time I broke down several times. It was unexpectedly a very emotional show for me, each time he played a favourite song that has always struck a chord with me.  By the last song, I just let myself cry and didn't even try to hide it anymore.  I realized I was no longer in that deep dark place that I once was so long ago.  It was a reminder that I once believed that it would never get better. It was a reminder of everything I have overcome.

Four years ago this month, I wrote one of the hardest entries I have ever shared. I had planned to write the follow up shortly thereafter, but fear stopped me from ever beginning that story. Last year I finally started to write it, this month seemed like the time to re-visit it and now I finally feel ready to share it.  If you would like to read it, enter your email below, only for access to the secured link. 

Aim Right For The Holes

Everything I wanted to share replayed in my head as I thought about this past year.  For the first time, in a long time, all I had were negative feelings about the outcome, yet I just spent a year, working towards one project. My thought that as the  year mark of when I started is around now, this would be a great time to share it. And then nothing but negative thoughts, entered my mind.  I sat here trying to figure out why my brain is so conditioned to go to that dark place.  

When there are so many things about my life I'd love to share, I still feel like there would always be one person who I've disappointed. Why is that? Why am I made to feel this way?

Even for a second I didn't like that feeling and started to write. Only thoughts, as they filter in and out of my head.  It's astonishing how many negative thoughts and feelings fluttered in. Immediately, I knew music was important. I always had the radio on. There was always music playing in the background.  

"Everyone needs something that they can belong to, everyone needs something to feel they belong to.  Yeah veryone needs something that they can hold on to." - Novillero

Om For The Holidays!

Every time I sit down to write, I think about the month, then the previous, then next thing I know, I've gone all the way back to January again.  What an incredible year it's been! So much has changed and so much has happened!  I can't believe the year is over! 

This morning a friend and I went on a Snowy Yoga Hike.  It was a little bit treacherous and the first time hiking in the snow with someone, but we survived!  The sun came out only afterwards, which I got to enjoy from the roof top deck while looking for some inspiration to write today. 

I realized when I discovered recently that I had lost all my music on my new phone, after I boarded a plane, that I used to always write on every flight I took.  The goal today is to write, which also includes writing a little bit every day.  I used to write a lot between friends. I miss the old days of just writing, passing notes in class, exchanging letters via the mail or just writing to friends for the fun of it.  A revelation I had earlier today, to encourage me to write more, will result in a new experiment I will try out in the new year.   

My trip home was spent with food, family and friends, a Yoga Workshop and a Shakespeare performance involving Royal Canoe.  Although it was brutally cold during my week stay, it was a great visit.  

Candlelight Yoga

It's that time of the year now when we want to stay warm and cozy inside!  So it's the perfect time to begin Candlelight Yoga classes.  Or if you are willing to brave the wintery outdoors, a Yoga Hike is still an option.   If you are interested in joining me, send an email to hello@laurahleechristie.com. 

A Holiday Yoga Sequence

I know this time of year can become stressful, so I encourage you to take short Yoga breaks when you need to, even if it's only a moment of simply some deep breathing.  But if you can spare 10 minutes, try this:

 http://www.chopra.com/articles/10-yoga-poses-that-fend-off-stress-during-the-holidays

Wishing you all a happy, healthy and harmonious holiday season! 

The Happening

When I realized that it's November and the year is almost over, I questioned how it flew by so quickly.  I replayed the past year over in my head and remembered all of the many things that I, not only accomplished, but that I got to enjoy!  What keeps coming to mind is all the people over the past couple of years that came into my life, although each of them appeared separately, they all have a connection.  It was thru that connection I made a year ago, that I was able to take the necessary steps to move forward with my dream.  

This person taught me that we are all able to go after our dreams!  If it's important to you, then you will find a way. If not, then you'll find an excuse. And boy did I find a lot of excuses over the years! The secrets I have learned, is that you have to believe you already have it and that it's imperative that we let go of our fears!  Once you are able to get to that place, it's absolutely amazing what begins to unfold.  

Last weekend, I finally got a chance to see a Winnipeg band that I had heard of many years ago, although never saw them once or even knew any of their music. After over a decade long hiatus, they have released a new album and the last stop of their Western tour just happened to be in Nanaimo.   I was lucky enough to spend the evening getting to know Duotang and the band Uptights from Vancouver.  I've been listening to Duotang's album all weekend, which helped inspire this post.

Candlelight Yoga

It's that time of the year now when we want to stay warm and cozy inside!  So it's the perfect time to begin Candlelight Yoga classes.  And if you're not scared of a little rain, a Yoga Hike is still an option.  Don't worry I won't make you go if it's pouring!  If you are interested in joining me, send an email to hello@laurahleechristie.com. 

Duotang & An Uptight

Duotang

“It feels like something is happening, that something quite good could be happening, and even if I was just imagining, the mind is a futile ground. ”

— Duotang

Crazy Awesome!

So far 2016 has been quite an incredible year!  Back in January, I started a Yoga Business course, which has kept me focused on creating a whole new website and defining how I want to proceed to grow my business. This involved a Yoga photo shoot at beautiful Neck Point, which is where all the pictures on my site were taken.  This course was intended to have me really think about and dive into the reasons why I became a Yoga Teacher.  Through this process, I have been thinking a lot about my life and all the number of reasons I found Yoga.  I am grateful that everything in my life has lead me on this amazing journey. 

This year I started officially offering Group Yoga Hike classes and the feedback I have received has encouraged me to promote these classes more than I had been doing.  It has been a lot of fun bringing different groups of people through the various beautiful parks & trails for our Yoga Hikes.  Last weekend while at Neck Point, a bald eagle flew over and then watched us from a nearby tree, which inspired the group to immediately get into Eagle Pose for a group photo! A unanimous vote was taken at the end of class that morning to exclaim that Neck Point was everyone's favourite location to date.  Obviously one of mine as well, since that's where I had chosen for my photo shoot back in the Spring. 

This summer was wonderfully busy as I worked on one of my final projects for my course and the season ended with me purchasing my very own home!  It was not something I had planned at all but for fun I started looking at options thinking that maybe by next year I would be ready to make a purchase. However, within a month of looking, I found the perfect place, in the perfect location and the perfect price! In 2 weeks, I will be moving into my new home and am very excited! 

A couple weekends ago, I took a trip to Vancouver to go see my favourite Winnipeg band, Royal Canoe, who were on the first stop of their Canadian tour promoting their new album.  It was a great show and I was lucky enough to enjoy the show with several Winnipeg friends who all live in Vancouver now. I even got all 6 members so sign my CD, which was a difficult task to try and track them all down afterwards.   

 Life right now is simply crazy awesome! 

Vancouver Ferry

Royal Canoe 

On My Way

This month it will officially be 8 years since I became a Yoga Teacher!  And to celebrate I have made some changes with a whole new website!  I'm still working on a few things but here's your chance at a sneak peak.  

It's hard to believe it was that long ago that I was taking my Yoga Teacher Training on beautiful Gabriola Island.  After spending the first 5 years teaching in Winnipeg, I've spent the last few teaching on or around Vancouver Island.  So much has changed in my life but the one constant has always been Yoga. 

This past weekend I had the pleasure of taking a new group of lovely women on their first Yoga Hike through Bowen Park.  Each of them expressed along the way how much they were enjoying the class.  I am beyond thrilled any time I can introduce new people to an activity that has become so important to me.  I am honoured and truly grateful every time I get to share this experience with others.  I've said it many times before, but there is something extremely wonderful about doing Yoga out in nature.  The idea came to me when I first moved to the west coast almost 3 years ago now.  

At the time, I would spend my days exploring and hiking around Gabriola Island, but as it was during the fall & winter months it was either raining or the ground was wet, so after my hike I would go home to roll out my mat and do Yoga.  Then it finally occurred to me that if I simply altered my Yoga poses to only be doing standing poses, I could incorporate Yoga on my hikes!  This practice has become a daily occurrence, whether I am enjoying it alone listening to music or teaching others, I love every minute of it!

My day does not feel complete without a Yoga Hike.  When I am solo, I use the time to meditate and contemplate on the positive changes I would like to see happen in my life.  It's almost like a moving changing vision board that I focus my thoughts and attention on. It's been pretty amazing to see what has unfolded and I look forward to what's to come!