Slow Flow Yoga at Om Studio Mansons Hall. $40 for 5 sessions or $10 drop in.

Fall Jin Shin Do® workshops to be announced. Sessions available in Mansons until Oct 30th.

Jin Shin Do® (“The Way of the Compassionate Spirit”) is a unique synthesis of traditional Japanese acupressure techniques, classic Chinese acupressure theory, Reichian segmental theory, Taoist philosophy and Qigong exercises. Developed by Iona Marsaa Teeguarden, M.A., L.M.F.C.C., this sensible therapy outlines tension points associated with common physical problems and with distressing feelings like anxiety, depression, guilt and anger. It teaches points and exercises that help release physical and emotional tensions. Best of all, it helps one learn to transform, rather than repress, painful feelings – leading to a more joyful way of life and the realization of one’s full potential.

Jin Shin Do® Bodymind Acupressure® is a great way to release tension. One may also delve into the subconscious mind, we call it the ‘bodymind’®. This is a wonderful way to ‘get to the point’, so to speak, see from your own experience what issues are affecting your body, and release tension around it. Through this work I have personally transformed my life and released chronic tension patterns in my body.

Workshop
5-Step Jin Shin Do® Neck-Shoulder Release – 4 hours
Learn to find key neck and shoulder points, plus distal points to help release stubborn tensions. Practice the relaxing Basic JSD Neck Release on oneself and others, holding 5 key neck & shoulder points bilaterally. Everyone welcome.

$50
(People who have taken any Jin Shin Do® training pay half price)
Mansons Landing
Sunday June 18th, 2017 1-4pm

Hello,

We are wrapping up the season here in La Penita, Mexico. Some highlights of the trip were;

Day of the Dead celebration with family. This is the first time we have been here for the celebration which turned out to be a three day party! Halloween (who knew they celebrated it here?) with costumes and trick or treating on the avenida. Then “El Dia de los Angelitos” when they celebrate for and honour the children who have passed away. Then “El Dia de Los Muertos”. We spent the entire day in the graveyard having a picnic with dead relatives and visiting other neighbours. There was a parade for the dead as well. I could hardly keep up!

My yoga workshop with Diane Long, who just released her book:

The workshop was in a place called Tepoztlan which was a town after my own heart! Fresh vegetables everywhere… people did not look at me like I had two heads for ordering vegetarian food. They had ‘alternative’ products, stores, a cinema, and spas everywhere… things were inexpensive and people were so friendly! They also had a small pyramid overlooking the town dedicated to the gods of fertility. We hiked up there, an hour straight up to be there for first light and they had gates at the top which were locked! We had to wait for an hour, which we passed trying to find another route to the pyramid, more straight up climbing but this time with no stairs, just rock and loose gravel. When we finally got in through the gate, the pyramid wasn’t much but the view was spectacular. It was worth the hike.

Here is a fabulous tea I discovered for reducing stomach inflammation, good for most intestinal problems, and for lung congestion as well:

Cinnamon bark and Bay Leaf Tea

4-6″ of Cinnamon bark
1 tbsp Bay leaves
1 litre water

Simmer for about 20 mins. Add honey if desired and drink hot or cold throughout the day. If you have lung congestion you should drink all liquids warm or hot.

So, I’d better get back to work! Lots to do to prepare to come home.

Jin Shin Do® Bodymind Acupressure®

5-Step Neck and Shoulder release workshop

Wednesday Oct 26th at Mansons – 2 Hours, $40. Learn to find key neck and shoulder points, plus distal points to help release stubborn tensions. Practice the relaxing Basic JSD Neck Release on oneself and others, holding 5 key neck & shoulder points bilaterally. This is a great workshop to give you a taste of JSD, the neck and shoulder release is a wonderful session on it’s own or to add to other bodywork. Good skills to get you through the winter!

“The Sun and Moon are visiting each other” is Marisol’s explanation of the equinox (which happened Thursday Sept 29th at 7:21am). Around the equinox is a great time for bodywork and personal growth workshops. It’s also a great time to reflect on the last quarter year. How was your summer? What have you accomplished? Have there been any major shifts in awareness? It’s good to check in because sometimes we don’t give ourselves enough credit or see what we have accomplished.

We are now fully in Metal season. Metal is time for introspection, courage, letting go. The leaves drop from the trees, plants droop and go toward the earth. Nature is reminding us to let go, to go inward, the root vegetables are now mature and ready for harvest. We can light fires, go for a stroll and kick the dry leaves and prepare food stores for the winter.

The busy summer season has screeched to a halt. I feel like I have some breathing room! Time to spend with Marisol, time to do creative projects and of course to get ready for our journey to Mexico. It’s always a great opportunity for me to go through our belongings and decide what we really love, what brings a spark, what gets stored, what gets packed… and all else can go to the free store for others to love.

Often during Equinox and Solstices I find myself visiting my teachers, taking workshops and getting bodywork. It was unconscious at first, but now I know it’s a perfect time for a seasonal tune-up. This season I went to assist a Basic JSD workshop, part of my requirements to become a JSD Teacher. The workshop went really well, and reminded me of how powerful this work is. People who go through the workshop get five consecutive days of JSD and a clear view and of life direction and contact with their inner guidance for the future. I plan to offer a Basic Workshop in Spring. I also participated in a She Power, Sacred Sexuality workshop at Hollyhock with Minke De Vos and Mahara Brenna. Excellent vitality skills for women! And we had a fun Full Moon Ceremony at the end.

Contact me for sessions (until Oct 27th) or for Jin Shin Do workshops® 250-935-6508
Rebecca@everythingisbeautiful.ca

Perfect Autumn Day

More info about Jin Shin Do

The Basic Jin Shin Do® Bodymind Acupressure has been postponed, we are aiming for Spring 2017. In the meantime if you are interested in JSD, I recommend getting some sessions and let me know if you are interested in a Neck and Shoulder release workshop, or put your name down for the Basic in the Spring.

I have been doing some incredible work with Jin Shin Do® lately, making some very strong connections with people and helping facilitate important insights and releases, especially around trauma.

Catch me at the Friday or Saturday markets on Cortes, or book a private session at 250-250-1175

What is Jin Shin Do®?
Bodymind Acupressure®

“Jin Shin Do” means “The Way of the Compassionate Spirit.” Jin Shin Do® Bodymind Acupressure® uses gentle yet deep finger pressure on specific acu-points and verbal Body Focusing techniques, to help release “armoring” or chronic tension, balance the “Qi” or energy, and improve vitality. This clothes-on method helps relieve stress- and trauma-related problems. A unique synthesis of a traditional Japanese acupressure technique, classic Chinese acu-theory, Taoist philosophy, Qigong (breathing and exercise techniques), Reichian segmental theory and principles of Ericksonian psychotherapy, Jin Shin Do® acupressure was originated by Iona Marsaa Teeguarden.

Jin Shin Do® Bodymind Acupressure® is not intended for the diagnosis, treatment or cure of disease. It is a relaxation therapy, and a useful adjunct to licensed, qualified medical or psychological care. For any persistent pain or symptom, even a seemingly minor one, the reader is strongly encouraged to consult a medical doctor. When used in conjunction with standard medical treatment, the Jin Shin Do® Acupressure technique can assist the healing process by releasing tension, decreasing stress and encouraging a sense of increased well-being.

www.jinshindo.org

Happy Summer Solstice! and a near full Strawberry Moon to boot. I’m happy announce a
Basic Jin Shin Do® workshop Sept 26th-30th (during a lunar eclipse). More info below!

The Summer Solstice is the longest day of the year and the ‘birth of darkness’. The days get shorter from here on, which can be a good thing as these long days are very stimulating. In 5 Element theory we are shifting from Fire to Earth. We are starting to see the fruits of our labours and coming into juicy earth season which brings warmth and abundance. It reminds me of the jazz song: “Summertime… the living is easy!”. This time can shed light on our lives and issues and also how far we have come. It’s always good to look at what you have accomplished in the past year. Whether you journal, do art, or simply take a few moments to reflect, you may be surprised. It’s a great time to reward yourself for what you have been through and the light you bring. Some ideas include: bodywork, a yoga retreat, a campfire, etc. How good can you allow it to be? Here’s a link for some beautiful solstice cookies: https://gathervictoria.com/2016/06/10/sweet-magic-summer-solstice-honey-cookies/

Basic Jin Shin Do® Workshop:

This is an amazing opportunity as my teacher Tolling Jennings is coming to Cortes Island. He and his wife Kay are very special master teachers will not be teaching much longer. It’s so wonderful they are coming to us! You will learn the most powerful release patterns JSD offers AND receive 5 days of bodywork sessions. The Jin Shin Do® Acupressure technique can assist the healing process by releasing tension, decreasing stress and encouraging a sense of increased well-being. It certainly increased my own well-being.

What is Jin Shin Do®?
Bodymind Acupressure®

“Jin Shin Do” means “The Way of the Compassionate Spirit.” Jin Shin Do® Bodymind Acupressure® uses gentle yet deep finger pressure on specific acu-points and verbal Body Focusing techniques, to help release “armoring” or chronic tension, balance the “Qi” or energy, and improve vitality. This clothes-on method helps relieve stress- and trauma-related problems. A unique synthesis of a traditional Japanese acupressure technique, classic Chinese acu-theory, Taoist philosophy, Qigong (breathing and exercise techniques), Reichian segmental theory and principles of Ericksonian psychotherapy, Jin Shin Do® acupressure was originated by Iona Marsaa Teeguarden.

Jin Shin Do® Bodymind Acupressure® is not intended for the diagnosis, treatment or cure of disease. It is a relaxation therapy, and a useful adjunct to licensed, qualified medical or psychological care. For any persistent pain or symptom, even a seemingly minor one, the reader is strongly encouraged to consult a medical doctor. When used in conjunction with standard medical treatment, the Jin Shin Do® Acupressure technique can assist the healing process by releasing tension, decreasing stress and encouraging a sense of increased well-being.

www.jinshindo.org

Contact me asap if you are interested.
Costs and class description here: http://www.everythingisbeautiful.ca/?page_id=396

Come down for some bodywork! On a sunny day we will do it by the lake.

I will be at the Manson’s and Gorge markets doing chair massage starting July 1st.

Birth and death… sorrow and joy…the moon and sun are opposed on the spring equinox and at this time we experience emotions and happenings more intensely. Just look at typical Spring weather.

In my own life…in the Spring we migrate back to BC after the Winter spent in Mexico. This causes me to do a ‘forced’ spring cleaning. As I am packing and cleaning, I go through everything I own and decide what is important enough to pack and store. These days when I am deciding what stays and what to purge, I ask myself do I love this? do I feel something.. a tingle? when I hold it up? Here are some tips for Spring cleaning I am inspired by: http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2014/nov/27/top-tips-to-joyfully-declutter-your-home-from-marie-kondo

Soon after we returned home my 92 year old grandfather ‘Papa’ chose to pass away. We flew up to Penticton and ended up missing his death by minutes. It was okay. Everything is as it should be. I know I was not meant to be there for his passing simply because I wasn’t there! Its important to know that death is like birth in that we can plan it all we want but it will never go exactly as planned.. My aunt had been at his side for two weeks and had not left him alone for 48 hours. She left for one hour and he died. I’ve heard many cases of this happening. I find it helpful not to argue with reality. If it’s dark outside don’t turn the lights up bright. If you weren’t there, you weren’t meant to be there. I think there is a huge void in our culture surrounding death. We are afraid of it, we try to sweep it under the carpet and forget about it. Marisol and I went to see Papa’s body in his room. He had died peacefully with his eyes closed, but he did not look like he was sleeping, he looked dead. Marisol was not sombre nor sad. She was joyfully spinning around and being 3. When it was time to leave I asked her to say goodbye and she called ‘bye Papa!’ over her shoulder like any other day. Children understand death inherently then learn to be sad and afraid of it. Also, in other cultures such as Japan and Mexico of which I have experienced first hand; graves and shrines are kept for the dead and in the fall they have special parties for the dead (Obon and Day of the Dead) during which the ancestors are honoured and fed. I really think this is lacking in our culture and as Stephen Jenkinson says: “the ancestors are starving”. I have seen him speak whenever I have had a chance and recommend his work: http://orphanwisdom.com/

We are ‘home’ on Cortes now. Spring cleaning… unpacking… getting back into routine. I look at Spring as chance for a new and improved routine. I am implementing my ayurvedic routine/yogic lifestyle. These days I am focusing on the habits of light early dinners, early bedtime and morning meditation. Cortes is the perfect place for this!

Watch for my upcoming workshop: 5-STEP JSD NECK-SHOULDER RELEASE— 2 HR.
Learn to find key neck and shoulder points, plus distal points to help
release stubborn tensions. Practice the relaxing Basic JSD Neck
Release on oneself and others, holding 5 key neck & shoulder points
bilaterally.
This will give you a short introduction to Jin Shin Do®
A day of bodywork and life enhancing skills.

This time of year can be challenging with the long nights and short days. These days I winter in Mexico, but I remember as a kid walking to the bus stop in darkness and returning home from school in darkness. It seemed wrong! Even in Mexico we feel the transition, the days are so short we often feel ready for bed at 6 or 7pm. Every year I research what we ‘should be doing’ for the winter solstice and I think it’s important to remember the meaning so that we can better cope with the darkness. The sun is now finishing its journey south and will seemingly stand still before it begins its return north. It’s a turning point… the birth of the sun. Interesting how in Christianity, winter solstice is celebrated as “the birth of The Son”. Ancient traditions referred to night as ‘mother darkness’ who gives birth to the light. The return of the light brings hope and newness. Above all at this time of year we need rest. No need to hustle, stress and work long hours. Something to keep in mind is to not be busy with resistance. There is beauty and magic to be had if we will allow it. Sleep, limit screen time, walk, meditate, do yoga etc. The solstice is a gateway, look for subtle shifts and openings. We too can ‘stand still’ and contemplate changes in direction, and also recognize and honour the things we have completed.

At our home in Mexico the snake has come to visit. There were two different snakes sighted in our garden (for the first time) on the winter solstice, and we found a snake skin which had been shed in our yard. The timing is interesting… snakes hide in darkness and emerge to bask in the warm sun. They shed their skin when the new skin underneath is ready. Snake calculates patiently and strikes with precision. They also represent kundalini energy, the life force energy which runs up and down our spine. So the snake is a perfect totem for the winter solstice transition.

Marisol likes her gift from the snake but says she still wants my little ponies for Christmas!

Our neighbour who revealed itself on Winter Solstice.

Some yoga tips:

Cobra Pose or Bhujangasana
It can be a wonderful chest opener, mild back bend and can help the lower back if done consciously and correctly. It’s good for respiratory ailments, sciatica, shoulder and arm strengthening. Be careful! This is one pose which seems easy and simple but can hurt your lower back or neck. Remember, it’s about opening the chest.

-note where you are grounded (your pubic bone, the thighs, your hands)
-check the neck for tension, if there is tension, lower your gaze until the tension is gone
-keep the buttocks relaxed
-don’t pinch the lower back, keep the spine long and free as in all poses.
-start with the modified version, arms bent, elbows on the ground, and keep it to a short time just to let your body feel it.
-watch the masters do this pose: babies! they do it with ease and joy.

Here is a kundalini image representing the energy force in our spine. Not coincidentally it looks like a DNA image. The Indian sages used recognizable images to help explain energy and science.

Have a great Winter Solstice and we can all look forward to longer days! Happy Holidays.

I spent the Autumn Equinox taking an intensive teacher training in Jin Shin Do® on Lasqueti
Island. The equinox was framed by solar and lunar eclipses. The equinox signifies the
transition from Summer to Fall or in five element theory; Earth to Metal. Earth time is
juicy, summer, warm, harvest, feasting on fresh fruit and veggies, spending time outdoors.
Metal is when we finish up and process the harvest, we see the plants start to lose their
leaves, going inward and rooting into the ground. The weather turns cold and windy, it’s
time to light the fire and eat oatmeal with fruit preserves. Fall is also a great time to
purge the home and cleanse the body. Here is my favorite free detox guide

During the course we did did Qi Gong daily. We studied theory and practiced Jin Shin Do®
on each other, facilitating deep emotional work. The nurturing environment and 10+ days
of bodywork was conducive to growth and transformation.
For anyone who wants to make significant changes in their life path, I suggest to either
take the basic JSD workshop (I will be holding one soon) or book a succession of
Jin Shin Do® sessions. Jin Shin Do® differs from other bodywork and acupressure in
that it facilitates the release of emotions and holding patterns which cause stress,
pain and discomfort in the body. When you have sessions for a few days in a row,
the bodymind does not have a chance to regress to it’s old ways and one is supported
to propel forward and break old habits.

Lasqueti Autumn Harvest

A couple of days after being home, I was blessed to watch the lunar eclipse with my daughter
Marisol and a friend. The earth, moon, and sun to not only aligned but they did it at a
convenient hour and there were no clouds!
It was a good way to be welcomed home.

Now along with doing a fall cleanse and clear out it’s time to prepare for our winter in Mexico.
I will be offering workshops and of course doing the usual spectacular ocean side bodywork.

Contact me if you are interested in a session or learning more about Jin Shin Do® Acupressure.

I will leave you with a couple of new items from Firma Energywear:

great for hot yoga or workouts or just under a skirt

Ok, maybe everything is not beautiful, but, it’s a catchy song and it helps to imagine it said with a Mexican accent. My dear friend Beto, who mentored me in Zen-Shiatsu and Mexican healing often says “Everything is Beautiful”, especially when asked “how are you?”. So, there you have it. I’m not one of those over optimists, blind to my shadows. I hope you see the beauty all around you in your day.

Rebecca