[Inspiration] Stress to Serenity: 5 Simple Tools

By Kimberly Carroll

”I try to take one day at a time, but sometimes several days attack me at once.
- Jennifer Yane

Ahhhh…the lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer!  For many, summer can be a wonderful balm to bring you to life and soothe all that ails you. However, if you’re dealing with a lot of stress and anxiety in your life right now, then frolicking summer and all her participants can feel like they are mocking you with their easy joy and carefree spirit. ; )

Whether it’s still the after-effects of the recession or just the continual amping up of our work week productivity, so many people have been coming to me lately feeling so generally stressed and anxious. These frenetic qualities can be very insidious in the way they take up permanent residence not only in your life, but in your body. So much so that you find yourself not even being able to relax during “down” time or even…gasp…vacations!  Well, in my 6-Week Body/Mind/Spirit Bootcamp we work with a lot of tools for moving out of a place of anxiety. I want to share a few of the simple and easy ones for you to try out right here and now to help rescue the rest of your summer from the clutches of stress…

1. Reality Check – Anxiety is usually only present if you’re not. If you’re feeling anxious it means your mind is stuck in the past or future where it’s building big scary scenarios (that presentation you’re going to blow, the inadequacies you must have that drove your ex away, etc.) So, today whenever you find yourself feeling stress or anxiety, I want you to stop for a moment and ask yourself: “Am I in grave danger right NOW?“  Then, I want you to ask: “What is so right now?” and take a moment to sink into the truth and experience of this very moment. For the most part you’ll find that you’re actually in a relatively safe place surrounded by potentially soothing or inspiring people/things. This little check-in reminds you that you’re not really in any mortal danger even though your mind has just tricked your body into feeling that you are, and done consistently will start relaxing your fight or flight response.  (Caveat: If you actually are in mortal danger, you have my permission to feel a whack-load of stress and RUN!)

“If your teeth are clenched and your fists are clenched, your lifespan is probably clenched.”
- Terry Guillemets

2. Mind Dump – If you wake up or go to bed feeling stressed, this is a great daily practice to do first thing in the morning or last thing at night (or both!). Grab a journal or have some loose paper handy and simply start writing whatever thoughts are whirling around your head…good, bad, or ugly.  Go for about 5 minutes of uninterrupted pen-never-leaving-the-paper writing — no censoring, no pausing and thinking before you write, and remember that it doesn’t have to be well-written or even that legible. Think of it as pouring all the stuff that’s clogging up your brain onto the paper. Not only will this help to neutralize your mind for the day or sleep ahead, it will sometimes even help you to discover some deeper, less obvious underlying anxieties you weren’t aware of or even solve a dilemma for you. You can also draw/doodle, colour, or paint instead of write.

3. Laughter – When I was little and in tears over some fleeting upset, my Grampa would look at me and say, “Oh! I see a smile… Here it comes… There it is!!”  As much as I tried to resist that damn smile, it never failed to come…along with full-blown giggles and a complete shift out of my momentary tragedy. So, today I want you to try some laughter to break you out of the clutches of anxiety, blow off some stress, and raise your vibration. Ask your mate or a friend to tickle you, watch one of the funniest scenes from one of your favourite comedies on youtube, tell somebody a joke that never fails to make you smile (even if you’re a terrible joke teller — that can be even more amusing!), or even try faking a great big ole’ belly laugh! That’s right – slap your knee, force some snorts, roll around on the floor… It may start off feeling way fake (and silly as hell), but after rolling around on the ground for a bit, you can bet you’ll be experiencing the real deal in no time at all.  Oh, stop rolling your eyes and just give it a try already, ole’ Stuffy Pants!

“Slow down and everything you are chasing will come around and catch you”
- John De Paola

4. Say “No” – Philanthropic tycoon Warren Buffet says: “The difference between successful people and very successful people is that very successful people say “no” to almost everything.” So, start practicing the one little word that might have kept you out of this stressful mess to begin with!  Today I challenge you to say “no” once more than you regularly would during the day. Your “no” may be anything from not answering the ringing phone when you don’t feel up to talking to telling your boss who asks you to work overtime for the umpteenth time that you have something else scheduled (yeah, your sanity!)  Even if you disappoint someone with your “no”, let yourself sit with that, but then savour the idea that you just said YES to yourself for a change.  Remember, you will eventually not be able to say yes to anyone if you burn through everything you’ve got without a chance for rejuvenation.

5. Shake It Off - Close yourself off alone in a room, put on a powerful or frenetic piece of music (I love using Prodigy’s “Breathe”, for example) and start moving as if you’re shaking all these feelings of stress and anxiety right out of your body. Stomp it out of your feet, shake it out of your head, wring it out your hands, pull it out of your center — just start shaking those stuck sensations of heaviness, panic, fogginess, or frenzy loose. Allow your body to shake and vibrate from inside and out. Get wild and SHAKE FREE of this feeling that you’ve been feeling trapped in. See it leaving you and dissolving. When the song is over, let yourself drop to floor and savour your breath flowing freely and softly through the energetic space you’ve cleared in your body.

“Tension is who you think you should be. Relaxation is who you are.”
- Chinese Proverb

I wish to all of us an August of love, freedom, and serenity…let’s not let this beautiful season go by without fully tasting it, breathing it, and loving it!

Kimberly Carroll is a certified Soul Coach and a television host/producer.  She is one of the authors of the award-winning anthology “Soul Whispers” and her popular 6-Week Body/Mind/Spirit Bootcamp has been transforming lives from the inside out.  Through her coaching, speaking engagements, and workshops, Kimberly lovingly guides women and men in a wild journey to ignite their body, mind, heart, and spirit!  Her next 6-Week Body/Mind/Spirit Bootcamp starts Sept.13  in Toronto and Sept. 14  for the Online/Tele-Program. For about Kimberly, please visit www.soulcoaching.org

[Travel] Everyone Loves A Rebel

My love of art history has drawn me into the intrigueing life of Michelangelo Buonarotti- a true rebel of his time. There are so many stories to share but lets start with one of his earliest rebellious acts; “La Pieta’”.

This incredibly breathtaking and famous sculpture was completed when Michelangelo was in his early twenties. This sculpture was commissioned for the French Cardinal Jean De Billheres. This sculpture was to be his funeral monument,this never happened. Upon completion it still sits in its original position,”St Peters Basilica in Rome”.

Now let’s get to the rebellious nature of our famous artist and sculture. As Michelangelo’s career began to flourish, many rumours circled the La Pieta, one being that it was not done by Michelangelo but another artist,” Cristoforo Solari”. Michelangelo overheard this dreadful rumour and was furious. He thought about how he was going to make this right and how he was going to let the world know that he was the masterful sculture of the”La Pieta”. One night he broke into St Peters with his precious tools in hand and by candlelight carefully chipped away across Mary’s sash-” MICHAEL(N)GELUS BONAROTUS FLORENTIN(US) FACIEBA(T)- meaning; “Michelangelo Buonarroti, Florence, Made it.”

Yes, his revenge was sweet, news spread like wild fire! Although gifts to the church were not supposed to be signed by the artists, the powers to be allowed it due to Michelangelo’s popularity and fame.

As he aged and matured he later regretted acting in this manner and never signed another piece of art or sculpture again.

The next time you are visiting the La Pieta in Vatican City be sure to lean forward and see if you can slightly see the light words of rebellion across Marys sash. I know this story will make you smile because everyone loves a rebel and Michelangelo truly was an original one.

Adoring mom of two, Darlene is an adventure seeker who is passionate about travel. She believes this is your time to create, learn, and experience the world and its many new moments.  A previous television host & travel writer, Darlene created “Venture Bound Tours and alongside her husband has been creating new memories for her clients overseas for years. She is thrilled to be sharing her lessons learned through travel as well as many humorous stories. Darlene also looks forward to sharing travel insights, assisting you in planning your next journey.

[Inspiration] Partnering with Nature

By Kimberly Carroll

“If we could see the miracle of a single flower clearly, our whole life would change.”
- Buddha

We have officially stepped down that magnificent corridor of summer with its majesty of rose bushes, luscious green leaves, and fragrant lilacs. There’s no disputing it…Nature is SINGING! The question is: are you listening?

As a Soul Coach, I lead a program in Toronto that uses the four elements of nature (Air, Water, Fire, and Earth) to explore the four aspects of self (Intellect, Emotion, Spirit, & Body), and I’ve seen over and over again how partnering with nature can be so powerful in one’s life journey. You see, this planet and everything connected to it (including humans!) has an energy, flow, and cycle to it and the more deeply we can connect to this natural rhythm from which we came, the more alive, centered, and powerful we will be.

However, in our modern culture (especially in urban centers), we seem to be getting alarmingly detached from nature. Case and point: The other day when I got up I was wondering what the temperature was outside, so I grabbed my Iphone to look it up on the weather site. Ok… understand that I have a door in my kitchen leading out to an outdoor balcony…yet my first instinct was to go online to see what it was like outside? My Prairie farmer ancestors must have been rolling in their graves!

Unfortunately, this type of dependence on the artificial conveniences of our cyber-age world depicts a much bigger soul problem as concrete jungles rapidly take the place of the rainforests in our world. I truly believe that as we lose nature in our society, we lose that great wilderness inside of ourselves as well. And as our connection with nature becomes eroded, so does the fertile soil of our soul. Translation: couch potato with sealed windows = bad news for soul.

My Dad has always been one of those people who just so naturally and simply communes with nature. He’ll easily spend the day — from morning until sundown — outside. He has never felt the need to go to church or have a structured belief system…nature is his church, the cycles of nature his belief system. In nature he seems at ease and energized all at the same time.  When I was little, it was a regular occurrence for my Dad to come get me and my little sister out of bed late at night and carry us out to look at a particularly starry sky or to drive out to the country to watch an approaching lightning storm (he loves the storms!). Unfortunately, camping trips and my Dad’s invites to come help him out in the field were met with far less enthusiasm than repeats of “Three’s Company” or practicing my guitar in the basement.

However, something must have stuck, because as an adult, nature has become one of the purest forms of soul connection for me. I’m constantly amazed by what a kick-ass spiritual teacher Nature is! Nature doesn’t judge, it doesn’t rush, it doesn’t have a “to do” list – it’s just always in flow. Nature doesn’t hold grudges or obsess about the future — it is right here, right now. That’s right…Nature is a damn good role model for those of us trying to live more fully in the present. The trick though is to try to meet up with Nature a little more often and listen to Nature a little more intently in order to glean its sage advice.

In that spirit, I would like to give you 10 easy ways today that you could deepen your connection with Nature. In doing so, may you be reminded of what an intrinsic part of Nature and its powerful unending rhythms you really are.

10 EASY WAYS TO BE INSPIRED BY NATURE:

1. Fling your windows and doors WIDE open today and really breathe in that fresh air and let that sunlight pour in… Just be sure not to let the burglars pour in.

2. Observe an animal for 5 minutes – whether it be a squirrel, a dog, or a bird in the tree – tuning into their energy and imagining what it feels like to be in their body. Avoid close observation of porcupines and skunks.

3. Walk barefoot in the mud. Let the earth’s healing energy enter your body through the bare soles of your feet.

4. Take your work day OUTSIDE. Grab the laptop and head to a park or take your office meeting to the rooftop.

5. Grab, borrow or rent a drum. You don’t know how to play? Well, just take a deep breath and start beating the thing and see what happens. (Warning: just be careful loading said drum into vehicles…this is coming from a gal who recently shattered a rental car window with a djembe  ; )

6. Bring nature into your home or work environment – anything from a bouquet of wildflowers on your desk to burning white sage in your living room to having an ocean scene as your screen-saver. Just make sure to keep it fresh and changing!

7. Meditate by water whether it be an ocean, duck pond, river, or Mr. Turtle pool. Use the opportunity to tune into the flowing property of water beside and inside of you (our bodies are made up of 60% water!)

8. If you can’t get out in nature, then visualize yourself out in nature. Research has shown that even just visualizing being in nature can produce some of the same positive biochemical and feel-good results as literally spending time in nature. So, create your own beautiful nature sanctuary in your mind and take little visits to it throughout the day.

9. Take an action to help protect nature, this planet, and it’s more vulnerable inhabitants. Volunteer for a wetlands conservation group, start a recycling initiative in your workplace, protest fur-trapping, contribute financially to an effective environmental campaign…the possibilities are endless.

10. Hug a tree! Yes, sounds cheesy, but have you actually ever tried it? It’s one of the best hugs you’ll ever give/get.

Heaven is under our feet as well as over our heads.
- Henry David Thoreau

Kimberly Carroll is a certified Soul Coach and a television host/producer.  She is one of the authors of the award-winning anthology “Soul Whispers” and her popular 6-Week Soul Coaching Program has been transforming lives from the inside out.  Through her coaching, speaking engagements, and workshops, Kimberly lovingly guides women and men in a wild journey to ignite their body, mind, heart, and spirit!  Her next 6-Week Soul Coaching Program in Toronto starts July 13, 2011. For about Kimberly, please visit www.soulcoaching.org

[Travel] Got Tips?

By Darlene Christianson

As a tour guide you learn very quickly how to travel light and how to prepare for your travels overseas. Here are some quick tips and insights before you travel overseas;

Packing

The best advice I can give on packing is,” keep it simple” When packing many people think of the “what ifs” and they want to prepare for everything and bring everything. If the “what ifs” happen you can deal with it then and go shopping, it is a great excuse to shop too! Some must haves;

➢ Comfy shoes- believe me it is difficult to keep up with the Europeans and their stilettos- you do not want nasty blisters while on vacation. Europe is becoming more casual – nice sneakers or sandals are fine.

➢ Wear neutral colours- i.e. white, black, brown, navy- always bring a pair of nice jeans and ( for women also bring skirts or capri’s in lightweight materials- makes it easy to wash and hang in room for long trips)

➢ Layering & accessorizing is key; t-shirts, blouses, light sweaters. Additions include; pashminas, fun costume jewellery & scarves which will add to an outfit in the day or night.

➢ Wind breaker or jacket, something light and easy to fit into a backpack or small bag.

➢ Sport jacket for men- boyfriend jacket for women is versatile and can take you from day to night.

➢ Extras- first aid kit (including allergy relief, Tylenol, band aids, something for constipation- this can happen while your body is off track- different foods, eating at different times, drinking more than usual etc). Also bring a small umbrella, check the country you are going to and bring a small converter.

Preparing For Your Flight

Everyone wants to begin their vacation as soon as they arrive, but with 7-8 10hours or more flights many experience major jetlag- this is what I recommend- this works for me. Couple days before you leave start preparing for your journey- I recommend eating light, avoiding caffeine and taking melatonin

(A natural sleep aid), also drinking lots and lots of water- flying dehydrates you big time. While flying continue to take the melatonin and avoid alcohol and caffeine, I know this can be tough because most begin their vacation as soon as they get on the plane, but believe me this works. Hydrate- hydrate- hydrate. Also try, try, and try to sleep on the plane, if having problems download mediation or relaxing music to your MP3 player beforehand. Upon arrival try to stay up all day and take melatonin for the next few nights- going to bed relatively early the first night of your arrival- this does work and will save you from the jetlag taking over the for the first couple days.

Things to bring on your flight

Short list- pack some extra clothes on your carry on – just in case- stuff happens. With all the dry air circulating around inside the cabin your lips and skin can become really dry- drink lots of water but also apply cream and lip balm. Gum or mints will keep you feeling fresh. Germs can be everywhere on a plane so I also recommend hand sanitizers or wipes. A good book, magazine, Mp3 players or IPads are great for passing time, having fun and keeping busy during a long flight.

Last but not least bring your enthusiasm to learn about a new culture . Leave your ideas of how it should be based on your lifestyle at home and embrace the people, the food, the landscapes and the history. Savor the moments and really experience all that is around you and just have fun!

Adoring mom of two, Darlene is an adventure seeker who is passionate about travel. She believes this is your time to create, learn, and experience the world and its many new moments.  A previous television host & travel writer, Darlene created “Venture Bound Tours and alongside her husband has been creating new memories for her clients overseas for years. She is thrilled to be sharing her lessons learned through travel as well as many humorous stories. Darlene also looks forward to sharing travel insights, assisting you in planning your next journey.

[Relationships] Judgment & Relationship – Just Don’t Mix

Years ago, I called my mother being very judgmental and feeling totally angry. I was looking for her support (aka buy-in). In her wisdom, she told me: “Do not give the anger any energy.”

I was very affronted. It was certainly not why I had called; I had wanted to fuel my righteous fire. Her words really bothered me. Actually pissed me off. And yet, it was like a light bulb went off for me. There was Truth here, that I’d never explored.

I realized that I could choose to be right, to expand my anger or I could choose to figure out how to let it go and find my way back to being peaceful and happy.

I will say I did have my work cut out for me to figure out “how”. And the effort to create peace in my life was so worth it in the end; for me, my children, and my partner. And in bled into all my relationships – work, family, friends.

Lately, judgment has been showing up for me loud and clear; in casual conversations, with clients and in my own way of being.

In the world of nature, judgment does not exist. There is no righteousness in nature. An animal is killed for food; a raging forest fire reaps havoc on the land, destroying life. It simply is the way of nature. It is what is so. We accept this.

And yet, we are challenged in our own lives to be this accepting. We play judge and jury, way beyond societal rules. And what good does our judgment serve?

Assuredly, we get to be validated, we get to be justified, we get vindication and we get to be right.In my own process, I started looking at impacts on myself and on others. Being right, felt so juicy and tasted sweet at the time.

Let me be VERY real here.

There’s a BIG often hidden cost to pay for this juice. The truth is – it’s not sweet at all, not even bitter-sweet, just plain bitter. We all get to be bitter inside (and out) when we hold onto being right. And the impact of being judgmental, being right is even more far reaching. Someone else has to be wrong, invalidated, disrespected.

More often than not, this is a person we have our closest relationship with. Now relationship can be Heaven or Hell and righteousness amounts to Hell.

I consistently see that, from this rightly, justified position, there are no winners, everybody loses.

With honesty, with courage, with love, ask yourself:

Is the cost of being right, bringing you closer or farther away?

What is really going on when you play judge and jury?

What are you getting out of being right?

How does it truly serve you and your relationship?

Your answers are your own to ponder. And they will shape your life. As your own powerful creator of your life, you get to choose. Be Right or be Happy.

If you have relationships that are not working and can’t find your way out alone, there is something missing, that you are not seeing. Feel free to contact me for compassionate support and I will show you the way.

Julie Ward is Relationship Coach at Inner Connections Coaching. She coaches women who want to transform their relationships; with themselves, with partners and business. Fore more about Julie, please visit her website at www.inner-connections.ca

[Travel] Travelling as a Big Kid

By Darlene Christianson

As we grow and let’s face it — age, most of us begin to revel and savour the little things in life. We all want to feel young again and some of us never really grow up. We all want to order that giant sundae and not worry about the calories; we all want to catch a swing and see how high we can go, jumping off in a scream of glee. Life is too short, why can’t we grasp onto our childhood a little longer and hold on, sometimes for dear life? Life is really full of adventures and yes the clichés, “you only live once” is so true, so why not fill your life with little episodes of delights.

Today, I really felt like a kid. We were flying back to North America on a Space- A flight, one of the perks of being retired military. We were flying back on a C17 plane. This is a huge American cargo plane mostly reserved for service men and women and cargo. Today’s cargo included 30 souls and a huge Chinook helicopter. It was returning to the USA along with its pilot who had just returned the day before from Iraq after a full year in combat. I had no idea what to expect as we boarded the airplane. To my amazement the huge helicopter was located right in the centre of the plane and the seats all along the side. This was certainly going to be an adventure I had never in a million years thought of or ever thought I would experience. Once loaded on, everyone was strapped in tight. We all watched as our luggage was loaded up in the back and the doors slowly closed.

The take off was smooth as smooth can be. Our box lunch was handed out and we sat looking up at this  32,000 lb elephant in the room still covered in Iraqi dirt; the Chinook helicopter.  Once we reached cruising altitude the Caption came over the loud speaker asking if any of the kids onboard wanted to come up to the cockpit to meet the pilots. I actually gasped in excitement, I wanted to go too!  Remember I did mention life was too short and that I really was just a big kid. I immediately jumped up and started my way to the front. With great delight I was able to walk right in, sit down and look out in the wide blue yonder.  I was in total awe! How many people get this chance to sit in a large plane like this? Not many I am guessing, the kid’s smiles were all around me in wonderment. They also gave all of us a chance to ask questions, questions about training, why they wanted to be pilots etc. I was amazed these guys were so young; the Caption being in his early 30’s the co pilots a mere twenty two, Incredible! I was so hyped, while other passengers rolled out their blankets on the floor of the plane, preparing to sleep, I could not. This was far too exciting for me and also something I will always remember the rest of my life.  I later rolled out my blanket and settled in under the Chinook helicopter for a sleep.  Sometimes when an opportunity comes up you just have to be silly and have fun being a big kid!

Adoring mom of two, Darlene is an adventure seeker who is passionate about travel. She believes this is your time to create, learn, and experience the world and its many new moments.  A previous television host & travel writer, Darlene created “Venture Bound Tours and alongside her husband has been creating new memories for her clients overseas for years. She is thrilled to be sharing her lessons learned through travel as well as many humorous stories. Darlene also looks forward to sharing travel insights, assisting you in planning your next journey.

[Spirit] Your Love Chakra

By Laura Hollick

Your Love Chakra is located around your heart, also known as the 4th Chakra.

Chakras are invisible energies that run up through the body. We experience them through our life experience.

The way you experience Love will determine the state of health or dis-ease of your 4th Chakra.

This Chakra is all about the circulation and expression of Love energy. It starts in your heart and through your blood circulates through your whole body. It just shows how important love is to the health of your whole being.

When your Love Chakra is healthy you are able to express and share love with yourself and other people. You are also able to receive the nourishment of love and by letting yourself be loved. Your body has excellent circulation and you radiate a special glow.

When your Love Chakra is clogged you can feel isolated and starving for affection. You can feel empty with low energy. Your skin can show signs of poor circulation. You can also feel fear about letting people in.

Here are some questions to explore your Love Chakra:

• Do you love yourself?
• What do you love about yourself?
• What don’t you love about yourself?
• How do you express love with other people?

The way you answer these questions will give you a good idea as to how your Love Chakra is flowing.

Laura Hollick is an award winning artist and shaman. She is the creator of Soul Art® studio, a business devoted to guiding people to connect with their spirit and create a life and business that expresses it. Laura describes her art as a Divine Love Affair. She creates Soul Art® to grow spirit on earth. For more about Laura please visit www.soulartstudio.com

Who I am is enough.

By Tanya LeBlanc

I am worthy of the love that I have longed for, so why does my heart feel so fragile at times? It goes from being elated, open and flowing to being scared, vulnerable and closed, sometimes back and forth throughout each day. When I was alone I didn’t feel the intensity of my hearts daily changes, but now that I am in a relationship, it expands and contracts daily, just like my breath flowing in and out. Yet sometimes there is something blocking it’s flow. My heart get’s stuck when I am afraid. Afraid of not being good enough, afraid of not being worthy and afraid of rejection. I am also afraid of his reaction, of his hurts and pains, because he is not comfortable showing them to me. Instead of being vulnerable, he shuts down and his heart closes, then he blames me for having an agenda. Are we not supposed to trust the other in our relationships? Are we not supposed to be able to allow our vulnerabilities to be free?

To have a connection with someone is to have courage and compassion and to be vulnerable. Our vulnerabilities make us unique and are the birthplace for love, joy and worthiness. Instead we mask our vulnerabilities with food, or drugs and alcohol. We mask them with distracting us from our truth and core. We end up numbing our truest joy and love with our fears and our fears of being vulnerable. We blame others for our pain and get upset when one triggers these feelings we want to hide. We are all imperfect but are worthy of love and belonging, so let yourself be deeply seen and love with your whole heart. When we allow ourselves to be vulnerable, only then can we have a whole heart and truly love. Instead of seeing it as having a breakdown, see it as a spiritual awakening. Only then can we truly understand what deep love and compassion truly means.

Who I am is enough and who you are is enough too. I love you honey. I love you from the deepest place of my core.

Tanya LeBlanc is the founder of Goddess Grooves ~ A groovalicious healing space for women that fuses, dance, culture and ancient wisdom to help inspire women to create their dreams! For more about Tanya, please visit www.goddessgrooves.com

[Spirit] Holding Space

by Erica Ross

Holding space is an act of love.

It is, for me, akin to the Buddhist Metta practice; where one cultivates loving kindness towards oneself, and then out to the other, and to the world.

To begin with oneself, holding space is an expression of self-care, respect and devotion. It is an act of self-kindness, forgiveness and softness which helps foster our ability to heal to wholeness, to find our authentic voice and dance. It is an acceptance and affirmation of our emotions, from our deepest pain to our most glorious bliss. It is a waiting and a stillness that quietly cradles our greatest dreams and hopes. It is a permeable encirclement that holds all that we were, all that we are, and all that we will be. No exceptions.

Holding space is a beauty path, a golden road, a Tao. It’s a way of breathing, of seeing, of perceiving and feeling. It’s a way of moving, of opening, of trusting and surrendering. Holding space says, “Yes! You have come home. You are beautiful. Let go. Relax. You’re good enough. You can do it.”

As we move out beyond our own skin, we hold space for another in the form of deep and compassionate listening and acceptance. It is the practice of keeping our heart open, of letting our breath be fluid and easy, of quieting our mind’s judgments and criticisms and actually letting someone in, to connect in a soulful and sacred way. It’s an invitation to the other to be more of who they are without pre-conceived ideas, making room for the unexpected and the mysterious. It is the holding of all things good and life-affirming for them. It is a living prayer of gratitude, setting a sweet and gentle tone of peace, connection and belonging.

Holding space is a teacher, friend and lover. Holding space, like the divine mother rocking and swaying as she holds her beloved child in her arms, whispers, “Ahhhh. I see you. You are perfect. You are loved. You are worthy. You belong here.”

In the context of a group or communal dance setting, holding space is the art of the facilitator to support, inspire and allow the potential and safe-keeping of the whole and everything and everyone in it. It is the holding of a space of something most precious and fragile- the bonding of souls in flight. This kind of bonding, through pulse and beat, needs a special kind of holding which takes time to hone. It’s a holding of space which is mutually containing and liberating. It is a practice in letting go, of ‘getting out of the way’, and watching as a gentle witness, welcoming and making space for spirit to roam the room.

Holding space is a beautiful responsibility, an endless well, a womb, a wand, a wind. Holding space says, “Come, be free, play and rejoice with all of us here. You are important. Let’s co-create. Be the full spectrum of possibilities. Miracles do happen. This is your tribe. You can finally shine your light.”

The holding of space is a palpable embodiment of love. It holds the potential to be life changing, healing, transformative and culture-making. We, together in our dance, share the ability and power to wildly and devotedly melt into kindness. Let us remember our precious and inseparable connection with each other, nature, soul and spirit so we can practice holding space daily wherever we go, whatever we do, whoever we are with. That’s gotta be a good thing!

Erica Ross, is the Co-Creatrix, Director & Facilitator of Dance our Way Home in Toronto. She offers the wisdom of her life experience as a dancer, artist, group and workshop facilitator, certified hypnotherapist, life mentor, traveller and mother. She has been involved in the creative and healing arts for over 30 years.

[Travel] Dreaming of Tuscany

By Darlene Christianson

Dreaming of Tuscany comes easy, the rolling vineyards dripping with luscious grapes at harvest time. The silvery green olive groves are forever begging you for a wander through their sweet smelling pastures. Tuscany offers many, some of the most scrumptious gastronomy in the world. Italian cuisine is created on the philosophy of keeping it effortless, fresh, perfectly prepared, and always tempting. Let us not forget the lovely and very passionate Italian people, constantly with a glimmer in their eye and a smile on their faces. You are family when you come to visit. Get ready to experience the birthplace of the beloved Chianti wines and the Super Tuscan wines, a destination like no other, picture perfect Tuscany. Discover the original four Chianti villages in the heart of Tuscany, Gaiole, Radda, Castellina and Greve. These small villages will capture your soul and incite you to visit and explore.

Gaiole In Chianti

Enchanting comes to mind when you walk the cobblestone streets of Gaiole in Chianti. Flower boxes hanging from the window sills overflow with bursting colours. With a population of just over 2500 this sleepy village offers a quiet solace for anyone looking for peace and quiet. The shops feature some of the best wine in the world; Chianti Classico. Browse through the various shops offering beautiful pottery and yummy homemade specialties. Recently voted by Forbes Magazine as” Europe’s Most Idyllic Places to Live”, the locals are surprised. This is where they live, work and play, just a simple place they call home. Visitors wanting a true Tuscan feel must experience Castello Di Meleto, a 900 year old castle steeped in history and intrigue, a unique piece of heaven just outside Gaiole. Surrounded with vineyards and olive groves you will be inspired and dazzled-(www.castellomeleto.it). Your local hosts; Penny, Gabriella, Frederica and Viola will welcome you with a smile; their expertise will create an unforgettable experience. One other castle which holds ages of history is the Brolio Castle. Be sure to take a tour of this mystical place. It offers you some of the best views of the region from its high walls. It is home to the creator of the Chianti blend, Bettino Ricasoli (-www.ricasoli.it). Just outside Gaiole enjoy the flaming spaghetti or Florentine steak at one of the best restaurants in the Chianti area; “Le Contrade”. Chef Sylvan’s creative flair and attention to authentic ingredients and dishes attracts “foodies”, from all over the world- reservations are a must. (www.ristorantichianti.it). For a more rustic Tuscan meal of grilled meats and vegetables you must try out Osteria Le Braci- reservations again a must (www.sandonatoinperano.it).

Radda in Chianti

Only a few kilometres from Gaiole, Radda is one of the oldest villages in Chianti dating back to Etruscan times in the 6th century BC later taken over by the Romans. The centre of town featuring the town hall, reconstructed in the 1700 after being destroyed in 1478. You can observe the coats of arms from the various families covering the outside facade of the building, some dating back to the 15th centuries. As you walk up the main street you pass ivy-covered walls of stone, shutters of different colors cover some of the windows. It is wash day, multi colored clothing hang from the window sills adding oddly to the quaintness of the village.

This stunning little village includes a number of restaurants, (www ristorantelevigne.it), bars, two first-class hotels, small boutiques selling linens, wine, ceramics, terracotta and unique delectable’s. If you love shoes be sure to also check out the Pratesi shoe outlet, incredible deals. You are in the Chianti wine region. There are many “Enotecas” offering wine tastings. This is also the region of the black rooster, “Gallo Nero”, and he is everywhere in Chianti. The legend dates back 700 years and will ultimately determine the border. To solve a border dispute between the Florentines and the Sienese that had resulted in many wars the church decided that a rider from each city would race to a spot to determine the boundary of the city states. The Florentines heard the Sienese had the best horse and rider so they decided to cheat. Riders would leave when the rooster crowed at dawn so the Florentines passed by the rooster with candles to fool him, he crowed and off they went. The Sienese heard about the cheating and went to war again. Nobody blamed the Florentines they blamed the rooster! So you see him as black on the Chianti labels. And recalls the rivalry of Siena and Florence.

Whenever we go to Radda we are always sure to check out the local Marcelleria (grocery shop) a family run business offering a wonderful array of fresh meats, wild boar sausages and salami, local cheeses, breads and of course, wine. Radda offers the perfect place to gather up the local delectable’s, setting up a picnic spot and taking in all the fascination of the area with the astounding views.

Castellina in Chianti

This striking village sits high on a Tuscan hill, surrounded by her lovely terraced vineyards and olive groves. The air is sweet. A 15th century fortress overlooks the city, keeping watch over the city hall and an Etruscan museum, housing some incredible local finds. Take time to stroll along the main street. A friendly Tuscan village, market day is Saturday morning. This is time to mingle amongst the locals, enjoy a wild boar sandwich, and salty olive. There are some wonderful deals to be had. Be sure to watch for a local herbal farmer who shares his unique combinations of organic dried herbs in easy to travel little jars. There are many shops offering a wide range of goods made from the superbly grained olive woods. Do not miss walking along the Via delle Volte behind the main street, here is where the world renowned photographer “Andrea Rontini” features his astonishing works of art (www.andrearontini.it) capturing the glorious Tuscany we love.

Greve in Chianti

This picturesque small town is named after the river that runs through it, Val di Greve. Greve is home to the Franciscan monastery dating back to the 15th century. This little town was also home to the famous explorer who discovered the New York harbour,”Verranzzano”. His statue dominates the triangular main piazza of Giacomo Matteotti. This is the place of the original markets dating back 500 years. The main piazza is surrounded by charming medieval buildings, walking from shop to shop under the covered porticos you are bound to find some special delights. The ceramic shops will impress and enthuse you with their uniqueness and traditional take on Tuscan ware (www.ceramica-geometrie.com). This is also the home to one of the oldest butcher shops offering cinghiale (wild boar) and many other Tuscan delicacies, the Macelleria Falorni. Drop in and have the shop make you a custom sandwich with their fresh breads and mouthwatering cheeses. Last, but certainly not least, uncork a magnificent bottle of Chianti and breathe in its rich aromas and tastes. This is what Tuscany is all about! Life continues….

Savor the lovely Chianti villages. Tuscany has worked so hard to create some of the best culinary and wine delights of the world. One o f the most gorgeous places on earth, Chianti region has so much to offer, always leaving you yearning to return.(www.turismo.intoscana.it).

Adoring mom of two, Darlene is an adventure seeker who is passionate about travel. She believes this is your time to create, learn, and experience the world and its many new moments.  A previous television host & travel writer, Darlene created “Venture Bound Tours and alongside her husband has been creating new memories for her clients overseas for years. She is thrilled to be sharing her lessons learned through travel as well as many humorous stories. Darlene also looks forward to sharing travel insights, assisting you in planning your next journey.

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