"Truth lives in the mud of this moment. It exists in the messy interplay of emotion and relationship and in the personality traits I'd rather leave behind. To experience truth doesn't take sainthood or dissolving my desires. It requires diving into the muck and the mire of what's here, feeling the anxiety and fear, knowing the entirety of me without hiding from the shadows of from the light. Choosing to be whole, awareness makes the leap to see that I am truth-always was, and always will be-the radiant singularity, the infinite in human form. The lotus never blooms without sinking root deep in mud."
- "Mud of the Moment," Limitless: New Poems and Other Writings by Danna Faulds
A new year brings new beginnings. I am glad that 2016 is over. I am ready to continue on my journey in life without the looming deaths and divorce of last year. I am not a person who makes New Year's resolutions, but instead I have chosen to enjoy the new beginnings that are now a part of my life, moving forward on my quest for personal growth. Life experiences change us. They challenge us throughout our lives and often occur with little or no warning at all. I have been given a wide variety to grow from.
Once, my life felt more like dodging mud in a mud pie fight rather than a beautiful lotus growing from its wet dirt. As a farm kid, we would make mud pies and bake them in the sun or throw them at each other. However, unlike those youthful memories, the mudslinging of adulthood hurts more than the slap of the mucky mess thrown in young innocence.
I hit rock bottom in December of 2015. Unfortunately, I had the discomfort of revisiting those feelings of loss and impermanence in my life again this December. It was a flurry of organizing taxes and arranging schedules, ordering supplies and promoting workshops and retreats so that this year would be productive. The last few Decembers, the normal studio stress was accompanied with new holidays stresses and the reality that I lost people who impacted me the most. In the past, the holidays were my favorite time of year, but the last two years stand as a blatant reminder of the losses.
I felt the wounds of 2016 very deeply, but the scars no longer have as much of a mark on my life. In reality, they will always be a part of me, and it is not necessarily a bad thing. All of the challenges from last year have forced me out of every comfort zone in every single way possible. My lover had an affair and divorced me. My cousin, my mom, my grandfather, and my grandma passed away. I was kicked out of my house, and my gardens were no longer mine. I almost lost my studio. I lost my identity, and for a time, I lost myself. All year I felt the penetrating fear and crippling anxiety in waves, soon finding myself living in survival mode just to scrape by. For those of us who have endured these experiences, survival instinct is a necessary part of living through trauma and loss.
It was then that I experienced a disconnect from life. It was important to keep in mind that through the passing of time, there was obligation to move on and live. Reflecting now, I am unsure how I made it. It seemed as though it was years rather than months passing. I knew I would need to work on myself once could get my feet on the ground. I stayed with a friend for awhile before moving to Northeast Minneapolis. My life began to change once I moved, and I realized that I could withstand it on my own. The taste of balance returned to my life once again, but not before being struck with my grandma's death. I have not fully processed her passing. I have been able to write and release all of the challenges but have found myself missing words that honor the true inspiration in my life. Certainly, it will be something to revisit again.
I know I have endured, and now I am able to see more clearly. I am not trapped in the mud but reaching through the muddy waters to feel the light and love that life has to offer. Together, my family experienced the same losses, though they do not share the same struggle with my divorce. I have the support of my family and my friends whom checked on me in times of need, listened to me express my sadness and fear through flowing tears, and have been patient when I just couldn't find the energy to give to them. I also had the unconditional love of my pup, Rufus, who at times made sure I got up and went to work, and he made me laugh even when I would rather cry.
Last year, I was brought to my knees with anxiety and fear. I gained so many life experiences that will make me a better person and be present to my life. Today, I do not feel afraid but rather have an overwhelming appreciation for all that happened. I am able to reflect and see much clearer that 2016 was a phase of my life to bring me many life experiences through incredible heartache, changing me in profound ways. I am able to relate to my clients, friends, family and myself in a more empathetic and compassionate way. I am able to be the lotus even though my feet may still be planted in the mud.
Love and Light!
Namaste'
~ Kamie and Synergize Staff
"Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved." - Helen Keller
Cost: $150 if registered by January 7th, $200 after. See deals and Register Here. Retreat will be led by Kamie
Ayurveda and yoga are sister sciences that are thousands of years old. They guide us to find balance in our lives, our bodies, and our minds. Busy schedules can distract us from proper diet and balance, and we find ourselves pressing from one task to the next. This depleting lifestyle leads us to eat when it is convenient rather than to deeply nourish our bodies and minds. In all of history, the teachings of ayurveda and yoga are most relevant today to bring optimal health to our lifestyles.
An ayurvedic kitchen is a pharmacy for health and wellness. Ayurveda is clear that health starts with proper digestion and eating wisely. Food is considered a powerful medicine and is often used as the main approach to healing the body and for health and vitality. If we eat foods that nourish our bodies and follow a sattvic diet, a life-supporting diet that strengthens digestion, our bodies will gain the benefits.
Ayurveda and yoga are both built on the foundation of the three gunas: sattva (balance), rajas (excess), and tamas (stagnant). These qualities are evident in our foods, nature, actions, bodies, and minds. Having some knowledge of these qualities helps us make more educated decisions about how we live.
Foods that are sattvic promote a clear mind. Foods that are rajasic create a stimulated state of mind. Foods that are tamasic require a lot of energy to digest and have a grounding effect, increasing stagnation and ama and causes a dullness in the mind.
Ayurveda teaches that a sattvic diet will lead to optimal health. Ayurveda also teaches that an impaired agni and the accumulation of
ama (the negative byproduct of digestion) is at the source of imbalance and eventually disease. The word
agni means "fire" and is essential to determining the health of the digestive system and is the source of life.
Urban Retreat: January 21st
Arthritis and Inflammation
Date: 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Cost: $150 if registered by January 14th, $200 after. See deals and
Inflammation has become a buzz word in the health and wellness community in recent years and a topic of conversation and research. It is proven to be a contributing factor to frequent health-related conditions today, including heart disease, cancer, asthma, dermatitis, digestive issues, and arthritis. Recent studies have even shown surprising links to conditions such as severe depression from inflammation in the brain, fibromyalgia, and autoimmune diseases. Is inflammation the major contributor or possibly the cause of every disease? From cancer to the common cold, inflammation should be considered.
There are two types of inflammation: acute and chronic. Inflammation tends to be seen from a negative perspective, but acute inflammation is our body's natural reaction to tissue damage. Our body needs a certain amount of healthy inflammation and can actually protect itself against infectious illnesses and trauma. When you fall and cut yourself, the cut swells, reddens, and feels inflamed. These are healthy indicators that your immune system is sending the proper amount of white blood cells to the injured area so that your body can repair the damaged tissue. In this situation, inflammation is your friend, and you couldn't live without it.
On the other hand, chronic inflammation is when our immune system is confused or damaged by a bombardment of environmental, physical, mental, and emotional stressors. Poor diet and toxicity from chemicals are just a few examples of these.
Arthritis is a word taken from the Greek language and literally means "joint inflammation." This type of inflammation can affect one or more joints. While there are many types of arthritis-osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout and psoriatic arthritis-the most common complaint with the symptoms is pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints. This can be anywhere in our bodies from fingers to larger joints like hips and shoulders. Often the pain or stiffness that is associated with arthritis can begin mildly and is often overlooked, only to be attributed to over exercising, age, or normal wear and tear. However, this is our body's way of warning us that the inflammation is building. The symptoms start out mildly and generally worsen, and by then, the underlying problem is harder to treat.
Unfortunately, chronic inflammation and arthritis are often treated with expensive drugs and risky surgery. They often only offer temporary relief from the symptoms and fail to treat the root problem. In addition to short term relief of only the symptoms, the drugs have side effects that can add to our health problems.
Ayurveda and holistic medicines offer education on inflammation management and a natural, and more affordable method to reduce and treat the root of the problem.
I understand that it may seem overwhelming, but following an ayurvedic plan of treatment will empower you to take control of your body. It will guide you, teaching you to listen to your body and reduce the causes inflammation, and over time, lead you to a healthful life.
Urban Retreats:
Ayurvedic Wellness and Lifestyle
Balance, Beauty, and Vitality
Date: 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Cost: $150 if registered a week in advance, $200 registered week of. See deals and Register Below. Retreats will be led by Kamie
What is Ayueveda? What is a Dosha? How should I eat to be healthful according to my dosha? What daily routines will help to reduce stress and balance life? Ayurveda originated in India more than 5,000 years ago and is the oldest continually practiced healthcare system in the world. Ayurveda means science or knowledge of life; it is from an understanding of nature's natural rhythms and laws and works to combat imbalances that show up as signs of disease in the mind and body. It provides guidelines on daily and seasonal routines, knowledge of how to properly use
the five senses, diet and nutrition, and behaviors. It follows the values of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha to recognize imbalances in our bodies. Topics vary month to month.
Class will be held in Northeast Minneapolis, led by Kamie.
Outline for the day:
8:30-8:45 am Check-in
8:45 -10:00 am Yoga and Meditation
10:00-11:30 pm Ayurveda Talk and Info.
11:30-1:00 pm Food and Food Preparation/Eat/Q&A
Limited to 6 participants. Meal, teas, and pampering practices will be included.
Intro to Yoga! 6 Week Workshop
Mondays Starting February 20th 2017: 5:45 p.m. - 6:45 p.m. Sky Studio, led by Kamie
Cost: $70 if registered before February 13th, $80 after: To register online click here.Class will be held in the Sky Studio
Thursdays Starting February 23rd 2017: 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. led by Karen
Cost: $70 if registered before January 15th, $80 after:
To register online click here. Class will be held in the Earth Studio
If you have looked for a yoga class and have been scared to try, this is the class for you! Learn the basics of yoga in a group of people that are in the same place in their yoga journey. Each week will start with meditation and move into basic yoga poses to build confidence in your practice of yoga. This class is for folks who have little to no yoga experience!
Mama Time Yoga - 6 Workshop
Movement... mindfulness... and breathe...
Date: March 12th - April 16th,
4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Cost: $70 if registered before March 5th, $80 after:
To Register Class will be held in the Earth Studio, led by Jessica
As mothers of special needs children, our lives can often be chaotic and stressful. We tend to give more than we receive, feeling overwhelmed and depleted. Take this time to care for yourself, relax, and refresh. This class is designed to allow you to feel ready and more capable to cope with day-to-day stress to help your little ones the best you can. There will be time for sharing followed by a gentle flow of poses, ending with relaxation and meditation. Each week there will be a different focus, allowing you to learn techniques that will help you to live mindfully with ease and grace. We will explore different breathing techniques, mantras, intentions, and meditations. This class is for all levels and no previous experience is necessary. Class will end with a little tea and chit chat so you can connect with other mothers on a similar journey. Whether you have a little one, preteen, or teenager, we welcome you to this class as you explore your journey of motherhood.
