Fair Trade Yoga Bags

Yoga Bags, hand-made by women in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, are being made as we speak.  I'm honored as a yoga teacher that I get to spear-head this movement.  All items are Fair Trade with proceeds going to help women and children in the Congo.  As many might not know, the Congo is called the "rape capital of the world."  Because of the on-going war and crisis in Eastern Congo - The Peace Exchange is working to help support women effected by war crimes.  The Peace Exchange is a grass roots Fair Trade movement that has partnered with two sewing workshops in Congo.  Over 40 women are employed and money earned goes to help send their children to school (as all schools in Africa require school fees) and support their families.  Join me in creating a movement.  Join me in supporting women who have been left alone.  Join me in being a global citizen and helping our friends.  The purchase of a Fair Trade Yoga Bag makes an impact far greater than you could imagine.  www.thepeaceexchange.com

Yoga does a Body Good

I am beyond privileged that yoga is my profession.  Not only do I get paid to do something I consider a hobby and a passion, I also get to help others.  Over the years, I've seen yoga make such positive changes in the lives of my students, clients, and even my own personal journey.

Yoga is becoming more and more mainstream. There's a posture and style that can be found to fit any level and format a person could desire. For those practing, keep it up.  For those curious of yoga, I want to encourage you to give it a try.  Do not be afraid if yoga is new to you... For the benefits of yoga are life-changing... Need I say more.  Namaste! 

Mother Teresa... the cat.

Mother Teresa is my cat.  I adopted her 4 years ago from the animal shelter in Laguna Canyon.  She has been with me through many ups and downs.  We have a special connection.   Most of my friends that meet her say she acts more like a dog than cat.  Mama T is always looking out for me; she's very protective and I love that about her.  It's with sadness that I write Mama T is missing.  She has always been a free, independent spirit - but this time I worry coyotes have gotten her.  Where I live the coyotes are on the prawl this season.  My hope is that is she safe somewhere and will return to me.  I love this cat! If seen, please email me: katie@thepeaceexchange.com

St Patricks Day

St Patty's Day has me thinking... I'm reflecting on my trip to Ireland.  In 2009/2010 I went to the Celtic land with two of my close friends.  The trip was great.  I always said I'd go back.  Now, I'm looking at pictures of that trip and hope to see the beautiful country again sooner than later. 
I love the people, the pubs, the green, and the culture.  Currently I'm reading two books (both given to me by my friend I traveled to Ireland with) 'Anam Cara' and 'Wise Irish Women'.  They offer great insights to Irish life, Irish wisdom, Irish poetry, and the beauty of friendship. 
Here's a little Irish Blessing from 'Anam Cara'
  May the light of your soul guide you.
  May the light of your sould bless the work you do with the secret love and warmth of your heart.
  May you see what you do the beauty of your own soul.
  May the sacredness of your work bring you healing, light, and renewal to those who work with you and to those who see and receive your work.
  May you work never weary you.
  May it release within you wellsprings of refreshment, inspiration, and excitement.
  May you be present in what you do.
  May you never become lost in the bland absences.
  May the day never burden.
  May dawn find you awake and alert, approaching your new day with dreams, possibilities, and promises.
  May evening find you gracious and fulfilled.
  May you go into the night blessed, sheltered, and protected.
  May your soul calm, console, and renew you.

Happy St Patrick's Day!

Sadness

Sadness is a funny thing. It can roll in with no warning, like a surprise thunder storm on a sunny day. Why the rain? Why the tears. As water gives life and is needed for growth... The same can be said about tears. In this moment I'm deeply sad. Waves of emotion are rolling in. Today my inner ocean is not calm. Like a crashing sea - An internal storm. I've lost something dear to my heart.
Deep sadness helps one appreciate moments of ease and joy. I know the calm will come. But now I sit in the deep blue... To embrace the moment and be present is a noble thing. To be present can be very peaceful, yet it can also be hard.  It is said that one must experience pain to know joy. Happiness is a part of life just as is sadness. We can not have one without the other. But why does the sadness hurt so? Maybe a life lesson, maybe a time for growth... A chance to learn and move on, holding in my heart both joy and sadness.

Israel

I was not expecting to be surprised at how much I liked this country. It's beautiful. From the coast to the beautiful desert mountains to Jerusalem... Stunning! I find The Dead Sea fascinating. In Israel, the people are friendly and even fashionable. When arriving in Jerusalem all of my senses were over taken. There is the Old City where the street markets are to die for. Then you have Mt Zion, Mt Sinai, The Jewish Quarter, The 12 Stations of the Cross, Via Dolorosa, The Western Wall... Literally I could go on and on. Jerusalem offers to much to see and it's just one city in Israel. There is also Tel Aviv and coastal cities like Eliat. History runs deep in this region. Religions are varied from Jewish to Muslim to Christian. Languages spoken and written within the area are Hebrew, Arabic, and English - it's common to see a street sign with all 3 languages. I feel like Israel represents the old and the new all in one. Tradition meets modern lifestyles. It has it all from cobblestone streets to street graffiti to diamonds. I want to return...and not only because they offer the best hummus I've ever tasted in my life! Honestly, this is a place a I will visit again and bring my loved ones with me... It's that amazing! Some of my favorite photos were taken while walking the streets in Jerusalem. Enjoy...

The Dead Sea

A place like no other. Honestly, I live by the ocean and I've never seen anything like this before in my lifetime. Located on the coast of Israel, The Dead Sea is famous for its richness in minerals. People come from all over the world to soak in this water. High in salt, known for this amazing mud it produces, and rich in so many other minerals it's no wonder Dead Sea spa products are sold everywhere, yes practically everywhere. The water is a combination of blues, greens, and turquoise so bright and stunning. It is said that the waters of this sea are healing. Good for almost any skin condition and supposedly does wonders for the body and face. When entering the water locals recommend that you be over 16 and not stay in for longer than 20 minutes. All I can say is this... I can't wait to return. The Dead Sea is truly amazing!!!