Why would anyone ever go to a counsellor who paid attention to their body as well as their mind?

Take the following information from Deepak Chopra's book "Reinventing the Body, Resurrecting the Soul" into consideration.

Did you know that:

• Every skill you learn creates a new neural network in your brain.
• Every new thought creates a unique pattern of brain activity.
• Any change in mood is conveyed via "messenger molecules" to every part of the body, altering the basic chemical activity of each cell.
• The stress level to which you subject yourself raises and lowers your immune system.
• Your genes tune in to your thoughts and emotions, and in mysterious ways they switch on and off according to your desires.
• Your immune system gets stronger or weaker in response to being in a loving or unloving relationship.
• Crises of grief, loss, and loneliness increase the risk of disease and shortened lifespan.

Winter months are inherently Yin...dark, quiet, cold, wet, still, internal and regenerative.  During the darkest and most Yin time of year, instead of turning inward we often chose to participate in over activity and excess to compensate for the obvious message winter is giving us; rest. This imbalanced way of living creates stress and very often a dread of the winter season.

After spending much Yang energy (shopping, staying up late, traveling, feeling frantic) during the holiday season, we may feel tired, ill, overwhelmed and out of sorts.  This is often due to the relatively excessive yang activities we choose to engage in during this Yin time of year.

Winter time gives us all permission to slow down, and rebuild our yin and yang energy.  While bear hibernation is an extreme Yin response to winter, bears and agricultural land are good places to look for inspiration regarding healthy choices we can make for ourselves during this time of year.

In rural cultures, people spend the shortest days and longest nights of the year indoors, around a fire, eating warm, slow-cooked, nourishing foods and spending time with their community and families.  The incongruity between the winter's restful, introspective, yin nature and the frenetic way many urbanites spend their winters may contribute to seasonal affective disorder, depression, exhaustion, illness and other manifestations of spirit disharmony.

To experience a more balanced life during the winter, CONSERVE your Yang energy.  Regenerative yoga, Tai chi, Qi Gong, and walking are best suited for the Yin season for they protect and conserve our energy.  Practicing meditation, writing a journal, crafting, listening to music and reading are all great Yin activities that can keep us "active" without consuming our reserves.  It is important to stay connected with friends and family to enjoy these activities with.  It is important to not use up the energy we have during this time of year on over activity and added stresses.

Replenishing ourselves with warming and nourishing dishes such as slow cooked beans, simmering soups, yang strengthening stews and roasted root vegetables is another perfect Yin activity.   Fruit can be included in our winter diet by baking pies, crumbles and preparing warming compotes or poached fruit dishes (no need to add much sugar, try raisins and vanilla pods). This is the time of year to use warming herbs and spices such as garlic, ginger, cinnamon, black pepper, cardamom, and cloves.  Minimizing our intake of cold raw foods and drinks keeps us warm, aids in digestion and consumes less of our energy.

Last but not least, going to bed at a reasonable hour (before 11pm) enables us to wake feeling refreshed and ready for the short day ahead!

Honouring the peace and quiet of winter in ourselves can truly renew us and our sense of well-being.  Giving ourselves the permission to commit to introspection, stillness and regeneration during the Yin season is strong medicine.

Black Bean, Rice, and Yam Wraps

If you are new to eating whole foods or would just like a really easy meal to prepare then this one is for you. It is simple, flavorful, and can be made ahead of time for a quick meal on the go.

1 ½ cups short grain brown rice

½ cup sweet brown rice

4 cups water

pinch sea salt

1 large yam, cut into large chunks

3 cups cooked black beans, or 2 cans

1 large avocado, mashed

salsa

mixed greens

brown rice tortillas

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.

To cook the rice, place the short grain rice, sweet rice, water, and sea salt into a 2-quart pot, cover, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 45 minutes. Remove pot from heat and let stand for at least 10 to 15 minutes.

While the rice is cooking, place the yam chunks into a small casserole dish, fill with about ½-inch of water, place the lid on the casserole dish and bake in the oven for out 40 to 45 minutes, or until yams are very tender. Remove skins from yams and slightly mash them with a fork. Tip: warm rice tortillas over hot, steaming yams to soften them.

To assemble a wrap, lay a tortilla flat onto a plate and place a small amount of rice in the middle of it, add some cooked black beans, some mashed yam, mashed avocado, salsa, and some mixed greens. Fold the ends in and roll.

sauna saturdays!

On the following Saturdays this winter and spring, come in for a relaxing sauna on a Saturday for 25% off the regular price ($15 instead of the regular $20).  Better yet, bring a friend for only 10 dollars more!

February 13 and 27
March 13 and 27
April 24
May 1 and 15
June 12 and 26

Please bring your own towel and a glass or metal drinking water container.  A shower is provided for you to rinse off afterwards.  You must call the clinic to book your spot.  Same day bookings are welcome! 

Call 250.475.1522 to reserve your spot.