GO PLACIDLY​  amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
By Max Ehrmann © 1927

Make this your first HYGGE winter~ Ohhh warm and toasty.
So, what is it?

Pronounced "hoo-ga," this Danish concept cannot be translated to one single word but encompasses a feeling of cozy contentment and well-being through enjoying the simple things in life. Wildly simple!
Allow yourself to get cozy,  to become obsessed with all things HYGGE! Lean all in! 

How do you live a HYGGE lifestyle? You may already have some HYGGEISH tendencies
and don't even know it:)

Do you read a book or binge on netflix in your sweats? Then, you're already doing it - There's even a name for those sweats ~ Hyggebukser are that pair of pants you'd never be caught dead wearing in public. I'm wearing a pair right now-LOL

Here are a few more ways to get HYGGE with it: 
First and foremost, you must embrace the lifestyle- wholeheartedly, without hesitation.
Go all in or be cold and miserable!
Light candles, many of them. 
Light that fireplace.
Snuggle under a warm blanket.
Sip some delish hot chocolate or cacoa- YUM!
Enjoy homemade sweets and comfort foods. Like clam chowder, pot pie of your choice or a
​delicious Danish pastry:)

What HYGGE is not!
Wasting precious time looking at your phone.
Dwelling on the past.
Putting pressure on yourself to accomplish something. Be sweet to yourself.
Hibernating alone all the time!

Hygge is all about keeping things simple and easy. Did you know that Denmark is always at the top of the list for the happiest countries in spite  of their long winters. Just like Americans needed Ted Lasso, we need HYGGE!
Check out the youtube link below!

Our unique yoga retreat in Iceland…it’s difficult to describe the overwhelming beauty of this incredible landscape that is this beautiful country. Each vista offers a new trick for the senses, a spark for the creative, and a thrill for the adventurer. And of course, we will  keep our fingers crossed that the Icelandic Trolls and Elves help us to catch a glimpse of the elusive Northern Lights at least one night right from our villa :)

Our trip to Iceland is quite extraordinary and we hope you’ll join us on the trip of a lifetime to this incredible land of Fire & Ice.

Our Retreat Includes:

• -2 days to explore the “Fire” of the Country
• -2 days to explore the “Ice” of the Country
• -Guided tour of the Golden Circle
• -Geysir, Gullfoss, Thingvellir National Park
• -Explore the capital of Reykjavik
• -Entrance to Blue Lagoon, treatments NOT included
• -Hiking Yoga + daily yoga
• -Reflection work with Coach Amy
• -Explore the Fire and Ice within us
• -6 nights/7 days accommodations in Borgarnes
• -Food and drink included
• -Airport pick up and drop off

What’s not included :
– Airfare
– Travel insurance
– Optional extras and shopping

How to pack:
Iceland’s weather changes literally from minute to minute. You will experience sunshine, rain, fog, wind, rainbows, and dramatic changes in scenery and landscape every few miles. The best way to plan your wardrobe for October in Iceland is to dress in layers. We recommend at least one thin layer underneath your sweater and pants, thick winter socks, winter boots, warm scarf, gloves and a warm hat that covers your neck and ears, and a warm (preferably waterproof) winter coat. Packing a rain jacket or waterproof outer layer would be prudent for getting close to waterfalls and for any sightseeing where we encounter rain. Keep in mind that we will be both outside in the cold and inside warm restaurants so layers are key to staying comfortable.
​
 I have heard that Icelandic tap water is some of the most delicious water ever! It comes out freezing cold and is served freely at restaurants. Make sure you bring a reusable water bottle to fill and stay hydrated during our retreat (and to fill up from the top of the glacier!!).
Don’t forget to pack a bathing suit for the Blue Lagoon. Towels are provided. You can upgrade to a robe and slipper package as well as add spa services in advance or onsite if you like.

PRICING
Early Bird Pricing till March 1 2022:
Shared Room 2299.99 $500 deposit monthly payments to follow.
Private room 2699.99 (only two available) $750 deposit monthly payments to follow.

Regular Pricing after 3/1:
2599.99 after shared room monthly payments to follow.
2999.99 private room only two available monthly payments to follow.

Payment in full by 9/1

What is a random act of kindness?
A random act of kindness is an action that is performed for another, usually a stranger, simply to bring that person happiness. Someone who performs a random act of kindness expects nothing in return. Often, the person who performs the random act of kindness does not even see the reaction of the person who receives the kindness.
Doesn't that sound awesome?
Walk About Yoga's Random Acts of Kindness cards inspire people to spread kindness and practice kindness as a way of life.
Here's what ya do :)
Grab your cards at walkaboutyoga.net and randomly place them around your community and hopefully the world as a symbol of kindness for people to take home. Maybe this will inspire them to spread some kindness :)
Let kindness lead the way.

Yes, it can be done. 
In my book, Reclaim Your Wild, I take you on a 30 day Walk About Yoga Journey back to your authentic self. With the help of yoga poses, journal prompts, and active adventures. 
I have put together several ways to tame those wild monkeys! With the help of Deepak Chopra and Marelisa Fabrega, I have put together several ways to tame those wild monkeys!
​
Buddha described the human mind as being filled with drunken monkeys, jumping around, screeching, chattering, carrying on endlessly. We all have monkey minds, Buddha said, with dozens of monkeys all clamoring for attention. Fear is an especially loud monkey, sounding the alarm incessantly, pointing out all the things we should be wary of and everything that could go wrong. Anger, unresolved conflicts, self doubt , climate change, animal cruelty and to do lists are some of the additional worries my monkeys shout about. 
Guess what, it is your circus and they are your monkeys!
The good news is we can tame them and by doing so you'll gain many amazing benefits.

• It will give you clarity of mind.
• It will allow you to focus on the present and on the task at hand.
• It will improve the quality of your sleep.
• It will increase your sense of calm and of well-being.
• It will make you happier.

Here are 10 realistic ways to get control of your monkeys 🐵

1. Know that Your Monkey Mind Can Be Tamed. The first step in your quest to calm your monkey mind is to know that it’s possible to do so. It’s very likely that up until this point you’ve allowed your monkey mind to run wild. But now you’re going to put an end to that. After all, your thoughts don’t rule you. You rule your thoughts.

2. Have no expectations. Sometimes the mind is too active to settle down. Sometimes it settles down immediately. Sometimes it goes quiet, but the person doesn't notice. Anything can happen. That is part of the journey.

​3. Talk to Your Monkey Mind. When your monkey mind is in full swing, calm it down by having a conversation with it. Stop for a moment and listen to what your monkey mind is saying. Why is it upset? What’s all the raucous about? Then, do the following:

• Is your monkey mind trying to remind you of something that needs to be done? Make a note of it and schedule the item so that your monkey mind doesn’t need to worry about it any longer.
• Is your monkey mind anxious about something in the future? Reassure your monkey mind that everything is going to be fine. Conduct a worst-case scenario with your monkey mind, and come up with a contingency plan.
• Is your monkey mind voicing resentment over something that happened in the past?  Realize that you need to create an action plan for dealing with your past so that your monkey mind stops bringing it up.

Sometimes your monkey mind just needs to be heard. Once it feels that it’s been allowed to voice its grievances and concerns, it will settle down.
3. Establish a Journaling Practice. This is similar to the point above, but it’s more deliberate. By establishing a regular journaling practice, you’ll be setting aside a window of time each day specifically to address your monkey mind’s concerns. Do the following:

• Let your monkey mind know that every morning you’re going to give it 15 to 20 minutes to run amok.
• During this time, write down what you’re thinking, what you’re feeling, and anything that you’re worried about.
• Do this for the amount of time that you’ve allotted to journaling, and then stop.

Once the time is up, let your monkey know that it’s had it’s say for the day, and that you will not pay attention to anything else it says until the next day’s journaling session. Then, keep your word. If your monkey mind starts screeching at any other time of the day, refuse to place your attention on whatever thoughts the monkey mind is generating.
Tell your monkey mind the following: “Your session for today is over. Wait until tomorrow’s session. I’ll listen to you then.” Soon, your monkey mind will realize that it’s completely futile to make a fuss at any time other than during your journaling sessions.

4. Be easy on yourself. 
Meditation isn't about getting it right or wrong. It's about letting your mind find its true nature.

5. Practice the A-B-C Technique. A lot of the time, monkey mind is caused by your thoughts disagreeing with what’s going on. That is, there’s a contrast between your thoughts and your surroundings. When the present moment doesn’t align with what your monkey mind wants, your monkey mind begins to spit and howl.
The A-B-C technique can help you deal with the disparity between what your monkey mind thinks should be happening, and what is actually happening. Here’s how it works:

• A is for “activating event”. That is, something happens.
• B is for “beliefs”. Your monkey mind starts interpreting what’s happening based on your beliefs.
• C is for “consequences”. As a consequence of the thoughts that you’re having about what just happened, you feel certain emotions.

The key to taming the monkey mind by applying the A-B-C technique is to question the beliefs that the monkey mind is relying on in order to reach the conclusions that its communicating to you. Here are three examples of questioning your beliefs:

• Are people really obligated to act at all times in the way in which I want them to act?
• Is it realistic to believe that things must always go my way?
• Is it true that I have to perform well all the time?

If you reject the beliefs that your monkey mind is relying on to justify its temper tantrum, the monkey mind will no longer have a place to hang its hat on. And it will have no choice but to quiet down. 

6. Don't label or plan. The Spanish abstract artist Pablo Picasso once said the following: “If only we could pull out our brain and use only our eyes.” Although that’s a rather grotesque image, pause for a moment and reflect on the quote’s meaning.
What Picasso is saying is that you should simply allow your senses to take in what’s going around you, and then stop. Skip the step in which your monkey mind jumps in and starts judging, critiquing, and assigning meaning. Once you start doing this on a regular basis, you’ll notice that you begin to see things more clearly. In addition, you’ll be able to see much more than you did before.

7. Recite a Mantra. Interrupt your monkey mind mid-sentence and distract it by reciting a mantra. When you recite a mantra you draw in your scattered attention and focus it on a word, phrase, or sound. Make it positive, self-affirming, and loving. A mantra that I like to use is “ Om Shanti Shanti Om” Peace, Peace Peace. (feel free to use whatever mantra you want).
Although you can recite your mantra silently, it’s more effective if you say it out loud. That way, you’re also listening to the word, phrase, or sound, and you are sending it out to the universe!
In addition, by repeating a positive phrase–either to yourself or out loud–you’ll be listening to something positive, instead of listening to the negativity being spewed by your monkey mind.
8. Play a Game of Fives Senses. That first second when the monkeys start their monkey songs, you’ll know that it’s very likely that your mind has wandered off and that it’s no longer in the present moment. You can get the tribe of monkeys in your mind to quiet down by bringing your mind back to the present.
One way to bring your mind back to the present is by playing the Game of Fives Senses. Pause your train of thought and notice five things in your environment. It can be five things you see, hear, or smell. Then, fully experience the sight, sound, or smell. You can do this by pretending that it’s the first time you’ve ever experienced that sight, sound, or smell, and by adopting a sense of awe.
The moment in which you do this all of your attention will be placed on the present moment, and your monkey mind will be silenced.

9. Engage Your Mind. I’m sure that you’ve experienced moments when your mind was completely still. Perhaps you were so involved in a book, or in a movie, or in your writing, that the monkey mind went silent. You just experienced directly what was going on, without your mind chatter giving you a running commentary of events, as they occurred.
This is because one way to silence your monkey mind is by engaging your mind. The next time your monkey mind is driving you nuts, look for an activity that draws you in completely, so that all of your attention is placed on what you’re doing, and there’s no attention left over to listen to the monkey mind.

10. Try Piko-Piko Breathing. Piko-Piko breathing is one of the basic practices of the ancient Hawaiian Huna philosophy. “Piko” means “navel” or “center”. The technique involves doing the following:

• Breathe in deeply. As you inhale, place your attention on the crown of your head.
• As you exhale, center your attention on your navel.
• Keep breathing in and out as you switch your attention from the crown of your head to your navel.
• Do this a few times.

The act of breathing deeply, centering the attention on one spot, and then automatically moving the attention to another spot will help you to calm your restless mind.









​

​🍲JANUARY IS NATIONAL SOUP MONTH! YAHOOOO🍲
 I am obsessed with Rhode Island Clam Chowder. Here's my favorite recipe!

1 pound container freshly shucked clams
3 cups clam juice
3 cups vegetable stock
¼ cup butter 
2 onions, diced
2 large stalks celery, chopped, with leaves
2 large red potatoes, diced
3 tablespoons dried dill weed
2 tablespoons ground black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1 pinch cayenne pepper
2 drops hot pepper sauce (such as Tabasco®), or to taste
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Here's what you do:
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir in the onion and celery; cook and stir until the vegetables are tender. Add stock, clam juice, clams, and potatoes  Season with dill, black pepper, salt, cayenne pepper, and hot pepper sauce. Simmer 15 minutes longer. Sprinkle with parsley to serve.