This fresh, inspiring line of bath and products will captivate your spirit with a balancing blend of Bergamot, Rose Geranium, Clary Sage and Roman Chamomile. Following are 5 ways you can experience the line to find your energy.

Pamper your skin. ener•g hydrating body emulsion has a gentle, Vitamin E and Aloe-infused formula that nurtures and protects the skin while it refreshes the senses.  Simply apply it after showering or when skin needs extra moisture to reap the benefits. Bonus: It is full of antioxidants, which will help to protect your skin against environmental damage.

Revive your senses with aromatherapy. Need a quick pick me up? Try ener•g aromatherapy face and body mist. Whether used as a refreshing après-shower body spray or as a facial toner, it will help you  revive your senses throughout the day. It’s made with an invigorating mix of Clary Sage, Roman Chamomile, Bergamot, and Rose Geranium oils. For an added boost to your spirits, use it to scent your room and your linens.

 Soak away aches and pains. After a bath with ener•g organic bath and body oil, you’ll emerge from the tub with a silky veil of moisture protecting your skin. The secret? Organic Sunflower oil, scented with Bergamot, Rose Geranium, Clary Sage and Chamomile. It aids circulation and energizes muscles and joints.

Bring out your natural glow. ener•g mineral body scrub – made with Mineral salts, Clary Sage oil and Roman Chamomile oil – lets you deep cleanse and exfoliate gently but thoroughly. Apply it to dry or damp skin and briskly massage it over the body. You’ll emerge moisturized and glowing.

Treat yourself to a pure ener•g break. Autumn is the perfect time to pamper yourself, before the hustle and bustle of the winter holiday season starts. Our total body pure ener•g treatment – available at Willow Stream Spas starting October 20 – will revive your spirits and help you “reboot” your mind. It starts with a foot bath. You’ll go on to be massaged, exfoliated and moisturized, experiencing a feeling of complete renewal as you emerge with skin that’s silky soft—and a whole new outlook on the day.

Click here for more information or to purchase ener•g products

Clear the decks. If you’ve got a vacation on your calendar, plan ahead so you don’t have to catch up on work or respond to emails while you’re away. “Be proactive,” advises Kris Cavanaugh (author of Stuck to CEO – How to take Back Control of Your Personal and Professional Life…), who coaches clients on how to become “CEO” of their lives at ShiftTM, Inc. in Atlanta. “You really need to choose to leave work at home.”

Allow some decompression time. If your lifestyle is very intense, don’t expect to relax fully on your first day of vacation. Sometimes it takes a day or two to decompress, says Cavanaugh. If you’re accustomed to a busy schedule, you may prefer a full day of activities over chilling out at poolside.

Connect with a spa buddy. What could be more fun than spending a summer afternoon catching up and laughing with a good friend? Pick up the phone now and make a date to head to the spa. Why not try a new class together, then lunch on some delicious spa cuisine?

Spas are designed to be relaxing on many levels, so allow yourself time to savor all the details. Ali Kamen, owner of Zenergy Yoga in Scottsdale, Ariz., which provides yoga classes to the Willow Stream Spa at the Fairmont Scottsdale, loves the aromatherapy room there. “It’s quiet and still,” she says. “You can go in there and just breathe. It will calm your body.”
Experiment with yoga. “There are 31 flavors of yoga,” jokes Kamen. Sometimes, you may have to take a few types of classes to find the one you like best. Willow Stream Spas make it easy, by offering a full range.

Connect with yourself. No matter what fitness classes you take, free yourself from comparing your progress with others. Tune into your own body and you’ll get more out of it.

Stay in the moment. Whether you’re getting a massage or standing in line at the store, taking a few seconds to breathe deeply – and free your mind from other cares—can be a great way to restore your energy, says Kamen. “Breathe in for a count of five, then breathe out for a count of five,” she says. Do this for five minutes and you’ll feel completely refreshed, she says. Remember, a day at the spa is just a phone call away!

She knows a thing or two about the subject. Maintaining a busy schedule of 50 speaking engagements a year, she keeps her energy level high by taking time to unplug at home and treating herself to brief, well-timed getaways, such as visits to Willow Stream Spas while traveling. “The one in Banff was extraordinary,” she recalls. “I got a massage and a great pedicure. I worked out there. I try to do that whenever I’m in a place for a few days.”
But that’s just the beginning of the approach she shared in a call from her home in historic Plymouth, Mass. Here is an edited transcript of our conversation.

Willow Stream: Many of us know we should relax more, but it’s hard to do. Any tips?

Loretta LaRoche: I’ll tell you why it’s hard to do it. It’s positioned as another job. We read articles in the media that tell us we have to do these 10 steps to relaxation.
One of the ways to relax is to distract yourself in healthy ways. What kinds of things can you do that take you away from all of your inner, critical voices that are always telling you that you have to be busy?
I’ll give you some of the things I do: Talking on the phone to a girlfriend and laughing about how busy we are and all the silly stuff going on in our lives. Having a dinner with friends or family. Hanging out with children or grandchildren. Going to a movie. Having some popcorn. Going for a walk in nature. Getting a massage. A facial. A pedicure. A manicure. Learning to meditate.

Willow Stream: How can busy people bring more positive energy into their lives?

Loretta LaRoche: The people you hang out with are critical to feeling positive emotions. You have to collect a group of individuals who really don’t always allow you to whine. It’s not that they say, “This isn’t happening.” They strive for solutions. One of the key elements in feeling better and more positive is to look for solutions instead of always looking at what the problem is.

Willow Stream: What is your favorite way to boost your energy?

Loretta LaRoche: I use laughter as an energy booster. I try to find as many things in life that are ridiculous as I can. There’s a lot of comedy out there. It’s absurd. You have to become witness to some of the folly in the human condition.

Not everyone has an innate sense of humor. I always find that going outside, taking a walk when it’s a good day, boosts my energy. I love to read. I’m reading Water for Elephants. That definitely boosts your energy. It takes you out of yourself. The thing that’s enervating is the constant thought that you’re the center of the universe, and everything revolves around how much you do. What’s the point? Are you going to get the Academy Award of being done? We forget that life is a process. You’re in the process every day. That’s exciting.

We turned to two experts from Willow Stream Spas — Brennan Evans, spa director at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess and Lindsay Griffith, body technician supervisor at the Fairmont Banff Springs — for their tips on how to reap more rewards from your fitness routine.

Here are their tips for better fitness and overall wellness.

Keep it balanced. A good fitness routine should have three elements: Strength, cardiovascular health and flexibility, says Evans. “Spa goers looking to start or build on a wellness routine should make sure that their workout is balanced,” says Evans. “Most people usually do too much of certain exercises or do what they like, rather than what they need.” For instance, he says, if you’re very flexible, you may stick with yoga classes for every workout, instead of working on the strength training that would benefit you most. “What people should do is work more on the areas that they need, rather continuing to create more imbalances,” he says.

Pay attention to aches and pains. Sore from a hard workout? Evans recommends the Total Body Recovery. It targets your specific aches and pains. Using locally inspired remedies/oils, this treatment includes warming to address stiffness and cooling to relieve muscle spasms or inflammation and includes a therapeutic bath with massage tailored to the problem areas.

Another great remedy: relaxing or restorative yoga. “Overuse of key muscles can create imbalances in the body,” says Evans. “Yoga is a great way to address these issues as well as a great way to work on concentration and focus – increasing awareness of body alignment.”

Griffith says she personally enjoys yoga as a compliment to skiing, biking and golf. “I love to do yoga about three times a week, in 60 or 90 minute sessions,” she says. “I like ashtanga and flow classes, hot yoga when I want to detox, and yin for mental and physical rejuvenation.” She also takes a 60 minute pilates class once a week.

Find exercise you love. “There is always a latest fitness craze, whether it be step aerobics, Pilates, Zumba or right now, Cross Fit,” says Griffith. “I recommend choosing activities you will enjoy. This way you won’t dread your workout, and hopefully you will look forward to it.  Then it easily becomes part of your lifestyle.”

Make it a group activity. It’ll help you stay motivated, especially if you’re starting up a new fitness regime. “Fitness classes are important when getting back into a routine, as people tend to work harder in a group as opposed to on their own,” says Griffith. “If participating in a group is not for you, you could also make a date with a friend to workout. You will be less likely to cancel if someone is depending on you.”

Don’t obsesses about the scale. “We all would love to lose that 10 pounds, but I think it is more important to focus on being healthy and feeling great about yourself,” says Griffith.  “Instead, the daily focus should be on exercising, eating a well balanced diet, drinking plenty of water, and ensuring a good night’s sleep. You will feel healthy and more energized, and I bet that you will no longer have to worry about what the scale says.”

One thing that’s important to remember, no matter what routine you choose: Focusing on wellness is essential, says Evans.

“Incorporating wellness into your fitness routine is important to make sure we are taking care of ourselves to prolong our lives,” he says. “Getting in shape for a sporting event is a short term goal. We need to exercise to live a long and healthy life, and the only way to do that is to have a consistently balanced routine that we can do into our advancing years.”

While working on a previous project in China several years ago, the spa industry veteran visited the legendary Peace Hotel, which was about to be closed for restoration. “With its illustrious history and magnificent design and presence in the city of Shanghai, it really piqued my interest,” she recalls. “I kept tabs on progress, and when I found out that Fairmont Hotels & Resorts were going to be `custodians,’ my pulse quickened. I knew I wanted to be a part of it. Willow Stream Spa’s are highly regarded in the industry, and their philosophy really resonated with my own take on life.

The rest was history, says Nelis, now director of the Willow Stream Spa at the Fairmont Peace Hotel. She joined the pre-opening project team eight months ago and is now working to get the luxurious spa ready for guests this month. We caught up with her recently between all-day computer training sessions, as she prepared for opening day.

Willow Stream magazine: What aspects of the new spa do you enjoy the most?

Nelis: It’s unique to introduce a whole new concept with integrated spa, fitness and leisure facilities into such a historical property, where these never existed previously. Returning and newly introduced guests will absolutely appreciate the added services, and I will really enjoy being able to offer a whole new experience to them. I love that our Willow Stream colleagues are really committed to helping guests find their energy and re-engage fully with life, by combining nutrition, physical exercise, relaxation techniques and spa therapies.

Willow Stream magazine: Many people are stressed out today because they have so much abundance, in the realm of work, family responsibilities or other parts of life. Do you have any suggestions for how people can slow down and enjoy the blessings they have been given?

Nelis: Stress can only exist if you are fretting about the past, or worrying about the future, saying, “Oh, I should have done this, or I have to do that.” Planning some time for yourself at a spa can help banish incessant thoughts and bring you to the present, where you become really clear about what is really important to you, so you can feel a genuine sense of peace. A bit of self time is not selfish but allows you to restore and renew your energy, so give yourself permission to put the brakes on! Love can only grow when it is given away. When you’re totally spent and worn out, you have no energy to give anything.

Life is fragile. We all give ourselves such a hard time, because there are so many demands on us, which we have usually created for ourselves! Be kind to yourself, and you will both give and receive even more blessings!

Willow Stream magazine: How do you express gratitude for the blessings in your own life?

Nelis: I’m grateful for all of my life’s experiences, for the simple joy of being alive! I believe life is all about transformation and change, and I try to consciously focus on being content, open and connected and not dwelling on situations that are out of my realm. They too will change.

My work makes me feel awake and alive because I’m always learning. My relationships are rich and varied because I’ve taken the opportunities to live in so many different countries and have forged lifelong friendships. My love for my family (including my cats) knows no bounds . I have no regrets, but if I ever do, I want them to be for things I have done or attempted, rather than for things I haven’t done in life.

Many men feel so comfortable – and find that they benefit so much at work and home from the energy boost – that they keep coming back. Willow Stream Spas cater to male customers with separate facilities that have dark wood paneling typical of a country club –  and every detail and product tailored to their unique needs. “If you are 6’3, we’ll have the right size robe available,” says Ryan.

Not sure how to get the most out of your spa visit? We asked Ryan, a busy father of two, what he would recommend to other men in demanding careers. Here is his best advice.

Don’t “rush to relax.”  Arrive a little early for the massage or treatment you’ve scheduled and you’ll get more out of it than if you dash in at the scheduled hour. Take advantage of the “buffer” time to use the steam room or sauna. “The increase in your body temperature will improve your relaxation,” he says.

Get a “Power Pedicure.” Sink into in one of our luxurious, vibrating massage chairs with a drink – and get your nails trimmed and dry skin scrubbed away. You won’t be alone. “I see more and more men getting pedicures,” says Ryan.

Polish your professional image. To keep their edge at work, many men are realizing that it doesn’t hurt to maintain their youthful appearance. Facial treatments can help. Our aestheticians are trained to tackle common male skin problems, like redness and dryness. They can point you to men’s products that will help you to maintain good results.

Stick around. Instead of leaving right after your appointment, plunge into our pool or relax in a Jacuzzi. Use of the facilities is free with any 60-minute treatment. Why not prolong the relaxation? “Once men get a toe in the water, they realize, `Wow, this is pretty good,’” says Ryan.

Paul Hawco, Spa Director at Willow Stream the spa at the Fairmont Pacific Rim in Vancouver took a deep breath after the Olympics and dropped us a note about his outstanding staff: “I’m so proud of our people and of how our newest members hit the ground running during the Olympics. Our diverse and talented group of spa and hospitality professionals are immersed in spa training and eager to welcome you inside our sanctuary – where you will find your energy.”

Paul And Team Pre construction

Launched just in time for the Olympics, the Fairmont Pacific Rim celebrates Spa Season with post-Olympic specials and events. Our Willow Stream spa is perched on the 5th floor. We’re expanding Spa Season an extra month, till the end of May. With a focus on pure and natural, the first Willow Stream in Vancouver is a perfect fit with the Fairmont Pacific Rim.

Surrounded by breathtaking views, our spa offers nine treatment areas, including a couples’ room with deep Japanese Zen tub, a Nail Spa, three lounges (two with fireplaces), and a full fitness centre. Treatments are a full hour or 90-minutes but guests can linger longer with complimentary access to the 2,500 square foot patio with meditation pods, hot tubs, cabanas and outdoor swimming pool – ideal for groups or pampering parties. Spa-goers can also enjoy lifestyle cuisine while they relax.

Two Olympics visitors from New York blogged about their Vancouver experiences and included Willow Stream with the following: “After several high-action days, we finally slowed down and relaxed at the brand-spankin’ new Fairmont Pacific Rim Willow Stream Spa, where we celebrated our belated BFFiversary (hard to believe its been 10 years since we melted tupperware in the microfridge) with hot stone massages and pedicures. Because as Jenn says: Go Big or Go Home.

Amy and Jenn relax before treatments

“Jenn is moving to the spa and not coming back to NY. So as of today, she can be reached c/o the Fairmont, 5th floor massage room.” The whole blog is here: http://amyandjenngo4gold.posterous.com/mountains-and-spas

Sometimes, getting a new spa ready for our first guests feels like the last minutes before the curtain rises on a Broadway premier. And that’s when everything goes perfectly.

What happens when guests show up unannounced before the spa’s 100% ready? That was precisely the scenario in Monte Carl a few weeks ago.

We scrambled, boy do we scramble. When things calmed down we realized that we really didn’t have to worry. All the careful planning and training kicked and everything worked wonderfully well.

Practice Practice Practice

For five weeks before the opening, Willow Stream therapists prepared for the big day. Many of them had come from Willow Streams all over the world.

They familiarized themselves with their surroundings, made sure the treatment rooms and all the accoutrements were perfect – that everything they needed to help guests find their energy was exactly where it should be. They also took time to learn the local experiences unique to this Mediterranean principality.

The companies that create many of the products we use in spa experiences came to train our therapists in their application. Then the therapists perfected their techniques by practicing on each other and on hotel staff who volunteered to pretend to be guests.

Normally, a top therapist has to practice a treatment at least ten times to perfect it.

Clean and then clean again

Our spa therapists and attendants have a lot to do before an opening. After construction, dust, training, they start finding places to store things, deal with managers changing their minds, make sure the thousands of new towels and sheets are washed, folded and stored, then cope with the big media event the day before the opening.

The chef and sous chefs create unbelievable culinary presentations for media day while the spa attendant team shows up early in the morning to deep clean the spa and then do it all again later in the day so we can open in the morning.

Opening day forgetfulness

Every opening day at every Willow Stream in the world, the same thing happens: for the first few hours, everyone forgets everything they’ve learned, practiced and trained for. At least for the first hour or two. We always have lots of expert support to jump in when this happens and it did happen in Monte Carlo.

And Day One was a bit of a panic from time to time as we were much busier than anticipated, for a very good reason. We try to think of everything when we plan an opening but the one thing we never know for sure is exactly when opening day will be. Naturally, opening day turned out t be the 4th of July which is when the famous Tour de France bicycle race kicks off in Monte Carlo. So, what with all the media events at Willow Stream and half the world’s sports media in town, we had a full hotel, a full spa, impossible transportation and … well, lots going on.

In a spa’s early days, we have only about 50% of our menu available and we phase in the rest phase in over the first few weeks. So, naturally, five guests, three sisters and two of their husbands, all wanted the same signature treatment at the same time.

Day two was a wonderful relief, still busy, but much calmer as everyone’s memory, practice and training kicked in.

This is a picture of everyone scrambling to get ready. Apart from bit of confusion about whether tea was included, all went well.
This is the view of the Tour de France around the famous hairpin turn just below the Willow Stream during our opening. We peeked occasionally because it is such a huge event but our therapists and attendants remained focused on spa. “Tour de France? How interesting.”
Inspired by the Energy and Magic of Monte Carlo

Willow Stream’s newest spa is located inside the Fairmont Monte Carlo in the heart of Monaco. There’s magic here: artists have long treasured the light and colors. International travellers have made this wonderful place a watchword for luxury. Outstanding service and accommodations are standard in Monaco.

And the Willow Stream fits in perfectly as do all 11 Signature Willow Stream spas in hot destinations around the globe from Singapore to Dubai, Montreux, Bermuda, Miami and the Mexican Riviera.

As the finely tuned Formula One cars (or the Tour de France bicyclists) race through the twisting streets of this Mediterranean principality, you’re in the perfect spot.

You’re six floors above the hairpin turn, turn number 6, and you are seated comfortably in a pedicure chair … actually getting a pedicure as you gaze down at the action and the crowds!

In Monaco, the Willow Stream is part of the 45-million-euro refurbishment of the legendary hotel and offers authentic, personalized experiences such as the unique Monaco Power of the Sea and Reflections of Cyan. There is a fully equipped fitness centre and a roof deck with a panoramic view. The ambience incorporates sparkling sea glass throughout to reflect the sea-energy of the Mediterranean.

Drenched in the amazing colors of Monaco and 900 square meters (10,000 square feet) of the amazing natural light, the spa is complete with eight large treatment rooms and a manicure/pedicure nail spa. All dazzle in deep sea greens, aquamarine and cool sapphire and cyan.

Designed by the acclaimed architectural firm, Wilson Associates, this light and airy spa includes two couples-experience suites with double tubs, double steam showers and rain showers as well as an authentic hamman and experiential showers in the men’s lounge area. The ladies’ lounge is the perfect place for friends to gather and socialize over healthy bento box lunches. The spa also has treatment suites where the perfect solo escape allows guests to design their own personalized experience like the Monte Carlo Sea Escape.

Authentic Personalized Spa Experiences

A visit to the Willow Stream Spa at Fairmont Monte Carlo for a personalized facial and soothing body experience is the ideal way to relax after a day of strolling and shopping Monte-Carlo’s Carré d’Or. You’ll find your energy for the remarkable dining experiences and nightlife, including, perhaps, an evening at the famed casino.

Enjoying the finest energizing spa experiences in Monte Carlo, guests will experience treatments like the 90-minute Monte Carlo Select Facial, an aromatic sensory facial experience with skin-silkening benefits.

The detoxifying Monaco Power of the Sea includes Kerstin Florian International’s thalasso kur and body wrap rich with remineralizing sea algae.

The Princess Rose Retreat is 90-minutes of pure indulgence for the skin and the mind. The experience begins with a gentle dry brush exfoliation to stimulate the skin and improve circulation, followed by a bath infused with chamomile and rose petals. The culmination includes a soothing massage and wrap with Rose Geranium and Rose Flower Oil.

Also new are Willow Stream’s Aromatherapy Massages from Aromatherapy Associates. These made-to-order massages are inspired by the colors of Monaco and can help to:

• Clear the mind: Reflections of Magenta

• Uplift the spirits: Reflections of Midnight Blue

• Induce relaxation and a peaceful night’s sleep: Reflections of Cyan

• Relax muscles: Reflections of Royal Purple

• Breathe more clearly Reflections of Indigo.

Willow Stream Fitness & Pool

The fitness center at the Willow Steam at the Fairmont Monte Carlo features breathtaking views of the Riviera coastline, high tech TechnoGym Excite™ cardiovascular and fitness equipment – designed with personal entertainment stations, I-pod plug-ins and motivational goal-oriented programming. The private studio is ideal for aerobic, stretch and yoga classes that will ignite your energy. Willow Stream also offers expert coaching with personal trainers.

The roof top pool invites you to gaze out on the Mediterranean, the mountains, seemingly endless mansions and yachts and Monte-Carlo’s Belle Époque Opera and Casino. L’Horizon Deck, Restaurant and Champagne Bar include more than 140 pool-side chaise-lounges, plus love bubbles, lounge area and pool bar.

Each Willow Stream spa is dedicated to creating energizing spa experiences. A growing brand of healthy lifestyle spas, Willow Stream inspires living with abundant energy, which in turn makes spa guests feel fantastic. The spa brand has distinguished itself from other hotel and resort spas by personalizing each spa experience and spa visit. More information at www.willowstream.com.

Coming soon: Willow Stream Spas in Beijing, Cairo, Egypt, Zimbali Resort in South Africa, Yancheng Lake in China, Abu Dhabi and Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates, Hyderabad and Jaipur in India, Vancouver, Kiev, Muscat, and Marrakech.

Find out more about Fairmont Monte Carlo

Anne McCall Wilson talks with the founder of YogaAway, LLC, and the author of Emotional Yoga.

It’s always a pleasure to spend time with my friend Bija Bennett, wellness expert, author and teacher.
Her 1993 book, Breathing into Life: Recovering Wholeness through Body, Mind, and Breath (HarperCollins) is still available online and I’ve just finished her latest book, Emotional Yoga: How the Body Can Heal the Mind (Simon & Schuster, 2002) with a foreword by Deepak Chopra.  It’s a terrific read.

I’ve even started doing her artful DVDs – for stress, fitness, focus and enhanced sleep.  And when I tried the “good night” video, I went out like a light.

Bija has created a unique wellness program based on the Vedic concept of “optimal health” which is the earliest model for self-care in the world.  It looks at a person from all levels – the body, physiology, mind, behavior, as well as the spiritual dimension – and explores the advantages of the body-mind connection.

In Emotional Yoga, Bija teaches that emotions are physical, not psychological, and that they act as a bridge between our bodies and our minds.  So, even simple exercises, such as breathing, can positively affect our emotional well being.
Bija and I talked for a long time. We always do. Here’s an edited version of our chat.

Bija:   [RUSHING IN] Hello, Anne. Sorry I’m late.

Anne: Take a deep breath.

Bija:   I have to get in the present moment now, don’t I?

Anne:  Me, too. There, we’re in the present. Are you having a good day?

Bija:   Not yet, but I know that paying attention helps.  Then I can accept what I’m feeling as I’m experiencing it, right now.   It’s all good, especially when we realize we can change how we feel.

Anne: Somebody asked me, “What’s your purpose?”

Bija:   That’s a big question, and sometimes stumps me.  I think to myself, maybe it’s to find out what I love to do.  I have just gone through the process of looking at my values — discerning what’s important to me in my life.  And one of my values — which I have often avoided, is wealth.  This is getting onto another subject, but I love this, I was looking at wealth — the word, “wealth”.

Anne: Oh, yeah.

Bija:   Because my highest value, and now I’m talking about me, is spirituality and love. So, where does “wealth” fit in?  I looked in an old Webster’s dictionary, it’s a huge dictionary, but I love this definition of wealth:  Enjoying a condition of well being!

Anne: I think of wealth as abundance.

Bija: Abundance?

Anne:  Don’t get me wrong, I love stuff.  But abundance in life, attracting new friends, great relationships, you know, just filled up.

Bija:   Filled up! That was another one of the definitions of wealth. Earlier, we were kidding a bit about staying in the present.  You know, there’s an art to it.  This is why I like the yogic model, because it gives you the tools.  You can apply it in a way I call Profound Attunement — paying full attention to yourself physically, mentally, emotionally. Noticing how you feel. Going outside, appreciating the day.  Filling yourself up.  Becoming aware of your breath.  Noticing your breath is shallow almost automatically makes you take a deeper breath.

Anne:  What are the benefits of full attention, physically?

Bija:   When we turn attention to ourselves, let’s say, when we follow our breathing, that’s a powerful form of self-love and self care.  It’s healing.  And it’s a gift you can give yourself, the gift of attention.  In a way, yoga means to “master your attention”.

Anne:  If someone, me for instance, were to ask for a yoga based tip what would you say?

Bija:   Link your breath to your movement.  Stand or sit and breathe and pay attention to your awareness.  When you withdraw your senses and focus them on your body, or your breath, something changes.  Just try it.  Sit and be with yourself for a moment.  Find yourself and your awareness. Notice this takes no effort at all.  When you feel ready, deepen your breathing, and breathe easily through your nose.  Notice as your attention shifts to your breath, your posture naturally begins to change.  Feel this natural relationship between your movement and the flow of you breath for a minute or two.  It’s that easy.

Anne:  What is your favorite thing to do?

Bija:   Love to move the body. But the dance of the mind is also consciousness in motion.  Even if you have an emotional issue, the inquiry process is fun.  It’s as though you’re having a conversation. You can think of meditation as high-level entertainment.

Anne:  I like the sound of that.  I wish I was better at it.  Bija, thanks for taking the time to talk to us.  It’s been great.

Bija:   Ah, so now we leave this moment, and head for the next one?

Anne:          [LAUGHS] Exactly.

(Find Bija at www.yogaaway.com)