Cornwall Ontario — Happy Mother’s Day to all you mothers.  What a special weekend to celebrate the women who have raised us, sacrificed their time and needs, to be able to give themselves to us.  I hope that you plan to celebrate your mother this weekend and demonstrate your gratefulness for all that she has done for you!  I lost my mother last year and to this day, the pain is still palpable and I miss her terribly.  On this Mother’s Day weekend, I am planting a “Rose of Sharron” (my mother’s name is Sharon) in my garden, in her honour. My mother was always a beautiful woman who had a way about her that made people feel happy around her.  She had an adventurous spirit and tried to experience life to its fullest.  Her favorite colour was purple, so I have chosen a purple Rose of Sharron to plant so that I can “see” her every day!

I wrote a column last year after my mother’s passing on “Yoga and Grieving”.  I wrote that yoga helped me with my grief but it didn’t “save me”.  Well now, looking back on the past year, I can clearly say that yes, yoga did indeed save me.  My members and friends saved me, my yoga practice saved me and my studio saved me.   Coming to the mat everyday for my yoga practice, I was reminded that I am still here, getting to enjoy this beautiful life.  I live in a healthy body allowing me to be present to my family, my friends and my community.  Sometimes, we don’t see life as a gift.  It is hard when you experience death, depression, chronic pain, etc…  Sometimes we need a practice that reminds us why we are here.  Yoga brings us directly into the present, into our body and the breath.  The practice allows us to connect to our heart-centre and to move away from the controlling mind.  In this space, we discover our purpose is “to be!”

• To be present with our parents, present with our children, present with our friends and community. To be present means to fully live in the moment, not thinking about the past or thinking about the future.  To give the moment our fullest attention.  Do we do this?  Are we giving those around us our fullest attention?  Just this one simple little concept can change your relationships for the better, forever!

• To be love. Share your love with family, friends and community.  Forgive them and focus on the beauty of the relationships and not the negativity.  I know so many people who hold on to past hurts and lose dear friends and family.  Why? Most people forget why they were mad at the other in the first place.  So why not forgive and move on?  The pain and anger just hurts you.  Love and forgiveness help to liberate you!

• To be of service to our friends, family and community.  To be of service means to assist and help those around you.  It feels so good to help someone. So “pay it forward” and see how being of service can transform your life.  “As you sow, so shall you reap!”

I hope you all enjoy a lovely weekend with your family.  Try to remember “To Be”: To Be present, To Be Love, and To Be of service!  See how the magic flows into your life from these three simple concepts.

If you need to find your center and learn how “To Be”, come by the studio and find out how yoga can help you connect.  We have numerous ways you can “Be present” with your family.  Visit our website to discover Yoga Packages and Heart & Soul Healing Workshops.  Our Introductory Special allows you to experience 30-days of unlimited yoga for only $50.  Below is a list of upcoming events:

• Belly Dancing Workshop: Sat. May 11th, 12-1pm  Drop-In Only $10- Have some fun with Mom!

• Crystal Journeys Concert (Crystal Bowls and Vibrational Gongs): Wed. May 15th 7:30-9:30pm, $25

• “AromaYoga” Yoga and Essential Oils, Sun. May 26, noon-2pm, $25

• Raw Foods Workshop (Main Meals); Wed. May 29th, 7:30-9Pm, $25

• Yoga & Art Workshop, paint your own Spirit Tree: Sun. June 9th, 10am-3:30pm, $55

-Lisa Blanchard

613-330-4494 | www.spirittreeyoga.net