Evolution

Change is inevitable.  As much as I love my blog here on Blogspot, it is time to evolve.  I'm officially moving to my new website:

www.nicoleperriella.com

All of my previous posts have been transferred to the new site.  I even recorded a new video to describe my current projects and offerings.  Watch it here:

Thank you, Blogspot, for providing me a place to write, reflect and be creative all of these years.  It's time to move on and embrace the new.

Love,
Nicole

The Yoga Lodge

Sometimes a girl just has to get away.  I had a day off recently and decided to maximize that time by taking a solo trip to The Yoga Lodge on Whidbey Island.  A picture of the Yoga Lodge has been posted on my vision board for months.  It was written up in Seattle magazine and the picture of lush green trees, a calm pond and welcoming wooden chair just called my name. 

On a whim, I called Wendy Dion (the owner).  Since it's November, she gave me the winter rate of only $65 a night.  There was no reason not to go!

From our first phone conversation, I was impressed with Wendy's honesty and kindness.  She told me about a retreat group and a few kids that would be at the lodge on Saturday night.  Instead of trying to make a few extra bucks, she truly wanted to ensure the best experience for me.  I decided to stay for just Sunday night.  That was the perfect decision because I had the entire place to myself and could really make the experience my own.

The drive to Mukilteo was easy and the ferry ride was beautiful.  Crossing the water creates the illusion of entering a different world.  While I was on the ferry, I scheduled a massage for later that night at the Yoga Lodge.  Talk about accomodating!  My self-care mini-getaway just kept getting better and better.  Once on the island, I had a Dim Sum brunch at a local restaurant called the Basil Cafe.  I saw another woman dining alone and invited her to join me.  She was a local and taught me so much about life on the island.  Only when traveling alone do these magical, unexpected friendships pop up.  Life stories are bound to be shared!

The Yoga Lodge itself is beautiful with natural wooden banisters, tall ceilings and a community-living feel.  The yoga studio is located on the bottom floor of the lodge.  While I was practicing, a deer walked by the huge windows and peaked inside.  THAT definitely doesn't happen in the city! Wendy also prepared a lovely vegetarian breakfast tray for me with granola, almond milk, eggs, fruit, homemade sprouted bread, almond butter, tea and coffee.  I ate some with my dinner and some for breakfast. The generous portions and large kitchen allowed me to make myself right at home.

Both days on the island, I visited a magical place called the Earth Sactuary.  I didn't know much about it, but I could instantly sense that this place was special.  The entire park was filled with sacred relics, prayer wheels, stone stacks and trails.  I felt tingles when I walked into the huge Stone Circle and saw the altar on the ground.  After some research, I've learned that a man named Chuck Pettis is responsible for the awesomeness that is the Earth Sactuary.  He has dedicated his life to making the world a better place by creating sacred spaces.  I definitely value his work and spending time in this amazing park.

I went for long walks in the woods both days.  As a city dweller, I forget how rejuvenating it is to tromp around in the woods with the moss, animals, mushrooms and quiet.  Those long muddy hikes were exactly what I needed to recharge my soul.  I would absolutely recommend the Yoga Lodge to anyone needing a peaceful, meditative getaway.

What is Ayurvedic Health Coaching?

"You do yoga in there?"  This question came from a naturopath at Glow on Saturday.  This question made me realize that there are a lot of people (including people I work with) that do not understand what I do.  This got me thinking... maybe I should explain it.  Duhr.

My clients learn to correct imbalances through Ayurveda and yoga.  Whether they want to lose weight, clear skin, improve digestion or reduce stress, Ayurveda and yoga provide so many natural ways to make that happen.  I am an Ayurvedic Health Coach and Hatha Yoga Teacher.  Many people understand the yoga part and think that I teach group classes at a yoga studio.  I do some of that at the Hatha Yoga Center in the summers, but mostly I work with individuals.  Why individuals, you may ask?  Often yoga classes can not address all the varying needs of all the different students including injuries, tightness and emotional issues that may come up.  I work with people one-on-one and design our sessions based on their dosha, the season and what they need that day.  I have a gorgeous room at Glow with a big window and enough space for us to meet and practice yoga.

Based on client needs, I design a 6 session package.  This way we can see growth and change over time.  Although plans vary from person to person, here is a typical 6 session package for Ayurvedic Health Coaching:

First session:  Dosha constitution assessment (that means we determine your unique mind/body type).  We discuss simple lifestyle and nutrition tips that can make a big difference in digestion.

Second session: We discuss an Ayurvedic seasonal routine, and I provided recipes based on your dosha.

Third session: Learn pranayama (breathing) techniques and meditation for stress reduction and weight loss. 

Fourth session:  Practice yoga and pranayama techniques together.  We discuss issues related to work and how to create life balance.   I also teach mantras for mental focus.

Fifth session: We practice more pranayama and yoga together. 

Sixth session:  To conclude the package, we celebrate successes. I lead a guided meditation for healing after yoga practice.  At this point, we decide if more sessions are necessary to reach goals.  Some clients see me on a weekly, bi-weekly or seasonal basis.   

Client testimonials:

“Coming here is a very peaceful experience. I am learning so much and seeing results. My digestion has improved so much along with my red bumps on my skin.”

“(I gained) common sense explanations of what can be challenging/new concepts and great recipes.  Enjoyed the yoga practice as part of the sessions.”

“...it is important to have an accountability partner and support system.  Nicole is a great energy and health coach.”

How can I start?

 If you're ready to lose weight, reduce stress, clear skin and/or improve digestion, schedule a free 30-minute consultation with Nicole by calling 206.568.7545.

Skype and home consultations also available.  Email Nicole at nperriella@yahoo.com

 

  

Hatha Yoga Center Tribute Video

"A sweet short tribute documentary my fellow yoga student and teacher Nicole Perriella made last year when our beloved Hatha Yoga Center was forced to move after 32 years of operating in the oldest church in the University District. The video features my teachers Bob Smith and Ki Mcgraw, as well as myself and other students and teachers discussing the history of the HYC and what it has meant to us. I am so fortunate to have walked in that one evening for class many years ago...it changed my life."

-Chris List, author of misslisted.com

 

  

For more information about classes at the Hatha Yoga Center click here.

 

Ayurvedic Apothecary

As I dive deeper into the world of Ayurveda, I'm constantly discovering other amazing Ayurvedic practitioners and yoga teachers.  This alternative approach to health attracts many creative, interesting and talented people.  Cue Sarah Louisignau.

Sarah is the founder and developer of Ayurvedic Apothecary.  I discovered her by reading her blog post about How 12 Design Principles of Permaculture Apply to the Business of Yoga and Ayurveda.  Sarah is a master of finding links between her various interests.  By combining her passions for Ayurveda and Aromatherapy, she creates a beautiful line of oils designed to balance the 3 doshas (Vata, Pitta and Kapha).  I knew I had to try them!  When the package arrived in the mail, the little bottles reminded me more of precious perfumes than the big bottles of Ayurvedic oil I usually buy.  These bottles are about the size of a lipstick tube and easily fit in a purse.

My favorite is the Vata blend because of its musky and sweet/spicy smell.  It's intense at first, but the scent evolves and becomes more subtle within a few minutes.  The best part about these oils is that they are working to balance your body.  She uses base oils that are tridoshic and nutritional for the skin, without the use of any alcohol.  Sarah explains further:

"For example: Clove Bud Oil is known for it's carminative and it's analgesic properties - so by putting this oil in my Vata blend, I help the person using it medicinally with the prevention of flatulence and with mild pain relief in achy dry joints.  Ayurvedicly, it is warming and sweet, which will take the chill out of the Vata body and add an aphrodisiac quality to ease anxiety!"

Since Autumn is Vata season, now is the perfect time to start using this oil.  I even took Vata blend on the plane with me during my trip to India.  The roller tip makes application easy and mess-free.  It's fun to experiment and play, applying them to the third eye, neck, wrists, inner elbows, back of the knees and even feet soles.  Soon Sarah will be launching a new line of body massage oils, designed for daily Abhyanga massage, and for massage therapists working with Ayurveda. 

In addition to teaching yoga retreats and running her business, Sarah recently became part Yoga Prosperity Program as a Program Host and Yoga Business Coach.  Her unique passions include pelvic empowerment through yoga, Ayurveda, the fusion of yoga and paddleboarding, acro yoga and asana as a therapeutic tool for athletes.  To learn more about Sarah and Ayuvedic Apothecary, visit www.ayurvedic-apothecary.com.

My Greatest Teacher

Sometimes an injury is your soul speaking through your body.  This has been the case for me.  Over the last 9 months, I have been experiencing swelling in my right knee.  There was no big pop, no accident, no obvious moment of injury.  This is common for inflammation problems.  They creep up on you quietly and kick you in the ass.  Or the knee.

I am dedicated to natural health and nurturing self-care.  This knee has sent me to the orthopedic surgeon, rheumatoid arthritis doctor, acupuncturist, massage therapist, naturopath, counselor, physical therapist, yoga teacher and back again.  Now I see that my true healing began in India when I finally learned what it means to rest.

Who doesn't want to rest?  Well, me apparently.  It wasn't that I didn't want to rest my knee.  It was more like I didn't know how to give myself permission to rest.  An active mind and an active body always keep me moving, working, doing chores, errands and exercising.  Like many American woman, I had been brainwashed into thinking that if I wasn't running or doing the elliptical or squatting or box jumping or sweating then I would get fat.  No matter how balanced or centered I think I am, the desire to maintain a slim figure outweighed what my body was really craving.  I'm so grateful that I am finally heeding the call.

When I was at Ayurvedagram in India, my doctors told me not to walk too much.  This meant that I only walked to meals, treatments and to the yoga room.  Yoga class was not cracked-out, hot ashtanga flow.  This was therapeutic yoga.  Sometimes we didn't even stand up during the entire class.  My ego got out of my way by day 2 or 3, and I just embraced the slow pace, movement repetitions and focused on my breath.  Mohanty, our wonderful teacher, would sing, "Inhaaaaaaaaaale. Exhaaaaaaaaaale."  His style was calm, focused and careful.  At one point he said, "If you can't do the pose, that's fine.  But if you can't relax during the pose, that's a big problem."  We weren't in class to sweat and get a hard workout.  We were there to loosen up, stretch our muscles and ultimately, relax.

These days instead of trying to squeeze in a workout after work, I put my legs up the wall and breathe.  This gentle inversion has great effects on my body and mind.  My job is very active, and I let that "count" as exercise sometimes.  My yoga practice has never been more rewarding now that I'm letting me body tell me what it needs each day.  The concept of rest is finally sinking in.  It's not only good sleep, but choosing conscious rest while awake.  I'm grateful for my knee and the way it's teaching me how to truly rest.

My Ayurveda Adventure

 

Have you ever wished that you could take a time-out for a few weeks to rest, recharge and detox your soul?  That is exactly what happened when I went to Ayurvedagram near Bangalore, India.  As I sit at home writing this post in the early hours of the morning, completely jet lagged and utterly happy, I'm realizing that this trip was exactly what I needed.

Ayurvedagram means "Ayurveda village."  It is a gorgeous wellness oasis.  The stone walking path leads around sculpted gardens, a calming lotus pond and the traditional Kerala-style buildings of a palace.  Previous warnings of deep poverty, begging, illness and congestion had me prepared for something difficult and grueling.  Instead, my dad and I were greeted by our driver at the airport with a sign, whisked to the wellness center and treated with yoga, massage and 2-hour doctor consultations on our first day.  Not to mention delicious vegetarian food and very friendly staff.  I did have a mini break-down with the doctor in the first ten minutes of my consultation.  I blame the 20-hour flight, exhaustion and overwhelm.  I got to see my beloved teacher, Dr. Jay, for a few minutes because he happened to be in India at the same time.  It was funny to me that he's from India, but seeing his face reminded me so much of home and the many hours spent learning in the Wallingford Kerala Ayurveda Academy.  It was all too much and the tears bubbled over.  Luckily my doctor, Dr. Manu, passed me some tissues and told me never to suppress a natural urge, thereby giving me the green light to cry my heart out.  I love that man.

It took a few days to adjust to being on the other side of the world (12.5 hour time difference).  My dad and I greeted the daylight by walking the grounds and listening to nature.  During our stay, we saw white owls, huge butterflies, frogs, bats, squirrels that chirp, crows that caw so loud they wake you up, crickets, geckos, mosquitoes that loved me too much, dogs, turtles, geese and so many cows.  I reconnected with nature during many relaxing hours on our veranda with my journal, book and thoughts, watching and listening to the sounds.  When I first arrived at Ayurvedagram, I toured the gardens, library, yoga studio and wondered, "Am I going to be bored here?"  There were times when I wondered what to do with myself.  It was a real adjustment to release my need to be productive, soak in the moment and turn 45 minutes of meditation into the most important part of my afternoon.  It's incredible what comes up and out when not constantly distracted and busy with daily life.

During our stay, it was unusually busy for August.  The entire center was full, which meant that we made many international friends and enjoyed long meals and interesting conversations.  Guests from India, England, Malaysia, the States, Tanzania and the Netherlands joined us at the long table in the dining hall.  It felt like we got to have a healthy dinner party every night.  Most people go to Ayurvedagram with a specific health problem or to lose weight.  Many people had special diets, and we all learned the lingo that went along with each detox treatment.  It may not be everyone's cup of tea, but chatting about oil and herbal enemas and purgation days (herbal laxatives) became the new dinner table norm.

Our daily schedule:
6:00 morning walk
7:00 morning routine- a therapist arrives at your door to rinse your eyes, administer nasya (nasal drops), have you gargle with triphala water with honey and take your medicine (a shot of herbal goodness).
7:30 yoga class
8:30 morning treatment (incredible oil massages)
9:30 breakfast
12:15 pranayama (breathing exercises)
1:00 lunch
3:15 meditation
4:00 afternoon treatment
6:30 dinner

As you can see we were "busy," but it was all meant to help release toxins, clear the physical and mental clutter and learn to relax.  I love to walk and exercise and stay busy.  But during my time at Ayurvedagram, the doctors were focused on helping me heal my knee.  They told me not to walk too much.  So while my dad was power walking for 45 minutes in the morning, I was only allowed to take 2 laps around the grounds.  Maybe it took me going to India to finally learn how to rest.  My knee is doing better than ever and I was sent home with a big bag of herbal medicines and paste to continue my healing now.

This experience has helped my Ayurveda study really sink in.  I was able to experience so many different treatments (34 to be exact) with medicated oils specific for me and herbal medicine shots 4 times a day designed to strengthen my joints, slow down degenerative changes and improve metabolism.  Dr. Manu and Dr. Natasha shared so much Ayurvedic knowledge with me.  My lovely therapists pampered me multiple times a day and made me feel so cared for.  Our yoga teacher, Mohanty, taught and inspired me with new pranayama techniques and a loving example of the yogic lifestyle.  It was truly humbling to realize that there is so much more to learn and that I am still at the beginning of my journey with Ayurveda and yoga.  I know I've barely scratched the surface of India's rich culture.  I have a feeling this won't be my last visit.  I feel so lucky and grateful to be able to carve out this time, share this experience with my dad and come back feeling inspired and rejuvenated.  Let the Ayurveda adventure continue!

India is calling!

Tomorrow I leave for India.  I have been dreaming of this trip for over two years.  Part of what drew me to Ayurveda was the opportunity to travel to India and see where yoga and Ayurveda were born.  I want to experience how it's really done, in the most authentic way possible.  This feels like more than just a trip.  It feels like a spiritual voyage way outside my comfort zone.  It may not be pretty or even enjoyable all the time, but I know it's exactly what I need.  My dad and I will be doing something called Panchakarma (which means 5 actions).  It's a cleansing treatment that will take place over our 17 days.  I'm not sure what the Ayurvedic doctors will recommend for me, but I'm hoping to find a new approach for healing my knee.  I'm excited to take day trips to temples or markets or ashrams.  Whatever opportunities present themselves will be perfect for me.

Friends have told me all kinds of crazy stories about India.  One friend shocked me with her story of a woman dumping her baby in her arms and yelling, "Better life with you!" before running away, leaving my frightened friend in the middle of the street bawling and overwhelmed.  I've been reading books and learning in preparation for my trip.  However, I already know that nothing will prepare me fully.  I'm ready to proceed into this crazy, beautiful unknown country with an open mind and a deep respect.  The wellness center, Ayurvedagram, will take care of us.  This first trip to India needs a little hand-holding.  As much as I love to explore and be the adventurous traveler, I don't yet know the rules for India.  I feel humbled at the thought of this crowded, vibrant country.  As I pack my bag and leave my phone at home, I know that these are the moments that enrich and define my life.  See you in three weeks!

Teacher Love (aka discount)

It's the end of the school year.  The rush to finish report cards, clean out the class, say goodbyes with hugs and cards, hurry to make the staff party and finally.....summer break.  This time of year is so sweet because the entirety of summer vacation stretches out before you waiting to be relished, one lazy morning at a time.  It's also the season of renewal and improved self-care.  More walks, more homemade meals and perhaps some new ideas around health.

To show my love for my fellow teachers, I'm offering discounted Ayurveda Health Coaching.  Through my years of teaching, studying yoga and meditation and now incorporating the ancient science of Ayurveda, I've mastered simple techniques that create major health benefits.  Whether you want to lose a few pounds, improve your complexion, create a healthy diet or start a meditation practice, health coaching is the key to your success.

 

I'm offering 3 one-hour sessions for $99 (a $270 value).  Since Ayurveda is not licensed yet, we can not accept insurance.  My vision is to make Ayurveda Health Coaching accessible to teachers accustomed to paying merely a copay for alternative health services.  If you've been wondering about yoga, meditation or Ayurveda, now is your time to take advantage of this incredible opportunity.

 

Join me at Glow Natural Health Center in Madison Valley.  Enjoy some tea in the waiting room, browse the other services available (hello, massage!) and invest in a little self care this summer.  You deserve it!  To register for this special offer, send me an email at nperriella@yahoo.com.

Ayurvedic Health and Beauty for Summer

In Seattle, dreams of summer strolls and fresh berries at the farmers market dance in our heads all winter long.  As the days get longer and we leave our jackets at home, we embrace the ancient secrets of Ayurveda to balance our bodies.  An Ayurvedic seasonal routine helps us achieve the peaceful mind, abundant energy and gorgeous glow that we all desire.  Instinctively, we know that we don’t want to eat the same foods, dress the same way or have the same routines every day for the entire year.  We adapt to seasonal cycles because these external forces create internal changes as well.  Summer is known as the “Pitta season” because it is dominated by the fire element.

In Ayurveda, when one quality increases, we add the opposite quality to achieve a healthy balance.  For example, when tea is too hot, we add ice (or time) to bring down the heat.  Similarly, in the warm summer months, we benefit from adding cooling spices, foods, activities and routines to our busy lives.  Cooling spices include fennel, coriander, peppermint and rose.  Cucumber, cilantro, mint, coconut water, lettuce, peas, apples, strawberries and figs are refreshing food choices for summer.  These make delicious additions to a smoothie, soup, salad or stir fry.

CAUTION!  You may notice that your Pitta is aggravated if you’re feeling angry, competitive, jealous or flustered.  You may suffer from acne breakouts or red, irritated skin.  Sour belching, heartburn, loose stools and excess sweating or thirst are other signs of Pitta imbalance.  When these undesirable symptoms occur, move towards cooling and soothing activities.  Reading in the shade, avoiding the noon sun, meditating or practicing yoga can be helpful.  Try a 10-minute self-massage with coconut oil (especially on the soles of the feet) or spritzing the face with rose water.  Taking a catnap or even a few deep breaths can help reset the system.  Essentially, self-care is the cure.

As we enjoy these long, sunny days of the summer months, take a few minutes to refresh and rehydrate your body.  The effects will show up in your skin, attitude and overall health. I wish you many sunny days and relaxing summer evenings as you relish your balanced, optimal health.

To learn more about Ayurveda Health and Beauty, join me for an interactive class at Rainbow Natural Remedies on July 14th from 2:00-3:15pm.  $10

For a personalized Ayurveda consultation, schedule an appointment with me at Glow Natural Health Center by calling 206.568.8298.

HUGE NEWS!

Sometimes faith is all the we really have.  Faith that this crazy idea will work out.  Faith that my efforts and actions are leading me somewhere good.  Faith that this excitement, passion, energy...this feeling IS the point.  This feeling IS my ultimate goal.  Achieving my goal is not really the goal.  Feeling stoked and motivated and inspired on the way to a goal is the best part. 

Opportunities keep plopping into my lap and pointing me in the right direction.  Starting May 1st, I will be a member of the Glow Team at Glow Natural Health Center in Madison Valley.  We offer acupuncture, massage, chiropractic care, Naturopathic medicine, psychotherapy and now AYURVEDA!  I will be seeing clients from 8am-12pm on Saturdays and 6:30-8:30pm on Wednesdays.

The lease is being looked over, website profile being revised, insurance paperwork being shuffled, promotion events in the works...I just can't keep the secret any longer.  This is truly a dream come true.  I am so inspired to guide my clients to happier, more joyous lives through nutrition, herbs, yoga, meditation, pranayama and lifestyle routines.  I am the Ayurveda Health Coach, and I'm ready to serve.

Graduation Day

I am an Ayurvedic Wellness Counselor.  Graduation ended just a few hours ago, and I am still floating on Cloud Nine.  It was such an exciting and intense weekend as we practicing consulting with real Rogis.  The word "Rogi" in Ayurveda means client, patient and friend all in one.  It honors the unique relationship we have as teachers, coaches, counselors.  It was so rewarding to brainstorm with a team ways to create balance in these people to fit their unique needs and constitutions. 

Friends and family joined us today as Teri gave us our certificates and spoke about each student.  It was such a personal and special way to end this experience.

 

 I know that my journey with Ayurveda is still just beginning, and I feel lucky to have this network of passionate teachers and colleagues.  Let the adventure continue!



Listen to this little nugget!

Have you ever felt overwhelmed?  Do you wish you could mute the traffic, construction workers or negative people in you life?  In this week's vlog, I share some strategies for tapping into the healing power of sound.  By using mantras and positive thinking, we can clear the chaos in our mind.  We correct and align our vibrations thus attracting other positive, loving people and experiences into our life. 

My favorite mantra is the Gayatri mantra.  This powerful healing mantra helped me cure my own thyroid disease, eliminating my need for medication.  Using this mantra, we call upon the divine radiance of the sun to heal the body.  If you would like additional resources about primordial sound therapy or healing mantras, I recommend Deepak Chopra's book, Perfect Health.