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.
"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
"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."
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
Lately I've really been receiving the message, "Let yourself be guided." What does this really mean? To me, it means that I don't have to be in charge of every little detail of my life. I'm not the only one working on my behalf. I can relax into knowing that the Universe has got me. It feels like falling back into a big cloud of supportive safety that will swoop me off into the right direction. I just have to stop trying to steer and enjoy the ride. I'm not saying that I won't work hard or hustle or put time into my goals, but the outcome of these efforts is not really up to me. I'll put my best forward and the rest is up to (insert your word of choice here). The same force that got me here is the one that runs my life. As the Course in Miracles suggests, I start every day with these questions:
Where shall you have me go?
What shall you have me do?
What shall you have me say?
To whom?
Then I listen for an answer, an inkling, an idea or a push. It's fun and exciting and a whole lot easier than struggling through my days. Recently, I tried this exercise from Esther Hicks. In your journal, create this table:
Things I will do this week
Things I would like the Universe to handle this week
1.
2.
3.
1.
2.
3.
My side had 8 items and the Universe side had 13. I listed very specific to-do list items on my side and big wish items on the Universe side (for example, healing my knee). Now, looking back about 3 weeks later, I realize that the Universe has already tackled 6 of her big items. Wow! I did all of my manageable to-dos, so together we are truly a force of awesome productivity! I am confident that with time, the Universe will get all of her items done. In fact, I'm betting on it. What do you want to let the Universe handle this week? Write me a comment, and I'll add it to my list, too. Have fun!
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.
Week one of my alcohol-free experiment has been a big success. I didn't drink at all this week, but there were definitely some moments when I wanted to. I witnessed myself wanting a drink at times when I felt stressed or overwhelmed. It was as though I wanted to self-medicate with a glass of wine or a cocktail to "take the edge off." Instead, I choose to breathe through it, feel uncomfortable and make a different choice. After my very first day at my new office, I was feeling a bit overwhelmed and exhausted. Instead of the wine, I reached for a cup of comforting, warm soup. The healthy nourishment did help me feel cozy and more relaxed. That replacement offered the comfort I was searching for.
On Cinco de Mayo, I was waiting for friends to arrive and wanted to join the festivities with a margarita. Instead, I had a refreshing virgin mojito that still provided the festive, sweet treat I was craving. When my friends started to arrive, I was able to relax, chat and enjoy the music. Dancing and socializing with good friends makes alcohol irrelevant. I see that I sometimes want to fill the "gaps" or the uncomfortable moments with a straw and a sip.
At a dinner out, I had a grapefruit San Pellegrino. It was bubbly and delicious, but at 150 calories and 35 grams of sugar, it may not be the healthiest alternative out there. It seems that soda water with lime is a good way to sip on something with a little flavor, but not bombard my body with sugar.
As I head into Week Two of this challenge, I'm feeling confident and proud. I feel like I'm really "walking my talk" as an Ayurveda Health Coach and yogini. It's all a practice of self-study and learning. I am happy to be taking my health seriously and noticing the benefits.
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.
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.
Everyone has been there. Your bank account is looking a little sad, and the anxiety sets in. Money is linked to so many emotions like shame, embarrassment and worry. However, money can also be empowering, especially if you learn to cultivate feelings of abundance REGARDLESS of your financial situation. This spiritual wealth can support and sustain you. You will remember that you're safe and provided for by the Universe.
Here are examples of how to cultivate gratitude even when funds are low.
Meditate and breathe. Enjoy the feeling of a full breath. Watch your body inhale and exhale this sweet air that is always available to you. As you slow down and look around, think, "Wow. What a beautiful candle. What a soft rug. What a beautiful tree outside. Look around with the eyes of a stranger, observing and appreciating the beauty that surrounds you.
As you move to the shower, don't judge your body. Instead say an affirmation like, "Thank you, body, for supporting me every day. Thank you for your strength, for digesting my food, for carrying me through the world." Feel the warm water in the shower. You do not need to buy more things. Celebrate your soap that you already own. Celebrate the smell of a clean towel. Celebrate that you get to be clean.
Move to your closet. Dress up today. Wear a bright color that brightens your face. Or a dress. Thank yourself for taking good care of this item. Put on pretty underwear. Admire yourself in the mirror and remember that you already own cute clothes. You do not need more in order to be happy right now. You are enough and you have enough.
As you head to the kitchen, remember that you are an intelligent, creative and happy person. You get to make the rules for your life, and you choose to feel the abundance. Look around at what you have. Even if you have very little, you have more than many people in the world. Make the best of whatever you have. Why not eat rice for breakfast? Add a little cinnamon and viola! breakfast of champions. Congratulate yourself for your creativity and resourcefulness. You will find ways to nourish yourself and sustain yourself through breath, patience and smart decisions.
Money will come. You have so much to offer and so much to give. Focus on the ways you can give today. If you are ready to educate yourself on smart investing and money management, watch this incredible video by Marie Forleo, Secrets for Building Serious Wealth. She addresses the feelings that surface as women become primary breadwinners in many homes. She also debunks the fantasy that a man is going to swoop in and save us financially.
As you educate yourself, make smart decisions and cultivate gratitude, you will begin to experience the richness of life. You are of the highest worth right now, regardless of your financial situation. Enjoy the abundance!
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