Vidasana Living

What's the deal with Iodine & Radiation Exposure?

2011-03-17T11:30:00.000-07:00

Greetings friends,

My apologies for the lack of posts since July. It's amazing what happens when change takes hold. My son started grade 1 this year, which meant I had lots of time to fill during the weekdays. I spread my energy across Calgary, offering various yoga classes throughout the city, facilitating group cleanses and working part time Blush Lane Organic Market in Aspen Woods. It's been such a gift having various locations and groups of people to work and interact with on a daily basis. I'm definitely not bored, but did struggle at first to find the perfect balance between teaching, coaching, writing, mothering and deepening my own personal growth.

In light of the recent events happening in Japan, many North Americans have increased fears regarding Nuclear Radiation Exposure. Are we at risk and to what extent? What is our best plan of action? First and foremost, I'd like to remind people of the power of thought. Creating unnecessary stress over something that is out of our control is crazy. Stop....Breath....Listen....Learn!

What's the deal with this Iodine hype?

Following a radiological or nuclear event, radioactive iodine may be released into the air and then breathed into the respiratory system. Radioactive iodine may also contaminate the local food supply therefore get into the body through food or drink. In the case of internal contamination the thyroid gland quickly absorbs this and then injures the gland. Dr. Brownstein is one of the top experts on iodine. He explains: "If there is enough inorganic, non-radioactive iodine in our bodies, the radioactive fallout has nowhere to bind in our bodies. It will pass through us, leaving our bodies unharmed. It is important to ensure that we have adequate iodine levels BEFORE this fallout hits." (Source link: http://www.drbrownstein.com/ )

Stable iodine is needed by the body to make thyroid hormones. Non-radioactive iodine acts to block radioactive iodine from being taken into the thyroid gland, thus helping protect the glandular system from radiation poisoning if exposed. Potassium Iodide (KI) is a salt of stable (not radioactive) iodine. The Japanese government is handing out this supplement in huge quantities to the survivors north of Tokyo. Over the last few days, sales of this supplement have skyrocketed as North Americans panic due to fears and lack of knowlegde.

How should we proactive?

I've said it once and I'll say it again. "Think globally, eat locally!" Dietary wise, consume as much local food as possible to nourish the body. The benefits of this practice go far beyond just supporting your local economy. Fresh food is better for us, providing more nutrient density and live enzymes to support the body. Most North Americans are iodine deficient, so in the event of a nuclear fallout, those empty receptor sites will likely be affected by the unstable iodine.

The fact of the matter is, if you start super dosing the body with isolated vitamins and minerals, this can cause imbalances in the future. Whole food sources are the safest and most effective way to support the body. I feel very confident in suggesting the use of superfoods such as, Chlorella, Spirulina, Dulse and Kelp. These are naturally rich in iodine and many other beneficial vitamins, minerals and compounds. Personally I'm a big fan of Chlorella, as it nourishes the body, protects it from various forms of radiation (including xrays)and gently cleanses the system of heavy metals and toxins. This is also one of the main supplements used in a new cleansing program Vidasana Living will launch in Spring 2011.

Protect the body by increasing your naturally iodine rich food sources. Typically the amount of iodine found in most natural foods is quite small and varies depending on environmental factors such as the soil concentration of iodine and the use of fertilizers. Some excellent food sources include:

Sea Salt
Sea Vegetables (Chlorella, Spirulina, Dulse, Nori and Kelp)
Fish
Cow's Milk and Cheese
Strawberries
Eggs

Blush Lane Organic Market has an excellent selection of ethically raised and farmed fish, meats and produce. The Health and Bodycare Department also carries these products containing Sea Vegetables:

Chloressence-Sequel (www.chloressence.com)
Sun Chlorella (www.sunchlorellaausa.com)
Sea Vegetables-Schinoussa (www.quantumnutritioninc.com)
Spirulina-Earthrise (www.earthwise.com)
Greens RX-Enerex (www.enerex.ca)
Greens-Barleans (www.barleans.com)
VegeGreens-Progressive (www.progressivenutritional.com)
Asconodosum (Kelp)-Natures Way (www.naturesway.com)

In closing, I ask you to think from a global perspective. Recognize who's immediately at risk. Obviously our friends in Japan are at greatest risk from exposure, then those countries immediately surrounding, followed by those on the pacific coast, leaving us interior North Americans last on the list. We are all connected and yes will all be affected, just at varrying degrees. Protect yourselves with knowlege first, then act...don't react!

In the event of a profound nuclear event, there is a great "Nuclear Contamination Protocol" outlined at Natural News.com
http://www.naturalnews.com/031728_nuclear_contamination_glutathione.html

Vidasana Living Summer News

2010-07-28T17:00:00.000-07:00

Calgary Health, Sport & Fitness Expo

2010-06-08T13:21:00.000-07:00

With summer just around the corner, many of us are looking for new and innovative ways to incorporate healthy lifestyle choices. This is all fine and dandy for those who already walk the talk, but for those who are just embarking on this new path to wellness, where do they start? Join us for the inaugural Calgary Health, Sport & Fitness Expo on Sunday June 20th, from 12-5pm at the Triwood Community Center. Kids under 12 are free, making this the perfect family outing for Fathers Day.

Summer Prenatal Yoga Classes

2010-06-05T19:20:00.000-07:00

June Newsletter

2010-06-05T19:15:00.000-07:00

Vidasana Living - MAY EVENTS

2010-05-11T13:04:00.000-07:00

How do you read a nutrition label? What detox is best for me? These are the two most frequently asked questions I hear in the office. Well, instead of sounding like a broken record, I've decided to hold a few lectures to help answer these questions. If you're unable to attend, have no fear, we can still discuss these in a private session. Simply contact me at jenelle@vidasanaliving.com for further details.

~Jenelle Kitto, RHN

Appetite for Profit

2010-05-11T12:55:00.000-07:00

For those of you who know me well, I've often expressed my concerns regarding the Commercial Food Industry's involvement with the likes of nutrition education, especially in our school systems. We all have a purpose on this earth and I truly believe mine involves creating awareness around some of these issues and educating the general public about how to navigate through this confusing world of "health and nutrition". My approach is simple, target all generations. First the parents, then their children. Workshops, events, networking and more are my ammunition. Paul Hughes, one of Calgary's Mayoral Candidates for the 2010 Election brought this post to my attention and I feel it's one that needs to be shared. Thank you Paul and Michele for your commitments towards building healthier nations.

~Jenelle Kitto, RHN

Appetite for Profit

Vidasana Living May Events & Specials

2010-05-04T13:29:00.000-07:00

Ah, spring is in the air and talks of detoxing and BBQ's are a buzzing. Vidasana Living has some lectures and specials lined up to accommodate you and your spring goals.

Vidasana Living Kids Summer Yoga Camps

2010-04-27T11:17:00.000-07:00

Looking for a way to engage the children in your life this summer? Yoga is an extremely beneficial practice for children and fun too. They learn how to deal with stress and breathing techniques, test the limits and abilities within their bodies and create a social awareness. Any child who is active in sports or other extra curricular activities will benefit from the physical effects of yoga.

At the Vidasana Living Summer Day Camps, we'll incorporate music, dance, art and environmental awareness to foster happy, healthy children.

I've attached a great article published by CNN Health about the benefits of Kids and Yoga too.

CNN Health-Kids Yoga

Ashramtime2

2010-04-21T10:16:00.000-07:00

Ashramtime1.wmv

2010-04-16T21:00:00.000-07:00

TTC Day Off with Swamiji

2010-04-16T20:48:00.000-07:00

YogaKids.flv

2010-04-16T20:33:00.000-07:00

Vidasana Living E-Newsletter

2010-04-12T22:33:00.000-07:00

Are you interested in receiving the Vidasana Living Monthly E-Newsletter? Your personal information remains completely confidential and you'll receive monthly seasonal recipes, health tips, class schedules, special promotions and more. Email Jenelle Kitto at jenelle@vidasanaliving.com to sign up today!

Food for Thought Event

2010-04-07T21:30:00.000-07:00

Hello Food Lovers!

I've just been informed about this affordable local food event happening this Sunday, April 11th at the Uptown Theatre.

The producers providing a taste of "local, sustainable food" include:

Rouge Poplar Bluff Farms & Wild Rose Brewery

Fresh Kitchen Broek Pork Acres & Poplar Bluff Farms

Route 40 Soup Co. Wild Rose Brewery & Winters Turkeys

The District Spragg Meats

Holy Grill Canadian Celtic Cattle Co & Second to None Meats

And for all you gasping vegetarians just wait…

Tasty Life Saskatoon Berry Farm

The Light Cellar Chinook Honey

SPUD * offering abundant veggies and fruits

Lady Bug Cafe

Alberta Greens

Verde Tea

…. and one more veggie friendly venue TBA

Community Natural Foods has sponsored the Uptown Concession, so they will be serving Non GMO, Organic Popcorn + all organic fixings

Food For Thought is a not for profit event hosted by Earth Day Canada and REAP.

The documentary FOOD FIGHT. This film is an inspirational look at food security and issues.

Tickets are available http://www.reapcalgary.com/earthweek/ * this event will wrap up REAP's annual down to Earth Week which is packed full of informative sessions and fun events.

You can also buy tickets at both Community Natural Foods stores or at the door (but it's recommend to get them early)

Spread the word and plan to come take in this great evening!

Your friend in health,

~Jenelle Kitto, RHN

Yogi Essentials 101

2010-04-06T17:37:00.000-07:00

The past week has been filled with joy and excitement. Easter festivities with my 5 year old son remind me of the magic that still exists in our youth. The grand opening of Bikram Yoga Northwest was a huge success. We collected lots of food for the Interfaith Food Bank, relished it the opportunity to meet new friends and reconnecting with familiar faces. Thank you to everyone who came out and has helped make this studio a reality!

Vidasana Living is officially moved in to our new home at #208-4625 Varsity Drive NW. I'm taking appointments for Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Re-invent yourself with programs that integrate holistic nutrition and hatha yoga, Also available are full body detox programs, natural weight loss, overall health management, full nutrition assessments and workshops.

Coming soon: Kids Yoga Classes and Summer Camps, Mom & Sprout Yoga and an 8 week Beginners Hatha Yoga Series that will provide you with a strong yoga foundation in a small class setting. This course covers all principles of yoga, including pranayama, proper diet, proper relaxation and yoga therapy.

Vidasana Livings first workshop of 2010:

"YOGI ESSENTIALS 101"

When: Wednesday April 14, 2010

Time: 6:30pm - 7:30pm

Where: Bikram Yoga Northwest

Cost: $10

This 1 hour discussion will cover the following topics:

Proper Hydration (samples will be provided for tasting)
Yogi Diets (Traditional and Modern)
Nutritional Support before and after your yoga class

SPACE IS LIMITED, REGISTER TODAY!

Vidasana Living:

vidasana@telus.net

#403-968-0267

Bikram Yoga Northwest:

#403-264-4777

www.bikramyogacalgary.com

JOURNEY TO INDIA

As promised, I'll be posting photos and excerpts from my travel journal about my journey to India and the Yoga Teacher Training at The Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Meenakshi Ashram. Here's the first entry.

Date: January 23, 2010

The plane landed on Indian soil 15 minutes ahead of schedule due to a strong tailwind, it was just before midnight. I wear a locket my mother bought me with a clock inside. It will remain set at MST (11.5 hours time difference) as a way of keeping Calgary close to my heart.

After collecting my bags I make way for the domestic flight terminal at Chennai Airport. Alas, my first breath of fresh air in almost 24 hours. (I use the term "fresh" loosely.) The temperature is about 20°c, it's warm, humid and very hazy.

There are rows among rows of Indian men lined up at the airport entrance. Drivers mostly anticipating their next fare. I experience a little "deja vu" and flashback 8 years. This reminds me of when I walked through the arrival gates in Guatemala City, only this time I didn't have an amazing lady greeting me on the other side. I'm completely alone for the first time in I don't even know how long. Kashus is 5 and a half and this will be the longest distance and length of time we've ever spent apart. I've never lived alone but consider myself well traveled, however I've always had a companion or friend to meet along the way. This is a first...no parenting, no clients, no expectations. I'm flying by the seat of my pants for the next 2 days, then going to be whipped into shape at the TTC. I don't even have a hotel booked in Madurai, just the address and map to the ashram and 2 days to get there.

When I find the domestic terminal, I'm a little shocked, there's not much to it. Considering Chennai is such a large city the airport is small and a little on the creepy side. It's the middle of the night, I'm so thirsty and drank my last drop of water on the plane. The airport is asleep, everything is closed and there are barely any souls inside. I notice a tap labeled "drinking water." The locals appear use it regularly, however I'm wary and decide to suck on a losenge instead. I want to call home, but my cell is not sending calls or texts through. Telus told me this would not be an issue, it appears they lied. I only have large bills of 500 and 1000 Rupees. The pay phone does not take a credit card, just Indian coins and calling cards. Eventually I notice a currency exchange booth with a man inside, he is able to break some of the large bills but has no coins. He also informs me that nothing will be open until 6:30am. Hmmm, home will have to wait for a check in and with that I receive a text,"Where are you?" There's nothing I can do and my heart aches with frustration.

I find a secluded corner near a young couple and mother with her small toddler and copious amounts of luggage. This looks like a relatively safe place to rest for a few hours, so I lay my backpack, zipper side down on one chair, tuck my carry-on between my body and the arm rest and sprawl my travel blanket across both bags and the middle arm. I secure all valuables on my person, plug in the i-pod and lay across my belongings, dozing in and out of consciousness for about 4 hours. When I open my eyes, the airport is alive and buzzing with travelers. I freshen up in the bathroom and clear the very vigorous security screening. There's a food kiosk and with extreme excitement and hunger, I buy a tea and sandwich. WORST SANDWICH EVER and all I can think to myself is "I thought the food was going to be amazing. Imagine flavorless cheese and a mayo/carrot/onion sauce, sandwiched between two slices of moist white bread, wrapped in plastic and heated in a microwave for 20 seconds. This nutritionists palette was not impressed. I choked back maybe four bites, nibbled on some leftover trail mix from my bag and savored every sip of hot tea. There was an Airtel phone booth, where you make a long distance call then pay the employee after. That 5 minute conversation with the boys was great and an hour later I board the last plane for this leg of the journey.

I'm lucky enough to score another window seat and witness India with a birds eye view. We fly along the coast and land safely in Madurai City just after 8:30am. It's 23°c, there's a 3km visibility due to the haze which envelops this country. Finding a taxi was easy, in fact they found me. The ride to the city cost 300 Rupees, which is about $7. The crazy speed, constant beeping, crossing the middle line, weaving in and out of traffic, passing men with carts, rickshaws and decorated cows, made this part of the journey very exciting. It felt as if I was in a car chase with Matt Damon on Bourne Identity and all I could do was repeat this mantra:

"This is what they do here, this is normal, I'll be fine!"

The driver is so nice and helpful, he not only takes me to 7 different hotels before we find one with a vacancy, but also helps translate for me. I'm at the YMCA in a quaint room with a balcony and view of the Meenakshi Temple 2 blocks away. The room stinks of mothballs but has a really cool looking skeleton key and I'm told they serve a complimentary breakfast in the morning. After a refreshing shower, I decide to walk the perimeter of the temple walls and do a little shopping.

Moments later a man with a yellow t-shirt is telling me to follow him. He keeps repeating "Come see a better view of the temple, It's free, it's free!" I'm led into a shop adorned with carved statues, beautiful textiles and handcrafted jewelery. A second, younger man takes me up some flights of stairs which never seem to end. We enter the rooftop and there's a platform with even more stairs. The man was not lying, the view was amazing. You can see all the towers & buildings of the temple which covers several hectares of land. Raja, my new friend tells me it was built about 5 centuries ago. There are 4 towers, West (closest to me), East, North and South. Each are devoted to a different deity. They are layed out in a swastika pattern and you can enter the temple between 8am-12pm and 4pm-8pm. So many vibrant colors and carvings, it's breathtaking. For example the north tower has 404 sculptures, is 9 stores (152 feet) and was built in 1564-1572. ( I got that from a postcard I sent to Kashus)

Raja brings me some sweet cardamom tea, we exchange stories for about half an hour and soon enough his true motives show. He's either: A-sweet on me B-wants to sell me something, or C-all of the above. Lets not forget, I'm in India. I do buy some beautiful Pashmina silk scarves and Raja begins to overstep his boundaries, so I bid him farewell and go for lunch. I find a nice looking, clean vegetarian restaurant and savor some dahl, rice and roti served on a banana leaf. No utensils here, I should have clipped my fingernails. This food was so much better than the cheese sandwich at the airport and the time out from the sun was also a blessing in itself. Just down the road I find an internet cafe, check facebook and start that first blog post. It's just before 5 PM and I want to see the temple this evening so I head back to the hotel, use the restroom and drop off my bags.

The children here are so adorable, always waving and smiling. They ask the same questions as their parents. "What is your name? What country are you from?" I brought some Canadian coins to offer as gifts to the children. This brings pure joy and delight to their faces, followed by invitations to join them for dinner and more children looking for the white lady in a blue skirt. I continue back towards the temple and hear a beautiful instrument. It's like a flute or xylophone, crescendoing up and down. I heard this on the rooftop with Raja, but when I asked him what it was he said nothing and dismissed it. I spot a small boy about 10 years old playing this plastic little flute. It's in the shape of a grand piano with pictures of cricket players on one side. When I ask how much, the boy tells me 5 for 100 Rupees. SOLD! I purchase some for the kids back home and approach the temple gates. The guard informs me that I must remove my shoes before entering. To the left of the entrance I notice a pile but worry about my moccasins getting stolen. I consider running back to the hotel when the man with the yellow shirt returns. He says I can leave them in the store and promises they will be safe and he will not sell them. We laugh, I thank him sincerely make my way back to the gate.

There is a vigorous screening process at the gate. Girls to the left, through the metal detector and bags searched. Religious sites are filled with people and often become targets for terrorists. The guard pulls out a pack of tampons and questions me over and over. "What are these?" She doesn't speak great English and I eventually get her to understand by saying "Lady stuff", while holding my uterus. She smiles and says "oh yes, I understand, please put on your scarf and come in."

The stone path is warm and soft to the soles of my feet. I hear Indian music in the distance and decide to find its origin. Some small girls smile at me and decide to take it upon themselves to show me the way. Many people are prostrating and praying in front of various statues. There are 3 men playing instruments in a small hall and bats flying in and out of the towers as the sun sets. I lose myself in this mystical temple filled with shops, corridors, a lotus pond and the most beautiful temple elephant who blesses people with it's trunk. I never imagined I would actually see an elephant in India and here I am just 3 feet from one. Although I'm taken by it's beauty, size and grace, my heart aches for this poor creature who must work in this temple each day. As the evening grows darker, my days of air travel and wandering in the sun begin to take it's toll. I decide to head back to the hotel for a good sleep in an actual bed. Tomorrow morning, I'll rise early, eat well, shop more and make my way to the Ashram.

28 Days Later

2010-03-22T13:05:00.000-07:00

Time is a creation of changes in perception. When the mind is agitated, time appears to move slowly, when it is focused and happy, time moves quickly.

This was one of the last lessons Swami Govindananda taught us at the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Meenakshi Ashram. Time is such an interesting concept. One minute I'm packing my bags and saying farewell to my son in the airport, the next I'm reflecting on past experiences and catching up to Calgary all over again.

My last blog post was on January 21st, 2010 and I had full intentions of following it with weekly posts about my experience in India. Obviously, that did not happen and now, 28 days after returning to Canada I'm finally getting to it. Why did this take me so long? Where did the time go?

First of all, I had no idea the universe wanted to remove me from civilization so badly. At the ashram you were fortunate enough to find time to use the Internet and even luckier to actually get online. The dial-up was painfully slow, unreliable and rolling blackouts in the area caused many issues in the area of communications. I was unable to retrieve my email and had no cell phone service. The 11.5 hour time difference didn't make communicating with home any easier, so eventually I just surrendered to Ashram life and used those small moments and ounces of energy to connect with my son only. Jeremy sent a message to all my contacts on my behalf, stating "Jenelle will be unavailable until after the 23rd of February." Now I was truly able to focus on my lessons.

28 days ago I landed on Canadian soil and suffered jet lag like I've never experienced before. There was also a transition period where I had to reintegrate myself back into western culture. Things as simple as shopping in a grocery store and eating with utensils seemed foreign to me. 28 days later, I've reconnected with those who inspire me and we're building a sustainable and healthy future together.

Please join me in the Grand Opening of Bikram Yoga Northwest and the new location of Vidasana Living. There will be free yoga with a donation to the Calgary Food Bank and you can enter to win massages, yoga passes and nutrition consultations. We're located at #208-4625 Varsity Drive N.W. Calgary, Alberta, just kiddie corner to Planet Organic and Xerion.

PS: Although I was unable to keep up with weekly blogs, I did keep a daily journal. This isn't something I do every day but when I travel it becomes a priority. Photographs are wonderful, but they only tell you a small part of the experience. The action of writing your thoughts and experiences down is a beautiful experience that can help you re-experience those moments in the future. The sound of constant honking horns and motor rickshaws or the various scents that play with your senses are best described with words. On one corner a street in India can smell like Chai Masala, the of fried pakoras, around the bend you get a disturbing smell of urine, but not to worry, a few steps closer to the temple sweet smell of fresh green coconut water and jasmine garlands fill the air. So for the next 4 weeks I'll be posting excerpts from my travel journal; share some of the lessons I learned; provide some yogi friendly recipes and keep you posted about upcoming events in the Calgary area.

~Jenelle Kitto

Idiosyncrasy in India

2010-01-22T03:03:00.000-08:00

Greetings from the other side of the planet my friends. It has been quite the journey and there is still 3 weeks to go. I left Calgary at 1:30pm on Wednesday, January 20th to begin a pilgrimage to the glory of India. This trip is something I've dreamed of for years and due to the mysterious workings of the universe in conjunction with amazing support from family and friends, it has become a reality.

How did I get here? To sum things up in a nutshell, one year ago I turned 27 and sensed that my life really needed a shift. Not a complete change, but something was definitely missing and just like anything toxic, negative emotions were beginning to trickle into my life in every dark corner. The spring came and I started to get a little motivated, dreaming and manifesting. Summer arrived and and I did what many people do when they're looking for answers and got my cards and chart read by a Shaman which usually tell you what you already know with greater emphasis. I was on the edge of something big, change was near and I was searching and making choices. I took a fabulous summer holiday, celebrated, spent time with friends, family and the outdoors. Shortly thereafter circumstances led me to focus more on my private practice and career, which lead to buying a ticket to India and registering for my Yoga Teacher Training at the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Meenakshi Ashram near Madurai City in the southern region of Tamil Nadu. The most remarkable thing about this whole experience, is noticing all the affirmations that I've made the right choice. On two occasions this Ashram came up for me in conversations just after I made the choice to do it. The course just so happened to fall 3 weeks after my son finished Winter Holidays and I'll be returning home to him when his Spring Break begins. The amazing mothers in my life stepped up to care for him while I'm away and support Jeremy in his "single dad for a month" role. But the most amazing part about this journey, is the celestial significance in my life. Whether you believe in astrology or not, one has to say "hmmm" when they hear this:

My birthday is February 1st and this year I turn 28. This pivotal point in a person's life is referred to as their Saturn Return. What is the Saturn Return one might ask?: This is when the planet Saturn comes back to meet your natal Saturn in your astrological chart. It takes about 29.5 years for this slow-mover to return to where it was when you were born. The Saturn return hits a person in their late twenties and its impact is felt into the early thirties. There is a second (and possibly a third for the long-lived among us) Saturn return that hits between age 57-60. Essentially these are years of rebirth. Now I'm no expert in astrology, but most people I know, especially women do experience some big changes at these times in their lives. Anyone ever heard of a mid-life crisis? So, this year has been on my mind for some time now, and to top this off with some more amazing celestial coincidences, here is what my Horoscope read as I left Calgary on the 20th:

"AQUARIUS - The sun moves into your birth sign today and a new solar year gets under way. Even if your actual birthday is not for some days or weeks yet, it will feel like your birthday over the next 24 hours, so by all means celebrate. Throw a party!"

With that, the flight attendant offered me a hot towel to wipe my hands a face. 20 minutes later another one offered me a complimentary beverage, including beer, wine or another spirit of choice. Shortly after, we were offered another beverage, followed by the choice for our hot meal. Vegetarian or Beef? Yes, I had a choice, can you believe it? After lunch, she came by again, offering Baily's or Congnac and another hot towel before turning out the lights as we flew over the Atlantic towards Frankfurt. All this on an Economy class seat, so you can only imagine what first class was felling like. Now, you're probably asking "What airline is this?" Well, I'll tell you because there are just far too few good airlines around these days. Lufthansa Airlines. Yes, those Europeans sure do know how to live and as much as this journey is about health, purifying the soul and all that jazz. IT'S MY BIRTHDAY and I am a huge advocate of that 80:20 rule. Besides the next 4 weeks I'll have a schedule that will look like this:

5:30am - wake up bell
6:00am - Satsang (meditation) followed by chanting and a discussion by Swamiji
7:30am - tea
8:00am - Asana class (we learn how to teach and teach eachother)
10:00am - Brunch (vegetarian, no garlic, no onions, no eggs)
10:45am - Karma Yoga
12:00pm - Lecture (chanting, learning sanskrit etc.)
1:00pm - Tea
2:00pm - Lecture (philosophy etc.)
4:00pm - Asana Class (very challenging)
6:00pm - Dinner
8:00pm - Satsang, chanting and discussion
10:00pm - lights out.

Last idiosyncrasy! Take that 8 and 2 from 80:20 and flip that to 28-the age I'm turning in India, during my 28 day stay at the Ashram. Think this was meant to be? Well, I'm off to complete my homework. I'll try to plug another post within the week or soto inform you of my encounters here in India. As for the photos, I'm taking plenty, but you'll have to use your imagination until I return.

Namaste,

Jenelle Kitto

Inspiring Wellness Fair was a Success!

2010-01-09T16:50:00.000-08:00

What a day and what a feeling! That feeling of joy, accomplishment and the ability to be able to breathe again. After weeks of planning and anticipation over the holiday season, we did it! It began as a simple idea to have a gathering in the New Year to thank friends, family, colleagues and clients for all their support while inspiring them to live well and laugh. With a little help from these friends, we did more than just celebrate. We created an afternoon filled with yoga, food, play and pure pleasure. We met new friends, shared ideas and raised nearly $500 for the Alberta Children's Hospital Foundation by simply following that dream.

I want to acknowledge Dr. Angela Pucci and Dr. Ryan Emmons of Cadence Chiropractic & Sports Therapy for teaming up with Vidasana Living to help make this day happen. Our efforts to recruit other like-minded people in a relatively short period of time was remarkably successful.

Thank you to everyone who joined us today and/or helped spread the word. The Sunnyside/Hillhurst Com munity Center provided a wonderful venue to host today's event.

Cheryl Grivell, owner of Bikram Yo ga Northwest taught a lovely Karma Class to kickstart our day. She is busy building her dream studio and we greatly appreciate the fact she took time out of her busy schedule come by.

Thank you to our vendors, food & raffle donors:

Carmie with Spoon Fed Soup
Tabetha with Arbonne International
Laura and Malcolm from The Light Cellar
Deanne with Leaping Dog Racing
All the ladies from A Sacred Space
Sunnyside Market
Kelly Janes
Carson Zi Blissed Yoga
Gillian White with Love Energy
Irene's Brand Borscht

A special thanks to Amos Bradley and Kristopher Benoit of Calgary Sound Rentals for providing all the necessary equipment needed for mic's and music.

Jem Morrison and Kelly Janes entertained the children, provided hand made hula hoops, dance ribbons and poi. Heather Corbett utilized her artistic abilities face painting. You three truly made this event special and we all enjoyed your energies. Nicola Thornhill, your efforts with selling tickets was greatly appreciated also.

A VERY SPECIAL THANK YOU to my son Kashus for inspiring me to better myself and the world each day. He also helped me deliver flyers in -30 weather with little complaints, pick the music playlist for the day and bake banana bread (which he insisted on adding chocolate chips too, however no one seemed to complain:)

I look forward to crossing paths again soon and creating our second annual Inspiring Wellness Fair in 2011.

Sending you all lots of love and light.

Your friend in health,

~Jenelle Kitto, RHN

New Year Inspirations

2010-01-02T23:42:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

The new year has officially arrived. I have taken time to reflect on this past decade and enter the new one with a sense of awareness and spirit of passion. The horizon may be as clear as it was on my way to pick up chickens with two of my dearest ladies in the winter fog, but just the same a sense of calm and serenity envelops me.

I'm so grateful for all I have learned and experienced so far on this journey. I have certainly learned, lived and laughed. Thank you sincerely for the moments we've shared so far.

Please join me on Saturday, January 9th for the Inspiring Wellness Fair. We're raising funds for the Alberta Childrens Hospital by getting together with like minded health enthusiasts and local vendors.

Karma Yoga Class
Good Food
Local Vendors
Hula Hooping & Poi demonstrations and instruction
Face Painting
Raffle Prizes and more

Happy New Year everyone and stay tuned for more exciting events in 2010!

Nourishment in a nutshell - Nutrition and Fitness - myTELUS health

2009-12-11T12:10:00.000-08:00

Greetings Everyone,

I'm in the process of planning all my healthy holiday treats to share with friends and family this season. Stay tuned and I'll post some recipes and ideas shortly. Naturally, nuts do fall under this category, providing an excellent source of healthy fats and protein during a seasons full of indulgence. I came across this excellent article describing some of the benefits nuts provide the body with. So here she is, it's worth the read.

~Jenelle Kitto

Nourishment in a nutshell - Nutrition and Fitness - myTELUS health

Eco Events and Grand Opening's in Calgary

2009-09-30T22:34:00.000-07:00

The Calgary Public Library is hosting a weekend devoted to nutrition and food "Food is Life!" will provide a series of 13 programs devoted to wellness on Saturday, October 3rd and Sunday, October 4th. The best part is it's Free and you can register for any number of the programs. Topics will include Sustainable Gardening, Organic Food, Healthy Snack's for Kids and Eating Local. Visit the Eco-Action Blog for complete details.

Saturday, October 3rd from 3:ooPM to 11:PM The Light Cellar and Love 2 Eat will be celebrating the Grand Opening of their collaborative efforts on a new teaching kitchen in Calgary. Enjoy delicious whole foods and cooking demonstrations with

Malcolm Saunders, Raw Food Enthusiast and founder of The Light Cellar
Barb Thomas, Holistic Nutritionist and Owner of Love 2 Eat
Christina MacHardy, Red Seal Chef and Holistic Nutritionist

Harvest Memories

2009-09-26T17:00:00.000-07:00

With the Fall Equinox behind us, this working bee has been busy. Canning, harvesting, chopping and hiking have filled my autumn days. As the leaves turn and return their nutrients back to the soil, we're reminded of a summer past and the winter wonderland that awaits. Nourishing root vegetables are showing up in the markets. Sunflowers smile in my garden. I just harvested all of my tomatoes and will ripen them in the windowsill. We yielded about 16lbs from 4 plants. Not bad, not bad at all. I'm looking forward to creating some delightful salsas, soups and sauces.

As the days grow cooler, our bodies crave soups, stews and other hearty dishes that warm the soul. I was making Borscht in the kitchen last week and the juice of the beets began to stain my fingers. I had a flashback about the first hand print I ever made of Kashus when he was just 6 months old. I used beet juice as it was completely safe and natural, unlike many of the paints available. Now 5 years old, Kashus just started kindergarten at The Calgary Arts Academy. Last week he was given his first school project. "Helping Hands" is the theme and he is to create a life-sized depiction of his hand in any 2D or 3D form. This flashback gave me an idea and in about 5 minutes, his project was done and a staple soup of my Ukrainian heritage was on the stove. Baba's borscht is definitely the best I've ever had, but I like to think that mine comes in close second.

JENELLE'S BEET BORSCHT

1 small red onion
1-2 cloves of minced garlic
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
6 cups vegetable stock
1 bunch of beets with greens (3 large or 6 small)
1 potato
1 stalk celery
1 small cabbage
1 carrot
1 can white beans
1 bay leaf
1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon honey
1 can crushed tomato's
1 bunch fresh dill

Directions:
Saute onion with minced garlic and chopped onion. Add stock and bring to boil.

Meanwhile, trim roots of bees, saving the good leaves and stems. Thinly slice beets and chop the potato and carrots. Slice the celery very thin and add these to the boiling water, allowing to simmer while you chop your cabbage and beet greens. Add these with the bay leaf, salt, pepper, honey and tomato's. Simmer until all the veggies are tender. Chop fresh dill and stir into the soup. Adjust water if needed and serve.

Makes 12 cups

Nutrition Fact:Beets are an amazing vegetable rich in minerals and compounds that are very cleansing and nourishing to the liver. Soups in general are very hydrating, providing many trace minerals and electrolytes. The addition of beans to this recipe add some extra plant based proteins creating a more balanced meal.

BEET DYE PRINTS
Simply slice a beet, rub the juices on a child's hand and press onto a sheet of paper. "Voila!" A ruby colored print to keep forever as a reminder of how small they once were.

The sweet and lowdown on alternatives to white sugar - Nutrition and Fitness - myTELUS health

2009-09-22T08:27:00.001-07:00

The sweet and lowdown on alternatives to white sugar - Nutrition and Fitness - myTELUS health

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Events in Calgary September 18-20

2009-09-18T14:46:00.000-07:00

This upcoming weekend many events are happening in and around Calgary.

Friday, September 18th - Mighty Neighborly Fundraiser for Blue Mountain Bio-dynamic Farm.

A recent hail storm has damaged many of the

buildings and crops on the farm. Join us at the Crescent Heights Community Hall for a Silent Auction with local bands and DJ's to follow. Starts at 7:00PM. This event is all ages, so bring the family. Tickets are $20 in advance at The Coup, or you can pay $25 at the door. Kids are free!

Sunday, September 20th - Diamond Willow Artisan Retreat Grand Opening

Local artists will gather on Friday & Saturday to create beautiful art to raise funds for the Rowan House Emergency Shelter. Located on the Cowboy Trail near Turner Valley AB, this getaway destination offers amazing views of the Canadian Rockies and accommodates groups of up to 12. Vidasana Living will be hosting our fall Nutrition/Yoga Retreat here October 16-18th. Join us for their Open House this Sunday from 12-5pm to get a little taste of what you can experience here. Visit http://www.diamondwillowartisanretreat.com/ for directions and further details.

Introducing the VIDASANA LIVING BLOG

2009-09-17T13:58:00.000-07:00

Vidasana Living means "The Healthy Life" in Spanish. Through a balanced diet, active lifestyle, mental clarity and holistic awareness, optimal health and vitality can be achieved. My mission is to educate and raise awareness about holistic living. The Vidasana Living Blog will post articles, recipes & cooking tip. It will promote businesses and events that support our community & healthy lifestyles. I look forward to discussions about health, sustainability, nutrition, detoxing and organic gardening, welcoming all comments & suggestions that will help us grow together. The best way to educate is by setting a good example, so here's a little insight about what's been the focus for my family this summer.
We moved into our current residence 2007, the year Calgary had many heavy rains and floods. I woke up one morning, looked out my bedroom window and to my surprise our gardens retaining wall had collapsed. Rubble was everywhere, but thankfully we have friends with talents. Lizard Creek La ndscaping built us an amazing new retaining wall with a drainage system to prevent future incidences like this. Finally the little garden that could was given the chance it needed to live. This spring marked our first year having a nice sized vegetable plot.
We composted and worked the soil. My son Kashus helped plant our seeds just after May Long Weekend, which is a rule of thumb for many Calgarian gardeners. Sure enough there has been a bountiful supply of culinary herbs, garden peas, yellow & red raspberries, zucchini, strawberries, green beans, tomatoes and lettuce. I had some organic purple and red potatoes that went to seed in my cupboard, so we planted them too. In late August they flowered and we harvested two buckets of new potatoes.
None of this would've ben possible without the hard work of my son Kashus and his cousin Siena. They were on "Slug Patrol" as these pests were posing quite the threat to our little oasis. The collapsed retaining wall allowed for water to pool in the garden, creating a damp environment which is prime breeding grounds for slugs. They ate every seedling in sight, destroying our cucumber, pumpkin and radish seedlings. Kashus is a friend of nature and doesn't like to kill bugs. He couldn't understand why I disliked these slugs so much. So I explained the Hero's & Villains of the garden, comparing those pesky slugs to Venom and ladybugs to Spiderman. That was all the information this 5 year old needed. He recruited his cousin and they overturned every rock and board daily, catching those little pests who strive to eat our bounty every chance they get. We discovered their breeding grounds and with a little extra help from some boiling salt water, we won!

The most interesting thing about gardening in Calgary, is each year is different and all you can do is learn from your mistakes and keep trying. Some years the tomatoes thrive and others they're killed by frost in July. That in itself is an amazing life lesson. Nothing in life is permanent and expectations will often get the best of you. It gave me such joy gardening with these kids, while also allowing myself to meditate and reflect in this sacred place. The opportunity to empower these kids with simple skills like growing food and sharing it will never be forgotten. Besides, who doesn't like a fresh garden salad at a summer BBQ/Potluck, or giving Nana a nice zucchini and receiving Zucchini Chocolate Cake in return? We did plant some extra radish, beet and lettuce seeds a few weeks ago and if mother nature blesses us with a mild fall, we just might get another small harvest this year. In the meantime, preserving, canning, baking and freezing will help us prepare for the winter to come.

-Jenelle Kitto, RHN