Olive Oil As Medicine: Aging Gracefully and the Case for Oil-Based Skincare
By Cheri Neal
I consider Olive Oil to be a medicine in itself, which is why it is the star of my medicinal herb kitchen. It’s what I use almost exclusively to make medicinal herb extractions, both for internal and topical use, which then go on to become salves, creams and balms. Being the main ingredient in my best-selling facial oil--Ritual Beauty Oil, olive oil is the most important ingredient in my Apothecary! The last decade of medicine making, cooking and skincare formulation, has led me on a search to find the holy grail of Olive Oil...
Being a self-proclaimed olive oil nerd, I set out to source the best local olive oil I could for my both my Ritual Beauty Oil and medicinal extracts. Purchasing from a local producer was important to me, and aligned with my overall ethos in herbalism. I searched high and low and found a local producer with the best olive oil I have tasted since living in Greece in 2013. Their oil is made from Mission Olives, grown in a grove which is over 100 years old. Hand-tended, sun-powered and exclusively rain-watered, their olives produce a rich and peppery oil with a polyphenol count of over 600! The unusually high polyphenol count would mean that my Beauty Oil would have even more anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities than before, and a longer shelf life to boot. My Ritual Beauty Oil went from simply cleansing and moisturizing people’s skin, to HEALING it. I started getting so much positive feedback from people who were finding my oil that I knew I had stumbled upon something really special.
I wont bore you with the myriad studies, which suggest that a diet high in this kind of olive oil can protect against imbalances such as heart disease, type-two diabetes, Alzheimer’s, obesity, strokes, rheumatoid arthritis and cancer (is that all?)... Instead, I will bore you with Polyphenols.
So, what are Polyphenols?...
Polyphenols are organic compounds, found primarily in plants, which have been linked not only to the prevention of the disease states listed above, but to longevity in general. The high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties found in these plant compounds have been found to improve cognitive functioning and reduce the risk of cognitive decline, as well as to help bolster the immune system, protecting against chronic disease when taken internally.
The great news is that a bunch of my favorite foods are high in polyphenols- apples, coffee, cacao, berries, and many herbs and spices do. Oh! and of course, Olive Oil!
Why all oils are not created equal…
While I do love most oils-- fruit oils, nut oils, plant oil, essential oils… all of which are used extensively in skincare, all oils are not created equal. Highly processed seed oils have become ubiquitous in our culture, as they have made their way into our food system as well as into a lot of natural skincare. On their own, used topically, and in small quantities, these oils don’t seem to have an immediate negative effect on the body. Unfortunately, they exist in almost every non-whole food and skincare product on the market, which makes those small, insignificant amounts add up, if you’re not paying attention. Studies on chemically processed seed oils in particular, show that they hold the pre-cursors for the inflammatory response in our bodies, so, while not being acutely inflammatory (some are even touted to be ANTI-inflammatory), they are actually setting the stage for chronic inflammatory diseases, and then feed them. While there is no scientific consensus on the inflammatory properties or negative health effects of seed oils, they are so highly processed, that they cease to have the same “living” quality that the less processed oils like coconut or olive do. The fact that a lot of these oils are processed with toxic Hexane, contain synthetic preservatives, and go rancid very quickly is reason enough for me to avoid them in my daily life as well as my skincare formulations.
The case for an Oil Based Skincare routine...
People have been using natural oils on their skin since, well, forever… They are naturally cleansing, nourishing, protective and moisturizing. People and oils go hand in hand, as we have been in relationship with plants and animals for millennia. Today, we have moved so far from our roots, from our connection to the earth and the beings around us, that now we, as a culture are confused. We are inundated with overly processed, nutrient deficient foods, toxic environments, and harsh chemicals and “cleansers”. We are being sold poison in the form of food-like substances, as well as in our body care products. Would our foremothers even recognize some of the stuff we put in and on our bodies? Our whole collective being seems to be out of balance with the natural order of things. Our skin is simply a reflection of this. Chemical skincare strips the outer barrier of the naturally protective skin microbiome. And with “anti-aging” being the main objective of modern skincare, it’s not exactly clear exactly how one is supposed to age gracefully and in accordance with nature.
My philosophy is that aging is a privilege. And with skincare--the simpler, the better. Oil, plants, water—let’s not over complicate things! My mission at Officinalis Skincare is to bring the nature's simplicity as well as the potency of plants to your life, and skincare routine. No, my products wont magically erase the lines of wisdom around your eyes, or stop the natural progression of aging. And I wouldn’t want them to. They will, however, cleanse, heal, protect and feed your largest organ.
My question to myself is (and I pose the same to you, dear reader), how do I want to feed my body, and treat my skin as the process of aging inevitably unfolds? And what might my grandmother’s grandmother say about my choices?
Ritual Beauty Oil
Ritual Beauty Oil by Officinalis is a rich, organic complexion oil designed with one foundational purpose - to support the healing of your skin. This penetrative, yet light-feeling oil can be used as a moisturizer, oil cleanser, or simply as a midday pick-me-up. It is the perfect oil for facial cupping, and gua sha. Using one of the most polyphenol rich Olive Oils in North America - grown in Northern California - and a blend of thoughtfully selected active botanicals, this oil soothes and reduces inflammation, while delivering a high dose of antioxidants to the skin. Over two decades of hand-crafted, small-batch production, have resulted in a pure, organic oil luxurious enough for the most pampered skin, yet versatile enough for your everyday skincare Ritual.
Kava Kava Ceremony
With Yoga Nidra and Ho'oponopono
Have you ever tried Kava Kava? It's roots are spicy and numbing to the taste, and the effect in the body is one of deep relaxation. I love working with Kava as a sleep aid, pain reliever and to reduce anxiety, but I also love to use it ceremonially, and especially in combination with Yoga Nidra, which is the "Sleep of the Yogis". The combination produces quite the effect on the body and can help the practitioner to access the deeper layers of relaxation, and give way to the more profound layers of the subconscious realm.
Our ceremony will begin with a traditional preparation of Kava Kava, followed by the Hawaiian forgiveness practice of Ho'oponopono. This powerful practice can help to bring our lives back into balance (pono), when something is out of alignment. We will then move into defining and refining our "Sankalpa (spiritual intention)" as we prepare for Yoga Nidra, a system of deep relaxation and meditation that accesses our innermost awareness, on a subconscious and sometimes unconscious level. This is a place where profound healing can occur.
Energies from the New Moon in Aqaurius on Jan. 21st will be woven into the ceremony and practice. A perfect way to begin a New Year and Lunar Cycle.
Please join me January 22, 2:30-5:00 at the Chico Holistic Wellness Center. No experience necessary. Please CLICK HERE for more info on Kava Kava, it's uses, effects and contraindications.
Only 8 spots available REGISTER NOW!
$45
The Summer Drearies
I don't know about you, but this was a particularly grueling summer. Lots of plans, fallen by the wayside. Lots of questions, to remain unanswered. Lots of transition, expected and unexpected. Whenever I find myself in this kind of murky space, I have to ask myself, what is truly important? What are my priorities? If I can answer this honestly, and really take stock in how things are going, I often find myself back in a place of gratitude for all that is indeed GOING WELL in my life. It's all too easy to get bogged down by what I wish was happening instead of what is actually happening, but when I look at what it really important, and shift my perspective a bit, I am reminded of how truly blessed I am.
I hope this finds you in asimilar place, of feeling blessed. Upheaval, uncertainty, overwhelm can take atoll on our physical, mental and spiritual selves, and sometimes Gratitude isdifficult to access. But one thing I know for sure, is that the practice ofgratitude is one that can bring us clearly and absolutely into the presentmoment. And as we all know, the present moment is all there really isanyway. All the rest of it-- the past, the future-- is all just an illusionthat only exists in our minds. Besides THIS present moment, everything isuncertain.
I have noticed in my own lifethat the future is getting harder and harder to plan for. Long-term commitments are moredifficult to plunge into, as if people’s timelines have shifted to near-futureevents only. A number of people Iknow are reconsidering the way they work and live, having reprioritized timewith family and friends, focusing more on their health and wellness, and doingwork that feeds their soul, not just their bank account.
This is inspiring, in that as we reprioritize our lives, we see what brings us meaning, depth of experience, and vibrance. The concessions we were once willing to make are no longer viable, and we shift into more meaningful ways of being. Our lives become more authentic and aligned with who we are, and how we strive to be.
The tenuous feeling and inability to see into the future actually frees us up to live more in the present moment, reminding us of how temporary and precious our time here on this planet is, how important time with our friends and family is. When we aren’t busy planning for a future that we cannot picture in our minds, our present lives can take on a richer quality—everything is more intense in the here and now. Sometimes that intensity can feel overwhelming, because our escape mechanisms of planning for the future has been somewhat eroded by our current circumstances.
However, I am encouraged by September. It has already brought cooler weather, clearer skies, and even some rain! I, for one, am ready to leave behind my Summer Drearies, and look forward to an exciting fall. I have a lot on my plate, some of which is not quite ready to be fully revealed, but I do have a lot to share with you in the coming weeks and months. Even with all the noise and negativity going on in the world, I am feeling positive about the future. I hope you, too, are encouraged by the changing season and are feeling ready for a fresh start. Take stock of all of the things that are going well, and what nurtures your soul, and let go of all the rest. The future is full of possibilities, and I am officially open to being "WOWED" by the universe... I hope you are too!
Plant Spotlight: Kava, Piper methysticum
'Awa, as it is known in Hawaii, or Kava is part of the pepper family, and you can taste it's resemblance in the earthy, yet slightly spicy roots. The roots contain the active component of this plant, however, ancient Hawaiian kahunas are known to have wrapped the leaves of the 'Awa plant around the heads of patients suffering from headache. Medicinally, the plant is used for pain relief and insomnia, but the traditional drink "Kava Kava" was imbibed ceremonially for just about every known occasion- births, deaths, marriages, rites of passage, to cure illnesses and remove curses, as a blessing at the beginning of big projects, and as a public atonement of misdeeds.
In both Fiji and Hawaii, it is offered as a gesture to notable guests, but more prominently so in Fijian culture. It is used to celebrate, resolve disputes, and to "break the ice" with others.
It has a mild narcotic effect, and it's use produces a tingly sensation in the mouth and lips, and a relaxed feeling in the body. It has analgesic, antispasmodic, strong nervine, mild anti-depressant, euphoric and aphrodesiac qualities. It can be useful to aid in meditation, as well as increase vividness of dreams and visions.
For more info on this and other plant-medicine ceremonies, please click here.
- Contraindications: Avoid in pregnancy and nursing. Avoid operating heavy machinery or vehicles, while using Kava. If taking prescription medications including antidepressants, anxiolytic, hypnotic, analgesic, sedative or psychopharmaceutic drugs, please consult your health care practitioner. Kava should be avoided for individuals on a dopamine antagonist medication to treat Parkinson's disease.
Mugwort: Artemesia vulgaris
Mugwort is an old-time remedy, used for everything from insect repellent to protection agains wild beasts, it replaced hops for making beer and was stuffed in shoes to avoid tired feet. It is still used to this day ritual purifications, and to enhance dream states. In fact, stuffed into a pillow it was said to reveal the sleeper's future to him or her in a dream.
While I can't attest to my future being revealed to me in a dream (only time will tell, I suppose), I can tell you that the leaves, even just placed by the bed or under a pillow, can have profound effect on dreams, making them vivid, memorable and sometimes bizarre. Named after the goddess of the moon, Artemis, it is said to gain in strength with the lunar phases, being most powerful at the full moon.
"Mugwort is a sacred plant medicine who brings us into contact with the otherworld. Mugwort presents a portal wherein we are invited to perceive messages from the spirit realm, connection to our ancestors, gallivants with our shadow selves, and windows into the twinkling depths of the unseen." -Rachel Blodgett
Mugwort is mildly euphoric, anti-spasmodic, and helps to calm nervousness and even insomnia. It has emmenagogic properties, and thus should be avoided in pregnancy. It brings on sweating, and can help break a fever during colds and flus. I use mugwort in my Herbal Dream Eye Pillows to help enhance the dream state as well as help with dream recollection.
Ceremonially, we will be burning mugwort smudge in ritual purification, and a flower essence and/or tincture will be offered but not necessarily ingested.
Cacao Ceremony
Upcoming Dates:
September 11, and October 9, 11:30-2:30
$65/session or $120 for both ceremonies
So you've decided to try Ceremonial Cacao. Congratulations! You are about to embark upon a delicious (and maybe a little bitter!) journey into the heart center. Cacao acts like an amplifier for our existing state of being, and elevates the energy we bring to the ceremony. It pairs beautifully with any heart-centered practice-- yoga, meditation, or my personal favorite, Yoga Nidra.
There are a few things you should know before joining me in ceremony. Keep Reading!
RESERVE YOUR SPOT
Ceremonial Cacao has manybenefits, physical, mental and spiritual. It’s botanical name is Theobromacacao, which literally means “God Food”, or Food of the Gods. Cacao is said toopen the heart, expand consciousness, and relax the body. This is because Cacaocontains many neurotransmitters and neuro-modulators already present in ourbrain, most notably:
Norepinephrine –The joy molecule
Serotonin –Helps with wellbeing, and creates resistance to stress. Cacao also has MOAinhibitors, that inhibit re-uptake of serotonin.
Dopamine –Gives feelings of motivation and pleasure. Cacao also has MOA inhibitors, thatinhibit re-uptake of dopamine.
Anandamine –The bliss molecule, it moderates pain, and is associated with the “runnershigh” effect. Cacao also has N-linoleoylethanolamine, the re-uptake inhibitorfor anandamine.
Phenylethylamine (PEA) – Helpswith excitement, alertness, attention. Gives the perception of time slowingdown.
These compounds make it possible for us to experience feelings like joy, bliss, relaxation, connection, and general wellbeing. And as if these amazing benefits were not enough, Ceremonial Cacao is also high in antioxidants, is full of healthy fats, and contains several essential vitamins and minerals (it has the highest natural source of magnesium found in any food!).
REGISTER NOW
CACAO CONTRAINDICATIONS
Pleaseread the contra-indications/ conditions list below to see if Cacao Ceremonywould be appropriate for you!
*Fasting (take smaller dose)
*Migraines (take smaller dose - Cacao contains caffeine which can aggravate migranes)
*Pregnancy or breastfeeding (safe in half ceremonial dose, verycommonly used in Guatemala by mothers and midwives during long or difficultlabor)
*Anti-depressants (USE CAUTION/ Not Recommended- ManyAnti-Depressants do not mix well with the Tryptophan and MAO inhibitors inCacao)
*Heart Conditions (USE CAUTION- Cacao can increase heart rateand blood flow by up to 40%, and is a vasodilator)
*Low body weight or Children (Not Recommended, or very smalldose)
*Chemotherapy (Not Recommended)
If you decide to join me in ceremony, please dress in layers so you can stay comfortably warm during ceremony. If you have your own props, blankets or pillows, you are welcome to bring them. I recommend the use of an eye pillow (we have some at the studio or you can bring your own). Please bring a your favorite mug or tea cup as your ceremonial cacao vessel (I have extra if you need one)! A ceremonial dose is 2-4 oz of liquid, and between 27-40g of fair trade, small farm, ceremonial grade cacao.
And last, but most importantly, bring an open heart and get ready to share the love!
SIGN ME UP!
Prenatal Yoga
8 week series- Sept 1-Oct 20, 2022
$165 for the entire series/ $22 drop in
Join Cheri for 8 weeks of exploration of pregnancy appropriate postures, breathwork and mindfulness as we prepare our bodies and minds for birth and motherhood.
This class is open to women who are birthing inside or outside of the medical system.
Cheri Neal is a certified Prenatal Yoga Instructor, specializing in Hatha Yoga, Meditation and Yoga Nidra. She incorporates mindfulness and deep relaxation into her teaching, creating a safe and inclusive experience for all levels of experience. She is thrilled to be offering this new class at Breathe Yoga, 830 Broadway, Chico CA.
Yoga Nidra
In celebration of the Vernal Equinox, Cheri is offering a Yoga Nidra Comprehensive Practice at the Yoga Center of Chico. The changing seasons, moon cycles, are the perfect time to renew our intentions, refresh our bodies, and move forward with calm and clarity.
Coined as the "Sleep of the Yogis", "Psychic Sleep", or "Inner Beauty Sleep", Yoga Nidra is gaining popularity, and for good reason.
Yoga Nidra is a practice, as well as a state of being. It is the place between awake and asleep, where the body is totally relaxed, and thinking mind is at rest. In this state, we have the opportunity to unravel tension, both deep and superficial, and to begin to address behavioral patterns and even trauma that is being stored in our bodies or deep within our subconscious. The use of well timed affirmations and intentions are an effective component of the long term benefits of this practice.
Join us for an immersive Vernal Equinox experience-- an hour of Asana, followed by 50 minutes of Yoga Nidra. You can choose either Hatha Flow or Restorative Yoga as your Asana practice. Or choose both!
Upcoming Comprehensive Practice (at Yoga Center of Chico):
Saturday March 21st, 12-2pm Hatha/Nidra
Sunday March 22nd, 12-2pm Restorative/Nidra
$35 for each or $60 for both sessions
Reserve your spot online with Eventbrite!
Other advance payment options include PayPal and Venmo to secure your spot, Cash or Check accepted at the door.
Meditation Mini-Retreat, November 1-10, 6-7am, at the Yoga Center of Chico
This Meditation Mini-Retreat is designed to give beginning meditation practitioners a solid foundation of Meditation in a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment. If you are looking to boost your commitment after an extended hiatus, or are a seasoned practitioner, this mini-retreat is the perfect setting to re-establish your dedication to to your practice in a group setting . Using the psychology of Buddhism as our basis, we begin with the most basic Mindfulness practice, then move deeper into the more subtle qualities of the mind, gradually moving closer to the heart of Compassion. Appropriate for EVERYONE.
This will be the last Meditation Mini-Retreat offered at the Yoga Center of Chico.
Redemption, and the Importance of Self-Care
I had the opportunity recently to give a talk to a room of about 50 women on a the topic of Self-Care. It was a flop. I was a flop.As a yoga instructor, massage therapist, meditation practitioner and teacher, as an herbalist with a line of organic first-aid and beauty products, you’d think that giving a presentation on this topic would be an easy task for me. You’d think that as a person whose vocation, passion, and career revolves around the very practice of self-care, that I might have a lot to say about the subject, but, well... I’m not sure what happened. I walked up to the stage, looked out at my audience, and completely blanked out. I think I summarized my most poignant points in a matter of the first 2 sentences out of my mouth and then I had nowhere go. I fumbled my way through the next 15 minutes, stuttering out some patchwork of misquotes, repeating previous points all while gripping the pencil written notes I had scribbled on a paper torn from a spiral notebook not an hour prior to the speech. I never once looked at the notes, not that they would have done me any good. I was ill prepared, to say the least.I spent the rest of the day lamenting my embarrassing display of incompetence, wishing that I would have said this, or remembered to say that. Hindsight may be 20/20, but it sure is a bitch. So, instead of indulging any further in self-loathing or embarrassment, I thought I would wrap all of those woulda/coulda/shoulda's into some sort of redemption speech, presented to you by way of this blog.As women we are natural care-givers. I find that typically, we give everything we have to our careers, our relationships and our families, but when it comes to ourselves, we tend to be more neglectful. We believe that it is somehow selfish to care for ourselves as we would care for others, or maybe we feel that we just don’t have the time to do so. My métier emphasizes the importance of taking good care of one’s self, and I’d love to inspire more women to change their relationship to the word “selfish”, and remember that self-care is not exactly the same thing.Self-care can help to replenish a depleted energetic “bank account”. In Chinese Medicine there are the concepts of Prenatal Chi, and Acquired Chi. Prenatal Chi is the life force energy we are born with, and it is a combination of our parents’ Chi at conception as well as the life force energy of our mothers while in utero—her nutrition, and general wellbeing. It is said that we use up most of our Pre-Natal Chi by the time we are 30. But thankfully, we also have Acquired Chi, which is the life force energy we gain from the moment of our birth until the day of our death. Acquired Chi is developed though our diets, lifestyles, and healthy habits, and is depleted by poor nutrition, all forms of stress, and illness. It is vital to our health to acquire as much chi as possible to maintain a vibrant and healthy life.When we talk about replenishing a depleted bank account, Acquired Chi is what I am referring to. The energy we put into the various aspects of our life, can feel like making withdrawal after withdrawal, and can lead to the dreaded overdraft, coming in the form of exhaustion, break-down, illness, or even resentment. Self-care is like making deposits into our Chi account, making sure we have enough in the bank to freely expend the energy our lives require.The following are few ways we can give back to ourselves on the daily, weekly, monthly and even yearly basis. Keep in mind that the small, consistent acts of self-care can seem insignificant, but can have the greatest return in the long run.Daily:1) Start Meditating."You should sit in meditation for 20 minutes a day, unless you are too busy, then you should sit for an hour." -Old Zen sayingWhen I talk with people about meditation, some say, “That sounds nice, but my mind doesn’t work that way. I’m too analytical, I don’t like sitting still. I can’t just turn my mind off like that.” Or, like in the quote above, “I don’t have time for that”. There are a lot of misconceptions floating around about meditation, such as it is a way to turn off the mind, or transcend our current reality into some blissed out state of being. It most certainly is not that, in my experience. Meditation is a way to change our relationship to our thoughts, our pain, our embarrassment, our feelings of unworthiness, our grief. Meditation trains us to be a witness to these states of being, not a victim of them. It is a way to train the body and the mind to be able to sit with discomfort, and remember that this discomfort is in fact the very thing that connects us to the present moment, as well as to our fellow human beings.Even 5 minutes of sitting still and observing the breath can have a profound effect on the body and mind. Meditation is a cumulative practice, the results seen over long periods of time, it is not a quick fix.To begin a meditation practice, find a quiet place to sit. Nothing fancy, just prop yourself up on a pillow or even sit in a chair. Make your spine long, let go of unnecessary movement, and relax. Set your timer for 2 minutes to begin with. As you start the timer, just become aware of your body sitting on the earth or in the chair and feel how your breath moves through you. If the mind is racing (it probably will be) simply observe that, just as if it’s happening to someone else. Anytime you realize that you are lost in thought, simply come back with an intentional breath. After some practice with this, up your time to 5, 10, 20 minutes.Attend my upcoming Meditation Mini-Retreat in March2) Start a gratitude journal.The practice of gratitude is the simplest, most satisfying way of replenishing a depleted heart. It is a simple and direct way of accessing the present moment. Find a blank journal, and jot down 5 things you are grateful for today. They don’t have to be big-deal things, just some thing that evokes the real and genuine sense of gratitude in your heart. The added beauty of this practice is that after a few months of gratitude journaling, you get to look back on all the things that sparked the feeling of gratitude within you and feel the joy this brings you, even after the moment has passed.3) Add a special product to your daily beauty routine.Taking care of our skin, not only makes us look better but it really does make us feel better as well. Radiant skin comes from within, but it doesn’t hurt to take good care of the outside, too! Adding a high quality, natural and organic product to your daily regimen can be a guiltless way to treat yourself right on a daily basis. Might I suggest Herban Myth Botanicals Beauty Oil? It has an instantly calming effect on the nervous system and a rich herbal scent. The flowers infused in this beauty oil are selected for their soothing essence, anti-inflammatory properties, and skin regenerating and healing qualities. You can feel good about what you are putting on your skin without breaking the bank.4) Make your bed and DRINK MORE WATER.Doing something as small and seemingly insignificant as making the bed everyday can actually have profound affect on your mood and mentality, and even set the tone for the rest of your day. It’s the first small success of the day, and it can and should be celebrated! When you get to the end of a long day and get to crawl into a beautiful and tidy bed, it can actually boost your serotonin levels and help you sleep better. And as drinking more water, it’s a no-brainer. Water helps us to re-hydrate and cleanse our precious tissues. Why not live a little and add some lemon water to your daily morning routine? Lemon water is alkalizing and helps to maintain a healthy Ph balance, it aids and stimulates digestion, is jam packed with Vitamin C and other crucial minerals. People have been drinking lemon water medicinally since the 1400's. Your body will thank you for it.5) Ritualize itRitualizing one’s morning program or bedtime routine can be an easy way to care for one’s self. Whether it is doing things in a certain order or adding incense and candles, make your routines sacred by adding a bit of mindfulness and intention. Use the time it takes to brush your teeth as an opportunity to say a few daily affirmations to yourself, as an example. Self-love is the basis of self-care.Weekly6) Take a walk in the park with a friend.Autumn is a wonderful time to get out to your local park for a walk. Solo walks are wonderful too, but walking outdoors with a friend can help you feel connected and supported again, in a world where we often feel disconnected from each other, and nature. Walking with a friend is great for your body, (move it or lose it!), and it also nourishes the soul to spend time with people who truly love and care for us. Plan a weekly walk with a pal!7) Take a yoga class (or three).Not only is yoga an effective method of strengthening the body, helping with balance and flexibility, but it is an ancient form of preventative healthcare that affects the internal systems of the body- the nervous, endocrine, lymphatic, immune and cardiovascular systems to name a few. Yoga activates the systems that increase our health from the inside out. It supports the ever-important mind-body connection, bringing a sense of integration into our lives. Yoga is one of the best methods for cultivating life force energy (or Prana/Chi).The dedicated practice of Yoga leads the practitioner deep into her being. The yogi begins by first bringing her awareness to the body. She first becomes more sensitive to her muscles, joints and bones. With development, she becomes more aware of the organic body-- the visceral, the cellular, the energetic. As her practice grows she becomes acutely aware of all bodies, as well as the mind, giving her the ability to respond and intervene quickly when any imbalance is revealed. This is real health insurance.I started practicing yoga 20 years ago. It has gotten me through the inevitable times of anxiety, uncertainty, upheaval, transition, and grief. It has taught me strength of body and mind when all I wanted to do was break. It has taught me balance, in both diet and lifestyle, and both personally and professionally. And it has taught me flexibility, and to understand how and when to bend when I am feeling most rigid.There are a variety of different styles of yoga, ranging from gentle and restorative, to the more dynamic physical practices of vinyasa-- everyone should be able to find a class that suits their specific needs.To find a class that's right for you in Chico, CA, click here.8) Try at-home facial and body care.There are a million recipes online for DIY body care (keep your eyes peeled for an upcoming blog post on the topic by yours truly). Most ingredients for scrubs, soaks, and masks can be found in your very own kitchen. Try making a sugar and coconut oil scrub to polish your body, a clay or honey mask for your face, an herbal foot soak for tired feet or an epsom salt bath this week. Treating your body with care not only reinforces a quality of self-respect, but doing it yourself at home is empowering (not to mention totally affordable).Monthly9) Get a massage.Massage Therapy is hands down (pun intended) my favorite form of Self-Care. Not only will a skilled massage therapist help to work out the kinks, but like yoga, will also address the subtle body, bringing energetic blockages back into balance. We all know the importance of loving touch, yet somehow, I find that people are actually starving for connection. Oftentimes this desire for connection is sexualized unnecessarily, making it culturally challenging for us to even hug, or show any kind of loving touch to each other for fear of being misunderstood. Or the problem might be that we go looking for connection in the wrong places, which can lead to draining situations that leave us sapped of precious life force energy. However, we must never underestimate the healing power of compassionate touch. Book a massage today!10) Spend time alone in nature.Think of this as a mini vision-quest. Find some quiet place where you won't come across too many other people and take an hour to just sit and listen. Refrain from using technology as you do this. Be as close to the ground as possible, and simply observe the natural beauty of the world around you. The Earth is our Mother, our origin, from whence we came, and to which we will return. We are not separate from the Earth. Reconnecting to this source can help to give us some perspective on our lives and remind us that we are an intrinsic part of a much larger landscape than the technological world would have us believe.11) Unplug.Set a day aside each month to disconnect from technology altogether. We are starting to discover the penetratingly negative affect that social media and constant reliance on our devices can have on society, our psyche, and on our physical bodies. Take a break from always being reachable, validated or judged. Take the time to instead reconnect to the people closest to you, in a personal way, even if you don’t know them. Dinner with family, a walk with a friend, a nod, smile, or even a conversation with a total stranger can go a long way. To paraphrase Jack Kornfield, "Tend to the parts of your garden you can touch". Meaning, focus your energy on what's right in front of you. Otherwise, we risk being overwhelmed by exposure to too much information. We haven't yet evolved emotionally or physically to be able to process the amount of stimulation we subject ourselves to on a daily, hourly basis. Take a break.Yearly12) Go on retreat.Plan to attend a healing retreat, whether it is a yoga, meditation, or spiritual retreat of your choosing. This kind of intentional setting and complete disconnection from the daily grind can help to reaffirm your connection to Spirit and can charge the batteries for quite some time.13) Do a cleanse.Every Spring I do a cleanse. Cleanses can vary widely from a simple fast, to a juice cleanse, to Master Cleanse, a liver cleanse, colon cleanse, an elimination diet or even a spiritual “dieta” (the elimination of sugar, meat, oil, salt, spices, alcohol, and sex for a period of time), and can range from 1 day to several weeks. A clean-up of the diet can help to reset the body after a cycle of seasons. I find it to be especially beneficial in the springtime, after a winter of questionable eating, hibernation and high stress. Do your research and find the one that is right for you!14) Psychedelic reset.Using our entheogenic allies as an annual re-set can, and probably will be, the most profoundly shifting experience of all the aforementioned, which is why it is in the “yearly” category. These plant medicines can assist us in our ongoing healing and help us to process undigested trauma that may still be depleting our precious life energy. Not to be confused with abusive recreational use of these substances, plant spirit medicine needs to be approached with unwavering reverence, so great is their power to heal. Set and setting are the most important aspects of this type of experience. A couple days at Burning Man can be mind-blowing, but using these entheogens for healing purposes requires the proper support—a knowledgeable guide, a safe and peaceful place, an open schedule, and appropriate assistance for integration on the other side of the experience. There are many very promising studies being done on the healing potential of entheogens (click here for current data)- after a 40-year forced hiatus on research, and criminal prohibition of the use of these substances. Deep personal research and inquiry needs to be done with regards to finding the right medicine, the right guide, and the right set and setting. Support the decriminalization and rescheduling of these substances so that the research can move forward and these powerful plant allies can be made accessible to everyone who needs them.As women, we are the care-takers of the world. I once had a client who was distraught with a feeling of hopelessness at the current state of affairs. She said "Why isn't anyone asking us old ladies what to do? We are the keepers of wisdom!" And although I know this to be true, when she said it, it felt like a thunderbolt hitting me straight in the heart. The essence of the Divine Feminine is needed now more than ever. In a world thrown out of balance and polarized by the excess of Yang qualities (action, dominance, control, heat, hardness, etc.), we are now experiencing the symptoms of this excess-- in the form of cultural tension, mental and physical rigidity, rage, agitation, and manic behavior. I believe we are all (consciously or subconsciously) craving the qualities of Yin (fluid, feminine, soft, cool, etc.) to bring us back into balance. If we, as women, can't even take care of ourselves, is there really any hope of restoring balance to humanity?Return to your natural power, regain your strength, and honor your innate qualities of wisdom and nurturing. By taking good care of ourselves, we will have the fortitude to help each other. It is up to us now to find the equilibrium that we all seek. Let the rise of the truly powerful begin.
Women's Wilderness Retreat
SAVE THE DATE! Space is limited, please register before June 28.
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I can't wait to share this offering with you again!
Contact Me Today To Reserve Your Spot
March Meditation Mini-Retreat
March 1-10, 20186-7amYoga Center of ChicoThis mini-retreat is designed for all meditators, with or without experience, and is appropriate for anyone wishing to deepen their own meditation practice, learn new techniques or practice with a group. There will be a combination of seated and walking meditation, and study of Buddhist philosophy. This course is modeled after the Vipassana 10-day silent meditation retreat and will give beginners a solid foundation upon which to build a sustainable self-practice.
The Next 10 Days
The Next 10 Days...10 days of silence.10 days of no eye contact.10 days of watching breath.10 days of 4am wake up.10 days of concrete bed.10 days of wooden pillow.10 days of mosquito shroud.10 days of breakfast gruel.10 days of hot spring baths.10 days of cold bucket showers.10 days of jungle symphony.10 days of no technology.10 days of candlelight.10 days of disconnect.10 days of reconnect.10 days of meditation.10 days of insight.10 day Vipassana Meditation retreat in Thailand.
Intuition
When you act from intuition, you are acting from a place of clear connection to self. When you are in clear connection to self, you are in absolute connection to the Source. Therefore when you act from intuition, you are fully supported by the Source in your actions. You cannot fail.When you act from the thinking/judging mind, you are more connected to the outcome of your actions. You are worried about what others may say or think. You are relying on external support, that you may or may not receive. You will always be wondering what the outcome would be if you had acted differently.Listen to your intuition. Act accordingly.
The Big D
It’s been a while since I’ve written anything. Maintaining my blog has fallen down on the priority list as of late-- neatly wedged somewhere between getting a chihuahua and signing up for LinkedIn. The truth is, I’m just now clawing my way out of what has been a 16 month long depression. I imagine that it is the kind of depression that only privileged, affluent white people suffer from, but nonetheless, I’ve fallen ill. It’s the kind of depression that afflicts those of us who have enough time on our hands to go deep into the tar pits of our own psyche and compare our findings to those who are busily toiling away at life-- the perfect recipe for an existential crisis. It’s the kind of thing that happens when there is a high degree of internal dialogue, and there’s no better way to really turn up the volume on that noise than to bury yourself in country after country where you don’t speak the language and isolate yourself from people who speak your own. I’m writing this not as a means to receive sympathy from my droves of followers, but as a way to bring some light to a dark topic, a topic we tend to look away from.It couldn’t have been a more cliché place to become pseudo-suicidal. It was November in Paris, in a 4th story apartment, and I was chain smoking the last bits of my George Karelias from the previous month in Greece. Soaking the same tea bag, cup after cup, reading dumb old Hemingway, listening to 90’s Chicago house music, and watching a marathon of Modern Family. Ok, fine, that last part might not be so typical of a Parisian depression, but it was what I was doing when I thought, “What would it be like if I just weren’t here anymore?”.It took me all day to get showered and dressed, like I had been heavily sedated for weeks. Something about a Christmas episode set me off into a crying jag that prompted me to finally get up off the couch and into the bathroom. After taking off the 3 full day worn saggy pajamas, I looked at myself in the mirror, thoroughly disgusted with my own face, my own body and my own presence. I remember saying “Ugh. You again?”. I looked around in a half curious, not at all determined way for something sharp or something poisonous. I realized that I would have to go out of my way to off myself and I was too unmotivated to even do that. I didn’t actually want to make a bloody mess of myself, I just didn’t feel like existing anymore.Now, when I look back on it, I realize I would have had to been way more convicted and determined than I actually was if I really wanted to die in that apartment. I just don’t have the kind of resolve it takes to commit suicide. It’s the kind of thing that takes just that-- commitment. For those of you that know me, you know that lately commitment isn’t my strongest suit.I pulled myself together enough to call a friend, a friend who knows my propensity for darkness, and had a chat with him. I told him that I wasn’t getting out of bed until noon or later, had to force myself to get dressed and out of the house just to choke down a pain au chocolat as my daily bread. He confirmed my self-diagnosis saying, “Yep, that’s depression.”. I went on for some time talking about how everything is completely meaningless: “What’s the point? Is this really it? I’m not satisfied!” And he said that maybe the answer lies in actually making a commitment to something. “Something besides suicide, Cheri.”I knew this was more than just my usual existential crisis when my behavior started to affect other people. I went home for Thanksgiving and I noticed that my friends and family were thoroughly turned off by my sadness. It’s not a good look for me apparently, and it makes people very uncomfortable. Instead of tolerating my doom and gloom with a light heart, there was a now lot of avoidance, a lot of changing the subject and superficial, conversational distraction tactics. I was being treated with kid gloves, and I could tell they were just waiting on the edge of their seats for what I was going to say or do next. I noticed that denial is very prevalent when it comes to the Big D. Nobody asked me what was going on inside of me, because nobody really wants to see what’s down there in the dumps. Seeing a loved one grapple with the demon of their internal tar pits, reminds us that we, too, have a tar pit of our own to reckon with.Having said that, I think the majority of us would be kidding ourselves if we said we had never thought about escaping the endless churning of a dissatisfied heart. Or maybe, like me, fantasized about what it would be like to just not exist. Sadness, pain, grief, loneliness, purposelessness, and suffering are a part of the human experience-- one that we have very little practical skill in dealing with. We have more skill in shrouding the dark and nasty bits with rays of contrived positivity. We get spooked by anyone who openly reveals a struggle with the basic day to day existence. For me, the day to day sadness had become a pattern, the pattern became a habit and the habit of being depressed became calcified and imbedded into my personality.Before this all gets too awkward, I’ll end by saying that I realized that just because I am willing to metaphorically jump into at the bubbling, oozing black, does not mean everyone around me is ready to do the same. The more maudlin and didactic side of me is tempted to advise you to go on with your happy sunshine lives and when you are ready to meet me in the dark, I'll be here, in my pajamas, comfortable in the sticky mess. But, as luck would have it, I'm on the upswing, climbing out of the chasm one bone at a time. I’m almost there- I just need a few more footholds; commitment, service, and gratitude.
Depression and suicide are serious issues, folks. Seek help.
What to Pack
Going on a journey and don't want to pack too much? Here's a video explaining what to pack when space, weight and varying climates are an issue. Bon Voyage!
Lost and Found
The only place I ever got really lost while I was traveling abroad, was in Montpellier, France. It was November 1st, known as La Toussaint, or All Saints' Day and I would be leaving that morning for Barcelona. Knowing that it was a holiday, and that I hadn't booked a ticket yet, it was crucial that I leave for the station early that morning and get on the first train out, which was at 6:00am. That morning, I woke up late, wearing the same clothes that I had been wearing for the last 36 hours, hoisted the 15 kg backpack onto my shoulders, and jumped out the door. I was half asleep, half hung-over, and only half sure of where I was going. The train station was said to be about a ten minute walk from the flat and I recalled vaguely where it might be. I started walking in the direction that I thought it was, and remembered someone telling me about a "shortcut", which was to walk along the tramway. So that's what I did. Ten minutes turned into twenty, twenty into thirty, and so on. I felt like someone was adding iron weights to my backpack with every unfamiliar pass. Just shy of 6am, I had been walking for about 45 minutes and I was exhausted. I knew that I was nowhere close to the station and that I was not going to make that train. There were no people or cars or open shops anywhere in sight, just the harsh and hazy morning sun beginning to penetrate my dried and bleary eyes. I was utterly lost. I looked around, took off my pack in an act of indignant abandon, sat down next to a trash can and pondered through my tears, "What now?!".I feel lost like that again, being back in the States-- directionless and dejected on the empty streets. Nobody is pointing me in any particular direction, but I'm still carrying my heavy backpack weighted down by the memories and experiences of my past, and I'm pretty sure I missed my train somewhere way back there. I'm looking for my way, but I can't seem to see beyond the shadow of my own face. I think what I am experiencing now is the unavoidable period of let-down that comes after any mind-blowing experience; reality comes screeching in like a bird being captured and crammed back into a cage. I'm left wondering what happened to my direction, my momentum, my inspiration? The dullness begins to set in.As a longtime yoga practitioner and experienced instructor, I am well aware that there is an inevitable dullness that can come from doing the same thing over and over again. That is the nature of yoga- to repeat and repeat until the movement becomes effortless, and the effort is then turned inward towards the breath and eventually towards the mind. Unfortunately, one hindrance of repetition is that one is apt to fall victim to boredom. In the times that I see my students growing listless with the glaze of apathy towards yet another Virabhadrasana, having done it over a thousand times in the lifetime of their practice, I remind them to SOMEHOW find a sense of newness to each pose, to find a freshness in the practice-- which is much easier said than done! I find myself now chewing through the last remnants of an allegorical stale doughnut, desperately trying not to be overcome by that same sticky glaze I see creeping into the eyes of my students from time to time. I'm finding it difficult to see the novelty in each moment, especially when my eyes feel like they've been glued shut by the viscous monotony of familiarity. After all, familiarity breeds contempt, right? After this many years as a yogi, I should have the tools to pull myself out of the muck.I started waking up at 5:30am and for the first time in my life, I have taken up a consistent, if not daily, meditation practice. It's working, in so far as it's getting me up in the morning with something to focus on besides that hangnail that's been bothering me, or making elaborately frivolous to-do lists with things on it like "buy matches", "open mail" and "drink water". But instead of meditating on cultivating contentment and appreciation for my current set of circumstances (like any good yogi or meditator would do), and trying to find a sense of liveliness within the deep predictability of my life in Chico , I instead find myself hatching an escape plan. This is in itself a destructive force, because I know that any time I allow my mind to move hastily into planning, it just takes me further and further away from the present moment. It is yet another distraction from the awkward and uncomfortable reality of just sitting still. Our minds are very clever and will create any reason at all to jump up and run away. For me, practicing simply sitting through the discomfort and watching my mind making plans to "escape" has given me the opportunity to observe my desire to be somewhere else. My meditation practice has been helpful in allowing me to see that sitting still might actually be the most valuable and necessary thing for me to do right now, in order to see my path and my direction more clearly.I've come to terms with my discontentment. Rather than to resign myself to the doldrums, I've used it to create a feedback loop to help me see what in my life is working and what isn't, what inspires me and what doesn't, what is in balance and what is out of balance. The feeling of being lost, uninspired, and directionless, in the past, has been precisely what propelled me into the next phase of my life, and that unsettled feeling in my heart is a familiar indication that there are some major shifts taking place inside of me. It's uncomfortable, yes, and at times exhausting, but I'm certainly not running away from it this time. What good would that do anyway when I don't even know where I am or where I am going? So, I've decided that for now, I'll simply sit down, unload some baggage, wait for my eyes to clear up, and then get back on that train when it arrives.
"Familiarity breeds contempt, while rarity wins admiration."-Apuleius
The Big Questions
"How's it going? What's your name? WHAT DO YOU DO?"As you might imagine, I've had different versions of this conversation probably a hundred times since I've been traveling. It's your run of the mill getting-to-know-you quiz, with the intention of pegging a person down in but a few short words. I have to admit, I've probably been guilty of springing this anxiety inducing, judgement trap on people at times, in lieu of having something thoughtful to say. You might be thinking, "Well, it's an innocent enough question. What's the big deal?" In my opinion, the big deal is that it is a question we have been CONDITIONED to ask so that we can silently and most times, unconsciously, make assumptions and snap judgements about ones' beliefs, income, social status, morals and personal character just to name a few.Normally, I would answer this question by saying that I am a Yoga Instructor and a Massage Therapist. Which is true, but I find that what comes to most peoples' minds with this response is that I must be a pious hippy vegetarian or something even more perverted. This assumption is a matter of lack of eduction, but still, it's an assumption that is only half true (I'll let you guess the part that is true).As time goes by and I am getting further away from my life in the states, both in proximity and otherwise, I am feeling more and more challenged and perplexed by this question. It has literally been months since I taught a yoga class and even longer since I gave a massage. To answer in my usual way is starting to feel disingenuous. As a person who values authenticity in my life and relationships, this seemingly innocuous conversation starter is begging an even deeper question: Who AM I when the roles that I've clung to stop defining me?So, I've stopped answering in my usual way and am thinking more about who I am and what I am doing in this present moment. Right now, I'm a traveler. Right now I'm a hedonistic book store keeper with a penchant for raki fueled philosophical discussion and a gnarly smoking habit.*Many of us cling to the roles we have been given, either self-imposed or otherwise, because we are afraid that without them, we might just disappear. But you won't disappear. You will just continue being you. You might even slip in to a more authentic version of yourself when you choose to let go of what may have defined you in the past.It's so easy to say and do the things we have always done out of habit. Or even worse, because it's what our "character" would do. Clinging to a character is an especially easy way to avoid the big questions, like- Who am I? What am I doing? But I encourage you to take the time this week to ponder if the roles in your life still fit, still feel comfortable, and still look good on you. You don't have to throw the old ones out completely, but it might be time to trade in for something that fits who you are in this moment. By letting go of outdated roles, we make room for a broader definition of who we really are. A definition that supports our incredible complexities so that we can maintain our authenticity while we grow and evolve.*Living in Greece will do such things to a person.
Ithaca
When you set out on your journey to Ithaca,pray that the road is long,full of adventure, full of knowledge.The Lestrygonians and the Cyclops,the angry Poseidon-- do not fear them:You will never find such as these on your path,if your thoughts remain lofty, if a fineemotion touches your spirit and your body.The Lestrygonians and the Cyclops,The fierce Poseidon you will never encounter,if you do not carry them within your soul,if your soul does not set them up before you.Pray that the road is long.That the summer mornings are many, when,with such pleasure, with such joyyou will enter ports seen for the first time;stop at Phoenician markets and purchase fine merchandise,mother-of-pearl and coral, amber and ebony,and sensual perfumes of all kinds,as many sensual perfumes as you can;visit many Egyptian cities,to learn and learn from scholars.Always keep Ithaca in your mind.To arrive there is your ultimate goal.But do not hurry the voyage at all.It is better to let it last for many years;and anchor at the island when you are old,rich with all you have gained on the way,not expecting that Ithaca will offer you riches.Ithaca has given you the beautiful voyage.Without her you would have never set out on the road.She has nothing more to give you.And if you find her poor, Ithaca has not deceived you.Wise as you have become, with so much experience,you must already have understood what Ithacas mean.Constantine P. Cavafy (1911)Love from Greece!
Traveling Alone
I have been traveling by myself in Europe for exactly 8 weeks now. If I had to describe my experience in one word, I couldn't. It's been all at once exhilarating, empowering, challenging and exhausting. I haven't written in a while for a few reasons; one being that I am typing on a tiny iPhone, but moreover, I've had a million things to say and not a clue where to begin. So I guess I'll start at the obvious point; Yoga.My yoga practice has taken on a different form lately. I'm off the mat for longer than I have been in years. My yoga now is a matter of putting into practice all of the fundamentals of grounding, centering, internal focus, presence, breath work and equanimity in order to support myself in this mind-bending, heart-melting emotional stew that I've thrown myself into. As I bounce from one place to the next, I seek to find stability. With conditions constantly changing, I seek to find the center of stillness within me. Within the comfortable din of a language that I don't understand, I draw my attention inward to better understand myself. In the moments of fatigue, frustration, and overwhelming emotion, I find myself taking deeper breaths. I am using the tools of yoga to create contentment in my life now, which is a far cry from where I was 2 or even 4 months ago.It hasn't been easy in a lot of ways. I feel odd writing this, as if I should censor myself and instead paint for you a picture of quaint cobblestone alleys lined with flower merchants and cafés, magical markets stocked with fresh fruits and vegetables, heaps of olives and dates and every variety of cheese that you can imagine. The smell of sautéed garlic, lots of local fish and meat and wine found among centuries old architecture, with views of the Mediterranean just around the next corner. And maybe these are the kinds of things you want to hear, and I certainly don't blame you, it is a beautiful picture. But even as I experience the beauty of all of these things, I am simultaneously experiencing a deep loneliness, sadness, and confusion.I considered keeping this from you, perhaps as an egoic attempt to preserve the likely unrealistic picture you may have in your head about me and my journey, but I have made a commitment to the truth. I've made a commitment to be truthful in my own life, to seek the truth in others, and as a teacher, I've made the commitment to deliver truth to my students. And the truth is that I'm struggling. I'm struggling with my shyness and my insecurities, my inabilities, my ego. Sometimes all I can do is sit down and cry. I write this not as a sob story designed to gain sympathy, but to remind myself that it's ok to feel grief and frustration and pain and tiredness. And it's ok for you to see me in these perhaps unsavory states, because they are all on the psychic and emotional spectrum of a whole human being. In this truth, I remember that we are all things at all times, and those of you who really know me, know that I embody this truth.I've had more opportunity now than I ever have had before to really be with these aspects of who I am. But I see them, and I get to know them and I try to be kind to myself about them. I get lost in the streets and explore the markets by myself. I make jokes to myself about myself. I have only myself to rely on, to blame, to be with. But even in the most frustrating, exhausting and lonesome moments, I know that I'm not alone in my struggle. Because even if we are surrounded by friends and family and familiarity, we are all just trying to navigate the intricate, sometimes unintelligible maps of our own hearts and minds. And that, my friends, is not an easy journey to take.