Take time to join community and recharge.

Cacao was regarded as “Food of the Gods” by the Mayans and noted as a feel-good superfood, as it still is today as well. It has such a deep and rich history which we will pay homage to. I was first introduced to its goodness in Costa Rica – where we would have a daily toast prepared with fresh cacao grown right off the grounds there. I won’t ever forget how this plant made me feel – relaxed yet energized, feeling so very vibrant with a glow from the inside out. Cacao is very nutritionally dense with benefits including but not limited to; it being the highest, naturally occurring source of magnesium (which is a major stress-response combater), enhancing mental clarity/supporting healthy brain functions (especially memory & concentration), easing anxiety, cleansing the liver, boosting circulation/heart health but it is also said to shift our moods positively – ceremonially it was used to open one up to more joy, bliss, divine creativity and love. Cacao tends to not only the physical heart but the energetic heart as well. Lastly it was also said to expand upon and deepen meditative and inner experiences – bringing peace to the mind and body; another great reason for pairing it with Yoga Nidra.

In this mid-winter season, reconnect with renewal and vibrancy. Winter is a potent time of the year for practices such as Yoga Nidra. Yoga Nidra guides the practitioner into a meditative state to elicit rest and is a superb reset. The beauty is – you don’t have to stare at a screen; instead you are guided auditorily on a journey that navigates and connects you with the inner landscape - in a way that charges the whole body beyond words; a rich, deep and beautiful practice. Practice to provide space to pause, rest, reflect, rejuvenate and to welcome back vitality.

What you can expect from this virtual event which runs from 5:00 - 6:15pm EST on Thursday 2/11:

·       Opening up our time together going over the properties of Cacao (or a tea with similar effects – which I am happy to recommend).

·       60 minute practice including beginning w/some restorative movement, breathwork and a full Yoga Nidra journey.

·       A uniquely curated music/sound therapy playlist to synchronize and deepen your experience.

·       A fun and informative Cacao Wellness PDF diving deeper into its health benefits, recipes, lineage/history, uses and ceremonial roots.

Cost is $18 – to register, email boudreau.jacqueline@gmail.com - as well as to receive more info for the workshop/zoom & payment links.

 I will also be sending out information to those that register, as to what and where to buy some quality cacao that has been sourced with integrity and how to prepare it/additional recipes etc.

A percentage of proceeds will be donated to the Rainforest Alliance.

For many cultures around the world, the Winter Solstice (which falls on Dec. 21st this year) marks an important milestone. It's the shortest day of the year and the longest night of the year, and signals a powerful transition point between seasons that honors/celebrates the return of light. It has been revered in ancient civilizations, indigenous cultures, and various religions, all of which have their own rituals for taking advantage of the unique energy of this day/night. The winter solstice can be a phenomenal time to tune into the magic and beauty of the season. Being the shortest day means the solstice is also the longest night of the year, and one of its original traditions was rooted in candlelight—both for the needed light, and to celebrate the return of the sun in the coming months, as well as connection to the luminosity of the inner light/flame that never goes out.

Take time on the longest night of the year to reflect within. Winter is a quieter and more introspective time of year, making it a great season for renewal and soulfully nourishing practices such as Yoga Nidra. Yoga Nidra guides the practitioner into a meditative state to elicit rest and a superbly deep reset. With a focus on the sacred pause of stillness, the practice invites the awareness of the natural cycles and interludes of the season. Practice to provide space to pause, rest, reflect, rejuvenate, nourish and welcome back the light (more thorough info found here (https://www.elementyogame.com/you ).

What you can expect from this virtual event which runs from 4:00 - 5:15pm EST on Monday 12/21:

·       75 minute practice including beginning w/restorative movement, breathwork and a full Yoga Nidra journey.

·       A specially curated music/sound therapy playlist to synchronize and deepen your experience on the mat.

·       A Winter Wellness PDF with tips, insights, recipes and rituals to enjoy and soak up over the winter months.

·       Light Sourcing Guided Meditation (led by me) audio recording, to enjoy at your leisure.

Cost: $18

Email boudreau.jacqueline@gmail.com and you can also make payment on the Get Started page:

https://www.elementyogame.com/get-started/p/winter-solstice-renewal-candlelight-yoga-nidra-amp-winter-wellness-event-1221

This is an ongoing collaboration with local artisan apothecary and biodynamic herbal farm - Infusion Herb Co of Scarborough, Maine. Come absorb some goodness and support via a Yoga practice in the garden.