Mantras Have Meanings . . . There's Meaning to Mantras

Many classes use mantras and prayers as a means to tune in to our higher selves and "increase our level of energy or prana.  Vibrations create the world we live in.  Many of these mantras were channeled by the ancient sages while they were in deep states of meditation and are a direct link to the divine". You do not have to be Hindu or even religious in any way, to receive the powerful benefits of the vibrations these chants produce. When you say these prayers you can concentrate on your God or guru, the light within you, Mother Nature, the Universe, or simply the sounds and vibrations they produce within your body and the atmosphere around you.

Mantras in meditation and in Kirtan (singing) are repeated over and over such to invoke their intention and cultivate their calling into your reality; putting out to the universe what it is you want to call into your life (gratitude, peace, a new job, balance, health, clarity of a path, just to name a few).  In meditation, repeating mantras will also invoke their intention into your life but simultaneously will give you something to focus your attention AND intention on in the process.

Bhakti Yoga; the yoga practice of love and devotion, uses mantras in the form of song (Kirtan) to cultivate love and divine energy of spirit between self and the universe.  It is a beautiful manner in which to connect to your authentic self and cultivate immense joy.

The first time you attend a Kirtan you may feel a little strange or self conscious; worried that you're not saying the words "right".  It doesn't matter that you and reciting the Sanskrit perfectly; once you just "let go", your spirit will be singing and your heart will be full and you won't care at all exactly what you're saying because you will be connected energetically to all around you.

Have you ever been to a full yoga class where every single body in the room recites OM?  It is powerful and beautiful.  It is a moment where every cell of each person's body is united as one. 

These are some of the prayers and mantras you're likely to hear in classes . . . enjoy some sound clips as well:

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OM: Pronounced Auh, Oooooo, Mmmmmmmm, the supreme seed mantra symbolic of the beginning, the duration and the end. Meditation on Om is said to satisfy every need and leads to liberation. Scientific studies have shown the vibrations of om help to calm the mind, lowering blood pressure and increasing your ability to concentrate. Listening to the mantra om is recommended for insomnia and chronic diseases caused by stress.

On another note,  "the chakras are the intersections of energy lines, and there are said to be a total of 108 energy lines converging to form the heart chakra. One of them, sushumna leads to the crown chakra, and is said to be the path to Self-realization.

So anything if repeated 108 times, has a transformational effect. Thats the law of nature. Its like magic.

♡OM Chanting and its vibrations when repeated for 108, becomes significantly more powerful, and can help open the Crown Chakra and thus your path to Self-Realization."

Try this OM meditation:

 The Ganesh Mantra:  Its a meditation mantra dedicated to Lord Ganesha, and we chant it before starting any new venture. We chant it when inner or outer obstacles are holding us back to get to our true self and fully realizing our potential.

OM GAM GANAPATAYE NAMAHA

Meaning:

OM - The Sound, the Vibration of the Universe, The Primordial Sound
GAM - The Seed Sound, or bija sound of Lord Ganesha
GANAPATAYE - Another name of Lord Ganesh, the one who overcomes of obstacles.
NAMAHA - I offer you my salutations, I bow to you.

Try this one:

 

 The Mahamrityunjaya mantra:  For increasing self healing quality of Body and Mind, protecting from negativities of death and pain.

Om tryambakam yajamahe 

sugandhim pushti vardhanam 

Urvar ukamiva bandhanat 

mrityor mukshi ya mamritat 

The Gayatri mantra: For increasing creative energy for Body and Mind, increasing pranic energy.

Om bhur bhuvah swah  

Tat savitur varenyam 

bhargo devasya dhimahi 

Dhiyo yo nah prachodayat

Rob and Melissa (Acoustic Kirtan)
https://youtu.be/2De4Q3aIhwA

Hari Om Tat Sat:  For increasing peace, good energy and strength.

Meaning:
The Supreme, Absolute Truth . . . quite literally, All that Is.

Medicine Buddha Mantra: Meant to heal and heal others

Teyate Om
Bekunze Bekunze
Maha Bekunze
Ratza Samu Gade
Sohum 

Meaning: 
Eliminating the pain of true suffering; not just of disease but of all problems.  Eliminating the cause (karma) of the suffering.   

Durga Namavali: For protection from downfall and ensuring constant evolution.

Durga  Durgartishamani  DurgaPadminivarani 

Durgamachhedini  Durgasadhani  Durganashini 

Durgatoddharini  Durganihantri  Durgamapahaa 

Durgamadnyanada  DurgadaityaLokaDavanala  

Durgama  Durgamaloka  Durgamatmaswaroopini 

Durgamargaprada  Durgamavidya  Durgamashrita 

DurgamaDnyanaSansthana  Durgamadhyanabhasini 

Durgamoho  Durgamaga  Durgamarthaswaroopini 

DurgamaSuraSanhantri  DurgamaYudhdharini 

Durgamangi  Durgamatha  Durgamya  Durgameshwari 

DurgaBhima  DurgaBhama  Durgabha  Durgadarini 

Shanti Mantra - Asatoma Ma Sadgamaya: Peace Mantra

asato ma sadgamaya

tamaso ma jyotirgamaya

mrtyorma amrtam gamaya

Meaning:

Lead me from the asat to the sat. 

Lead me from darkness to light. 

Lead me from death to immortality.

Watch Freya from Kranti Yoga in Goa India where I did my Ashtanga Yoga Teacher Training perform a melody of the Shanti Mantra she created . . .

Sarveshaam Mantra : Peace Mantra

OM sarveshaam svastir bhavatu

sarveshaam shaantir bhavatu

sarveshaam poornam bhavatu 

sarveshaam mangalam bhavatu

sarve bhavantu sukhinah

sarve santu niraamayaah

sarve bhadraani pashyantu

maa kashchidh dukh bhaag-bhavet

Meaning:

Let it be so ordained (-bhavatu), that all the people (-sarveshaam), experience well-being (-svastir) ; let all the people experience peace or tranquility (-shaantir). Let all the people experience wholeness and completeness (-poornam) ; let them experience prosperity and auspiciousness (-mangalam).

Loka Samasta Sukino Bhavantu: Peace Mantra

Loka Samasta Sukino Bhavantu

Loka Samasta Sukino Bhavantu

Loka Samasta Sukino Bhavantu

OM Shan'ti Shan'ti Shan'ti

Meaning:

May the Lord bless the whole world with eternal peace and goodwill.

May the Lord bless the whole world with eternal peace and goodwill.

May the Lord bless the whole world with eternal peace and goodwill.

Peace peace peace

In short: May all beings be happy and free :)

Guru Brahmaa Guru Vishnu: For invoking the inner teacher & honoring the inner light

Guru Brahmaa Guru Vishnu 

Guru Devo Maheswara

Guru Saaksaat Param Brahma

Tasmai Shri Guruve Namaha

Meaning:

Guru Is Brahmaa (Who plants the qualities of goodness)

Guru Is Vishnu (Who nurtures and fosters the qualities of goodness)

Guru Is Maheswara (Who weeds out the bad quality)

Guru Is Supreme Brahman Itself

Prostration Unto That Guru

Om Namo Bhagavate:

Om namo bhagavate vasu devaya

Meaning:

The twelve lettered mantra - Oh infinite Lord, indweller in the heart of all beings, unto you I turn my consciousness to see the God within everyone and everything. 

Surya Namaskara Mantras:

OM Ram Mitraya Namaha

OM Rhim Ravaye Namaha

OM Rhum Suryaya Namaha

OM Raim Bhanave Namaha

OM Rhaum Kagaya Namah

OM Rhap Pushne Namaha

OM Ram Hiranya Garbhaya Namaha

OM Rhim Marichaye Namaha

OM Rhum Aditaya Namaha

OM Raim Savitre Namaha

OM Rhaum Arkaya Namah

OM Rhap Baskaraeya Namaha

OM Ram Rhim Rhum Raim Rhaum Rhap Mitra Ravye Surya Bhanu Kaga Pushne Hiranya Garbhaya Mariche Aditya Savitre Arkaya Baskarayo Namo Namaha

Ram (inh), Rhim (FF), Rhum (R foot back), Raim (DD) Rhaum (plank) Raha (chataranga) Ram (up dog)  Rhim (DD) Rhum (R foot fwd) Raim (gaze fwd) Rhaum (rise) Raha (hands to heart center)

OM Shanti:

OM Shanti Shanti Shanti

OM Shanti Shanti Shanti

OM Shanti Shanti Shanti

Meaning:

Peace of the Lord be with you

Talk to the Hamsa

What the Hamsa?

 

The Hamsa is one of the most sacred symbols in Indian culture.  Indians call Hamsa, "Humsa Hand" and is a culturally adored symbol.  

 

The five fingers in the hand of Hinduism represent the five elements of nature and the five energy centers of the body (chakra centers).  

 

The Hamsa, in Hinduism, is one of the common Mudras.  These energies flow continually up and down throughout the body.  Mudras are considered an "energetic seal of authenticity".

 

MUDRAS AND HAMSA 

 In Hinduism, hands are considered a great source of healing.  Movement of the hands in mudra is a symbolic language.  It is believed that many diseases or illness (from your basic cold to cancer) have their roots in stress and sadness; and these diseases are rooted in our subconscious minds.  

In the practice of Yoga or the spiritual realm, incorporating a meditation practice with use of Mudras can alter your mood and spirit, potentially preventing disease and illness.  This can be especially effective when combined with the practice of Pranayama (breathing exercises) and are generally done in a comfortable seated position, but can also be done while laying down. 

Mudras are performed with hands and fingers and are usually combined with movements; they sometimes can involve the entire body.  They are often used in ceremonies and with dance.  Mudras act to stimulate different parts of the body involved in breathing and are meant to affect the flow of energy and alter your emotional state.  Mudras help manipulate the mind-body connection as each part of the hand corresponds to a specific area of the body or mind.  

Each finger is said to represent a different energy and element:

1.  Thumb (Agni Tattava) is the Fire element, located in the Solar Plexus (Manipura) Chakra 
     (space under the breastbone to the belly button).

2.  Forefinger, index/pointer finger (Vaayu Tattava) is the Air element, located in the Heart
      (Anahata) Chakra.

3.  Middle Finger (Akasa Tattava) are the Ethereal elements, located in the Throat
      (Vishudda) Chakra.

4.  Ring Finger (Prithivi Tattava) is the Land element, located in the Root
      (Muladhara) Chakra (the space between the anus and genitals - perineum)

5.  Pinkie Finger (Apas Tattava) is the Water element, located in the Sacral (Svadhisthana) 
     Chakra (the abdominal region)
 
 Mudras act as "locks" to guide the flow of energy to certain parts of the body.  From a more spiritual perspective, using particular mudras can be a means of outwardly representing your inward intentions.  It is possible that meditating on a specific mudra can assist in manifesting certain energies, visions or devotions into your life.  They can assist us in seeing our truth.  When you bring your hands into a mudra you are creating a physical connection with something you desire.  

There are many very simple mudras.  

How to Start

1.  Either sit in a comfortable, cross-legged position, or in lotus (padmasana) or in a chair, 
     sitting upright.

2.  Rub the palms of your hands together vigorously for about 5 seconds and then place your 
      hands over your Sacral Chakra (abdominal region) to bring about the flow of energy to 
      your hands.

3.  Exert sufficient pressure to feel the flow of energy but not so much that your fingertips 

      whiten.  

 

4.  Hold each mudra for at least a couple minutes, but 10-15 minutes is more effective.  It is 

      beneficial to meditate as a means of starting your day and closing your day; allowing you 

      space to create loving intentions for how you would like your day to present itself, and 

      then before bed for how you wish your body to rest. 

 

Yoga Mudra:   Sitting in a comfortable seated position, backs of your hands resting on your knees, palms facing up.  Lightly touch the thumb and index finger together, keeping your other fingers long and together.  Sitting up tall from the base of your spine, rooting your sit bones into the mat, growing tall from the crown of your head.  Lightly tucking your chin towards your chest, keeping your gaze soft towards the tip of your nose.  Focus on your breath.  Envision your intention cultivating into your day or night; cultivating it in your life.

 

Dhyani Mudra:  Sitting as above, placing your left hand in your right, palms facing up, bringing your two thumb tips to touch.  

 

Atmanjali Mudra:  Placing your palms together in "Namaste" where the hands are placed at your heart center, palms touching.   

There are many mudras and their meanings on-line.  Find your special mudra, couple a mantra . . . even simple phrases such as "I am peace" - Inhale "I am", Exhale "Peace", and use your breath as a tool to keep you focused on your intention or mantra to cultivate whatever it is that you are wanting to bring more centered in your life.  

 

Om Namah Shivaya 

 

~Jen

Ayurvedic Cleansing Tips for Radiant Health

Cleansing twice a year during the seasonal changes of Spring and Fall is highly recommended in helping you to reduce the presence of toxic buildup in your body and mind while allowing you to build a stronger power of digestion and immunity. In Ayurveda the term for the toxins that build up in the system is Ama, while the power of digestion is called Agni. Below are some tips on how to build your Agni and reduce your Ama so that you can enjoy radiant health and wellness all year long.

What is Agni?

Agni is the Sanskrit word for the digestive fire that stimulates the breakdown of nutrients that we take into our bodies and it is considered the cornerstone of good health. In general when we speak about Agni we are speaking of the digestive capabilities of the body and specifically the Agni that is situated in the lower stomach and small intestines (Jathara Agni), but actually there are 13 different Agni’s that govern all metabolic functions and it can be said that all processes involving heat, light, transformation and conversion relate to Agni. So a strong and healthy Agni allows for the absorption, assimilation, metabolism, and digestion of nutrients from food but also allows for proper sense perception, cellular metabolism and mental assimilation. In short a healthy Agni affects both body and mind, which means that when we are cleansing we would be wise to become conscious of all that we take in to our bodies and minds through both our diet and our environment.

Signs of healthy Agni are:

• Strong digestive capabilities & a steady appetite
• Bright eyes & skin
• Pain free joints
• A desire for nourishing foods
• An aversion to foods and substances that are unhealthy
• Steady clear moods
• Healthy immune response
• Clean smelling urine, feces, and sweat
• A strong sense of energy that carries us through the day
• Inspiration and excitement for life
• A focused mind with an ability to grasp new information

Ways to Strengthen Your Agni:

• Don’t overeat (food or information!)
• Eat at regular mealtimes and avoid eating late at night
• Avoid ice cold drinks, especially with meals
• Sip warm water throughout the day
• Get enough sleep (the hours before midnight are worth twice as much as the hours after midnight!)
• Spice your food with gentle warming herbs such as Cumin, Ginger, or small amounts of Cayenne
• Get regular exercise
• Meditate daily or at least allow time for silence and stillness in your day

What is Ama?

Ama is a toxic residue that is formed within the channels and organs of the body from our undigested food. When our Agni (digestive fire) is impaired and we are unable to break down what we take in our ability to absorb nutrients is weakened and the slower process of digestion leads to the formation of Ama in the body. In the same way if we are taking in too much information and not allowing ourselves time to digest it our minds will also become overburdened resulting in mental Ama the signs or which are confusion or depression. Ayurveda links most health disorders to the presence of Ama in the system and views it as one of the greatest threats to good health, both mental and physical. When our Agni (digestive process) is strong than we are able to process Ama easily, and for this reason seasonal cleanses are fabulous for prevention of disease and maintenance of vibrant health as they give our systems the opportunity to clean up anything we weren’t able to digest.

Signs of Ama buildup are:

• Weak digestion resulting in chronic constipation, diarrhea, or gas
• Bad breathe and a coated tongue in the morning
• Dull skin or skin that is prone to breakouts
• Dull or irritated eyes
• Aching joints
• Lack of appetite
• Unhealthy cravings
• Strong body odor
• Fatigue that is constant
• Frequent colds and recurring infections
• Depression or lack of motivation
• Brain fog
• Lack of zest for life
• Frequent feelings of overwhelm

Ways to Reduce Ama:

• Follow the tips below for strengthening Agni
• Do seasonal cleanses in the Spring and Fall
• Eat a primarily whole foods diet
• Avoid all processed and refined foods
• Exercise regularly to increase circulation and assist your body in moving ama out of the channels of the body
• Dry brush or take steam baths as often as possible
• Drink more water and herbal tea
• Reduce clutter in your home, let go of anything you no longer use
• Allow time for emptiness each day by eating only when you are truly hungry and not filing every moment of the day with activity
• Make a practice of reviewing your year, making peace with your mistakes, and creating life-affirming intentions on your birthday or whenever you celebrate the new year.

About the Author

My name is Natalie Rousseau-Horscroft and I am an Anusara-InspiredTM Yoga Teacher as well as an E-RYT 500 registered with the Yoga ...
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The Greatest Pilgrimage of the Soul

I cannot explain specifically what it was that called me to go to the Northwest Yoga Conference but the calling was strong. 

I went to my very first Yoga class in university 16 years ago.  I fell asleep in Shavasana EVERY single time.  I fell in love with how relaxed and peaceful I felt at the end of class.  However, after I used up my 10-week pass I didn't continue with it aside from the Rodney Yee videos I had at home.  I have suffered from back pain for most of my adult life and found that when I did the videos I often hurt my back because I wasn't doing it safely.  There was a few years of time that went by before I went back to Yoga and this time at a well known Hot Yoga Studio in my city.  I attended classes there for 7 years, 4 of which was during a period of time that I was training for Physique Competitions.  At that time, although I still loved the feeling of Shavasana, I very much looked at Yoga as an addition to my workout regime.  It wasn't until I completed my degree as a Respiratory Therapist and moved out of the Physique Competition world that I really began to seek out what else Yoga meant to me.  My interest was peaked.  I am a Buddhist and always felt that fed my spiritual realm.  But still, I craved more.  I was introduced to a woman who would become one of my favorite yoga instructors, the same woman whom I journalled about at the Conference this past weekend.  I pay homage and gratitude to her before and after each of the classes I teach.  Adrienne Shum.  I have learned about Ayurveda and fell in love with Kirtan because of my experiences in her classrooms. 

I completed my Ashtanga Yoga Teacher Training in India and, aside from marrying my best friend and giving birth to my two beautiful boys, it was THEE most exhilarating, life changing experience for me.  I met so many incredible people, some of whom I have formed lifelong friendships with.  But mostly the introspection and self awareness I gained propelled me to a place where I wanted to learn even more.  Ever since my return from India and now my move across the country from East to West, having left my entire community of family and friends, I have become even more introspective and desiring more from the world of Yoga.  I live in a small community where Yoga is a new concept that is growing, and I see so many who see it as a workout like I did.  I know with time that many will be left with interests peaked and I see myself as the person with the passion to provide that place to land their mats. 

I have been pining to return to India as I feel my soul belongs there.  When I saw the Conference advertised, somehow it felt like a connection to India; a place where I would meet incredible people all hungry for the desire to learn more about Yoga and themselves.  I also saw it as a place to network and gain ideas for the "how" to combine what I have to offer with discovering what the needs/wants of my community are.  Also, since leaving the Prairies and all my loved ones, although I have been blessed with some beautiful new friends, I have felt an immense loneliness and lack of community (especially of the Yoga kind).  We are always changing and therefore always learning new things about ourselves.  Sometimes when we are left with so much space and lack of distraction, what comes from that is discovering things about our inner spirits that is scary.  I have discovered things about myself that I believe have always been there, but lying just below the surface, covered up by the distraction of life; extreme levels of anxiety and panic, and a lot of sadness at the loss of my community - the lack of the people I love most in the world at arms reach.  I've discovered that joy, happiness and peace are only easily accessible to me when I am outdoors in nature, in the fresh air, close to the highest power in the universe, and on my mat. 

I saw the possibility with the workshops not only to learn about things that will broaden my knowledge as a teacher and pass on those benefits to my students, but mostly, things that would fill up my soul; taking me to a place where I know my truest self and happiness.   The best part was that I would do it with a grand community; the thing I feel that lifts my spirit most.  Given that our Canadian dollar is at an all-time low, I almost didn't sign up.  I went to bed and dreamed about the conference, woke up thinking about it wishing to go, couldn't stop thinking about it while in my morning yoga practice and the feelings were so strong that I knew I just had to go.  The calling was as strong for me as when I made my decision to go to India.  I believed that what I stood to gain did not have a monetary value and so I registered.  I was most excited to participate in the workshops of one of my favorite teachers on MyYogaOnline, Clara Roberts-Oss.  The spirit she embodies is even warmer in person as I already felt it online.  Little did I know that many others I would receive workshops from would touch my spirit in profound ways.  Silvia Mordini was gracious enough to fly in early and fill in for Sadie for my first workshop, all day intensive - WHAT A TREAT!  She is an incredible, beautiful woman (Lakshmi).  She inspired me to take another look at the Yoga Sutras which I read before training, and be able to see the sutras in a whole other context.  "You'll never need another self help book" is what she said, and I believe she is right.  This excites me!  Terilyn Wyre - BEST yoga class I've EVER experienced IN MY LIFE!  Her beautiful Bhakti soul opened my heart right up and the tears were flowing throughout the entire class.  The beautiful musicians that accompanied many of the classes I took were the tip of the iceberg.  I was introduced to the spirit of Bhakti, which leaves me desiring to learn more.  I have moved into a new realm of curiosity, desire to increase my study and the ability to share what I learn with my community.  I believe strongly that this calling may have brought me some clarity on the multiple benefits I could achieve by having a mentor and thus brought me closer to determining some incredible possibilities. 

I was able to network with some very incredible people and create some new friendships.  And it all started with an attempt to room share.  I discovered that the universe delivered to me the most beautiful human spirits.  We were meant to find one another through this journey.  We came from far and wide.  It was as though the universe handpicked us to find one another.  One of the greatest fortunes I believe I experienced on this journey. 

The NorthWest Yoga Conference 2016 had some challenges of their own but they were all handled with such grace and care, ensuring the show went on so that all of us who had our calling to this Pilgrimage of the Soul could land our hearts and mats where they needed to be.  I know that it takes a village of loving and devoted people to create and then manifest a conference of this magnitude into something as incredible as it was. 

Thank you to each and every person involved in this conference from the creator, Melissa Lundsgaard, who had a vision and then carried it forward, all the amazing teachers who travelled from around the world to bless us with their teachings and wisdom, and mostly the beautiful people who attended and shared your energy with me and everyone around you! 

What an incredible gift I gave myself . . . this Pilgrimage to inspire more :) Namaste
Jen

Asanas for the Soul

Wouldn't it be great if we could always go somewhere magical any time we wanted to to feel closer to attaining that feeling you expect to get from your yoga practice . . . closer to bliss.  For me, I long to go back to India during those moments I feel I'm wanting to tap into that deep connection I had to yoga itself and my personal practice when I was in India for my teacher training.

Well it's not so simple given the realities of life to just hop on a plane and fly where you want unless of course you have a disposable income of monies!  But it's so simple to come to your mat, close your eyes, maybe light some incense, start to breathe and visualize and tap into that feeling you wish to attain.  It's often said that the mind is a POWERFUL thing . . . it is!  If you visualize it, you can experience it.

If you come to your mat day in and out, and feel sometimes like a piece is missing .  . . visualize that connection and it will be there.  Your mat can be such a magical place to start and end your day!  It's whatever experience you want it to be . . . it's your place to be . . . well, you.  Namaste

~ Genevieve

Feed the Soul "Creamy" Mushroom & Thyme Soup

The beginnings of something warm, hearty and delicious . . . 

 

The finished product of Om... so good 

It is most certainly a great time of year for an earthy, hearty soup.  The combination of mushrooms and thyme . . . just the aroma itself when preparing it . . . brings a sense of comfort.  

This particular version is completely vegan, gluten, nut and dairy free.  

In the process of creating balance and wellness in your life, making healthy food choices is a great stepping stone.  When you make the choice to seek out healthier options not only does your body respond but your soul does as well.  I'm a big believer in "everything in moderation"; that way, if the majority of your choices are healthy ones then there is more room for "indulgences" without the guilt attached.  That is a true path to balance.  Besides, after enjoying any activity that leaves you with that endorphin glow; whether it be a good run, a hike, winter skiing, a walk with a good friend, a spin class, a resistance training session or an awesome session on your yoga mat; the desires most often are to continue on that path of goodness.  

So whether it's a chilly day, or you're just feeling the desire for some warm comfort in a bowl, I hope you enjoy this recipe.  

"Creamy" Mushroom & Thyme Soup

Ingredients

• 2½ tsp coconut oil, divided
• 4 stalks of celery, chopped
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• ½ tsp sea salt
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 10 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced* (additional for garnish)
• 10 oz white button mushrooms, sliced* (additional for garnish)
• 2 tsp chopped fresh thyme (additional for garnish)
• 2 cups low-sodium vegetable (or chicken) broth
• 1 can low-sodium chickpeas
• 1 cup plain, unsweetened rice (or almond) milk - rice for nut allergies
• * If you can find them in your grocery store, use 4 oz shitake mushrooms and then 8 oz each of cremini and white button mushrooms for an even greater distinctive flavour.

Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat 2 tsp coconut oil on medium. Add the celery, onion and salt. Saute until soft, stir often ~ 7 mins
2. Add the garlic, mushrooms and thyme and saute until the mushrooms are tender ~5 mins
3. Add the broth and chickpeas and bring to a boil. Cover and then simmer for ~ 10 mins
4. Add the milk and heat until its warmed
5. Remove from the stove and transfer the soup base to a large blender (I use my Vitamix) - you may have to do it half at a time unless your blender is large enough to handle the entire batch. N.B. Remove the plastic stopper from your blender lid and use a towel instead as the soup is hot.
6. Puree until smooth and then return to your pot.
7. Sautee your mushrooms set aside for garnish in the remaining ½ tsp of coconut oil on medium.
8. Garnish your soup with the sauteed mushrooms and additional thyme set aside. Sprinkle with a dash of fresh ground pepper and VOILA!!!

 Namaste ~Genevieve

Harmonious Bliss

WELCOME to my new space . . . I'm so excited about this new blog.  This will be a great place to share my passion with you in hopes of creating more room for peace and well being.  

What you will find here will be recipes that feed the soul, words of encouragement and motivation, workouts and activities that create balance, breakdowns of yoga asanas (postures) for enhanced alignment cues and safety with modifications, and things that bring me joy and peace.  My hope here is that sharing with you will lend towards creating a greater sense of harmonious bliss for you all!  

Part of my journey this year was an intention I set for myself toward being more present in my life.  I decided that a great way to achieve this was to think about something/one each day, big or small, that I was grateful for.  I decided I'd create a journal so I could look back at the end of the year and reflect.  I've chosen to share it on Instagram.  If you would like to share with me you can check out my 365 Days of Gratitude @genevievert 

Thank you for sharing with me . . . Namaste ~Genevieve