WHAT IS A POWER ANIMAL?

Heard of Power Animals? Maybe you have even met your own Spirit Animal! What is a Power Animal? How can you find yours? What do they do and mean? Read on and find out!

A POWER ANIMAL GUIDE

A Power Animal is a compassionate energy that comes to support you. Often, we’ll say that they walk with you in your life. This means that they accompany you and can offer guidance and help on your path.

In the shamanic view, everything is ALIVE, and you can communicate with everything. You can ask questions and receive answers from people, animals, plants, but also minerals, rocks, or elements like water or fire, spirits of place … EVERYTHING!

In the case of Spirit or Power Animals, the positive and helpful energies come in the form of … animals.

What is my Spirit Animal? Get in touch for a session and find out

WHAT DO POWER ANIMALS DO?

Spirit animals bring you their medicine! In general, they offer you strength and power to live the life you want. And each individual Power Animal also offers you his own message: Snake brings you Snake wisdom, Tiger brings you Tiger wisdom, Dolphin that of the dolphins, Wolf that of the wolf …

For the shaman or shamanic practitioner, Spirit Animals are essential and powerful helpers for shamanic work.

WHO HAS SPIRIT ANIMALS?

Everyone has one or more Power Animals, not only shamans! All you have to do is … meet them!

A Power Animal may stay with you all your life. Other Spirit Animals walk with you for a certain time, maybe to help you through difficulties or changes. And then they may leave and are replaced by other Power Animals.

Meeting your very own Power Animals is like opening a beautiful door to life. The more you cultivate your relationship with them, the deeper, more beautiful and more powerful it becomes.

This work transformed my life and this is why I offer you the opportunity to deepen your relationship with your Power Animal through the mentorship program Spirit Animal, Power Animal. In this training, you’ll learn practical applications of this very special relationship. Because, yes, shamanism is useful tech in the modern world!

Spirit Animal Power Animal training

WHAT IS MY POWER ANIMAL?

Here are 3 ways to meet your Spirit Animal:

By asking a shaman or a shamanic practitioner to find him/her for you.

By finding your Power Animal yourself by journeying to the shamanic worlds.

By being receptive to the Universe’s messages.

When you consult a shaman or a shamanic practitioner, he / she will do a shamanic journey for you, called Power Animal Retrieval. This ceremony is the beginning of a beautiful love story, and I love to do it for my clients – get in touch if you are interested!

If you would like to meet your Power Animal yourself, you can learn shamanic journeying. It’s a skill I teach in group classes or as privates. The mentorship and training Spirit Animal, Power Animal offers a fantastic way to meet one of your spirit guides, and then learn how to deepen the relationship. All classes are possible in person and online.

Can you find your Spirit Animal without shamanic journeying? Yes absolutely! Open up your intuition, be receptive to messages, listen to your dreams, inquire in your meditations, observe the “coincidences” of your life. Power Animals have many -and sometimes very funny- ways, to ask for your attention!

Want more information? Send me an email

WHAT DOES MY POWER ANIMAL MEAN?

You’ll find lots of cool resources in books and online. I’m pretty sure that if you have already met your Power Animal, you have Googled his/her meaning online!

Meanings, symbols and stories for the same Spirit Animal vary from culture to culture, and very often depend on geography. It seems normal that a penguin could be a Power Animal for someone who comes or is the descendant from cold climate people. And this same penguin will likely not be known as a Spirit Guide for people from the Amazonian forest. and its fascinating to find out.

However, some Power Animal share common meanings across cultures. Other times, we’ll encounter different animals in different cultures that share symbolic characters. Bear and Elephant are an example, as are the similarities between different families of felines. All this makes for many interesting discoveries, and I wish you happy reading!

For me, direct revelation is a great way of knowing what my Power Animals’ specialties are. Hence, asking them directly is the best way to find out about their medicine. Their answers are sometimes surprising and can be quite different from external resources. Their message is specially tailored for you instead of being a one-size-fits-all

HOW TO HONOR MY SPIRIT ANIMAL?

There are thousands of ways to honor your Power Animal ! I’ll talk about that in another post.

My Power Animals and I say “Bye bye and talk soon!”

Spirit Animals come in different shapes and sizes like this hedgehog

Book a free call

LAUGH and be HAPPY with LAUGHTER YOGA

Laugh and be happy! But does yoga have to do with laughter ? Enter: Laughter Yoga and laugh for no reason! What is Laughter Yoga? I found out!

I am always on the lookout for practices that bring joy and well-being and Laughter Yoga had been on my back burner for years. I have often been told that I had a recognizable (and contagious) laugh. And I’m a cartoonist on my other job, so hey, laughter and yoga? Yeah bring it on!
So when I had the opportunity to do Laughter Yoga Leader Training with Teresa Corrigan, a nurse at UCSF Hospital in San Francisco, I said YES!

WHAT IS LAUGHTER YOGA?

In the Yogi family, I’m asking for … The Clown! Hello, and meet Laughter Yoga!

Laughter Yoga, or Hasya Yoga in Sanskrit terms, was created in 1995 by an Indian doctor from Mumbai and his wife, Madan and Madhuri Kataria.

In Laughter Yoga, there are 2 simple principles:
1. Laughing makes you happier and healthier.
2. The body does not know if you are really laughing or faking it! Even forced laughter is good! So, laugh, and all is coming.

LAUGHTER YOGA: LAUGH WITH YOUR BODY!

Yes but how to laugh? In Laughter Yoga, we laugh … for no reason! No jokes, no comedy, no making fun. In fact, no talking! In fact, you don’t even need to feel happy: your brain is not doing the laughing!

Laughter Yoga is about BODY laughing. Laughter exercises start by forcing your laughter, and very very often, you’ll end up laughing for REAL!

For example, repeat Ha Ha Ho Ho while moving around the room. Or go introduce yourself to another laughter yogi not with the usual greeting, but with a hearty laugh! Everything is an excuse to laugh: pretending to wash your hair, drinking a burning hot coffee, driving a big truck … Yup, you’ve got it: the idea is to not take yourself seriously, create funny situations and … laugh out loud!

WHY IS LAUGHTER YOGA CALLED YOGA?

Because, just like yoga, Laughter Yoga cultivates a joyful attitude in body, mind, spirit and in the present moment. This joy shines on, even when you are not laughing!

And also laughter, is like … Pranayama, yogic breathing exercises. Laughing makes you breathe deeply, relax, and see the bright side of life!

Ho ho ha ha ha!

Hello ho ho ha ha ha! Laught with the yogic telephone!

NEW YEAR, NEW YOU! A FIRE RITUAL TO WELCOME CHANGE

Done with the hangover? Ready for the new year? Grab a glass of champagne and set yourself up for this beautiful ritual. Bid the past year goodbye, and welcome all wonderful things to come!

NEW YEAR: TO ENDS AND NEW BEGINNINGS

NEW YEAR, NEW YOU!

Before making a new start, review your past year, and clear out what no longer serves!

I mean, think of your glass of champagne : you wouldn’t think of filling your glass if it’s still full : you have to empty it first!

Well, it’s the same for us human beings : make room first, THEN fill up with all good things!

CLOSE THE YEAR

Review your year. Celebrate the beautiful things that happened! And for the not so beautiful? Well, honor them too. Review what came about in the year, and give THANKS for EVERYTHING.

OPENING TO THE NEW YEAR

Goodbye old, Hello new! Set the good things in motion with this FIRE Ritual:

FIRE RITUAL FOR THE NEW YEAR

For this New Year ritual, you will need:

– A candle (and whatever you like to light it),
– A bowl filled with water,
– Paper and pen,
– Any other object you want to have with you.

Choose objects you like: a beautiful candle, your favorite bowl, your favorite essential oil.
Choose a time when you’ll be uninterrupted.

Take a few deep breaths, and get started!

RITUAL 1. LIGHT A CANDLE

Choose a clean space and light a candle.
Decorate your space with flowers, burn incense, spray essential oils, set up an altar, ring your gong, sing … Create your own ritual space!

RITUAL 2. CENTER YOURSELF

Take a few deep breaths, place your hands in prayer or on your heart…

RITUAL 3. STATE THE INTENT OF YOUR RITUAL

“I honor and thank the year that is ending, and I open to the coming year. “

RITUAL 4. MAKE A SMALL LIST

Write down the important events of your year.

RITUAL 5. READ OUR LOUD AND SAY THANKS

State and thank each event. Say “Thank you” to the people, places and things that took part in the events. Honor all events, beautiful and less beautiful.

RITUAL 6. BYE BYE PAST!

Fold your list. Burn the paper in the candle flame (don’t burn your fingers!). Goodbye and thank you, Past.
Dip the paper in the bowl of water to extinguish the flame.

RITUAL 7. WELCOME NEW YEAR!

Say clearly: “I open with love, compassion, curiosity and joy to the coming year”. Say it with your own words!

RITUAL 8. CLOSE YOUR RITUAL

Center yourself and close your sacred space: blow out your candle, empty the bowl of water. Then close with a song, a mantra, a sound of a bell …

Have fun!

Happy New Year ! May all your wishes come true!
OM Shanti, Peace on Earth.

Winter SOLSTICE MEDITATION

Solstice falls December 21st (or 22nd) ! To honor the Winter Solstice, the darkest day of the year in the northern hemisphere, here’s a solstice-special guided meditation for you. We’ll meditate on inner light, YOUR inner light!

And if under your skies, it’s the Summer Solstice, enjoy! And read on to meditate on your inner Sun!

EMBRACE SHADOW AND LIGHT ON THE WINTER SOLSTICE

In the northern hemisphere, the winter solstice on Dec 21-22 is the shortest day of the year. The sun rises late and sets early. The nigh is long!

Winter Solstice also marks the time when days start to get longer. Only a teeny bit longer, yes, but every day brings a teeny bit more light. Yay!

So is winter solstice a festival of Shadow or a festival of Light? Well, Shadow always comes with Light, and Light always with Shadow. We’ll honor both!

Today we’ll do a 5 minute guided video meditation. We’ll dive into the silence of the night to meet the light: YOUR inner light. Just like a great fire heats and illuminates the dark cold winter, go to meet your deepest and brightest light!

MEDITATION FOR THE WINTER SOLSTICE

Get Comfy and ready for a sweet 5 minute Winter Solstice Meditation. Greet your Light!

WHAT IF IT’S THE SUMMER SOLSTICE ?

Wonderful! Celebrate the Summer Solstice with the same meditation! Think summer instead of winter, and honor the great fire, our Sun, that is alive in your inner light! Oh YES!

Namaste! (which means “the light in me greets the light in you.” Very appropriate for the Solstice! More on Namaste to be translated soon)

Happy Solstice! Happy Holidays !

Go Deeper: All Meditation practices here

Stay away from the SNIFFLES with BRIDGE POSE, Setu Bandha Sarvangasana

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It’s cold, flu and sniffles season! Say no to winter bugs and boost your immune system with Bridge Pose, Setu Bandha Sarvangasana.

Yoga for immunity Bridge Pose Setu Bandha Sarvangasana

Note : Practice in a SHIRT in Cold Weather!

BRIDGE POSE FOR LYMPH CIRCULATION

The lymph plays an important role in the immune response. It transports white blood cells, picks up pathogens it finds on its way and bring them to the lymph nodes, where they are eradicated.

Unlike the blood -which is set in motion by the heart, lymph doesn’t get pumped to circulate. It moves mainly under the action of gravity and muscle contractions.

In other words: Move your bod’ to move your lymph. Bonus points if you get yourself upside down to get stuff moving even more!

In Bridge Pose, Setu Bandha Sarvangasana, not only are you moving your body, you are also going upside down! This gets your lymph to flow from bottom to top, collecting all the little germs and delivering them to the lymph nodes. EXPRESS.

BRIDGE POSE FOR BREATH AND DIGESTION

Setu Bandha Sarvangasana opens the chest: your breath deepens and nourishes your body fully, allowing your immune system to function optimally.

Also, Bridge Pose stimulates digestion. And a happy gut eliminates pathogens better. Be sure to pamper your digestive track with yoga!

HOW TO DO SETU BANDHA SARVANGASANA, BRIDGE POSE?

yoga for winter immunity bridge pose setu bandha sarvangasana

Bridging the gap between your health and yoga is as easy as Setu Bandha Sarvangasana!

– Lie on your back, arms at your sides, knees bent and feet on the floor at the width of the pelvis.

– Press your feet and arms into the ground.

– Lift the pelvis and direct your tail bone to the back of the knees.

– Interlace your hands on the mat, if you want.

– Keep your thighs at the width of the pelvis, and continue to direct your tailbone towards the back of the knees.

– Lift the sternum.

– Breathe!

– To get out of Bridge Pose, release the interlace of your hands and release your spine to the floor one vertebra at a time.

Go Deeper: Take care of yourself with:

– Boost your immunity with turmeric-ginger tea! (to be posted soon -still translating!!)

– Go upside-down! All about the benefits of inversions, and Downward Facing Dog, one of yoga’s favorite inversions! (also soon to be posted)

– Get your lymph moving with these 3 Postures for Energy (yay! Already translated!!).

– Open your heart more with Bhujangasana, Cobra Pose!

BEAT the HOLIDAY MELTDOWN with FINGER MEDITATION

The Holidays are here soon! For a peaceful holiday season, try this great Finger Meditation for all ages. Spread the joy: share with Grandma, your uncle, your sweetheart and all the little elves in your life!

LIVE THE HOLIDAYS WITH SERENITY

Yes, it’s that time of the year : sharing, gifting and spending time with family and friends. And if the Holiday season also means stress and anxiety for you, that’s normal too!

To live the best of the Holiday season, make sure you make time for self-care! Make a little time each day just for you. Sit quietly for a few minutes in your bed before getting up, take a walk outside before you cook, plan to go to a yoga class after gift shopping … One word: Time for You!

Here is a beautifully simple meditation : Finger Meditation!
Fit it into your day –once, twice (or 3 or 4 times!). And share the joy: show the Finger Meditation to the people around you, young and ahem… younger.

It’s simple and sweet: all you need to do is count on your fingers! My 2 year-old yogini is learning to count, and loves this.

Finger Meditation’s long and deep breaths help calm the nervous system. Perfect to keep you in balance this crazy busy Holiday Season!

HOW TO DO FINGER MEDITATION?

Ready to count yourself to the clouds of your inner landscape?
Here we go!

How to Finger Meditate?

Finger Meditation is as easy as 1-2-3!

– Sit comfortably, or lie down.

– Take a few deep breaths to center yourself.

– Make a gentle fist with your hand, and exhale.

– Inhale and count 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 as you unfurl your fingers.

– Exhale and count as you fold your fingers back into a fist: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.

– Easy peasy! Keep it up!

– When you are ready to stop, take a few deep breaths.

– Open your eyes !

Finger Meditation is a gorgeous variation of Sama Vrtti Pranayama, Rhythmic Breath. I love this Finger Meditation. It is more tactile than the classic version (in which you count in your head), and kids (and adults newer to Pranayama and Meditation) love it!

On your marks, set, countdown to Meditation!

I wanna meditate! 6 TIPS to KICK START your MEDITATION practice

THIS IS IT. You’ve made up your mind: you are going to start your meditation practice and stick to it.
Yay!!

And then as you settle down, your back becomes achy, your toes suddenly itch and your mind is going on (and on) about its own life. Can’t they just let you meditate??

Well, here’s the news: every meditator has gone through the itchy foot, the crampy back and the monkey mind!

And here are my top 6 tips to kick start your meditation practice once and for all. See you in the clouds!

1. Meditation 101: Start short

And when I say short, I mean SHORT.

As short as a few deep breaths, 1 minute, 2 minutes, 5 minutes … Start with a duration that seems POSSIBLE.

No point striving for 20mn in full silence if it’s your first time and your speeding mind is like a hamster on a treadmill.

2. Meditation 101: Enjoy the Journey!

Meditation is a journey: we enjoy the route too, not only the destination.
You may not reach Nirvana in this life, but you can certainly enjoy the benefits of meditation every day!

3. Meditation 101: You can’t “meditate wrong”

Sometimes it’s tough to meditate. And sometimes slipping into a meditative state is so simple and yummy. That’s the way meditation is. Even if you feel like you’re not doing it, it’s impossible to go wrong in meditation. You learn about yourself and renew body and soul during EVERY meditation. Keep it up!

4.Meditation 101: Find your style

Silent meditation, breath-based meditation, mantra meditation, meditations with songs, the sounds of nature, or soft music. Meditation techniques are infinite and each person has his/her preferences.

Some days I’m totally into chanting mantras, and others I prefer to sit in silence. And I love going to a sound meditation class, with singing bowls, gongs and other sound therapy instruments. Try different meditation techniques and have fun!

5. Meditation 101: cOMFORT FIRST

Your favorite meditation seat is Lotus Pose (Padmasana)? That’s great! If you’d rather lie down with a cushion under your knees or sit in a chair, that’s great too!

Remember, it is impossible to “meditate wrong”: there is no “right” way to sit in meditation, only the RIGHT way for YOU.

6. MEDITATION 101: Create a routine

Make meditation part of your daily routine! That’s one of the best ways to make sure you’ll keep at it!

Find the time of day it’s most convenient: in the morning before everyone else gets up, right after your shower, in the evening as the sun goes down… Routine will make you more likely to practice meditation daily. I think (and many meditation practitioners will tell you): you’ll reap more benefits if you meditate 15 minutes every day than 1 hour a week.

So settle down, breathe in, breath out and … off you go to Meditation Land!

AWAKEN your taste buds with HOMEMADE CRANBERRY JAM

It’s Thanksgiving in the U.S.A. We celebrate Harvest Festival and saying “Thank You” to life for all we have. And it’s also CRANBERRY season! Yes, the fruit made famous by one of my favorite cocktails, the Cosmopolitan! Here’s a virgin (but no less tasty) way of consuming the cranberry super fruit : Home-made Cranberry Jam!

KID ACTIVITY OF THE WEEK

Here in Northern California, we are experiencing devastating forest fires. Our thoughts go out to all those in suffering. We are thankfully far from the fires, and have been living in smoke for over a week now. Our air quality index is pretty nasty, ranging from ‘Unhealthy’ to downright ‘Hazardous’.

We call the rain and the end of the fires!

At home, we have our HEPA air filters working 24/7, and ideas for keeping cooped-up kids (and parents) busy.

Today is Cranberry Jam Day.

CRANBERRY HEALTH BENEFITS

bowl of raw cranberries fro cranberry jam

Luscious red cranberries, ready for jam!

These plump bright red berries are of the same species as blueberries. Indigenous Americans and First Nations were already consuming cranberries as medicine long before European settlers arrived. Today too we are all about cranberries’ super hero properties. They are bursting with anti-oxidants, vitamins, fiber. Cranberries also help prevent urinary tract infections.

Of course, raw and least processed cranberries are the most nutritious. But let’s face it, munching on these sour berries is not the yummiest thing. Enter : Cranberry Jam, with the least amount of sugar you can manage, and cooked over low heat!

Its cranberry season here in North America, and buying fresh cranberries is easy. It’s also Thanksgiving this week in the USA. And if you’re not American, it doesn’t matter, it’s always the right time to say “Thank You” for all we have!

Instead of the traditional cranberry sauce that comes with turkey and mashed potatoes, we’re making cranberry jam!

We’re more toast and cracker people you see. And here is the recipe!

CRANBERRY (and apple) JAM RECIPE:

For a big jar:

– 350g fresh cranberries (12oz)

– 200 – 250g sugar (about a cup)

– 1 Apple

Yummy apple-cranberry jam!

Cranberry Jam Recipe:

– Peel (or leave unpeeled), seed and cut the apple into pieces.

– Place cranberries, sugar and apple pieces in a pot.

– Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, with a bit of water to keep the fruit from sticking.

– After 25 minutes, let it cool a little, and blend with a blender.

– Strain to remove skins and seeds.

– Return everything to the pot, and bring to gentle bubble again for 20 minutes.

– Pour into a sterilized jar, leave to cool.

– The next day, spread your deliciously beautiful and tart cranberry jam on toast or spoon into yogurt.

Yum! Happy Thanksgiving! If you don’t celebrate, you can still say Yeah to the Attitude of Gratitude and “thank you” to life, with these posts on the Gratitude Journal and Say Thank You and Be Happy (posts coming).

Balance YIN and YANG with Ardha Chandrasana, Half Moon Pose

Be both powerful and light with Ardha Chandrasana, Half Moon Pose! Stand on one leg and honor the half-moon in the sky this week.

WHAT IS ARDHA CHANDRASANA?

In Sanskrit, “Ardha” means “half, semi” and “Chandra” is the moon!
Ardha Chandrasana is Half Moon Pose.

HARNESS THE HALF MOON’S ENERGY

This week, half the moon is lit up, and the other half is in the shadows.

Half-Moon energy is the balance of light and shadow, Yang and Yin, masculine and feminine.
Half-Moon Pose combines Yang and masculine physical strength, with Yin and feminine grace. Yang light, and Yin shadow.

Balancing on one leg kind of upside-down AND gracefully opening your body all the way to the tips of your toes? Yep, that sure calls for power and elegance!

How to do Ardha Chandrasana?

Power and Grace in Half Moon Pose!

Traditionally, Half Moon Pose is entered via Utthita Trikonasana, Triangle Pose. You can also start in Warrior 2 (Virabhadrasana 2) if you prefer.

– Choose your starting posture: Utthita Trikonasana or Virabhadrasana 2,

– Bend your right knee,

– Step your left foot forward,

– Put your right hand on the ground, in front and to the right of your right foot (use a yoga block if the floor is too far).

– Keep your right foot and knee pointing forward and straighten your right leg.

– Float the left foot off the ground, and stretch your left leg.

– Turn the torso to the left, turn your head to look up, stretch your arms open.

– Breathe!

– To exit Ardha Chandrasana, bend the right knee, place the left foot on the ground, and return to Utthita Trikonasana, Triangle Pose, or Virabhadrasana 2, Warrior 2.

Then do Half-Moon Pose to the left!

The benefits of Ardha Chandrasana Half-Moon Pose

– Stretches the legs, groin, and lower back.

– Tones the legs and torso.

– Uplifts! By opening the chest and shoulders and … by seeing things from a different angle, head down!

– Improves balance and sharpens focus.

– Relieves premenstrual and menstrual pains.

– Relieves pressure in the pelvis during late pregnancy.

– Stimulates digestion.

– Relieves certain lumbar and sciatic pains.

Tips for an ecstatic Half Moon Pose:

My lower back hurts!

Draw the tailbone towards the back foot so as not to over-arch your spine.

I keep falling in Half-Moon Pose!

Focus on a point on the floor instead of upwards. Very soon you’ll be gazing at the sky too!

You can also bend the leg you are balancing on, to keep steady. Straighten the knee slowly when you find your balance.

If you keep falling, you can do Ardha Chandrasana with your back against a wall.

I can’t turn in Half-Moon Pose!

Try Ardha Chandrasana with a block under your right hand.
Or do Half Moon Pose with your back against a wall so you can turn the torso without losing balance.

Contraindications to Ardha Chandrasana

Neck pain ?
Look on the ground, or in front of you, instead of up to the sky.

In case of advanced osteoporosis or very low blood pressure, do Ardha Chandrasana your back against a wall, to limit the risk of falling.

Half Moon Pose is stimulating!
If you have trouble sleeping avoid Ardha Chandrasana before going to bed. Also, avoid Half Moon Posture if you have a migraine.

Enjoy moon gazing! May the half-moon bring you balance between your shadow and light.
See you soon!

FRENCH WOMAN’S MAG BIBA LOVES Yes Yoga Be Well

My blog Yes Yoga Bien-Etre made it into Biba Buzz and I’m buzzing with joy!

‘Cause if one of France’s leading Women and Fashion Magazines loves the French version of Yes Yoga Be Well, it’s sooo very chic!

BIBA BEAUTY BUZZ AND YES YOGA BE WELL

The big French women’s magazine BIBA loves the French version of my blog Yes Yoga Be Well!

Yes Yoga Be Well made the Biba Buzz in its March 2018 issue (yes, I was slow to post the great news. It’s like great wine, time just makes it greater).

And if Biba is buzzing, so am I! BUZZZZZZ BUZZZZ BUZZZZZ!

Thank you Biba! And keep up the great work. We LOVE your curated tips, buzzing news and all the best trends in fashion, beauty, lifestyle and culture.