In October the 3rd Annual #Atozselflove Yoga Retreat took place at Nectar Yoga BNB on Bowen Island. Unintentionally, early in the planning stages, it had a spiritual undertone. With the passing of my grandmother just weeks before, this retreat was how I found my path to spiritual healing.
When I began this adventure with Self-love, it took on a very physical meaning. Going to get my hair done, buying myself new clothes and all those “things” that we tell ourselves will make us feel better. Truth is, until you’ve repaired all the things on the inside, you cannot start to truly heal.
Nectar Yoga BNB is that place to hang up the outside world and truly spend some time doing some self-reflection. I recognized in 2017 that I needed to find my way to spiritual healing and by now means have I healed. It’s all the little things that have truly made that journey to spiritual healing so much easier.
These are the 5 companies who truly made a large impact on how our retreat unfolded and continue to help guide me in my journey through spiritual healing!
Crystals and their healing powers have been of interest for the last 5 or so years. Moonlit Gems has a huge variety of gorgeous crystals and Palo Santo to help you manifest the spiritual healing you need! Within the past two years, you have definitely seen a rise in interest in crystals and the influences they have in your lives.
Why Crystals? Crystals are used to promote healing, enlightenment, and fulfillment. Crystals have long since been believed to have metaphysical properties and to enhance psychic abilities.
One of the amazing things about women and how in tune our bodies are with Mother Nature is how we tend to sync up when around females. Somehow just before the full moon, most of us were experiencing some lady issues. Sara + Ellie Jewelry must have known as these beautiful moon cycle earrings were the perfect fit. We talked deeply about moon cycles and our bodies and how we can always come back to that connection to mother nature and the moon.
The Relaxation Hut sent us each with these amazing eye pillows are filled with flax Seeds, lavender buds and lavender essential oil. The are the cherry on top when it comes to Savasana at the end of yoga. Savasana was actually one of the biggest reasons why I fell in love with yoga. It helped me realize that I could, in fact, get in touch with each individual part of my body.
At home on a daily basis, nothing says relax like a cup of tea or coffee. Our friend Brittney of Empire Of Sass makes these amazing cheeky mugs for all occasions. My Empire of Sass Mug in my cupboard is that constant reminder to not take it so seriously and a little connection is simply a cup away.
All of these little rituals are the start of me finding that path to spiritual healing! A deep breath-in is free and anyone can do it, it can replenish your heart on a hard day.
A few key pieces of skincare can also be that daily reminder to stop and take space. Whether it’s a simple spritz from the Rose Goddess Nectar from Sealuxe or the handmade salve from my online store Shop Ava To Zoe.
Sealuxe is an incredible local company who creates skincare using healthy ingredients infused with the Pacific ocean’s unique and natural elements. It’s a quick facial moisturizer that is not only an incredible pick me up but also smells AMAZING! This was perfect after late nights bonding with the ladies combined with early morning yoga wake ups!
Throughout out the day, I take timeouts when feeling overwhelmed and I use either the Rose Goddess Nectar or my Lavender Salve to help calm the irritability. The scents of these two products used separately or even together can turn my day around in a hurry! Sometimes simply slowing down is the best way to reconnect with your spirituality!
Taking care of your health is essential. Our bodies are like cars, you cannot just gas in it and expect it to run forever. The general maintenance of everyday operations requires proper nutrition and vitamins to keep us going!
MegaFood is making it easier and much more fun to take care of you with their new line of adult gummies. Containing 1 gram of sugar or less, this is the best and easiest way to take your supplements and truly start working on you from the inside out!
Last but not least, that gentle reminder to LAUGH! Sometimes, it is all you can do! Life is far too short! My girl Eva from Pau Creations Canada took the 3 keywords that I use when planning the retreat and truly brought it to life in apparel form. Pau Creations Canada create apparel and mugs with all sorts of fun sassy sayings and there isn’t a photo that I see of her product that doesn’t make me smile!
A simple tank top hanging in the closet can be all the reminder you need to take pause today and connect. Spiritual Healing starts with you, it’s not scary, it’s not hard. It does take some time but it will be one of the best things you do for you!
5 Easy Ways RECAP:
- Embrace Crystals and follow the path to enlightenment. They will add much beauty
- Pay attention to your Moon Cycles and what you are putting inside your body!
- Use small reminders to sneak away and meditate, connect, or just be one with yourself
- Your Skincare can be an amazing way to hit reset on your day and also show your body some much needed gentle love.
- Embrace laughter! Life is too short and sometimes you just have to laugh. Whether it’s a Tshirt or a Mug, enjoy it! Laughter is good for body, mind and soul!
All Photos provided courtesy of Ally Matos of Allyfotografy Media Co.
Namaste
I would love to go on a retreat like this . So peaceful. I’ll definitely have to put it on my bucket list .