Aaaahh Spring...
Greetings with many notes of Spring!
Last month the students here, together with Zen Country Wellness, presented a cheque to Jen Lados, Community Educator and Counsellor from Haldimand Norfolk Women's Services for $1000, way to go friends!!! Many thanks for your contributions!!
Birds, butterflies and flowers are popping up everywhere. I've heard hummingbirds are back already; it's wonderful to hear and see the different songbirds.
Here in our woods we've seen mayapple, trilliums of white and burgundy, trout lily, Virginia springbeauty, and violets this past week. And just yesterday we spotted a Jack-in-the-pulpit.
What wonders of spring have you witnessed?
The warmth of spring is a time of renewal, with everything slowly greening up and blossoming. All this beauty beckons us outdoors as we engage in more walks and tend to our gardens.
These activities can allow us to let go of our suffering...
When I mention suffering, what comes up for you? Is it physical or emotional? Perhaps both...
When I experience suffering I often just want to run away from it, escape it somehow. But I know I can't escape it for very long. For me, walking in the woods or gardening helps to release the pain.
Years ago I was feeling very sorry for myself when I was left out of an important celebration. Feeling extremely sad, I wandered out to my gardens. I sat amongst sunflowers a few feet tall admiring their yellow beauty when I spotted a sight to behold. There amongst them was one sunflower, the stalk bent in a few places - yet still blooming! I walked over to it and sat in awe of this sunflower... bent over, hurt and looking rather tattered...yet still happy, alive and blooming. Well I wiped my tears of sadness and now instead I was shedding tears of joy for this amazing crippled sunflower that was still shining! It cheered me up immensely.
Often I'll write a letter about what I'm frustrated about, or write a letter to the person who has caused me the pain. I don't ever send the letter, instead it is shredded or burned in the fire. The act of writing/journaling can create a big shift allowing us to let go of a situation.. A huge weight is often lifted. It doesn't change the situation, but it allows for a release. When a letter is written then shredded or burned a transformation begins to take place.
Regardless of the suffering I am feeling, a walk in the warm sunshine surrounded by flowers, plants and trees is a wonderful way to lift my spirits. Especially this time of year when everything is 'waking up' from a long slumber.
Looking for a space to teach?
A couple of spaces are open for times to teach in our peaceful Zen studio. With heated cork floors, and windows overlooking fields and forest, the Zen Haus is a peaceful setting for many practices. Amanda will finish teaching June 27 then off as she prepares for the birth of her second child. We will miss her!! In the meantime, let us know if you'd like more info about teaching an activity/practice here at Zen Country Wellness.
Retreat at Ruthven
I'm honoured to have been asked to participate in the Ruthven Park National Historic Site's retreat this summer. The Wellness Retreat is Saturday, August 10, 9 AM - 4 PM at Ruthven near Cayuga and includes yoga, painting workshop, forest bathing, lunch and treats. For tickets or more info: https://www.ruthvenpark.ca/tickets/p/wellness-retreat
Big love and warm hugs,
Dori
Spring Classes
Mondays 10 AM - 11:15 Yoga - Dori
Wednesdays 10 AM - 11 Qigong - Dori
Wednesdays 7 PM - 8:15 Yoga - Dori
Thursdays 7 PM - 8 Yoga - Amanda (till June 27)
Both Yoga & Qigong have amazing benefits with regular practice: strengthens and stretches muscles, bones and spine; better balance and concentration; improves digestion; lowers blood pressure; calms the mind; better breathing habits; overall sense of well-being and so much more!!
Energy Exchange
10 Class Pass $140.
6 Class Pass $95.
Your first class is free for the experience!
Passes can be used for any of the classes and expire two years after issuing.
Zen Escape Mini Retreat
Saturday, June 1, 2024
9:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Zen Country Wellness: 74 Concession 6 Rd. Fisherville
Presented by Certified Instructors Dori Kienitz and Amanda Mullin
Energy Exchange $50
Find your Zen with us this Spring!
Ground the body, free the mind.
Feel more connected and lovingly supported.
Cherish and Nourish the SELF with YOUR Personal RETREAT.
Register early to reserve your space!
Our offering includes:
Calming Breathwork
Head to Toe Stretches with Chakra Clearing
Flow with Yoga & Qigong
Forest Walk with Grounding
Mindful Tea Sipping
Meditation & Mantra
Instrumental Soundscape & More!
Give yourself a peaceful morning to listen to the birds, the breeze and your breath, sip tea, connect with others and the earth. You will leave the retreat feeling renewed, refreshed, & more grounded.
Please register by May 5!
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