"Your life is your practice"

My Saturday retreat with Karen Maezen Miller, Zen Buddhist priest and author of Momma Zen: Walking the Crooked Path of Motherhood, was nothing short of inspiring, relaxing, and forgiving.

Why forgiving? Because we all say or do things as parents that sometimes we wish we could take back. But with Maezen's guidance that day, those of us in attendance were reminded that we get to "start over" at any given moment, whenever we want, returning ourselves more fully to mindful parenting.

It's like meditation. When your mind begins to wander, gently bring it back to your breath. So it is with parenting. When your kids are driving you batty, breathe. When you're not getting enough sleep, breathe (and maybe cry... but breathe, too). When you need to let go of worry, exhale. Being mindful of your breath keeps you planted in the present moment—and doesn't that always lead to better decision making, parenting or otherwise?

Several other Blooma teachers and moms attended Maezen's Rochester retreat, too. What a luxury it was to spend a whole day for ourselves, taking time for yoga, for talking with other women, for learning from Maezen, for meditation, and for wandering the beautiful grounds of the Assisi Heights retreat center (pictured here).

For a quick fix of wisdom, Maezen-style, check her blog, Cheerio Road. Today's posting, "The Parent's Little List of Letting Go" is, as she puts it, "a seasonal refrain sung to the tune of a deep exhalation."

What have you done to pay attention to your breath today? Since I'm no Zen master, but can attest to how good it feels to meditate—even briefly—I'll pass along a few tips that Maezen gave during our retreat:

• Find just 5 minutes (you can do it!) and set the kitchen timer.
• Sit still, spine straight, palms open. Relax.
• Keep your eyes open and let your gentle gaze fall about 3 feet in front of you. (Eyes open because Zen meditation isn't about closing out distractions but meditating through them.)
• Inhale
• Exhale

Pretty simple, eh? If your mind wanders and you need something to focus on, count to two on your inhale, then four on your exhale. With regular practice, you'll find yourself more focused, more relaxed, and ready for anything your kids throw your way when your 5-minute timer dings.

Love,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

Birth & Baby Expo - Tomorrow!

Whether you're pregnant with your first child or already raising your little one, tomorrow's Twin Cities Birth & Baby Expo should have something fun and educational to pique your interest. (And pssst, Blooma is a sponsor of the event!) It will be a fantastic opportunity to meet doulas and midwives, learn about various childbirth methods, natural toys, and birth centers, and maybe even get a henna tatoo.

The event runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. tomorrow (Saturday) at the Midtown Global Market. (Click here for directions.) Admission is free, and the first 350 visitors get a goodie bag, too. If you're particularly interested in meeting doulas and midwives, show up at 11 a.m. for a special meet and greet.

Blooma's Liz Abbene will be there all day representing us, so be sure to say hello if you see her. Sadly, I'll miss the expo, but for another great event: The Mother's Plunge retreat in Rochester. I'll report back next week with details of the retreat. In the meantime, enjoy the Expo, and let us know all about it if you go!

Love,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

Wknd Workshops: Prenatal + Boot Camp for Dads!

The chance to help raise money for a new birth center in Uganda continues this weekend! We're offering two special workshops in which all the proceeds will benefit Blooming in Uganda.

On Saturday from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., we want to see every pregnant mama in the house for a special 2-hour Prenatal Yoga and Chiropractic Workshop with Sarah Longacre and Dr. Tim Fargo. He'll talk about ways to reduce pain and discomfort associated with pregnancy by using safe and natural techniques. He will also give instruction in The Webster Technique, an effective technique that helps balance the pelvis which, in turn, can ease pregnancy pain, reduce incidence of breech births and shorten labor time. (Most doulas I know swear by the Webster Technique!) The suggested donation is $15-$30. Sign up now.

Dads, don't think we've forgotten about you! We're holding a Boot Camp for Dads this Sunday from 3-5:30 p.m. with personal trainer Anthony Arnold. The Vikings kick off at noon, and Arnold will be ready and waiting with a post-game workout. Go ahead: Tailgate all morning, then get your tail kicked (in a good way!) all afternoon! Sign up now.

Love,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

Find healthy kids toys!

We all want to do right by our babies and children, and sometimes that means doing a bit of investigative work before speaking with our dollars. When it comes to finding healthy toys, car seats, and other kids stuff, the people at the Ecology Center have already done the work for us. Searching HealthyToys.org before buying a new play thing for my kiddo tells me whether the product I'm thinking of getting is high (or low) in certain chemicals like lead, chlorine, or arsenic that may be harmful to my child's health. This site used to rank only toys, but has now added HealthyStuff.org, a searchable database of test results for things like teethers, activity mats/gyms, car seats, and more. Cheers to good information and healthy choices!

Love,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

Reclaim and Rejuvenate!

Calling all moms searching for balance! (Um, isn't that most of us?) Sarina LaMarche, a life & wellness coach, has a new Personal Renewal Group (PRG) starting Oct. 21 at Blooma.

If you’re not familiar with her PRGs, they are AMAZING. Supportive, nurturing, empowering, and created specifically for mothers. The group meets once a month for 6 months to share in reclaiming, rebalancing, and reconnecting. With the daily business of our lives, who doesn’t need a little bit of help with reconnecting to who we are?

You’ll also learn:
* strategies for making self-care a priority so you can live, love, and parent optimally
* how to experience greater life balance. Each monthly session includes discussion, exercises, reflection time, etc.

What’s more, all this takes place within a community of other mamas you’ll get to know and create a meaningful connection with. These groups are based on the exciting new book The Mother’s Guide to Self-Renewal: How to Reclaim, Rejuvenate, and Re-Balance Your Life by Renee Trudeau. Check out www.reneetrudeau.com for more information.

Here’s what a few women in Sarina’s previous PRGs have to say:

“I’ve had the opportunity to work with Sarina in many different ways—a Personal Renewal Group and one-on-one. In every setting, I have been impressed with Sarina’s calming, understanding presence, her creativity, and her wisdom without condescension. She has a unique ability to challenge participants without making them feel uncomfortable… She doesn't use a cookie cutter approach; she encourages clients to explore different choices and options that fit within their own value system. Sarina's suggestions and insights have helped me find the path of motherhood and self-care that is right for me. I am so grateful to have found Sarina.”
—Amy, Minneapolis

“Sarina is simply amazing. After attending a mom’s group with Sarina, I knew I was ready to make some significant changes in my life. I worked with Sarina as my life coach, through her support and guidance, I was able to take significant steps toward creating the life I want as a mother and wife. I am continuing to work on positive changes through one of her Personal Renewal Groups. I highly recommend enlisting Sarina’s help as your life coach or by attending one for her groups. She will help you change your life in amazing ways.”
—Erin, Minneapolis

Sign up now for Sarina’s next Personal Renewal Group, which starts Oct. 21 at 7 p.m. You may also contact Sarina with questions, via her website: OneBalancedLife.com.

Love,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

A quote worth pondering...

“When I stopped seeing my mother with the eyes of a child, I saw the woman who helped me give birth to myself.” -Nancy Friday

I came across this quote the other day and it blew me away. That’s probably because 17 months into my own journey as a mom, I’ve realized just how much I’ve come to reflect on my relationship with my own mother. Judgments have given way (most of the time) to understanding. I’ve begun to view the complicated layers of our relationship with a softer heart. I understand through a new lens that we are all simply doing our best. Once we become mothers ourselves, we inevitably open our eyes to seeing the women who birthed us in a new light, and in turn, experience ourselves differently, too.

I’m curious: what is your response to this quote? How has your relationship with your mother, or view of your mother, changed since bringing a child into the world yourself? Perhaps your relationship has become even more complicated, or perhaps it has experienced a renewed sense of affection and loyalty. Either way, I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Love,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

Wind-down Time

Our own Shayla Boger, Yoga for Tots teacher, graces us with a guest posting today. Her soothing tips for bedtime prep are ones ALL of us could use, but especially those sweet (and oh-so-energetic) kiddos! Be sure to check out one of Shayla's super fun tot yoga classes, too. Kids 18 months to 4 years old LOVE her bright spirit and loving energy. Find her at Blooma on Tuesdays at 4:30 p.m. and Fridays at 10 a.m. Sign up now.

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As we all know, putting our children to bed can be quite difficult at times. I struggle with this almost every night; especially with my 2.5 year old. She has recently graduated from potty training school and has also given up her nuk (which she's had since birth), so needless to say, we have lots of "stop and take a breath" moments. It's so funny—being a children's yoga instructor you'd think my children would be angelic and super in touch with their inner being. Well, that's not the case. But I do have to give them some credit: they're both sweet + pure, like all children. With all of this being said, I want to share some things we do around our house to settle down, whether for night time or nap.

1. We put rocks in our children tubby to help them calm down, and feel the natural sensation of the earth on their skin. Plus, they're fun to play with!

2. We spray our children’s beds with lavender water every night to help calm them. It's really easy to mix. For every cup of water add 2 drops of lavender; you can switch up the essential oil to fit your preference. You can find essential oils at Blooma. (They should be arriving in about a week!)

3. We work on exercising our bodies and minds to enter a quite space which allows us to prepare for sleep. Either lay in bed or sit up straight with eyes closed. From this position we fill our tummies with air and blow out through our mouths. Repeat as often as needed.

4. One other relaxing thing we do with our children is rub their feet with massage oil. I also do this at the end of my yoga class, you would be blown away at the response I get. It's amazing!

Here are some books and oils I love and incorporate in my classes, and with my children at home:
• Massage oil
• Lavender oil

Books:
• Moody Cow Meditates (Hardcover), by Kerry Lee MacLea
• Peaceful Piggy Yoga (Library Binding), by Kerry Lee Maclean
• I Can Be: A Child's Whimsical Introduction to Yoga (Paperback), by Christine M. Sumner
• A Tree Is Nice, by Janice May Udry and Marc Simon

You can visit my blog, LiveSavvy, to order the books directly. I hope you enjoy this information!

Om shanti,
Shayla