Southern Lotus Wellbeing

Check out our latest blog on Ayurvedic Winter Lifestyle Tips & Recipes - southernlotuswellbeing.com/blog/winter-tips-amp-recipes

New Blog Post: Keeping your Immunity Strong These may seem obvious but here are a few basic things you can do to keep your immune system strong this season: * Get plenty of sleep... * Try to avoid or at least mitigate your daily stress (think meditation, yoga, etc. * Stay well hydrated * Get some exercise (walking, biking, etc.) * Eat a healthy diet that includes foods that support your immune system such as mushrooms! For more tips and more foods to support your immune system. Visit our blog post at: southernlotuswellbeing.com/blog/keeping-your-immunity-strong

Being grateful is the route to instant Joy! Happy Thanksgiving!

Yoga makes a good addition to your health and wellness plans!

Recipe of the month: Fall Butternut Squash Soup: Pumpkins and squash always mean fall to me and one of my favorite dishes to make and enjoy during the season is roasted butternut squash soup!... In addition to tasting delicious, butternut squash is packed with nutrition! With 6.6g of fiber, 1.8g of protein and 82 calories per cubed steamed cup, squash has a low glycemic index and is full of vitamins and minerals including Vitamin A, C, B6, Thiamin, folate, calcium, magnesium and potassium to name a few. I hope you’ll explore adding butternut squash and other fall varieties of squash to your diet this season. This recipe keeps it simple and highlights the flavors of the squash and the season. Recipe in Comments #fallbutternutsquashsoup #southernlotuswellbeing #nutritousrecipes #balancingmindbodyandspirit

Great information and deals from our friends The Holistic Skin!

Here’s my favorite go-to Sweet Spice Mix to give some sweetness to my food instead of using sugar or other sweeteners. Sweet Spice Mix 2 tbsp ground Cinnamon... 1 1/2 to 2 tbsp ground Ginger (I use slightly less as the 2 tbsp can be a bit much for my taste) 1 tbsp Cardamom Mix together well and place in a spice jar with holes for sprinkling. It’s great on breakfast grains, in baked goods and on top of whole grain pancakes or waffles. It’s particularly nice for fall and winter due to the spices warming affect. And these spices also offer some additional benefits as spices are also herbs. For example, in Ayurveda, Ginger is considered the universal medicine and among some of its benefits are the digestive and respiratory systems. Cinnamon is said to balance circulation and aid digestion as well. Cardamom also kindles the digestive fires (agni) and helps to stimulate the mind and heart to bring bring about clarity and joy. As always, buy the best quality spices you can. I love the spices from Banyan Botanicals. All these benefits and its tastes delicious. too! Let me know if you try it. Original Everyday Sweet Spice Recipe from The Everyday Ayurveda Cookbook by Kate O’Donnell #ayurevediclifestyle #healthyliving #mindbodyspiritbalance

Great advice- mindfulness for the win!

Herbal apothecary ideas #naturalhealing #holistichealth

Here's my favorite skin soothing & calming relaxing herbal bath soak which we made at the last women's circle I hosted: Recipe makes 4 Bath sachets. You will need a large bowl, the following herbs and a 5 X 7 size muslim bag or cheesecloth (and string for the cheesecloth).... 1 cup Lavender Flowers 1 cup Rose Petals 1 cup Chamomile Flowers 1 cup Calendula Flowers Place all the herbs in a bowl and mix well. Fill four bags with the mixture. Place the bag either beneath the spigot or directly in a warm bath. Soak and enjoy. Bags can be re-used. Always use the best quality flowers and herbs. These were purchased from Herbiary. #herbalhealing #flowerbaths #holisticcare

Herb of the Month: Tulsi (Holy Basil) Tulsi (which means incomparable one in Sanskrit) and is also known as Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum or Ocimum gratissimum). It is a wonderful herb that is native to India and highly revered in Indian culture for its healing and spiritual properties. Ayurveda lists many medicinal uses for the herb some of which include calming the nervous system and helping to bring about a more Sattvic mental state (calm, loving, balanced). Not to be confus...ed with American Basil or Thai Basil, this basil is very aromatic and bitter to the taste. Tulsi grows well here in the US and my local CSA (in Georgia) grows it (see picture). Tulsi is balancing for Vata and Kapha dosha but can aggravate Pitta if used excessively. Try Tulsi Mint Tea for a cooling and calming break. HOT BREW (Infusion) METHOD: Take a handful of mint leaves and a handful of tulsi leaves and clean well. Place in a strainer over a glass bowl or teapot or alternately place the leaves in the water held in a muslin bag. Heat 2 cups of filtered or spring water to a boil and the pour it over the leaves (or bag of herbs) making sure that the leaves are fully submerged in the water. Cover and let steep for 5-8 minutes. Gently bruise the leaves with the back of a spoon to release some more of the oils and/or squeeze the bag. Then remove the leaves squeezing out as much of the water as you can. Serve with honey or a natural sweetener of your choice.

Join us this Friday, 8/21 at 6P for our monthly women’s circle! We’ll enjoy movement, reflection, sisterhood and learn about and make herbal teas and relaxing bath soaks. : Recharging our energy and spirits with self care A monthly gathering of women who bring their authentic selves to be seen and heard without judgment. The community is designed to exchange wisdom, share stories, empower each other, co-create together and spend time in self-reflection. Most circles will ...include some movement, music, guided relaxation/meditation, journaling and/or an activity. Each month has a theme and all sisters are invited to share their gifts with the group when the theme speaks to them. Circles are held at Southern Lotus Yoga studio located at 2137 Hwy 155 N, McDonough, GA 30252. For more information email [email protected] or call (770) 961-5937. To reserve your spot, register here https://www.southernlotusyoga.com/schedule

More holistic ways to address anxiety and stress- check out the research by clicking the link at the bottom of the post.

Join us at Southern Lotus Yoga for Lara's: AUGUST WOMEN'S CIRCLE! Friday, August 21st at 6P... Join us for an evening with yin yoga, relaxation, reflection, and refreshments. We will be learning about and making our own teas, tisanes and herbal bath soaks - all while enjoying a great time in sisterhood. $20 includes refreshments and all supplies Please sign up to reserve your spot today! https://clients.mindbodyonline.com/classic/admmainclass feeling excited.

What an amazing deal! And I’m loving how my skin feels after my facial! Thank you The Holistic Skin!

Interesting article- how do you drink yours? https://www.inc.com//coffee-can-prevent-cancer-says-americ

This heat and humidity can definitely aggravate Pitta dosha. A cooling drink for Pittas: a watermelon mint cooler! 2 cups chunk watermelon 1 cup ice **Ayurveda does generally prefer you drink at room temperature but the ice helps to break everything up- drink closer to room temp** 5-6 mint leaves ... Blend in high speed blender and enjoy. * you can also add a squeeze of lime juice for variety Let any remaining ice crystals melt and sip.

Don’t forget to take time for yourself!

Yoga Break Time with Southern Lotus Yoga

Give it a try- from our friends at The Holistic Skin.

February's Women's Circle is THIS FRIDAY: Self-love & Compassion Join us for journaling, reflection, celebration, sound bath, and your choice of compassion and/...or vision boards (ps- you can create quarterly vision boards, too). Basic supplies will be provided (boards, magazines, markers, pencils, etc.) If you want to use additional mediums or are one of our artists, brings supplies that speak to you. Extra magazines would also be helpful. We will also have a computer and printer available if you want an image from the internet. Celebratory beverages and snacks will be provided as we celebrate passing the half-way point (Imbolc) of Winter. Can't wait!!! SPACE IS LIMITED so sign up and save your spot:https://clients.mindbodyonline.com/classic/admmainclass See more

One of my regular recommendations to clients is to get outside and go for a walk- it's so good for the body, mind and soul!

Are you ready to make 2020 your most balanced and healthiest year yet?! Then join our very own, Lara, a certified Ayurvedic Wellness Counselor and Coach, for a ...3-Part workshop to help you Thrive in 2020! We are so excited to be bringing this to you through Southern Lotus Wellbeing. ‘Thrive in 2020’ will support balancing your mind, body and spirit and setting you up for health and wellness success through a series of 3 workshops. Each workshop focuses on one piece of the whole! Our first workshop will be focused on the Mind- and will include creating the mindset for successful change, developing healthy habits, understanding why some habits are harder to change than others, goals, and daily routines! Workshop 2 will focus on the Body and eating for health, fitness for your needs and self-care! Workshop 3 will focus on Spirit, giving you the tools needed for mindfulness techniques, meditation, cultivating joy and putting all these tools together to create an individualized plan! All workshops build on each other and will help give you the guidance needed to create you own ‘Thrive in 2020’ Individual Wellness Plan and include a 15-minute coaching session with Lara to finalize your personal plan! The workshop series is $110 and the first workshop is offered at two times, 1/9 11:30A-1P or 1/11 2P-3:30P. Subsequent workshops to be scheduled after first session based on participant needs. Call, email or stop by the studio to reserve your spot today! (678) 961-5937 Southernlotusyogastudio@gmail. com

Practicing yoga has many benefits, even just practicing a couple times a week can make big differences in your overall health and well being. For these first we...eks of the New Year we will be highlighting some of these benefits for you to give you a better understanding of the many ways a regular yoga practice can benefit you! A yoga practice has many strengthening benefits since you are using your muscles to stabilize, control and lift your own body weight, no dumbbells or bulky gym equipment needed! All you need for a yoga practice is your body and mind. Yoga is beneficial in strength training as this practice trains our bodies to move in different ways and to support our body weight both in movement as well as in holding poses. A yoga practice can help aid strength training because, as Rodney Yee says, "You're putting your body in positions and orientations that you ultimately have to support with your muscles. So you are lifting weights." As a yoga practice helps you to develop strength it can also aid in reducing risk of injury as well as conditioning the body to better perform with daily functions. Furthermore, a regular yoga practice can increase muscle endurance as we hold poses for periods of time and typically repeat them throughout a practice. All classes offered at Southern Lotus Yoga can help you on your journey to a well-rounded, fulfilling yoga practice! See you in class! To sign up for a class or for more information, visit our website at southernlotusyoga.com

Meditation helps with chronic pain

This is why I've been using only essential oil or un-scented products at home and in the yoga studio! #youngliving #breathedeeply #readthelabel #healthfirst

Research has shown that among other benefits, meditation can help lower stress, control anxiety, assist with treating depression, increase focus & attentio...n, help control pain, lessen age related memory loss and even help us be kinder! We start every class with a short mindfulness and breath meditation and offer a Yoga & Meditation Class and workshops! Coming in November, we’re adding another class and look for another workshop soon! Here’s a great article on sone of the anti-aging benefits brain benefits of meditation! https://www.businessinsider.com/neuroscience-50-year-olds-b For more information and to see our full schedule, visit our website at southernlotusyoga.com.

We had such a great time at last month's women's circle! Join us for this month's!

Good to know! If you're local, check out Mayflor Farms CSA - most of my produce comes from them ensuring I eat in season, locally grown, organic foods as much as I can.

Ayurveda tells us you need to take the whole herb not just an isolated component! And it’s important the herb not be encapsulated, so that it can impact the full digestive process starting with taste in the mouth! #ayurvedicwellness #ayurvedafacts #livingayurveda

All about Ayurvedic diet and lifestyle and the benefits.

Just breathe. . .

Ayurvedic practices encourage starting each day with warm lemon water. . .

Ayurveda is never a one size fits all diet and lifestyle - it is customized to meet your individual constitution and needs.

What about a year to dive deep into yourself? This women’s amazing and I’m looking forward to this!

An Ayurvedic diet is a perfect way to reduce and /or remove your intake of foods that are unhealthy and harmful to the environment!

Join me to re-set your digestive fires and break free of eating habits that don’t serve you!

With today finally feeling like fall - it's time to get ready for Vata season. Starting with a Fall Spice Mix- Fennel, Coriander, Cumin, Turmeric and Ginger.

Keto diet helps you loose weight but at what cost? https://www.plantbasednews.org//no-one-should-be-doing-ket

Trying to cool off during this Pitta season with Cucumber Raitia (without the heating garlic) and Mint and Saffron Tea. Note- although shown with Honey another sweetener like Rice Syrup is preferred as honey is heating). #ayurvediclifestyle #eatingformydosha Recipe for the Pitta Balancing tea follows: 4 cups water 1 tlbs mint leaves... 1 tlbs spearmint leaves 1/8 tsp Saffron 1 tlbs sucanat or rice syrup Heat water in pot. Add mint leaves. Boil 3 minutes. Let it cool. Add sweetener and Saffron. Strain and serve cool.

One of my favorite oils! Great for respiratory care as well. We use it at our yoga studio to help relieve stress and relax us.

I usually make my own but this is a great pre-made vegan version! #gaia #goldenmilk

Superfood smoothies are great for a quick lunch to give you energy and protein for the afternoon. Love this Orange Goji one

A great option for leftover rice: gently fried egg with steamed broccoli and cauliflower -salt and pepper -YUM

Wow- more reasons I only ‘scent’ with 100% essential oils for fragrances . . . #younglivingoils #chemicalfreehome

MOVE UPDATE: Things are progressing nicely - check out the New Location photo album and follow our progress. We are so thankful for all the students who have... been pitching in to help paint, etc!! We have the best students, friends and family! Please continue to check the schedule on our website at southernlotusyoga.com for when we will re-open. We are aiming for opening Friday, Feb 9th, but a lot has to happen before then, so do check before coming to a class. If you have questions, don't hesitate to email, messenger or call. WE ARE ALL SO EXCITED!!!!!

Advocado, Strawberry and Farro salad - good fats, antioxidants and whole grain. Keys to a healthy diet. #advocados #healthyeating #balancedeating #meditteraneandiet

Need some post holiday stress relief? Try this calming Chamomile tea from Joy Bauer: 1/2 cup Apple Cider 1 Chamomile tea bag 1 slice lemon peel 1 whole cinnamon stick ... Add 1/2 cup water to the cider in a mug and microwave until simmering. Add tea bag, lemon and cinnamon and steep for 5 minutes. Remove tea bag and cinnamon and enjoy! TIP: instead of lemon peel, dip a toothpick in Lemon Vitality essential oil from Young Living and steep with tea bag.

Quick and easy vegetarian lunch: leftover rice, avocado and an egg over easy. Protein and healthy fats! Yum!

Find something to be grateful for everyday! Research shows it's good for your health and it's free! https://www.mindful.org/what-the-brain-reveals-about-grati/

I've been saying this for years, and Ayurveda backs this up, that coconut oil is a beautiful oil to massage your body with to combat Pitta, but we shouldn't eat... too much of it. Small amounts. It's rich in saturated fats, and potentially Kapha aggravating in Ayurveda. Please read. This super food if super saturated. FYI. See more

Wow- great ideas for getting a lot of use out of one bottle!

This is a truly delicious way to support a cleanse or Ayurvedic nutrition . . . or get a daily dose or turmeric.

You don't have to buy Ghee. you could make your own. Here's another great recipe . . .

Never hurts to have this list handy when you shop . . .

Here is the recipe for another Ayurvedic tonic: Golden Milk Thanks, Sierra Hollister. http://www.sunlotusyoga.com/sunlotuskund//golden-milk.html

Yogi Tea: My teacher, Sierra Hollister, treated us to this tea during training this past weekend. It's not only delicious but it aids your digestive system and helps you stay balanced. A true Ayurvedic tonic- Sierra says she received the recipe from Yogi Bhajan. Yogi Tea: 3 whole cloves, 4 green cardamon pods, 1/2 stick cinnamon, 1 slice ginger root, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 10 oz water, 1/4 tsp loose black tea, 1/2 cup milk (cow's or almond), Maple Syrup to taste (or honey) Bo...il spices in water for 10 min. Add black tea and steep for 2 min. Add milk and then re-heat to almost boiling, then remove from heat & strain. Add Maple Syrup (or honey) to taste. (adjust spices to your taste and always chose organic products when possible). The photo is of the tea 'raw' - or without milk. See more