Wellness, RECIPES Erin O'Hara Wellness, RECIPES Erin O'Hara

How to Build a Packageless Pantry

As we ease into the warmer months, you may feel the need to strip back the layers a little. A little cleansing, clearing of the wardrobe and perhaps slightly less conventional, a clearing out of the pantry. The pantry is surprisingly a place of major clutter for many people, it’s amazing what can hide in there.

So, what does a packageless pantry mean?

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As we ease into the warmer months, you may feel the need to strip back the layers a little. A little cleansing, clearing of the wardrobe and perhaps slightly less conventional, a clearing out of the pantry. The pantry is surprisingly a place of major clutter for many people, it’s amazing what can hide in there.

So, what does a packageless pantry mean?

It basically involves a removing of all the unnecessary packets of plastic, foil and wraps and replacing everything with a jar or sealed container. This means everything is more organized and remains fresh for much longer. A pantry doesn’t have to be hidden, once it’s beautified you could have it on display and bring some life and inspiration to your kitchen.

But where to start?

1. Simplify

This crucial step involves pulling everything out of the pantry. Then it’s time to sort into piles of what to keep, what to compost or what to give away.

2. Repurpose & Clean

Gather all your empty jars and containers - fill your sink with hot soapy water, soak and scrub them, then lay them out to dry fully (crucial!). If you’re short on jars, visit your local second-hand store or GoodFor store and get yourself equipped with a new set. Remember after a good scrub, any old jar will suffice!

3. Empty & Refill

Next, empty out all opened packets, bags or boxes of food and transfer them into your shiny clean jars. Get rid of anything past its use-by date and work towards buying only what you need or use and then buy in bulk.

4. Label

Once you’ve filled your jars, it’s time to label them. There are many ways to do this, a white chalk pen works well on glass, paper tape & a vivid, otherwise investing in a label maker could be a good idea.

5. Organise

Now it’s time to fill your pantry. Start by dividing it into sections. Keep spuds and onions on the lower shelves in cane baskets or boxes. Then find space for your spice jars; spreads; grains and legumes; then oils and vinegars. This is where your creativity comes into play.

Now it’s time to find your local store where you can take your jars, bottles and containers and refill without a hassle. GoodFor is the ultimate spot for this, “BYO packaging” is standard store etiquette, otherwise they provide paper bags which you can fill, then empty into your jars at home, too easy.

All Golden Yogi Members now get 10% off when you shop in the GoodFor Takapuna store. Simply present your valid Golden Yogi members card at checkout.

YOUR NEW LOCAL:

GoodFor wholefoods refillery

360 Lake Road, Takapuna

Opening Hours:

Weekdays 10am - 7pm

Weekends 10am - 6pm

www.goodfor.co.nz

0800GOODFOR

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Inspiration Erin O'Hara Inspiration Erin O'Hara

Winter Motivation & Inspiration

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Over the winter months our natural tendency is to slow down and hibernate from the cold. It is important to keep our bodies moving so we stay healthy. When we exercise and move our body it helps to boost circulation of blood and lymphatic flow through the body, and makes us feel happy.  

Your lymphatic system needs exercise to work. The lymphatic system is known as the guardian system to remove waste products from the body.  Unlike the circulatory system pumping the blood around the body, the lymphatic system has no pump so relies on us moving our body to stimulate this system.  Whenever we move our muscles we are helping the lymphatic system move lymph fluid through the body. To remain healthy it is important that the body is removing toxins and waste products efficiently from the body.

Exercise keeps us happy. It is hard to stay motivated to keep active over the cold winter months when the circulation is sluggish. When we feel sluggish we generally have lower motivation and do not feel like exercising.  Exercising regularly will benefit both our body and mind to keep you feeling great over the winter. The hardest part about exercising is having the motivation to get to a yoga class, the gym, or out for a walk in the cold. To keep motivated it is best to create an exercise routine for yourself.  Once we start and our blood flow starts circulating we generally feel great!

Write yourself a weekly exercise schedule. This will help you to stay on track. Try to aim to do something most days as little and often is a lot more achievable than doing big long sessions.  Set goals for the week and make them achievable for yourself so you can succeed with the plan. Aim for 20-30 minutes per day.

Yoga keeps you happy & healthy 😀Yoga is great to move your body but also stimulate the glandular system to keep you healthy.  The Nadi Energy channels are like an energy highway system through the body and these energy channels link to the glands. Yoga postures create angles and shapes to pressurise the Nadi channels and stimulate through the glands in the body. Healthy glands are important for your health, immunity and regulate your mood.

With less natural sun light there is a higher incidence of depression and low mood over the winter months. Yoga and meditation helps boost your mood so you can feel happy. The important glands for happiness are pituitary and pineal glands. These glands regulate our neurotransmitters to allow us to feel happy and balance our mood.

By Erin O'Hara

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Erin O'Hara Erin O'Hara

You Are Enough

How often do we feel in our busy lives that we are not quite cutting it? In one or more areas of our lives we feel that we are not enough. We have so many roles to fulfil, that of parent, child, sibling, friend, volunteer, worker, employer....the list goes on.

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Enough...


How often do we feel in our busy lives that we are not quite cutting it? In one or more areas of our lives we feel that we are not enough. We have so many roles to fulfil, that of parent, child, sibling, friend, volunteer, worker, employer....the list goes on.

The other day I was at my children's swimming lesson and next to me I noticed a brother and sister having a little fight. There was some pushing and shoving and the squabble came to a climax when one called the other a "dick face". In that moment my entire being literally flooded with a sense of relief. Here were kids I know are great kids and their mother is someone I look up to and admire and those kids were behaving just like mine do from time to time.
Maybe just maybe I am not epically failing as a parent. Witnessing those kids that day gave me permission to accept that no matter what I do, no matter how hard I try, kids are kids, siblings are siblings and sometimes they are going to call each other "dick face". Parenting and life for that matter can sometimes feel like a minefield where we feel the potential to do it wrong, to somehow fail or let someone down feels like just one wrong step away. As a wife, mother of three, yoga teacher, daughter, sister, friend, employee... I most definitely have that feeling from time to time.

Fortunately, my yoga practice and my yoga mat have been my sanctuary, my place to restore balance, to retreat from my busy mind and come back to the breath and the wisdom of my body. A place to accept myself just as I am, to forgive myself and let go. My yoga practice has helped me to heal body, mind and spirit time and time again. It is my wish for all yogis to feel when they come to their yoga mat, to their practice for the first time or the thousandth time, to a yoga studio, gym, hall or the comfort of your home, that you feel, you are enough.

Let us create a community of yogis, a movement in our yoga today where we let go of judgement, comparing and competition and instead whole heartedly invite in acceptance, support, love, healing and permission. It doesn't matter what you wear or how you look in Lycra, if you can stand on your head or touch your toes, if you can breath you can do yoga.

Let your yoga mat be your sanctuary. Every time we step on our yoga mats we can come to a place where we arrive in our bodies, we find our breath, our minds ease and we begin to reconnect with ourselves and our truth. 

Welcome yourself just as you are, you most definitely are enough.

A huge thank you to the many inspiring teachers in my life. Namaste x

Written by Liz Hoare

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Erin O'Hara Erin O'Hara

Setting Intentions

To truly get the most out of the year ahead and out of your life in general, set some intentions and don’t just leave it there but be proactive in making your dreams and goals come to life. If you really want to achieve something, you must participate in the process of making it happen.

“If it is important enough to you, you will find a way. If it is not, you will find an excuse.”-Ryan Blair

To truly get the most out of the year ahead and out of your life in general, set some intentions and don’t just leave it there but be proactive in making your dreams and goals come to life. If you really want to achieve something, you must participate in the process of making it happen.

Sometimes the hardest part about setting intentions is knowing or figuring out what it is that you really want. We often have fleeting bursts of inspiration, where we imagine starting something we think we will love or we imagine cutting something out that we think will make us a better person and while having these bursts of inspiration is great, it isn’t alone enough to achieve these aspirations; however, it is a good place to start.

So, what is it you want?

Step One - Brainstorm

On a piece of paper draw a big circle. Inside the circle brainstorm and write down everything and anything you want; use your intuition to guide you and just pour words from your heart into the circle. Don’t be afraid to dream BIG. It doesn’t have to be neat or concise in anyway and you don’t even have to believe you can make it happen; at this stage you just need to determine whether or not you want it, and if it is going inside the circle you have just drawn. Simple.

Now, on the outside of the circle write down what you don’t want. People tend to have some certainty about what it is they don’t want, which can be really helpful when it comes to figuring out what it is you do want, as at least you know what to steer clear of.

Step Two - Create Goals

Create some of your own steps! Whether it is something you consider a big dream or not there are always going to have to be steps that you must take in order to get there.

Dissect the words that you have written inside the circle and consider how broad or defined they are. Be clear about what exactly it is that you want and from this point create some goals that you will aim to complete within certain time-frames.

Divide a separate page into three; in one column, place goals you want to achieve within the next year, in the next column place goals that you want to achieve within the next 3 years, and in the last column put the bigger goals that you wish to achieve within the next 5 years. A lot of the goals in the first and second column may be goals that work towards the bigger goals in the third column.

Step Three - Create a Vision

Really consider if you want to or are willing to put the energy towards the steps that will get you to that final outcome and even ask yourself if the outcome is going to be worth it. What are you going to gain from this? Because the end result will be the driving force, so it has to be something that continues to inspire you to push through times of doubt.

Once you’re sure of what you want and you’ve taken some time to consider what must be done to achieve it, then keep it in mind! Create a vision board or journal. Actually take a minute each day to visualize or look at what it is you’re aiming for and keep aligning yourself with what must be done in order to get there!

Finally, be conscious of your efforts and don’t keep putting these things you want on the back burner. This is your life, go and live it!

 

Written by Nicole Ander

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Observing Self-Talk

I recently attended a workshop here at Golden Yogi, which was run by Erin O’Hara. The workshop was focusing on the power of vision boards, meditation, and manifestation. During this workshop something that stood out to me, is the strength of words and the effect they can have on us.

I recently attended a workshop here at Golden Yogi, which was run by Erin O’Hara. The workshop was focusing on the power of vision boards, meditation, and manifestation. During this workshop something that stood out to me, is the strength of words and the effect they can have on us.

Of course growing up we learn that there are things we cannot do, simply for safety, and morals, and getting along in society; however, often there are also unnecessary limitations put on us, which we take on board; they begin to trespass and seep deep into our thoughts, which then harbor in our mind, and before we know it they become part of our self-talk. These limitations have the power to shape our thoughts, of how capable we think we are, or how possible we think something is, which in turn can begin to hinder us; but…only if you let them.

Since this workshop I have begun acknowledging and observing my own self-talk. Thoughts so regularly come in and out of the mind, and because our brains filter through so many, it can sometimes be hard to catch yourself, before you’re then distracted by the next. While it isn’t always easy, it is possible to stop those negative thoughts in their tracks, and in the week following the workshop, I did just that. I have come to realise a lot of my “limitations", aren’t in fact limitations at all; they’re merely just negative self-talk, that I have unknowingly been overlooking.

So from one student to another, I encourage you to tune into your own self-talk and inspire your mind to harvest more empowering thoughts; leaving behind any thoughts, that are restricting you, in any way, from day to day.

Written by Nicole Ander

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Erin O'Hara Erin O'Hara

15 Miles

It's the things that we do on a regular basis that make the difference. Growth is a gradual process, it can seem like it happens in a quantum leap, but when we look back at the ground we've covered we'll see that it's all the hard work that we've done along the way which has brought us to our goal. 

It's the things that we do on a regular basis that make the difference. Growth is a gradual process, it can seem like it happens in a quantum leap, but when we look back at the ground we've covered we'll see that it's all the hard work that we've done along the way which has brought us to our goal. 

I came across this concept called the 15 Miles a few years back, it's based on the first successful expedition to the South Pole. Two teams vying to be the first to ever reach the South Pole, both parties had a common goal in mind, yet they both choose very different approaches. One which resulted in tragedy for all expedition members and the other successfully reached the pole and returned to tell the tale of their success.

One team took a very methodical approach, using discipline and consistency, they toiled away covering about 15 - 20 miles per day, not venturing too far in good weather and risking exhaustion, but still keeping pace on bad days.  The other team went hell-for-leather on good days and bunkered down when tougher conditions struck.

Although there were a lot of other variables involved in the process, it was the 15 Miles a day approach of moving towards the goal post every single day which meant triumph and survival for the winning team!

This concept can be used for anything we wish to accomplish, whether our goal is to get to the South Pole or develop a Sadhana (daily personal practice) - the key is consistency, steadiness and taking a manageable amount of action each day!

All it takes is 15 Miles each day. Begin by simply taking the first step...

All it takes is 15 Miles each day. Begin by simply taking the first step...

If you’re joining us for the 30 Day Yoga Challenge in June, make your class each day your “15 Miles!”

Here are a few tips that you can take away from the winning team’s success!

Game Plan - plan your week ahead, know what classes you can realistically attend each week and don’t leave it up to whether you feel like it or not on the day.

Rain, hail or Shine - make a commitment to yourself, know that practice is happening no matter the conditions.

Focus – what do you want to get out of these 30 Days? Is it a daily practice, more time to relax and de-stress, or the feeling of accomplishment…

Team work – develop a buddy system, it’s easier to stay on track when you have someone to help keep you accountable. Even if you don’t have a friend to do the challenge with – make one! Or have a friend who you can just report to each time you complete 15 Miles.

Just Keep Going – even if you fall off the bandwagon, just get back on-board and keep trucking! Sometimes life just happens, and when it does make up for your missed class on another day.

Be prepared – There’ll be days where motivation is low, so trouble shoot all your excuses before they arise. For example, have your yoga gear laid out the night before or put your alarm clock on the other side of the room so you have to get out of bed!

Reward Yourself – We are hard-wired for reward so give yourself little incentives along the way. After you complete each week you can treat yourself to something nice like a massage or brunch at your favourite café. Having something to look forward to along the way will keep you motivated! 

 

Written by Kellie Michelle Cheung

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Erin O'Hara Erin O'Hara

Healing Depression Through Mantra

We’d like to share with you a tale from the heart, from mantra singer/songwriter and formidable talent Franko Heke.  This self-confessed former “wayward youth” discovered how kirtan can help to alleviate depression and bring healing and joy to all!

 

 

We’d like to share with you a tale from the heart, from mantra singer/songwriter and formidable talent Franko Heke.  This self-confessed former “wayward youth” discovered how kirtan can help to alleviate depression and bring healing and joy to all!

MIND FULL...

As someone who has wrestled with bouts of deep depression and anxiety since I was a young boy it felt like I have always been searching for a “remedy” or “way out”. Throughout my adolescence and in my 20’s that remedy came in the form of partying and living a rebellious “bad-boy” lifestyle. Forever chasing that elusive high, when you’re riding the wave it’s amazing but when that wave comes crashing down, it crashes down hard and fast. I was a pretty lost and wayward young lad, just trying to numb the pain of being me. Now I can see that it was all just a means to fill a void of loneliness and a yearning to “fit in.”

Yet there has always been a common thread throughout all of these times – music. During my many highs and lows, music has always there with me like a familiar friend. I’ve loved music ever since I was a kid, I grew up in a household where music was really integral and my parents had great taste! And they often took me to concerts and this is where my earliest inspiration began.

I have done it all, Rap, Rock, Techno and Pop. Well I thought that I had done it all…until I was taken by the hand during what I called a “self-committed” solo monastery retreat to a Satsang and Kirtan. It was a Friday night and I vividly remember walking into this particular family’s home, whom I had never met before and feeling completely welcomed by their smiles and open heart. Everyone sat down and one person at the front started playing their guitar whilst launching into singing a line of mantra then everyone around me sang that lyric back in response. I’d never heard Sanskrit before or heard mantra sung like this in call and response, I was captivated and mesmerized. The power of that response sent shivers right through my whole body, I knew then that this was what I needed to experience.

So there I was, die-hard party-boy on a Friday night in Auckland singing, albeit sober with a whole bunch of strangers sharing smiles, energy, food and music. I loved every minute of it, I completely forgot about my inadequacies in those moments because I was at one with the mantra. My days of playing covers in bars and pubs are now over, I spend a lot of my time holding kirtan nights just like the one I experienced all those years ago in yoga studios around Auckland. I also write and compose much of what I play, and I’ve never looked back, because I understand how lucky I am to know firsthand the tremendous healing qualities of singing and mantra.

The thing I love to do the most on this stunning planet is bring people together and sing so I look forward to sharing this with you at Golden Yogi’s “Project Your Destiny” event on Sunday 22, May!  

MIND EMPTY.

 

Written by Franko Heke

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Erin O'Hara Erin O'Hara

Birthday Bliss 3 Years Today

On this day three years ago with great joy, excitement and an open-heart for the beautiful souls we hoped would serve, we proudly opened our doors.

On this day three years ago with great joy, excitement and an open-heart for the beautiful souls we hoped would serve, we proudly opened our doors.

Today is our birthday and we would like to share this special moment with you. Thanking you for showing up on the mat, attending to your practice with courage, smiles and dedication. Golden Yogi is just as much about you as it is about us, it was built with community in mind and being able to share the values of compassion, heart and love with like-minded souls - just like you! 

We feel super inspired every time you walk through the door, knowing that you are right here with us on our journey and allowing us to support you on yours. 

Yoga fun, love, giggles and smiles...

Yoga fun, love, giggles and smiles...

We truly, from the bottom of our hearts value each and every one of you, which is why, on our birthday we wish to share this message of gratitude. Because, after all it's important to remind those who matter how amazing and appreciated they are!

A love note on our gratitude wall on our first day of opening!

A love note on our gratitude wall on our first day of opening!

We look forward to sharing more fun, giggles, inspiration and heart-felt-high-fives as we both venture on this journey together! 

Namaste xx

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The Essence of Emotions

The healthy processing of emotion leaves space in its wake.  This space gives us the ability to choose how we respond to situations in life, rather than being driven by our reactive emotional energy.  In this choice we find freedom and the agency to act in alignment with the person we truly want to be.  

Discover the principles for working with emotion in your practice and in your life, that will leave you feeling enlightened and empowered. 

How do you respond when emotion arises on your mat or in your life?  What thoughts pass through your mind?  What happens in your physical body? 

The healthy processing of emotion leaves space in its wake.  This space gives us the ability to choose how we respond to situations in life, rather than being driven by our reactive emotional energy. In this choice we find freedom and the agency to act in alignment with the person we truly want to be.  

Contrary to what the mind may tell us, emotion is not anything to be ashamed or fearful of. In fact, emotion arising during the practice of yoga is a powerful opportunity for healing on a deep and sustainable level.   

As our practice evolves we begin to realise more is happening than physical rebalancing alone.  Yoga touches all parts of our being.  Through movement we are not only rebalancing our physical body but our mental, emotional and spiritual bodies as well.  They are all intimately connected.  

Since everything is energy, emotions are simply a form of energy.  Energy that is either in motion or stored and stagnant.  Moving our physical body through yoga asanas (postures) simultaneously moves our emotional body.  As a result, emotional energy previously lodged deep in the body may begin to shift.   

Have you ever cried on your mat or felt a build-up of tears that never quite broke through?  If so, you are not alone.  As teachers we often see the heaving of chests in half-pigeon pose or following a heart opening sequence.   

This rising of emotional energy is not anything to be concerned about.  Instead it is an opportunity for transformation and evolution.  

To truly and effectively transform and release emotional energy we must examine all the ways we relate to it – both on our mat and in our daily life.   As we investigate our relationship to emotion we may find our current approach lacking sustainability and effectiveness.  Herein lies an opportunity for a new way, idea or solution to be established.   

One such new way may be reframing the common idea that emotion is “negative” or undesirable. Instead, we can learn to see the value and messages that lies within our emotions.  For example, at its root, anger simply means "I don't want this".  With this new perspective we can meet our emotions with curiosity, acceptance and compassion in order to release them.  

This new understanding of the nature of emotion and the reprogramming of our relationship to them is one of the ways we shift from passive victim to empowered creator of ourselves and our lives.   

Find out more... check out our upcoming event The Essence of Emotions -with yoga teacher and life coach Jessica Mackie.

http://goldenyogi.co.nz/events/

Written by Jessica Mackie

 

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Erin O'Hara Erin O'Hara

The Butterfly Effect ~ mindful living can change the world.

In chaos theory it is believed that the flap of a butterfly’s wings, despite being the smallest of actions, can have dramatic effects on long-term outcomes. As the theory goes – a flap of those pretty little wings can be enough to determine if a tornado will form or not. And as a metaphor for how we choose to live in the world – we could each choose to think of ourselves, and our actions, like ‘butterflies’.

In chaos theory it is believed that the flap of a butterfly’s wings, despite being the smallest of actions, can have dramatic effects on long-term outcomes. As the theory goes – a flap of those pretty little wings can be enough to determine if a tornado will form or not. And as a metaphor for how we choose to live in the world – we could each choose to think of ourselves, and our actions, like ‘butterflies’.

This is very much where we come from sharing yoga, wellness and lifestyle inspiration, in today's mainstream and somewhat overwhelming world. We passionately believe in the power of: 3 minutes everyday of mindful activities (like yoga, or even just breathing deeply), adding up to 1095 minutes a year that you nurtured your body and mind. 2 healthy food choices a day, quickly adds up to 730 moments a year that you nourished your body with goodness. 1 conscious consumer choice a day, adds up to 365 ethical consumer choices a year. And 60 seconds of daily hugs and cuddles, equates to 6 hours of hugs and cuddles a year. Actions and choices that seem as small as the flap of a butterfly's wings, are epic over time.

Photos taken at Wanderlust Festival Great Lake Taupo.

A few weeks ago we had the privilege of sharing yoga, meditation and mindful choices with the amazing and kind hearted Wanderlust community. And the thing we love most about Wanderlust festivals, is that it is like a gathering of ‘butterflies’. A gathering of people that understand how their choices in the world count. A gathering of people who understand that living mindfully is going to have dramatic long-term benefits for mankind. These days most of us know that change in the world is not about doing major things everyday - change in the world happens from lots of people, enjoying small acts that become habit. They then teach their children to have fun and live mindfully, and in doing so sustainable living will become mainstream.

Being a ‘butterfly’ is not about being a hippy, an acrobat, or an ultra bendy noodle. Plenty of butterflies are just everyday green yuppies. Or people that just understand how important it is: to be present; to share moments instead of things; to eat food that is natural and spray free; to nurture a community where our food goes from garden to plate; to breathe, move, sweat, and rest; to support our friends and their children like they are family; to be smart and put down our smart phones; to make time to laugh and relax – to listen to our bodies and allow ourselves time to de-stress and restore. And above everything else - to be butterfly’s of kindness. Butterfly’s that smile at another person, and in doing so alter the physiology and wellbeing of another human being for the better - so that they can then step out into the world and smile back at others too. 

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Wanderlust Festival is one of many ‘butterflies’ in our life right now, alongside the community focused initiatives of: lululemon athletica, The Smales Farm 'Health & Wellness Summer Series', Wellness Retreats NZ, Jayayoga, Bliss Baby, Halo Smith, NuZest Vital Health, Go Green expo and so many more exciting opportunities to share health and happiness.

And all of these initiatives are so much more than just yoga, meditation, inspiring workshops, healthy food, amazing music, mindful markets, pool parties, roller disco’s and super happy people. They ALL focus on bringing people together to: live lightly, breathe, have fun, be conscious consumers, embrace mindful choices, and feel inspired to make a difference in the world. They are platforms that have the power to prevent tornados of emotional, physical and ecological destruction; by giving us all the chance to connect and appreciate that our actions count. And we can all fly together ... as healthy happy people, eating good food, having fun and treading lightly on the planet. Fly butterfly’s fly.


Written by Golden Yogi co-founder Kirsty O'Hara.

Kirsty holds a PGcert in Health Psychology, and is passionate about emotions research, emotional intelligence, nutrition, yoga, meditation, and inspiring people to live healthy balanced lifestyles. She is the mother of two children; her partner is a survivor of acute Myloid Leukemia; and Kirsty can totally relate to the juggle many people face of being a parent, partner, friend, over-committed corporate and outdoorsy sporty person (with tight hammies).  She passionately believes that "sometimes foods" should only be eaten sometimes; that beach fun is good for your soul; that every single day is precious; and that breathing is one of the most important bodily process to staying alive, so surely it's important that we breathe fully deeply and properly. Kirsty also likes to tread lightly on the planet where ever possible, and believes that the little things count - they add up - they are 'butterfly's'.

 

Butterfly Effect Chaos Theory and mindful living and Wanderlust Festival

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EPIC NATURE ART : MURIWAI BEACH

If you love art, and you love nature, you are sure to be amazed by the talent of international nature artist Simon Beck. Using not much more than a compass, grid paper, and either his feet or a rake - Simon makes amazing geometric art formations in the snow or sand. Some patterns take him up to ten hours of walking, and his beautiful creations last until the next snow fall or the turning of the tide.

If you love art, and you love nature, you are sure to be amazed by the talent of international nature artist Simon Beck. Using not much more than a compass, grid paper, and either his feet or a rake - Simon makes amazing geometric art formations in the snow or sand. Some patterns take him up to ten hours of walking, and his beautiful creations last until the next snow fall or the turning of the tide.

Kirsty had the great honour of meeting Simon and watching two of his beautiful artworks be created on Muriwai Beach. Spanning the entire width of the beach at low tide these artworks made for magestic and awe-inspiring moments, where crowds gathered to sit and enjoy the sunshine and artist at work. To allow these artworks to continue beyond the sand, the team at Icebreaker have applied some of Simon's designs to gorgeous merino clothing - well worth checking out if mandala art and super soft merino is your thing.

So ... if you're heading to the beach - grab a stick or a rake, pack a compass - and send us any photo's of nature artworks this blog may have inspired. Kirsty joked with friends that we should start a roster - and take turns sitting on the hillside enjoying sunshine, smiles and stunning designs ; ) 

Namaste x ~

TEST DESIGN ~ DAY 1...

Click images to enlarge.

SimonBeck_Muriwai_ECU_Oct17_2014_v02_lowres.jpg
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BYRON BAY ~ GOAL SETTING AMBASSADOR SUMMIT

It's not everyday you get treated by lululemon athletica to a four day Byron Bay retreat, goal-setting and leadership summit - but for Erin O'Hara that is exactly what happened recently.  

It's not everyday you get treated by lululemon athletica to a four day Byron Bay retreat, goal-setting and leadership summit - but for Erin O'Hara that is exactly what happened recently.  

Erin was amazed just how much inspiration, learning, smiles and new friendships you can pack into four days... read on for her highlights and inspirational tips:

lululemon athletica ambassador summit Byron Bay retreat
lululemon athletica ambassador summit byron bay retreat
lululemon athletica ambassador summit Byron Bay Retreat

FAVOURITE MOMENT

My favorite moment was probably day one, as we came together and worked on positive empowerment.  I always find it super inspiring to work on where you want to head in life. I’m a big believer in the power of manifestation - and that you actually need to know what you want to create, and where you want to head in life to bring it together.  So this day was all about working out what you want, what you don’t want, and then visualizing your dreams and goals for the next ten years. It was so inspiring as we shared and worked together about where we each wanted to head in life. 

SUNNY FUN...

On day two we spent the second half of the day enjoying an incredible walk in the sun. We walked up to the iconic Byron Bay lighthouse that stands tall over the ocean. It was a nice to chance to walk and talk with new friends, watch the whales, and the dolphins frolic out in the ocean. We also headed down to a gorgeous bay with golden sand, soaking up fresh air and nature. It was bliss!

BEAUTIFUL BYRON BAY...

Byron Bay holds a really sacred energy. It has a very hip yet magical energy, as well as providing a chance to get out in nature and enjoy surfing and being on the beach. It has that nice balance if you’re looking to enjoy both growth and spirituality, as well as have a holiday escape. Whether it’s getting out and being in nature, or doing meditation or yoga - it’s got a bit of everything – including some incredible little shops. It really is the perfect escape to meet upbeat and inspiring people, while still taking a moment to connect within and enjoy the laid-back vibe and culture.

BEST GOAL SETTING TIP:

Actually work out WHAT YOU WANT. What do you want to achieve in life? And put that into a visual action plan. If you don’t visualize it, it will be very hard to manifest it. So use the power of the mind to imagine what you want. Visualization is the most powerful tool.

MOST INSPIRATIONAL TIP:

Know what you want in life, and what you don’t want in life. Most people spend so much of their time focusing and working on what they don’t want to create in their life. Let’s all spend more time focusing on what we DO want to create as a part of our life.  That is the most powerful and inspirational place to come from – working out what you want, and follow it. And then when you are creating it - know that we are limitless.  As soon as you know you are limitless you can create anything that you want in your life, by just listening and following your dreams and your heart.

If you feel inspired to head to an inspirational retreat, we would love to hear all about your trip and the doors that open for you as a result...

Sat Nam x ~

 


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Erin O'Hara Erin O'Hara

WANDER-FUL WANDERLUST

On March 23rd over 3500 New Zealanders enjoyed an array of yoga and healthy fun at Western Springs Park in Auckland. Erin was incredibly grateful to teach alongside a team of inspiring and world class international teachers.

On March 23rd over 3500 New Zealanders enjoyed an array of yoga and healthy fun at Western Springs Park in Auckland. Erin was incredibly grateful to teach alongside a team of inspiring and world class international teachers. For those of you that were there, you will agree that Erin's Kundalini class was pure magic - with everyone coming together for the 'Elevate your Energy' class. With yoga, meditation, hula hooping, music, dancing, organic treats and more - there really was something for everyone. To Jacque and Jonnie Halstead, and their amazing team - thank you for inviting us to be a part of the festival fun! It really was amazing! We can't wait to share even more yoga fun at Wanderlust Great Lake Taupo 2015. 

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" This was the best class of the day for me - beautiful Kundalini, big breaths, only just coming down from the energy high now! " 

Astrid Schirnack ~

ERIN'S WANDERLUST HIGHLIGHTS

~ Sunrise meditation with Duncan Peak was pure bliss. Feeling the warm sun shining on your face while connecting with breath and chanting some mantra was a great start to the day.

~  The Lululemon tent fun:  face painting, beautiful hair braiding, henna tattoos, and special edition Wanderlust clothing ... a fun place to hang out and get beautified!!

~  Teaching on the main stage at the Festival. It was awesome to share my love for Kundalini Yoga and see hundreds of people embracing the practice and coming together to raise consciousness.

~  Seeing the Auckland Community come together to share a special day embracing all styles of yoga, healthy conscious living, and connecting with liked minded beautiful people!


WanderlustFestival_Auckland, New Zealand, Kundalini Yoga Elevate Your Energy class with Erin O'Hara
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Erin O'Hara Erin O'Hara

YIPPEE ~ 4 DAYS TILL GOLDEN FUN BEGINS!

It's all very exciting as the countdown till launch day amps up, and the to-do list gets ticked! Tomorrow our signage goes up, painters finish final tidbits, brochures come back from the printers, and the same on Thursday. As for our photoshoot last Sunday - what a wonderful way to have warmed the space and spent time as a team - we can't wait to introduce you to the wonderful, inspiring, calm and passionate teachers that are going to add to the Golden Yogi Studio hum! They are in a word ~ GOLDEN!

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