Nature in the City

I’ve been living in the vibrant city of Boston for the past ten years. No doubt the city has some of the best offerings of culture, universities, entertainment, public transportation and an array of things to do. What I’ve found over the years are wonderful parks, gardens, and
places of tranquility right in my own backyard. Most accessible by public transportation or a short drive from Boston. One can’t deny the meditative qualities of being in nature.
Quieting the mind from daily schedules of everyday living.
I recently returned from a weekend in Maine. Upon returning, I felt rejuvenated, rested, and had an overall sense of well being from being in nature. The wonderful thing was, it’s free! Nature is always there and accessible to all. These are just a few favorite places located in or around the city of Boston.

Arnold Arboretum- www.arboretum.harvard.edu
Fenway Victory Gardens- www.fenwayvictorygardens.com
Walden Pond- www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/walden
Charles River Reservation- www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/charlesriver
Blue Hills Reservation-www.mass/gov/dcr/parks/metroboston/blue

Last month while attending the annual Beacon Hill Garden Tour in Boston.
I came across a wonderful resource called Hope in Bloom. It is a non-profit organization that provides indoor or outdoor gardens at no charge to anyone in Massachusetts undergoing treatment for breast cancer.
www.hopeinbloom.org

Enjoy the gifts of nature!

If you’d like to add one of your favorite places, please feel free to add yours through Comments.

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Yoga in London

Whether visiting London for business or pleasure. Below is a listing of yoga studio’s I’ve attended. Each studio offers classes for both beginners and seasoned practicioners.

Check each website for class schedules, locations, and prices. Some offer special pricing for first time drop ins and/or community classes(half price).

-The Life Centre
www.thelifecentre.com
-Iyengar Yoga Institute Maida Vale
www.iyi.org.uk
-Jivamukti Yoga London
www.jivamuktiyoga.co.uk
-Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre
www.sivananda.co.uk

Any requests, questions, or topics discussed feel free to contact me via website contact page.
Namaste

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Farmers Market Schedule

The season officially opens today with
Boston Copley Square location!
www.massfarmersmarkets.org click on
Markets for dates and times in your area.

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All that’s Raw…

I’m often asked, how did you ever follow a raw food diet for one year and what is a raw foodist?
A raw food diet consists of eating food items that have not been cooked over 105 degrees so that the living food enzymes and vitamins are not cooked out. Thus, providing living nutrients that may normally be cooked out in traditional means of food
preparation. I can say that I followed a strict 100% raw diet for one year with the assistance of friends, Allisa Cohen’s book Living on Live Foods, the must have appliances such as a dehydrator, cuisinart, juicer, blender and lots of perseverance. A raw diet is not an easy one, but is a conscious choice to clean out the body, add live energy to gain energy, health and well being. Personally, I chose to follow a raw diet after I had been diagnosed with breast cancer. I wanted to increase the amount of greens and natural foods to assist in my healing. I do attribute the diet to a big part of my healing along with restorative yoga, and a supportive community of friends and family.
I found the raw food preparation to be meditative and nourishing. Since a raw food diet consists primarily of vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds one dish may take as little as 30minutes prep time or one hour.
Then you add in time for “uncooking” in the dehydrator which may take any where from 3-8 hours. That’s where the meditation comes into practice. Knowing that a healthy dish was prepared with care and practice.
The initial benefits my body felt from being on a raw diet we’re increased energy, lightness, not having a heavy feeling after a big meal, clear complexion, and alertness.
Do I still follow a raw diet? Nowadays,
I’m 50% raw. Although, vegetarian, I eat cooked food, mostly fruits and vegetables in season and support local farmers by buying from them when available.
I enjoyed my raw experience and thank the raw community for their support. It’s especially helpful if considering a raw diet to engage with other raw foodists. Then you can exchange stories, recipes, and support each other in the experience.
Check out www.AlissaCohen.com for details, recipes, and testimonials on living a raw diet.

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