by Spring is here! The buds are appearing on the Aspen trees and the river is beginning to swell. The tulips are appearing among the last vestiges of snow and remind me that indeed the Light will return. I am looking forward to seasons of trail-running, mountain biking and camping in the woods with good friends.
What an incredible, intense Winter for some of us. I am deeply honored to hold space for those of you who are experiencing what Jamie Sams calls “A Dark Night of the Soul”. I am inspired by the Courage, Strength and Faith you bring to these moments, and it gives me great hope to know that such passionate and determined individuals are alive at this time.
As we move into Spring, remember again that there is a powerful interplay of the Yin and Yang forces. The Yang is rising with the Sun, as the Yin declines. As tempting as the Spring Sun feels, remember still to keep your Wind Gates covered with scarves, hoodies and long shorts or pants. This will prevent what is called a ‘Wind Cold Invasion’, which manifests as occipital headaches, runny and stuffy nose, non-productive cough or fever and chills. The Wind Gates are located at the base of your skull, behind your ears lobes and along the IT band, mid-thigh. Welcome the Sun and the Vitamin D that it brings to your body (remembering to use good Sun-protection habits), get out in the Spring morning, and let the sun touch as much bare skin as you dare to expose.
The Spring is the time of the Wood Element, the Liver and Gallbladder Organs. Pay attention to feelings of increased irritability and PMS or menstrual symptoms with more tender breasts and more painful menses. Some people may experience more painful or achy muscles and tendons. Acupuncture, Qi Gong shaking and deep breathing techniques can be beneficial.
It is about time to begin a Spring Cleanse. We are offering a three-week, very gentle cleanse at Mountain Sage. For $150 we include a 30-minute consult with tongue and pulse diagnosis, a complete and well-detailed description of the cleansing diet, supplements and personal recommendations for lifestyle and cleansing activities. Please call (435) 655-SAGE (7243) if you are interested.
There is also a very good 3-week ayurvedic cleanse being offered through Ananda Ayurvedic and SKY May 4th- 10th. They are presenting a seven-day, guided total body cleanse and detoxification program. The yogi cleanse is designed to eliminate toxins from the body, decrease stress, elevate energy and strengthen the immune system while restoring the balance between mind, body and soul. Please contact Maggie Koblasova, for information (435) 729-0556.
Some of you are already experiencing Spring allergies. Remember that the best way to treat this is through a diligent Anti-Inflammatory diet, increased water intake (at least ½ your body weight in oz. of water per day), avoid touching your face with your hands and wash your hands and face frequently (especially after loving-up your dog or outdoor cat). Consider a bioflavonoid supplement called Quercitin, standard dose is 250 mg two times per day orally and 125 mg dissolved in the saline solution of your Neti pot two times daily. Acupuncture can be very helpful for allergies also.
I am pleased to be partnering with Dr. Ariel Ford to offer a once-a-month New Moon Intention setting and Yin Yoga practice. The new moon phase is an optimal time for envisioning and carefully planting the seeds of your intentions. The New Moon Practice includes a 75 minute Yin yoga class, a guided meditation and a simple exercise to help establish and nurture our goals for the rest of the month. We are still looking for a more permanent practice space; this months practice will be at Temple Har Shalom on Monday, May 13th from 6:00-8:00. Cost is $20 in advance and reserves your spot, you can register and pre-pay via paypal to ariel@lowowl.com or drop off your payment at Mountain Sage. The cost for drop-in is $30 and dependent upon space availability.
Mountain Sage is helping to sponsor a visit from peace troubadour, internationally renowned speaker, best-selling author and musician, James Twyman for an event entitled “Wisdom of the Sages”. There will be a screening of his new movie, The Redwood Highway, Wednesday May 1st. He will be at The Shop (in Park City) on Friday, May 3rd from 7:30-9:30, where he will share his insight on how we can best honor, embody, and transfer the knowledge of the “Golden Indigos” and pass along their wisdom to the generations to come. James will weave his insight with song and musical performance. I believe that these events can serve as a powerful catalyst in the Park City community, where we can begin to embrace a strong Peace-Initiative and begin to restore balance in seemingly chaotic times. You can find more information and register at www.healthyhappyhumanbeings.com.
Dr. Brad continues to enjoy teaching Tai Chi and Qi Gong at PC MARC on Monday mornings from 8:30-9:30. He is an incredible instructor. For those of you experiencing liver-blood stagnation, this would be great for you! Drop-in cost is $9.
Please know that I continue to be grateful to each and every one of you for entrusting me with your care, with your stories and your incredible journeys. Please remember to call very well in advance for an appointment. I am currently booking out through June, so please call now to schedule your monthly wellness visits for July, August and September. Mountain Sage is thriving, and for that I Thank each of you. I feel deeply honored to serve in this community.
Remember to keep your hearts full with Gratitude and Appreciation, breathe deeply during the intense times, and Celebrate the Beautiful moments.
Wishing you all the very best,
Dr. Babbie