Magical Montana Moments - Winter 2008
Our newsletters will now be seasonal!
January: As I sit here typing this it is snowing. Again. At first that doesn't sound all that unusual - this is Montana, after all - but big snowfalls are happening at least once a week right now. Even by Montana standards, there has been a lot of snow this winter. The big, fat beautiful flakes that are falling would have immobilized the east coast city I moved from last year even before they hit the ground. Here, everyone pretty much goes about their day, and for the most part, embraces nature's winter drama. Sure, it affects our regular routine, you need to be careful driving, etc. But the upside is the quiet, pure, white surroundings that make you stop and appreciate what nature can do...and absolutely epic ski conditions!
The snow definitely brings out the kid in me. I get a thrill peeking out the window periodically to check its progress, taking my 2-year old daughter sledding gets us both giggling, and did I mention the skiing?? Big Sky Resort and Bridger Bowl cannot be beat this winter. On one of the days where it was snowing so hard the visibility was quite reduced, my husband and I opted to cross-country ski instead of downhill - it was our first time gliding through enchanted forest in a true winter wonderland (not to mention an unbelievable workout!). Now I have a brand new sport to connect with yoga as well.
Amidst the stunning snowcovered backdrop this winter has bestowed upon us here in Montana, I've had some magical moments that have helped me to recognize the power a connection with nature, even a fleeting one, can have on our well-being. Last week I was trying to find the new post office and took a wrong turn onto a very rural road. As I was trying to get my bearings, I looked to my right and saw an eagle sitting on the fencepost beside the road. Actually, I didn't just see it; I locked eyes with it as I drove past, and realizing what I was seeing, hit the brakes hard. Too hard, since my eagle friend took flight to find a fencepost a bit further away. But the only seconds-long encounter absolutely took my breath away, and had me reflecting on its power and beauty all day.
One night I woke up to bright light shining in my face. Under most circumstances, this is not a good thing. But when I realized it was the full moon shining on me, I felt a moment of connection to nature that brings everything else to a halt, including sleep. I sat up in bed to look at the moon reflecting off the snow, illuminating everything. Peace, beauty, moonlight. Magical Montana.
Despite my deep appreciation for the winter season, I am also the first to admit it brings its own set of challenges to our health and well-being too. So let's move on to my top 5 winter health tips:
The Neti pot. Topping the list with my new favorite. Seriously. Yes, I admit that it took me years to get up the nerve...but after my move to Montana, the super-dry air and
my chronic nasal trouble were not a good combination and I was suffering from frequent colds. I now neti every morning and have noticed a considerable difference my comfort level and post nasal drip situation. I am hooked and willing to rave about the benefits of the neti pot to anyone who will listen. Click here for the best neti pot how-to I found (and an explanation of what it is, in case you're still wondering).
- Hibernate. I am a big fan of sleep; I never pulled an all-nighter in college (or at any other time in my life for that matter). There is nothing that makes me feel better than a good night's sleep. While it's unrealistic to expect that every night will be filled with a blissful 8-10 hours, you can make changes in your routine that help foster a solid sleep schedule: a relaxing bedtime ritual, turning off the tv, soft flannel sheets that beckon you to snuggle under the covers. Be aware of your need for sleep, cultivate it and adjust your activities accordingly. If you didn't get a good night's sleep, don't plan a big night out the following evening or you are bound to get cranky.
- Monthly Massage. I've engaged in the massage debate with many people: pricey luxury or preventive medicine? I'm sure you know what side I'm on. Winter is the time to get a massage at least once a month; it improves your circulation, warms chilled muscles, and boosts your mood. Check out your local massage school for great discounts, since they need bodies to practice technique on.
- Hydrate - internally and externally.
Although it may be old habit to supercharge our circadian rhythms with that jolt of morning coffee, don't forget to hydrate with water and other non-caffeinated liquids to alleviate winter dehydration. It's harder in winter to realize that you are dehydrated, so it's important to remember to drink up, especially after outdoor activities like skiing. I never used to be a tea drinker, but lately have been enjoying an afternoon cup of Choice jasmine green (organic and fair trade to boot!). I'm convinced that this and the neti pot are keeping me healthier than ever this winter. And don't forget that humidity is a cold-weather friend: use a humidifer in your bedroom. Make it part of your bedtime routine to fill 'er up. We've got a combo humidifer/air purifer in our bedroom and our daughter's too - check out Gaiam for a good one.
- And of course, yoga. In winter, adding a few heat-generating sun salutes to your practice is the perfect antidote to a frigid room, a chilly floor, a body that needs to get toasty. Backbends activate energy and can produce warmth. Ask your yoga teacher about heat-building pranayama, such as ujjayi and breath of fire.
SPECIAL OFFERS & PROMOTIONS
March Ski & Yoga Retreat: Come experience this season's epic skiing in Big Sky! We've still got space in our peak season yoga and ski retreat march 2-7. Book by FEBRUARY 10 and enjoy a last-minute discount of $250 off!
(payment in full must be received by 2/10/08 in order to qualify for discount.)
Early bird promo: The early bird gets the yoga mat this spring...reserve by FEBRUARY 29 for one of our spring yoga & hiking weekends, or our summer cowgirl yoga retreats and we'll have a cool new Manduka eKO Mat waiting for you in your goodie bag. This is one of the best yoga mats we've ever tried (and we've tried quite a few)...and even better, it is environmentally-friendly. A $65 value. (Non-refundable deposit must be received by 2/29/08 in order to qualify for promo.)
Hope to see you out here soon! Here's to a happy and healthy 2008.
Namaste,
Margaret
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