I've been thinking a lot about my path the wellness recently. Why it is that I've chosen to share it with the world, why I want to teach and write about yoga, and to love wildly... Why I've made the choice to choose love over fear, every damn day. I've come to realize that taking care of + caring for others has always been second nature, but caring for myself unconditionally is a rather new concept for me. Though it's one that I've embraced wholeheartedly.

The last few weeks (as I deal with the final leg of my immigration to the USA), have been really challenging. I've been anxious, frazzled, frantic, and at moments - broken-hearted, and oh so sad.

It's been incredibly comforting to lean into my practice. To return to this place, not only when things are great, but when they all fall apart as well. To come to the mat, without judgement or expectation. Where there are no rights or wrongs, or immigration statuses, or paperwork... The place where I'm allowed to move + breathe + play + just be. Not a place to escape to, but rather a place to feel it all + let it all go.

I'm learning to accept the things that I can not change. To enjoy the little things - a backbend with a smile, the leaves in mid-October, a matinee with an old friend... And I'm doing my best to navigate this crazy journey, with my (open) heart as my compass.

How are you taking care of yourselves? Do you need some ideas? Meditate, get on the mat, treat yourself to a massage, eat nourishing foods, go for a hike in the woods, play with your pup, take a workshop, start a project - get inspired!

Or why not come hang at the W.E.L.L. Summit with the Mass Musings Tribe? My friend, Kayte (from Mass Musings), and I will be there, living W.E.L.L., from November 6 - 8!

What is the W.E.L.L. Summit? Let me tell you! It's an urban weekend wellness retreat, taking place in the heart of Boston. Come practice, listen, play, eat, grow, and learn with some of the most inspiring and open-hearted individuals in the wellness field.

I'm really looking forward to nourishing meals, morning yoga, and taking some extra time for myself after the chaos that has infiltrated my life. I'm looking forward to slowing down, and doing the work.

Photo Credit, Jordan Ferney of Oh Happy Day!

I'm super excited for the Breakout Session speakers! My Instagram idol, Ksenia Avdulova, who you may know better as the acai aficionado, Breakfast Criminals, is talking all about using social media to market your business. She's super awesome, and I'm really hoping I'll get to chat Brazilian superfruits and heart bowl love with her.

Brandie Gilliam, Founder and Creative Director of Thoughtfully Magazine, will also be attending as a business expert. As a graphic designer, yoga teacher, wellness enthusiast, and aspiring writer - it's safe to say that I love Thoughtfully Magazine. I was so thrilled when they made my fav @yoga_girl, Rachel Brathen, made the Issue 3 cover - and they didn't photoshop her image. How refreshing is that? I'd love to hear more from this lady and her inspiring project.

So what do you say? Want to join in the fun, my fellow wellness warriors?

Wellness, Empowerment, Learning, Luxury.

There are three ways to attend, Full Experience, Weekender Pass, and Weekend Warrior Pass.

Full Experience

Farm-To-Table Welcome Dinner

Lunch on Friday, November 6th & Saturday, November 7th

Breakfast on Saturday, November 7th

Brunch on Sunday, November 8th

2 days of interactive and educational breakout sessions and access to wellness leaders. All breakout sessions will be capped at 30 people ensuring you will have a chance to connect with the speaker, ask questions and get your questions answered!

Networking opportunities with wellness professionals and enthusiasts

Exclusive gift bag filled with wellness goodies

Exclusive offers from our Sponsors such as a two month membership to Thrive Market + 15% off of your first purchase

Full Experience Pass $549. **

Weekender Pass

Here’s what your W.E.L.L.come Weekender Pass will include:

Farm-To-Table Welcome Dinner with Keynote Speaker Latham Thomas

Check-in Gift Bag

Turn-Down Gift Bag

Access to your choice of Breakout Sessions (Saturday & Sunday)

Saturday morning yoga class with Boston Yogi Emily Griffin (optional)

All inclusive Saturday lunch

Access to the L.I.V.E. W.E.L.L. Marketplace

Sunday morning movement class (optional)

Sunday brunch

Weekender Pass Price: $350.**

Get your own all-inclusive ticket at a discounted price, just for Mass Musings + YYZ->BOS readers!

Enjoy $75 off the the full conference ticket with the code MASSMUSINGS

Enjoy $30 off the Weekender ticket with the code MASSWEEKENDER

For more updates and information, check out the W.E.L.L. Summit Blog!

Hopefully I'll see you at the Summit!

Until next time friends - peace + love,

Alex

Hello friends, I hope you are all doing well. Pedro and I (and Rudie) drove up to Canada a couple of weeks ago, and have been enjoying spending time with our friends + family, and visiting all our old stomping grounds. There's been lots of good food, lots of good times, lots of yoga, and so much love (that my heart could burst).

A couple weekends ago, my friend Leandra and I (along with a slew of other Toronto yogis), braved the cold + wet weather to participate in the world's kindest triathlon. Wanderlust 108 is a mindful triathlon - a 5K + yoga sesh + meditation.

About halfway through the 5K, it started POURING rain (which we expected), and the puddles in my shoes sort of slowed me down. Eventually I ran back through that Wanderlust gate and it felt OH SO GOOD.

There were some issues with planning and organization (we actually ended up running 5+ miles, not 5 kilometers), and the festival got a little rained out (a lot of people seemed to leave after the run), but we stayed, and made the best of it! We joined in on the shortened yoga + meditation practice, and moved with some 50+ weather warriors who stuck it out and danced in the mud.

All was not lost, we found shelter under the vendor tents, and picked up some awesome yoga wear. I grabbed some Buddha Pants, and seriously guys, it was the best decision I've ever made. They are a dream. I already ordered more, because I know I am going to live in them. Begone constricting leggings, hello (organic, naturally-dyed, American-made) free-flowing harem pants.

I also managed to snag a couple Inner Fire tanks with fun sayings on them (like Shake Your Asana, haha), and I was super happy to be able to support the Vancouver-based brand.

I didn't take too many photos, because, well, it was pouring, and I didn't want to break my phone/camera. Despite the inclement weather, we had fun. Here's hoping next year I make it to Wanderlust proper and get to experience the full festival.