Thanksgiving message from Monica

A week ago today I was in Colombia, South America. I taught a retreat in the dry tropical forest on the coast off Santa Marta, and also got to visit my family in Cartagena. It was an incredible retreat to say the least. People came from U.S., Spain, and mostly Colombia. I was able to teach them from the wealth of teachings that I have learned from Shiva Rea all these years, and we all immersed ourselves in the sacred space of this beautiful eco retreat. The combination of the Caribbean coast, Andes Mountains, and Spanish culture was amazing! For me, it was incredibly fulfilling and empowering to be able to teach in my country of heritage, to connect with my roots, and to serve my gifts in this special way.

We got up with the sunrise to chant the Gayatri mantra and flow our bodies, made malas, swam naked in the moonlit sky, snorkeled in the pristine waters and coral reefs, ate Colombian food, danced to the beat of tribal drummers, laughed, cried, and made lifelong friends. This is a country that is overflowing with natural beauty and history, as well as wonderful people who inhabit its lands. As we all know Colombia is a country with many political and economic problems. It has inspired me to want to go back be able to serve and become involved to somehow lend a hand and bring the gifts of yoga to people who can then use it to help turn the country around. I believe in the power of yoga to be the rocket fuel needed in these transformational times, no matter where we live. Please go to www.tayronayoga.com to see more pictures.


As the founder and director of the studio, I have decided to branch out and begin teaching master classes, workshops, and retreats. It will enable me to reach more people with my teachings, bring attention to the studio, and enable me to contribute more to the studio funds.


As we await our 501 (c) (3) approval, we are limited by the ways we can raise funds. Running a yoga studio is not a profitable business even in large cities. In Crested Butte, it has been a real challenge. I, as well as my board of directors and teachers, believe that this community needs and deserves the services we provide. Yoga brings health, peace, healing, (and so much more) to people as individuals, as well as a sense of community and opportunities for spiritual growth to all who come to our classes and events. We recently sent out a fundraising letter that you may have received by now. It is our hope in this season of hope and giving you will consider a contribution to allow us to continue to offer our space and services to the community. It’s a tough time financially for most of us. I feel strongly that in these times more than ever, we need to invest our money in the things that help the world and its people. By the services we offer at the studio, we can develop inner peace and strength to meet challenges with wisdom and clarity, keep joy in our hearts, and become empowered to serve our gifts in the world.


Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, to ALL the people who are a part of the studio. From locals, to our beloved visitors who make our community what it is, to the kids, families, and even those people who just happen to check us out on the web or on the sidewalk, we are here for YOU, and because of YOU.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!


With Gratitude and Love~


Monica

Love everyone, serve everyone, remember God ~NKB

Monica's Chai Tea Recipe

4 C water

plenty of fresh ginger (about 1-2 tbsp)

crushed cardamom seeds and pods (about 1-1.5 tbsp)

8 T of black tea

8 T of sweetener of choice

 

milk (the higher the fat the better)

 

boil water and add fresh ginger, cardamom seeds and pods, then black tea, while you chant your favorite mantra

remove from heat, cover, and go meditate, do some yoga, make love, or play with your kids.

strain all the stuff out so only the beautiful shaktified water remains.

add sugar.

put in a beautiful glass jar and set in the sun if you would like it to become sun charged.

whenever you want chai, add equal amounts chai mix and water and sit with your Divine Self or loved ones and imagine the taste of the chai filling yourself and your world with bliss.

 

if you are going to use the chai for a gathering or know it will be enjoyed quickly, you can always add equal amounts of milk to the mix and store or serve.

 

one more thing. if you like ginger (its so good for you!), i like to put some peices of it into the jar to marinate.