Face to Grace

This blog has moved to www.facetograce.com

2015-07-21T18:55:00.004-04:00

Dear readers,
Thank you for following this blog which has now moved to the reconstructed www.facetograce.com, which, thanks to WordPress, provides a space for the blog at the bottom right of the first page.
Looking forward to meeting you there.

www.facetograce.com

UNE MONO-DIÈTE DE KICHADEE POUR LES "NETTOYAGES" SAISONNIERS

2015-04-14T22:51:00.001-04:00

Avant d'entreprendre tout programme de détoxification au printemps et à l'automne, il est préférable pour les femmes de faire une cure plutôt qu'un jeûne pour éviter de perdre trop de fer, de minéraux et de force. L'un des plats les plus propice à cet égard est le kichadi car en cuisinant la fève mung et le riz ensemble on obtient une protéine complète. Les épices lui donnent un goût savoureux et chacune a des propriétés médicinales non négligeables.

Voici une recette simple à réaliser.
Donne 6 portions

Ingrédients :
1/2 tasse de fèves mung*
1/2 tasse de riz basmati**
2 c. à T. d'huile d'olive
1 c. à t. de ghee (beurre clarifié)
1/4 à 1/2 tasse de poireau haché
1 c. à T. de gingembre frais haché (réduire ou éviter pour Pitta élevé)
1 c. à T. de grains de cumin
1 c. à T. de grains de fenouil
1 c. à T. de grains de coriandre ou en poudre
1/4 ou 1/2 c. à t. de curcuma en poudre pour une couleur de jaune à orangée
1 pincée de hing (asafoetida)*** pour éviter la flatulence
1 c. à thé de cardamone en poudre ou 5 gosses
2 tasses de bouillon de légumes
quelques feuilles de coriandre fraîche

OPTIONNEL:
Pour Pitta : 1/2 tasse ou plus de lait de noix de coco léger
Pour Vata et Kapha : 1/2 c. à t. de fenugrec ou 1/4 c. à t. de muscade
Pour tous : 1 patate douce en dés, ou 2 carottes râpées, et ou 1 tasse de bardane pelée et tranchée mince en biseau

MÉTHODE :
1. Rincer les fèves mung ou les faire tremper 20 minutes pour accélérer la cuisson
2. Rincer le riz
3. Dans le fond d'un chaudron d'un litre ou 2, faire revenir les épices dans l'huile et le ghee, les plus dures en premier, puis les poudres (attention de ne pas surchauffer l'huile)
4. Ajouter les fèves mung et le riz, remuer un peu pour les imprégner d'épices
5. Ajouter 1 litre d'eau, le bouillon de légumes (et le lait de noix de coco)
6. Ajouter les légumes optionnels
7. Amener à ébullition puis réduire à feu moyen ou lent. Une cuisson longue (45 min.) à feu doux donnera une consistance plus onctueuse.
8. Garnir de feuilles de coriandre avant de servir.

* La fève mung sans la pelure verte libère moins d'air, donc est moins susceptible de donner des gaz.

** Le riz basmati ne contient ni gluten ni matière grasse. Il contient huit acides aminés essentiels, de l'acide folique et qu'une très faible proportion de sodium. Son indice glycémique (concept qui permet de mesurer l'apport de sucre des aliments dans le sang) est de faible à moyen. L'énergie qu'il contient est libérée de façon plus lente et constante que d'autres riz, fournissant un meilleur équilibre énergétique.

*** Le hing est disponible dans la majorité des épiceries biologiques et dans toutes les épiceries indiennes.

SUPERFOODS FOR DRY SKIN

2015-04-02T13:41:00.000-04:00

One of the most common complaints during winter is related to dry skin, but dry skin can happen at any time of the year. Apart from the obvious moisturizing solution, look at your diet to added help. Foods for the dry season are sweet, sour, salty, heavy, oily, moist foods provided you can digest them well.

The following are superfoods that will sustain you all winter long and help not only your avoid constipation, dry skin, hair and nails, but also
cracking joints and stress:

Avocadoes

Beets

Brussels sprouts (coat withghee or other oil as they can cause gas)

Carrots

Chilies

Garlic

Ginger

Honey

Nut butters

Oils: sesame, avocado, almond

Pumpkin, its seeds and oil

Winter squash

Sweet potatoes

Eat them in combination with other healthy foods. And at the risk of sounding like a broken record I say again: avoid crackers, dry cereal, cold foods and drinks, salads, caffeinated and alcoholic beverages and soak your dried fruits before eating them.

Recipe
From the first list, I have concocted a facial smoothie that any dehydrated skin cell will absorb like water by sand.

¼ fresh avocado

¼ boiled sweet potato (preferably still warm)

½ tsp unpasteurized honey

1 pinch of chili powder

1 pinch of ginger

1 tbsp of sesame oil (preferably warm or room temperature)

8 drops total of the following essential oils:

thyme, spikenard, bergamot, cinnamon according to your scent preference.

Mash everything into a creamy smoothy. Add a few drops more oil if too thick for your liking.

Clean the skin with a warm face cloth, apply generously, leave on for 11 minutes or more, rinse off with warm water (no soap on the skin; one shampoo for your hair).

This quantity will cover your face and other dry body parts or your hair. Use it all in one sitting as this combo will oxidize quickly.

A fun thing to do is to rate the comfort of your skin before you start and do it again afterwards to compare the improvement.

PANCHA KARMA #4: A YEAR OF INTROSPECTION

2015-03-23T18:00:00.003-04:00

There were eight of us signed up for our annual pancha Karma at Anjali in Kannur this year, 7 women and one man. This time around the atmosphere was mostly introspective. With our Vata and Pitta doshas relatively balanced levels and no illnesses, the main focus was to pass through minor discomforts without judgment, raise our blood pressure, quieten the mind and go within to discover the mysteries of our life and beauty.

Sand-scripting

Meditating on the beach before sunrise and receiving teachings from

Bhuvaneswari around dinner time certainly combined well with the treatments. We discovered the joys of “sand script”, writing our lessons in the sand. Communication organically switched from English, French and Spanish, but not a trace of Sanskrit despite the context.

Contrary to previous years, most of us had little energy or inclination to shop although knowing what we needed, what is available and where facilitated the little shopping we did. Pit stops for fresh coconut water, fruits and vegetables however was a common occurrence. Our social calendar was quieter than previous years although we again met delightfully friendly people.

Real resting

Having once again to deal with a painful pitta detoxing process through the skin meant an even more reclusive agenda than most for me. Resting was the main activity after meditation, treatments and meals. The Internet was inconsistent so emailing, facebooking and other such activities were limited. Not swimming in the salty Indian ocean,

Watching the action from our shaded balcony.

not going out in the sun and settling into a 7-day monodies proved to be less challenging than expected. Reading often felt too tiring. The process worked though; the fire subsided and my turkey neck-like skin eventually disappeared.

This of course does not make for an exciting blog… except for two very special events, with nothing in common. Chronologically, the first one was the discovery of an incredible side dish. The second was the meeting with a saint, a very zen man who stayed with us for 3 days to impart his teachings on the simplicity of illumination.

Food as medicine

Ayurveda offers solutions from the simplest to the most complex. For low blood pressure, we were offered a cup of warm rice water with salt, with efficient and quick results.

A kadi vasti.

To lower high vata, patients are treated to oil treatments such as pizhichil, while pitta patients are given milk shirodaras and 4-hand massages/baths with complex recipes involving butter milk and herbs processed for 24 hours. Other treatments often include netra vasti (eye treatments). The kapha dosha can be treated with sweating, vigourour frictions, vastis and inhalations. Herbal capsules, pastes and ghee given to everyone to be take internally everyday.

When a dosha resits these treatments, a monodiet can be called to the rescue. That was my case. The barely flavoured kichadee (mung dahl with rice) would have been quite depressing had it not been supplemented with an incredible cucumber looking vegetable: the bitter gourd. It is also called bitter melon. You may know it; I did not.

Actually, this member of the squash family, as all squash, is considered a fruit. It has amazing properties, especially the ability to clean the liver and clear skin inflammation. To my surprise, and that of my companions around the table, I thoroughly enjoyed the bitter taste for breakfast, lunch and dinner and kept eating it even after the 7-day diet ended. That being said, everyone around the table would eye it with curiosity and envy; some did not hesitate to dip in my side dish for a little taste.

Properties of bitter gourd

Bitter gourd stimulates digestion. It can help people with constipation. It is a mild inflammation modulator but in rare cases it can aggravate heartburn and ulcers. Note that the dark green gourd is more bitter and thick in texture than its paler green counterpart.

Ayurveda uses this gourd's powerful insulin-lowering effects to treat those with diabetes. Research has also shown it to be an effective treatment for viruses, the cold and flu, cancer and tumors, high cholesterol, HIV/AIDS, and psoriasis. The main preparation methods for medicinal doses include juice, capsules and tablets, leaf and vine powders, tinctures, and even enemas.

It is rich in vitamins with twice the beta-carotene of broccoli, twice the calcium of spinach and twice the potassium of bananas. It also contains vitamins A, C, B1 to B3, iron and phosphorus. At least 32 active chemicals have been identified in it so far. Many claim that this squash’s bitterness contains high concentration of quinine. Although little documented evidence supports this claim, Asians, Panamanians and Columbians use it to prevent and treat malaria.

I enjoyed two recipes available on http://thebookoftaste.blogspot.ca/2015/03/those-unexpected-skin-rushes-or.html. An option for those who do not care for the bitter taste is its tincture two to three times per day.

The best came last

Towards the end of our trip, we met Sri Baghavat, an enlightened master and saint, an elegant older gentleman with beautiful young looking skin. After retiring from a career in criminal law, he started teaching what he knows about illumination and true freedom. His whole demeanour talked of serenity, a sense of peace that spread to the group. What a great last touch to our rejuvenation process!

To book an ayurvedic treatment, take courses on inner and outer beauty or sign up for meditation evenings contact me at info@facetograce.com.

HOT, SEXY, HAPPY AND HEALTHY MÉNAGE À TROIS

2015-01-27T17:16:00.001-05:00

You want to boycott the cold and humidity that make you feel tight and withdrawn? Call on black pepper, jasmine and pink grapefruit essential oils in sesame oil with a touch of vitamin E oil for a savvy solution.

This trio will perk Lady Kapha and Dame Vata like no other. Everyone around them will notice that they are up for the best pleasures life has to offer. Definitely can be worn under the sexiest red lamé dress for a sultry night out while making you healthier.

Señorita Pitta, however should avoid this powerful élixir unless she’s ready to ignite her inner nuclear power. Here’s why. Pepper as you already suspect is one of the most heating and drying essential oils in aromatherapy, jasmine is heating as is grapefruit. Although kapha and vata skin loves it, sensitive pitta skin could break out in a rash. That’s the short story. But then it smells so tantalizing.

Black Pepper

The pungent peppercorn, from which essential oil can be distilled, contains vitamins A and C, significant amounts of potassium, calcium, zinc, manganese, magnesium, and iron. And that’s not it. Add pyridoxine, riboflavin, thiamin and niacin of the B-complex vitamin group. Pepper fires up digestive and sexual appetite, increases absorption of B-complex vitamins and other nutrients from food as well as movement in the walls of the gut for easier elimination.

Believe it or not, it also has anti-inflammatory properties, especially in the joints. It helps the body remove harmful free radicals to protect from cancers and diseases, enhances free flow of oxygen to the brain, and stimulates the activity of the heart. Ayurveda values it for its anti-aging properties.

Jasmine

Thick and heavy, jasmine essential oil is gently warming, erogenous

(read «aphrodisiac») and is used to treat various problems of the reproductive tracts like menstrual cramps, impotence, frigidity and prostate problems. It even calms the uterus which is helpful during giving birth.

This seductive oil reduces anxiety and depression. Massaged over the heart center it generates feelings of hope. Of course it works amazingly well on skin, slows down wrinkles and rejuvenates aging skin and skin afflicted by eczema. In addition, jasmine has been used in ayurveda as a means to increase immunity and fight fever.

Pink Grapefruit

Like all citrus fruit based essential oils, pink grapefruit’s is uplifting, stimulant and tonic. A study by the Brigham Young University, «Small concentrations of grapefruit essential oil showed an 80.5% cell inhibition value for skin cancer cells.» This essential oil has adequate amount of spermidine, a compound that plays a significant roles in the survival of cells.

Emotionally, it helps with anxiety, bad moods or stress, all of which impact our hormones. In addition, the aromatic effects support one's own sense of self-love and approval, especially in regards to loving and honoring our bodies. Ayurveda recommends it to curb food cravings, liver congestion, excess body fat, cholesterol and other toxic substances.

Honouring the Feminine and the Masculine

Together, these three essential oils ooze a sense of powerful wellbeing and the desire to share that with others. They remind us of our original attributes; they help us reclaim and honour these as our truth in living to our fullest physical, creative, sexual, emotional, mental and spiritual potential.

For an aromatherapy consultation, in person or via Skype, or for meditations with essential oils, contact me at info@facetograce.com.

TURTLE, TURTLE, LA LA LA

2015-01-03T17:24:00.000-05:00

This turtle is estimated to weigh more than
1000 lbs.

No, I’m not referring here to the commercial chocolate-caramel candy but to the giant turtles that I saw in the Galapagos Island of Santa-Cruz recently. I'm talking about huge turtles, very old turtles, some as 230 years old.

What was fascinating about them was they were not afraid although shy. Shy yet definitely curious about our presence. They would pull back their head inside the shell when we approached but within seconds though they would stretched it out again, eager to see if we were still looking at them. Eye contact with any of them was quietly powerful. Such deep, wise calmness as they gazed in my heart or my soul. They left an imprint there.

A primordial bath of beauty;
a hot spot, turtle style.

Since I’ve been back, I find this imprint is noticeable. I can’t rush. An email response sent too quickly reminded me of turtle wisdom. It showed me that the answer I could have sent. It would have been much more satisfying to wait for my full memory and truth to rise.

The flu also forced me to adopt turtle pace. Gratefully, I didn’t battle to get back on my feet more quickly than I could. Even as I am late writing this blog, turtle is still sovereign, telling me to wait for the right message, the right words.

"Tell them to think of their body, of their bones, of their solidity, turtles say. Tell them to feel their weight from time to time. Remind them of how long it has taken them to become who they are, and to enjoy that achievement. We know that they think spending time in the mud is messy. From our perspective, the mud is the primordial bath of beauty, our protection and the Mother’s love nest.

Remind them that, like us, they have good lungs they can make even bigger by breathing deeper. Deep breath is the secret of strength and longevity. Longevity is the award system that comes from living their walk to their destination. Even when they rest, they can still move forward by imagining the next walk, the next day, the next adventure."

As I am now recovered, I enjoy watching the snow fall and the cat sleeping without impatience. Oddly enough, all my tasks are done there’s nothing on my agenda tomorrow except choosing something gratifying to do like wishing you loads of turtle wisdom in 2015.

BOOOO, BOOOO: WHAT HAUNTS YOU?

2014-11-13T21:36:00.000-05:00

On Hollowe’en, children play at being ghosts, pirates, witches, ghouls, clowns to play out all kinds of fearful to ridiculous aspects of the human psyche.

Some adults love to dress up too on that occasion, most often than not, expressing repressed aspects of themselves in some way or other to experience them and laugh at them. Others won’t even consider wearing a costume, so tight in their repression, fear or disdain. The dynamic of Hollowe’en is great to reveal aspects of what haunts us, what we judge, what we fear.

So what is it that haunts you? What nags you? Is it your greed, your guilt, your vanity, your anger, your jealousy, your arrogance, your fear of aging, of death, of power, of innocence and beauty? And we typically have quite a collection. Those keep you small and prevent you from sleeping at night and even making you sick. Sometimes they are just an annoying presence, while at others we feed those ghosts as though re-assuring presences despite their destructiveness.

Residents of St-Jean-sur-Richelieu and Ottawa were recently shocked by the killing of soldiers and the attack in the Parliament building. What was haunting the perpetrators? What is haunting those who manipulated and financed the killers?

It seems that the forces of darkness and evil are creating more and more pain and destruction in the world. Yoda, the famous wise character in the movie Star Wars, says: “Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.” The forces of darkness are very good at creating pain and suffering. Could it be because they are more and more fearful themselves?

At the same time, it seems to me that the number of saintly individuals is also increasing to lead us in the other direction. They say things such as:

“Never seek to exult over others' faults; deal sympathetically with the errors and mistakes of others. Seek the good in others; hear only good tidings about them; do not give ear to scandal.” - Sai Baba
“The whole evolution of man is from being somebody to being nobody, and from being nobody to being everybody.” - Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
"Do not be fooled by your emotions and reactions. Use them as signposts for the new choices you must take." -Sai Maa

The teaching that challenges me most is “Accept everything. You are everybody and everybody is you. Accept them all without judgement, without trying to change them. Just be aware they are there. Love and be grateful for everything as everything is you.”

That haunts me. So I took the challenge last night, imagining the killer of Cpl. Nathan Cirillo as a part of me. Saints may laugh at my surprise, but this provided a lot of insight. Emotions vanished, leaving a space of neutral, a sense of peacefulness and understanding. It seems to me that as more and more of us are chose that approach-- sending love, light and understanding to the parts that haunt us—our power to dissolve the ghosts that inhabit us will prevail, making us all beautiful beings of light and love.

Amma, known as the Hugging Saint, says: "Try to make others happy, and don't despair over all the evil in the world. Instead of cursing the dark, let us each light one small lamp."

Hum… what should I wear on Hollowe'en? What about you?

Should you wish assistance to face some of your ghosts straight in the eyes, ask Samyukta for a private consultation. A freeing experience!

THYME AND THYME AGAIN

2014-11-11T22:16:00.000-05:00

Sylvianne Latus, left, learned from her mother,
who learned from her mother, to use thyme
for herself and her family when they get colds.

Five years ago, all I knew about thyme was that it grows in Europe and here in Ottawa's gardens to spice up salad dressings and other dishes. That was until a colleague recommended it for coughs and colds. Since then, I keep finding more about its benefits. Healers of the past have counted daily on this mult-purpose herb and today’s researchers keep adding to the body of knowledge.

Thymus vulgaris

Like oregano, wild thyme is a member of the
mint family. It is pungent, therefore heating. Despite growing on fairly poor soil it is full of iron.

Long before the discovery of penicillin and other antibiotics, thyme was used for its anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties to medicate gauze and wool bandages for surgical dressings. It is also known for it's anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic as well as it local anesthetic properties.

How to use it?

Bath: brings relief and restful sleep to those suffering from over-stimulation and depression; a strong decoction will heal ingrown nails.

Herb pillow: helps ward off nightmares, especially for children; with chamomile and yarrow in equal proportion to alleviate facial neuralgia (never pain), contusions and inflammations

Essential oil: similar to maceration but only a few drops are needed in your oil of choice because of its high concentration. Also uplifts the spirit when used in a diffuser, by itself or with other essences.

Fumigation for nasal congestion.

Fumigation/steam: for colds and congestion

Maceration: (for massage) memory, concentration, migraines, lung ailments, menstrual cramps, sprains, bronchitis, and bruises

Tea: for digestion especially associated with PMS symptoms, nausea; helps prevent miscarriages and during delivery; a precise protocol can help with alcoholism; on a compress calms the itchiness of insect bites; as a gargle for bad breath and gingivitis.

Tincture: Thyme tincture taken orally strengthens of limbs of children who are weak, especially those suffering from multiple sclerosis.

Wash: (with a decoction) used as an antiseptic and disinfectant for acné, styes and pink eye, cuts, scrapes; also to deodorize and address dandruff issues.

Recipe for boils:

1 Tbsp thyme, 1/2 lime (pressed), 1/2 tsp onion juice, 1 or 2 tsp of honey. Make a paste and spread. Cover with gauze and leave on for 12 hours. Wash and dry the wound.

Old and New

Abbess Hildegarde was suffered
terrible migraines from a young age.

The ancient Egyptians used thyme for embalming while the Greeks burned it as an incense in their temples and soldiers used it in their baths for courage. The Romans used it to purify their rooms and give aromatic flavor to cheese and liqueurs.

Abbess Hildegard von Bingen, a German healer, mystic, writer, and philosopher who lived in the 12th century, used thyme for nervous disorders, leprosy and paralysis.

In 2012, the journal Nutrition and Cancer⁹ reported that wild thyme induced cell death in breast cancer cells. The same year, results of research on the benefits of a thyme essential oil anti-fungal cream for eczema-like lesions led by a team at the All African Leprosy and Dermatology Education and Training Center in Ethiopia were published in the International Journal of Dermatology.¹² It study showed that 66.5% of those treated with that cream were completely healed compared to 28.5% of those using a placebo.

If you know of other uses of this marvel of nature, please drop me a line with examples, and I will include it here.

FASHION, FOODS AND FLAIR FOR VATA SEASON

2014-09-26T16:34:00.000-04:00

Nothing like a colourful
turtle neck sweater
to stay warm and cozy.

A former colleague and fashion aficionado, Madeleine, used to say that she prefers fall and winter because the colours and textures of clothes are richer and more cozy. I suspect that her preference was guided by her dosha. However, it is true that colors and textures contribute greatly to balance the body, mind and spirit.

According to ayurveda, everything in the universe is energetic and gives off a vibration, including colors, animals,
people and things. Since autumn is a cooler season, turn to warmer, richer hues for comfort and nourishment is a natural reflex for most of us.

In India, there is a celebration dedicated to Goddess Durga (the ultimate feminine power inherent in all Creation) called Navrati or Nine Divine Nights. One of the particulars of this tradition is that each woman wears nine colours of dress on the worship during those nights. What a symbolic way to express the fullness of life!

The fall Equinox is a time to celebrate nature's harvest, a time of pow wows, thanks giving parties where women (and some men) are busy in the kitchen preparing warming soups and stews, perogies, corn cakes, pumpkin pies and adding spices of all colours and scents.
Of course, scents are an important aspect of the celebrations. When the winds and chills of Vata arrive, prepare your body with pancha karma treatments; massage your body with warm sesame oil and frankincense, myrrh, tulsi, nutmeg, cumin, turmeric, tarragon, marjoram, orange, oregano essential oils or use them in your diffuser. Of course, cooking with them will also warm you up.

While those with Pitta and Kapha constitutions may enjoy this time of year, here are symptoms that tell you that your Vata side needs nurturing with warm foods and clothes, routine, and grounding activities:

- nervousness, anxiety, panic, fear
- lack of concentration
- twitches, tics, tremors, spasms
- dry or chapped skin
- cracking joints
- constipation, gas, bloating, dry, hard stools
- low body weight
- dislike of cold and wind
- difficulty tolerating noises
- light, interrupted sleep
- spacey, scattered feeling
- excess thinking or worrying.

You are also welcome the Vata season by book a warming aromatherapy session or purification of the senses treatment with Samyukta.

A BASKET FULL OF POSSIBILITIES THIS FALL-WINTER

2014-08-31T15:30:00.000-04:00

Life, Love, Health, Beauty, Joy, Gratefulness, Peace. Those are qualities or vibrations that make us who we are, maintain us and bind us. We sometimes feel that our basket is so full that we want to share its content with everyone around us. Isn't that when everyone tells you how beautiful and radiant you are?

What is your basket filled with?

Then there are times when you realize the basket is leaking. What caused the damage? Chances are you already know. Did you list lack of awareness, of self-care and self-responsibility, negative habits and belief systems? Are you already judging yourself for any of them, beating yourself up? That is one option of course but not very useful or uplifting. So how can one get back on track without drama?

One of the most useful way I know is it to keep in regular contact with uplifting, creative, active, courageous and inquisitive people. They can be friends or strangers that show by example, not because they are perfect but because they don't let their stories block their way. They are not afraid of looking at their leaky basket nor at investigating novel ways to repair it. If you are reading this, you are one of those people. You are the person I like to work with, meditate with, share knowledge with, experiment, have tea, discuss, play, laugh and grow up with.

In a sense, I am very selfish. I offer and promote activities that please me. By serving others through what I am passionate about, I feel that I meet a need: to connect us to our individual and collective vitality, beauty, joy, gratefulness, love, peace, caring and wisdom. This is what is included in my basket of activities and courses this fall-winter season. And when you cannot come in person to 36 Simcoe, Ottawa, we can meet online via Skype.

In chronological order:
RSVP required to attend all classes
* Courses available online upon request.

Sept. 1, 7 to 8 pm - Meditations on Beauty, every Monday evening until June. A great opportunity to meditate with kindred spirits.
The focus this term: Obstacles to beauty and letting them go. $10

*Sept. 4-25, , 7 to 8 pm - Essential oils for health and beauty (1)

While aromatherapy certainly has proven that it can constitute a phenomenal portion of your pharmacy for the physical body, discover essential oils can reveal the intricacies of your inner world and wisdom. $225

Sept. 6, 2 to 4 pm - OPEN HOUSE with Face to Grace, Club Yoga, Satya Spices and Viveda

Let your senses be tantalized with samplings of skin care products, spice blends and teas, as well as demos of facials, hand and feet massage, and yoga for the family

*Sept. 8 - Oct. 27, 6 to 7 pm - Practical Awakening / Éveil pratique à 11h

Strengthen your body, mind and emotions with knowledge of ayurveda, nutrition, your structure of being and a practice that could last your whole life. More vitality and radiance guaranteed. $295

*Sept. 10 - Oct. 1, 5 to 6 pm - Macerations, Tinctures and Infusions for Skin Care

Create a multi-purpose pharmacy for head to toe needs. $108.
A good start before signing up for Making your skin care products and Biovedic Beauty Certification Program.

Sept. 10 - Oct. 1, 7 to 8 pm - Balance Your Emotions with Aromatherapy and Meditation

Support your beauty by knowing your emotions, recognizing them, observing them as they act up in your chakras. Then learn about essential oils that clean and regulate the chakras with a practice that removes outdated emotional patterns. $325

*Sept. 11, 1:30 to 2:30 pm - Biovedic Beauty Certification Program - Module 1

Four 1-hour classes to identify concepts about beauty; using self-awareness to debunk negative beliefs; understanding and applying ayurveda for skin care and personal needs; using the face as a map of physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. $150; inquire about the 7 other modules.

*Sept. 13 - Oct. 4, 1:30 to 2:30 pm, Skin care for teens

You are between 11 and 17 years old? Are ready to take responsibility for your skin condition, self-care and the emotionality that often accompanies zits and acne flare-ups. Yes! Learn to assess the facts, select and prepare ingredients that nurture your skin; get nutritional tips; and work with a mirror to identify behaviors that support self-confidence. $125

*Oct. 2 - 23, 7 to 8 pm - Essential oils for health and beauty (2)

Look at essential oils from various parts of the world that are all good for skin, find out what they have in common and what is unique about them; how to determine which ones to chose for specific purposes and how to combine them.

*Oct. 11, 1:30 to 2:30 pm - Problem Skin: The Map

Your face, including its imperfections, reveals a lot. Those blemishes are not catastrophes but clues when you use your face as a map. Knowing this greatly facilitates adequate assessment for proper solutions.

*Oct. 25, 1:30 to 2:30 pm - Hair Care Solutions

Split ends, premature greying, dry or oily hair! What to do about it? This question is easily answered with ayurveda and the solutions are affordable, flexible, non-toxic and can benefit you for a life-time.
$25

*Nov. 1, 1:30 to 2:30 pm - Divorce Your Migraines

Tips and modalities that can be used individually or in combination with allopathic medication to help you reduce their frequency and intensity to the point where can say goodbye. If you have a migraine on the day of the workshop, please come anyway. You'll find relief. $35

*Nov. 3 to Dec. 8, 6 to 7 pm - Practical Awakening, see description above

*Nov. 15, 1:30 to 4 pm - Cleaning Your Chakras: When, Where and Why?

Discover or deepen your knowledge of the structure and functions of the chakras; make your own aura cleanse kit; receive a copy of the recipe; and learn how to use your kit. $45 plus material

Nov. 22, 1:30 to 3:30 - The Best Facial: An Organic Gourmet Meal

A very hands-on, face-on way to experiment with categories of ingredients that clean, exfoliate, moisten, tone and bring back your full-fledged radiance. Learn about the best ingredient combinations for your skin type, when to exfoliate and when not to. $45 per person; $30 for teens.

Official dates for the following workshops and courses will be announced in the newsletter. Subscribe today at info@facetograce.com.

Jan.

Practical Awakening/Éveil pratique

Making Skin Care Products with Aromatherapy and Ayurveda

10 Tips to Balance Dry Skin

Feb.

10 Tips to Balance Oily Skin

March

Aromatherapy for Visual Artists and Tarot Lovers

Balance Your Emotions

April

Cellular Breathing
10 Tips to Balance Sensitive Skin

Agni Hotra, a technology that removes pollution and is healing to people.

May

Temple of Grace (Pre-requisite: Practical Awakening)
Make Luxurious Natural Soaps that Uplift

June:

Facial at the beach for teens

ELEGANT QUEEN ANN'S LACE GIFTS FOR A WEDDING

2014-07-30T17:09:00.001-04:00

My friends Rémi and Rebecca got married this past weekend. They rallied the help of their friends to create a true community event. Some prepared food for 60 people. Some sang and played music instruments, recited poems, and our teacher lead the spiritual ceremony and hosted the event in her beautiful garden. The mother of the bride, a consummate potter, made candle holders. Children--young and old--were asked to blow soap bubbles. I was asked to take charge of making bouquets for the banquet tables while another friend used her ikebana skills to make arrangements for the buffet table.

Queen Ann's lace, the queen of wild flowers.

One of the most elegant wild flowers of summer is Queen Ann's lace, also known as wild carrot. It is found in abundance this summer and it was a pleasure to grace many vases with it. All bouquets were prepared the afternoon before the ceremony and wilting was a preoccupation, but Queen Ann's lace was sturdier than I thought. Some thanks go to Lady Weather who was cool that night and preserved all bouquets well.

Health wise, it contains vitamin A. An infusion of the whole herb can be used for chronic kidney diseases and affections of the bladder (1 oz of the herb in a litre of simmering water; drink in doses of 2 oz). A strong decoction will help pass gravel and kidney stones and counter the production of the latter. It is also good against insomnia and flatulence. Not a bad idea to have this tea after a beautiful wedding dinner.

Wild carrot can be used as a diuretic, an aphrodisiac and as a tonic for the nervous system. and also to soothe the digestive tract, to stimulate the uterus, to reduce cholesterol, and to supports the liver. In older times, a warm water infusion of the flowers was used in the treatment of diabetes.

Queen Ann's lace bouquet, bottom right.

Tea with the seed of wild or cultivated carrot, however is not recommended for pregnant women as it provides contractions of the uterus.

Wild carrot hydrosol also has many properties and can be taken orally and on the skin, pure (in small doses) or diluted. It is recommended for inflamed skin, eczema, psoriasis and rosacea. Energetically, it is used to help live in the present moment and to assist those who experience difficulty in sharing. One thing to know, most people find that this hydrosol does not have a pleasant smell.

Other medicinal plants used in the bouquets included parsley, yarrow of all colors, dill and lavender.

For tips and information on medicinal plants, visit www.facebook.com/facetograce or contact Samyukta for consultations and treatments.

SOAP MAKING: DELICATE - HANDLE WITH GLOVES

2014-06-23T23:35:00.000-04:00

Cranberry harvest in B.C. by Paul Woodcock. What a
gorgeous colour for soap!

Making soap can be done anytime, but I prefer summer and fall as this is when all things fresh are available to fuel creativity and productivity.

It can be very simple or quite complex depending on what type of soap you want to make,
the ingredients you want to use and what level of exploration you are ready to undertake.

These are soaps made with the cold-process method.

The easiest is to buy ready-made, melt and pour glycerin soap kits. These gives beautiful transparent soaps you can colour which ever way you like. However, you will likely get artificial fragrances rather than essential oils. The traditional cold-processed soaps, hand-milled soaps or liquid soaps require more commitment, precaution, patience and willingness to face the unexpected. The reward is gratifying, even when your soap turns out differently from what you had planned. And planning ahead it indeed needed. Why? Because soap takes time to make and time to cure (set and harden, between 4 to 8 weeks).

Either method requires three basic ingredients: water, lye and oils. Other ingredients (e.g. herbs, spices, cereals, clays, milk, colouring agents, beeswax,

So many possible ingredients
to give richness and personality
to your soaps.

essential oils, coffee grains, chocolate) are used to improve the aroma and texture of the soaps, or address particular needs and skin types. A lot of people say that using quality essential oils and hydrosols in soap is not worth it. I disagree as everything we do affects the energy of what we put on our body.

The combinations you use will perk you up or calm you down, inspire you, refresh you or warm you, take away aches and pains, and rejuvenate. There are soaps for children, women and men, for the body (even when soaps are 100% natural and contain the highest quality ingredients, I never use it on my face), for gardeners' hands, to exfoliate, to remove strong odours, for clothes and other household tasks.

Silicone molds work very well but are quite
expensive. Don't use the same ones for baking
and soap making.

And then there are shapes! Big, small, round, square, balls, hearts, stars, fish, anything you can think of. You just need to find a mold. From discarded food containers to muffin pans, milk cartons, cans, to flexible silicone soap molds, almost anything can work. ALMOST anything.
What won't work:
Cans that have an inner rim (your soap won't come out once it hardens)
Pottery, glass or anything that can break
Paper or cardboard containers
Painted containers (including muffin pans, those nice black ones)
Containers that have an opening smaller than their base

About plastic containers
Some work beautifully others would be dangerous to use. For example, some rectangular plastic soy desert containers work wonderfully while delightfully shaped ice cream cups.
How can you know?
TEST BY POURING BOILING WATER IN ONE BEFORE BEFORE YOU EVEN PLAN ON WHAT RECIPE TO MAKE. If the plastic melts, even slightly, discard that mold. This way you won't risk burning yourself and won't waste your precious soap solution.

Rosehip and cranberry soap. My project for July.

About colours:
If you use dark oils such as avocado oil or macerations, with beeswax, herbal teas, dark colored essential oils or a combination of all those, your soaps will never turn out white or a pure colour if you add food colouring.
Assuming that your soap base is light, test a small quantity of your colouring agent with a small quantity of your soap.
The colour will alter slightly during the curing period as well.
You can also integrate small pieces of colored soap in your main batch of soap to added effect.

PRECAUTIONS:
Lye is a chemical product that needs to be handled with great care. It smells very strong and can burn quite severely before of after being poured in water. Even one grain of it stuck under your nail can cause a sever burn. Only once the soap has properly saponified (turned hard) will its caustic nature be neutralized and turn into a product your skin will like. One of the beauties of chemistry!

Therefore:
1. Read about the soap making process a couple of times before you actually set out to make some to make sure you can understand and see in your head what to do ahead of time.
2. If you have lung issues, make your soap outside only or not at all.
3. Make sure there are NO children and NO pets around while you make your soap. Store the soaps out of their reach as well.
4. Wear safety glasses or even ski goggles
5. Wear strong latex gloves (cheap ones won't last)
6. Wear long sleeves and an apron
7. If you have a tendency to sweat, wear a bandana on your forehead.

Once you master the basics, you can alter your recipes, increase or reduce the quantity and experiment by combining different processes. However, like baking, just doubling the ingredients doesn't work. You'll need a saponification chart because different types and quantities of oil require different amounts of lye.

You will also need a calculator, a baking thermometer (2 is even better), and a scale, preferably electronic. Ingredients need to be measured by weight even though they are liquid.

You never made soap before or you like company to make some, join Samyukta to create great soaps. To find out about her workshops, visit her Facebook page, sign up for her newsletter or email her at info@facetograce.com.

SWEET FACIALS OF SUMMER

2014-05-28T00:04:00.001-04:00

Whether home is in Papete, Mexico City,
Gatineau or Sydney, a facial picnic
with friends will always be fun.

How delicious it is to reach summer! You can almost feel the taste of the sun on your tongue and its sent on your skin. Skin is such a fascinating organ, the largest of your body, sensitive to what is going on inside the body as well as outside, and a great communicator between the two. This summer give it a facial it will remember for a long time.

Ayurveda and aromatherapy for beauty

Taking care of the skin with ayurveda and aromatherapy is a delight, especially

at this time of year because we can use fresh ingredients from the garden or the market to clean it, scrub it gently, moisten it, tone it and of course decorate it. Summer is also the time to collect fresh plants that can be used in making skin care products for the other seasons.

Herbs--with their multi-dimensional fragrances--are great for facials because they not only share their beautiful healing properties with you, but because they uplift the mind and emotions as you breathe. You can create a full-day celebration with girlfriends and family members. Collect the perfect plants for your concoctions in the morning after the dew has evaporated, enjoy some of them over lunch then, in the afternoon, use them to make your skin tingle and glow.

Vegetable vendors such as this one are found everywhere
in Kannur. Check your organic market for local treasures.

Once you know the basics of ayurveda to assess your skin and choose ingredients accordingly, you can start experimenting far and wide.

For example, I was India recently for rejuvenating treatments and a member of our group asked me for a facial. I did not have a lot of my products with me but there were great yellow cucumbers, bananas, limes and coconuts wherever I went.

Rose water and yogourt were also easily available as well as various spices in the hotel's kitchen. No treatment room? We used the outdoors dining room table as a massage table, protected from the sun but caressed by the sounds of the ocean a few feet away.

Cascais, Portugal, offers miles of beaches
to enjoy a facial.

Of course, what grows in your area is different from Kannur, India, and the beach may be by a river or lake rather than by an ocean but the principles are the same. You chose a great location (preferably in the shade), get tantalizing herbs, veggies and flowers at the (organic) market or in your garden, you combine them, applying on self or others, rinse and VOILÀ! You had a great time, feel relaxed, your skin is happy, you didn’t put any damaging chemicals in your body and you barely spent anything. Oh, and bring your cell phone or camera.

FACIAL MASK RECIPE FOR TEENS AND WOMEN

For a party of 4

¼ cup of fresh herb leaves (remove the stems)

Mint, coriander, basil or fennel leaves work well for most people.

4 tbsp of organic plane yogurt OR fresh coconut milk

¼ tsp of maple syrup or honey

1 pinch or turmeric powder

¼ tsp of oil (almond for any skin type, grapeseed for Kapha oily skin; avocado for Vata dry skin, or coconut for sensitive skin)

Optional:

¼ tsp of floral water (rose, lavender, orange blossom)

1 or 2 drops of lavender, rose or other flower essential oil if you have any.

Make a purée with all the ingredients and apply generously over your face. Check other parts of your body that ask for it too (don’t block the creativity of your skin’s requests) and see what happens.

Make sure you don't burn
while you're enjoying your facial.

Before you start, apply natural/organic sunscreen on your body, except your face. You don’t have any? Mix a bit of sesame oil with an organic baby rash cream that contains zinc. Why? Because zinc is essential for sun protection.

To get pampered, get more cool recipes, learn more about beauty with ayurveda and aromatherapy, or sign up for the monthly newsletter, contact info@facetograce.com. Visit http://facetograce/blogspot.com and https://www.facebook.com/facetograce?ref=hl.

ONLINE BIOVEDIC FACIALS AND TREATMENTS: SO MUCH FUN, SO PRACTICAL

2014-05-23T22:22:00.000-04:00

No time is the best time. A great illustration
by my friend Hughes Chassé.

One of the great pleasures and mysteries of energy work is that is knows not the boundaries of time and place. As a practitioner I can give facials and treatments from home or while traveling and you can be at home, at the cottage or anywhere else to receive it. The precision and quality of the facial, treatment as well as the sense of intimacy are the same whether we are geographically in the same room or 35,000 km apart.
And since you don't have to commute, it saves you time and money.

Your online facial can be outdoors.

As you probably know by now, a bioevedic facial is a modality that combines the typical steps of the traditional facial (cleansing, exfoliating, moistening, toning) with an ayurvedic assessment and energy work. Typically, clients seeking a biovedic facial will come to Face to Grace in person. We test the ingredients by category (herbs, liquids, oils, essential oils, etc.), assess the skin condition from the ayurvedic perspective, finalize ingredients choice and move to the massage table. The client then rests for a short while then heads home.

Your ingredients will be selected
to balance your dosha.

Working online is quite similar. The only differences lay in how the assessment and choice of ingredients is done: ahead of time through an exchange of emails. A list of materials is also recommended the same way. Then I guide the client through the process to meet the needs of the moment. In this scenario the client is a full participant rather than a simple receiver but it is quite relaxing regardless. Once done, the person can enjoy resting right there and then.

… or your treatment in bed.

At the time agreed upon, the client and I each turn on our Skype* (your computer ideally has a camera) application and go from there. A laptop works best as you can chose where you want to set up. A facial or class can be at your kitchen or dining room table, or on the coffee table in your living room or outside on your deck. The important part is that your computer and all your ingredients are readily at hand and that you have no distractions. Having running water close by is best but having a large pot of warm water to rinse at the table also works. A simple treatment (meaning non-facial) for physical or emotional pain can be done anywhere: on your living room floor, on your bed or anywhere you are comfortable. A bit of oil and some essential oils may be useful but are not compulsory.

Regardless where you are in the world, you can book
an online Face to Grace facial.

Working this way has given me the privilege of providing treatments to individuals and a facial class to a group of four (mom and three daughters) in Charlottetown, Chicago, Sherbrooke and Vancouver. My dream is to meet clients in Australia, Argentina, Polynesia, Europe, India, China, Northern Québec, Mexico, San Francisco and... in even in Ottawa for those who can't make it to my location.

Classes and workshops are also be offered this way. Classes that combine instruction and meditation, such as Practical Awakening, work fantastically well through this medium.

Who benefits best from these treatments?
- Anyone stressed for time
- Anyone who wants improved sense of wellness
- Anyone located outside of Ottawa seeking this type of treatment
- Anyone who wants to organize a small group (2 to 5) for a special occasion
- Any energy worker curious to try this modality and adapt it to your own needs.

A Paypal booking will confirm your appointment.

Payments for treatments or classes are done via Paypal.

Book your online appointment today! Simply send me an email or contact me through Skype.

*Skype is a free software available on the Internet which allows you to communicate anywhere in the world without long-distance fees. The signals travel on phone lines and, if both computers are equipped with a camera, both parties can chose to activate them and see one another… or not.

CACAO, EGGS AND EASTER

2014-04-15T15:06:00.002-04:00

Yesterday evening I meditated with cacao absolute*. It was an experience that illustrated the paradoxes of life and its kapha* aspects: heavy, humid, slow, patient, motherly and loving nature. It also showed sluggishness, muddiness, pain and depression as well as the importance of acceptance, dreamtime, sacrifice, infinity and the process of birth, death and rebirth. In the process, it provided a glimpse of
the nature of Jesus' sacrifice as he descended through the deep, dark and violent aspects of human existence.

*an absolute is similar to an essential oil but its distillation process is different.

Enlargement of a cacao nut in its shell.

Sensuality and heaviness

When I first started, the lure of the sensuous fragrance of cacao was captivating. A picture of an Andes mountain shrouded in the mist of dark clouds appeared. Although the sensation was delicious it did not feel uplifting, quite the opposite. It felt heavy and made me drowsy. For close to an hour, I relaxed, feeling that I was being pulled down more and more deeply. When I was finished, I wanted to go back to my evening routine on the computer, but I couldn’t because cacao was calling into dreamtime. So I went to bed even though it was only 8 pm.

Mud is also made of life and love.

Deeper and deeper in the Earth

My dreams were about visiting a hotel with friends. The structure was very solid, made with stones and large, dark wood beam. I entered an elevator, but instead of bringing us higher, it brought us deeper and deeper in the Earth. There were actually three number 8 buttons on the elevator panel, so there was no choice but to get out on that floor. There were several grids and a couple of broken planks on the deck, apparently there to show what was going on below and allow energy circulation. Beyond the deck all that could be seen was muddy ground soaked with rain.

Pachamama, the primordial giver of life and spirit of Earth.

Resist nothing

I woke up from this dream with a heavy sense of depression, but the voice of cacao told me not to resist that sensation. This allowed a flow of relaxation in an area where I often experience physical pain. The flow moved through that leg and then up to the other leg through the feet. A sense of motherly love started flowing. It was as though the Primordial Mother in the form of the Peruvian Pachamama embraced me. She told me to resist nothing because everything in life is made of love, even discomfort, pain, depression which are just points on the continuum of infinity.

MOTHER reminded me of the question I asked earlier when I wondered if cacao would connect meditators to the spiritual aspect of Easter (which I associated with Jesus on the cross). She actually did, showing me the feminine aspect of his patience and acceptance as he went through the dark side of human nature.

She also brought back to mind the picture of the cacao bean (above) in its egg-shaped shell cut in half that I posted on Facebook. This reminded me of the biology lesson on the division of reproductive cells, followed by a sense of “I KNOW” that the whole of life is contained in this earthy, sustaining, sweet chocolate bean AND that attaching to sweetness or resisting discomfort is what causes disbalance and pain.

The cycle of birth, death and rebirth is in the egg

I now have a sense that what Jesus did over 2000 years ago was a perfect demonstration to show us how to accept our darkness, personal and collective. He gave us a model to accept it and pass through it regardless of circumstances. In the end, it is his supreme act of surrendering that showed

us that this is the only way to live and be in the light again… and to keep going.

No wonder then that something that seemed originally so mundane as a chocolate egg for Easter is such a resilient symbol.

NOTE: Remember that Kapha qualities are great to balance people with Vata and Pitta constitutions, but that they aggravate the Kapha dosha. If you are currently experiencing depression, AVOID cacao/chocolate, especially cacao absolute.

To experience the nature of cacao or other essential oils in Ottawa or online, contact Samyukta at info@facetograce.com.

INDIA: PANCHA KARMA, YEAR 3

2014-03-26T22:23:00.003-04:00

Students at the Chinmaya Mission College for girls

I come back from this fourth trip to India more relaxed than last year. The memory of amazing smiles, scents and sights in my eyes fill my senses…

Kilos lost and gained
… and many kilos of ayurvedic pastes, oils, tablets and medicinal ghees filled up my suitcase on the way back to follow up properly with my 3rd annual pancha karma
treatment. Since there was a tiny bit of space left in it, I added a couple of tubes of saffron and vermillion paste, and a herbal face cream called Vadanamritham.

Two amazing ayurvedic doctors.

At the other end of the spectrum, am very happy to report that I lost a little over 1kg after three weeks. Quite a feat for my ayurvedic doctors and my body given Lascita's and Lissie's delicious and plentiful, non-pancha karma meals. (Lascita's chutney and curry recipes are in the March posts of http://thebookoftaste.blogspot.com).

Vata, Pitta, Kapha

I am grateful that my high Pitta condition from last year was finally mastered with only a few milk shirodaras, coconut oil massages and a fantastic series of eye treatments. My young practitioners were then able to address the needs of my Vata constitution with massages with sesame oil and other treatments over the next two weeks. Dr. Swapna, the owner of the clinic, told me I would have to come back next year since my body was not quite ready to handle kapha balancing treatments. Oh well, life is so rough; it looks like my agenda is set for February-March 2015.

Kannur in the fast lane

These treatments, added to Bhuvaneswari's slow-strectch yoga while overlooking the sun rise over the beach at 6:30, swimming in the ocean before breakfast, daydreaming and haute cuisine eating requested a lot of rest.

The most fun part was to eat with our hands.

So I rested, a lot. And then came an invitation to our friend, Dr. Swapna, for the last week of my stay, so I had to start shopping for a saree. That was not too tiring, especially with a few visits to the dates and cashew nuts vendor, to the spice (cardamom and chili) and incense vendors. Then once started, I remembered that I needed a bit of jewelry and a pair of shoes to go along with the sari, then a night gown and a few more white cotton pieces to replace old ones. Had to try more than one tailor. The first one was located 2 minutes away from the miles-long sandy beach, in a 10x10 cube-like stall minus the front wall. Whenever he looks up from his work, he see huge trees in bloom and San Pedro cactus.

A not-so-silent retreat

Divya and yours truly.

Of course I had to learn from Lascita how to wrap the saree. Took about 15 lessons, first by myself, then with nine friends who practiced the art with me to attend a traditional feast organized by the owner of our resort for a photoshoot for their website. Of course, his wife Divya, Lascita and Lissie took care of the menu and food presentation. Our now long-term friend, Krishna, took care of the flower arrangement. We were magnificent! By then, Lascita volunteered to make sure I would put on my saree properly the morning of the wedding. The night before,

Bhuvaneswari bought especially fragrant strands of jasmine for our hair. Have developed and addiction to this feminine traditional form of vanity, especially after a vendor gave me a rose one day as a compliment for wearing jasmine in "such a creative way".

Wedding Day
The tuk tuk ride to the wedding was an adventure in itself, with four of us sardined on a not so bumpy, hilly country side road. The bride was gorgeous with her pure complexion, jet black hair shining and bound with jasmine strands, henna patterns on the hands, bedecked in her

Bhuvaneswari and Swapna

deep red and gold saree, and wide shy smile. The stage for the ceremony was covered with flowers and various traditional accessories and all kinds of modern photo and video equipment. First thing we knew, it was over and another meal followed, served on a banana leaf.

By then, time to purchase goodbye gifts for family and friends. Then there were the goodbye dinners, for example a group candle light dinner at a nice seaside restaurant where my apéritif was a fresh, fizzy and salty limonade.

Unexpected highlights

Asoka employee
makes a medicinal
churna (tonic)

Visiting the factory Asoka Pharmacy, a 100-year old ayurvedic family business, where I got an iron tonic and a fabulous face cream--everything there is still made by hand, even the pills
giving a facial on the dining room table of our hotel with fresh local bananas, yellow cucumber and rose water
meeting a multi-lingual tuk tuk driver passionate about English grammar
having a Kerala Indian cooking class (oh, those chutney's!)
learning about the meticulous techniques of traditional mural painting complete with demo. The artist travelled 3 hours by train to come to us

A few meters from Durga's feet:
the sandy beach.
tasting my first fresh cashew fruit with the nut well attached underneath
being invited to a small community puja for Sai Baba
having a root canal treatment and paying only 3500 rupees for it--that is about $75. Talk about lucky, and it was done before the tooth started hurting
attending the students talent show at the Chinmaya Mission College for girls
getting so many tips on beauty, health and even fertility issues, e.g. cardamon for hair care and lack of iron as a cause of insomnia.

And you should see and touch my skin now!

Want to book an ayurvedic facial or treatment? Contact me know at info@facetograce.com.

RECIPES: QUICK FIRST AID TIPS FOR PIMPLES AND ECZEMA

2014-02-05T15:58:00.000-05:00

Cinnamon has great disinfecting properties.

Pimples can go quickly when you apply a paste of honey and cinnamon directly on it to dry it before you go to bed. A bit sticky but fragrant and efficient. Mix a good pinch of cinnamon powder in 1/4 tsp of honey. You'll likely have some left over and it can be kept for a week or more. You have pimples every month with you moon cycle? You may wish to macerate broken pieces of
1 stick of cinnamon in 1/4 cup of honey for 6 to 8 weeks. This will go a long way.

Treat your skin to fennel and oatmeal to alleviate
the prickly discomfort.

Eczema's itchy, burning sensations will be relieved by applying a paste of oatmeal cooked in water to creamy consistency with a teaspoon of powdered fennel seed. Actually, eating this also helps and then you just need to keep a portion sufficient to cover the affected area. If the skin is quite dry, add 1 or 2 drops of neem oil. Let the mixture cool off to comfortable temperature. Apply and leave on for 11 minutes. Rinse off then spray with chamomile hydrosol. This recipe won't keep longer than 24 hours.

SCENTS AND RELATIONSHIPS

2014-01-14T23:59:00.000-05:00

Your nose knows.

A flash thought about Valentine's Day took me by surprise this morning. A bit early in the season I thought… But whatever triggered that idea inspired me to dedicate this blog to the topic of relationships and scents. It also inspired me to use essential oils associated with love since Antiquity for the next Meditations on Beauty.

Curiosity led me to search for recent information. The findings led me to
question a few assumptions and to come up with a theory that I want to check with you.

The basics of attraction
Everyone is interested in this topic. Scientists since Darwin, if not way before, have researched this extensively. The 80's brought up the existence of pheromones, whose role is now considered less significant than MHCs. But let's start from the beginning: body scent is an important ingredient in attraction, especially for females. Women's sense of smell becomes more acute around ovulation. They can even identify disease by smell, though maybe not which one. Think of all the implications, not only in the lover relationship but all kinds of relationships: mom-child, friendship and any relationship based on love in all its forms.

Research on DNA suggests that
perfumes may short-circuit
our built-in means of mate choice.

Claus Wedekind and his team at the University of Bern, Switzerland, decided to see if MHC codes (a segment of our DNA called the major histocompatibility complex) in some men's secretions affected women's ratings on male smells. They found that women rate a man's body odor pleasantness and sexiness depends upon how much of their MHC profile is shared.

Overall, women prefer those scents exuded by men whose MHC profiles differed the most from their own. Hence, any given man's odor could be pleasing for one woman, yet a turnoff for another.1 Just in case you thought it would be great to know your MHC, be aware that the tests, IF available, would be very expensive, so trust your nose.

The researchers went as far as saying that while perfume worn daily, soapy showers, contraceptive pills (which inhibit women's reactions to MHCs) have their charms. However they may short-circuit our built-in means of mate choice, adaptations shaped to our unique needs by millions of years of ancestral experiences.

No "good" smell!

Like an iceberg the visible part of your nose
is but a tiny part of it.

The same researchers found out that no specific smell would work better than another (you knew that!), but more interestingly that the mate would not necessarily need to smell "good." This study could explain why certain people are described as great lovers, sometimes by several partners, despite their less than appealing body smell.

Conversely, there are many anecdotes about relationships that did not click nor worked because of scents. Several years ago an article made the papers about a man who had been plagued by allergic reactions. After years of medical testing, the man learned he was allergic to his wife's hair, possibly it's scent. And how about this article in Marie-Claire magazine about a couple who divorced, among other things, because of mutual disdain for each other's body scent?

A question remains

One ton of rose petals is needed to produce
1 litre of essential oil.

Why have human beings been using perfumes to attract romance or love for so long? Why have certain scents been coined as aphrodisiac by ancient erudite societies such as the Pheonicians, the Indian, the Greeks and Romans, the Egyptians, the Morrocans? I'm thinking here of rose, jasmin, neroli, tulsi, cananga, lotus seed, spikenard, patchouli, basil, and black pepper.

My theory to those questions is two-fold. 1. Maybe that individuals don't trust that there natural scent is enough to attract a partner. This would be based in lack of self-confidence.
2. By taking care of their body, people nurture their self-love and connection to the Earth; tune it up to be receptive for union/merging; and prepare themselves emotionally and mentally for a specific situation with the vibrations of fragrances they like or trust, that put themselves "in the mood."

What do you think? Do you have a different theory? Please comment below.

At any rate, I will offer participants of the Meditations on Beauty the joy of experimenting with the essences of cananga, neroli, tulsi or jasmine, and rose for the next four Mondays. Let's find out where they lead us on the path of love and relationships. For details on how to join the group, contact me at info@facetograce.com

Last note
The oilier your skin, the more likely it is to have a scent.

To book an aromatherapy session with Samyukta, contact info@facetograce.com.

ABOUT THE AURA and THE AURA CLEANSE AND PROTECTION PROGRAM

2013-11-13T12:15:00.000-05:00

One of the ways you could
see your aura. Thanks to
Gilbert Heim for this picture.

As the vibration of the Earth changes, more and more people are sensitive to “energy”. The best proof is in the exploding numbers of people who see or perceive the aura, who have premonitions, perceive angels or entities of various realms, and of people attracted to reiki, shamanic work, bioenergetics, healing work, channelers, aromatherapy, and so on. You may be one of them.

So what is that energy that people perceive but don’t necessarily see? The most common term used is “the aura.” As a kid, seeing light of different colours around the head of the priest during mass, I wondered why it was not gold and floating above his head like in pious pictures. Later on, as a teenager, I wondered why I saw this and what was the role of the aura. Since the late 1990s, I studied and learned to work with it. A couple of weeks ago,

I worked with my teacher, Bhuvaneswari, to create a wonderful product to clean and protect the aura.

Here is grosso modo the conversation we had about the aura, and you can learn how to make the product.

Samyukta: How would you describe the aura?

Bhuvaneswari: The aura is not a permanent organ per se, it is just an emanation of the Earth bodies. It is formed by the union of the different frequencies that emanate from

As for human beings, there is much more to the Earth
than what we can actually see.

those bodies. (NOTE: what we call the Earth bodies here includes the physical, etheric, emotional and mental bodies. To know more, you may wish to get information about her course on The Structure of Being.)

The physical body has the emanation of gravity. It is like a magnet that attracts the gravitational forces of the other bodies.

The second layer of the Earth body is the etheric body. The etheric body is stuck to the physical body as in a nylon envelope, sealed or attracted by the gravitational force.

The third layer of the Earth body is the emotional body. That layer has a gravitational force which is plasmic, like the water element or like gelatin.

The emanation of the mental body is electrical and produces a frequency. As you know, there are three aspects to electricity: the positive charge, the negative charge and the neutral charge. In the same fashion, human beings have positive thoughts, negative and neutral ones. You are charged very specifically and that charge changes every moment.

Samyukta: The aura is what we can see, feel and it has colour and shapes, it moves and you can remove things from it, right?

Bhuvaneswari: Yes. It forms through the mental process. If you have a concept, that concept gets more crystallized, more rigid, more hard.

Samyukta: And that is in the aura, not necessarily in the chakra?

Water creatures are struggling all over the planet.
Read more.

Bhuvaneswari: Exactly. It can be in the aura and these concepts makes things heavy. When you use the Aura Cleanse with the prayer, you unclog the emanations and allow them to be more plastic, more fluid, smooth, and even. We are using this particular form of cleansing with water for two reasons:

because it works wonderfully well on the etheric body, the matter of the aura most connected to water, and
because the kingdom of the fluids is coming more forward at this time. It is not a surprise that we hear more and more announcements of meditations for the whales, the penguins, the dolphins because that race is struggling and needs to be acknowledged.

By cleansing ourselves with water, we are honouring that ray*. The water serves to ground it a bit more in the Earth. (*”that ray” is one of the 12 rays. NOTE: To know more about the rays, visit her teachings section of her web site, www.bhuvaneswari.ca.)

The Aura Cleanse is a great complement for all the elements. It includes a short prayer/mantra to form a unit of cleansing and protection for the whole aura.

And the aura changes. For example, traveling requires one of the biggest adjustments not only because of jetlag but also because each country has a different magnetic field. Those fields vary a lot from the Pole to the Equator. Even if the change is just slightly different, your aura/Earth bodies still need to adjust.

Samyukta: Are you saying that the Aura Cleanse is recommend-ed when you travel because it facilitates integration?

Bhuvaneswari: Yes, absolutely.

Samyukta: What else would you recommend that product for?

Bhuvaneswari: It's a bit like a prescription.

I recommend it for children; it’s a way to pray for them and to protect them.
Or when you are releasing something, eg if you are a body worker and you are working with someone and some “foreign” energy is sticking to you, this Aura cleanse is the perfect cleanser. It is not a bath, you dont it sink in, more like a shower. You let it roll.
By making it yourself, you put your energy in the water, you charge it with your love for the elements in his or her aura. That is why people come and ask me to bless them. It’s like my aura somehow, or my blessings, gets in the elements and the elements get in the body. You can use it for the weak, the sick or those being attacked by the thoughts of others.
You can also use it when you get feelings of heaviness. Those feelings may not even be yours but you get affected by them, so you just clean them.
It’s great during your karma months (NOTE: the month preceding your birthday) when your aura is most sensitive, when unresolved or unfinished business from the past year starts to come up to the surface.
Also I recommend it for difficult situations when your aura is shattered by an accident, a shock or things like that; or when your mind subdivides (NOTE: for more information on “subdivision of the mind”, go to www.bhuvaneswari.ca for her radio show Altitude).

Your kit could look like this.

You can use Aura Cleanse kit often. It’s like brushing your teeth. It is used for seven days, one bottle a day. Each contains a very different substance. Better used in the morning. Keep a small portion for cleaning the house, to spray in your environment as an air freshner or to wash floors.

Samyukta: As another dilution?

Bhuvaneswari: Yes. You put it in soap or in air freshner. Because it has been charged with prayer, it is like holy water, You clean the house with it. Good to use it during the darker months or those that have less flow, e.g. October, November, spring, when you naturally feel like cleaning the house. For the seeker it is good to have it once a month.

Samyukta: Once a month could be an expensive proposition.

Bhuvaneswari: Ideally, every seeker--anyone sensitive to energy--should be able to make their own. And this is a workshop for you, Samyukta, to design and give the recipe.

Samyukta: You say this is for seekers, but what about others who don’t identify themselves as sensitive to energy but are attracted or curious about the product.

Bhuvaneswari: If they’re attracted, they will benefit.

Sign up for the upcoming workshops to learn how to make your AURA CLEANSE and use the program!
Contact Samyukta at info@facetograce.com for dates of workshops in Ottawa; private sessions in person for individuals or groups; individuals on SKYPE; or at your location for groups of 4 or more.
Cost: $35 per person; $40 for individuals; material and ingredients not included.

GHOST BUSTERS: A STORY OF RELAXATION

2013-10-16T13:10:00.000-04:00

Nervous tension is stored in the cells
and makes the body nervous.
A good massage reduces that incredibly well.

This is the second article I write today. The other one disappeared on purpose under the delete button. I admit, at first I felt unqualified to share knowledge through this blog today because of judgements that I didn’t cope well with a strong case of Vata disbalance. And yet, as I wrote this, a voice inside told me this was not true.

The inner layer of defence said:

“You took care of the physical bodies by:

going for a slow, warm, nurturing massage in silent harmony with the massage therapist
taking time out with family and friends to play and be mindfully grateful on this Thanksgiving weekend
spending more time meditating and reached the restful place of inner silence
eating as well as you could within the circumstances of your week
doing your best to remain in your truth despite challenges

Recognizing our good deeds

This shows overall commitment and awareness that help bring back some balance to the air element. You learned this well and are now practicing it. Didn't you feel the improvement? Recognize your responsibility in that."

Somehow, just acknowledging this calmed the attacks of the inner judges and the emotions that were stirred up. The body relaxed.

The role of the unconscious

So then, I asked silently to no one in particular, why don't I feel 100% relaxed and easily threatened?

The answer came unexpectedly during meditation tonight: the topic was about angels and the unconscious. I won’t impose the full explanation on you. Suffice it to say that after taking care of the body and abandoning the need for quick fixes, and blaming others, the solution lies in remembering the qualities of our core essence. One of them is that as human beings, nothing can threaten us. When we forget, unconscious voices are triggered by the various stimulus around us, eg. people, circumstances.

It is the doubts and lack of trust in our inner guides that create unconscious aspects of the personality that become tyrants, ghosts of sorts. Because those “unreal personalities” (meaning artificially created) operate from that dark blind spot of the unconscious, we think they are real, that they are “me”. So there is validity to the biblical statement "Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?" Time to get the magnifying glass out. That being said, those personalities act like magnets that attract the very experiences we fear. This is why it is so important that we

detect them.

The tyrants are ghosts

Searching for and observing those “entities”, “personalities” or “ghosts” without judgement (not analyzing them which gives them validity) proved to be a very efficient way of activating a powerful delete button on one of mine last night. To say nothing about the feeling of empowerment. It felt like switching from being haunted to becoming a hunter of sorts, a ghost buster.

Becoming a ghost buster

If you decide to experiment on your own, be aware that the ghostly tyrants hide as much in the small ego (I am not enough, etc.) as in the inflated ego (I am bigger, better than you so I can judge you). Both types keep you out of the blissful land of joy, creativity, love, connection with others, freedom and peace.

Courses such as Practical Awakening, Balancing Your Emotions with Aromatherapy, Unification, and any among the Aroma Muse series for lovers of writing, music, dance and visual arts all provide solid grounding tools to return the tyrants to the void. To sign up or for more details, contact Samyukta at info@facetograce.com.

CUBEB AND CANANGA ESSENTIAL OILS FROM BALI, OH LA LA

2013-10-01T14:08:00.002-04:00

Bali, one of the jewels of Indonesia, is a world producer of
rice and a producer of fine essential oils.

After travelling, one of the most fun things to do is to talk to people who just came back from a trip. A student recently went to Bali and brought back cubeb and cananga (ylang ylang) essential oils. Thanks Chantal for this amazing sensory experience. The names sound so exotic don’t they! As are their scents! I wish they could cross cyberspace to reach your nose. So far, only nature has really mastered the ability to create perfumes that truly can touch the soul and give a sense of connection with the world and with the self. And at this time of year, these essences and other wonderful essential oils have the ability to generously keep us warm as the fall and winter seasons are already at our doorstep.

Cubeb

Opening a bottle of cubeb essential oil definitely warms the heart and the senses. Not too surprising since the seed is known as Java pepper.

Although the taste of cubeb is described as pungent, acrid, slightly bitter and persistent I find the aroma of the essential oil much sweeter, mellow and round than pepper’s. Imagine a mellow Pitta person and you'll get a good sense of the plant's nature. I tell you, that scent alone is a great incentive to plan a trip to this dream destination.

Given it’s properties to heal the throat, bad breath, vocal cords and cough, it looks like a good friend for the throat chakra. A keeper for singers, story tellers, teachers, politicians and anyone who expresses their gifts to the world through speech. This one will definitely be among essential oils presented for selection at the Aromas for writing and music lovers coming up on October 11 and November 15.

The spice is said to taste somewhere
between black pepper and allspice.

In its herbal form, Tibetan doctors used to treat the spleen. The Chinese valued it to restore appetite and darken the hair. Arab physicians used it with other ingredients, including ylang ylang, to prepare aphrodisiac remedies. In England it was used to treat infertility, ghonorrea, infections of the urinary tract, and even (though not by doctors) in love sachets, spells and exorcism.

Cananga

The cananga essential oil Chantal brought is more subtle but just as sweet and luxurious than any other I’ve ever smelled. Hawaiian women use it to add fragrance in coconut oil and to make mwarmwars (head garlands), in a fashion similar to Polynesian woman who make leis and crush the tiare flower in coconut to make monoi.

The cananga flower, the star of Bali.

I would say that ylang ylang is Pitta-Kapha in nature. Various parts of the plant have been used to treat stomach ailments, travel sickness, malaria, asthma, depression, distressed breathing, high blood pressure, anxiety, and as an aphrodisiac, a laxative and an anti-bacterial. Shamans and other recent healers used it to ward off evil spirits. Its essential oil is extracted from the root, which looks like ginger (belongs to that family too).

Since the powers of procreation and creativity come from the same source in the 2^nd chakra, my assumption is that, again, this essential oil would be great to inspire artists and art lovers of all description. A definite asset for anyone seeking to quieten the mind and connect with the body.

Mother Nature is so bountiful and caring! Imagine creating medication that smells that delightful! But even better, imagine what YOU could create by simply trying it on.

Interested in exploring the arts with aromatherapy for fun or for professional benefits? Contact me at info@facetograce.com and we’ll develop a program for you with results above and beyond your expectations.

WHEN THE GOING GET DRY, GET THE OILS FLOWING

2013-09-12T13:25:00.000-04:00

Oils come in all colours and textures.

Mother Nature has provided every area of the world with an abundance of oils. Why? Because they are absolutely necessary in our diet and on our body, especially for the maintenance and repair of the nervous system and the skin. Think of coconut oil and shae butter everywhere in the tropics, olive and sesame and almond in the mediterranean area, rice oats oils in Asia, canola, sunflower and grape seed in more temperate areas. People from northern countries, living above the tree line, found their source of oil
in sea mammals and still do to some extent.

For the longest time, most North Americans relied almost exclusively on corn oil, which has become more and more adulterated and genetically modified, to say nothing of margarines and palm oil found in most manufactured foods. Fortunately, good quality oils mentioned above, often organic, are now available in health food stores and some food chains with an organic section.

Yum, a bit of rice oats oil with plum vinegar and
shredded coconut. A delight for taste buds and
skin alike.

All these oils can be used in salads and other dishes, as well as carrier oils in massage. The best are those that match your constitution (Vata, Pitta, Kapha).

There are other excellent oils that can be purchased in small quantities such as avocado, rosehip, carrot, apricot kernel, hazelnut, castor oil (this is not from the animal but from a beautiful plant), jojoba, pumpkin seed, flaxseed and argan seed. Why small quantities? Because the plant matter has less oil to give, they don’t last as long, and the production and retail costs are higher. Most of those are difficult to find in their organic state. They are well worth the cost when you consider the benefits, and can be purchased occasionally for a special treat.

Yearning for a peachy textured skin? Think.... apricot kernel oil.

Avocado and castor oil will do an amazing job with any extra dry skin patch.
Rosehip loves to take care of wrinkles and prevents them when you start at an early age (eg., late 20s-early 30s).
Jojoba is not only great for its nutriments but also as a natural preservative for your products.
Pumpkin seed is full of the essential zinc and vitamin K.
Argan oil, a warming oil, is excellent for vaginal dryness and anything else you can think of.
Carrot oil has carotene, a natural around the eyes.
Apricot kernel a blissful oil for peachy skin, best for Pitta.
Hazelnut oil is light (so best used in summer) has vitamin E and maintains the integrity of the outer layer of the skin.
Flaxseed is great for skin inflammations.

And there are medicated oils. Those are made with carrier oils that have the ability to extract the medicinal properties of plants. They are olive oil, sesame oil and sometimes coconut oils. My favourite ones are macerations of lavender, comfrey, yarrow, calendula, plantain, vanilla. I also purchase ayurvedic medicated oils such as brahmi oil.

Face to Grace products all contain a combination of some of the carrier, specialty and medicated oils mentioned above. In addition, The Book of Beauty: Making Skin Care Products with Ayurveda and Aromatherapy lists all of them with their individual properties.

So for your next home party with the girls experiment with oils, Face to Grace products or make a moisturizer you can share. I would be glad to provide tips. Simply send me an email at info@facetograce.com.

INNER AND OUTER BEAUTY: BALANCE AND SELF-CARE (FALL 2013 PROGRAM)

2013-08-02T15:27:00.001-04:00

The Aroma Muses for the Arts workshops announced in the previous entry are only one part of Face to Grace’s calendar of activity. They're definitely for those who are seeking expansion and want to put on their wings. The core part of Face to Grace’s course program includes:

Practical Awakening for those seeking help for sailing journeys regardless of weather
Balance Your Emotions with Aromatherapy, both in English and French, offer tools when the tides of emotions are high.
the 1-Year Biovedic Beauty Certification Program develops grace and flexibility, and provides countless tools on the journey of beauty.

All three include components on aromatherapy, ayurveda and much more.

Practical Awakening,

Sept. 5 to Oct. 17; 5:30 to 6:30 pm, 36 Simcoe St., Ottawa or by Skype

Registration: RSVP by Sept. 1; $295

Who will benefit?

Those going through times of transition 
Those who need to restore their physical health 
Those suffering from insomnia, stress, depression, lack of connection and resistance to relationships 
Those experiencing emotional disturbances or lack of self-guidance 
Those seeking to initiate themselves to the path within 
Those seeking stillness of the mind and detachment

What to expect?

Knowledge and experience the structure and physiology of the Earth (physical, etheric, emotional, mental) bodies
 Knowledge about your individual constitution and how to manage it through exercise, diet and breath 
Tips on how to balance your emotions and calm your mind 
An introduction to stillness and meditation

Testimonial:

The sessions, exercises, and take-home meditations have given me such a deeper understanding of myself and how I greet the world. The process tremendously helped me through serious emotional issues that had been stuck with me for years. No matter the highs and lows I was going through during the process, I'm also so grateful to Samyukta for her kindness, patience, and compassion every time I came to her. She made everything so manageable, and she even managed to make me laugh about things that would otherwise have been so difficult for me to deal with!

By the end, I literally felt "awakened", like I had come back to myself and had a live for myself I had not felt in a long time. It was one of the most beautiful and powerful things i have experienced! Ever since then, i have has so much more clarity and peace of mind, i have the tools to let difficult situations not get the better of me, and it has made me ready to take on the world with my head held high! Thank you Samyukta for bringing me back to my true self! – Chantal C., Ottawa, ON

Balance Your Emotions with Aromatherapy, Oct. 16 to Nov. 20; 7 to 8 pm, 36 Simcoe Street or on Skype
Registration: RSVP by Oct. 2; $325

Who will benefit?

Those who have difficulty coping with emotions, their own or others'
Those wanting to release an obsolete emotional pattern
Those who no longer want to be controlled by their emotions
Those looking for support during emotional times (burn out, divorce, loss of a loved one)

What to expect?

Knowledge of the nature of emotions and where they live in the body and Earth structure
Tools to meet emotions from a place of observation and detachment
A 40-day meditation to release obsolete emotional patterns
A set of Émotions - Chakra Creams
More self-acceptance
Support from the teacher during the 40 days

1-Year Biovedic Beauty Certification Program, pre-program interviews Aug. 29, from 10:30 am; in person or via Skype. 8 modules over 31-week program starting in September.

Who will benefit?

Those looking for in-depth knowledge of how to take care of their own skin and beauty, as well as their family's and friends' in a healthy and conscious way, for long-lasting results
Those searching to increase their knowledge for professional purposes
Those on a journey of self-awareness and development through the path of beauty

What to expect?

MODULE 1: Anchoring the knowledge

4 weeks

1. Concepts of beauty: Inner and outer beauty through the ages

2. Self-awareness and techniques for debunking myths and negative belief systems about personal beauty

3. Ayurveda:

- understanding the doshas

- knowing your dosha, prakriti and assessing your vikruti

4. Importance of the disagnostic

5. Applying knowledge of the doshas to skin care

6. The face as a map of physical, mental and emotional wellbeing

MODULE 2: Practical Awakening

7 weeks

1. Know yourself, know your beauty

2. Upgrading your potential

3. Locating yourself in the present

4. Acquiring a practice to purify your sensory perceptions

3. Yoga, meditation, exercise and sweating to promote healthy skin

4. Clothing

5. Emotional and mental care to delay and reduce onset of wrinkles

6. Balanced lifestyle includes luxurious body care (pancha karma) and rest

7. Seva to take care of beauty around us

MODULE 3: The role of lifestyle choices in beauty

4 weeks

1. Nutrition, an essential component of beauty care

2. Organic vs non-organic

MODULE 4: Tinctures and macerations

4 weeks

1. Finding your plant ally

2. Make tinctures and maceration the long way

3. Making macerations the quick way

4. Making medicinal ghee and syrups

MODULE 5: Making skin care products

6 weeks

1. Selecting ingredient for the doshas:

Carrier oils 2. Bioenergy and herbology

3. Aromatherapy in bioenergy and Ayurveda

4. Water and hydrosols

5. Dairy, honey, clay, seaweed, spices, flowers and grains

6. Making skin care products: lip balm, macerations, toners, ungents, moiturizers

MODULE 6: Enriching your ability to perceive subtle messages from the face

4 weeks

1. Perception and awareness: Beyond the physical senses

2. Magnetic, plasmic and electric energies

3. A practice to increase your sense perception

4. The radiant body

5. The goddesses within you

MODULE 7: Modalities of facial care

2 weekends

1. The facial and its 4 four steps

2. Purification of the senses and its benefits for beauty

3. Marma massage for the ultimate facelift

4. Ayurvedic facial massage

5. Foot massage for facial care

MODULE 8: Aging is becoming

2 weeks

1. Childhood, puberty, adulthood, menopause, and seniority for women

2. Staying in the flow of life no matter what

3. Centered and grounded in who you are

4. There is no death

COST:

Module 1: $150

Module 2: $295

Module 3: $150

Module 4: $150

Module 5: $300

Module 6: $495

Module 7: $150

Module 8: $ 75

Class manual: The Book of Beauty, $25

2 individual treatments: $200

What to expect:

Registration intervie, fascinating knowledge, hands-on practice, projects, out-of-class practice opportunities

Expected from you: Self-responsibility; booking a biovedic facial and a biovedic treatment during the program at the teacher's recommendation.

Optional: Trip to India in February 2014 to experience full Ayurvedic pancha karma.

One of these programs could serve you well? Contact me at info@facetograce.com. Dates also available for those outside of Ottawa for a program via Skype.

AROMA MUSES FOR THE ARTS - A CALL TO BUDDING, AWAKENED AND FULL-FLEDGED ARTISTS

2013-08-02T11:10:00.000-04:00

What is fearlessness for you? When and how does it come about? For most fearlessness is present when one is determined to go into the unknown or to meet a fear face to face. That could be in any area of life: relationships, self-inquiry, profession, creativity or exploring the world. It always is triggered by a need for freedom and expansion, from knowing that you can do more and be more fully who you truly are. The arts and aromatherapy provide a perfect platform to meet fears with curiosity and innocent fearlessness.

More an more people, through desire or circumstances, are going within to the seek their full human potential. I do believe that the arts, including aromatherapy, have the ability to inspire our journeys because they bypass the mind to access the universal. I also believe that artists are leaders that don't need politics to find solutions to problems of our times.

I am convinced that many among you hold similar convictions. So I call on you as aspiring, awakened or full-fledged artists. Join me in exploring the power of the creator within. How? With the Aroma Muses for the Arts workshops coming up this fall. When you honour the gifts you hold by unveiling them, polishing them or bringing them to new heights, gifts even more precious are handed to you.

Essential oils to inspire

Over the millennia, countless people have been interested in the use of fragrance to heal, inspire, provoke dreams, appease the wraths or gods or call for their blessings, chase away pest, attract lovers. To the other distorted extreme, some created deadly poisons. No magic there, just the practical and scientific knowledge of plant properties. In the past century, the use of essential oils for therapeutic purposes was coined as aromatherapy.

But what to call the use of aromas that inspire, that help you get in touch with your core essence? I am still tempted to call that aromatherapy. Why? Because essential oil and hydrosols have the power to guide you through or bypassing veils and blocks that hide that core essence from our awareness. A healing of sorts to reveal your creativity in its highest form, which no one else could express.

Aromatic muses for the arts

It is the gift of inspiration from aromatherapy that I want to explore with you this fall. So I created a series of workshops called Aroma Muses for the Arts focusing on the visual arts, dance, writing and music. You may react and say: “Gosh, I am so not artistically inclined!” or “Art has been part of my life for so long. I’m at my peak and have all I need.”

If there is the faintest trace of an abandoned artist within calling for attention as you read this, you’re invited. Don’t doubt that!

To the full-fledged artist, I say come check how farther more you can express your creative power; there is no limit to it.

To anyone who has said “I wish I took the time or had the opportunity, but…”, this is a great opportunity to re-connect with the arts in a different way.

And if you’re outside of Ottawa and would like to take one or all the workshops, contact me. Where there is a will, there is a way.

Imagine! What if something your created changed your life, someone else’s and made the world a better place to be?

So here are the workshops I invite you to join:

AROMAS FOR VISUAL ARTISTS AND TAROT LOVERS

The purpose of this workshop is to create a series of tarot cards that illustrate the images gained while using essential oils of your choice and to reflect those images back on a given format. My ultimate goal is to hold an exhibition and publish a 21-card set when it is completed.

Sept. 12 to Oct. 3, 7 to 8:30 pm

Location: 36 Simcoe St., Ottawa

Registration: $125; RSVP by Sept. 2 at info@facetograce.com

AROMAS FOR DANCERS

This workshop will focus in a very hands-on/feet-on way how essential oils can make your body more supple, lighter yet more grounded; help you breathe better; and reach in your unconscious and subconscious mind to flow and dance better than you ever thought you could…

Sept. 15, 1:00 to 2:30 pm

Location: Natasha Royka Movement Studio, Florence St., Ottawa.

Registration: $35; essential oils provided.

RSVP by Sept. 5 at info@facetograce.com

AROMAS FOR WRITERS

Poems, novels, short stories, etc. all take root in the individual or collective unconscious. A selection of essential oils will be used to help you bypass habitual patterns or blocks you may have encountered in your writing. They will help you reach new dimensions of you inner worlds and bring them out under your pen.

Oct. 11, 7:00 to 9 pm

Location: 36 Simcoe St., Ottawa

Registration: $35; Essential oils provided

RSVP by Oct. 1 at info@facetograce.com

AROMAS FOR MUSICIANS

Stimulating your senses with essential oils of high, middle or low notes can call forth those same beautiful notes that live within you. They will provoke higher levels of consciousness and inspire the expression of incredible scores and scales that inhabit every cell of your creative and performing self.

Nov. 15, 7:30 to 9 pm

Location: 36 Simcoe St., Ottawa

Registration: $35; Essential oils provided

Bring your voice and/or instrument

RSVP by Nov. 2 at info@facetograce.com

Heather, Diana, Dan, Sylvie, Ashley, Chantal, Shawn, Jane and so many others, I know this project appeals to you. I do hope that you sign up, bring a friend, share the blog with others in social media, comment on it and spread it like a good news.

TEST YOUR MEMORY AND KNOWLEDGE OF AYURVEDA AND AROMATHERAPY

2013-07-12T18:56:00.001-04:00

Here is a short quiz for the fun of it. Whether you have been reading my blog for a long or short while, enjoy testing your memory or sniffing out the answers through its various entries. For those who want quick answers, see below.

1. What are plants that support the female hormonal system?

fennel
shatavari
ashwanganda
evening primrose
all of the above
none of the above

2. Which essential oil that has the broadest range of
healing properties for skin and other health issues?

rose
neroli
lavender
jasmine
neem

3. If you have acne, eczema or an inflammation of the eyes, which dosha needs to be addressed?

Vata
Pitta
Kapha
It depends
I don’t know

4. Which tree essential oil is recommended for a sense of safety and other 1^st chakra issues?

Frankincense
Birch
Maple
Tea Tree
Cedar

5. If you are tall, creative, have dry skin, hair and nails, you have a Pitta dosha or Pitta disbalance.

True
False

6. Hydrosols are great to:

(a) spray your aura
(b) add to desert recipes
(c) take care of your skin
(d) add to your laundry
(e) calm your emotions
(f) all of the above
(g) a, b, c, but not d
(h) a, b and d, but not e

7. Carrier oils are:

oils that have been distilled from plants
oils that have be pressed from a fruit or nut
oils that can be shipped by courrier
organic oils

8. Face to Grace:

offers skin care products with organic ingredients
gives private consultations
treatments to address skin care, emotional and spiritual issues
courses on making skin care products, stress management and emotional balance
loves receiving your feedback on blog entries, products services and courses
all of the above.

9. Which oils are most recommended for Vata (dry skin)?

grapeseed oil
maceration of lemon oil
sesame oil
coconut oil
mineral oil

10. Which essential oil combination is recommended to balance excess Kapha constitution?

Lemon, basil, rose and ginger

Vetiver, spikenard and juniper

Chamomile and nettle

Ylang ylang and lilac

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Answer key:

e) All of those support the female reproductive system throughout the life cycle. To know more, refer to http://facetograce.blogspot.ca/2011/05/nurturing-your-breasts.html.
c) You may want to refer to the blog entry on lavender in http://facetograce.blogspot.ca/search/label/lavender.
b) Seats of the Pitta dosha are the eyes, the skin and the liver; any disbalance of the fire element shows in those areas first.
e) Cedar is great for any condition associated with the physical sense of safety and security in one’s physical and emotional environment.
b) No, those are characteristics of the Vata (air) constitution.
f) Hydrosols are efficient all of those and more. You may want to read more about them in http://facetograce.blogspot.ca/2011/05/hydrolates-floral-waters-and-floral.html.
b) is the correct answer. The distillation of a plant will give an essential oil; c) is totally off base; d) mineral oils (eg, petroleum oils and jellies prevent skin cells from breathing.
f) I’m sure you had no hesitation in choosing the correct answer here. For any question on products, treatments and courses in person or via Skype, contact me at info@facetograce.com.
c) Sesame is the correct answer; other oils for Vata include avocado, castor, glycerin, argan and pumpkin seed oils.
a) Definitely a mix with warming, light and astringent properties. Although you can get artificial fragrances that smell like lilac, the flower doesn't give essential oil.