It’s been a while since I updated you on my whereabouts and offerings.
I am still in Edinburgh awaiting news on my fiancee visa.
The past 6 months have been an amazing journey of patience, faith and trust…

For those of you who are in town over the next 7 weeks, check out my schedule… I’d love to see you!
The Moon Gatherings have been a huge gift to me during this time. I am so grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to share this with many of you already. If you have not bee to one yet, please come along to one of the listed dates below. The New Moon Gathering has a slight twist this time round, in that all are welcome, boys and girls! The Full Moon Gatherings are as usual, women only… thanks for understanding guys :)

Juice Feasts and cleansing are also on the menu this Autumn… what a great time to set intention to close 2015 clear, focused, balanced energized and READY for an EPIC 2016!!!!

My massage/body work/1:1 yoga offerings will continue at Meadowlark Healthy for Sport through Oct/Nov – I hope to see you in the therapy room if I have not already. For bookings go HERE. I will also continue to teach a few yoga classes at Meadowlark Yoga so check out the schedule HERE.

Stay well and with love
Susan
♥

Cleansing/Detox | Oct/Nov 2015

Fundamentals Of Cleansing – More Information
6th November 2015 | 10:30 – 12:30pm | Meadowlark Yoga | £25

Juice Feast: 7 Day Program – More information
21st-27th November 2015 | Cafe 39 | £100
(NB: Introduction talk is on 20th November 18:00-20:00)

Moon Gatherings | Oct/Nov 2015

Full Moon Gathering – Women Only! More information
27th October 2015 | 07:00 – 9:30am | Meadowlark Yoga | £25 (Concessions apply)

New Moon Gathering – Unisex – all are welcome! More Information
11th November  2015 | 08:00 – 10:30am | Meadowlark Yoga | £25 (Concessions apply)

Full Moon Gathering – Women Only! More information
25th November 2015 | 07:00 – 9:30am | Meadowlark Yoga | £25 (Concessions apply)

Click HERE to book any of the workshops mentioned in this post!

I trust you are all reveling in the delights of the spring, the buds bursting, the birds singing… the snow snowing…huh?!?!

The good news is I am sticking around Edinburgh long enough to be able to offer up a few more classes and workshops at Meadowlark.

• First off I am introducing a delicious 75 minute, Friday evening class titled *TGI Friday* it’s scheduled on the ML timetable for the next 4 weeks…

This class involves an energetic warm up to shake off the week then a subtle wind down, easing you into a more yin/restorative practice that will help you switch gears – leaving you feeling calm, grounded, and ready for the weekend. All levels welcome. Expect sun salutations and a mix of standing poses before a gentle yin/restorative practice involving only seated/reclined poses.

Bookings and more info can be found here…

• Back by popular demand… I am offering another Yin workshop this month following a sell out class last month.  This event is happening one week post full moon, right slap bang in the middle of the moons waning phase. It’s a great opportunity to connect with this transitional time of the month as we start to feel the pull to turn inwards.

Come and join visiting teacher Susan Reynolds for a yin journey, deep into the restorative aspects of our yoga practice. After spending the past 5 months in the lush mountains of Costa Rica, she is excited to share her latest jungle inspired offering. You will be guided through a deeply nourishing series of yin yoga postures followed by a therapeutic yoga nidra meditation which will open up every cell in your body to the powerful healing quality of ‘psychic sleep’. You will feel inspired to fully let go, deeply rest and restore your life force once more.

Bookings and more info can be found here…

I look forward to seeing you soon ♥

Yours in health and with love

x Susan x

After a beautiful retreat season in Costa Rica, I have returned to Scottish soil for a wee while.

I’ve had a busy few months offering lots of massage and yoga at Finca Mia, retreat center. Many of you might not even know I offered massage (yup, I kept that one quiet)! However, it was so much fun and I was so inspired while away that I have finally decided to officially offer my massages here in Edinburgh too. BUT… I am not sure how long I’ll be in Edinburgh for so catch me while you can!

I’ll be teaching some yoga classes at Meadowlark Yoga and I shall be offering my Swedish and Therapeutic Massage Treatments from the all new ‘Meadowlark Healthy For Sport’ therapy rooms, located right next to Meadowlark Yoga. Perfect! So if you are looking to get some Wee Yogi yoga in and/or a super indulgent massage while I am here, please contact Meadowlark directly to book your spot or appointment: 0131 228 7581

I offer 1 hour, 90 minutes or even 2 HOUR massages! No two treatments are ever the same. I offer a combination of many modalities, it just depends on what your body needs NOW. Here’s a little insight to what a recent client had to say about her treatment…..

“Well your massage was just delightful; I truly had a healing from you Susan, the pressure was just right, your hands got all the good spots! Also I loved the face and abdominal work … you truly made me and my body feel restored to its most natural and stable state…” SH

If you are still unsure, please just drop me an email and we can discuss if my treatments are right for your requirements right now.

Looking forward to seeing some of you on the mat or the ‘table’ (!) soon!

Stay Well & With Love

Your Wee Yogi,
Susan x

If you are wondering where on earth I am…
Well, after an epic 3 month road trip across the US I have ventured back to Finca Mia, Chirripo.
I’ll be here through December teaching yoga, offering massage and as always soaking up all this magical country has to offer.

I’ll be back in Scotland for the festive period and I am so excited for Twist & Sprout’s New Year retreat at Eastwood House…
http://twistandsprout.co.uk/retreats-2/

After a cosy winter retreat at Eastwood I’ll be heading back out to Costa Rica for the rest of the Costa Rica retreat season…

I hope to see you at one of these events.

Pura Vida!

♥

Chlorella is a type of algae that grows in fresh water. I take it in a chewable tablet form but you can buy it in caps, powder and liquid extracts too. These extracts contain “chlorella growth factor,” which is described as a water-soluble extract of chlorella containing a lot of good stuff like amino acids, peptides, proteins (up to 88%), vitamins to name a few. Chlorella products vary significantly depending on the way and where it is cultivated, harvested, and processed. As a medicine, chlorella is used for preventing cancer, reducing radiation treatment side effects, stimulating the immune system, improving response to flu vaccine, increasing white blood cell counts (especially in people with HIV infection or cancer), preventing colds and so much more. My favorite benefit is it’s power to protecting the body against toxic metals such as lead and mercury. Chlorella is also used to increase “good” bacteria in the intestine in order to improve digestion; and to help treat ulcers, colitis, Crohn’s disease, and diverticulosis. I don’t suffer from those but it’s these kinds of effect that tell me this stuff is a great all round algae medicine. Some people also use chlorella for the prevention of stress-related ulcers; treatment of constipation, bad breath, and hypertension; as an antioxidant; to reduce cholesterol; to increase energy; to detoxify the body; and as a source of magnesium to promote mental health, relieve premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and reduce asthma attacks. It is also used for fibromyalgia.

Ok, so back to the 21 days and why…
If you follow my blog you may already know I just spent 8 weeks covering for my dear friend and yoga teacher Sarah while she took a short and sweet maternity leave from her Morning Mysore Yoga program at Love Yoga in Aberdeen here in Scotland.
During this time I hosted a group juice feast for the locals.
Although I thought at the start of this year I was done with juice feasting for a while, I felt strongly called to join in.
So, luckily, with my juicer and Vita-Mix beside me I embarked on what I thought would be a wee 7 day juicy journey.
7 days in and I was feeling that wonderful sense of clarity and vision I love so much about high quantity juicing and zero level solids!
But, there was something else happening I couldn’t quite put my finger on.
I sat with this niggling idea that I could continue and delve a little deeper…
I was teaching every morning with workshops at the weekend not to mention my own practice and lots of cycling about… could I mange to keep up the juice only option for 14 more days?

I decided to keep going, what’s the worst that could happen?
Any doubts I had were very quickly dissolved by the daily ‘downloads’ I started to receive.
It became clear very quickly this was not about the detox, more about a way to keep me tuned in and grounded, (yes you read that right I felt *grounded* on the juice!) during these 21 days.
I observed that there was a huge amount of change going on around me… not only in my life but in the lives of so many people around me.
By choosing this method I became able to stand strong and sit still in what felt like a whirlwind.
My mind quietened and I gave my self permission to sit back and observe my process as well as the processes of those around me.
There were times of extreme emotion (both my own and other peoples) and for the first time in a long time I again, allowed my self to observe it with a strong knowing that this would all pass, as it all does, and so I made the very most of it, I learned and grew in it as opposed to covering it up or denying it existed.

As the remaining 14 days unfolded I became increasingly aware of the illusion of *time*.
The days came and went and sometimes 1 hour could feel like a day, other times 1 day like an hour.
Whatever the weather, I sat with it and soaked up as much of the lessons I could see that were so beautifully wrapped up inside the experiences I or those in my life were having.
This emotional and spiritual side to juicing is something I love and connect to easily.
For me, the physical side has always come second…
For whatever reason, I have in the past, doubted or been suspicious of some of the feelings I might be getting in relation to what is going on… it takes me longer with this part, to connect the dots.
This time however, it seemed pretty clear.
I will go into the finer details more in a future post.
In general, the feeling was that this juice feast was an opportunity to ‘clean/clear house’ in order to make way for changes, experimentation and exploration.

In the physical realm I have always remained open and interested in how I fuel, medicate and allow my body to heal.
Indeed, I have learned our bodies are designed to heal… we just have to step out of the way and let that happen.
For 7, nearly 8 years, eating a raw vegan based diet (well actually, not strictly ‘vegan’ really as I includ bee products) I have felt my body go from alive to more alive to more ~ more ~ more ~ more~ more ~ alive!
Raw food has fueled every step I have taken from Scotland to Costa Rica and back again.
Winter, spring, summer…. monsoons, snow storms and tropical heat waves.
Raw fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds have taken me from just living to thriving.
I have experimented with high fruit, high fat, high green, low sugar…
They all had there plus moments as well as there not so great times too.
One thing is for sure, I have used my body as a science lab…
Listening carefully, I offer ideas or methods for what may lead to deep healing and self exploration.

There is no part of me that doubts this ‘lifestyle’ is not one of, if not, *the* best method for detoxification and bringing ourselves back to our true nature.
However, there is *always* more to explore.
We are evolving and changing all the time…
As hard as that may be to accept for some of us…
This will change. Everything changes.
What’s super exciting is that as we change, as we *allow* ourselves to change, we expand and open our hearts to exponential growth on all levels ~ physical, emotional, spiritual, mental and beyond…
So, right now I am feeling very excited about the opportunity to again use my highly adaptable physical body as a place to explore changing and thriving a little further.
The changes I will make will not only come from what I put in my mouth but importantly (if not more importantly) *where* did it come from? And more…
I am really interested in getting as close to the source of my fuel as possible.
For example, if I were a meat eater, could I shoot the deer myself? If I were a milk drinker, could I milk the animal myself? Can I have direct contact with the farmer/grower/animals?
For me a more immediate question is, can I *find* it myself… near to where I am living?
What can I learn from exploring the immediate land around me, what lessons can I take from this earth, this water, the fuel I use to thrive upon it and in tune with it?
And, the list goes on… and on.

As I close this 21 day journey I am blessed with inspiration, motivation, intrigue and wonder.
If this blog post made any sense to you, sparked a question in you or just made you interested in what the scooby doo I am on about, then keep in touch… I hope to share it all with you as I go; honestly and humbly.
I feel I must not close without mentioning that this time on a juicy journey, taking care of myself, getting to know myself even more, has all been a *huge* support for me…
All that juice, chlorella and bee pollen combined with daily skin brushing, self abhyanga, a  massively increased meditation practice, chanting and LOTS more napping than usual… I was able to keep trucking through my 8 week city based mission to hold the space while Sarah held her new born baby boy! (named Dash btw & he is gorgeous!) :)
Even now, after so many juice feasts, I am left stunned by the power of this practice.
I am in so much gratitude for having found this method of detoxification, ‘digestive rest’ and physical/emotional/spiritual ‘resetting’.
To be continued…
♥

I am currently covering Sarah Hatchers morning Mysore program here.
Class starts time ~ 6:30am.

I wake up, I cycle to town, I practice, I teach.
By 9am I am ready to get home and drink a giant green juice and take a long nap (which I am still trying to master! I never was a ‘napper’!!).
I practice before the students in order to use that first divine drop of life force everyday, to cultivate a mindful, practice that brings about health and happiness, which I can pass on to others. My practice is also so important to me as I maintain my physical body while teaching a particularly physical style of yoga teaching.
In these wee small hours I have discovered Aladdin’s cave… I have had the chance to explore parts of myself only possible when you put yourself in a melting pot like this.
Ahh, the revelations…

• Getting up at 3:30am is magical, it’s a time when there is literally magic in the air… and very few cars on the road too, which adds to this magic as I fly from home to studio in just 9 minutes :)
• Solitary self practice for extended periods is not only possible but extremely potent. There is something about hauling your own ass on the mat every day, digging deep by yourself and exploring alone that makes the discoveries sometimes all the more rewarding and long lasting.

I also learned…

• The more you say something to your students, the more you’ll understand it yourself. I want to laugh out loud every time I’ve said ‘move-forwards’ this month (Sarah Hatcher, you’ll laugh at that one :))!
• The sooner I start to physically do the stuff I say to others myself, the sooner I will indeed, MOVE FORWARDS! Sounds obvious but really, relying on someone else to tell you this every day doesn’t change the habit of (what may have been) a life time. It is so true when people say, you teach what you need to learn most yourself. I am deep gratitude for that.
• I have more inner strength, belief and faith than I realised. Being apart from loved ones is tough sometimes. It requires you to have a kind of faith that comes from way down within you. It does exist, you just have to uncover it. Somehow! Being forced into it is a great way to find out how ~ fast! Or, the alternative… Be unhappy in your now-ness which is as you can guess, not fun at all!

So, it’s been a marvellous first month, I am excited to experience these last 4 weeks here before I set sail again for the US!
Already I know i’ll leave Aberdeen a stronger Wee Yogi, and I am not talking about my biceps!
♥

This is a potent time to set an intention which honors your personal need to flow and just *BE*.
The full moon will be with us again in 2 weeks, between now and then consider this as a daily practice.
~ Be with the flow ~
♥

Speaking of the full moon in 2 weeks…
I wanted to share with you some exciting events I am offering in Aberdeen placed right on time for the next phase of our moon.

This cycle is all about flow… so why not increase the ease and flowing your life with a complete re-boot?

Wee Yogi Juice Feast, ABERDEEN, click here for more info.
Sunday 13th – Saturday 19th July 2014
Join Susan for 7 days of juice feasting that will clear your mind and cleanse your body. Guaranteed.
Susan will guide you through this 7 day program designed to increase your energy levels, detox your body & leave you feeling great.
Make your own juice at home or have it all provided for you by Food Story Cafe right here in Aberdeen!
Advice & direction is given for those who’d rather to play with recipes and combinations themselves at home.
WeeYogi Juice Feast is supported by Food Story Cafe
Enjoy 7 days of easy juicing provided for you, made fresh, daily.
Food Story Cafe are ready to supply you with 5 different juices per day ~ discover new and exciting recipes everyday!

Full Moon Yin Flow
Saturday 12th July, 10am – 12noon
Enjoy the mid-summer new moon with this deeply relaxing and restorative yoga class.
We will finish with a long and nourishing yoga nidra (psychic sleep).
This 2 hour workshop is suitable for all levels
£25 (£20 for Wee Yogi Juice Feast participants).
Contact Love Yoga to book your spot: www.loveyoga.co.uk

Vinyasa Fusion Detox Flow
Saturday 19th July, 10am – 12 noon
Dive deep into a detoxifying flow that will revitalize every cell in your body.
We will discover the true meaning of kryia yoga with asana (postures and pranayama (breathing techniques that will clear your mind and cleanse your body.
No stone will be left unturned before we arrive 2 hours later in a restorative savasana.
This 2 hour workshop is suitable for all levels
£25 (£20 for Wee Yogi Juice Feast participants).
Contact Love Yoga to book your spot: www.loveyoga.co.uk

Be well & with love
♥

One of the questions I get asked the most is, “Don’t you miss going out for diner?”…
Clearly a lot of people assume that since I eat mainly raw fruits and veggies nuts and seeds I stay home and never go out and/or think most chefs will turn their nose up at me (yes, the truth is that has happened a few times no names mentioned)…

For me, the sign of a REALLY great chef and restaurant, is not only their willingness but more so, their excitement when it comes to making food for someone like me…
So, where is that place and does it even exist!?
The answer is *YES*, it does, you just have to be bold and ask.

I recently found my number 1 in Edinburgh..
The Timberyard Restaurant, behind the big red doors on Lady Lawson Street :)
I’d been here before, for drinks only and I had also *watched* my family eat here many times (before I was bold enough to ask).
Every time I went I was impressed by their skillful food preparation, keen eye for all the details and most of all their unique sourcing of … well, everything really; ingredients through to tables and chairs.

Recently my partner was visiting me from over seas and it seemed rude not to take him here, it’s just too good for the regular, cooked food eating/meat eater to miss out on.
So, this visit, I called them up in advance and very politely and with out any grand expectations told them I’d like to come and dine with him but I’d like to order a plain salad and would that be okay…?
Ha! I was in for a seriously big surprise.
To start this magical experience, the lovely chappy at the other end of the phone tells me “of course, no problem”…
But he doesn’t stop there, he asks me, what exactly can I eat (i.e. why cannot I not just order their food?!)
I go on to prepare him…
“well, it’s pretty strange, so bare with me, and please, don’t worry I just want to go here so my partner can experience your menu, a salad for me is just fine…”
But, he persists and so I reveal all.
Here’s what I gave him: 100% RAW fruits, veggies, nuts and seeds *only*
Without a second of hesitation he says, okay Susan (Yup, he remembered my name), I’ll talk to the chef and let you know what he says.
5 minutes later I get a call back, “Chef wants to know if cold pressed oils are okay…?”
I tell him, in shock and delight… “yes absolutely and thank you!”.
I also add “Please don’t be mad or think I am crazy when you see me drinking whisky!”
He laughs and tells me that doesn’t sound crazy at all ;)

So, our special night comes around, we head down there excited to see what magic they pull out the bag.
 … Did I mention the Timberyard play forest sounds, waterfall noises and animal callings in the toilets so you can really chill out into your restroom experience… now you see why WeeYogi likes this place already! ;)
Now then, back to that night…
We are greeted by one of the lovely friendly staff.
We are escorted to a huge table right by the bar :) I am smiling ear to ear, in fact, everyone is including the glass polisher at the end of the bar!
Since I called in advance, I don’t order anything. Instead I just take in the atmosphere… oh and get to work on ordering the drinks.
My dinner date takes his time choosing from the amazing selection of locally sourced and combined dishes.
It’s a difficult task, everything sounds too good to be true, all… ‘carefully sourced from local artisan growers, breeders, producers, suppliers & foragers. To name a few, Sea Magee, Shaws Butchers, Briggs Shetland Lamb, George Campbell & Sons, Burnside Farmfoods, Greencity Wholefoods, Peelham Farm, Phantassie Organics & Forage & Funghi…’
Finally, we’re ready to go… let the games begin!

If only I’d have taken a recording of the beautiful descriptions of all the dishes as they came.
I was blown away. Speechless at the care and effort.
This was a seriously special evening.

I am so grateful to the staff at The Timberyard…

1) I felt at ease all night :)
2) They were interested not annoyed at my requirements.
3) I felt special, in a good way. They made a real effort.
4) My date was also super happy with his meal and in honor of that magic… here’s a peak at what he ate too…

So, as you can see, neither of us were left high and dry.
The Timberyard rocks! Go check them out, (oh, and listen carefully when you go for a pee ;))
Long live & may the magic prosper, behind the big red door!
♥