My retreat experience with Sophie Grégoire Trudeau

by Sonia Sharma-Patry | May 7, 2024 | Ayurveda Basics

My retreat experience with Sophie Grégoire Trudeau

The Start of My Healing Journey

Did you know that before I even imagined becoming a wellness coach, I began by attending a retreat for myself? This was the summer of 2009 – it seems so long time ago, but it was the start of my journey to dive deeper into my own self-development which was needed for my own sanity.

As a young child, I had attended Yoga, Meditation and Ayurveda retreats and pilgrimages with my parents in India, and then continued that tradition when we moved to Toronto. Retreats gave me an experience that was so profound, even as a teenager. Each time I attended one – I learnt at least one new idea (if not many!) and made friendships with like minded folks.

Retreats Bring You Closer

I loved attending retreats, so I decided to co-facilitate them too, to help others experience transformations, just like I did. Why are retreats so profound? Because transformations and shifts can happen in a short period of time when you are held and supported with like-minded souls.

The first time I co-facilitated a retreat was with another passionate Yoga teacher in 2016 – and since then, I have not looked back. Each time I facilitate it, I see the impact on the participants – how it brings them closer to who they are meant to be.

It’s not just about leading retreats but also gifting myself with a retreat – A habit that I have not stopped, because each time I attend, I evolve. I decided to treat myself in 2024 by signing up for “Closer Together – A Solar Eclipse retreat” in Kingston, Ontario which was going to be lead by Sophie Grégoire Trudeau and David Chow. I chose to attend this retreat because I have been following Sophie Grégoire Trudeau for a few years on Instagram (IG). I admire her passion to create awareness for mental health and overall well-being. In the past, she had presented some inspiring guests and speakers, during her IG posts, especially during Covid-19.

An Auspicious Occasion

On April 8th, Philippe and I drove to Kingston, Ontario to attend a three day and two-night once-in-a-lifetime experience of a Solar Eclipse while doing some yoga, meditation and Kirtan chanting. A moment like this does not happen often. According to Vedic astrology this was a time of great importance because it was a Solar Eclipse and also the start of the luni-solar calendar, new beginnings and the nine days of the creative feminine energy. It was the most potent time in 2024 to set intentions on what we wanted to create in the year ahead.

Believe it or not, we were greeted at the beautiful Retreat Chalet, by both, Sophie and David with warm hugs. At first, I was intimidated by the presence of Sophie, her beautiful aura and bubbly energy that she carries with her. I couldn’t believe that I was there – in her presence! This was also the first time that Sophie was leading a retreat like this. (talk about new beginnings!)

I had always admired her from far and now I was there with her and a small group of 30+ retreat participants. Before we even started the program of the retreat, all of us experienced the solar eclipse moment – the time when the loon on the lake thought it was night and started wailing. The music inside the chalet was humming with mantras and beautiful vibrations, just perfect for this auspicious time.

There were so many highlights during this retreat, including a restful restorative yoga class lead by Sophie, which put me in total relaxation mode. My muscles were so thankful. The chanting of mantras with David touched many chords inside me, connecting me to my Indian Vedic roots. The food was so lovingly prepared by the wonderful cooks – all calming and Satvik for the gut.

Perhaps, the most magical moment was when Sophie coached me to get inside the icy cold lake with her, Philippe, and her close friend. Well – guess what? I reluctantly agreed after Sophie gave me some tips on how to take a dip in the icy cold lake – without fearing the cold. Yup – she held on to my hands, asked me to look into her eyes and say some powerful affirmations. And wow! I could not believe it – I surprised myself too. We did this ritual 3 times – sauna, cold water plunge and relax on the deck. The second and third plunge was much easier. I had just overcome a fear of the cold and thanks to Sophie, who personally coached me through this. I had even a deeper respect for her because I resonated with her authenticity, down-to-earth personality, fun attitude, and adventurous spirit!!

Syncronicities

The retreat was even more magnificent because I met four other inspiring women who lived in the Hudson, Quebec area (where we recently moved!) and they had travelled to attend this special retreat. It turned out that we were all neighbours living only 5 to 15 minutes away from each other. (What are the odds that we meet up in Kingston?) I made new friendships and have a wonderful new network! I had the chance to meet more interesting souls coming from various backgrounds – including a doctor, a fitness instructor, many experienced yoga teachers, business owners. The list goes on and on….

So, this is why I say that retreats can change your trajectory in life.

Are you ready to join me in Mont-Tremblant this year? Check the pictures of this location – It’s set up on top of the mountains and surrounded by nature, streams, and gorgeous views. This year, we have own personal chef too!

Learn More About the Retreat

Hours

Mon-Friday
8am to 5pm

Email

info@soniawellnesscoaching.com

Follow

Green Tea Blend + CCF tea

by Sonia Sharma-Patry | May 7, 2024 | Recipes, Seasonal Living

Green Tea Blend + CCF tea

Based on The Hot Belly Diet

This is a simple detox tea recipe for the spring Kapha season.

This tea blends the medicinal seeds of Coriander, Cumin and Fennel (CCF) with Ginger and Green Tea to create a powerful blend to remove toxins, while keeping the body balanced through the season.

The recipe can be customized according to body-mind type as well.

Kapha: Can use this recipe everyday.
Pitta: They can increase the amount of fennel seeds and use lime juice, instead of lemon in this recipe to soothe their digestive system (use 2 teaspoons instead of 1 teaspoon)
Vata: Can use all the other ingredients, and substitute to caffeine-free green tea version because of their delicate nervous system.

Some simple concepts to keep in mind:

Drink this tea warm only
Make a fresh batch every day (do not store for next day).
Use this tea until late afternoon if you are using a caffeinated Green tea version, and then switch to drinking plain warm water (with a bit of lime/lemon)

Ingredients

1 quart water (almost one litre)
1 teaspoon of whole fennel seeds
1 teaspoon of whole coriander seeds
1 teaspoon of whole cumin seeds
½ teaspoon of grated ginger
One tea bag of green tea (caffeinated or non-caffeinated)
Squeeze drops of Lime/Lemon after tea is made

⭐ Method to make:

Boil the ginger, green-tea and the seeds in a pot, for at least 10 minutes (lid covered)
Strain into a thermos and squirt in some juice of lemon or lime after the tea is strained.
Opt for green tea with no-additives or preservatives.

Hours

Mon-Friday
8am to 5pm

Email

info@soniawellnesscoaching.com

Follow

How do I know when my digestion is not optimum?

by Sonia Sharma-Patry | Apr 3, 2024 | Ayurveda Basics

How do I know when my digestion is not optimum?

“All diseases begin in the gut.”
– Hippocrates (known as the Father of Medicine).

Did you know that before Hippocrates said this, it was long established in Ayurvedic sacred texts 5,000 years ago? Modern science is now discovering how most diseases (including mental and emotional) are linked to an unhealthy gut.

Our digestive function is the most neglected part of our lifestyle. We focus so much on eating organic foods, doing exercise, meditating, making self-care time, getting enough sleep – but do we really know whether our digestive system is running at an optimum level?

Digestive System Red Flags

Is our digestive system able to metabolize all the foods, our experiences, stress and our busy lifestyle? In Ayurveda, before a health condition becomes chronic, our body gives us many signals. The question is whether we have noticed these red flags and done anything about it.

Here are some questions to ask yourself on a regular basis:

Does your body have any discomfort and pain or digestive upset, regularly?
Do you have any digestive issues regularly such as acid reflux, constipation, or
gastrointestinal issues?
Do you have any skin issues that never seem to go away?
Do you have bad breath?
Do you have any food sensitivities or allergies to certain foods?
Does your body react to environmental and seasonal conditions? (example
seasonal allergies)
Do you burp too much?
Are you feeling hungry all the time, even two hours after your last meal?
Are you feeling full all the time, even after 5-6 hours since your last meal?
Do you poop more than three times a day?
Do you poop just few times a week?
Are you regularly constipated or is it hard to pass stool?
Do you have frequent diarrhea during the week?
Is your elimination irregular? (sometimes constipated, sometimes diarrhea,
sometimes slow and sluggish)
Do you feel bloated after meals, although you never ate a large amount?
Do you feel too gassy throughout the day, although you are eating healthy food?
Is it too difficult to gain or lose weight?
Are you feeling tired and lethargic during the daytime?
Do you toss and turn during the night, without deep sleep?
Do you feel uninspired and dull about life?

If you responded “YES” to one or more of these red flags, your digestion is not running
at optimum level.

Components of Good Digestion

Optimum digestion reflects your unique internal eco-system. Good digestion means daily elimination too. You take food in everyday – You need to take garbage out every day too, before it starts fermenting in the body.

A normal bowel movement is 1 to 2 times a day without straining. A healthy poop looks like a long snake which is not sticky in consistency. It does not look like rabbit pellets nor is it liquid, mucous and sticky in consistency.

Why am I speaking of poop so much, you may ask? It’s because globally, digestive issues are on the rise – According to Ayurveda, this is a red flag for our well-being. Why is that? Because these red flags are a sign of an imbalanced digestion and the start of DIS-EASE in the body.

Your healthy agni (digestive fire) is an indicator of good health and an optimum internal eco-system. Check my previous blog on this: https://soniawellnesscoaching.com/why-is-digestive-health-the-cornerstone-of-well-being/. Luckily, modern science is now supporting what ancient science has understood for a long time – Poor gut health is a sign of poor microbiome, and the start of disease (just as Hippocrates said).

Ways to Restore Digestive Balance

According to Ayurveda, there are many ways of bringing your digestive system back to balance, including doing a seasonal cleanse.

A seasonal cleanse is a digestive RESET for the system:

Did you know that before intermittent fasting became a fad in our modern-day world, this was being used for thousands of years by all ancient cultures?

Seasonal cleanses have been part of human evolution for thousands of years to cleanse and strengthen the digestive system. Cleanses help strengthen the digestive functions in the body by doing the following:

Supports the elimination of toxins from the body (known as ama in Sanskrit)
Toxins build up naturally due to our lifestyle habits. Seasonal cleanses help flush out any accumulated toxins from the body.
When we remove toxins and undigestible material from our body, this increases our metabolism which consequently makes it easier to manage healthy weight gain or loss.
When our digestive capacity is at optimum our gut microbiome starts flourishing and promoting a peaceful and calm mind.
An optimal digestive system enhances our immune system and our overall well-being.

By doing a reset for your digestive system, you start addressing the root causes of imbalances happening in your body and eliminate any accumulated toxins, naturally. Therefore, an Ayurvedic digestive reset is the core of well-being by boosting your energy levels, supporting weight management and building inspiration in your life.

Learn how to reset your digestive system for your unique body-mind-type PLUS receive support, coaching and guidance from an Ayurvedic coach like me and world renowned Ayurvedic physician, Dr. Suhas Kshirsagar, B.A.M.S., M.D. (Ayurveda) in this program.

Learn More

Hours

Mon-Friday
8am to 5pm

Email

info@soniawellnesscoaching.com

Follow

Cabbage & Carrot Curry

by Sonia Sharma-Patry | Apr 3, 2024 | Recipes, Seasonal Living

Cabbage & Carrot Curry

Anti-inflammatory + Rich in Vitamin C

Cabbage is a rich source of Vitamin C and anti-inflammatory. It has an extractive quality and is a blood purifier. Cabbage has a light quality which helps remove heaviness in the body and it kindles the digestive fire. It should always be eaten with a cooked grain – or on top of a piece of toast.

Difficult to digest?

Raw cabbage can be difficult to digest for folks who have a delicate digestion – in which case, cooking the cabbage well with a good number of spices will alleviate that issue.

In this Ayurvedic recipe, I’ve combined the cabbage with the carrots, which makes this an augmenting and extractive recipe (balanced quality).

Prep time: 20 minutes

Serves 2

Main ingredients:

2 cups of cabbage (chopped up medium to fine width)
1 cup of grated carrots
2-3 tablespoons of ghee or oil
½ to 1 tsp Himalayan pink salt
Pinch of asafoetida (hing powder)
Pinch of mustard seeds
¼ teaspoon cumin seeds
¼ tsp turmeric powder
2 whole cloves
1 piece of cinnamon stick (1 inch to 2 inches long)
2 tbsp lime juice

Method:

In a medium heavy-bottom sauté pan, add some ghee/oil first on medium heat.
Then once oil is warm enough, add in the mustard seeds, until they pop.
Next, add the cumin seeds, cloves and cinnamon stick and stir around to smell the aroma.
Add in the turmeric powder and salt – Do not let the spices burn.
Next, add in the chopped cabbage and grated carrots and mix this mixture well.
Add a few tablespoons of water to make sure that the spices do not stick to the pan.
Cover the lid for 2 minutes (to allow softening of vegetables),
Next, open the lid and check consistency – dry versus soft and smooth or mushy texture
Once the vegetable dish is ready, pour the lime juice and mix well.
Serve this tangy and detox recipe with a grain dish or kitchari.

Hours

Mon-Friday
8am to 5pm

Email

info@soniawellnesscoaching.com

Follow

Why is digestive health the cornerstone of well-being?

by Sonia Sharma-Patry | Mar 15, 2024 | Ayurveda Basics

Why is digestive health the cornerstone of well-being?

Digestive Health is Vital

Our digestive health has a significant impact on overall health and wellness. The gut, which houses trillions of essential microorganisms, plays a crucial role in digestion, metabolism, and immunity. Maintaining a healthy gut microbiome is vital for breaking down food, producing nutrients, and regulating the immune system. In Chinese medicine and Ayurveda, it is believed that every disease arises from inefficient digestion. Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of a balanced and strong digestive fire (Agni) for efficient digestion and overall well-being.

While poor gut health can lead to various health issues like digestive problems, autoimmune diseases, mental health issues, and skin conditions. Various factors such as diet, stress, hormones, medication, and environmental toxins will also influence gut health.

How to Optimze Digestion

To optimize gut health, focusing on a diet rich in fiber, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables is recommended to support beneficial bacteria in the gut. In Ayurveda, each of us needs a unique protocol of diet which aligns to our unique body-mind type. In addition, managing stress through activities like meditation and yoga can also improve gut health by reducing inflammation and promoting a healthier gut microbiome. Consuming probiotics (live bacteria and yeasts) and prebiotics (non-digestible fibers) found in foods like yogurt, kimchi, bananas, onions, and garlic can further enhance gut health.

Prioritizing gut health through a balanced approach, stress management, probiotics, prebiotics, adequate sleep, and regular exercise can significantly improve overall well-being by promoting a healthy gut microbiome and reducing the risk of chronic health conditions.

The Sacred Fire

Ultimately, Ayurveda views digestion as a sacred fire that transforms food into elements for the body, mind, and spirit, emphasizing the profound connection between food, digestion, and overall wellness.

If you are looking to connect to a like-minded group while receiving tools and steps to heal your digestive system PLUS support, coaching and guidance from an Ayurvedic coach like me and a world renowned Ayurvedic physician, Dr. Suhas Kshirsagar, B.A.M.S., M.D. (Ayurveda) then I invite you to join in the 30-day Digestion Reset program.

Join Here

Hours

Mon-Friday
8am to 5pm

Email

info@soniawellnesscoaching.com