This weekend, along with Kayte from Mass Musings, I will be at the WELL Summit in Boston. For the first time since Yoga Teacher Training, I have the opportunity to dedicate all of my attention to my practice, and I am SO EXCITED. There are some really interesting workshops happening, and I can't wait to dive in, and put in the work. While I try to live my yoga every day, (#yogaeverydamnday, anyone?), I am looking forward to a few days of wellness, learning, meditation, yoga, nourishing foods, and good company.

I've been feeling all the yogalove this week preparing for my wellness weekend. I've been switching up my practice a little bit to keep things fresh. I didn't have the best week (asana-wise) last week, so I wanted to make sure this one felt better. I went to TWO different studios (South Boston Yoga & Down Under Yoga School), and even tried an Iyengar-style Rope Wall Class. It was super different from my usual Vinyasa Flow practice, but left my shoulders feeling AH-MAZING.

And then, my lovely friend Meagan of Boston-based mat company, Mello Mae, gave me one of her jute mats to try (you may have seen it pop up in my Instagram feed)! So far I am loving it! It's lightweight (which is important to me), super grippy, eco-friendly, and super cute :) Expect a full review soon, but I just couldn't wait to share it with you. For every mat sold, Mello Mae donates $1 to a health + wellness charity - how awesome is that? Plus, you can support the community + shop local - hooray!

My asana practice isn't the only thing that got a kickstart this week. If you take a look around - you may notice things are a little different. I've been working behind the scenes to spruce it up around here. Bear with me as things may change in the next few weeks, but I hope you're digging the new look, and the site is easy to use.

Peace + love,

Alex

Jute Yoga Mat c/o Mello Mae, but thoughts and opinions are my own.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photo Credit, Jordan Ferney of Oh Happy Day!

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

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

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

Wellness, Empowerment, Learning, Luxury.

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

Full Experience

Farm-To-Table Welcome Dinner

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

Breakfast on Saturday, November 7th

Brunch on Sunday, November 8th

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

Networking opportunities with wellness professionals and enthusiasts

Exclusive gift bag filled with wellness goodies

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

Full Experience Pass $549. **

Weekender Pass

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

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

Check-in Gift Bag

Turn-Down Gift Bag

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

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

All inclusive Saturday lunch

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

Sunday morning movement class (optional)

Sunday brunch

Weekender Pass Price: $350.**

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

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

Enjoy $30 off the Weekender ticket with the code MASSWEEKENDER

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

Hopefully I'll see you at the Summit!

Until next time friends - peace + love,

Alex