“When I signed up, I figured I’d have a pretty good time. But I was astonished by how truly wonderful it turned out to be. And the impact that it had on me, physically, mentally and spiritually. Thanks to Wendy’s and Joanna’s gentle guidance, loving care and slightly wicked senses of humour – I not only had the best vacation I could imagine, but I was able to really relax, gain some much needed perspective, rediscover my love of yoga and the outdoors and overcome some hurdles which turned out to be more mental than physical.

Then there’s Greg’s awesome meals. Yummy.

In short, A Quest for Balance completely rocks! Once you experience it, you’ll kick yourself for not doing it sooner.”
~ Lisa Denvir, Toronto

Join us July 1 at 7 pm as we host a live online event with the World Drum and Mandaza, teaching about Peace.

Learn more about the World Drum:
http://www.NorthernEdgeAlgonquin.com/world-drum.html

Join us LIve:
http://www.NorthernEdgeAlgonquin.com/live-video.html

Greetings fellow Yogis and Yoginis I hope this finds you all well and shifting into a brilliant and promising summer. There seems to be a real and impactful current of change moving through things lately, the Emergence of such a quick spring seemed to catapult change within me and many of those around me.

Wendy Martin
Algonquin Yoga Goddess
Northern Edge Algonquin
YogaAtTheEdge@gmail.com

We invite you to join us this season for an exhilarating and rejuvenating yoga experience!
See our online calendar for more details. Or call Amanda directly at 800 953 3343.

 Here at the Edge as well as in most parts of Ontario we have been enjoying some beautiful spring weather that feels a little more like summer. It’s not only the human family that is feeling this time of new life, but the forest is coming alive. Many of our spring wildflowers and native trees have already flowered and are beginning to form seeds for the next generation. In this short post I’d like to describe a little about the animals and birds who have been tending to thier new borns and I had the priviledge to observe over the course of the last couple of days.

I watched as the starlings and robins flew from thier nests in South River at Matt’s house and worked feverishly to keep the nest clean of droppings and ‘fresh’ for thier young brood. As I travlelled home I stopped to watch two families of Canada Geese as the young goslings swim in the safe ‘eddies’ that thier parents created as they lead them down the river. On the road to the Edge there have been many deer and moose including a cow moose and twins and a lot of deer including a couple of fawns. The fox kits are up and moving with thier mothers as the vixen that I saw tried catiously to get her young from one side of the road to the other. The beavers have been working hard adding wood and mud to thier dams in anticipation of the low water levels to come this summer. On our lake there have been many species of ducks in thier courting pairs and now most females are sitting on nests. This year I’ve been able to watch wood, black, mallard, buffleheads and mergansers swimming in Round lake. As I paddle each day I love to keep an eye on these small family groups and have noticed that the herring gull that has been nesting on the rocks in front of my place has just hatched her young. The other day was thier first venture into the water and the mom and dad are quick to ‘rush’ them into the water at the first sign of danger. They were quite used to me paddling by twice a day up until the young have arrived. Now we are starting all over again in our relationship and establishing new boundaries and acceptance of one and other. The loons are calling each night from different corners of the lake and the hummingbirds have returned to the island on which I live as well. The crows and ravens wake me each morning as the sun rises and often I get to hear the shrill call of the merlin or the sharp-shinned hawk as they hunt through the tall white pines.

As the days become longer we all go through transitions as we let go of the things from the past while embracing the present moment. Last night as I went to sleep listening to 4 different species of frogs singing around the lake it made me feel alive and ready to move into this next season with a ‘re-newed’ sense of Vision and Purpose. I wish the same to all of you and hope that you can come and visit us soon.

Alexis Burnett

I think most folks are familiar with the idea of a second honeymoon. It conjures up visions of exotic places and activities to rekindle romance – sans kids. But what is a Marriage Vacation?

Earlier this week I made a status update to Facebook and Twitter where I referred to Martha as a great friend. Our video intern thought this sounded strange. “Aren’t you married?”
Of course we’re married, and we’re best friends. The two aren’t mutually exclusive are they?

If you can’t call your spouse our best friend it might be time for a Marriage Vacation.

In some marriages friendship might be lost between the stresses of getting everyone out the door in the morning, cooking and cleaning, dealing the day-to-day living and even getting lost in blackberries, iPads, or laptop computers. It’s not your relationship that is at fault, it might just be your lifestyle keeping you from enjoying the company of one another as much as you would like to.

A marriage vacation is an opportunity to rekindle the greatest friendship in your life. To step out of the ordinary – perhaps a fair distance short of extraordinary for a weekend getaway with your spouse.

The recipe:

• somewhere new, nearby – away from distractions of home.  (If you live in Toronto, Ontario there are numerous places within a few hours that would be great destinations.  Make a list and plan a couple of marriage vacations in Ontario each year!)
• 3-4 days
• no kids
• no technology
• no tv
• add equal parts: adventure, dream time, socialization with other adults, creative pursuits, outdoors in nature.

Three or four days away, perhaps on a train so you can spend the travel time looking into one another’s eyes, enjoying meals and activities with other adults might be just what your need to rediscover your best friend – a marriage vacation.

Natalie, Topher and I headed out for a spin on a fine spring morning and captured the essence of the beauty of canoeing in just a few minutes of video.

First Paddle of the Season from todd lucier on Vimeo.

Greg is the master tapper here and he is ready for some serious Maple Syrup.  March 8 2010 – Northern Edge Algonquin – South River, Ontario

These wolves are feeding on a deer near the Algonquin Park visitor centre.  It is interesting that the dominant wolf is enjoying his solitary meal while the others watch and wait their turn.   It’s interesting to watch the second dominant wolf confirm his place with one other wolf at right.

Our Wolf Howl Canoe Trips in Algonquin Park give guests an opportunity to experience the spine tingling howls of the Nahma Lake wolf pack.

As the heart of winter beats with each snowflake that falls from the sky I cannot help but feel the inner stillness and peace that this season brings.   A time to slow down and search within ourselves for those things that truly make our heart sing.    What is it in our lives that fuelthat sacred fire that burns deep at our core?    Are we tending and feeding that fire with ‘wood’ that is nourishing and makes the flame grow brighter and stronger?    In this time of introspection we can contemplate the past year while getting ready for the new beginnings that lie ahead.    I like to envision myself as a seed lying dormant beneath the protection of the frozen snow.   Waiting for the just the right time to sprout and grow towards the sun as the seasons turn.    Inside of these seeds is the knowledge and wisdom of countless generations that have come before.     We too hold this vastness of ancient knowledge within each of us. It is waiting in dormancy for just the right time to sprout and grow as long as we provide the right environment and conditions for that seed to flourish.  

As I ski across the frozen lake under the glistening stars away from the Edge I am overwhelmed by the feeling of gratitude and thankfulness.     Gratitude for all those that have come before and so very thankful to be alive and healthy inside this moment.     The ice groans and echoes under my feet as I glide across the frozen water that has ‘cradled’ our canoes so many times.     My mind flashes to the countless trips that have come and gone from this place into the beautiful landscapes of Algonquin Park.    I think ahead to the many adventures that will come this year and the many new faces that will forever be etched in my mind and heart.      An owl calls from the distance and brings me back into this special moment in the middle of this frozen landscape.      At this time of year I find myself dreaming ahead to the coming paddling season as we prepare and plan for each of our unique trips.    Who will come with us, what will we see and experience and how will our lives change from our interaction with the natural world?     Each time I venture into the wilderness I learn a little more not only about the natural world, but also about myself and how I can affect a positive change in this world we live in.     It is said that in the purity of the wilderness we will find all that we search for.    Right now, in the solitude and serenity of this moment, my heart beats in unison with that of the Earth.   My fire burns bright as a smile curls across my face and the words ‘Thank You’ flow from my whole being.  

In Light

Alexis Burnett

Every day presents a new opportunity to rise and make a difference for your community.  But sometimes we need a little spark to start the fire.

Where does your spark come from?

Step Outside

Today, mine came when I strapped on my skis and headed out into winter under a bright blue sky.  It was a breathtaking 30 minutes where I let go of all the worries, deadlines, projects, and people in my life and took time for myself.  Regardless of the excitement I feel when I browse the Web, read blog posts, attend conferences or make presentations I connect more authentically to the people and projects in my life when take time to unplug and reconnect by listening to that quiet voice inside.  When I put myself first, I have more patience and the ability to let go of my ego and take the time to pay attention and truly listen to others.  For me, that comes when I step outside and explore the world around me.

It can be a challenge to break old habits and and take the time for yourself.  It may be perceived by others as putting your needs in front of others out of self-interest.  But in fact, if you can break through the inertia of procrastination and commit to giving yourself the time others may notice that you are much more present, peaceful and in touch with your humanity.

Engage with others

Another thing that inspires me is conversation.  Real conversation.  I often read twitter posts and stories by others, and write my own, but my absolute favourite thing is one-on-one conversations by telephone, (skype) or in person about things you and I are interested in.   Comments on blog posts are nice, but meeting people who are passionate about what they do and bouncing ideas off one another is left me truly inspired.  Indeed conversational relationships with people sharing ideas (without a focus on outcome) has led to the most inspiring long term relationships and the most inspiring projects I’ve ever been involved in.

It’s your turn

• What are you going to do today for yourself?  Stop procrastinating and take time to tend to yourself every day, not just on holidays or vacations.  Do something you love.  What are you passionate about?
• Make an unexpected phone call.  Ask someone you follow on Twitter to have a chat or invite a Facebook or LinkedIn friend for a conversation.

Keep the fire burning.

Special thanks to my twitterati for contributing their ideas for today’s blog post in one word.  Heck, why don’t you invite one of them for a conversation?

• @LarryChiang Unplugged
• @SmallbonesShop Humanity. Community. Self-interest. Ego.
• @nickwynja Challenge
• @hjortur breathtaking!
• @alexbainbridge procrastination. unexpected. telephone.
• @wendyperrin Authenticity
• @SeattleMaven Passion