Be Well Magazine: Muskoka Edition [SPRING + SUMMER 2017] by Be Well Magazine

M U S KO K A E D ITI O N

S PR I N G + S U M M E R 2 0 1 7

NEW GROWTH + AWAKENING THE SPIRIT INEVITABLE DETOURS

Are you reluctant to take life in a new direction? Page 13

Spirit Summit June 3rd, 2017

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CONTENTS BE WELL MAGAZINE: MUSKOKA EDITION • SPRING + SUMMER 2017 • VOLUME 2, ISSUE 1

F E AT U R E S

O U R COVE R th

M U S KO K A E D ITI O N

6 TOUCHPOINT Changing the world around you starts with challenging your own beliefs.

INEVITABLE DETOURS

13 HEARTBEAT Change is unavoidable, but its impact on your life is in your hands.

18 EAT WELL Laura Gilmour explains how wild harvested botanicals can liven up your summer cocktails.

22 SHOWCASE Pyrographer Keri-Lyn Freebird on the art and discipline of wood burning.

NEW GROWTH + AWAKENING THE SPIRIT

27 PERSONAL PRACTICE How often do we actually set aside time for ourselves?

Are you reluctant to take life in a new direction? Page 13

Spirit Summit 1st annual

June 3rd, 2017

WATERLOO SUMMIT BUILDING HUNTSVILLE, ON

SE E O CO N CO B U P VE ACK ON R!

S PR I N G + S U M M E R 201 7

On June 3, 2017, Be Well Magazine will host its st 1 Annual Spirit Summit! Get the details on page 9 and visit bewellmagazine.ca for tickets! 4

L E T T E R F RO M T H E E D I TO R

CO M M U N I T Y CO R N E R Local community events that are organized and held right here in Muskoka

F R E S H F I N DS New and interesting local must-haves

SPRING

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR • NICOLE FISICO

NEW GROWTH + AWAKENING THE SPIRIT

he theme for this issue is New Growth + Awakening the Spirit, which we chose because I began to wonder about how we view change in others and ourselves. I realized that truly much kinder way of navigating a difficult process. embracing change is easier said then done. Change, more often then not, is very difficult, especially if the change is motivated by challenging factors. It takes strength and courage to initiate the process and dedication, devotion and hard work to see it through. So, this got me thinking further – how does change change you?

In my opinion, I think this is how change can awaken the spirit – when you can appreciate the process and be excited for the beautiful new perspective the change resulted in. For me, it’s that feeling you get when it feels like the whole world is open to possibilities, everything has such clarity and you are energized to live life to the fullest. You can acknowledge your strength and courage and it allows you to appreciate it in others as well.

Assuming that it’s self motivated, change is still wildly viewed as being a burden. I know that I have gone through it and felt as if I was dragged through So I suppose, from my point of view, the answer against my will, even though it was self imposed and is that change will change you how you allow it necessary, resisting every step of the way. to. To truly reap the rewards from the hard work, dedication and courage needed to change, being How did that change me? Reflecting on that mindful and present is paramount. When I was experience, I recognize how much more difficult mindful throughout the process I was truly able I made it for myself and that it didn’t need to be to integrate the lessons, see the opportunities, that way. As a result, I could have easily missed appreciate it and be excited for the beautiful new opportunities for growth. In the end, I was just view perspective it brought me. Finding growth and happy it was over so I could move on. being able to awaken your spirit is a gift that we can give ourselves in what is most certainly a challenging Taking what I learned previously, I have also entered time. into a period of change where I chose to go in with a positive attitude and attempted to be present and mindful in the experience. Going in with a ‘silver lining’ attitude helped me to see the opportunities Nicole Fisico for growth that were available within that change. Editor-in-Chief I can honestly say, it resulted in a new view of my world; it resulted in a new perspective. It was also a 4 • Be Well Magazine • Muskoka Edition

GET CONNECTED SPRING + SUMMER 2017 • VOLUME 2, ISSUE 1

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF NICOLE FISICO CREATIVE DIRECTOR TERESA FISICO CONTRIBUTORS Laura Heming • Marie Tindall Darla Stipanovich

COMMUNITY PARTNERS Burnt Timber • Core Health More Than Just Art • Muskoka Yoga Festival • Green Moose Media • Face Addiction • Elke Scholz • Love North • Wild Muskoka Botanicals • Freedom Health Coach • Town of Huntsville • Town of Bracebridge

Be Well Magazine promotes an inclusive, community-directed approach to health and wellness for all. Never miss an issue or event! Visit, subscribe and follow us online bewellmagazine.ca bewellmagazine bewellmag BeWellMag

PUBLISHING Spa Addiction www.spaaddictionbiz.com info@spaaddictionbiz.com

CONTACT US 1121 Cooper Lake Road DWIGHT, ON P0A 1H0 editor@bewellmagazine.ca 705-380-4446 Be Well Magazine publishes twice per year and is available for free thanks to contributions from our community partners. Magazines can be found at businesses and information stands across Muskoka. The articles in Be Well Magazine are meant to inform, encourage and motivate our readers, and in no way does Be Well Magazine claim to replace the advice of a physician or certified wellness coach. © Be Well Magazine. April 2017. Permission is required to reproduce content found in this issue.

BECOME A COMMUNITY PARTNER! Advertising with Be Well Magazine is more than just a good investment – you’re contributing to a movement. Grow exposure for your business and be part of building an exciting community geared towards health, wellness and fulfillment. Contact us today to learn more about our competitive packages and rates. SPRING

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WE ARE ALL CONNECTED H OW CHAL L E N G I N G B E LI E FS AN D FI N D I N G O U R I N N E R T RU T H CAN CHAN G E T H E WO R L D BY MARIE TINDALL

TOUCHPOINT • MARIE TINDALL

he idea or belief of separation is an illusion designed to keep us from knowing and experiencing the truth. It allows us to remain thinking that everything is outside of us, which results in us feeling and believing we are powerless.

and exploring can be uncomfortable and even scary for some people. To access the wisdom within, you must become silent so you can hear and feel what needs to be heard and felt. This is where you will connect with and awaken your spirit. It is during periods of silence that the spirit is given wings. This Stepping outside our comfort zone of what we is the space where magic happens! Let your soul know and what we do is sometimes challenging. guide you. In this article, I may challenge the way you think. I encourage you to put your explorer’s hat on, keep Many of us through our upbringing have formed reading and embark on a new journey to rediscover beliefs of who we are and who we are not, due to yourself. something we heard, saw or felt. These beliefs prevent us from knowing our true selves. We have If we believe in separation, we don’t have to take ignored our soul, we have lost our way and stopped responsibility for our actions and beliefs and the listening to our spirit. It’s time to heed the call! world around us. However, what you do and how you do it affects you, everyone, and everything. The only These beliefs and traits are parts of yourself that difference is where the power lies – either within or have covered over what I call your “truth gems,” the somewhere outside of yourself. beautiful light parts of yourself. It is all there waiting to be discovered. How do we heal this belief in separation? We heal through ourselves first, because knowing that we Remember when you were little? Okay, maybe are all connected gives us power to change things you don’t, but I am sure you have seen children from within. For instance, if you are angry about demonstrating how interested they are in the world the homeless, heal that within. You may not be around them. They are not afraid to ask questions homeless, but there are most likely ideas or beliefs like, “I wonder what would happen if…?” They are so within yourself that contribute to this societal open and very curious. problem. Some of the popular beliefs that most people have on some level regarding homelessness I encourage you to do the same with your traits include: inequality – believing that others are more and beliefs that are no longer serving you. It may important or powerful than you, or thinking that be helpful to find a quiet space, take out a journal you are “better than” someone, money beliefs, and or paper and pen, write the questions below on the belief “I’m not worthy” or “I’m not enough”. Do the paper, and with one question at a time write you think the homeless feel and believe some of whatever comes up. If writing is not your style, then these things? What would their life look like if they perhaps daydream a little on each question. didn’t feel and believe this way? What would your life look like if you did not have these beliefs? You would most likely model and teach this inclusive, connected way of being to your family and friends and the resulting way of thinking would ripple out. First, you must take responsibility for your own beliefs and actions.

“

Going within and accessing the wisdom is the key to finding the truth of who you truly are. Going within

“

We are all connected to the whole of everything. Every cell in our body is not separate from all the other cells in the body. Just like we are not separate from God or Source Energy. It is all within.

Ask yourself: I wonder what would happen if I believed anything was possible? What if I had all the answers within? How would I feel? How would I act? How would I be? SPRING

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Ask yourself: I wonder what would happen if I believed anything was possible? What if I had all the answers within? How would I feel, act, be? How would I treat others? What would I believe about others? What if I knew we are all connected? What if I am a part of them and they are a part of me? Yep, that co-worker you don’t like? They are a part of you! This is an opportunity to heal a part of yourself. You must heal the beliefs and parts of yourself that are no longer congruent with your authentic self and any parts that have you saying and doing things you don’t really feel good about or want to do. These are traits and beliefs that no longer serve you and your life now. It is now time to rise up and be authentically you with no deletions or explanation. It’s time to be fully connected, in your power, not the power over but power that comes from within – the power that inspires others into action. As you discover these parts of yourself and are solid in knowing the truth of who you are, start risking and revealing who you are. Find loving, kind people to be with, to support your new way of being. Believe the following within yourself: I am light; I am connected to everything; I am authentically me. The world needs you soaring and connected! Our soul is infinite and the possibilities are infinite! I encourage you to go and explore. Peace and joy.

Challenge your inner beliefs – keep a journal or do a thought experiment.

Visit www.marietindall.com for more information, resources and upcoming events.

MARIE TINDALL is a Leadership Coach, Facilitator, Counselor with a Spiritual Psychotherapeutic approach and Author of “7 Steps to Rediscovering Yourself and Loving What You Find.” She guides her clients to access their wisdom within so they live a fulfilling, extraordinary life.

8 • Be Well Magazine • Muskoka Edition

Spirit Summit 1st annual

presented by

Join us for a day of wellness-based education, a local marketplace and delicious good-for-your-soul foods for residents and visitors of Muskoka. First 100 attendees will receive a free Be Well Magazine Gift Bag!

❧❧ Featuring local talent and expertise Showcasing wellness resources, services and artistry that Muskoka has to offer ❧❧ Wellness-Based Education Available throughout the day, featuring local experts and practitioners ❧❧ Midday Panel Discussion “Awakening your Spirit: What to Integrate and What to Overcome”

TICKETS

DETAILS

$35/pp $40/pp

June 3rd, 2017

$5 off ticket price

9:30 AM ~ 5:30 PM

at the door

by using coupon code SUMMIT at www.bewellmagazine.ca or by presenting the coupon located in this issue at the door!

WATERLOO SUMMIT BUILDING 87 Forbes Hill Drive HUNTSVILLE, ON sponsored by

SE E O CO N CO B U P VE ACK ON R!

prior to event

Our clinic offers the best and most comprehensive Naturopathic therapies in Muskoka, including chronic disease care, thorough testing for food sensitivities and hormonal imbalances, and the best individualized medicine. We are always welcoming new patients, including cottagers and part-time residents. The majority of private healthcare plans cover Naturopathic services. Please visit our website and learn more about what we can do for your health and for your future.

Dr. Nina Lauffer, ND

Dr. Brandy Strelec, ND

www.corehealthmuskoka.com

165 Main St. W Huntsville, ON P1H 1X8

Phone: 705.789.8998

Leisure activities for all ages and interests From summer camps, to pickleball, discover great programs at the Canada Summit Centre to keep you and your family active this season. Join us for: Drop-in Leisure Programs Adult Canoe Instruction Kayak Polo

Co-Ed Ball Hockey Wellness Chi Kung Aquafitness

Teen & Adult Running Clinic Novel Writing Youth Dodgeball

For a full list of spring & summer programs visit us at huntsville.ca

HEART BEAT • DARLA STIPANOVICH

INEVITABLE DETOURS L E T TI N G GO O F T H E R E LU C TAN CE TO TAKE LI F E I N A N E W D I R EC TI O N BY DARLA STIPANOVICH

peaking with a dear friend this morning, I was reminded that living without change is not living at all. There’s no future if one cannot evolve. We should all know this intuitively, even biologically. Surprising, nonetheless, how often we see in ourselves the enormous reluctance to change. Change is unavoidable and ubiquitous, but I’m focused these days on the change that comes from within. Indeed, most internal change is sparked by something from the external world; a birth, a loss, a diagnosis, a decision, a retirement, a redirection. And our response to events that change our internal life determines so much about how we live. So let me begin to funnel down to that seed of evolution, our ability to make a choice. Recently, I retired from the workforce. And my list of friends who are also retiring grows longer each day. To paraphrase Bette Davis, retirement is not for sissies. It is no less shocking than suddenly finding oneself catapulting off a cliff without warning. And for me, it was all that and more, even though I had thought myself well prepared for it. After a certain amount of time, whining, depression, more whining, and making myself ill, a wee but courageous voice within me piped up and got my attention. It delivered one message over and over: “You can change. Make the choice. And stop eating chocolate Easter eggs.” So I did.

When one is faced with an external change that feels insurmountable, I feel one needs to seek a great deal of internal strength to climb that mountain. I’ve written extensively about my yoga journey and practice and it remains my lifeline through life changes. Not only did it fill my brain with much needed oxygen to sort out the choices before me for this new era in my life, it removed much of the noisy fear that kept popping up for me. It gave me the courage to face aging, and knees that made retirement unavoidable. It provided proof that I’m still flexible, not only in body but in spirit. It gave me comradery and the comfort of friends. And it allowed me to hear in the quiet of my breath, that I still have much to contribute, much to explore and learn. I expect one can find physical support for internal change in running, sports, music, meditation, and creating. The task is to find it and allow it to move you towards a new script for yourself and your life. For me that new script involved redirection and resurrecting an old passion: creating with textiles and colour. And to pursue this passion, I must continue learning. Enter the Interweb!!! In a previous article, I talked about the incredible opportunity we have to make learning a constant in our changing lives and I have no trouble embracing that. There are scads of courses available in any area of art, folk art, textile art, that are online and free, and it only takes SPRING

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HEART BEAT • DARLA STIPANOVICH

the click of a button, a choice, if you will, to pursue a class or to continue looking for something more suitable. There is so much out there for us to choose from to continue with something we may have put aside in our youth, or something that we always wanted to do that our work-life prevented us from exploring. In a way, retirement becomes redirection.

supporting those with a diagnosis, the caregivers, and the family members. I urge you to look at this initiative as a powerful example of taking what can be a devastating external event, doing the hard work internally, and responding to it with a choice to live, to support, to be well, and to respond pro-actively and with positivity. As Allie has written to me, “I think when there is radical challenge and change in your life, you are forced to either go to the light or go to the dark. You can produce or you can shut down. Hence, Enliven. Joanna Macy, author of Despair and Empowerment in the Nuclear Age, was a huge influence in my life. She posits that if we share our despair, we find relationship and we find a way through. If we aren’t willing to have a problem, we will never find the solution.”

My daughter reminds me repeatedly that reacting to external forces without doing the work internally to make yourself your best YOU is reactive rather than restorative. She wrote me recently that “inner change is a choice that you must constantly make every day.” She has been a remarkable example of taking what life has thrown at her and shaping it into a strong and vibrant future for herself, and so it is for all of us who observe our own lives with eagerness to live to our best ability. It is now clear to me through doing the internal work associated with redirection that to change is to The choice of what to do when faced with a evolve, and to evolve is to stay alive. Thankfully, this frightening diagnosis is also something that most momentum keeps building the more we allow it to of us will come upon at some time in our lives. I’m run. And that means finding more things for myself extraordinarily moved and inspired by people in to answer the creative call, more wellness initiatives our community who act for friends and family who for those heeding the call of people in medical have had to deal with disease. Two such incredible need. It means opening the heart to the literary call people, Joanne Mclean and Allie Chisholm-Smith that creates an inspired novel. And taking full part have turned their intimate relationship with cancer in issues within your home community to keep your into a profoundly supportive response: ENLIVEN town healthy. Change is life, and a healthy, happy life (EnlivenMuskoka.ca) Enliven sets its cap towards will always be filled with change. Embrace it! living well with a diagnosis and has as its mandate

“

I wanted to change the world. But I have found that the only thing one can be sure of changing is oneself. – ALDOUS HUXLEY –

DARLA STIPANOVICH is an entrepreneur, a business owner, a dog owner, a Momma, a Nanna, a Wife, a closet writer, an outof-the-closet dreamer, a constant smiler (for no obvious reasons) and a happy Muskoka chick.

14 • Be Well Magazine • Muskoka Edition

MUSKOKA

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July 8 & 9, 2017

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M US KO K A YOGA F E STIVAL Annie Williams Park • 150 Santa’s Village Road July 8-9, 2017 • muskokayogafestival.com

Come visit this bi-annual event, celebrating the extraordinary talent of Canadian artisans while focusing attention on Muskoka as a tourist destination.

Yoga, music and workshops for all! Muskoka Yoga Festival creates a community that connects inspired students, teachers, and ambassadors for wellness; aligned in an authentic experience supporting mindful connection to the Self and the environment around them. Over 30 hours of inspired yoga classes and workshops available. See the festival website for pass options and additional information.

DOC KS I D E F E ST IVAL O F T H E ART S Muskoka Wharf – Special Events Field August 18-20, 2017 • docksidefestival.com This annual event runs the third weekend in August and showcases over 100 juried artisans and craftspeople from across Canada.

Promote your upcoming event in our FALL + WINTER 2017 issue! Email us for details at editor@bewellmagazine.ca

16 • Be Well Magazine • Muskoka Edition

B R ACE B R I DG E FAR M E R S’ M AR K E T Memorial Park • 130 Manitoba St. Every Saturday starting May 20 • 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM The Market runs each Saturday from the Victoria Day long weekend until the Canadian Thanksgiving weekend. Come and visit us in beautiful downtown Bracebridge.

M AY– AU G UST 201 7

H U N TSVI L L E , L AKE O F BAYS & AR E A 1 ST AN N UAL S PI R I T S U M M IT – PR E S E N T E D BY B E WE L L M AGA ZI N E Waterloo Summit Building • 87 Forbes Hill Drive June 3, 2017 • 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM • bewellmagazine.ca Join us for a full day of wellness-based workshops, a local marketplace and delicious good-for-your-soul foods for residents and visitors of Muskoka. The first 100 attendees will receive a free Be Well Magazine gift bag! Tickets can be purchased online in advance for $35, or $40 at the door. All workshops and panel discussions are included in the ticket price. See the back cover to find out how you can save on your ticket! CO N C E RT S O N T H E DOC K Town Dock • 92 Main St. E Every Wednesday in July and August • 7:00 PM huntsville.ca Enjoy live music by the water in downtown Huntsville every Wednesday evening in July and August, featuring talented local musicians. Arrive early! Bring a lawn chair, a friend and a toonie. CH EC K T H E TOWN O F G R AVE N H U R ST, TOWN O F B R ACE B R I DG E AN D TOWN O F H U N T SVI L L E E VE N T CAL E N DAR S TO S E E E VE RY T H I N G T HAT ’ S HAPPE N I N G ACROSS M U S KO K A T H I S S U M M E R !

SPRING

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WALKING ON THE WILD SIDE Wild food is not a new concept – in fact, when you think about it, it’s an ancient concept. It’s also a lost art in today’s society. Fortunately for us, we have a company right here in Muskoka that has made making wild food products their mission and their passion. We spoke with L AU R A G I L M O U R , the owner of Muskoka Wild Botanicals, to learn more about wild food, how we can safely incorporate it into our meals and the benefits of doing so.

EAT WELL • LAURA GILMOUR

H OW D I D YO U L E AR N ABO U T WI L D FOO D?

FO R T H OS E N OT COM PL E T E LY FA M I L IAR WIT H B IT T E R S , CAN YO U E XPL AI N WHAT Growing up in Niagara, my grandparents had a farm T H E Y AR E ? we would walk to. The neighbours were from Italy, so I was surrounded by traditional Italian farmers Sure! Bitters are an herbal extract in alcohol and in and my own farming family. The Italian woman who cocktails act like salt and pepper to really bring out lived next door took care of me in the mornings the depth and character in our drinks. In cocktails, before kindergarten, she raised chickens and bitters stimulate digestion and enzymes in our rabbits and we would go on walks. I just remember liver. So, when drinking alcohol, having bitters in on those walks, she would pick things. Then moving your drink can help your body to metabolize the to Muskoka and growing up with a family that alcohol. It’s almost like the idea of using apple hunt and fish, I was just always naturally drawn to cider vinegar or digestive enzymes for a sluggish knowing that our food comes from the land. I was digestion, but instead of supplementing something this odd person that had an attraction to learning our body doesn’t have enough of, herbs and bitters about the plants and questioning what food or can gently stimulate our own body to produce what it needs. medicine could I make from this. I T ’ S I N T E R E ST I N G H OW YO U I M M E D IAT E LY I D E N TI F I E D WI T H WI L D PL AN T S AS FOO D AN D M E D I CI N E . CAN YO U E XPL AI N H OW YO U I N T EG R AT E D T HAT I N TO YO U R R AN G E O F PRO D U C T S?

T E L L US ABO U T T H E WI L D FAR M E R CO CK TAI L R ECI PE YO U AR E S HAR I N G WIT H US! T H E R E I S VI N EGAR I N IT ?!

Yes! Often times people don’t like those flavouring syrups because they are too sweet or just too That was such a huge part of deciding to work artificial, but when you have fruit, sugar and add with plants in a culinary format. I thought, gosh! the vinegar, it does something really interesting. It’s just such an approachable way to get people Our drink mixes help to cut some of the sweetness into starting to work with plants. I think that’s part and bring out the flavours in the fruit. You end up of the aspects of herbal medicine that there is a with this true berry flavour and far less sugar then disconnect. People try to make herbal medicine other drink mixes. work like pharmaceuticals when so much of holistic health comes down to what we eat and AL SO AL L T H E B E N E FIT S O F T H E PL AN T S teaching people how to use wild foods. My thing R I G H T I N YO U R S U M M E R COCK TAI L ! WE is using wild herbs and spices in small amounts LOVE T HAT! as a really viable way in the modern world to incorporate wild foods. The health benefits are Exactly. They are so good! so great because they are so concentrated in vitamins and minerals. A small amount goes a long way. SO, AR E AL L YO U R PRO D U C T S SAF E FO R KI DS AS WE L L? Oh ya, kids and pregnant or nursing woman. That’s an important thing for me to make sure our products are safe. I guess our bitters, which are more cocktail based, would not be suited for pregnant woman because generally they would not be having cocktails anyway, but they can also stimulate the liver to detoxify. In small amounts, say in soda for nausea, it’s totally safe.

WI L D FAR M E R COC K TAI L Recipe on next page SPRING

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EAT WELL • LAURA GILMOUR

WILD FARMER COCKTAIL 1½ OZ ¾ OZ 1 DAS H

Vodka (I love Beatties Potato Vodka or Pinnacle) Wild Muskoka Botanicals Strawberry & Sumac Shrub Wild Muskoka Botanicals Citrus + Roots Bitters Soda Water

Add vodka, shrub and bitters to a cocktail shaker filled with ice and shake until chilled. Pour into a low ball glass filled with fresh ice and top with soda water. Garnish with fresh strawberry slice.

20 • Be Well Magazine • Muskoka Edition

FRESH FINDS MUST-TRY ITEMS FROM BUSINESSES BASED IN MUSKOKA

A DAI LY VITA M I N FO R YO U R S KI N

LOVE NORTH lovenorth.ca Love North takes great pride in ethically wild harvesting a variety of plant species local to Muskoka – Parry Sound to create their skincare products. These facial serums are packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and local plant constituents to provide moisture and nourishment to a range of skin types, amazing for both the skin and for the soul. $25

M AKI N G TI M E FO R T E A

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IT ’ S O K AY TO B E B IT T E R

WILD MUSKOKA BOTANICALS wildmuskokabotanicals.ca Bitters are natural extracts of wild-crafted and organic botanicals. In cocktails, bitters act like salt and pepper bringing together ingredients and adding depth and character of flavour to your drinks. They also help to support your digestion by triggering important metabolic processes. Wild Muskoka Botanicals are a great addition to your dockside cocktails and in soda water before large meals. $10 SPRING

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BURNT TIMBER

Z E N AN D T H E ART O F PYROG R APHY

here’s something happening in Muskoka. There’s a growing spirit of community and a youthful energy that is increasing as more and more of those who were fortunate enough to grow up here are finding their way back and finding a place for themselves. For Keri-Lyn Freebird, whose travels have taken her across the country and around the globe, the return to Muskoka marked a return to her home, her mindfulness, and her craft. “I started calling myself Burnt Timber right as I was leaving Alberta,” she says, describing how even deriving the name of her creative pyrography business was a serendipitous event sparked by her return home. “It’s actually the name of a provincial park in Alberta. I saw in on the sign and I was like, that’s it!”

been able to hone her craft, creating unique and detailed custom artwork, signage, jewelry and more using wood as her canvas and a burner as a brush. It’s a skill that’s been present in Keri-Lyn’s life for a long time. “My grandpa used to wood burn – we still have a couple pieces of his at my family cottage. We have this piece and it’s an owl and it says DON’T GIVE A HOOT and we have a sign that says IT’LL DO, which is the name of our cottage. They are hand-burnt by him. Those are ingrained in my memory. I actually started using his old tool until it burnt my hand and fell apart.” Keri-Lyn has since healed nicely and upgraded her wood burner, which – unlike her grandfather’s – has multiple styles of tips and adjustable heat, the latter being extremely important given that not all wood is created equal.

Pyrography, or the burning of images into wood, isn’t a new or innovative art form, but Keri-Lyn has “Pyrography is really cool. I think it’s like a mix of 22 • Be Well Magazine • Muskoka Edition

SHOWCASE • KERI-LYN FREEBIRD

sketching and sculpting, because the heat creates depth and contour. It’s neat when you look at something in 2D, but when you turn it, you can look across the plane and see how much depth is has. Each wood type has its own character, and its own scent when it burns, its own wood grain, soft and hard textures. It’s cool working with wood as a medium because it’s so different, and you just have to be willing to go with the flow of things. When you get into softer woods like pine, it’s so soft and malleable. You can get really good depth in it and it smells delicious. And it’s kind of resin-y, so it burns black – it’s really nice. I also love the smell of cherry. Cherry is one of my favourites to work with. It’s got this nice red colour and it’s harder, so you can’t get as much depth, but that’s beautiful in itself.” Going with the flow is a mantra Keri-Lyn is learning to accept about her artwork, given that every mark made with the burner is a permanent one. It’s also something she has been trying to incorporate in her everyday life, too. “In the last few months I started a fairly dedicated mindfulness practice and I find that the work that I do with pyrography, you can’t erase it. It’s very committed. There’s something about that that really brings you into the moment. I have to be super concentrated and really present with what I’m doing. I really love that because it compliments what I’m doing on a spiritual level, too.” Her skill with the burner and her knowledge of how heat will react with different kinds of wood is evident in some of the feedback she’s received about her work. Some people have mistaken the incredible detail for something that could only be done by a programmed machine. “You have to have a very steady hand to be making some of these really fine lines. I’ve actually been told that it looks like my work is laser etched. When I’ve been asked I have to say, “No – I did this by hand,” and their reaction is, like, ‘WHAT!?’” Exploring the details of intricate subjects is something that inspires Keri-Lyn, and you notice a trend when you look at the breadth of her work. Most of Keri-Lyn’s inspiration comes from animals and landscapes once home to the medium she chooses to work with. One of Keri-Lyn’s headturners is her rendition of a great horned owl. “I try to spend as much time as I can outside – that’s SPRING

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SHOWCASE • KERI-LYN FREEBIRD

where the drive for doing animals comes from and getting in real close. I think that’s why people love the great horned owl so much, because you rarely get to see something like that up close and really see the detail. It’s a close encounter sort of thing. I usually stick to natural images, like twigs and leaves and trees to bring nature to people. I feel like people resonate with that in the city, which I thought was really interesting.” The idea of allowing people to bring a piece of Muskoka home with them is the inspiration for her latest line of jewelry, which she is calling Wild Crafted. All of the pieces in this line are made from fallen wood that has been hand-harvested by KeriLyn from the forests of Muskoka. “We have a family homestead out on Aspdin Road, and we have a 100-year-old applewood tree up there. We also have a massive stand of black locust that was brought in and planted on the top of this hill, which is really bizzare to see, but the wood itself has such a character. I’m also starting to get a better eye for spalting, which is when fungus comes into the wood and starts growing its roots, releasing chemicals into the wood before it rots. If you can

24 • Be Well Magazine • Muskoka Edition

catch it early enough in the digestion process, those chemicals actually turn brilliant colours, like purple and blue.” You can find Keri-Lyn’s artwork and jewelry online and at markets across Muskoka and greater Ontario. And while the market scene and jewelry-making is enjoyable for now, her long-term goal is to do bigger custom pieces that have true meaning and significance to the client, encapsulating memories and moments. In addition to expanding her business, Keri-Lyn is excited to share the art of pyrography with others. It’s people like Keri-Lyn who are coming back to Muskoka, giving back to their community, continuing traditions, and contributing to this exciting youthful energy and momentum. “I’ve developed a skill here and an understanding of how this works. That is something I can share with other people. Some people say that you can’t tell people how you do what you’re doing, because you’re trying to make a living doing that. But, looking at other pyrographers and seeing what they’re making right now, we’re all making such different things. And that’s like anything with art. An oil painter is going to teach people how to oil paint because those people are going to show what their creative force is, and they’re going to create what’s in their heart and soul. It’s not a competition. It’s more about how can I build you up, help you get better at what you do. So many people have taught and mentored me. I wouldn’t be where I was if I didn’t have somebody to also mentor me. If you can pass it on, it’s a legacy.”

Follow @BurntTimberArt on Facebook, Instagram and Etsy, and look for Keri-Lyn at these and other markets in the coming months! CR AF T E D M US KO K A www.facebook.com/craftedmuskoka M US KO K A YOGA F E STIVAL zenmuskoka.com M US KO K A ART S AN D CR AF T S 55 T H AN N UAL S U M M E R S H OW muskokaartsandcrafts.com DOCKS I D E ART S F E STIVAL docksidefestival.com ROSS E AU FAR M E R ’ S M AR K E T rosseaumarket.com T R I N IT Y B E L LWOO DS FAR M E R S’ M AR K E T tbfm.ca L E S L I E VI L L E FAR M E R S’ M AR K E T leslievillemarket.com SPRING

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A rare opportunity to meet and learn from Sergio MagaĂąa - world renowned Mexican healer, during his only visit to Canada in 2017. Join us for an evening and book signing with Hay House author Sergio MagaĂąa Ocelocoyotl.

Cosmology of the Aztec Calendar Creating Your Own Tonalamatl - The Map of Your Life

Crystal Skull Healing Altar Heal your body and create the best version of yourself.

What essences were present at your birth? How are you influenced by them? What are your unique talents, gifts and obstacles?

Evening of May 17 The Annex, Huntsville Public Library $15.00 - Free for May workshop participants A special thank you to our Book Signing Evening sponsors:

Workshop: May 18-19

Workshop: May 20-21

Hidden Valley Resort, Huntsville, ON Cost: $325 per 2 day workshop or $595 for all 4 days For further details contact: Owen Sound: elinorfrenny@gmail.com www.theheartspeaks.ca Huntsville: freedomhealthcoach@gmail.com www.lauraheming.com

Celebrate living life well

Anxiety Warrior is full of strategies and skills for managing your anxiety. Along with Elke, there are five contributors: published authors, keynote speakers, leaders, all professionals passionate about empowering people.

Anxiety Warrior by Elke Scholz is available at: Amazon, Createspace, Chapters, Indigo, as an e-book on your favourite platform or www.lovingyourlifebook.com

PERSONAL PRACTICE • LAURA HEMING

DAILY PRACTICE H OW O F T E N DO WE R E AL LY PU T O U R S E LVE S FI R ST ? BY LAURA HEMING

f I were to ask you to do something that might take twenty minutes a day to profoundly help a friend, cure a sick relative or to ease the sorrow of a child, would you do it? Most people probably would.

syndrome. Our internal systems go on high alert for the next threat to our health, home and happiness. This can lead to being over-stressed, having a suppressed immune system, developing an over acidic inflammatory autoimmune response or an overall sense of dis-ease in our being. Unfortunately, However, if I were to suggest to you that you take these states can eventually lead to real disease. those same twenty minutes a day to be your own friend, cure your own disease and ease the sorrow When we begin to operate from a state of of your own inner child it can be quite a different consciousness, we become better able to direct our story. Often, the first reaction is, “Well, I don’t have lives. We create the effect in our life. We become time for that because my spouse, children, work, the cause of what is happening, not just reacting to and friends need me.” In fact, almost any other thing events. We effectively create our reality overseeing usually takes precedence until the day you have our response to life’s challenges. By creating daily enough pain or disease to catapult you into being practices, we create enough space and emotional the most important feature of your life. reserve to choose. The science of psycho-neuro-immunology has proven beyond a doubt that what we think about ourselves and our life directly impacts our immune system and our quality of health and life. Meditation practices around the world have been utilized for thousands of years because taking the time to go within has proven to be the way to kick open the door to our unconscious minds, allowing us to break through the pain that binds us in body, mind or spirit. When we are living from an unhealed unconscious state of being, we are at the constant effect of life. Life happens and we are in a state of reaction. We become hyper-vigilant, fearing our next trauma – the I-can’t-believe-this-is-happening-to-me-again

In the book The Mandala of Being, Dr. Richard Moss guides his readers through simple yet profound daily practices, which assist one away from being at the effect of one’s painful past, anxiety over uncertain future projections, inner criticisms of oneself and judgments of others. Through the Meditative process of bringing oneself to the now, one learns to distinguish the inner lies we tell our self from truth. When we are in truth we can see our place of responsibility in any given situation and what action is or is not required on our part to move us forward to a place of peace and acceptance. The ultimate goal is to bring our unconscious to consciousness in the only moment that exists – the only moment in which we can effect true change. That moment is now. SPRING

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PERSONAL PRACTICE • LAURA HEMING

Remember those twenty minutes that you would so happily give to another? Well, creating a daily practice is the process of giving yourself the permission to have whatever minutes you designate for yourself consistently as a priority for you in your life. Daily practices empower you as if your life depends on it, which in truth it does.

self to learn to walk before you expect yourself to run a marathon.

The second hurdle is to put yourself in the equation of your life. Give your health and joy the same importance you give to others health and joy. Give to yourself willingly or as life progresses it will demand that you give it attention, usually not under So where is the pain or the agitation in your being very pleasant circumstances. that will motivate you to begin the daily practice that will move your life forward in Conscious The third hurdle is to allow yourself to feel your Creation – moving from pain to health, humour, Being and to move into self-acceptance for the life happiness, harmony and hope? What hurdle do you you have lived. To acknowledge the courage that have to overcome to act? your soul is expressing just being alive. Remember, we are just practicing, so get out of your head and The first hurdle is to acknowledge that you do not into your heart. We are all working our way through. have to be perfect the first time you try. It is called The key to having a successful daily practice is to a daily practice because it is just that – practice. want to grow yourself and experience yourself in a Whether you are learning Yoga, Meditation, Dance different way. or a Fitness Routine, you cannot expect to start out having perfect control over your Mind, Body or The fourth hurdle is the “Well, if I get to it, okay; Spirit. Approaching the development of skills in any if I don’t, there is always tomorrow” attitude. This one of these areas is a work in progress; allow your type of thinking ensures that tomorrow never

28 • Be Well Magazine • Muskoka Edition

comes. Calming our minds, boosting our immune system, reducing inflammation and stopping disease before it starts requires focus and attention every day. If you want to develop physical discipline, even something like walking around the block brings you into your body. If you want a spiritual practice, then doing a Mindfulness or a Living Kindness Mediation for even one minute can shift you (of course, a full twenty minutes is even better). If you want to work towards healing your wounded self, then practicing the Mandala of Being Mediations works beautifully in the moment or in a longer process. The key is to consciously bring your focus to yourself daily.

take an action in a moment that builds a conscious skill. This becomes a daily practice that eventually leads one to self-mastery and awareness.

The Toltec Masters of ancient times left a lineage of practices designed to take one into the deepest part of their being into their Inner Cave. In Sergio Magaña’s book Caves of Power, he states: “This body of knowledge is known as ‘the caves of power,’ a reference to the power hidden in the inner self. For the ancient Mexicans, the inner self was the part of ourselves where our dreams and underworlds resided. Our instincts and unconscious were also there. So, our power is hidden in the darkness of The easiest and most portable daily practice is our cave. If activated, it will enable is to have almost Breath Work. This can be a very elaborate process or total control over our life.” a simple as bringing your focus to the in-breath and out-breath of our being, allowing one’s self to feel So, I invite you to meet yourself daily to see the what is happening without judgment and releasing, greatness and power you have within the beauty of repeating this until you come to a place of stillness. your being as you gain the courage to look deeply Again, the most important feature is choosing to within your own cave.

“

There are moments when we sense that tomorrow doesn’t have to look like today – that the feelings of defeat that’s been flattening us for what seems like forever can lift, that our anxiety needn’t define us, that the delight we’ve been postponing and the love we long for could be nearer at hand than we’d thought.

“

– SHARON SALZBURG –

LAURA HEMING is a Reiki Master, a certified Health Coach in Integrative Nutrition, and has been a member of the OCCAPP since 2000. Integrating indigenous teachings from across the Americas, Laura offers many workshops designed to support individuals through their personal and spiritual growth and development. For more information, visit www.lauraheming.com. SPRING

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Spirit Summit 1st annual

presented by

Join us for a day of wellness-based education, a local marketplace and delicious good-for-your-soul foods for residents and visitors of Muskoka.

First 100 attendees will receive a free Be Well Magazine Gift Bag!

TICKETS

DETAILS

$35/pp $40/pp

June 3rd, 2017

$5 off ticket price

9:30 AM ~ 5:30 PM

prior to event

at the door

by using coupon code SUMMIT at www.bewellmagazine.ca or by presenting the coupon below at the door!

Spirit Summit 1st annual

presented by

WATERLOO SUMMIT BUILDING 87 Forbes Hill Drive HUNTSVILLE, ON

June 3rd, 2017 9:30 AM ~ 5:30 PM

WATERLOO SUMMIT BUILDING HUNTSVILLE, ON

.00 OFF TICKET PRICE*

*Use for discount at the door or use coupon code SUMMIT at www.bewellmagazine.ca. Limit 2 tickets per coupon at the door.