Strøm Magazine - Spring / Summer 2020

Spring/summer 2020 / Issue ten

C E N T R E D O N B A L A N C E / A R C H I T E C T U R E / N A T U R E / H O L I S T I C H E A LT H

THEMED FE ATURES

In this issue ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN 8

Between Atmospheres and Emotions: The Thoughtful Architectural Creation, by Karianne Duquette When Design Awakens Curiosity: Workspaces that Inspire I N S P I R AT I O N 16

The Path of Resilience: An Interview with Marianne St-Gelais The Season of Flowers, by Léa Stréliski WORLD 24

International Works: Experiencing Architectural Emotion, by Voyageurs du Monde H O L I S T I C H E A LT H 3 2

A Four-Part Rhythm: The Power of the Feminine Cycle Sustainable Beauty, by Judith Ritchie The Outside World and Compassion for Yourself, by Valérie Courchesne LIVING 50

Calisthenics: A Simple and Creative Way to Work Out, by Arnaud Delagrave Five Books to Unmask Beauty, by Nicolas Gendron À TA B L E 6 0

Letting Nature Speak: Each Bottle Tells Its Own Story, by Stéphanie Dupuy Dermonutrition: When Beauty Lives on Our Plates, An Interview with Audrey Sckoropad

VA L É R I E COURCHESNE

ARNAUD D E L A G R AV E

STÉPHANIE DUPUY

KARIANNE DUQUETTE

NICOL AS GENDRON

JUDITH RITCHIE

AUDRE Y S C KO R O PA D

LÉA STRÉLISKI

Guillaume Lemoine President / Emilie Lefebvre-Morasse Vice-President of Marketing and Sales, Editor-in-Chief Caroline Croteau Senior Director of Marketing and Sales / Myriam Dumont Marketing Director Arianne Filion Marketing Coordinator, Editor / Jacinthe Roy-Rioux Content Creator Sarah Lebel-Viens Photo Director / Bianca Des Jardins Photographer / Catherine Vaudry Editor Véronique Péloquin Artistic Director, sept24.com / SLRR Translation Firm Translation

Printing TC Imprimeries Transcontinental Advertising sales Christine Mailloux, cmailloux@stromspa.com, (514) 761-7900 ext. #304 To collaborate on content Arianne Filion, afilion@stromspa.com Publisher Strøm Nordic Spa, 1001, boul. de la Forêt, Nuns’ Island, Quebec H3E 1X9 Legal deposit - ISSN 2369-5897 National Library of Canada and Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec.

The opinions expressed in Strøm Magazine articles are solely those of the authors. The availabilities, vintages, and prices mentioned in the magazine are subject to change without notice. Any reproduction, in whole or in part, is prohibited without the permission of Strøm Nordic Spa. All rights reserved. Publication mail - 42293512

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Recipes: Cold Cucumber Soup and Matcha Tarts, by Raphaël Podlasiewicz

EDITORIAL

THE MEA NING OF BEAUT Y BEYON D THE EY ES — Whether you are a sensitive or Cartesian being, spaces with thoughtful aesthetics, flowing lines, and harmonious proportions have the power to make us experience inexplicable feelings of immensity, infinity, and well-being. From this balance, beauty arises.

By placing balance at the heart of our deeply held values, we examined the concept of beauty, trying to find its meaning. For us, among other things, it is the harmony that is contemplated and cultivated at the source of a body of water, on a mountainside, or at the heart of a place steeped in history. It was by dreaming of spaces that make room for aesthetics and awaken fascination that we built our four establishments. Our muses for creating these places where you can sit down and find yourself or be together: the life force of nature as our first inspiration and smart design as a driver of creativity.

For this anniversary edition, we wanted to explore all the facets of beauty, because it is not only a part of our daily lives, but also what we do and what we believe in.

Happy reading!

Guillaume Lemoine President of Strøm Nordic Spa

RECI PI ENT Strøm Nordic Spa - Old Quebec has won four major awards since its opening for the excellence of its architectural design, the most recent of which is the Wellness, Fitness, and Recreation Centre Award from the 13th edition of the Grands Prix du Design last February.

During this event, it also received the prestigious Project of the Year distinction.

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This 10 th issue of Strøm Magazine highlights a universe where places, ideas, and interactions unfold with a concern for balance. It reveals a new way of seeing and thinking about the world, better habits to adopt, but—above all—a more harmonious way of relating to yourself and others. This issue helps us understand the deep meaning of beauty beyond its initial conception.

Photo credit: Bianca Des Jardins

S T R Ă˜ M N O R D I C S PA - O L D Q U E B E C

ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN

Between Atmospheres and Emotions: The Thoughtful A rchitectural Creation

By Karianne Duquette, architectural collaborator

the person, the alternation between serenity and seduction, the tension between inside and outside, the levels of intimacy, and the light on things.

The harmony of the materials, for example, focuses on the infinite possibilities offered by a composition of materials and the way of arranging them to achieve a balance. Harmony is essential to creating a dialogue between them and thereby creating an atmosphere that will approach the emotional sensitivity of the visitor.

Swiss architect Peter Zumthor was interested in the close relationship between the beauty of architecture and the emotions. For him, beauty is a feeling that can be experienced in particular moments, during specific circumstances. What are the elements that trigger this feeling of beauty and well-being in us and make us experience these emotions?

The sound of the space, meanwhile, considers each sound that emerges from the place through the resonance of the materials as well as through the presence of the users themselves. The space collects, produces, amplifies, and transmits sounds, thereby creating the characteristic acoustics that define it and enrich the user’s bodily perception.

For him, the answer can be found in the atmosphere of the place—an atmosphere that we perceive unconsciously, without having to think about it, from our very first steps in a new place. It seeks out what is buried deep within us, like a memory, and overwhelms our emotional sensitivity. This experience is reflected in fleeting sensations that lead to an unconscious reaction and reveal emotions directly related to the space in which we move.

The temperature of the space, for its part, focuses on the thermal experience on the physical and psychic levels. Materials do not emit the same heat to the touch, and their arrangement makes it possible to temper a place in a specific way. The chosen arrangement depends on the sensation desired by the designer: for example, the use of wood will not have the same effect as that of concrete or steel.

Finally, the light on things highlights the importance of lighting in an architectural work. The way the light strikes a material and is reflected by it refines the perception of the space. The relief and depth are discernible thanks to the play of light and shadow.

Light gives life to the materials and spaces that it touches.

C R E AT I N G AT M O S P H E R E S

According to Zumthor, specific means can lead a user to experience the beauty of a place. He therefore proposes a creative process that focuses on nine atmospheric qualities that are—for him—essential to moving architecture: the body of the architecture, the harmony of the materials, the sound of the space, the temperature of the space, the objects that surround

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T I M ELESS M USE — Omnipresent in our lives, architecture influences both our physical and spiritual sensations. It touches us with its characteristic expression and arouses specific emotions in us. In particular, let us consider the solemn nature that takes hold of us when we enter a religious building, the impression of serenity and beauty that envelops us when we enter and move around in a spa, or that breathtaking feeling when we enter a majestic, monumental place.

T H E R M E S D E VA L S / S W I T Z E R L A N D

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Crédit Photophoto credits: : Bianca Fernando Des Jardins Guerra

ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN

ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN

BRINGING EMOTIONS TO LIFE

These nine characteristics are an integral part of Zumthor’s works, but their foundations underpin the way of thinking of many other architects around the world. For the visitor, these architectural qualities, which are long sought-after by the designer, will not necessarily be perceived consciously due to their subtle incorporation into the space or the creative process.

A person who feels good in a particular environment cannot always easily unpack these elements that create their feeling of well-being, because they form a harmonious whole. Since the experience of beauty is unique to each person, its foundations and repercussions are

hard to pin down. The multiple sensory intentions implemented in a place highlight the relationship between body and space and call upon the user to react in their own way.

Sy nony mous with f luidity and lightness, the water offsets the strong, solid stone, in addition to becoming one with the dancing light.

PUT TING THEORY INTO PR AC TICE

In the Thermes de Vals project, Zumthor prioritized a sensual architectural design focused on the relationship with the body. This work applies his long-studied principles to create an experience based on the senses and perceptions.

The primary source of inspiration, stone is omnipresent and allows for the creation of a dialogue with the geological setting of the site. The goal of each stone room is to complement the body, conform to its shape, and caress it.

Light is abundant in the open, monumental spaces, while in the more intimate, enclosed spaces, semi-darkness prevails. Synonymous with fluidity and lightness, the water offsets the strong, solid stone, in addition to becoming one with the dancing light.

The time that the user will spend in this place and the path that they will follow also play a key role in the architectural design of this project. Seduction and curiosity are used to encourage them to wander or—by contrast—stay a while, without a specific route being imposed on them. A shorter or longer temporality is thereby created that is unique to each person, where freedom and beauty come together in a unique place.

Reference: Peter Zumthor, Thinking Architecture, Birkhäuser, 2008.

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From the start of a project, architects place these architectural principles in the foreground, since they make it possible to materialize the atmosphere that the visitor will perceive. Each one approaches and shapes these concepts personally and according to their own specific way of thinking, but the idea of creating moving architecture remains.

B A H N H O F ( P I O N E N W H I T E M O U N TA I N S ) Office: Albert France-Lanord Architects / Photo credit: Ă…ke E:son Lindman

ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN

W hen Desig n Awakens Curiosity Workspaces that Inspire

M A D R I D, S PA I N

SelgasCano Spanish culture puts happiness at the heart of life, and well-being at work is no exception. In second place among the countries that strike the best balance between work and personal life, Spain stands out in particular for its quality of life and the importance placed on pleasure. Working in the peace and quiet of nature is ideal for many, and Spanish architects José Selgas and Lucía Cano have brought this idea to life by setting up their offices in a forest near the city of Madrid. Their goal was to offer a work environment where it’s possible to dream and create.

With its panoramic view of the changing face of nature, the office breathes. Erected under the trees, it allows for the contemplation of sunlight, raindrops, and falling leaves. The glazed north side of the building gives the impression of moving under the treetops and bathes the space in natural light, while the south side, built with fibreglass and polyester, provides shade. The recipients of several awards and acknowledgements, the SelgasCano offices never fail to impress!

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN

Bahnhof (Pionen White Mountains) Known as the most innovative country in Europe, Sweden remains a staple in terms of discovery. The internet services company Bahnhof takes part in this innovation with its Pionen White Mountains project, located 30 metres beneath the granite rocks of Vita Bergen park in the heart of Stockholm. A former nuclear fallout shelter has been converted into fascinating and eccentric offices with the help of the Albert France-Lanord architectural firm, which drew its visual inspiration from the science fiction of the 1970s and the James Bond films. The former bomb shelter built in 1943 now houses 15 full-time employees. The space is designed to create a feeling of immersion thanks to the use of light, plants, water, and technology. The eccentricity was taken even further with the indoor installation of landscaping elements consisting of plants, shrubs, and waterfalls with a reservoir of over 2,000 litres of salt water that is home to various aquatic animals. This project is focused on human values and the desire to create a welcoming space where it feels good to live and work.

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REI N V ENT I NG NOR MS — Beauty awakens inspiration. Some employers have understood this and don’t hesitate to rely on the layout of their offices to promote well-being, inspiration, and creativity. In the era of happiness at work and fulfillment, the layout, design, and originality of workspaces take on their full meaning. Let’s turn the spotlight on some workplaces that are specially designed to stimulate creativity.

ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN

BERLIN, GERMANY

SoundCloud In perpetual cultural and artistic transformation, the avant-garde German capital is full of companies where a modern spirit and futurism coexist. So, it’s not surprising that SoundCloud, an audio file distribution platform, chose to set up its headquarters in this city that vibrates to the rhythm of the arts and music! In 2014, it opened magnificent offices there that overlook the Berlin Wall Memorial, designed by the German architectural firm Kinzo. The place is spacious and modern, combining concrete, for an urban, industrial atmosphere, with aged wood. Several relaxation areas contribute to the employee experience, such as the library, a yoga room, an indoor garden, and an area with a wood-burning fireplace, which was designed to be a technology-free space that fosters discussions. Conscious of current issues, the designers chose environmentally friendly materials, such as cushions made from sustainable hemp and coconut fibres and ecological insulation materials. A company in the music industry, SoundCloud has made sound the key element of its work environment, with high-end audiovisual equipment and a cutting-edge recording studio. Combining fun at work, experience, and a corporate culture that stays true to its musical roots, SoundCloud is an unbeatable model of innovation.

PA R I S , F R A N C E

Flexmind Is happiness that goes beyond profits a new value in corporate culture? In France, concern for the search for meaning and the importance of self-fulfillment at work has been predominant in recent years. Inspired by new management and fashionable methods, Flexmind is an example of a better quality of life at work. Flexible, friendly offices: this is the goal that the Inspirit agency had in mind when designing the Flexmind project.

The idea was to create a universe that reflects the brand’s DNA and that would nurture the feeling of belonging and commitment among the employees.

Opened in 2011, Flexmind offers consulting services in the transformation of information systems and advocates flexibility, agility, and versatility in its activities.

Its offices on the Boulevard des Capucines in Paris reflect its core identity with flexible work areas that give each person the option to choose their working position. Varied seat heights, a friendly kitchen, a relaxation area, a lunch table that turns into a ping-pong table, and a flexible hybrid space for solo or group work or meetings form the framework of this unique workplace.

SAN FR ANCISCO, USA

LinkedIn With its dynamic economic growth and its reputation in international trade, San Francisco, the city of a thousand and one ambitions, is decidedly the symbol of independence and success. Embodying the American dream, it has experienced a wave of job creation, and the major firms of the world don’t hesitate to set up shop there.

The professional social network LinkedIn therefore chose to set up its offices there in a skyscraper in the SoMa neighbourhood. The project, undertaken by engineer Tony Chung, stands out with its unifying and innovative— even eccentric—facilities. At the entrance to the second floor, the expression Focus on what matters is projected onto the walls, motivating the employees upon their arrival. The building is harmoniously arranged and contains many warm gathering places: an entrance hall covered with wood, a dining room and kitchen with a sleek design, and—above all—experience stations where employees can hang out and connect with their peers. These include the silent nightclub where employees can listen to the same song in their headphones and dance together without disturbing the rest of the office, a world map on which they are invited to indicate where they have travelled and where they were born, a giant backgammon board, and—of course—a rooftop terrace to enjoy the California sun!

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Photo credits: Werner Huthmacher

ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN

SOUNDCLOUD

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MAR IAN NE S T- GEL AI S

Three-time Olympic medalist and world runner-up, speed skating

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Photo credit: Jonathan Bordeleau

INSPIR ATION

INSPIR ATION

The Path of R esilience

An Interview with Ma r ia n ne St- Gelais

A N I M P O R TA N T S T E P

In life, there are certain steps that you prepare for and expect, and others that happen by chance or for reasons beyond our control. My retirement is something that I prepared for, announced in advance, and—above all—chose to do. The people around me knew it was coming, the media was aware of it, and so was I. I listened to the signs and made my decision accordingly. I felt like I was on my last laps, and I was drawn to other projects outside my athletic career. I was very fortunate to be able to make that decision. And I experienced it well because I listened to my instinct.

LONELINESS: A QUEST FOR IDENTIT Y

In my life, I had never really learned to be alone. I was always surrounded in some way—by my team, my boyfriend, my family. I was a gang girl.

And then the retirement happened around the same time that I was going through a breakup, so I had to face life—especially everyday life—by myself. During that time, even though I still had my family and friends, I didn’t let them into what I was going through. My parents told me, “Come back to Saint-Félicien.” They were present and wanted to be there for me, but I firmly believed that they didn’t understand what I was going through. I needed to get in touch with myself, to master the loneliness. I remember telling myself that if I found myself sitting alone on my couch on a Saturday night, I would have achieved my goal.

So, I found myself alone with myself to rebuild my identity. Having to find what I was good at other than skating, what I was going to do then, who I was going to become, continue to be. Slowly, I signed up for a gym and met new people. But creating new relationships takes time. I also reconnected with my lifelong friends, who had gotten out of the habit of contacting me because I was often busy and rarely available. I had to get back in touch with them and pick people up. I put myself out there; I worked on myself.

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ONE LI F E TO LI V E — A renowned Olympic champion, Marianne St-Gelais has had a long and successful career in speed skating. Officially retired since 2018, she tells us about her inspiring journey with humility and authenticity.

INSPIR ATION

RESILIENCE

On this adventure, I once again put my ability to adapt to the test. When you practise a sport at a high level, you know that when you encounter an obstacle or fall down, you have to pick yourself up and roll up your sleeves.

You don’t have a choice. In the 18 years of my career, I can count the times when my coach told me, “good job, Marianne,” on my fingers. There was always something to work on, to improve. I never gave up. On the personal level, this led me to see setbacks as challenges to overcome rather than insurmountable obstacles. However, I had to revise my intensity a bit, reduce my expectations for myself. Marianne the athlete is much more intense than all the other versions of myself!

I needed to get in touch with myself, to master the loneliness.

NEW ROLES

Recently, I’ve given talks at schools and businesses to tell my story and motivate people. I share my experience a little like I did when I was skating: I talk about what I do and what I experience, but always with a great deal of humility. I’ve never imposed my choices; I let people come to me and listen to me if they want to.

I work with 15- and 16-year-old athletes who are ranked among the best in the world. In the long term, I would really like to continue getting involved with young people, especially teenagers. Whether they’re athletes or not, these are young people from an age group that I’m particularly fond of. It’s not easy to interact with them, but then again, that’s the challenge! I want to protect youths and keep them healthy. It’s creative and fiery, and I want to keep that flame alive.

I’m also a part-time coach at the CRCE, the Canadian Regional Training Centre, for short track speed skating.

FUTURE PROJECTS

Little by little, I explore, and I discover what interests me. I really like the communications field and the media, and I aspire to keep growing there. I’m coasting at the moment on a good reputation that won’t last forever; I’m aware of this. People still come to me, and I take advantage of that.

My journey as an athlete has taught me many things, though I didn’t realize it right away. At the time, I was living in the present, thinking about performance. It was only after, once I got away from all that, that I could take stock.

In hindsight, I can admire how far I’ve come and see how lucky I’ve been, and I’m very grateful for it.

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Photo credit: Jonathan Bordeleau

Photo credit: Andréanne Gauthier LÉA STRÉLISKI

Author and comedian

INSPIR ATION

The Season of Flowers

By Léa Stréliski, author and comedian

I want to get rid of unnecessary things and try to live as minimally as possible. Does this eat away at my mental health a little? Definitely. Do I suffer breakdowns from time to time because I feel like I’m the only general waging a merciless war against mess? Sure. But even though I sometimes get angry, beauty matters. When I see it, I like it. It relaxes me.

Like everyone, I’ve long maintained a complicated relationship with beauty. When I was little, I noticed that people thought I was beautiful. But I thought I looked funny. In fact, to be honest, my true nature was not to give a damn. I wished people would stop bringing me back to that. When people don’t know what to say to a little girl, they repeat that she’s beautiful. They comment on her clothes. They comment on what they see.

I buy flowers. I find it important. For beauty and to celebrate being alive. I tidy up and decorate my house as I can.

I have a husband and three children. I usually lose the battle against disorder, but I haven’t given up the fight yet. Yes, I want to live on my Pinterest board. Yes,

Beauty really exists in this world, as busy as it is at destroying and being ugly.

My daughter has red hair. She’s five years old and I swear, she has a sort of raspberry-auburn hair colour that I had never seen before. Her hair is fine and wavy, and it’s hard not to make a comment when you see it. Her hair really is beautiful, and it instantly gives us joy. Everyone talks about it.

They repeated these sorts of things to me, too. They commented on my looks, my face, my eyes. Over time, it’s hard to be appreciated, loved, to not just focus on what appeals to us the most. At the expense of the rest. Even of everything we prefer. What really lives in us. I would have preferred to be a freer little girl, that people didn’t always bring me back to my looks, but I grew up noticing that the looks from others brought me a kind of high.

I gathered them up. The looks. The approvals. I was on a quest. A treasure hunt.

It’s a game. But it’s an empty game. That leaves you empty. That doesn’t satisfy. There’s nothing nourishing about being a shell. And that’s what you’re reduced to.

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DEAD NATURE — “You want those?” The 17-year-old assistant manager of my grocery store looks at me with a bouquet of yellow tulips in my hand. They’re wrapped.

In plastic wrap. You can see through them. That was when I noticed that two or three of the leaves were rotten.

So, I ask the cashier if I can get a discount. The assistant manager gives me one. “I’ll give you them.” He just gave me the flowers. Ten yellow tulips.

Photo credit: Bianca Des Jardins

INSPIR ATION

On the eve of my 40 th birthday, I now have a less complicated relationship with beauty. After three children, with a body that is gradually fading, I welcome it as a vacation.

I no longer live (or not as much) for the looks of others, but rather for what I have to offer. I have a husband who finds me more beautiful than I will ever find myself. Who sees me better than I see myself. They say that love makes us blind, but I would say that his eyes were born to see me as I am. When I lose myself, I know that he is my beacon, that I can follow him back to me.

Over time, it ’s hard to be appreciated, loved, to not just focus on what appeals to us the most.

Beauty often comes with a great deal of pressure.

Pressure to possess it, pressure to keep it. Pressure to exploit it. Maybe that’s because the ego uses it. The ego loves beauty as a thing. The soul looks at it and sees it as an experience. As mystery. Alive. Perhaps it’s this beauty to which we must return. Beauty really exists in this world, as busy as it is at destroying and being ugly.

At self-promoting so that we admire it. Beauty is really there. And it doesn’t care if we look at it. It simply is.

When my daughter laughs, even with two teeth missing, that’s beautiful. When the white snow settles along black branches in the winter, that’s beautiful. Silence is beautiful. Yellow tulips jumbled together in a vase are beautiful. There is beauty out there. We need it, but we have to train ourselves to see it and let it live. Without taking it.

It’s there, I think, that it brings us the greatest joy.

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WORLD

INTERIOR OF THE BLUE MOSQUE

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WORLD

Inter national Works

Experiencing A rchitectural Emotion

T R AV ELLI NG THE WORLD — The prism of emotions that architecture can inspire isn’t well known. However, architecture is an art that can trigger astonishment, joy, passion, and curiosity. Like great works of art, the most amazing monuments inspire a strong feeling of fullness and delight. The form of certain buildings soothes the mind, leaving those who observe them both dreamy and happy contemplators. From one style to another, from stones infused with prayers in religious places to Art Deco colours and more contemporary styles, here are a few architectural destinations to discover or rediscover.

C L O S E R T O H E AV E N

When humans want to get closer to god, architecture becomes pure emotion. For the greatest pleasure of the eyes, a kaleidoscope of colours lights up the stained-glass windows of cathedrals, ignites the mosaics of mosques, and sublimates the gilding of Buddhist temples. Bulbs, domes, naves—everything is done to teach humility to the souls in these sanctuaries. Religious architecture can sometimes be modernist. In Barcelona, the fascinating and essential Sagrada Família, the great unfinished masterpiece of Antoni Gaudí whose construction is expected to be completed in 2026, is representative of the genius and daring of this architect. In Central Asia, Uzbekistan is full of architectural marvels. In Samarkand, on the mythical Silk Road, religion has made a strong mark on the city’s architecture. The Bibi-Khanym Mosque and its enchanting blue mosaics, the Khodja Ahrar complex and its madrasa, the Gur-e-Emir mausoleum, and the Chah-e-Sindh necropolis intoxicate the senses. A symbol of Byzantine glory, the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Turkey, is a must-visit. A few streets away, the domes of the Blue Mosque, a jewel of the 17th century, will leave you speechless with its 20,000 Iznik blue earthenware tiles in delicate floral patterns.

From there, it’s just a stone’s throw to Russia, near Souzdal. Over the centuries, this city has been home to no fewer than five monasteries, 30 churches or chapels, and 14 citadels. With its collection of domes with star-shaped bulbs and its white sculpted stone kremlins, it is a veritable open-air museum.

The Voyageurs du Monde address: In monastic style at the Iglesia El Jadida Within the Portuguese citadel of El-Jadida in Morocco, inside the ramparts, a charming hotel is nestled in a 19 th-century Spanish church. In the parlour, under the high vaulted ceilings of the nave, antique furniture from Marrakesh mingles with chandeliers and collections of old items (radios, hats, alarm clocks, mirrors, bags, etc.) to create a unique atmosphere.

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By Voyageurs du Monde — voyageursdumonde.ca

WORLD

CONTEMPOR ARY CURVES: FROM MODER NI SM TO THE BAUHAUS

Contemporary forms fit perfectly into their natural setting, caressing the décor that surrounds them. They are meant to be refined, fascinating, and sometimes provocative. Thanks to visionaries like the German masters from the Bauhaus, Oscar Niemeyer, and Frank Lloyd Wright, for example, an entire contemporary architectural world has blossomed and flourished since the pre-war period. The modern American architecture of the 1940s to the 1960s finds its pinnacle in Palm Springs, which brings together an incredible concentration of villas with sleek lines. Bathing in mid-century modern architecture, the city is also home to some sublime Bauhaus-style residences, one of the most beautiful of which—Frank Sinatra’s house—offers accommodation. The schools, libraries, and even the street furniture also display this singular style. In Tel Aviv, Israel, Ben Gurion, Chen, and Rothschild Boulevards boast the richest wealth of Bauhaus architecture in the world. Its city centre is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its synthesis of the modern movement and features more than 4,000 buildings constructed between 1920 and 1940 in the Bauhaus architectural style.

The Voyageurs du Monde address: In desert style at the Amangiri Two steps from Lake Powell in the United States, nestled at the foot of a huge mesa and facing the desert, the Amangiri is situated in an amazing setting of wild beauty. Perfectly integrated with its ochre adobe bungalows with flat roofs, the hotel is barely visible from the bumpy trail.

A century after its emergence, Ar t Deco architecture continues to fascinate.

PA S T E L A N D G I L D I N G : A R T D E C O F R O M O N E O C E A N T O T H E O T H E R

At the turn of the 1920s, Art Deco took off. Soft pastel shades flooded seaside facades, and New York skyscrapers adorned themselves with graceful statues. From Egypt to California, gilding was subtly applied to charming hotels.

A century after its emergence, this golden age of architecture continues to fascinate. Like a multicoloured piece of candy, Miami is an Art Deco peninsula, especially its South Beach neighbourhood, traversed by Ocean Drive.

Destroyed in 1926 by a hurricane, the city was rebuilt by several architects, all fans of Art Deco. The result: ten avenues bordered by palm trees and lined with over 800 buildings from the Roaring Twenties, with their pastel hues and their steel and aluminum balconies. On the other side of the country, the Bradbury Building in Los Angeles immerses the visitor in fiction. Often seen in the movies, this extraordinary building with wrought-iron staircases invites you to dream even without a screen.

The Voyageurs du Monde address: In pastel style at the Mr. C Coconut Grove A Bohemian village in the heart of Miami, Coconut Grove was home to the hippies in the 1960s and brought together artists and intellectuals. Now a Bohemian hideout, this neighbourhood is the place to put down your suitcases to experience the full charm of the Tropics, with its maze of winding roads, large white houses, dense vegetation, and shaded alleys.

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TO I OUNN D ST SFTOR N ØD MA F AR TØ I OMN

“I am a caregiver for my mother, who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease.

I have to suppor t her in many aspects of her life and deal with g rief related to her illness on a reg ular basis.

The Foundation allowed me to take a break and recharge my batteries.”

JULIE Caregiver / Sherbrooke

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S TR ØM FOUNDATION

Strøm Foundation Caregiver A MOM ENT OF B A L A NCE — We all know someone, directly or indirectly, who devotes themselves to a loved one daily. And these peer supporters and caregivers deserve to be taken care of in return. We wanted to thank these courageous and inspiring people through the creation of the Strøm Foundation – Caregiver program.

CAREGIVING IN A FEW WORDS W H AT I S A C A R E G I V E R ?

According to L’Appui national, a caregiver is “someone who provides unpaid care and continuous support at home to

someone with a significant or persistent disability likely to compromise their home care.” A caregiver may therefore take care of an aging parent suffering from a loss of autonomy, a child with a disability, a sick friend, or a neighbour who was the victim of an accident.

S TAT I S T I C S • In Quebec, more than 1 in 4 people are caregivers.

• More than 50% of caregivers devote more than 5 hours per week to taking care of the care recipient.

• Most caregivers in Canada are women.

• Caregivers provide 85% of care for seniors.

• To devote more time to the care recipient, 64% of caregivers have reduced their social or relaxation activities.

Source: Regroupement des aidants naturels du Québec, A Profile of Caregivers, ranq.qc.ca/en/services/statistics/

Information and resources: RANQ / Regroupement des aidants naturels du Québec / ranq.qc.ca/en Advice and support: L’Appui national and Caregiver Support helpline / 1-855-852-7784 / lappui.org/en

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Caregivers are always there, present, attentive, and caring. They support a loved one, a parent, or a spouse through difficult times, embodying balance in the face of adversity. They are a source of comfort for those who struggle every day. For those people who give so much without expecting anything in return, the Foundation was established so that they can enjoy a moment of their own. We would like to be at their side as much as we can, welcoming them to allow them to recharge their batteries, energize, and refocus, so that they can continue to offer what is most precious: balance, courage, and serenity. To learn more, visit: stromspa.com/en/company/strom-foundation

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A Four-Part Rhythm: The Power of the Feminine Cycle THE CYCLE OF THE RED MOON — Each woman carries within her the rhythm of change, an amount of energy that can be channelled and released through the menstrual cycle. By using the energies linked to it, the woman encounters her true nature and finds the balance of her cycle. By reconnecting with these most primal and ancient forces, the woman regains full possession of her strength: her deepest wisdom.

Each month, a woman’s body goes through a series of transformations and changes, many of which take place without her even being aware of them. The physiological menstrual cycle consists of four phases: preovulatory, ovulatory, premenstrual, and menstrual. A variety of physical, psychological, and emotional symptoms accompanies each phase. Although the physiological changes related to the menstrual cycle are generally well known, the emotional changes remain taboo. By becoming aware of the influence of the feminine cycle, a woman can use the specific strengths and qualities of the four phases of her cycle. When a woman is successful in understanding her cycle in its entirety and in all its depth, she will be better able to experience these changes.

“You are a woman.

You are strong because you are not constant, because the rhy thm of change is the rhy thm of the universe.”

M O O N A N D W O M A N : A F O U R - PA R T R H Y T H M

The moon guides and sets the rhythm for the woman’s existence. While men follow a solar rhythm, women are built according to the lunar cycle. Furthermore, the term menstruation comes from the Latin word mensis, which means “month” and is related to the Greek term mene, meaning “moon.” The etymology evokes the relationship between the lunar, menstrual, and monthly cycles.

The feminine cycle therefore inspired the first measurement of time: the month. Like the lunar cycle, the feminine cycle lasts between 28 and 30 days. Moonlight harmonizes the glands and stimulates ovulation.

A feminine cycle in harmony with that of the moon allows the body to rediscover its instincts, its natural movements, its full consciousness.

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R E S T O R I N G T O T H E C YC L E A L L T H E AT T E N T I O N T H AT I T D E S E R V E S

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T H E C YCLE S O F T H E M O O N NO. 1 THE NEW MOON During the new moon phase, the light side of the moon turns its back to the Earth.

NO. 2 THE FIR S T QUAR TER A few days later, the ascending crescent gradually appears and grows until it becomes a half-moon. At this stage,

the moon is visible on the horizon at sunset.

NO. 3 THE FULL MOON The visible side of the moon continues to grow, becoming increasingly bright until it is fully illuminated. When the

moon is finally full, it rises at the same time as the sun sets.

NO. 4 THE L A S T QUAR TER The moon gradually loses its brightness until it sets around the time the sun rises.

The parallel between the lunar cycle and the feminine cycle is made through the four phases of the moon and the four periods of change that the woman goes through over the course of her menstrual cycle.

Archetypes represent the woman’s four energetic states: the virgin, the mother, the enchantress, and the witch. The waxing and waning phases of the moon are characterized by change and transformation, while the full or new moon phases are consi-

dered decisive. Menstruation corresponds to the full or new moon phases.

In the woman, the periods of transformation correspond to the archetypes of the virgin and the enchantress, while the decisive periods are associated with the archetypes of the mother and the witch. The phases follow each other fluidly until the two cycles are renewed.

K E E P A L U N A R J O U R N A L T O B E T T E R I N T E G R AT E T H E C H A N G E S

Write down your thoughts and emotions in a journal each day. Try to observe the relationship between these introspections and the phase of your cycle. By recognizing the repetitive phenomena, you will be able to see them coming so that you no longer suffer from them. Try to make the connection between the lunar cycle and your feminine cycle.

During phases of introversion, develop habits and rituals that give you an opportunity to slow down. Reconnect with your inner wisdom and simply allow yourself to be the fullest version of yourself.

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ARCHET YPES TO EXPERIENCE THE CHANGES BETTER ARCHET YPE OF THE VIRGIN

Period of transformation (first or last quarter) Extroversion: preovulatory phase – from the 1st day after the end of your period to the 7th day Released from the cycle of procreation, the woman belongs only to herself. Dynamic, radiant energies. A time of pleasure and joy. Confidence, sociability, and ability to tackle everyday challenges. Determination, ambition, concentration, and efficiency at work. New, fresh sexuality. Enthusiasm for the outside world and a desire to live each moment to the fullest. Now is the time to bring the visions received during the enchantress phase to life and start new projects.

Decisive period (new or full moon) Extroversion: ovulatory phase – from the 8th day to the 14th day Overflowing with deep love and sharing, the woman sees her personal desires and needs diminish in favour of a greater giving of herself, characteristic of motherhood. Bright, composed energies. Aura of love, harmony, and attention.

Blossoming sexuality in the form of deep love and sharing. Ability to take on her responsibilities and create productively. The woman notices that people turn to her for help and support. Now is the time to make what was started during the virgin phase blossom.

ARCHET YPE OF THE ENCHANTRESS

Period of transformation (first or last quarter) Introversion: premenstrual phase – from the 15th day to the day before the start of your period The woman feels the need to connect with her inner nature. Fiery energies leading to exalted creativity. Awareness of the mysteries of nature, the power of sexuality, and her personal power. Decreased abilities of concentration and tolerance, but increased ability to dream. Lively and fascinating intuition, understanding, and inspiration. Now is the time to dive into yourself by practising rituals, meditating, and harnessing your creativity.

ARCHET YPE OF THE WITCH

Decisive period (new or full moon) Introversion: menstrual phase – starting from the 1st day of your period The woman is more in touch with her dreams. She recognizes herself as being an integral part of nature. Energies of intensifying inner consciousness. Introspection, dreams, intuition, and expression. Now is the time to do nothing and rest without guilt by taking a step back from the everyday world. Now is the time to sleep, to dream, to slow down, to look back on the past cycle and manifest your intentions for the cycle to come. Now is the time to accept past wounds and uncertainty about the future to better align yourself with the present.

The concepts discussed here are inspired by works that encourage women to reconnect with the ancient wisdom of the feminine cycle.

Miranda Gray, Lune rouge. Les forces du cycle féminin, Macro Éditions, 2017.

Marie-Pénélope Pérès and Sarah-Maria Leblanc, Sagesse et pouvoirs du cycle féminin. Santé, fertilité, plantes amies et symbolique, Souffle d’or, 2017.

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ARCHET YPE OF THE MOTHER

Photo credit: Bianca Des Jardins

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Sustainable Beauty

By Judith Ritchie

ning of your intestines, and the quality of your skin.

The more detoxified your body is, the more your beauty is highlighted,” writes Deepak Chopra in his book, Radical Beauty. Negative emotions are toxic to the body: “Anger, worry, and chronic fear are as inflammatory to the body as refined foods with low nutritional value,” the expert continues.

You have to remember: everything is connected!

Did you know that the face is the symbolic part of the body that represents, like a mirror, the psychological state in which we find ourselves? According to Dien Chan, a Vietnamese method of facial multireflexology, wrinkles, scars, and skin texture tell the story of our past or present weaknesses. Much like our lives, the skin is constantly changing. It changes colour and texture with our emotions, our days, our nights, and our lifestyle. This is the very principle of holistic beauty. When you hear holistic, think of a whole (the Greek root of this word is holos, which means “whole” or “entirety”). The principle of “holistic beauty” could therefore be translated as total beauty, full beauty, or overall beauty. This is a beauty that goes beyond the physical appearance, image, aesthetics, and that includes everything that is inside and outside of the self.

We therefore need to approach our diet with energy and vitality in mind, but we also need to avoid dwelling on emotions that reduce our energy levels and that don’t serve the grand design of beauty.

From a holistic view of beauty, it’s also important to make sure that we get a quality sleep, because the skin (and the mind) regenerates itself at night. Getting in touch with nature to refill our vital energy, getting some exercise to stimulate our metabolism and increase its vibration, using eco-friendly cosmetics, and giving ourselves time to reflect— all these actions are also an integral part of holistic beauty. Not to mention being authentic: we have to drop the mask of ego, accept ourselves as we are, with our vulnerability and our little faults (and then seek to improve ourselves). Of course, cosmetics are effective and help rejuvenate the skin, but the mind and body also play a key role in letting go and—by the same token—the quality of our beauty!

D I G E S T I O N , E M O T I O N S , R E G E N E R AT I O N : EVERY THING IS CONNECTED

Holistic beauty is about much more than our physical shell: it’s a worldview, a series of choices that we make for ourselves with a holistic view of beauty and longevity.

The goal? To prevent the aging of the skin in the most natural and the most lasting way possible. This involves making sure that our body is working at its full potential, paying special attention to our intestines, our kidneys, and our lungs, which are at the forefront of eliminating toxins and waste from the body. “There is a direct link between digestion, the proper functio-

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A H A R MONIOUS W HOLE — According to the principles of holistic beauty, our emotions, our health, our thoughts, our diet, and our cosmetic treatments work in synergy to contribute to an authentic inner and outer beauty.

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THREE BOOKS

O N H O L I S T I C H E A LT H

LESSONS

M Y PAT H T O A M E A N I N G F U L L I F E

Gisele Bündchen / Avery, 2018 In her book, Lessons, celebrity model Gisele Bündchen tells the story of her career in modelling, which made her wonder from a young age who she was deep down and how she defined beauty. She talks about how she suffered from anxiety and the lifestyle choices that she made to feel comfortable in her skin and in her head. Her secrets today? She meditates every day, spends time in nature, practises yoga, and works on projects that can have positive effects in the world.

R ADI C AL B E AUT Y

H OW TO TR ANSFO R M YOUR SELF FRO M THE I NSI DE OUT

Deepak Chopra and Kimberly Snyder / Harmony, 2016 In this bible devoted to total beauty, famous author Deepak Chopra and nutritionist Kimberly Snyder erect six main pillars of beauty: nourishing the body from the inside, nourishing the body from the outside, sleep, nature, movement, and spirituality. Here, you will find a multitude of advice on how to find a brighter complexion through diet focused on better digestion. The book also offers exercises to align your energy with the rhythms of nature and open up your life to a more spiritual dimension to increase your radiance and your magnetism.

LA VIE INTÉGRALE

Éric Dupont, Christine Michaud, Diane Bilodeau, and Christian Fortin Édito, 2017 Showing how to live for 100 years in health and happiness: that is the ambition of this book devoted to the preventive health of the body and mind. This comprehensive work relies on studies and the expertise of renowned authors to explain how to adopt an integral lifestyle. From the benefits of gratitude to the aging of the skin, as well as the hygiene of the senses and positive emotions that give you superpowers, it’s all there!

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Crédit photo : Bianca Des Jardins

VIVRE 10 0 ANS, EN SANTÉ ET HEUREUX

Photo credit: Bianca Des Jardins

Photo credit: Bianca Des Jardins THE BORÉAL SKINCARE LINE

Available soon at all Strøm Nordic Spa locations, as well as on the online store at stromspa.com.

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The Nobility of the Nordic Ter roir: The Essence of the Boreal Forest ACTI V E INGREDIENTS FROM THE BOREA L FOREST — Strøm offers a range of highly effective skincare treatments developed according to a holistic approach to beauty and wellness. Active ingredients from products emblematic of our region are used to beautify the entire face and body. This wellness ritual finds its essence in the heart of the boreal forest. A moment to stop and take root in this abundant terroir; a break to drop anchor in the here and now.

OUR BOREAL MUSES OF THE SEASON

THE QUEBEC BL ACK SPRUCE

Without a doubt, the muse of the Strøm cosmetics line is the Quebec black spruce. Restorative, it helps revitalize the skin and protect it from external aggressions.

Soothing and invigorating, it offers a rich fragrance with forest-fresh notes. The black spruce is one of the most common conifers in Canadian forests and one of the most resistant spruce species to the harsh Arctic climate. It is the perfect symbol of the boreal forest.

shade, and it grows slowly, with a lifespan of 200 years.

It can be found across Canada, except in the southern Prairies and western British Columbia.

History and symbolism: Social history and local folklore make little mention of this tree species. It is granted neither the poise of the white pine nor the elegance of the sugar maple. Is the black spruce our forgotten treasure?

Curiosity toward what is rare probably explains the detachment observed with respect to the most widespread conifer species in the boreal forest. However, the black spruce is the primary symbol of our forests, helping to form ecosystems unique to North America.

Exclusive to North American forests, it can be found extensively in Ontario, Quebec, and Newfoundland and Labrador. In Quebec, great black spruce forests cover nearly 28% of the province’s surface area, with a band almost 300 km wide.

Botanical name: Picea mariana Plant group: Conifers Family: Pinaceae Ecology: Usually found in the form of vast, uniform stands, it is also associated with the balsam fir, the white spruce, the jack pine, the larch, and the trembling aspen. Stands often appear after forest fires, because the spruce cones open under the effect of heat.

The black spruce grows with sun exposure or in partial

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Timeless, natural, Nordic: these are the three keys around which the line revolves. Seeking to enhance the natural beauty of the body, the products are deeply inspired by nature, which is always found at the heart of the Strøm experience. Black spruce, blue honeysuckle, red maple, jack pine, yellow birch, wild chamomile, and white cedar thus form an integral part of the composition of the products. Let’s explore three star ingredients.

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THE QUEBEC BLUE HONEYSUCKLE

Nicknamed the edible honeysuckle, the Quebec blue honeysuckle has only recently been cultivated in North America.

Its fruit, the Haskap berry, is a small, oval-shaped berry similar to an elongated blueberry. This shrub can be found in the heart of the boreal forests of Quebec. Due to its soothing, protective, and antioxidant properties, the Haskap berry is used in the composition of products to help delay the signs of premature aging.

Botanical name: Lonicera caerulea Plant group: Fruit bushes Family: Caprifoliaceae Ecology: Lonicera caerulea grows in the northernmost regions of North America’s boreal forests. It can also be found in the boreal forests of Asia, Europe, and Russia. Present in several Canadian provinces, it is harder to find in its wild state, since it is not a dominant species. Known for its resistance to extreme cold, it can contend with Quebec’s northern conditions. Its flowers are resistant to the cold, and the plant itself can survive in temperatures as low as -47°C. History and symbolism: Goats really like honeysuckle leaves, which is where its Latin name—caprifolium, meaning “goat leaf”—comes from. The Japanese have long considered the blue honeysuckle to be “the fruit of longevity and vision.” Besides containing vitamins A and C and having a high fibre and potassium content, the Haskap berry is known for its antioxidant properties. The blue honeysuckle is popular for its overall health benefits, but also its ability to adapt to extreme cold and the beauty of its foliage, especially during the flowering period. Lonicera caerulea also goes by several other names. Originally nicknamed Haskap, an ancient Japanese name meaning “berry of long life and good vision,” the blue honeysuckle was mostly referred to by the term edible honeysuckle before its most recent appellation, camerise, invented in Quebec in 2006.

THE CANADIAN RED MAPLE

The Canadian red maple is widespread in southern Quebec and Ontario, as well as in the Maritimes.

Very appreciated as an ornamental tree, the red maple is a tree species from the Aceraceae family, native to eastern Canada. Nicknamed the swamp, water, or soft maple, this tree is the official emblem of Canada and adorns its flag. From the forests of Quebec, it is used in the formulation of Strøm products for its moisturizing properties and its observed benefits for blood circulation.

History and symbolism: Adored for its flamboyant colours, the red maple has long been of great ornamental interest: while it is embellished with red flowers in the spring, its green summer leaves turn scarlet red in the fall. Its botanical name Acer signifies both “arc” and “hard.” First Nations once used its bark as a pain reliever, in baths for inflammation and in herbal tea to treat coughs and diarrhea. Its pigments were also used to produce cinnamon-, brown-, or black-coloured dyes, as well as in inks. Emblematic of Canada, the maple attracts a variety of birds and small animals that feed on its seeds, branches, shoots, and flowers or use its leaves to build their nests. White-tailed deer and moose are also known to feed on its leaves.

Botanical name: Acer rubrum Plant group: Deciduous trees Family: Aceraceae Ecology: Common in maple forests, the red maple also grows in poorly drained areas that are not suitable for the sugar maple. Tolerant of a range of temperatures and precipitation, it is mainly present in wet soils.

It grows with sun exposure or in partial shade and its growth is average, with a lifespan of 100 to 200 years.

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The Outside World and Compassion for Yourself

By Valérie Courchesne, Doctor of Psychology

First, let’s think about what leads us to deem something beautiful. One of the activities that the brain does extremely effectively is categorizing what surrounds us.

This is why we recognize, for example, a table in a few milliseconds as soon as we notice a flat surface placed on four legs, whether this is our first contact with this particular model or not. This continuous categorization performed by the brain also leads us to make judgments about our environment, which allows us to adapt to it. This is how we distinguish between what is dangerous and what is safe, what is good and what is bad, and…what is beautiful and what is ugly!

Why be so critical of ourselves? Many people believe that self-criticism is an engine to evolve and change and that, without it, we don’t improve. However, that’s not the case; quite the contrary! Let’s consider a parent who is excessively critical of their child. Will this child become more perfect than the others?

Probably not! On the contrary: there is a good chance that they will develop an extremely fragile sense of self-esteem and constant anxiety over not living up to expectations. The same principle applies to the self-critic.

By having a fair and nuanced view of our strengths and weaknesses and—above all—by considering them to be human, we can truly seek to improve ourselves and have enough self-confidence to achieve this.

In and of themselves, these categorizations are therefore perfectly useful for our survival. However, these days, these automatic judgments are greatly influenced by social norms and beauty standards.

In particular, we tend to use this ability of the brain in the most uncompromising way…toward ourselves: “It was stupid to do that,” “I don’t have any talent,” “This part of my body is ugly,” etc.

How do we get away from this automatic judgment?

First, we need to be able to notice it, then practise non-judgment. One of the key ingredients to being non-judgmental is cultivating compassion for yourself—that is, by trying to be as understanding and tolerant toward yourself as you would be toward a friend, for example.

The social environment also highly values the act of constantly seeking to improve ourselves and striving for perfection, and the desire for “more,” in a very broad sense, is highly cultivated. The spiral of being too hard on ourselves is thereby initiated…

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BEI NG YOU R OW N BEST F RI EN D — When we refer to the concept of beauty, we usually think of a positive judgment, a value that we assign to things around us (objects, scenery, people, bodies, colours). However, beauty can be considered differently. Let’s take a moment to better understand how to appreciate who we are.

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When we experience compassion for someone else, we notice their suffering and we are sensitive to it. We consider what the person is experiencing as a painful moment but normal in the human experience, and we don’t judge them for feeling that way. Most often, we try to take care of this person during this challenging time. Compassion for yourself simply involves applying these same principles to your own experiences.

Secondly, when we have a problem, instead of criticizing ourselves, we have to take a moment to pause.

This break allows us to better analyze what we are experiencing and remind ourselves that what we are feeling is completely normal. There is just one step to take to be kind to ourselves, like we would with someone else. That is to welcome our feelings, reactions, and behaviours with empathy and kindness to become our own best friend.

THREE TECHNIQUES TO

P R A C T I S E C O M PA S S I O N F O R Y O U R S E L F A N D A P P R E C I AT E YO U R I N N E R B E AU T Y

TECHNIQUE NO. 1 Practise treating yourself like you would treat a friend. Think of a time when a loved one went through a difficult

time and felt inadequate. Write down how you behaved or spoke to your loved one in that situation. Then think of a difficult situation for you. Write down what you typically say or do to yourself in this type of situation. Compare the two lists and take the time to think about the differences that you observe. What causes them? How do you feel in these two situations? What would change if you treated yourself like you treat your loved ones?

TECHNIQUE NO. 2 Use touch. This may seem strange, but in the context of comfort, our reflex is often to put our hand on the other

person’s, for example. This gesture is very appropriate because, when touched like this, the brain releases oxytocin, a substance that has a soothing effect on the body and even reduces the level of cortisol, the stress hormone. You can trigger this soothing biological reaction simply by stroking your arm or leg or hugging yourself with your arms crossed, for example.

TECHNIQUE NO. 3 Adopt behaviours to take care of yourself. The first recommended technique is to draw up a list of things that you

do to help a friend who isn’t doing well. There was probably something on there about doing an activity with that person to lift their spirits, no? You would find time for that friend, so do the same for yourself!

References: Kristin Neff, Self-Compassion: Stop Beating Yourself Up and Leave Insecurity Behind, William Morrow, 2011.

M. Heinrichs, T. Baumgartner, C. Kirschbaum, and U. Ehlert, “Social support and oxytocin interact to suppress cortisol and subjective responses to psychosocial stress,” Biological Psychiatry, 54(12), 2003, p. 1389-1398.

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LIVING

LIVING

Calisthenics: A Simple and Creative Way to Work Out

By Arnaud Delagrave, kinesiologist, trainer, and yoga teacher

The term calisthenics comes from the ancient Greek word kalós, which means “beauty,” and sthénos, meaning “strength.” Calisthenics is therefore the art of using the strength developed by the body to perform an aesthetic movement. The worldwide popularity of calisthenics seems recent, but elements of this method have been found in the training sites of the armies of Alexander the Great and the Spartans, dating back two millennia.

To make progress with push-ups, therefore, you can raise the feet by placing them on an object, then gradually increase the height during each workout session. Conversely, to make the exercise easier, you can place your hands on a bench. Each movement in calisthenics therefore has a series of positions, referred to as progressions, through which the follower moves according to their level. That way, calisthenics exercises are constantly evolving— a characteristic that makes the practice particularly motivating.

To perform the movements of calisthenics, only the weight of the body is used, like in gymnastics.

This discipline therefore builds relative strength, which is not used to lift objects but instead allows you to move your body through space. Weighted and bodyweight exercises lead to completely different progress. For example, let’s look at the bench press and the pushup, two exercises that involve the same movements of certain body parts. To make progress in the bench press, you increase the difficulty simply by repeatedly adding more weight. In the case of push-ups, a fundamental exercise in calisthenics, you can’t increase the weight, because this is the weight of the body. The solution, then, is to modify the position. Due to the laws of physics, the movement of the body’s centre of mass and the resulting modification of the leverage have an effect on the difficulty of the exercise.

Calisthenics differs from strength training with weights in terms of its primary goal. In effect, the practice is oriented toward successfully completing the movements rather than strengthening the muscles or muscle groups. In other words, it aims to improve the overall movement and functioning of the body as a whole, not that of a specific muscle. For that reason, the approach is considered a functional training method. That said, the muscular work required to perform the exercises necessarily causes increased strength and can lead to increased muscle mass. But several other benefits are also associated with calisthenics. For example, certain movements involve standing on one leg, which promotes the development of balance over time.

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SI M PLICIT Y — The creative way that children interact with their environment and use their body as a tool to move around is inspiring. What if we could see the world this way again? To some extent, that is what calisthenics, a functional training method that is growing in popularity in Quebec, allows. This is a progressive approach that can be practised anywhere with minimal equipment.

Photo credit: Bianca Des Jardins

LIVING

In addition, the variety of positions helps improve joint mobility along all axes. Since no machine is used, proprioception, the sense that allows us to know the position of our body parts in space, is heavily solicited. The improvement of this sense can have positive effects, especially on posture.

Where can you do calisthenics? The answer is simple: everywhere. Since the equipment required is minimal, it can be done at the gym, at home (children love this), or—better yet—in green spaces. The only essential tool is a pull-up bar or a suspension system.

For the rest, the furniture at home and street furniture will suffice. Creativity is definitely stimulated when you do calisthenics. Two chairs become parallel bars, a table plays the role of a pull-up bar, and a tree branch turns into a great support for gymnastics rings. The way we look at our environment changes at the same time as our relationship with the objects around us.

Outdoor fitness sites including all the necessary equipment for calisthenics are also increasingly common in parks in cities across the province. Travellers should know that these types of facilities can be found in many countries. In addition, working out in a park lets you get some green exercise, a concept put forward in the book Green Exercise (R. Bragg and C. Wood, Green Exercise, Routledge, 2016). There, the authors explain that the psychological benefits of physical activity in a natural setting are greater than those obtained from doing the same activity inside. They argue that moving around in a natural space helps you chase away your daily worries, stimulate the imagination, and reconnect with the environment.

Whether you integrate a few calisthenics exercises into your fitness routine or fully commit to this practice, you will feel the benefits both physically and mentally. In addition, as soon as the athlete has sufficiently mastered the techniques, a world of possibilities is open to them.

Indeed, advanced exercises—which include the human flag, handstands, and one-arm pull-ups—offer the opportunity to explore the limits of human strength on surprising levels. Accessible to everyone, calisthenics is ideal for maintaining your motivation to work out and having fun doing it, in total simplicity.

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Give Your Body the Means to Expand Its Possibilities

A COM PREHENSI V E PROGR A M — For humans, the body is a unique means of expression. It has the power to convey subtle, nuanced emotions and to produce strong and powerful or delicate and precise movements.

All this is possible thanks to an extremely sophisticated electrical, biochemical, and mechanical system that requires care and attention. A body in good shape lets us live the life that we have in mind. We can move, go about our business, and devote ourselves to our passions, knowing that our body is there for us.

the two—eliminates the first obstacle of accessibility.

Having online access to a multifunctional fitness program or an at-home yoga class is certainly convenient.

However, this type of fitness offers no guarantee in terms of knowing whether the exercise a) is tailored to your current physical condition (by the way, when was the last time this was evaluated?), b) can be performed safely and effectively (only a kinesiologist or a certified trainer can confirm this), or c) is varied enough to prevent you from hitting a plateau and getting bored.

A good plan to take care of our bodies is therefore essential to take advantage of them for as long as possible. For our bodies to follow us throughout our lives, this plan must take several factors into account and—above all—be planned for the long term. The goal is to avoid temporary results and to take full advantage of a high quality of life.

You can assure yourself of each of these elements by joining a complete gym and teaming up with the professionals there, who will support you from your starting point (which will be evaluated). Throughout your journey, your training will be adjusted according to your progress and motivation, or simply to meet your current goals! Each new exercise will be tailored to your objective and your physical condition.

So, what should this plan contain? According to Yvan Campbell, a kinesiologist and clinician at the Université de Montréal, “a good fitness training system consists of a motivation system, access to supervision by qualified professionals, and a logbook of scientifically validated training methods.”1

The undeniable advantage of a complete gym is that it offers professional coaching (personal trainer, team training coach, or group class instructor). All of them will strive to help you discover the pleasure of training across its multiple aspects and methods, while ensuring that you are heading toward a full integration of physical activity into your lifestyle. Thanks to their support, you will gradually be able to add more and more additional activities (such as exercises at home or in the park), because your level of autonomy and skill will have markedly increased. Above all, what will have evolved the most in you will be your happiness and your gratitude toward life. Happy workouts, happy life!

In a world where fitness applications and sites are multiplying and where the democratization of fitness sometimes leads to abuses, the best environment that possesses all the qualities required of a good fitness system is the complete gym. It offers a wide variety of equipment, programs, methods, and group classes and professional services and personalized support. Better yet, a single chain with multiple branches—whether they are located near your home, work, or between

1

Yvan Campbell, “Motivation et exercice,” www.yvanc.com/034 motivation et exercice.htm

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By Eveline Canape, fitness instructor and vice-president of the Énergie Cardio network

LIVING

Five Books to Unmask Beauty

By Nicolas Gendron, journalist and film critic

F ROM ONE PAGE TO THE NEX T — Whether it lends itself to the most abstract faces or the finest features, beauty is everywhere between the lines. And not always in its Sunday best. You just have to take it down from its pedestal to better unmask it and flush it out in broad daylight.

THE B E AUT Y OF LEGAC Y

Uiesh – Quelque part

by Joséphine Bacon (Mémoire d’encrier, 2018) A Pessamit Innu, Joséphine Bacon has shone so much in recent years that we forget that she is a “young” author whose first works appeared at the end of the 2000s. Despite that, the poet now says that she belongs “to the race of the elders” and feels invested in a mission of memory and sharing. Because if the Ancients all pass away one by one, who will share with us “the words of the tundra, the currents of the rivers, and the calm of the lakes?” If she happens to have “nostalgia for dreams [that she hasn’t] dreamed,” she grants herself the right to be a nomad in the city. Uiesh – Quelque part is a collection with a remarkable account and the winner of last year’s Prix des libraires du Québec.

Bacon’s poems can be discovered there in two languages: French and Innu-aimun.

And each wrinkle is a life in itself for “the worthy woman who tells the story.”

THE B E AUT Y OF AR T

Pour nous libérer les rivières

by Hugo Latulippe (Atelier 10, 2019) From the film Léolo directed by Jean-Claude Lauzon, which was his “first encounter with himself as an artist,” to the fiery works of Paul-Émile Borduas and Simone de Beauvoir, including his mages Frida Kahlo, Pauline Julien, and Leonard Cohen, filmmaker Hugo Latulippe calls on them to reinvigorate thought, the sense of the sacred, and beauty, both in the city and in the heart of the self. Armed with the subtitle of his book, which translates as “A Plea for Art in Our Lives,” Latulippe remains faithful to his documentary spirit and invites artists and other lovers of literature, music, and cinema to reflect, including Véronique Côté, Jean Désy, and Catherine Dorion. Between the spirit of resistance that drives us to tell the story of ugliness and the desire to create beauty to make the world a better place, this finely written essay, accompanied by the works of Stéphanie Robert, makes you want to devour libraries and “imagine other constellations” in order to “free our rivers.”

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B E AU T Y T H AT S M O T H E R S

Roux clair naturel

by Fanie Demeule (Hamac, 2019) After Déterrer les os, a dizzying plunge into the torments of anorexia and the prison of the body, author Fanie Demeule dazzles with this second, equally haunting novel, this time combining the cult of image with the weight of the truth—more or less illusory—that is related to it. Does being a blonde or a redhead really have a fundamental impact on a woman’s life? Is the aura of a hair colour just a social construct? In this story in troubled waters and half-tones, appropriately titled Roux clair naturel, the fabulous heroine gets caught in a game of pious lies. What could have been one of many chronicles of hair then becomes the hypnotic tale of a spiral toward self-denial.

The aspiring Pippi Longstocking loses her footing there, falling prey to a fading of her identity. Can we live fully within or without the gaze of others?

Fleuve

by Sylvie Drapeau (Leméac, 2019) Recently adapted for the stage, the Fleuve tetralogy—brought together here in a box set consisting of four novellas called Le fleuve, Le ciel, L’enfer, and La terre—bear the signature style and—above all—the vibrant voice of actress Sylvie Drapeau. Tracing her childhood on the North Shore then her significant roles as daughter, sister, mother, and artist, she invites us to the heart of her “pack,” that tightly knit clan that life will move to the core. Beyond the grief and torment, which Drapeau knows how to sublimate while still embracing the darkness, it is the vastness of resilience that grabs us—not to mention all the possible tenderness that a recipe for spaghetti sauce can contain! The infinite territory of human feelings is intermingled with the founding landscapes of our existence. A knockout.

THE B E AUT Y OF THE HOR I ZON

Miss Islande

by Auður Ava Ólafsdóttir (Grove Atlantic, 2020) Appearing in 2018 and soon to be released in English, this new offering from Nordic Council Literature Prize-winning author Auður Ava Ólafsdóttir, a leading figure in Nordic literature (The Greenhouse, Butterflies in November), brings together three young dreamers that a conservative society keeps grounded in 1963. There is Hekla, with her volcanic first name and her literary ambitions, whom a member of the Beauty Academy hounds to compete for the title of Miss Iceland—long live parading in a swimsuit in front of a male jury! Then her two best friends, Ísey, who also finds solace in writing but who leads a domestic life that confines her to “beauty” (in a narrow sense), and Jon, a gay man who feels condemned to only ever be loved as a friend.

A great novel of emancipation and solidarity that advances quietly and that could have born the nickname given to Hekla, “Miss Aurora Borealis.”

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B E AU T Y T H AT H E A L S

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Letting Nature Speak

Each Bottle Tells Its Ow n Stor y

By Stéphanie Dupuy, sommelier

A M A ST ER’ S TOUCH — When we think of architecture, we think of structure, construction, the art of designing and creating. Although practised by humans, this art will never be better mastered than by Mother Nature herself. Nature creates in a perfectly complete way. No detail is left to chance, and each element has its reason for being. All the ingenuity of humans resides in their ability to adopt this nature and shape it without altering it.

Here are three examples of wines where nature played the role of an amazing canvas.

THE HILLS OF PROSECCO

The Prosecco di Conegliano-Valdobbiadene growing region in Veneto, in northeastern Italy, is home to a series of steep hills (with slopes greater than 30 to 40°) over a surface area of a little over 90 km². As impressive and improbable as this may be, this superb, rugged landscape is also home to forests and small villages, as well as—and above all—to small plots of vines arranged in narrow terraces called ciglioni. Although these places have been shaped by humans for a little over two centuries, their particular topography, the reliefs, and the integrity of the landscape have been preserved, among other ways, by the entirely manual work that is done there. All this makes the hills of Prosecco a totally unique viticultural landscape that has been considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site since last July.

T H E C L I M A T E S O F T H E B U R G U N D Y V I N E YA R D S

Don’t get me wrong: the word climate here does not in any way refer to meteorology, but to a wine-growing region that is precisely defined in a typically Burgundian parlance. In other words, each Burgundy climate corresponds to a plot of vines that benefits from a specific soil type, exposure, topography, and microclimate that differ from those of the neighbouring plot. Consequently, a wine from one climate will be completely different from one from the neighbouring climate, and its quality will determine its position on the hierarchy of vintages (premier cru or grand cru). Marked off by fences, low stone walls, and paths, this division, which is reminiscent of an infinitely precise architecture, is the result of winemaking experience and know-how dating back to before the Middle Ages.

To date, Burgundy has 1,247 climates, some of which are quite famous, such as Romanée-Conti, Clos de Vougeot, Corton, Échezeaux, Montrachet, etc. One thing is certain: each of them closely links the wine to the geographical location from which it originates.

“In Burgundy, when we talk about a Climate, we don’t lift our eyes to the sky; we lower them to the earth.”

– Bernard Pivot, journalist and writer

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KOULOUR A FROM SANTORINI

Santorini, or the “pearl of the Cyclades,” is a Greek archipelago of about 250 islands in the southern Aegean Sea that makes you dream with its unique architecture. Sporting the colours of the national flag and rounded limestone walls, its houses adapt to the environment by blending in with the sometimes-steep shape of the terrain. On this volcanic island, viticulture has been practised for over 3,500 years, and the architectural particularity of the place doesn’t stop with the buildings, but is also reflected in the vineyards. At first glance, the blazing sun, the near-total absence of rain (barely thirty millimetres during the summer), the violent winds, and the volcanic soils full of ashes and pumice and bereft of organic matter might make it seem like an unsuitable environment for grape growing.

However, some outstanding wines (primarily white) are made there, mostly thanks to a meticulous vine training method called kouloura. Over the millennia, winemakers have developed a vine braiding technique that ensures that the shoots wind back on themselves and form a basket placed directly on the ground. The moisture of the morning dew and the sea breeze is captured by the basket, and the grapes that grow there are protected from the wind and sun. This ancestral winemaking tradition from Santorini is a great example of humans shaping nature in an ingenious and respectful way.

B I SOL , CR E DE B RUT 2 018

Conegliano Valdobbiadene / Prosecco / Integrated viticulture SAQ code 10839168 ($21.85) This sparkling wine primarily consists of the glera grape variety with rich flavours of white fruits such as apple and pear. The palate is delicate, refreshing, and slightly saline. An excellent price-pleasure ratio!

J E A N - C L AU D E B O I S S E T, L E S U R S U L I N E S 2 0 18

Burgundy / Integrated viticulture SAQ code 11008121 ($22.65) It’s hard to find such a good price-quality ratio for the Burgundy vineyard, whose wine prices are constantly increasing. Here, you have an elegantly fruity red wine with a touch of spice from slight aging in oak barrels. It’s the perfect companion for your aperitifs and charcuterie boards.

A R G Y R O S , AT L A N T I S 2 0 18

Epitrapezios Inos / Integrated viticulture SAQ code 11097477 ($21.80) This label is probably not unknown to you, since it’s a staple, and the 2018 vintage is particularly successful! This vintage from Santorini, which is dominated by the assyrtiko grape variety, charms with its minerality and its floral, apricot, and citrus notes. One glass calls for another!

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WINE SUGGESTIONS

Photo credit: Bianca Des Jardins

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Der monutrition: W hen Beauty Lives on Our Plates An interview with Audrey Sckoropad, speaker and naturopath

This trend of “beautyfood” emphasizes the fact that beauty and healthy skin appearance don’t only depend on applying creams, serums, tonics, etc. Despite the use of better cosmetics, the hair, skin, and nails will suffer if your lifestyle or diet aren’t healthy or balanced. Health and beauty are a whole, and I find it interesting that we’re looking more closely into these links between the internal and external health of the body.

The Japanese have been inspired by dermonutrition for millennia, but Westerners have only recently discovered it. Also known as cosmetofood, it refers to all the food products that affect beauty. These products are specially designed to have an impact on different parts of the body, usually the skin, hair, or nails.

Certain food products promise results in terms of physical appearance but, on the other hand, certain fruits, vegetables, nuts, and oils are recognized as being natural antioxidants and therefore essential allies to prevent skin aggressions. Should we rely on processed products or foods in their natural state?

Is this a marketing industry myth or real science?

To learn more we spoke with Audrey Sckoropad, speaker and naturopath.

I believe that the use of certain products and supplements from the world of nutricosmetics and dermonutrition has its place. However, you have to look further than catchy or promising marketing. My recommendation is to check the origin of the ingredients that make up the product in question, as well as its processing. In addition, evaluating your needs and deficiencies is essential to identifying the right formula.

That said, I believe that, in the long term, foods in their natural state should be favoured, because the body absorbs the nutrients from them more easily. In fact, nutricosmetics only replicate or concentrate what raw foods already contain.

First, can you explain the major difference between nutricosmetics and dermonutrition?

Nutricosmetics are supplements developed by beauty care companies. The goal of these beauty supplements is to improve the appearance and health of the hair, skin, and nails by supporting the functions and structure of the skin. A supplement containing vitamin C, for example, will increase collagen production in the dermis.

For its part, although it has the same goal, dermonutrition is a more holistic approach. It relies on healthier food choices that will have effects on beauty and overall health. More and more processed edible products are being developed by large food companies specifically to enhance outer beauty.

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A HOLISTIC APPROACH — Our skin is the mirror of our health. To balance the health of our skin, hair, and nails, what eating behaviour should we adopt? Are there any foods and essential nutrients to favour or daily habits to integrate? Developed by nutrition, dermatology, and cosmetic medicine specialists, dermonutrition is a guide to answer these questions.

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A dermatologist or healthcare professional can help you better understand the links between skin conditions and the associated deficiencies.

How do nutritional deficiencies play a role in the condition of our skin?

The skin is the largest organ in the body and performs many functions. Over time, it can show signs of vitamin, mineral, and trace element deficiencies, which a blood test can confirm. For example, even though acne can often be explained—and with good reason—by a hormonal imbalance and poor dermatological hygiene, it can also mean a lack of vitamins A and E. A vitamin B12 deficiency is often accompanied by various symptoms (decreased vision, bodily weakness, shortness of breath, feeling of numbness), but it can also manifest itself as a very pale, dull complexion and lips.

Do certain foods affect the health of the skin, nails, and hair?

Your skin reflects your inner health, so yes, certain foods influence the health of the skin, nails, and hair.

Of course, all highly processed products and junk food are harmful in every respect. Foods that you might not think of can also have a negative effect on the skin, such as peanut butter, dairy products, and chocolate.

But beyond all foods, stress is definitely what damages the radiance of the skin the most.

Q U I C K S U M M A R Y: F O O D S T O E AT T O …

PREVENT THE LOSS OF COLL AGEN

Cashews, leafy green vegetables, legumes, bone broth, tomatoes, garlic, citrus, and berries.

MOISTURIZE THE SKIN

Filtered water, green smoothies, avocados, flaxseed oil, watermelon, and pears; evening primrose oil as a supplement.

H AV E S O F T S K I N

All fruits and vegetables with a high water content, salmon, and chia seeds; above all, limit your coffee consumption (this acts as a diuretic, which dehydrates the body and dries out the skin).

C O M B AT G R E Y I S H C O M P L E X I O N A N D DA R K C I R C L E S

Foods high in iron and vitamin K: goji berries, blueberries, tomatoes, strawberries, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and carrots; spirulina as a supplement.

C O M B AT S K I N I M P E R F E C T I O N S A N D A C N E

Foods high in zinc: quinoa, sweet potatoes, pumpkin seeds, and lentils.

Fermented foods for their pre- and probiotics: sauerkraut, miso, and tempeh.

STRENGTHEN BONES AND TOOTH ENAMEL

Foods high in magnesium: ancient grains, bananas, raw cocoa, and spinach; magnesium as a liquid supplement.

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Photo credit: Bianca Des Jardins

A C R E AT I O N B Y R A P H A Ë L P O D L A S I E W I C Z

Executive Chef, Nord Restaurant and Fika Café at Strøm Nordic Spa

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Photo credit: Bianca Des Jardins

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Cold Cucumber Soup MELON / JAL APEÑO / SNOW CR AB AND GL ASSWORT CROSTINI

THE A RT OF PRESENTATION — The expression “we eat with our eyes” is anything but a cliché. For me, the presentation of a dish is more than an art; it’s a mode of expression. Driven by emotions, passion, and know-how, this exercise establishes a real dialogue between the artisan and the person for whom they are preparing the dish.

Cold cucumber, melon, and jalapeño soup • 2 cups English (or Lebanese) cucumber, washed and coarsely chopped • 2 cups honeydew melon, seeded and coarsely chopped • ½ jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely minced • 2 French shallots, finely chopped • 1 cup plain yogurt • ½ cup olive oil • ¼ cup chopped dill • ¼ cup white balsamic vinegar • Salt and pepper

Whether you’re among friends at home, at a restaurant, or even alone around one or more dishes, beauty is the secret element that can’t be found on any ingredients list, but that sets the table for an often memorable experience. When your eyes open wide at the sight of a beautiful dish, it always marks the official start of the taste adventure.

Snow crab and glasswort crostini • 1 focaccia (10 cm x 15 cm) • 1 cup cooked, shredded snow crab • ¼ cup glasswort • ¼ cup red onions, cut into thin strips • 4 radishes, julienned • 1 lemon (zest and juice) • 3 tbsp. olive oil • 1 tbsp. plain yogurt • Salt and pepper • A few dill shoots (optional)

I love to play with the shapes and colours of the ingredients according to the season: they are full of emotion! Now that winter is over, the dish abandons the softer hues and earthy shapes of ovenroasted root vegetables, which evoke comfort, to make way for freshly picked summer vegetables, which announce freshness and lightness.

Tableware is another element that is too often forgotten. It lets you bring out the lively colours of the ingredients, dictates their arrangement on the plate, and even goes so far as to shape the way the dish will be tasted. The different colours and textures bring richness and depth to the visual composition, which constitutes the entry point to all meals. This is what gives meaning to what we eat, and what allows us to continue our perpetual quest for the perfect bite.

P R E PA R AT I O N

Cold cucumber, melon, and jalapeño soup In a blender, purée all the ingredients. Season.

Snow crab and glasswort crostini Slice the focaccia into 10 cm x 5 cm rectangular croutons, drizzle with olive oil, and cook at 400°F for 4 to 6 minutes, until the croutons are lightly coloured.

Set aside. In a bowl, mix all the other ingredients.

Season. Garnish the focaccia croutons evenly with the crab and glasswort mixture and decorate with a few dill shoots.

Raphaël Podlasiewicz Executive Chef, Nord Restaurant and Fika Café at Strøm Nordic Spa

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INGREDIENTS

Photo credit: Bianca Des Jardins A C R E AT I O N B Y R A P H A Ë L P O D L A S I E W I C Z

Executive Chef, Nord Restaurant and Fika Café at Strøm Nordic Spa

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Matcha Tarts

INGREDIENTS

P R E PA R AT I O N

Dough • 1 ¾ cups flour • ½ cup ground almonds • ¼ cup + 2 tbsp. powdered sugar • ½ tsp. baking powder • 1 ½ cups cooled butter • 2 eggs • 1 lemon, grated zest

Dough • Mix all the dry ingredients in a food processor.

• Add the rest of the ingredients to the food processor and mix until a ball starts to form.

• Finish kneading the dough on a flat surface.

• Use two sheets of parchment paper to roll out the dough until a uniform thickness of 3 mm is achieved.

• Cut discs the size of your tart moulds (usually 3.5 inches) and line the tart moulds.

• Using a fork, prick the bases of the tart dough.

• Fill the tart shells with pie peas (white beans) and cook at 375°F for 15 minutes.

Chocolate and matcha ganache • 200 g white chocolate • 2 gelatin sheets • ½ cup plain yogurt • 1 ½ cups 35% cream • 4 tsp. (10 g) matcha

Chocolate and matcha ganache • Coarsely chop the white chocolate and place it in a bowl.

• Hydrate the two gelatin sheets in cold water.

• In a saucepan, bring the cream to a boil.

• Wring out the gelatin sheets and add them to the boiling cream so that they melt.

• Remove from heat, add the matcha to the cream, and whip it all vigorously.

• Pour the cream into the bowl with the white chocolate and whip until a uniform mixture is achieved.

• Add the yogurt and mix.

• Divide the mixture into the tart shells.

• Refrigerate for at least 6 hours.

Ginger marmalade • ½ cup (100 g) ginger, peeled and coarsely chopped • 2 or 3 oranges, to make 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice, and their zest • 4 or 5 lemons, to make ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice • ½ cup water • ½ cup sugar • ½ cup honey • 1 tsp. powdered turmeric Finish • A few summer strawberries • Edible wildflower petals (optional)

Ginger marmalade • Bring all the ingredients to a boil in a saucepan.

• Over low heat and without covering, simmer until the preparation is reduced by more than half.

• Let cool completely.

• Reduce the preparation to a smooth purée using a handheld blender.

AT S E R V I N G T I M E

• Let the tarts cool for 10 minutes.

• Garnish the tarts with beads of ginger marmalade, a few summer strawberry slices, and edible wildflower petals.

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G I N G E R M A R M A L A D E / S U M M E R F LOW E R S A N D S T R AW B E R R I E S

ST RØM NOR DIC SPA — Take the time to take a break: a mantra to apply to counter the frenzy of everyday life. Just stop and escape, even close to home. Strøm wellness centres offer four locations where it is possible, for a moment, to stop time. Reconnect with the quiet strength that drives us. Rediscover the slowness of the present moment, one second at a time. Become reacquainted with the authenticity that may be hidden under your everyday worries. Here, time no longer exists. The boundaries between inside and outside are blurred. The warmth of the water contrasts with the Nordic character of the landscapes. These wellness areas seem suspended between the historic remains of key places and the modernity of our lifestyles. From the sweet delights of everyday life to deep reflection, the cocktail at the end of the day can be enjoyed in a bathrobe, wrapped up in a blanket in front of the outdoor fireplace.

Photo credit: Bianca Des Jardins

Four R etreats Desig ned with Care

STRØM NORDIC SPA

NUNS’ ISL AND: THE BEGINNING OF A WELLNESS MISSION IN 2009

A R E T R E AT A F E W M I N U T E S F R O M T H E M E T R O P O L I S

T H E FA C I L I T I E S AT S T R Ø M N U N S ’ I S L A N D Outdoor whirlpools • Cool and ice baths • Finnish saunas Steam rooms with eucalyptus and essential oils • Thermal and Nordic waterfalls Indoor and outdoor relaxation areas with fireplaces Nord Restaurant • Terrace • Docks • Pilotis • And more

O U R F AV O U R I T E S P O T S The fireplace area

Intimacy. Contemplation. Warmth. The strength of the fire mixes with the character of the place, offering a majestic panoramic view of Lac des Battures. A warm space that brings the users together in both summer and winter.

Massages on pilotis Combining the benefits of nature and massage therapy, massages on pilotis let you extend the outdoor relaxation experience. In the summer, the treatment is offered in the heart of lively and abundant vegetation to the sound of birdsong, while in the winter, the heated rooms become bona fide cocoons where being outside in cold weather has never been so pleasant…

The Rød relaxation room An experience focused on relieving tension and overall relaxation, the infrared beds let you enjoy all the effects of infrared therapy on the body. Relieve muscle and joint tension, reduce stress, lower blood pressure, stimulate the immune system, firm the skin, improve blood circulation, eliminate toxins…its benefits are multiple. It’s the perfect break for athletes or wellness enthusiasts.

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Strøm Nordic Spa—Nuns’ Island is a haven of peace hidden a few minutes from downtown Montreal that offers facilities in harmony with the vastness of nature. The ergonomics of the thermal cycle, the living force, and the current create a regeneration toward a state of equilibrium. This destination is deeply rooted in a holistic vision of beauty and well-being: a range of treatments, massage therapy, changing cuisine, authentic rituals, and a wellness break on the docks of Lac des Battures. Besides being the first Strøm location, this is also an establishment that perfectly combines the natural and the urban. It’s hard to believe that we’re so close to the metropolis.

STRØM NORDIC SPA

M O N T- SA I N T- H I L A I R E : A V I E W O F T H E S U M M I T S I N C E 2 0 14

O N T H E M O U N TA I N S I D E

Built in the heart of the Gault Nature Reserve, Strøm Mont-Saint-Hilaire offers moments of absolute contemplation, since silence is king there. This Montérégie spa offers an experience in tune with nature that changes with the seasons. A return to the source, to purity, to the need to find yourself. The impressive windows and sleek lines highlight the wild and abundant natural surroundings. Because everything here starts from the land and from privileged contact with nature, the Nord Restaurant favours local products and flavours. With its panoramic view of Mont Saint-Hilaire, outdoor pool, salt exfoliation area, and innovative relaxation rooms, it’s no surprise that this is the most popular spa in Montérégie.

T H E FA C I L I T I E S AT S T R Ø M M O N T- S A I N T- H I L A I R E Outdoor whirlpools • Cool and ice baths • Swimming pool • Finnish saunas Steam rooms with eucalyptus and essential oils • Thermal and Nordic waterfalls Indoor and outdoor relaxation areas with fireplaces Nord Restaurant • Skärgården summer kitchen • Terrace • And more

O U R F AV O U R I T E S P O T S The panorama room

In this refined, elegant relaxation area, wellness reigns. Organically positioned in the space, the seats and deckchairs let you admire the strength of the outdoors and nature shifting gently from winter to summer. In a place where flora has always been important, the large windows reinforce its attractions.

The outdoor pool Dug into the foot of the mountain, the large full-sun pool surrounded by the majestic foliage of weeping willows offers a breathtaking view of Mont Saint-Hilaire. The spectacle of nature is offered to swimmers, who enjoy water heated to just the right temperature. A must-visit in all four seasons.

The salt exfoliation area This experience stimulates the senses while restoring radiance, softness, and vitality to the skin. The ritual starts in the sauna or steam room, where you relax for about ten minutes. Afterwards, you head to the exfoliation area for the salt scrub, skin massage, and rinse. A great addition to the traditional thermal circuit.

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Photo credits: Bianca Des Jardins

Photo credit: Bianca Des Jardins

STRØM NORDIC SPA

SHERBROOKE: CO M B I N I N G T H E U R B A N A N D T H E N AT U R A L S I N C E 2 016

O N T H E B A N K S O F T H E L A C D E S N AT I O N S

T H E FA C I L I T I E S AT S T R Ø M S H E R B R O O K E Outdoor whirlpools • Cool and ice baths • Finnish saunas Steam rooms with eucalyptus and essential oils • Thermal and Nordic waterfalls Indoor and outdoor relaxation areas with fireplaces Fika Café • Terraces • Dock • Beach • And more

O U R F AV O U R I T E S P O T S

The Nat relaxation room The vastness of silence in the heart of total darkness: the Nat (“night”) relaxation room is an ode to darkness and—above all—a meditative and restorative space where silence is master. For complete relaxation, lie down on the heated black granite beds for about twenty minutes and relax. When the body is placed on a hard, level bed, its weight is distributed more evenly, which provides many benefits, from the maximum relaxation of the muscles and nervous system to the stimulation of blood circulation.

The beach The beach is flooded with light, both at dawn and at the hour when the sun goes down and gives that golden hue to the landscape. Lush vegetation surrounds the relaxation area, allowing for a privileged view of the Lac des Nations and the pastel-coloured sunsets that are reflected on the water.

The Drøm suspended chair space This contemplative space invites you to reconnect with the tranquil force of the place. In chairs that seem suspended in space, a feeling of weightlessness relaxes both body and mind. It’s the perfect place to allow yourself a moment of tranquility to synchronize with the infinitely slower rhythm of the natural surroundings.

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The choice of noble raw materials, sleek lines, and the cohesion between form and function characterize Strøm Nordic Spa—Sherbrooke, located on the banks of the Lac des Nations. Combining the building and the landscape, this place of refreshment near downtown lets you unwind in total simplicity. In the summer, enjoy the dock, the beach, and a large, sun-drenched terrace. In the winter, bundle up in a fur blanket for a warm moment around the fireplace. A Nordic experience approved by hygge enthusiasts.

STRØM NORDIC SPA

OLD QUEBEC: O N T H E B A N K S O F T H E S T. L AW R E N C E S I N C E 2 0 1 8

REDISCOVERING THE RIVER

In the heart of a place steeped in history, you will find Strøm Nordic Spa—Old Quebec, undoubtedly the most magnificent spa in the province. The vastness and power as well as the tranquility of the St. Lawrence River give the place a flavour of escape. The thoughtful architectural views harmonize with the richness of the place. The majestic and immense floating bath is surrounded by candles for a flotation experience that approaches meditation. An infinity pool for contemplation, a steam room made of marble, a feeling of intimacy in the atmosphere: the experience is unique and reaches its pinnacle with the indoor/outdoor bath, a journey between darkness and light.

T H E FA C I L I T I E S AT S T R Ø M O L D Q U E B E C Outdoor whirlpools • Cool and ice baths • Floating pool with Epsom salt Infinity pool • Finnish saunas • Steam rooms with eucalyptus and essential oils Thermal and Nordic waterfalls • Indoor and outdoor relaxation areas with fireplaces Nord Restaurant • Terraces • And more

O U R F AV O U R I T E S P O T S

The infinity pool A visit to Strøm Nordic Spa—Old Quebec is also an opportunity to immerse yourself in the remains of a place steeped in history. Here, at the end of the magnificent Promenade Samuel-De Champlain, the infinity pool along the river recalls the harbour past of the Brown Basin. Immersed in the water, you can observe the changing panorama that takes on new colours and forms in a specific light from one season to the next.

Strøm River An immersive space that blurs the boundaries between inside and outside, Strøm River offers a circuit focused on contrasts. Light and darkness, inside and outside: a fluid experience that stimulates all five senses, to let yourself drift away quietly.

The floating bath Reminiscent of the Dead Sea, the floating bath with Epsom salt is made of a dense solution that minimizes the forces of gravity and thereby allows the body to float effortlessly. It provides an experience worthy of a dip in the water of the Dead Sea, with a saline level ranging from 25 to 27%. Thanks to the relaxation of the body and the absence of pressure points, flotation offers a feeling of optimal relaxation.

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Photo credit: Adrien Williams

STROMSPA .COM

Photo credit: Bianca Des Jardins

STRØM NORDIC SPA

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