Wander Magazine Fall/Winter 2021

T H E R E W I L D I N G I S S U E

VOLUME 7 • ISSUE 1

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WANDER / LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

THE

REWILDING

ISSUE

As I write this, the morning air is crisper, the leaves have started to change colour, and I am reminded that despite the challenges we encounter, the earth still turns, and seasons continue to ebb and flow. If I have learned anything through this pandemic, it has been to embrace uncertainty, radically accept it even, rather than fight it.

PUBLISHER Matthew Ross EDITOR Kristina Smith WEST COAST BUREAU Mark Stanton SOCIAL MEDIA Maddy Ross ADVERTISING SALES adsales@wander-mag.com CONNECT editor@wander-mag.com

CONTRIBUTORS Jarone Ashkenazi Brianne Dela Cruz Karen Gershowitz Tristan Gooley Kori Hahn Cherie Julie Dr. Michele Kambolis Jill Kantor Lisa Kroft Graydon Moffat Tracee Stanley Special Thanks Tara Benson Cover image: Cabinscape’s Juniper Cabin in Maberly, Ontario. © Sarah Salomone

To quote Deepak Chopra, “I thought security was my friend and uncertainty my enemy. If only I knew then, as I know now, that there is wisdom in uncertainty—it opens a door to the unknown, and only from the unknown can life be renewed constantly.”

As we ease into a new season, and the coming new year, I hope we will collectively focus on creative solutions to a new way of living and being. While travel is still very much in flux, a few things stand out to us, “predictions,” if you may.

First, slow travel and much longer stays will emerge, with more time to deepen the experience. Second, remote and off-grid destinations are already favoured and will become increasingly so as we yearn to connect with nature and life away from our screens. And finally, we will embrace water, in all its healing forms, from diving retreats to expedition cruising, to mineral baths and hot springs.

In the conversation sense, “Rewilding” has been described as healing nature’s wounds, and I believe this is just as cathartic for us. Thank you for being here.

With gratitude, Kristina Smith

MARKETING & CREATIVE Springfed Creative Inc. design@springfedcreative.ca

Springfed Creative is a strategic content company specializing in travel and destination marketing.

Wander is published by Springfed Creative Inc. and distributed through partners. No part of this publication may be copied or distributed without the written consent of the publisher. The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher, editor, or partners.

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WANDER / TABLE OF CONTENTS

TRANSFORMING OUR LIFE WITH RITUAL Reduce stress & improve emotional well-being.

LIVE WELL WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO RELAX? Healing trauma & finding ease with Yoga Nidra.

FACE WINTER WITH A HEALTHY GLOW Relief from dry skin from the experts.

UNBLOCKING & BECOMING Hearing, and aligning to, the voice of your soul.

EAT WELL

EMBRACE HYGGE TO GET COZY THIS WINTER The Danish secret to happiness.

A MATCHA MADE IN HEAVEN Discover this superhero beverage with DAVIDsTEA.

HUMAN DESIGN Unlocking your personal genetic blueprint.

NAVIGATE ANY PATH LIKE AN EXPLORER You will never look at a city park the same.

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WILDERNESS DINING IN THE GREAT BEAR RAINFOREST Culinary dreams are made at Nimmo Bay Lodge.

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WANDER / TABLE OF CONTENTS

TRAVEL WELL REWILD YOUR TRAVEL 5 ways to get back to your roots.

TAKING THE WATERS Our picks for best healing hot springs in 2022.

WINTER IN THE WILD Exceptional camps, cabins & cottage stays.

A PLANT-BASED LUXURY FARM-STAY Discover NewTree Ranch in the Pacific Redwood Forest.

FIND YOURSELF ON AN ADVENTUROUS RETREAT An interview with the founder of Flow Yoga Adventures.

WELLNESS IN THE WILD Unique bush spas and experiences in Africa.

ESSENTIALS HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE Fabulous, curated goods to give and receive.

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IMAGE: © PRISCILLA DU PREEZ

H OW W I L D I T WA S , TO LET IT BE.

- C H E R Y L S T R AY E D 7

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EMBRACE HYGGE TO GET COZY THIS WINTER

BY JILL KANTOR & LISA KROFT, IMAGE: © DMITRIY GANIN

CO-FOUNDERS, HYGGE IN A BOX

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IMAGE: © NOWADAY STUDIO

We may not have a Scandinavian heritage; however, we are Canadians living in Manitoba, one of the coldest provinces. We are all too familiar to know what long dark Winters and short, beautiful summers are like and understand what it means to get the most out of each passing season.

Did you know that Canada and most of North America only see a couple of extra hours of light a day than they do in countries like Sweden, Norway, and Denmark over the Fall and Winter months?

Those cultures have found ways to thrive through the darkness whereas, for the most part, North Americans haven't, and unfortunately, we pay the price. Even if you don't live in colder climates, the change in the seasons can have a detrimental effect.

Thankfully, hygge (pronounced hue-guh) is a real psychological factor that helps keep these countries at the top of the list of happiest countries in the world.

We first embarked on our journey towards a hygge-inspired life as young girls while spending time as a family with our parents and brother. We have the fondest memories of our long Winter road trips to various ski hills and relishing in the cozy nights drinking hot chocolate in front of a wood-burning fireplace while reminiscing about the day.

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IMAGE: © ASKAR ABAYEV

We have the best memories of rolling in the snow while only donning bathing suits and then enjoying the plunge into a steaming hot tub. Eating rich caramel-covered apples was also something we always looked forward to on these trips.

possible to hygge alone, wrapped in a flannel blanket with a great book, the true expression of hygge is joining with loved ones in a relaxed and intimate atmosphere, perhaps while engaging in a fun game night.

Not only did we look forward to these times, but we are grateful for the Winter traditions created at home as well—cozy family dinners, taffy making, puzzle building, and watching family movies like the Sound of Music. While we didn't know the word, we were living a hygge-filled life.

The expression "There's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing" hails from the Nordic countries and is certainly a rule we like to live by as well. True hygge enthusiasts don't let a little rain or snow stop them from enjoying their lives to the fullest; spending time outdoors is an essential element of hygge and the Nordic lifestyle. Snow and ice become playgrounds, as families and friends meet to ski, skate, and snowshoe.

So, what is hygge? Hygge is a Danish word used when acknowledging a special feeling or moment. While there's no one English word to describe it, the Oxford dictionary states: "Hygge is This time of the year also conjures up those cozy feelings of the quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a Winter holidays, and for the Danes, Christmas represents the feeling of contentment that promotes emotional well-being." ultimate time to practice hygge. While most have their holiday traditions, adding a sense of hygge will only draw out more solace Hygge is also very much a mindset that comes with the well-being and satisfaction. of those in Nordic countries. The mindful awareness of learning to slow down, enjoying a life of simplicity, and taking in the company It's easy to be weighed down by the worry of it all, but of others. implementing some hygge principles can help you rein in all the rushing around. A tip for creating a hygge holiday is not to seek Like many, including ourselves, Winter is the most hygge time of perfection or try to do everything for the holidays all in one go. year, also known as ‘vinterhygge.’ During this season, we are big Look at it as a journey—welcome the time it will take and enjoy all on soft lighting, plenty of candles, sitting by the warm crackling the moments that help you get there, like picking out a Christmas fire with a chunky blanket over your knees, hearty homemade tree, decorating, baking holiday sweets, and building a fire. soups, thick woolly socks, and a steaming hot cup of cocoa.

To fully enjoy the holiday season, be mindful that all the items Meik Wiking, author of The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to on your to-do list will take time. So embrace the process and the Happy Living, says that hygge is "cocoa by candlelight." While it is hygge moments so you can fully appreciate the holiday festivities. wander-mag.com

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IMAGES (CLOCKWISE): © KETUT SUBIYANTO; © TARYN ELLIOTT ; © NOWADAY STUDIO

Create a Cozy, Hygge-Centred Life this Holiday Season • Frisk Luft (fresh air in Danish)—adopt the motto "there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing" and spend time outdoors sledding, skating, snowman building, snowshoeing, skiing, ice fishing, Nordic walking, and bonfires in the snow. Head back inside to enjoy the warmth, mulled wine and relaxation that will follow.

• Bring in some cozy blankets, rugs, and pillows into your living space to create a hyggekrog, also known as a cozy nook for reading, snuggling, napping and anything relaxing.

• Plan a weekly holiday-themed movie night in your snuggly pj's, fluffy socks, soft blankets, and a bowl of stove-top popcorn, and maybe an eggnog ice-cream float.

• Snuggle up in comfortable and knitted clothing, thick woolen socks. Bring out those hyggebukser pants (the ones that you wouldn’t be caught wearing in public).

• Join the slow food movement and cook something comforting to the soul. Think soups, stews, fresh out of the oven bread, casseroles, and bread puddings.

• If you have one, light the fire in your living room or turn on the fire log station on Netflix.

• Discover a new hobby like knitting, candle making, woodworking, or painting. Any hobby that's creative and absorbing can be a powerful stress stopper during the holidays. They also create great gifts and are so very hygge.

• Deck the halls with lots of twinkle lights and plenty of candles.

• Take a deep breath and enjoy the season. Remember, hygge is a mindfulness practice that focuses on providing you with a sense of inner comfort. So be sure to take the time to stop what you are doing, pause and 'just be'. Breathe in 1,2,3 & breathe out 1,2,3.

Hygge to your door!

Subscribe to Hygge in a Box for fabulous goods delivered seasonally.

The options are endless. The key is to relish the moment and stay mindfully present in whatever hygge activity you are doing.

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IMAGES (L TO R): © PAVEL DANILYUK; © TARYN ELLIOTT; © FLORA WESTBROOK

Bonus Points! 5 Day Hygge Challenge The coming of Winter is the perfect time to plan out how you want to spend the season. Will you grumble your way through the cold, or will you embrace the opportunity to introduce more hygge into your life?

Learn some ways to bring hygge into your home, work, and personal lives with this 5 Day Challenge—you don’t need to be from Denmark to feel hygge! Take the tips from the challenge, implement the ideas throughout the Winter and find out why Denmark is ranked year after year as one of the happiest countries in the world.

1. Read Hygge-Inspired Books Winter is a great time to practice hygge, especially with the dark days, so snuggling up with a hot tea and a hygge book can encourage you to stay cozy throughout this cold season.

• The Hygge Life – Embracing the Nordic Art of Coziness Through Recipes, Entertaining, Decorating, Simple Rituals, and Family Traditions by Gunnar Karl Gíslason and Jody Eddy • How to Hygge: The Nordic Secrets to a Happy Life by Signe Johansen • The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living by Meik Wiking • The Nordic Guide to Living 10 Years Longer: 10 Easy Tips for a Happier, Healthier Life by Bertil Marklund

3. Dress Cozy and Get Outside Hygge is a mindset of welcoming the cold season by spending time outdoors every day.

• Go sledding, skating, snowshoeing, skiing, or ice fishing.

• Perhaps a Nordic walk followed by a bonfire in the snow, then heading back inside to enjoy the warmth and relaxation that will follow with a hot cup of cocoa.

• Build a snowman.

4. Give to Those in Need Sharing, being kind, and caring about others is another way to start bringing more hygge into our lives with the gift of time, sharing and/or money. Giving back is essential for you and the world around you for many reasons: • It creates a feeling of gratitude as it feels good to give.

• Strengthens communities and nations by alleviating poverty, struggling, and suffering.

• Giving encourages a culture of giving and creates a nation of emotionally aware people.

2. Hygge Your Surroundings The main idea of hygge decor is to create a calm, comfortable space free of clutter.

• A clutter-free home will help reduce stress as you will not be worried about a messy space. Start with one space at a time. Think “less is more.”

5. Make DIY Holiday Gifts & Handwrite Holiday Cards • Think of cozy ultra-plush blankets, high-quality comforters, You can make your life more hygge through the wonder of crafting, beautiful soft throw pillows, fluffy doormats, and floor rugs DIY gift making, and letter writing. The options are endless: • As for colours, think neutrals: soft blues, greys, browns & • Homemade candles in mason jars. cream.

• Chunky knit blankets.

• Introducing texture to your living space is a great way to • Sugar body scrubs, lip balms, bath teas and scented salts. add some hygge. You can do this by incorporating warm, • Jars of preserves, pickled vegetables, and salsas. natural materials like wood and wool to your decor.

• Pinecone fire starters.

• Sachets of mulled wine spices. wander-mag.com

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SOMETIMES THE DESTINATION IS

THE JOURNEY.

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REDMOUNTAINRESORT.COM | 800-407-3002 1275 E. RED MOUNTAIN CIRCLE, IVINS, UTAH

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IMAGE: © CANDACE MEYER

BY DR. MICHELE KAMBOLIS

TRANSFORMING OUR LIFE WITH RITUAL I get it. Your mind is running through your to-do list before your feet even hit the ground. You check social media or your emails before noticing yourself at all and the day quickly fills with the doing, and striving, and filling the needs and wants of others. What if I offered you another option? An option that invites you to slow down, honour yourself, and align with your highest aspirations. What if instead you formed your days around the kinds of rituals that inspire your highest well-being and a life well-lived?

I often see people carrying a tremendous amount of guilt as they take steps towards putting into practice rituals for greater self-honouring and self-care. The story they’ve been told is that self-care rituals are indulgent or selfish. In truth, weaving our life with self-care rituals isn’t selfish and it isn’t trivial—it’s your birthright. In our externally driven culture, we often wait for the big macro moments to hit before we stop in appreciation. Imagine instead, creating a life that is guided by ritual: a free-flowing state of habits and patterns all cultivated by an intuitive sense of what serves your greatest aspirations.

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IMAGES: (L TO R) © ROMAN ODINTSOV, © SERGII GULENOK, © ALINA MVILCHENKO IMAGES: (L TO R) © KLAUS NIELSEN, © VLADA KARPOVICH

T H E R I T U A L S T H AT YO U B U I L D YO U R L I F E A R O U N D W I L L B E D E E P LY P E R S O N A L : T H E Y M AY B E F O R M E D T H R O U G H YO U R C U LT U R A L H E R I TA G E , S P I R I T U A L B E L I E F S , O R F A M I LY T R A D I T I O N S .

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R

Ritual, the repetition of action we relax into, can soothe and restore, energize and strengthen. Through ritual we slow down, open, and give the mind and body the spaciousness they crave.

Ritual invites us into the present moment in its fullest possibility.

As you begin to think about the rituals you’d like to weave throughout your day, keep in mind that what you choose to integrate into your life is uniquely yours. There is no prescriptive path here. You may find yourself going through the doorways of mantra, or meditation or the alchemy of a daily gratitude practice will speak most intimately to you. Whichever portals you step through, you will find yourself at the same destination: yourself.

itual is one of the earliest languages of healing. Ritual makes sacred what may seem ordinary, brings a freshness to the present, and reminds us that in every moment we can be made anew. Through ritual we are never lost; instead, we linger in the liminal space of infinite possibility. The rituals and routines we commit to hold the space for transformation. And when we take time to reflect inwardly, and purposefully shape our day in ways that honor appreciation, awe, and wonder, we transform the quality of our entire life.

When practiced consistently, restorative rituals have widely positive effects on mental health and emotional well-being. Each small step adds up to radical changes in our health, outlook, mood, and neurobiology. Yet many of the people I work with keep their rituals well hidden. They worry that their practices of selfhonoring will be seen by others as silly, superstitious, or indulgent or that they’ll be judged for spending time that could be better devoted to ticking off more items on the to-do list. They “sneak in” the practices that amplify their very essence and provide an important bridge between their inner and outer worlds. By design, rituals are reliable and help us to connect deeply to the sacred in ourselves and everything before us.

Let’s practice. Take a moment to come into stillness and dream now of the routines and rituals that form your life. What do you practice in secret or yearn to call into each day? A poem whispered softly? A lit candle? Soft music carrying you through the morning light? Writing in the pages of a journal? A warm salt bath on Sunday night? Dancing alone? A cold plunge in the dark waters of a lake? Letters of gratitude? The smell of freshly baked bread? The fresh scent of a cut blossom? A chapter read? Each of these rituals may not be enough to notice at first, but in time they all weave the life lived well.

As you sit in quiet contemplation, open to the rhythms that move you, soothe you, and inspire you. Set an intention now to meet this ritual each day and allow it to manifest as a physical expression of your inner essence.

The rituals that you build your life around will be deeply personal: they may be formed through your cultural heritage, spiritual beliefs, or family traditions. Routines and rituals require active participation: they thrive in mindful awareness and dedicated intention. So not only do morning rituals, daily walks in nature, afternoon tea, prayer, and daily stretching calm the nervous system, they also shape our life. Remember, the scientific dharma tells us that whatever we repeat we become. So whatever rituals you choose, check in and ask, Does this soothe my soul?

To honor your ritual, repeat this mantra ever so quietly: “I do this in the spirit of healing and awakening.”

Excerpt from “When Women Rise: Everyday practices to strengthen your mind, body, and soul.”

Dr. Michele Kambolis is a mind-body health specialist, registered therapist, meditation teacher, and acclaimed author and speaker who has been practicing for more than 20 years. She is also an unshakable believer in our innate capacity to selfheal and thrive. Dr. Kambolis is wholeheartedly committed to developing evidence-based resources to help people create the consciously healthy life they were born to live.

In addition to running a thriving therapy practice in Vancouver, Dr. Kambolis co-hosts live-streamed meditations on IGTV for thousands of followers around the world. Her second book, When Women Rise, will be published in Fall, 2021.

She has been featured on leading media platforms such as Goop, Good Morning America, Huff Post Live, Sirius Satellite Radio and Raw Beauty Talks podcasts and leads guided meditation at corporate retreats for some of Canada’s best-known companies. Connect with Dr. Kambolis at michelekambolis.com and whenwomenrise.ca.

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HUMAN DESIGN:

BY KRISTINA SMITH wander-mag.com

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IMAGE: © KLASSH, MOLLY ZIRALDO

YOUR PERSONAL BLUE PRINT

WHEN I FIRST HEARD THE TERM, I T H O U G H T I T M U S T H AV E S O M E T H I N G TO DO WITH BIOHACKING, DESIGNING OUR PHYSICAL EXPERIENCE. INTRIGUED, I DOWNLOADED SOME PODCASTS ON T H E T O P I C O N LY T O D I S C O V E R I H A D A B S O L U T E LY N O I D E A W H AT T H E Y W E R E TA L K I N G A B O U T. Searching “human design” online, the first thing I read was that “Ra Uru Hu was ‘on fire’ with the Knowledge.” Okay. I ran my own chart at myhumandesign.com using my birth date, time and location.

This shed some light, but clearly, I needed some context here.

beating myself up for not being able to focus and pick just one. I also began to understand how to decondition the thoughts and patterns which were no longer serving me.

My first reading was with Jenna Zoe and she then became my teacher. I completed my reader training through her certification program and deeply believe in her interpretation of this ‘science.’

I feel if we all understood our unique design, life would be a little easier for us to navigate. If you desire to move through your life with more ease and success, own your natural talents and gifts, and understand what you’re here to work through, then Human Design may very well be the resource to help you get there.”

ENTER MOLLY ZIRALDO, HUMAN DESIGN READER “I first came across Human Design listening to a podcast over 3 years ago and have been studying my chart ever since. Once I learned about my specific energy type (Manifesting Generator) it was as if everything I was feeling made sense. I finally had permission to be myself, and pursue all my passions rather than 19

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“HUMAN DESIGN OPENS THE DOOR TO THE POTENTIAL OF LIFE AND A LOVE OF OTHERS THROUGH UNDERSTANDING” — RA URU HU

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IMAGES: (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT) © ALINA VILCHENKO, © SRAELZIN OLIVEIRA, © LEONARDO ANACLETO, © KLASSH, © MYHUMANDESIGN.COM

OF SELF-LOVE, A LOVE

IMAGE: © BEN WHITE

WHO IS RA URU HU?

MY READING

Born Alan (Robert) Krakower in Canada in 1948, his career path led him into business as an advertising executive, magazine publisher, and media producer. In 1983, he left Canada to travel, eventually finding his way to Ibiza, Spain, where he worked as a school teacher.

Molly and I connected over Zoom for my personal reading. I think we all seek to understand ourselves better, and I liked that this felt both spiritual, a little woo-woo and astrological, but also scientific, on a more physical and cerebral level. My personal journey has been to better understand the dynamics of how I show up and the choices and challenges I encounter.

Then in 1987, he had an unusual mystical experience followed by an encounter with “a Voice,” an intelligence superior to anything he had ever experienced. This encounter lasted for eight days and nights during which he received a transmission of information— what is known today as the “Human Design System.”

She walked me through my chart in detail, including the basics of Human Design as it relates to your energy type, strategy, authority, and conditioning. Many things clicked for me; some aspects, behaviours, or feelings I was aware of, others I had never put into words, or perhaps not consciously thought about, but when she said it, I was like BINGO.

After his encounter with the Voice, Ra Uru Hu wrote the Rave I’Ching, the foundation upon which Human Design rests. It essentially combines several holistic principles, including the I Ching—the oldest of the Chinese classic texts and an ancient divination tool—Vedic philosophy, the Hindu-Brahmin chakra system, Kabbalah, astrology, and quantum physics.

It was exactly like a permission slip for me; that it was okay for example to want to learn and try so many different things, or that absorbing other people’s feelings was actually happening for me, I wasn’t imagining it.

Ra considered himself the messenger of the Human Design System and dedicated the rest of his life sharing what he had learned, teaching people how to live with awareness. He lived with his family in the US, Germany, and Ibiza, where he passed away in 2011.

Human Design has been described as an instruction manual to unlock your genetic code, or energetic blueprint, showing you your gifts and how best to use them in this life. It can teach us how best to use and exchange our energy to more easily and enjoyably fulfil our purpose.

Molly confirmed that Human Design works well in workplace environments, where Myers Briggs Type Indicators and personality profiles have long been thrust warily upon teams.

Humans Design can bring fresh insight to understanding and syncing or aligning with one another.

It can also inform and support personal relationships, which makes sense; better understanding what makes your partner and children tick, how they negotiate and experience the world, and their inherent skills and talents can drastically improve your dynamic.

Humans Design is so much more than I have described here, and you can really dive deep into this fascinating system. Bring a sense of curiosity, honesty, and openness to the experience. You won’t be disappointed.

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W H AT D O E S I T M E A N TO

RELAX

BY TRACEE STANLEY wander-mag.com

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IMAGE: © JESSE BOWSER

?

ONE OF THE FIRST THINGS I B E C A M E AWA R E O F, A S I B E G A N TO PRACTICE AND THEN SHARE D E E P R E L A X AT I O N , WA S T H AT I T ’ S D I F F I C U LT F O R M O S T O F U S TO “ L E T GO.” YOGA TEACHERS OFTEN GIVE THIS INSTRUCTION WITHOUT THE SLIGHTEST C O N S I D E R AT I O N F O R H OW I T W I L L B E RECEIVED IN A CLASS FULL OF PEOPLE W I T H VA R I E D L I F E E X P E R I E N C E S A N D P O S S I B L E T R A U M A S . AT T H E V E R Y L E A S T, L I F E C A N B E S T R E S S F U L , A N D OV E R T I M E I T C A N C R E AT E T H E T Y P E O F T E N S I O N T H AT R E Q U I R E S M O R E T H A N C O M M A N D I N G O U R S E LV E S T O “LET GO” TO RELAX.

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IMAGES: (L TO R) © ANNA SHVETS, © BURST, © ELINA FAIRYTALE

IT IS HARD TO LET GO OF THE TENSION AND CONSTRICTION IN THE BODY AND MIND THAT HAVE TAKEN MANY YEARS TO ACCUMULATE. Some people say that “our issues live in our tissues,” and Denise La Barre explains in her book, Issues in Your Tissues, what this means: “Issues in your tissues’ are emotions we haven’t allowed ourselves to feel fully, or thoughts with a heavy emotional charge.

As energetic residue in the body, they accumulate and build over time, starting first as tension and solidifying into disease according to our reactions to our life experiences.”

Deep relaxation practices help us to relax systematically and to bring awareness to all the parts of ourselves that require loving attention. Because we are taking a journey through the subtle body as we practice, that awareness may extend to our physical body, our thoughts, and even our beliefs. Unfortunately, it is a common tendency to identify with and hold on for dear life to parts of ourselves, like thoughts and beliefs, that lead to patterns of behavior that do not support our thriving.

Remember the manomaya kosha. Because of our insecurities, fears, and biases, we may also hold on to ways of being that ensure that others cannot thrive, especially when we are in positions of power. This shows up as systemic racism, misogyny, or the mistreatment of others as a way to protect ourselves from perceived harm and scarcity. wander-mag.com

Certain habits and thoughts may feel familiar and safe, and they can be reinforced by those around us, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t keeping us stuck. We may be scared that if we let go of these long-held ways of being, we will dissolve, even if they are causing us or others pain. The more we rely on what is familiar, the less we will grow. This recycling of suffering means that we have to learn the same lessons over and over again. This holding shows up everywhere in our lives, as tension in our bodies and our relationships and as an inability to move forward in life and in the collective as history repeating itself. If we can create an opportunity in our yoga nidra practice to create more awareness and ease within ourselves, it will be reflected outward in our lives.

HEALING TRAUMA WITH YOGA NIDRA For many of us, the tension, stress, and emotional energy we’re holding on to can be traced back to distressing or overwhelming events, known as psychological trauma. Trauma survivors who have practiced yoga nidra attest to its efficacy, with regular practice over time, at helping to loosen the hold that such events have on them.

As mentioned in chapter 1, Richard Miller is largely to thank for the spread of yoga nidra practice outside of yoga studios. He’s 24

taken his iRest system into hospitals, military bases, prisons, and Head Start programs, to name a few, spurring interest in the research community to look for evidence to back up what anyone who has tried the practice already knows is true—that it works.

yoga nidra practice can help to improve the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of survivors.

If you are suffering from PTSD, depression, or trauma, it is important to investigate modalities and find teachers who not only understand and are educated in what you are experiencing, but who also promote agency and choice in your practice. The support of a therapist is invaluable when you are feeling overwhelmed, and many are now working on a sliding scale to make services more affordable for those in need. If you are a teacher of yoga nidra, it is important to educate yourself further about these conditions, address your own traumas, and begin with your own healing. You will find additional resources for this in the appendix.

New studies continue to investigate yoga nidra’s efficacy for those suffering from trauma, depression, and PTSD. A 2011 pilot study published in the International Journal of Yoga Therapy found that veterans with combat-related PTSD reported less rage, anxiety, and emotional reactivity and more feelings of relaxation, peace, self-awareness, and self-efficacy after eight weekly iRest sessions.

PTSD and trauma are complex topics of ongoing research. But early results support the theory and yogic teaching that consistent

NINE WAYS TO FIND MORE EASE IN YOUR PRACTICE If you feel restless or struggle to settle in for deep relaxation or yoga nidra practices, there are things you can do to invite more ease into your practice when you feel difficult feelings arising. If you are a teacher, please consider experimenting with the following modifications so you can offer them to your students and community when needed.

1. Keep your eyes slightly open during practice.

7. If complete silence makes you feel uneasy, experiment with adding sounds from nature, such as a rushing river or rain, soft wind chimes, crystal singing bowls, hang drums, or music you find soothing.

2. Practice with a trusted person or pet in the room.

3. Physically touch or move the parts of your body that you would like to relax. Let go of the idea that you must “remain perfectly still.”

8. If lying on your back does not feel comfortable or sustainable over a long period of time, find a position that works for you, such as lying on your side or leaning against a wall facing the door with your eyes slightly open.

4. Practice standing up. (Yes, you can.)

5. When practicing in a group, let the teacher know that you would like to find a spot in the room that feels safer for you instead of lining up or being contained in a circle formation.

9. Remember that you have choices. Remember, you don’t have to close your eyes if it feels uncomfortable. Leave the room if you need a break. You can also open your eyes with a soft focus and then return to the process. Work with a teacher on creating a safe place or inner resource. If something feels too uncomfortable, you can end the practice.

Open your eyes and sit up as you mentally say to yourself, I am choosing to end this practice now. Try to take a few minutes to journal about your experience afterward.

6. Try a weighted blanket. It feels like a giant hug for the whole body. (Note: These blankets are said to ease anxiety, but they can also make some people feel confined, so test it out before making an investment.)

Tracee Stanley is a noted and lineaged teacher of yoga nidra, meditation, and self-inquiry.

Her practices are inspired by the tradition of Himalayan Masters and Sri Vidya Tantra, into which she was initiated in 2001. She is co-founder of the Empowered Wisdom Yoga Nidra School and created the Empowered Life Self-Inquiry Oracle Deck. Tracee travels internationally leading retreats, teacher training, and presenting at festivals and conferences including Oprah and Gayle’s Girls Get Away. She has online classes available at Commune, Yoga Journal, Unplug Meditation, Pranamaya, and Wanderlust TV. For more information, please visit www.traceeyoga.com

Book excerpt from Radiant Rest: Yoga Nidra for Deep Relaxation and Awakened Clarity by Tracee Stanley © 2021 by Tracee Stanley. Reprinted in arrangement with Shambhala Publications, Inc. Boulder, CO. www.shambhala.com

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IMAGE: © SARAH BROWN

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5 W AY S T O

N AV I G A T E LIKE AN EXPLORER ( E V E N I N A C I T Y PA R K )

BY TRISTAN GOOLEY

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IMAGE: © ALLAN MAS

BEFORE WE DIVE IN, THE FIRST THING TO RECOGNIZE I S T H AT O U R B R A I N S L O V E S O LV I N G P U Z Z L E S .

THERE’S A REASON WHY CROSSWORDS AND SUDOKU ARE VERY POPULAR; CRIME AND SUSPENSE STORIES A R E O N T V A N D F I L M ; B A S I C A L LY, H U M A N S L O V E A G O O D M Y S T E R Y A N D L O V E S O LV I N G P U Z Z L E S .

S O T H AT ’ S T H E K E Y. T H E R E A R E C L U E S A B S O L U T E LY E V E R Y W H E R E W E L O O K , L I T E R A L LY E V E R Y W H E R E .

EVERY SINGLE THING WE SEE OUTDOORS IS TRYING TO T E L L U S S O M E T H I N G . T H AT ’ S H OW O U R A N C E S TO R S N AV I G AT E D T H E O U T D O O R S , A N D M O D E R N E X P L O R E R S C A N , TO O — E V E N I N A C I T Y PA R K .

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IMAGES: (L TO R) © TOBI, © DARINA BELONOGOVA, © VALENTIN ANTONUCCI, © MICHAEL DIANE WEIDNER, © TRISTAN GOOLEY

SUN

PLANTS

The sun, moon and the stars can give us direction; the fastest way to get started if you’re new to it is just to remember that in the Northern part of the world, north of the Tropics—so that’s all of Europe and most of North America—the sun is due south in the middle of the day. You can use the moon and the stars as well, but the sun is the one we are most likely to see if we are in a park.

We can look at plants next—every time you see a stinging nettle or, better still, a clump of stinging nettles, that’s telling you there’s been a lot of human or animal activity there. Humans and animals change the soil, making it richer in nutrients and stinging nettles reflect this.

On the less delightful end of things, for example, you’ll get a lot of stinging nettles where dogs urinate. So just as you come into gates of parks, quite often dogs go and lift their leg against a bush or tree or railings there, and you’ll find stinging nettles. So that’s the explorers’ way—we don’t always look for just the lovely stuff when we want to know what’s happening around us.

CLOUDS

Coming down a little bit, clouds are for most people in the background, but every single cloud is part of a map. Particularly the low cumulus clouds, these are the rounded, bubbly type, the fluffy sheep, every single one of those is telling you something a bit warmer is below. And that warmer could be dark woodland, but in a city context, it’s showing you the warmest parts of the city.

PAT H S Next, we can use the paths themselves; wherever a minor path In this case, it is often clusters of buildings or maybe a parking meets a major path, like a T junction in a road, look closely at the lot —clouds form over because the dark tarmac absorbs the sun’s ground. You’ll see that it’s not a perfect T shape; there’s a rounded heat. They form over hills as well. Whichever park you go to, just corner, one side will be more rounded than the other, and that’s showing you the direction most people turn. notice where, on a warm day, you see these clouds bubbling up more often than in other places. Draw a line down from that down to the ground and see if you can work out what it is and that’s just And that can be very useful in a larger park as it can show you how to get out of a park; it also shows you the patterns most people are the start of seeing your landscape in the sky. following. And that’s part of being an explorer, understanding where people and animals have travelled most often because it indicates WIND that’s where water and other things are happening.

Coming down a bit more we can use the wind. Start to take notice of the wind you feel because quite often if you lose absolutely BIRDS everything else, the wind can give you a sense of direction.

Finally, we of course take an interest in the animals, so notice just before the weather changes the sound of birds changes. You get Very simply, as you walk into the park, you might notice there’s a normal bird song in Spring and early Summer, but if there’s bad breeze on your face. You can then do a little exercise in the middle of the park of just closing your eyes and turning around, and just by weather about to come in, really windy or rain or a storm, the feeling the breeze on the back of your neck and your back, you’ll be birds will go silent. Sometimes you will hear alarm calls which are just short staccato sorts of sounds. facing home or the inverse, the route back from where you came.

Just tuning into each of these areas every time you go into a park will reveal so much—you’ll see and sense things that 100 other people in the same park won’t pick up at all. Happy exploring!

Tristan Gooley is the author of award-winning and bestselling books, including The Natural Navigator and The Walker’s Guide to Outdoor Clues & Signs. Learn more about natural navigation at naturalnavigator.com.

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DRY SKIN?

FAC E W I N T E R WITH A

BY GRAYDON MOFFAT FOUNDER OF GRAYDON SKINCARE

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IMAGE: © OLEG MAGNI

H E A LT H Y G L O W

IMAGES: © GRAYDON SKINCARE

AS SOMEONE WHOSE SKIN IS ON THE DRIER SIDE, THIS IS A TOPIC THAT I’M PERSONALLY INVESTED IN. IF YOU ALSO HAVE DRY SKIN, YOU PROBABLY KNOW HOW MUCH WORSE IT CAN GET IN THE COLD WEATHER. RELIEF FROM DRY, ITCHY, FLAKEY SKIN IS SOMETHING THAT ALL OF US DRY SKIN SUFFERERS ARE LOOKING FOR. While adding more water to your skin is a great start, it isn’t quite enough to keep winter dryness at bay. You see, all that water will just evaporate unless you seal it in with an occlusive product.

Before we look at solutions, let’s quickly touch on the cause of our discomfort. It’s pretty simple. Basically, dry air equals dry skin.

During the colder months, the humidity level in the atmosphere decreases. In addition, indoor heating further decreases the humidity level. All of this dry air causes the water in our skin to evaporate more quickly, leaving our skin feeling tighter and drier than it does in the warmer months when humidity levels are higher.

Occlusives are ingredients that play an important role in keeping the skin hydrated. These ingredients are usually found in face oils and thicker creams. They act as a physical layer that prevents the water in your skin from evaporating into the air.

Whether you use an oil or a cream is totally up to you. Personally, I use both.

It really isn’t more complicated than that!

So now that we know our skin is drier in the winter because it lacks water, what do we do about it? Well, we increase the amount of water in our skin as much as possible. There are a few ways to do this.

After applying Face Food Mineral Mist and Fullmoon Serum, I go in with our Moon Boost Serum. Perfect for thirsty skin, this velvety-smooth serum is formulated with non-comedogenic, nutrient-dense superfood oils and extracts and infused with seven vitamins. It’s perfect for locking in moisture and protecting your skin barrier function.

Start by adding extra moisture to your skin with water-based products, such as our Face Food Mineral Mist. This multi-purpose spray can be used as a toner after cleansing and as a midday skin refresher.

To top it all off, I use Face Glow. Not only can Face Glow be used alone as a tinted moisturizer, but it also works as a skin primer before you apply your foundation.

To use as a toner, spray Face Food Mineral Mist onto a reusable cotton pad and swipe across your damp, freshly cleansed face. To give your skin a boost throughout the day, simply spritz your face whenever your skin feels like it needs some extra hydration.

It has a subtle shimmery glow from sustainably sourced mica that leaves your skin highlighted. Not to mention, it’s formulated with raspberry seed oil which acts as an occlusive and also helps to brighten your complexion.

The next step in managing dry skin in the winter is using skin care products with humectants. Humectants are ingredients that attract water to your skin. These include glycerin and hyaluronic acid.

And there you have it!

Manage dry skin in the winter by using water-based products and humectants to help add moisture to your skin. Then trap that moisture in with an occlusive product (or two).

At Graydon Skincare, we use a vegan version of hyaluronic acid (derived from senna) in our Fullmoon Serum. This ingredient attracts water to the skin and helps the skin retain that moisture for improved firmness and suppleness. Oh, and Fullmoon Serum is also a water-based product!

With these tips, your skin will feel hydrated, soft and ready to face winter with a healthy glow!

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AN EXCERPT FROM RITUALS OF 32 THE SOUL BY KORI HAHN

IMAGE: © JACKSON DAVID

UNBLOCKING AND BECOMING

IMAGE: © JONNY KENNAUGH

A FEW YEARS AGO, I TOOK A TRIP INTO THE TIBETAN AUTONOMOUS REGION OF CHINA, THE DALAI LAMA’S HOMELAND BEFORE HE BECAME A POLITICAL EXILE TO INDIA. I ALWAYS DREAMED OF SEEING “THE ROOFTOP OF THE WORLD,” PROBABLY MORE THAN ANY OTHER PLACE. THE MOUNTAINS OF THE REGION ARE THE TALLEST ON THE PLANET. ITS CULTURE AND HISTORY ARE RICH, AND THE SPIRITUAL BELIEFS THAT WERE BORN HERE HAVE SPREAD ALL OVER THE WORLD. 33

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IMAGE: © SERGIO CAPUZZIMATI

hina had just recently completed a new rail line spanning 2,300 miles, beginning in Beijing and gaining 16,400 feet in altitude at the highest point before pulling into the last stop in Lhasa, Tibet. Lhasa is the capital of the province and was the religious and political center for Tibetan Buddhism until the Chinese forcefully and inhumanely took over the entire country in 1949.

As a tourist to Tibet, I was forced to follow the Chinese authorities’ strict rules and guidelines for how I could travel there. I spent weeks in the polluted city of Xining midway along the train journey, organizing all the necessary permits and paperwork required for me to travel through the eerily watchedover province. I had to be escorted at all times by a governmentapproved guide and hire my own private driver and car to take me anywhere I planned to go. As difficult as the process proved to be, there was no stopping me. I was determined to see this place, to understand its culture, and to spend time with its people.

To my relief, I was appointed a Tibetan guide. Tenzin, who had a warm, sincere demeanor about him, was waiting for me on the wander-mag.com

train platform as soon as the last horn blew into the station. There weren’t many tourists around, so it was easy for him to spot me, the young American girl carrying an oversized backpack with a yoga mat strapped to the side.

From the train station we walked the short distance to our basic little Tibetan homestay in the Barkhor, the old Tibetan part of the city, located around the Jokhang Temple, believed to be the most sacred and important temple in Tibet. Lhasa in Tibetan means “place [sa] of gods [lha],” and it is easy to see why. From our simple room, we could see the towering white presence of the Potala Palace, the fortress that used to be home to the Dalai Lama.

Every time we walked out of our guesthouse, we immediately entered a constant flow of pilgrimaging devotees circling the temple day and night, chanting and praying. Thick-robed Tibetans holding prayer beads were performing full-body prostrations in every direction I looked. The Tibetans’ style of full-body prayer involves reaching to the sky with their hands in prayer position, sliding their bodies along the ground to lie flat on the earth, coming back to standing, then taking a step forward and doing it all over again.

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IMAGE: © JAMES WHEELER

Many of these pilgrims had traveled thousands of miles, praying and sliding their bodies along every inch of the way; it was a means of earning merit by burning off past bad karma. These devoted practitioners were filthy, covered in road dirt and grime from head to toe, but to me their spiritual dedication was the most inspiring and purest sight I had ever seen.

The smell of yak butter lamps filled the narrow cobblestone streets, billowing out of the main Jokhang Temple. Inside the walls were covered in black soot from the smoke of candles, incense, and yak butter, always burning, year after year. At this point in my life, I was deeply curious about the different ideologies of religion, especially Buddhism. I walked around with my eyes peeled open, as this was the most confident spiritual display I had ever seen.

I needed to know everything: What did the flowing prayer flags mean? And the beads they held in their hands? Why did the people prostrate to the point of pain? Tenzin proved incredibly helpful for explaining the rituals I saw the Tibetans performing throughout the trip and what they signified to the people.

After a week in Lhasa, I threw my dusty backpack in the back of an old white SUV, and Tenzin, our driver, and I began driving 35

across the vast, barren alpine region to the Nepali border. It was already late November by the time we were allowed to begin the journey, and it was getting cold. Along the way we stayed in yak-dung-constructed Tibetan houses where the homeowners would serve us endless cups of yak butter tea as we sat around their simple potbellied stoves to stay warm. I remember shivering through most nights.

We would usually sit in silence, but on occasion the locals from the village would try to share their personal life stories with me in barely comprehensible English. I understood their stories, though, intuitively. They would tell me of a missing cousin or brother, or how they managed to escape to India and meet the Dalai Lama, only to walk back across the snow-covered passes to be with their families again.

It didn’t take long to realize just how inhumane the Tibetan people are treated by the ruling Chinese. There is no freedom for the Tibetan people; the Chinese government does not allow them to possess pictures of, speak about, or pray to the Dalai Lama within Chinese-ruled Tibet. The people who shared their stories of escaping to India and returning had risked being shot both ways. wander-mag.com

MEET AUTHOR KORI HAHN

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IMAGE: © SAMUEL BERNER

If the Chinese believe Tibetans are not honoring their rules, these Tibetans often go missing, never to be seen again.

Many of the stories and explanations they shared with me could have led them to prison or worse, death. I read numerous books on Tibetan Buddhism and the history of the country while traveling there, and most included pictures of the Dalai Lama on the cover or inside. (I now realize I am very lucky not to have been caught with these.) When the Tibetans’ eyes would catch a glimpse of His Holiness on the cover of one of those books, they would stop everything they were doing and hold it in their hands, often putting the picture to their forehead and saying a prayer before kindly handing it back.

I always offered these pictures to them to keep, and they always refused. To be caught with a picture of His Holiness would lead to imprisonment, torture, and often death. It simply wasn’t worth the risk. They seemed grateful to have touched some sort of physical reminder of him, a rarity indeed there.

We don’t need our senses to validate how we are feeling. We don’t even need our external world to agree with how we are feeling.

We merely need to stay true to our soul and the guidance it offers us, overcoming any obstacles and struggles that appear along our spiritual path as we align with that truth.

The Tibetans might not be able to vocally and publicly display their full soul truth inside China, but they are very much committed to honoring it within. Many have chosen to escape to neighboring countries like Nepal and Bhutan to pursue their dream of meeting the Dalai Lama or perhaps to receive a Tibetan Buddhist education. It is believed that more than 150,000 Tibetans have made the heroic, long, and incredibly hostile journey across the plateau into safer lands. Their hearts always guide them.

We walk our unique spiritual path by living our life guided by the messages of our soul. Our spiritual purpose for coming here to Earth in this human body is to do just that, to stay focused on what the heart and soul want.

Despite the struggles ever present for the Tibetans living in China, I found it incredibly inspiring to see how they very much stayed connected to their religious leader and their spiritual rituals, despite the risks involved. Although they still performed their rituals publicly, most had adapted their spiritual and personal growth practices into more internal practices. I got the feeling that most of the Tibetans I met never lost focus on the spiritual self, staying true to what they believed in their hearts and souls no matter what was happening around them.

Sometimes we have to leave our home for a new land when our current life situation isn’t conducive to pursuing the visions of our heart and soul. There might be roadblocks that stand in our way. For many of us, the blockages and challenges holding us back from creating a reality of our soul-sent dreams do not come from the external, but from the internal. However, if we compassionately and patiently open ourselves to the obstacles blocking us, we expand ourselves and grow in the areas our heart is yearning toward. This is how we become what our soul is asking from us.

The voice of our soul is our truth. Even when everything around us is telling us we are wrong, we must keep listening to this truth.

Kori Hahn is the author of Rituals of the Soul and founder of a community gathering place called the Santosha Society, which is dedicated to travel, surfing, and the soulful. She hosts numerous trips around the world for hundreds of women who study Ayurveda, yoga, meditation, and all things related to soul growth, knowledge, and fulfillment. Visit her online at SantoshaSociety.com.

Excerpted from the book from Rituals of the Soul. Copyright ©2021 by Kori Hahn. Printed with permission from New World Library — www.newworldlibrary.com.

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Safety Community Education Nature Integration

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“DINNER IS NOT W H AT YO U D O I N T H E EVENING BEFORE SOMETHING ELSE. DINNER IS THE EVENING.”

IMAGE: © MAE MU, UNSPLASH

IMAGE: © STEPHANIE MCCABE

—A R T B U C H WA L D

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IMAGE:© DAVIDsTEA

FIND OUT WHY THIS SUPERHERO TEA TOPS THE WELLNESS LIST FOR JUST ABOUT EVERYTHING, FROM DETOX TO M E N TA L A L E R T N E S S & M O R E .

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IMAGE:© DAVIDsTEA

W H AT’S MATC H A ?

M E ET YO U R M A T C H A

Matcha is a vibrant powder made from green tea leaves.

Though the custom of grinding tea and drinking it as a beverage originated in China, the tradition flourished in Japan, where matcha translates literally to “powdered tea.”

It gets its beautiful colour from the high-chlorophyll content of the leaves.

DAVIDsTEA is home to the largest selection of matcha in North America. Their obsession with matcha has led to over twenty different varieties, from unsweetened and traditional matcha (Matcha Matsu, Grand Cru Matcha and Ceremonial Matcha) and flavoured and sweetened matcha (think strawberry, vanilla and peach). There is literally a matcha for everyone.

Making matcha is a labour of love that starts with shading tea plants 2-4 weeks before plucking, which increases the caffeine, L-theanine and chlorophyll levels in the tea leaves.

The leaves are then steamed, dried, deveined and carefully ground to a fine powder—ready to be whisked into hot water and enjoyed.

DAVIDsTEA matcha is sourced from the Nishio region of Japan’s Aichi prefecture, an area renowned for years as one of the world’s best matcha producers. In fact, matcha has been produced in this region for over 800 years.

Matcha goes further than traditional green tea, though, because you are ingesting the leaf, not just infusing it. When finely ground into powder form, the entire green tea leaf is utilized, resulting in more caffeine, colour, and overall benefits.

SPECIAL MENTION: CREAM OF EARL GREY MATCHA A beautiful marriage between best-selling classic Cream of Earl Grey black tea and green tea goddess Matcha Matsu.

Loose matcha tea powder is traditionally combined with hot water in a ceremonial bowl and mixed using a bamboo whisk, resulting in a frothy, velvety drink that is refreshing, invigorating, and loaded with nutrients. The taste profile can best be described as vegetal and umami, and with every sip, you’re consuming all the benefits of the entire leaf.

The result is a rich, creamy flavour with a hint of aromatic bergamot and vegetal matcha. Medium caffeine, sip hot or top with ice for iced matcha.

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IMAGES (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP): © DAVIDsTEA, © ZOE N4GN, © DAVIDsTEA, © DAVIDsTEA, © MJ TANGONAN, © DREW COFFMAN

Making matcha is a labour of love that starts with shading tea plants 2-4 weeks before plucking, which increases the caffeine and L-theanine levels in the tea leaves.

The leaves are then steamed, dried, deveined and carefully ground to a fine powder— ready to be whisked into hot water and enjoyed.

IMAGE: © MONIKA GRABKOWSKA

UNM ATC HA B L E B E N E F ITS Whether you like it hot or as a green tea latte (delicious), matcha has the power to calm the mind and energize the body thanks to the combo of caffeine and L-theanine, a unique amino acid found in tea.

Every sip you take contains whole leaf benefits—the perfect way to kickstart your day. Matcha is a powerhouse hailed for its antioxidant effects, along with its energizing, detoxifying and natural metabolism-boosting properties.

• Matcha contains a plant compound called EGCg, a potent antioxidant that may protect cells from DNA damage.

And matcha contains more anti-inflammatory antioxidants than regular green tea.

• Green tea powder is also high in vitamin C and fibre, helping aid digestive health.

• With amino acids such as L-theanine, matcha is great for mental alertness and relaxation.

• Matcha is a fabulous coffee alternative. It contains less caffeine than the average cup of coffee, and many believe that the caffeine in matcha metabolizes differently, providing a more sustained energy release.

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M ATC H A- LIC IO U S

In addition to enjoying as a straight hot tea, frothy latte or mixing into smoothies, you can also use matcha powder in recipes.

Here are two of our favourites.

MAPLE MATCHA GRANOLA Ready to get your crunch on? This sweet homemade granola made with vibrant Maple Matcha tea is just the ticket. Enjoy it for breakfast with a dollop of yogurt or as an excellent afternoon snack.

Ingredients 2 1/2 cups of rolled oats 1/2 cup almond meal 1/4 cup chopped walnuts 1/2 cup chopped pecans 1 cup sunflower seeds 2 tbsp coconut oil (melted) 1 tbsp blueberry syrup 1/4 cup maple syrup 1 cup chopped dried cranberries 2 tsp vanilla extract 1 1/2 tsp of DAVIDsTEA Maple Matcha

IMAGE:© DAVIDsTEA

Directions 1. Preheat oven to 250°F 2. In a large bowl, mix together oats, almond meal, walnuts, pecans, sunflower seeds, and cranberries.

3. In a separate bowl, mix together melted coconut oil, blueberry syrup, maple syrup and vanilla extract. Pour over oat mixture and toss to coat.

4. Pour mixture onto a cookie sheet and bake for 1 hour, stirring twice.

5. Remove from the oven, transfer to a bowl and add the Maple Matcha. Toss to coat.

Enjoy it straight up or mix it into Greek yogurt for a creamy, crunchy morning treat.

6. Keep in an airtight container for 2-3 weeks for maximum freshness!

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IMAGE:© DAVIDsTEA

MATCHA BUTTERMILK PANCAKES Hold onto your maple syrup—here’s a matcha recipe for the weekend win. This fluffy pancake batter features Blueberry Matcha, a mega-healthy matcha green tea infused with blueberries and pure cane sugar.

Makes approximately 9 pancakes Ingredients 1 tbsp of DAVIDsTEA Blueberry Matcha 1 1/2 cup of flour 2 tsp of baking powder 3/4 cup of buttermilk, room temp 3/4 cup of milk, room temp 1 egg, room temp 1 tbsp melted butter, room temp Directions 1. In a bowl, mix dry ingredients: Blueberry Matcha, flour & baking powder. Mix until combined.

2. In a measuring cup, add buttermilk, milk, egg, and melted butter. Mix well.

3. Make a well in the flour and add the wet mixture into the well. Fold with a spatula just until combined.

4. Heat pan or griddle, then add a bit of butter or oil. Scoop about 1/4 cup of batter per pancake.

5. Flip when you see bubbles and lightly golden edges.

6. Serve with butter and maple syrup, or fresh blueberries and whipped cream for full breakfast envy.

With colourful, modern packaging, sleek in-house designed tea accessories and a friendly, welcoming attitude, DAVIDsTEA offers a tea experience that is fun, fresh and unintimidating. Choose from over 100 types of tea at davidstea.com, including exclusive blends, limited edition seasonal collections, traditional teas and exotic infusions from around the world.

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NEXT LEVEL WILDERNESS DINING I N T H E G R E AT B E A R R A I N F O R E S T

THE STUNNING BACKDROP OF THE BROUGHTON ARCHIPELAGO IN BRITISH COLUMBIA SETS THE S TA G E F O R R E M A R K A B LY U N I Q U E A N D I N T I M AT E WILD DINING EXPERIENCES.

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FO R AG I N G A N D P R E PA R I N G F E ASTS U N D E R T H E O P E N S KY I S A FAC T O F L I F E AT N I M M O B AY W I L D E R N E S S R E S O R T. F R O M F R E E D I V I N G F O R YO U R DINNER TO LEARNING FROM THEIR TEAM AS THEY COOK OVER AN OPEN F I R E ( A N D I N T U I T I V E LY T O P U P Y O U R W I N E ) , D I N I N G H E R E I S A LWAY S A N UNEXPECTED ADVENTURE.

Their philosophy is that food is intimately rooted in sense of place—in this case, one of the largest intact temperate rainforests in the world. Their intentionally sustainable approach means guests feast on local fare like wild vegetation, spot prawns, fresh halibut, uni and Dungeness crab when they are in season, consciously sourced and readily available.

Dining in the wild, under an open sky, is nothing short of extraordinary. This past Summer, guests enjoyed remote cookouts on a private island and nestled amongst the rainforest. At Nimmo Bay, it's all a part of the adventure.

EXECUTIVE CHEF LINNÉA LETOURNEAU brings a wide breadth of experience and a deep passion for exceptional culinary experiences to Nimmo Bay. Linnéa's professional culinary journey began in Vancouver, where, upon finishing culinary school she landed a job at Hawksworth Restaurant in its early days.

Accessible by air and sea only, the resort is truly remote.

Headed up by chef Linnéa LeTourneau, the Great Bear Rainforest becomes a luxury culinary destination, where guests dine outdoors or in the floating restaurant Little River.

IMAGES: © NIMMO BAY

Inspired by the natural bounty, the culinary team serves up distinctly West Coast cuisine that tells the story of the land and sea through the senses.

At 22, motivated by the desire to expand her horizons both personally and professionally, Linnéa moved to Paris. After two years she was inspired to adopt a more farm-to-table lifestyle and moved to Australia to work at the worldrenowned farm restaurant Brae and later at a molecular gastronomy-focused restaurant, after which she ventured abroad again, this time to Tokyo where she helped open Restaurant Inua with chef Thomas Frebel.

Dishes emphasize clean, fresh flavours based on locallycaught seafood, foraged plants, pasture-raised meats, and produce carefully sourced from sustainable farms, most of which are located on nearby Vancouver Island.

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Since returning home to the West Coast, Linnéa has spent the past three summers at Nimmo Bay. Her food is inspired by a "less is more" ethos in processing methods to celebrate and showcase the beauty of starting with good ingredients, a nod to her interest in sustainable, seasonal ingredients, agriculture and small-scale farming, as well as foraging and harvesting from the surrounding ocean and forest.

seaweed harvester, and a naturalist. I certainly am no foraging expert, and am still learning.

WANDER: WHERE DID YOU LEARN ABOUT FORAGING AND HARVESTING? Linnéa: I honestly started foraging a lot later in my career and it was in the countryside and seaside of Australia during my time living and working there (near Melbourne) and it was for products that we don’t have here on the west coast.

As we transition from Summer to Autumn a handful of different varieties of mushrooms start popping up in the forest of the area surrounding Nimmo Bay; Bog cranberries can be found on the ground of the flatter lands where rivers and creeks meet the bays nearby; harvesting seafood like Urchin is better in cold winter months as well (although a hell of a lot more physically challenging!).

Upon my return to Canada, I started working at Nimmo Bay and was immersed in the nature of the place, so I got very interested in learning how and what to forage from the surrounding forest and ocean.

I’ve learned tidbits here and there from books and coworkers and in order to educate myself further, I've spent time with a couple of professional foragers, a professional wander-mag.com

HOW DO FORAGING AND HARVESTING CHANGE OVER THE WINTER/COOLER MONTHS? Foresting and harvesting are ever-changing! Every calendar season, every month and every week there is change.

DO YOU RECALL THE FIRST DISH YOU EVER COOKED? The first thing I ever cooked was scrambled eggs when I was probably about 4 years old with the instruction and guidance of my Dad. First "professional, composed" dish I ever cooked I cannot recall but was probably something tacky and outdated that they taught us during culinary school.

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EXPERIENCE THE BOUNTY OF THE COAST

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HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE OF COOKING? Minimal manipulation, allowing good quality ingredients and products to speak for themselves. I think the cooking techniques and flavours I use time and time again have mostly been influenced by my time living and cooking in both France and Japan.

I like to showcase seasonal, local ingredients for the most part but am not rigid about using hyper-local (I still use lemons from Florida, cheese from France, specialty oils and vinegar from Italy, and shoyu from Japan for example). I tend to use more vegetables and fish than meat.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE WEEKDAY MEAL TO PUT TOGETHER? This is going to be a very disappointing answer but I put very minimal effort into cooking for myself and when at home alone I generally eat for nutritional value versus gourmand pleasure but probably once a week I will make some sort of simple Pasta dish for myself - I really love eating pasta.

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WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU ALWAYS KEEP IN YOUR REFRIGERATOR OR PANTRY AT HOME? From the fridge, the most consumed item by me would have to be Hummus out of convenience. Yes, the premade, storebought stuff ! I always have plain Hummus in the fridge and then zhuzh it up with some sort of spice, herb or seasoning like fresh dill, zaatar, or hot sauce.

From the pantry, some things I always have on hand and can't live without would be Kombu (seaweed for stocks and broths - super nutritional), Vegemite (I'm obsessed), and dried pasta.

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS YOUR FAVOURITE DISH YOU HAVE DEVELOPED FOR NIMMO BAY? That is such a hard question to answer! Definitely something with local seafood (I love for guests to experience food from the surrounding area, especially our west coast waters) but I couldn't choose one favourite.

There have been many dishes that I am super proud of but honestly with many of the dishes I have created, If they are really popular with the guests, I will repeat them a few times (for different guests) and after maybe 5 or 6 times I will get bored of the dish and never want to see it again (no matter how good it is). It's a bit of a double-edged sword!

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W I L D C U L I N A R Y R E T R E AT M AY 2 0 2 2 EXPERIENCE WILD DINING FOR YOURSELF AT N I M M O B AY ! S I G N U P T O B E N O T I F I E D W H E N R E S E R VAT I O N S O P E N U P — I T ' S S U R E TO B E A N U N F O R G E T TA B L E JOURNEY THROUGH THE SENSES.

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WINE IN THE WILD SOMMELIER AND HEAD OF SERVICE, KYLE GARTLAN-CLOSE, takes Nimmo’s Bay wild dining experience up an even further notch with remote tastings, driftwood bars, and mountaintop cocktails.

With the cuisine focused around plants and seafood, I’m always growing the reserves with Grower Champagnes, and high-altitude whites. Plus Pinot Noir is so well suited to our menus, I can’t wait to go out and discover new beauties for next year.

WANDER: HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE OF OR APPROACH TO SERVICE? Kyle: We attempt to offer relaxed, refined and preemptive wilderness elegance. Our desire isn’t for the service to be stuffy, but rather to match the place and wildness of where we are.

This past season, I had a lot of fun pouring the 2013 De La Terre Pinot Noir from Bannockburn in Geelong, Australia, always a revelation for guests and a dead ringer for Burg.

In our house wines, the bubbles from Bella Wines in Naramata, a boutique sparkling house run by dynamic duo Jay and Wendy Drysdale, and anything Costa Gavaris is doing with his winery Rigour and Whimsy in Okanagan Falls. I poured his Orienteering in the Underworld 2019 Syrah, blew my mind!

I also love the juxtaposition of blowing people’s minds with super tailored and beautiful service in off-the-beaten places.

A blazer and bare feet with a burger bar at a beach, that’s the Nimmo magic.

DO YOU COOK? WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE WEEKDAY MEAL TO PUT TOGETHER? I do love to cook, mostly when I’m entertaining. I eat predominantly plant-based; my favourite way to eat is French-country dining, pickles, cheese, good bread, and good company.

HOW DO PAIRING AND THE APPROACH TO SERVICE CHANGE OVER COOLER MONTHS? We aren’t open for the winter, but even in fall at the end of the season, we move into deeper, warming flavours on our cocktail menus. As guests begin to want to dine earlier, I find myself pulling the cork on some more robust Rhone and Meritage blend wines.

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS ONE OF YOUR FAVOURITE NIMMO BAY MEMORIES SO FAR? This question is impossible to answer as the place just creates one fantastic moment after another. To wrap our 2021 season our talented team put together a year-end art crawl, working with so many beautiful talented humans.

Food-wise, taking guests out for a simple experience of diving for urchins, catching fish, then cooking a simple lunch over a fire paired with a 1996 Summerhill Cipes Brut.

ANY WINES YOU ARE EXCITED ABOUT THIS COMING SEASON THAT WE SHOULD CHECK OUT? First and most importantly, I’m excited for a giant exhale and pause just to reflect on the 2021 season. Once that is finished, I love winters to begin looking forward to the wines for the 2022 season.

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(Glögg) Courtesy Jill Kantor & Lisa Kroft, Hygge in a Box

It’s hard to argue that the Nordic countries have become known for perfecting mulled wine. Sweet, warm, and spicy, Glögg (sounds like "glue-gh") is Sweden's seasonal mulled wine gift to chilly souls around the globe. Often enjoyed as a winter holiday drink, this festive mulled wine recipe is one that our mother has perfected over the years and serves during winter dinners with her friends and our family. It's a recipe we have borrowed from her and often make it for our friends during our annual New Years' Eve Party. Also great in a thermos for those cold winter walks.

Ingredients:

Directions:

2 packages canned frozen raspberries 1 can frozen orange juice 3 cups cranberry juice cocktail 1 bottle (750ml) full-bodied red wine 375 ml vodka 2-3 cinnamon sticks (3 to 4 inches each) 2-4 tablespoons honey, to taste 4-5 cloves 1-2 star anise (optional) 1 orange - thin slices & strips of zest 1 can mandarin oranges

1. Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and heat until the mixture just barely reaches a simmer over medium-high heat. (Avoid boiling—you don’t want to boil off the alcohol.)

2. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and let the wine simmer for 1 to 3 hours.

3. Add the can of mandarins at the end. Just the fruit, not the juice.

4. Strain, and serve warm in glass mugs with your desired garnishes.

**You can also place the oranges, cloves, cinnamon, and star anise in a cheesecloth.

Then simply strain and pull out the bundle when ready to serve.

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Welcome to Los Altos de Eros Boutique Luxury Hotel & Spa 22-acre jungle estate blends gorgeous scenery and ocean views with personalized service and luxurious amenities.

Relax and renew in the award-winning spa and enjoy delicious meals with fresh, natural ingredients.

An unforgettable retreat experience in paradise.

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YOU WERE ONCE WILD HERE.

IMAGE:© BEQ -SHAVIDZE

DON’T LET THEM TA M E YO U .

—ISADORA DUNCAN 59

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WINTER IN THE WILD C OT TAG E S , C A B I N S & C A M P S

T H E R E I S N OT H I N G Q U I T E A S S AT I S F Y I N G A S C U R L I N G U P I N A B L A N K E T W I T H A M U G O F YO U R FAV O U R I T E B E V E R A G E A F T E R A D AY S P E N T O U T D O O R S I N W I N T E R . B O N U S P O I N T S F O R S T U N N I N G N AT U R A L S U R R O U N D I N G S A N D C OZ Y C OT TAG E -Y V I B E S .

O N T H AT N OT E , W E ’ V E R O U N D E D U P A S E L E C T I O N O F U N I Q U E P R O P E R T I E S F O R YO U R OW N R E J U V E N AT I N G W I N T E R G E TAWAY, F R O M E C O - L O D G E S T O G L A M P I N G TENTS TO OFF-GRID CABINS IN THE SNOWY WOODS. PAC K YO U R WA R M WO O L L I E S A N D G E T R E A DY TO D I S C O N N E C T, TO R E C O N N E C T.

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IMAGES: (TOP) © CHRIS + NICOLE , (BOTTOM) © MOHAMAD SALIM

Cabinscape Ontario, Canada

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(= dog friendly)

Looking for a blissful escape with your favourite human (or pooch)? Cabinscape’s gorgeous, off-grid tiny cabins are ensconced in private, rugged wilderness settings with access to nearby trails.

Cabins are solar-powered and outfitted with all the modern amenities and creature comforts you’ll need, complete with fire pit for cozy campfires. With 16 wilderness cabins and 10 smaller, micro cabins (and more on the way), you can choose a level of remoteness to suit your personal adventure style. cabinscape.com 61

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IMAGES: (LEFT) © ALGONQUIN ECO-LODGE, (RIGHT, TOP TO BOTTOM) © TARA MCMULLEN, © PATRICK BILLER, © TARA MCMULLEN,

Algonquin Eco-Lodge 5 Ontario, Canada Located about 3 hours from Toronto is a wilderness enthusiasts’ dream, boasting off-grid forest accommodation, superb meals and access to seemingly endless trails for cross country skiing, dog sledding, and snowshoeing adventures. It has the feel of a European mountain lodge and is so secluded your experience begins with a 25-minute walk through Algonquin Park to reach the front doors.

Don’t worry—your luggage can be transferred for you!

Wander Resort 5 Ontario, Canada

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Wander is a Canadian cabin resort like no other, where modern Nordic design meets comfort. Think walls of windows. Fireplaces, inside and out. European-style kitchens. Heated floors. Organic linens. Wander is home to ten dreamy cabins, each sleeping up to six in laidback luxury with plenty of space to lounge, dine and play (each cabin is stocked with a curated selection of books and games for all ages).

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Elkwater Lake Lodge 5 Alberta, Canada

Storm Mountain Lodge Alberta, Canada

Tucked into the stunning Cypress Hills region, this unique place is where moose, elk, deer, wild turkeys and other Canadian wildlife range freely over an astonishing and breath-taking alpine environment. Choose from three beautiful log cabins, supplied with all the amenities you’ll need to rustle up coffee in the morning and cozy dinners at night. Recreational adventures include skiing, snowshoeing, tobogganing, skating, and of course, snow angels.

In the heart of the Rockies, you’ll find unparalleled beauty, a forest playground ripe for rugged outdoor adventure. Whether it’s a romantic getaway, weekend retreat, or family vacation, a choice of private cabins provides the ideal setting. If a remote experience is what you’re after, you won’t find Wi-Fi, televisions, or refrigerators here. They do serve delicious meals in the lodge dining room— with a wine list of vintages from the Okanagan Valley of British Columbia—and take-out/cabin delivery is also available. Bring warm clothing, slippers and keep the fire stoked!

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IMAGES: © MOUNT LOGAN ECOLODGE

IMAGES: (TOP) © CHRIS AMAT, (BOTTOM) © UNFOLDING CREATIVE PHOTO

Mount Engadine Lodge Alberta, Canada

Mount Logan Ecolodge Yukon, Canada

Warning—don’t let moose in the meadow distract you at dinner.

Or maybe do. This all-inclusive lodge is a hidden gem in the rugged wilderness where adventure calls. The mountain views are breathtaking and it’s not uncommon to see moose, coyotes, beaver, deer, and elk from the lodge windows. Cabins are quiet and comfortable, or get even closer to nature in a glamping tent or yurt. Stays are inclusive of accommodation and all meals; the perfect place to retire to after a day of snowshoeing or skiing.

When location is everything, you can’t get further North than this.

On the doorstep of Kluane National Park, and named for Canada’s highest peak, Mount Logan Ecolodge gives you access to all the beauty and outdoor adventure your heart desires (dogsledding!) without compromising on comfort. Enjoy an authentic Yukon experience with three-course dinners each night, and locallyroasted coffee each morning. If romance is what you are looking for, the Mount Archibald Pod is the perfect cozy getaway. Made from wood sourced and milled right on-site, with stunning mountain views, you won’t want to leave.

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The Shoreline Tofino British Columbia, Canada

Rowena's Inn British Columbia, Canada

Perched on the shore of the Tofino Inlet, this boutique oceanfront hotel literally lets you see things from a new perspective. Nestled between stunning old-growth cedars, it was originally built in the late 1960s, and the property and its architecture are decidedly cabin vibes-meets-modern surf shack cool. With a choice of cabins or A-frame house for families, you’ll have the comforts of home—actually, the beds and blankets are better here—with thoughtful touches for an inspiring yet laid-back feel.

Time stands still from the moment you catch your breath here.

Secluded on a 160-acre waterfront estate, the hotel is a grand, English-style manor that was converted into a boutique B&B. A few steps away are eleven charming cottages: the 1-bedroom rustic, classic cabins have heated-slate floors, deep-soaker jacuzzi tubs for two, and wood-burning fireplaces, while the more contemporary cabins come in 1, 2, and 3-bedroom layouts with modern kitchens. Wake up to a country breakfast and take in some therapeutic forest therapy outside your door.

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IMAGE: © DESTINATION BC,_KARI MEDIG

Nipika Mountain Resort5 British Columbia, Canada

Backeddy Resort British Columbia, Canada

If you’re looking for a peaceful retreat with incredible wilderness at your doorstep, welcome to Nipika, where you’ll enjoy homelike comfort in luxurious log cabins surrounded by majestic mountain views. Completely off the grid—sourcing power from the sun and surrounding forest—Nipika is surrounded by a magnificent trail network set along the Kootenay and Cross River valleys, built and maintained for cross country skiing (lessons available), fat biking, and snowshoeing. After a day of adventure, curl up by the fireplace and enjoy the making of memories.

The Sunshine Coast is renowned for its beautiful landscapes and few areas are more impressive than right here, where you’ll feel instantly in awe of our natural world. The small, vintage cabins are an eclectic bunch: some have wood-burning and some electric fireplaces; some have tiny kitchens, while others exclude the kitchenette, giving you additional lounging space to spread out.

Whether at the water’s edge or tucked into the tree line, the cabins are cute, cozy, and the perfect nest for two to snuggle into after a day of adventure.

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IMAGES: © TIDAL BORE RAFTING

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Au Diable Vert Quebec, Canada

Tidal Bore Rafting Resort Nova Scotia, Canada

Home to an ice hotel and the world-famous Winter Carnival, Quebec knows how to do cold weather. Don your scarf and mittens and get outside for snowshoeing, cross country skiing, sledding, even animal tracking. The large number of animals that call the Sutton Mountains home really becomes visible in the Winter, from coyotes, deer, and moose to fox, lynx, marten, and ermine.

The rustic pod accommodations are an entirely unique twist to wilderness getaways, while the treehouses guarantee once you sleep among the trees you’ll never want to go back to civilized lodging!

Looking for a carefree vacation on Canada’s East Coast? Stay in a cozy and comfortable cottage on the banks of the Shubenacadie River. While the tidal bore rafting is closed in Winter (worth returning for in Summer), this 180-acre wilderness location is ideal for exploring the region by day and snuggling up at night, with firewood and kindling delivered to your door and offseason rates. At nearby Shubenacadie Wildlife Park you may spot spectacular Bald Eagles, Black Bear cubs, a family of Cougars, native Red Foxes, moose, deer, and Great Horned Owls.

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Gorman Chairback Lodge & Cabins Maine, USA

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Located in the famed 100-Mile Wilderness of Maine, in the Winter, you’ll have to ski, snowshoe or dogsled to this and Little Lyford Lodge, which are connected by a 130-mile trail network.

Built as a private camp in 1867, this spectacular location sits on 66,000 acres of forestland permanently conserved by the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) and offers a central location for a myriad of outdoor activities.

Remote, rugged, and remarkable. outdoors.org wander-mag.com

Little Lyford Lodge & Cabins 5 Maine, USA Also under the umbrella of the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC), for more than 140 years, Little Lyford Lodge has provided visitors with an authentic outdoor experience in central Maine’s expansive Moosehead Lake region. Ski or snowshoe from your cabin door onto the extensive groomed trail network and come back to a comfortable lodge with fireplace and year-round deck; the friendly staff is always available to assist with trip planning, weather reports, and trail information. outdoors.org 68

IMAGES (CLOCKWISE TOP): © MEDAWISLA LODGE. © MEDAWISLA LODGE © TOURISM MAINE

Medawisla Lodge & Hilltop Cabins top / bottom left Maine, USA Winter guests here have access to more than 30 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails around the lodge, plus an additional 80 miles of lodge-to-lodge groomed trails connecting Medawisla to Gorman Chairback and Little Lyford lodge. A shuttle service is available so that your car is waiting for you at the end of your trip and a shuttle transports your gear to your next lodge, providing you with the freedom to ski or snowshoe with just a day pack!

Joe Dodge Lodge 5 New Hampshire, USA For more than 100 years, Joe Dodge Lodge has welcomed travellers, adventure seekers, and conservation stewards. Nestled in the heart of Pinkham Notch, surrounded by the White Mountain National Forest, this is your basecamp for some of best the outdoor adventures around. The Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) has a long-standing commitment to sustainable operations and environmental stewardship; Joe Dodge Lodge features solar preheat, electric vehicle (EV) charging station, and composting toilets.

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Getaway Outposts Various, USA

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Getaway believes that that free time should be a right and a ritual for everyone, and their Outposts are designed to create distance from the demands of work, schedules, and technology. These handcrafted hideaway cabins are tiny (140-200 square feet) and designed to include everything you need—and nothing you don't—with cooking essentials like oil, a tiny kitchen with pots and pans, non-perishable provisions like pasta, snacks and coffee, fresh linens and towels, heat, and a hot shower. Outposts are located in natural settings within driving distance of major cities across the US, from Boston to Washington, Portland to Houston. getaway.house 71

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5 WAY S T O

YO U R

BY BRIANNE DELA CRUZ wander-mag.com

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T R AV E L

IMAGE: © ROMAN ODINTSOV

REWILD

IN ENVIRONMENTALISM, REWILDING IS AN ECOLOGICAL RESTORATION TECHNIQUE THAT AIMS TO MITIGATE CLIMATE CHANGE

BY INCREASING BIODIVERSITY AND REINTRODUCING LOST SPECIES TO THEIR NATIVE ENVIRONMENT. I BELIEVE THIS CONSERVATION TECHNIQUE CAN ALSO BE APPLIED TO HUMANS TO RESTORE A HEALTHY RELATIONSHIP WITH THE NATURAL WORLD AND TO HELP US HEAL FROM THE STRESSES OF MODERN LIFE.

IMAGE: © TRACEY HOCKING

REWILDING FOR HUMANS IS THE PROCESS OF REINTEGRATING OURSELVES INTO NATURE AND GETTING BACK TO OUR ROOTS. IT’S A PROCESS OF UNDOING UNHEALTHY MODERN CONDITIONING IN ORDER TO UNEARTH A TRUER, WILDER, MORE HOLISTIC WAY OF LIFE THAT VIEWS OURSELVES AS PART OF NATURE.

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IMAGE: © FELIPE ALVES

TRAVELLING IS A WONDERFUL WAY TO REWILD. VENTURING INTO NEW LANDSCAPES PROMPTS US TO USE OUR HUMAN-ANIMAL INSTINCTS TO NAVIGATE, LEARN, AND CONNECT. REWILDING THROUGH TRAVEL GIVES US MORE OPPORTUNITIES TO DISCOVER THE INTERCONNECTEDNESS OF ALL LIFE ON EARTH. WITH OUR FAST-PACED AND OVERSTIMULATED WORLD, I SEE A GREAT NEED FOR US TO SLOW DOWN AND RECONNECT WITH NATURE. HERE ARE 5 WAYS TO REWILD YOURSELF.

1. EXPLORE THROUGH THE SEASONS

The more opportunities we create to observe the small shifts in nature through the seasons the more we’ll connect with our natural selves. Seek out slower and longer vacations that allow you to linger in your destination long enough to experience the subtle changes.

Explore a natural destination when the last frosts of winter blend into the first blooms of spring. Extend your stay to immerse yourself into the land when geese begin their migration south and herald the onset of autumn. Get to know the harshness and gentleness of nature's seasons within each landscape you visit.

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2. VENTURE ON AN EXPEDITION

Expeditions are extended travelling experiences into nature’s wildest terrain. They require significant research and preparation, and often challenge us in many ways. Whether they be crosscountry hiking pilgrimages, explorations into remote lands, or month-long river expeditions, they give us the chance to deeply immerse ourselves into nature.

Endeavours like this give us the opportunity to unlearn, relearn, and establish completely new ways of seeing, being, thinking and doing. Expeditions reveal to us the vastness of the earth, the endurance of water, the wisdom of animals, the nature of the sun, and through it all the spirit of our wild selves.

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IMAGES (CLOCKWISE LEFT TO RIGHT): © JONATHAN BORBA, © PDZIANA HASANBEKAVA, © LACHLAN ROSS

3. DISCOVER THE LOCAL FLORA & FAUNA

Connecting to native flora and fauna helps us discover the energy and history of a landscape. Both animals and plants are highly intelligent beings that adapt to their environment in remarkable ways.

Instead of taking a historical tour in the city, grab an identification field guide and hit the local trails to learn the natural history of your destination.

4. CELEBRATE THE SOLSTICE AND EQUINOX

The solstice and equinox days mark important seasonal transitions in nature.

Many cultures have honoured these astrological events for millennia. Ancient pyramids in Egypt, Mexico, Malaysia and other countries were built to align with the sun to mark these auspicious days.

Stonehenge and Machu Picchu also reflect an acknowledgement of such events. Connect to nature in a new way by exploring the solstice and equinox days as well as the cultures rooted in the ancient remembrance of nature’s patterns.

5. SLOW DOWN + GO ANALOG

A central part of rewilding is decreasing stimuli and distractions from our digital world. Relax your nervous system on your journey by allotting a longer amount of time to settle into your destination and by going analog.

Ditch the apps and use a paper map while reading the natural features of the land.

Turn off the phone and use an analog watch while you track the shadows from the sun. Skip a jam-packed agenda to allow time to absorb the stillness.

Brianne Dela Cruz is a master gardener, wild forager, campfire foodie, and acclaimed writer and photographer. From her home in Salt Lake City, she teaches online gardening and foraging courses for modern folks as well as hosts seasonal community gatherings. Brianne's blog and online school, Gather & Grow, is a community of folks exploring the intersection between nature and personal growth by discovering ways to slow down and rewild. Visit her at gatherandgrow.com.

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TA K I N G T H E WAT E R S Our Exclusive List of the Best Hot Springs for 2022

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Hot springs are a beautiful natural phenomenon. Every year, travellers set out to experience the many unique thermal hot springs for relaxation and healing. From luxury spas and high-end resorts designed to offer guests the ultimate indulgence to the rugged mountains and natural thermal pools, there is the perfect hot spring out there for every style of traveller.

Are you in need of total rejuvenation? We have you covered. The hot spring experience may be exactly what you need to bring you back from what feels like a lifetime without travel. According to the Ultimate Hot Springs Guide, the healing mineral properties in natural hot springs include calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, and silicate, all of which contribute to the well-known therapeutic effects of soaking in thermal waters.

What Exactly Is a Hot Spring?

Hot springs or thermal springs are a body of water (hotter than air temperature) that has been sourced naturally from underground.

Water heated below the earth’s surface eventually becomes buoyant and rises, escaping through cracks and forming a hot spring.

In contrast, if there are no gaps for the water to escape, pressure will build, leading to what we recognize as geysers. Hot springs may also form as a result of rainwater. When rainwater travels below the earth’s surface, the temperature naturally rises.

Ready to glide in? Here is our curated list of some of the best hot springs in North America and a few farther-flung. wander-mag.com

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IMAGE: © JOSHUA SORTINO

Hot springs are said to contain more than 100 natural trace minerals that assist with the promotion of better sleep, improved blood circulation and cell oxygenation, detoxification, reduced inflammation and pain, and offer a natural boost to the immune system.

IMAGES: (TOP AND BOTTOM LEFT) © CASTLE HOT SPRINGS, © HISTORIC BENTON HOT SPRINGS

Castle Hot Springs top and bottom left Arizona, USA

Benton Hot Springs California, USA

Located in the Sonoran Desert, the Castle Hot Springs is a luxurious experience. Secluded pools are located within the desert landscape where guests can enjoy the thermal waters, horseback riding, meditation, yoga, all within the grand 210-acre property.

The Inn at Benton Hot Springs has been owned and operated for over 95 years in the historic mining town of Benton. Here you can soak in the natural mineral waters and relax your aches and pains in temperatures of up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Spend the night in one of the 1940s historic building suites, or choose to sleep in the glamping unit!

If you are seeking solace, a couples romantic retreat, or a place to simply unwind, this adults-only resort offers stunning cabins, bungalows, and 32 premiere accommodations to select from.

Guests can wake up to a delicious breakfast and then spend the day at leisure. Additionally, there are 12 hot tub sites on the property.

Each site is fitted out with a fire pit, picnic area, and restroom and offers visitors the opportunity to camp overnight with their tent or trailer. With so many options in the local area, including the springs, canyons, the ranch, and wilderness hiking, the Benton Hot Springs is worth adding to your itinerary.

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Banff Upper Hot Springs Alberta, Canada The Banff Upper Hot Spring waters are heated geothermally and are located around 4 km from the town of Banff in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. The area is a UNESCO World Heritage site and features the Banff National Park. The mineral-rich water contains sulphate, calcium, bicarbonate, magnesium, and sodium and is steaming hot at a temperature of 98-104 degrees Fahrenheit.

Harrison Hot Springs Vancouver, Canada

IMAGES: © HARRISON HOT SPRINGS

The Harrison Hot Springs is a small community of around 1500 people located just south of Harrison Lake. The springs have one of the highest concentrations of minerals, and visitors can enjoy a choice between the Potash and the Sulfur hot spring. Also, don’t forget to check in at the fabulous Harrison Hot Springs Resort, which offers guests a selection of luxurious spa experiences, making it the most popular place to stay in the resort town.

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IMAGES: (TOP AND BOTTOM) © CHENA HOT SPRINGS, (MIDDLE) © CHRIS MCLENNAN

IMAGES: (TOP) © DESTINATION BC_KARI MEDIG, (BOTTOM) © DESTINATION BC ZOYA LYNCH

Fairmont Hot Springs British Columbia, Canada

Chena Hot Springs Alaska, USA

If you are travelling to British Columbia, you won’t want to miss out on a visit to the Fairmont Hot Springs. Situated between the Purcell and the Rocky Mountains, Fairmont offers everything you could dream of for the ultimate outdoor adventure. Renowned as the most significant natural hot springs in Canada, visitors have been soaking in the thermal spring waters of Fairmont for over 100 years.

Considered the most accessible hot spring resort in the region, the Chena Hot Springs is an incredible outdoor lake. The popular resort features a campground, cabins, and hotel rooms so you can select the travel style that best compliments your needs. No matter where you stay, the hot springs are replenished with mineral spring water which is considered one of the best locations to see the magic of the Northern Lights.

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IMAGES: (TOP AND BOTTOM RIGHT) © GLENWOOD HOT SPRINGS RESORT, (BOTTOM RIGHT) © QUAPAW BATHHOUSE & SPA

Glenwood Hot Springs Resort Colorado, USA The world’s largest year-round hot springs heated pool is located at the Glenwood Hot Springs Resort. Rich in history, this fantastic resort and hot spring has been running since 1888 and offers guests the complete package from the hot spring pool to the day spa and comfortable resort lodgings in the Colorado mountains; the perfect family vacation spot.

Quapaw Bathhouse & Day Spa Arkansas, USA If luxury is what you desire, then the impressive Quapaw Bathhouse and Day Spa is where you need to be. Featuring private baths, a steam cave, four thermal pools, a full-service day spa, mineral baths, aromatherapy baths, and specialized treatments, Quapaw Bathhouse and Day Spa is the ultimate place to rejuvenate. In addition, there is a boutique shop and cafe to ensure a fabulous day out.

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IMAGES: © HAMMER SPRINGS

IMAGES: (TOP AND BOTTOM RIGHT) © GLENWOOD HOT SPRINGS RESORT, (BOTTOM RIGHT) © QUAPAW BATHHOUSE & SPA

The Blue Lagoon Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland

Hanmer Springs Canterberry, New Zealand

The Blue Lagoon is one of the world’s most famous manufactured hot springs and dates back to 1976. The water temperature sits at a steamy 100 degrees Fahrenheit and is renewed every 48 hours. While The Blue Lagoon is a man-made structure, a combination of fresh and saltwater comes from more than 2000 meters beneath the earth.

New Zealand has long valued its abundance of thermal hot springs thanks to a large amount of volcanic activity. As a result, the region has no shortage of premium hot springs that are especially popular in the winter season. The Hanmer Springs is located in the picturesque alpine village of Canterberry.

The water is extracted through geothermal wells and naturally contains minerals and algae, which benefits the skin. In addition, the high levels of natural silica turn the water a fascinating shade of blue, and the white mud found at the bottom of the hot spring is often used as a skin treatment for a range of skin conditions.

Hanmer Springs Thermal Pool & Spa boasts over twenty-two outdoor mineral thermal pools, including the New Cascades, relaxing rock pools, and soothing sulfur pools. So if relaxation is what you had in mind, visit the on-site premier day spa for a luxury pampering session.

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IMAGE: © MATARANKA THERMAL POOL and facing page Mataranka Thermal Pool Mataranka Northern Territory, Australia

The word "mataranka" means "home of the snake" in the language of the local Yangman Aboriginal people. The town is located 1080 km outside of Alice Springs. This remote outback area might not be the dream for luxury travellers, but for those who crave the outback, the thermal springs of Martarkanka bring much-needed relaxation.

Keeping a consistent temperature of 34 degrees means visitors can enjoy the spring all year round while listening to the rushing sound of the Mataranka Falls. The fresh spring water flows from the Daly and Georgina Basins and is refreshed each day.

Kusatsu Onsen Gunma Prefecture, Japan Japan has 27,000 naturally occurring mineral hot spring resorts making it one of the top destinations in the world to seek out this unique experience. In Japan, a hot spring is called an Onsen, and there is no doubt that the culture of Onsen is a significant tourist attraction. The Japanese, too, believe that bathing in the hot springs contributes to their excellent health.

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IMAGES: © KUSATSU_ONSEN

At Kusatsu Onsen, the hot spring water flows from Mount KusatsuShirnane and has been rated the country's number one Onsen by local tourism boards in recent years. The hot spring water is said to help cure skin disease due to the unique acidic quality of the water.

Located 1200 metres above sea level, Kusatsu is the most famous of all the Onsens (with the highest water output) in Japan and has welcomed visitors for centuries.

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IMAGE: © MATARANKA THERMAL POOL

Cherie founded her blog, Travel For Change, in 2016 with the desire to encourage other travellers to wander with purpose. Today the blog has grown into a freelance writing business for mindful brands. Cherie is dedicated to creating content on the environment, plant-based wellness, minimalism, lifestyle and travel. Connect with her at travelforchange.net.

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FIND YOURSELF IN FLOW ON AN

ADVENTUROUS R E T R E AT H O L I D AY

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“If you are looking for leisure and healthy exercise this is the trip for you. Hot springs and a massage are about as leisurely as one can get juxtaposed against yoga, hikes and any other athletic endeavours a guest might want to engage in! Food was nourishing and plentiful, accommodations were comfortable and the other guests were interesting and pleasant. Our host Suzanne ensured everyone was reaching their potential.”

That is just one of many testimonials from a recent guest of Flow Yoga Adventures, a retreat company combining their passion for yoga with meeting like-minded people who want to see the world.

Owner Suzanne Hauserman, also a yoga instructor and founder of Flow Yoga Studios in Colorado, shares her story, what retreats look like for 2022, and thoughts on fostering connection through travel.

IMAGES: © FLOW YOGA ADVENTURES

WANDER: CAN YOU SHARE THE BACKGROUND OF YOUR RETREAT COMPANY, HOW DID THINGS GET STARTED? SUZANNE: I started Flow Yoga Adventures back in 2008 as a way to combine my love of travel and yoga. I grew up travelling and continued exploration through college. I’ve circumnavigated the world on a boat, lived abroad for a few years with my kids, and have yet to stop seeing and experiencing new places. This coincides with my yoga practice as I have been practicing for over 21 years.

I believe yoga creates this beautiful sense of trusting oneself and knowing that fear can sometimes mask excitement. We all crave something new, to grow, to get out of our comfort zone, and what better way than to practice yoga to ground us so we can be in the moment experiencing these amazing cultures and countries!

My first retreat was a paddle boarding, yoga long weekend in Laguna Beach California. I realized quickly that it was going to take a lot more than just a love of yoga and travel to make a successful retreat happen.

ITALY, SPAIN, GUATEMALA, CUBA…HOW DO YOU CHOOSE THE RETREAT DESTINATIONS? Since then a started hosting in Colorado and decided to spread my wings and try international with a weeklong retreat in Italy.

The destinations I pick really are ones that I think appeal to everyone, as well as I have been there and know that there is an amazing culture and environment there that could support a yoga adventure. I look for a place that we can practice yoga daily, a place with a deep sense of history and culture as well as some type of outdoor activity like hiking, paddleboarding, or kayaking.

WHAT ARE YOU SEEING IN TERMS OF YOUR GUESTS’ NEEDS AND DESIRES AS WE HEAD INTO 2022? HAVE THEY CHANGED SINCE THE PANDEMIC BEGAN? What I see heading into 2022 is a desire for intimate small groups, but a desire to get out and see the world. I feel like the desire to travel is higher than it ever has been, but yet there is more hesitation, worry and concern to leave. Travel used to be just so lighthearted, but now people are googling COVID cases and restrictions and getting scared away.

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There are definitely more requests for clarity on refund policies, rescheduling, and how to protect their investment as well. I also added a domestic retreat to New Mexico in 2021 as a response to people not wanting to travel internationally and that was a successful trip.

When I am researching a new trip or location, I like to visit there ahead if possible and find and meet firsthand some of the local experts. I think Airbnb has a lot of fun people to reach out to, and of course, I have done social media research to find a few more rare and unique guides.

One other thing that we have had to add to our itineraries is COVID testing before entering the US. People love knowing that this detail has been taken care of for them and that it will be done quickly so as not to interrupt our trip.

For example, when researching New Mexico, I was having a hard time finding anybody with plant and healing expertise. When I did a hashtag of healing plants I found a woman there that not only took us on a Healing Plant walk but also had her clinical botanical treatments, salves, lotions for sale, as well as a school that she had begun for healers. It was a great find for our healingthemed retreat!

WE LOVE HOW YOU COMBINE YOUR RETREATS WITH IMMERSION IN THE LOCAL CULTURE. HOW DO YOU FIND THIS ADDS TO THE EXPERIENCE? One of my most favourite parts of creating these yoga adventures is finding experiences and local experts that want to share their culture with us. Their knowledge and passion are always some of our attendees’ favourite parts. We’ve met shamans, sound healers, weavers, Chocolate experts, plant guides, astrologists, chefs, graffiti guides, olive oil makers, and more!

WHO IS YOUR TYPICAL GUEST? WHAT LEVEL OF YOGA EXPERIENCE DO THEY TEND TO HAVE? My typical customer has usually travelled before, but I do get usually 1-2 people who have never left the United States and trust me to guide them on their first experience out of the country.

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My attendees also are genuinely curious about the world, and how other people live, and like the outdoors. I try to incorporate hiking, or kayaking, paddle boarding or some type of optional outdoor activity in all retreats.

The level of yoga experience is really all over the place. Sometimes I get high-level experienced yogis that love to kick up and do handstands in their practice, as well as those that are new to yoga and want to explore what a daily practice feels like for them. I love to meet all levels in class and feel I am able to meet people where ever they are on their mats.

HOW WOULD YOU SAY FLOW YOGA ADVENTURES DIFFERS FROM OTHER RETREAT OFFERINGS? How I differ from other yoga retreats is my desire to make everyone feel comfortable and prepared for their trip, as well as unique experiences and cultural interactions that they may not have been able to find or feel comfortable doing on their own. I also see a lot of yoga retreats offered by people who don’t teach yoga anymore in person.

I personally find this as a detriment since we as teachers also need to be learning from our students and continue to grow our own knowledge and expertise from what we see our students needing.

I have taught yoga for over 14 years and have owned my own yoga studio for the last 6. I believe this has really helped me to root and ground within a community, build trust with a lot of students who end up travelling with me on retreats, as well as build confidence in those who have not met me and are meeting me for the first time on a retreat.

One thing I would like to add, is I think that there is a way to travel responsibly, and safely. All of the trips that I research and plan are with 100% consideration for the safety of my attendees.

Right now is an amazing time to be travelling, as more popular tourist spots and destinations have lower numbers of visitors, and the attention and care we are given are even higher as our hosts are so grateful to see tourists return. The world truly is dependent on tourism dollars, and this is one way that we can help our fellow humans out during such a stressful time.

VIEW THE ROSTER OF UPCOMING RETREATS WITH SUZANNE AT FLOWYOGAADVENTURES.COM wander-mag.com

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WELLNESS IN THE WILD PRESS THE RESET BUTTON WITH A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE IN AFRICA

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH KER & DOWNEY® AFRICA wander-mag.com

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IMAGES: © KER & DOWNEY® AFRICA

G O N E A R E T H E D AY S O F ‘ W E L L N E S S T R AV E L ’ S O L E LY B E I N G A S S O C I AT E D W I T H A N I N D U L G E N T S P A VA C AY.

A F R I C A’ S R E M OT E A N D W I L D S PAC E S A R E FA S T B E C O M I N G S O M E O F T H E WO R L D ’ S M O S T S O U G H T-A F T E R D E S T I N AT I O N S F O R A WELLNESS ESCAPE, ALLOWING STRUNG O U T T R AV E L L E R S TO D I S C O N N E C T F R O M T H E S T R E S S O F T H E I R D AY-T O - D AY A N D R E C O N N E C T W I T H T H E M S E LV E S I N T H E G R E AT O U T D O O R S .

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Specializing in bespoke travel throughout the African continent and Indian Ocean islands, award-winning luxury travel and safari company Ker & Downey® Africa offers a number of wellness-inspired experiences in their impressive repertoire.

From guided yoga practices in one of the oldest deserts in the world to running through the wilderness alongside a Maasai warrior, a wellness escape with these travel experts will help you press the reset button and return home feeling rejuvenated.

To inspire your next wellness escape, shared their top experiences in Africa to reboot your mind, body and soul.

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RUN WITH MAASAI WARRIORS For the active traveller, a wellness experience in Africa will take you out of the confines of a gym and into the exhilarating wilderness of Africa. Walking safaris are a great addition to traditional game drives and allow you to include physical activity while on the lookout for wildlife.

Travelling to East Africa? Level up your walking safari and explore the bush on foot alongside a Maasai warrior for a legendary outdoor fitness experience like no other —a fast-paced run through the wilderness, immersed in the sights, smells, and sounds of the untamed landscapes.

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SALUTE THE SUN IN THE DESERT Picture this: saluting the sun as the dawn breaks over Africa’s untouched spaces. There are a number of lodges that now offer expertly guided yoga practices in a dedicated studio overlooking the pristine African wilderness and Sonop in Namibia is no exception.

Located in a private reserve in the ancient Namib Desert, the remote and opulent Zannier Hotels Sonop integrates well-being into its core offering with daily desert yoga and meditation sessions alongside a specialized instructor.

Feel the tension melt away as you connect with your breath and take in the tranquillity of the desert at dawn on a tailored trip with Ker & Downey® Africa to Namibia.

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UNWIND IN A BUSH SPA The epitome of relaxation—a bush spa invites you to unwind with rejuvenating treatments while wildlife graze in the plains beyond. Xigera Safari Lodge in Botswana’s Okavango Delta takes guests on a journey of relaxation in the largest oasis in Africa.

The luxurious spa overlooks the Delta’s floodplains and offers custom-created treatments focused on three pillars of wellness: Restoring, Calming and Purifying. What makes the experience all the more unique is that Xigera uses its very own eco-friendly product range, B | Africa.

The line features exclusive body care products and professional spa treatments derived from quality indigenous plant extracts such as baobab tree oil and mongongo nut.

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HARVEST ORGANIC PRODUCE If you enjoy a well-balanced lifestyle of eating healthy, exercising and practicing mindfulness such as yoga and meditation, a holistic getaway to Africa might be the perfect pick for you!

For travellers with a keen interest in organic cuisine, there are a number of luxury safari lodges that grow their very own fresh produce—making mealtimes a true highlight.

One such property is Gibb’s Farm, a luxury lodge situated on a picturesque coffee estate on the forested slopes of the Ngorongoro Crater. The historic Gibbs Farm offers a peaceful farm-life retreat for Tanzania safari-goers where you can join the daily harvest, picking the fresh produce that will be used by the farm’s chefs the very same day.

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FALL ASLEEP UNDER THE STARS The ultimate self-isolation escape, an overnight sleepout experience invites you to connect with your natural surroundings as Africa’s nocturnal chorus comes alive.

Although travel to Africa is synonymous with a safari experience, a getaway to one of the continent’s idyllic islands is equally as rewarding.

Anantara Medjumbe Island Resort is located off the coast of Mozambique and offers an unparalleled Island Star Bed Experience. You and your loved one will be whisked away on a traditional dhow boat to an uninhabited private island for sunset, dinner and the ultimate overnight escape. Your alfresco luxurious four-poster bed awaits you!

Tuck yourself in under the finest linens and take in the sound of the waves lapping the shore on a warm tropical night.

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Each and every trip that Ker & Downey® Africa creates is perfectly tailored to suit your unique needs and interests.

Visit ker-downeyafrica.com to plan a tailor-made wellness escape that will have you return home feeling refreshed and inspired.

Start Planning Your Journey

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BY JARONE ASHKENAZI wander-mag.com

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A P L A N T- B A S E D APPROACH TO A L U X U R Y FA R M - S TAY EXPERIENCE I M M E R S E D I N T H E S E C LU D E D PAC I F I C R E DWO O D F O R E S T, YO U W I L L F I N D N E W T R E E R A N C H , A L U X U R Y R E T R E AT T H AT E M P H A S I Z E S A S P I R I T U A L - E T H I C A L E C O L O G I C A L A P P R O A C H T O T R AV E L .

Outside of the rolling hills of Sonoma County and downtown Healdsburg sits NewTree Ranch on 120 acres of untouched land, offering a haven destination for travellers seeking to relax, refresh, and reconnect with nature.

Upon entry, you become immediately absorbed into their wellness-centric ethos when passing through the secluded redwood forest as you immediately feel a sense of calm and are urged to rejuvenate your mind and reconnect with what is around you.

IMAGES: © NEW TREE RANCH

According to Ed Newell, Founder and CEO of NewTree Ranch, the ranch is about finding one's place in the greater context of the vast complexity and beauty of nature instead of distancing humans from mother nature.

He continues to share that “NewTree Ranch invites guests to discover their inner curiosity, relax, reset and reconnect with what’s around them and restore the mind, body, and spirit.

Through an array of spiritual and outdoor excursions, guests become more attuned to how adventure and wellness intersect.”

Along with being a fully biodynamic operation—all food is grown on-site, and guests actually can wander through the property to see their on-site biodynamic garden—the ranch is centred around sustainability, operated by its own power sources and utilizing a closed-loop food system.

Their produce is 100% absent of any chemicals. The expansive garden is burgeoning with an endless variety of fresh fruit and vegetables like beans, purplette pearl onions, tomatoes, carrots, and apples. When you take a stroll through the garden, your

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senses are heightened by the smell of the freshly grown produce and the natural colours surrounding you.

Imagine exploring Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory, but instead of artificial sweeteners and sugar, you have whole fresh produce (with colours just as beautiful) made from the earth.

Offering one-of-a-kind discovery and adventure experiences, NewTree Ranch boasts a pool overlooking dense oak trees, four luxury suites in its 1,200 square-foot barn and a glamping tent surrounded by nature.

The barn welcomes guests in providing an inviting and tranquil environment through its earth-tone hues and rich wood accents throughout. In addition, its wraparound terrace offers an ideal spot to grab your morning cup of coffee and feel fully enveloped in the surrounding redwoods.

For those wishing for a night under the stars, the luxury canvas tent is equipped with an outdoor soaking tub, wood-burning stove, and luxurious king-size bed. The property itself also is home to two separate horse pastures, a heavenly private lake and an outdoor farm kitchen that usually becomes a meeting ground for guests and staff to discuss the richness of the produce and learn about the healing benefits of what they are about to consume.

“At NewTree Ranch, we were mindful in design and offerings to be a luxury destination but still stay true to the natural flow of the environment,” says Newell. “Guests’ connection to nature is a necessity, and this can be felt through every inch of our property and every activity we offer.”

It is almost like stepping into an alternate reality, one where time ceases to exist, and you forget that you are only 12 miles

from downtown Healdsburg. Connecting with the surrounding environment is relatively easy—even for those who constantly need to be connected digitally—as the silence and stillness here simply allow you to melt into a state of tranquillity.

At every corner of this vast ranch, life is bountiful. The land is well-nourished, the produce bursts with flavour, the open fields are home to their two Scottish Highlander Cows, Kathy and Eddie, as well as Nigerian dwarf goats, Sally and John, miniature horses, Horcelain and Ginger, who graze the grounds and 22 chickens, producing an immediate sense of joy for all guests.

Activities are plenty, from yoga alongside 100-year-old Redwood trees, hands-on, plant-based cooking class with chef Brandon Rouge which guides guests through a seed-to-table meal, an extraordinary mindfulness Wim Hof Experience, a calming Sound Journey as well as flower picking and arranging, nature hikes, tea making and more.

Walk with one of the ranch’s miniature horses or bike on its untouched land to feel the fresh breeze that compliments the beautiful smells of the numerous indigenous plants and flowers in the area. Outings in the ranch’s Tesla Model X can also be arranged in the surrounding area, including kayaking, paddle boarding and swimming in Lake Andreas, wine tasting and driving up the coast.

The full experience doesn’t end upon exiting their gates; the knowledge gained through their litany of experts allows for deeper understanding and cyclical practices to continue into daily life.

Understanding their approaches to agriculture, nutrition, and wellness present a platform to grow but also a challenge for how to integrate that into daily life from this plant-based paradise in Sonoma County.

Following being published on Fast Company and Wired Innovations Insights, Jarone expanded his writing portfolio to cover luxury travel, goods, and unique experiences along with restaurants and lifestyle work. From luxury hotels, resorts and VIP experiences, Jarone has written about exclusive properties for the discerning traveller. Jarone is a native to Los Angeles and spends his free time travelling, playing sports and is always up for an adventure.

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H O L I D AY G I F T G U I D E APOTHECARY

Mintier Breath Mint The world’s first oil-based, zero sugar, long-lasting breath freshener.

You’ll want to pick up more than one of these.

shopmintier.com

Taurah Cooling Mist Spray this on face and body post-run or workout and don’t be surprised when you use it as a room spray as well.

shoptaurah.com

Taurah Yoga Mat Spray This all-natural yoga mat cleanser has a lovely, freshening citrus scent. Wipe down those home weights while you’re at it!

shoptaurah.com

G Herbal Supplements Derived from potent indigenous plants from Indonesian farms that are traceable from farm to capsule, the packaging alone makes a beautiful gift.

Graydon Skincare Moon Boost Serum Infused with 7 vitamins and nutrient-dense oils and extracts, this brandnew, velvety-smooth, multifunctional serum is especially good for thirsty skin.

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Graydon Skincare Glow Getter Duo With vitamin-rich superfood ingredients and sustainably sourced mica, get radiant skin this holiday season with Graydon’s Fullmoon Serum and Face Glow.

graydonskincare.com

Wander Beauty Tasting Flight Mascara Kit Featuring three clean and innovative formulas: Mile High Club™ to lengthen and define, Unlashed for curl, and Upgraded Lashes™ to thicken.

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Wander Beauty Baggage Claim™ Eye Masks Insta-famous, now in limited edition priority pass pink. Each pair works to brighten, hydrate, and de-puff under eyes while minimizing dark circles.

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IMAGES: (TOP ROW) © TAURAH,(MIDDLE ROW) © G HERBAL SUPPLEMENTS, (BOTTOM ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT ) © GRAYDON SKINCARE, ©WANDER BEAUTY

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ABODE

Bearaby Tree Napper Made of plant-based TENCEL, this weighted blanket keeps hot sleepers cool while helping them to sleep deeper and feel calmer, naturally.

IMAGES: (TOP) © BEARABY, (BOTTOM) © BAROOGA HOME

bearaby.com

Barooga Turkish Hand Towel These lightweight, coastal-look, 100% cotton hand towels are sustainably woven by traditional Turkish weavers. Perfect for bath, kitchen, travel and gym.

baroogahome.com

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IMAGES (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP): ©MADE TRADE, © THE BARE HOME, © NOWADAY STUDIO © EYM NATURALS

ABODE

Sijo French Linen Sheet Set Sourced in small batches from France, this luxury linen is stonewashed for ultimate softness, and it only gets more comfortable with time.

madetrade.com

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The Bare Home Joy Bundle Scented using organic essential oils, introduce someone to sustainable, natural cleaning and home products that smell as good as they look.

thebarehome.ca

Eym Naturals Candles Eym candles are British made with 100% natural botanical based perfumes. Pick up their three most popular fragrances for giving (or keeping).

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Hygge in a Box A seasonal subscription box curated by hygge enthusiasts to inspire cozy moments and experiences, a surefire way to spread holiday cheer.

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IMAGES: (L TO R) ©DAVIDsTEA, © ZESTSPOT

KITCHEN

DAVIDsTEA Advent Calendar Power your inner elf with this popular annual advent calendar, now in a caffeine-free edition. Filled with 24 must-have festive teas.

IMAGES: © ZESTSPOT

davidstea.com

Berard Classic Leak Proof Coated Olivewood Bowls These 6 stackable, gorgeous bowls are handcrafted from solid olive wood which has been responsibly and sustainably sourced.

zestspot.com

Emile Henry Grand Cru Artisan Bread Baker + Cuisipro Silver Dough Scraper Level up the bread baker in your life with stunning, professional tools and ooh and aah at their perfect homemade creations.

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WA R D R O B E

Andrea Waines Jewellery Each individual piece is hand stamped one letter at a time by Andrea herself. We love these rounded modern square necklaces.

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IMAGE: © ANDREA WAINES

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IMAGE: © LACE BRICK DESIGN

Lace Brick Design Adventure Bag Whether used as a carry-on or loaded up for an impromptu overnight in the mountains, this is hands down the best bag you will own.

IMAGES (L TO R): © TENTREE, © TENTREE, © VOLPRIVE

lacebrickdesign.com

tentree TreeFleece Bamone Sweatpant Lounge around for the holidays in soft organic cotton while doing your part for the planet. Every purchase plants 10 trees.

tentree.ca

tentree Atlas Sweatpant Their top-selling men’s jogger sets the sustainable standard thanks to warm insulation and high breathability, perfect from #camplife to #streetlife.

tentree.ca

Volprive Travel Pillow + Sleep Mask Relax with this memory foam pillow with removable, merino wool cover and wool/ bamboo-blend mask to soothe the eyes and block light.

volprive.ca

IMAGE: © GIVE'R

Classic Give’r Glove Straight out of the mountains, these are known as the "gloves of 100 uses." Each pair arrives wax-sealed, ready to get out there and give'r!

give-r.com

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LIBRARY

Read an excerpt

Read our interview with Linzi

Intuitive Night Goddess Tarot Deck This original tarot card set from intuitive healer and artist Linzi Silverman features feminist art on 78 matte cards as well as a 144-page companion guidebook.

Rich in symbolism, this deck lifts from the traditional RiderWaite-Smith, using its narrative to provide balance in the light and dark of life. The goddesses depicted by these cards are archetypal composites from various cultures, embodying the timeless Divine Feminine spirit we all possess.

Great for both beginners and the most advanced of tarot lovers, this beautiful deck offers increasing wisdom with every reading.

ulyssespress.com

Rituals of the Soul Using the 8 Ancient Principles of Yoga to Create a Modern & Meaningful Life Is your life a wild exploration, or does it lack excitement? If you listened more intently to what your heart wants, what would you be doing? These are some of the questions that author Kori Hahn explains the ancient steps of yoga can help answer.

While yoga is often considered simply a form of exercise or meditation, Kori offers an easy-to-digest understanding of the deeper principles of yoga to cultivate more spaciousness, presence, awareness, and worthiness. In fact, readers can use the formula without ever setting foot on a yoga mat.

The eight-step strategy is based on the teachings of an ancient text called the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, to which Kori offers her own examples from her life as a yogi, bohemian, surfer, and mama to make each of the eight principles easier to integrate into modern life.

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Read an excerpt

Read an excerpt

Radiant Rest

When Women Rise

Yoga Nidra for Deep Relaxation and Awakened Clarity

Everyday Practices to Strengthen Your Mind, Body, and Soul

Designed for spiritual seekers, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in self-development, inquiry and personal growth. Through the book, Tracee Stanley guides readers beyond the technique of Yoga Nidra and into the depths in order to experience deep relaxation and awaken to personal power.

Dr. Michele Kambolis is an unshakable believer in our innate capacity to self-heal and thrive.

“Women’s fatigue and stress go far beyond the need for better self-care, alone time, or support to get through the mounting daily tasks,” she says. “Extra kale and yoga classes aren’t going to help women change the early conditioning that tells us how to fit into a society dominated by masculine values and ideals. And they certainly aren’t going to address the harder fact that women and girls in every country on our planet face discrimination, violence, financial and work inequity, and extraordinary challenges due to gender inequality.”

Co-founder of the Empowered Wisdom Yoga Nidra School, Tracee travels internationally leading retreats and sharing her wisdom. Her practices are inspired by the tradition of Himalayan Masters and Sri Vidya Tantra, into which she was initiated in 2001.

Through the book, she offers bedtime and wake-up rituals, along with insights on some of the obstacles to relaxation and the factors that play a part in blocking us from our birthright of deep rest and spiritual awakening and how to navigate them.

Her step-by-step guide includes guided meditations and exercises deeply rooted in neuroscience, psychology, and integrative medicine and proven to calm your nervous system, steady your mind, and heal your heart. This book is like a therapist in your pocket.

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IMAGE: © MATHEUS BERTELLI

GIFT YOURSELF THIS HOLIDAY!

ENTER TO WIN A SELECTION OF CURATED GOODS FROM OUR HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE. OVER $500 IN PRIZING. ENTER NOW wander-mag.com

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