Winter 2012 Newsletter

Dear Friends,

Winter has been flying by! It is almost March and so here we are enjoying the longer days already knowing that Spring is around the corner.  A little chickadee was singing out his mating call this morning.  That is a sure sign.  Nature is always there to tell us what is happening if you pay attention.  We've enjoyed many hours of Cross Country skiing this winter.  Our Newsletter is about getting your excercise; physically, emotionally, spiritually and how important that is.  I personally cannot think of a better way to get excercise in the winter, then going out for a beautiful Cross Country ski! 

Brian has been busy researching, planning, and building our brand new Aquaponics System.  This is a system which allows us to grow beautiful veggies while at the same time growing fresh talapia fish.  It is a symbiotic relationship.  It is where
the waste water from one feeds the other....going with the FLOW together .  This creates for us a fresh organic protein source so that we are not contributing to the decline of fish stocks in our oceans and rivers.  And we are guaranteed to have fish free of heavy metals and other toxins.  We are looking forward to getting it up and running/swimming before you arrive; especially if you have kids , they'll love to see all the fish.

We have much to be grateful for at this time.  For the upcoming season we have hired a couple to come and play, work, (creative projects) and "BE" at Quantum Leaps.  So when you arrive here you will probably meet Andre and Tamara.  We feel very blessed and with our line up this 2012 and all the amazing teachers and people coming here, this is going to be a profound and wonderful wakeup year.  Read on and enjoy our Newsletter.  Thank you for being here.

sending heart songs,
Brian & Annette

Quantum Leaps Lodge
Golden, BC
www.quantumleaps.ca

ps. we are still putting the intention out to the universe to expand Quantum Leaps into an Eco Village on 38 acres next door.  See our November 2011 Newsletter for details! 

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Our 2012 Retreat schedule is AMAZING! 

From Yoga Retreats, to Plant Shamanism, to Breathwork, to being Called to Nature and much more....there are many amazing teachers coming to share their wisdom with you here at Quantum Leaps Lodge.  Now all we need is YOU!  Join us to raise the consciousness of our planet while raising yours! Come and rejuvenate, relax, eat yummy organic food and deepen your wisdom.
Our discounts apply if you register one month before the start date of the Retreat you wish to join.  You will receive $50 OFF and if you have been to Quantum Leaps before you get an additional $25 OFF
The schedule for 2012  will be sending so many positive vibrations out to our Planet.
Check out our website for all our upcoming events:
www.quantumleaps.ca

Join us to be "the change you wish to see in the world" Gandhi

See the vibrations (orbs) at our last Fire Walking Ceremony Feb. 14th, 2012!

That's Brian, next to Annette; the Orb's are busy shape shifting him :)

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Benefits of Excercise!
Often times in Winter it is hard to be motivated to get outside, get fresh air, and to excercise.  For me though there is nothing more enjoyable then going out for a Cross Country Ski.  I do both; classic and skate skiing style so that I have options with the weather conditions and snow conditions.  If there is fresh snow and it is a bit colder I will opt for Classic skiing.  If it is warmer and the conditions are more hardpacked I opt to go Skate Skiing.  I admit, I love it!  There is nothing like "whooshing" down a beautiful trail in the winter on my skiis.  Some days at our local trails, I am the only one out on the trail.  So for me emotionally it provides me with the space to clear my mind and enjoy solitude away from others.  I like to think I practice Mindfulness Skiing!  And I am in communion with Nature at all times.  As I go deeper into the forest on my skiis, I feel the connection between me and the snow, the trees, and all the animals that surround me.  It is not often I actually see any animals on the trail.  The joy of winter is that you can see their tracks on the snow, as to where the creatures have been.  From pine martins, snowshoe hare, grouse, and the odd lynx track, I know I am not alone out there.  So Skiing also satisfies my spiritual connection to Nature. 

And YES the excercise is so good for you.  Cross Country skiing is a full body excercise where you use your arms and legs.  To do it properly and to get maximum benefit from your skiis and your body, a lesson with a certified instructor is always recommended.  That way you get proper technique right away so you can enjoy the variety of terrain that cross country skiiers can enjoy.  The hills can be very thrilling as you speed along.  Knowing how to negotiate the hills without crashing is always a good thing

Here are some of the benefits of excercise as outlined by Dr. Mercola www.mercola.com
Not only will exercise help you:

* Sleep better
* Maintain Your Weight
* Improve your resistance to fight infections
* Lower your risk of cancer, heart disease and diabetes

But, exercise appears to actually help your brain work better and make you smarter.  And specifically to Cross Country skiing; when it comes to calorie-burning potential, cross-country skiing is tied first-place with running. This is a sport that can help you get lean. The key to obtaining the benefits of exercise is to commit to a program. Set a goal for yourself such as skiing 5 or 10km in one hour etc.  Or find a Loppet Race (a fun race) to join in.  All over BC and Alberta, almost every weekend, there is a loppet.  Some are built around fun themes like the Kananaskis Cookie Race.  I myself am motivated to get out and ski because I decided to ski our local 30km Huckleberry Loppet. Sure at these races there are the lycra wearing athletes! There are also the famillies, the people with the wonderful old wooden skiis on etc.  Just get out and enjoy yourself in the winter. 

And with that, I do believe it is time to get away from the computer and go for a ski along the River!