Hey Mindful Movers and lovers of our community. As I was planning the third edition of the HGGFMM ( It’s really a mouthful), I began to reflect on what this year has taught me. My family has begun to make small steps to becoming more eco conscious. From saying no to plastic bags, using reusable beeswax and canvas cloths in lieu of plastic wrap, and buying second hand, I have made it my goal to be less wasteful. It can be overwhelming when you realize how much waste we create. I am not tackling some big and slightly unrealistic goal, I am chipping away by making little decisions everyday.
This is the time of year when commerce analysts track trends and watch what people are spending their money on. We can drive the market to support eco conscious businesses just by supporting them. There are few ways you can be impactful this season.
1. Shop Local
Not only are you supporting a small business thus putting money back into your community, you are also using less plastic and cardboard by not having and item shipped.
2. Gift Experiences
This has always been near and dear to my heart. The gift of experience is one that lasts beyond the holiday season.
3. Support Craftsmanship
There is a nostalgia for owning something that is one of a kind or hand made. I truly feel that people are pulling a way from the dime a dozen, more for less bargain. I personally love the energy that was put into making something by hand and how that resonates in the space it inhabits.
In Health,
Kiersten
The Gift of Captured Moments
A Photography Session with Lisa Hourin
Raw, authentic, and moving are a few words that I would use to describe Lisa Hourin’s photography. A professional photography session is a gift that one can cherish from years to come. A session with Lisa is effortless, real, and comfortable.
When I asked Lisa what inspires her, “As far as inspiration...I draw ALL of my inspiration from my clients. My intention is to capture the authenticity, emotion, realness and art of my subject. In our woo woo terms, I think it mainly encompasses being present in each moment that I'm shooting.
Check out more of Lisa’s work at lisahourin.com
The Gift of Insight
An Intuitive Session with Christy Escher
I first met Christy when she offered Dragonfly instructors a group reading. It was an amazing experience and each group session that I have attended since always leaves me with the same message: we are all going through it, be kind. Also, each session helps me realize we are all more connected that we see in on the surface.
It’s hard to explain what a session is like. Christy provides a clear description for those who are curious:
“During a group healing, Christy creates a safe space of trust and understanding. She opens the group with a prayer and gently guides a brief meditation where she feels into each participant’s chakras. Intuitively, she identifies areas in the body where one might be storing unprocessed emotion and how this unprocessed energy is manifesting now. Then, Christy goes back and uncovers circumstances and events that triggered these sensitivities and emotions. Once that cellular memory is unlocked, participants come to realisations on their own and perceptions shift. Christy also discusses integration and next steps. Only that which needs to come through does, so it's never too much or unmanageable. This is deep inner work that can help people release old patterns that no longer serve them.
During an individual healing, Christy is able to go deeper and feel into subtle energies. She supports her clients as they learn to move inward on their healing journey. Christy offers meditations that clients can use to cultivate healing practices on their own. While it is often tremendously helpful to find support in the community, everything we need is inside of us. We are here to support and serve each other, while at the same time learn how to dive deeply into the inner-healing journey of the self.” ~ Christy Escher
For more information visit birthingnewdimensions.com
The Gift of Being Mindful
All products created by Lisa Mitchell of be mindful are 100% clean.
Did you know that synthetic perfumes, caustic chemicals, and those scented plug ins can cause endocrine disruption? Recent studies are beginning to support how these chemicals are causing a range of health issues. Lisa Mitchell created be mindful to offer alternatives to mass produced chemical products.
“Some moment of clarity hit me on my journey of yoga and trying to nurture my body with healthy food, that using commercial cosmetics, lotions and body sprays were taxing my lymphatic system and skincare was as important as diet. I wanted to share solutions I had found,” says Mitchell. I find it fascinating and impressed by the variety of products Lisa offers. As a migraine sufferer, I purchased her magnesium spray which is wonderful for sore muscles as well. Often times migraines are brought on by a lack of magnesium in the body and it can be absorbed through the skin.
When asked how she learned to make her products, “I have a background in health science and a passion to create so I began an intense research phase on herbalism and nature infusion.” I admire Lisa’s work and her message, “ I would encourage people to revisit our connection to nature. I believe provisions for our bodies to thrive begin at a cellular level and nurturing our bodies reveals more long term benefits than the quick toxic chemical overload of industrial products.”
See Lisa’s products and learn more at bemindful.net
The Gift of Art
Local artist Cait Graham creates one of kind pieces from natural materials.
I came across Cait’s artwork on instagram (#amazing) and I was really moved by the fluidity, simplicity, and creative works of art.
“I wish I could say this project was born from a pun gone awry (they’re sticks.. that are figures) but in truth it grew out of apophenia, the tendency to see patterns in random data. Most of us see shapes in clouds and faces in cars. I wanted to solidify what I saw - that the sidewalks are littered with elbows, long stretches of leg muscle, and the curve where the neck meets the shoulder.
For me, joy comes from arranging these shapes without modifying the materials in any way. Every twig is used just as it was found; no shortening, no breaking, no removing side shoots. By taking these twigs out of the context of their natural environment I get to choose where to create the gaps that our minds can’t help but fill,” says Graham.
Her works are currently on display at Kybecca and are also available at Fraser Wood Elements. Check out her her one of a kind pieces at www.cgtxture.com
The Gift of Renewal
Enjoy a long weekend connecting in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Stephanie Coiner, Catie Nawrocki, and myself found easy friendship through some of the things we love most, yoga, soul work, and food. We are excited to bring all of those elements to this collaborative long weekend for out Renew and Reset Women’s Retreat. This is a perfect gift for the very special person in your life who takes care of it all. This retreat is meant to revive!
Renew and Reset the soul with an extended Women’s Weekend Retreat in Amherst, Va June 4-7 2020. ♾
Come and stay at the historic and enchanting Fairview Estate built in 1867 in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Enjoy ample free time to take in the property’s panoramic views, read a book on the expansive porch, roaming peacocks, and distinctive Italiante architecture. ♾
This special retreat is an opportunity to be energized and inspired by the space, people and vibrations that surround you.
Reset the body with clean, freshly prepared meals, healthy movement, and fresh mountain air.
Renew and relax the mind with our guided meditations and wellness offerings.
Rejuvenate the spirit through soulful connection and taking time for your own self care. ♾
This intimate retreat hosted by Stephanie Coiner, Catie Nawrocki, and Kiersten Kennedy is centered around softening into your divine feminine essence through movement, meditation, and connection. ♾
Retreat offerings:
-Accommodations in the historic Fairview Estate
-All meals included (breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Vegetarian and non vegetarian options provided)
-Hiking
-Guided Meditation
-Sacred Women’s Circle
-Group Reiki
-Yoga and Pilates Sessions
-Group healing session with Christy Escher of Birthing New Dimensions
-Plant and crystal healing
-Massage (optional add on)
-And more!
Go to discovertula.com to register
The Gift of Longevity
Sarah Jennings of Sarah J. Fitness will help you find your strength and meet your goals.
I feel honored to call Sarah a friend and a peer. Her dedication to her craft and her easy going personality are what makes an exceptional personal trainer.
Sarah Jennings a is one of the most sought after personal trainers in the Fredericksburg Virginia area. Sarah’s number one objective is safety and correct form and technique when training her clients. She believes patience is key to gaining strength, power and endurance and changing unhealthy choices into healthy habits. Sarah became a personal trainer to help people realize their God given gifts and talents and loves to watch people thrive after they realize their capabilities. Sarah is easy going and understands her clients’ personalities and individual needs. She encourages rather than discourages and is always willing to go that extra mile for any client.
Sarah’s Certifications
National Personal Training Institute – CPT (NPTI)
Suspension Training (NPTI)
Kettle Bell Training (NPTI)
Nutrition (NPTI)
Mobility (NPTI)
Sarah is currently taking clients at Bodyworks in downtown Fredericksburg. Keep an eye out for her spin classes coming soon. Email her at sarah@sarahjfitness.com
The Gift of Play
Fort Pure Play expands its offering with a store filled with loose play parts.
Owner Jodie Vaughn knows how to play. With her background in pediatric occupational therapy, Vaughn knows just how important play and imagination are for childhood development. Fort To-Go isn’t just a toy store. “We curate special pieces that can be used for years to come, passed down among children in a family, and even across generations,” Jodie stated in her interview with he Freelance Star. Many of these toys are handmade and will stand the test of time. From durable toy cars to the softest snuggle buddies, Fort To-Go is a must when shopping for children this holiday season.
In addition to the store front on Caroline Street, Fort Pure Play is a wonderful space for you child to explore many of the items sold in the shop.
Visit fortpureplay.com
The Gift of Charity
Donate to help support wellness programs for our community
The Yoga Foundation of Fredericksburg (YOFO) is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that provides yoga, mindfulness and wellness classes to underserved groups and individuals in the Fredericksburg area. Your donations help fund 40-50 free classes a month for children, families, and those with special needs.
YOFO also runs a community-based studio where yoga teachers and wellness practitioners manage their own classes and workshops, offering a variety of unique and inspiring styles to the yoga community. All studio profits are funneled back into the community to provide yoga to those in need.
Making a donation in someone’s name is a wonderful way to show you are thinking of them while enhancing the community.
Do you have something you’d like to offer the community? YOFO is looking for wellness professionals to share and enrich our community.
Visit yogaforeveryone.org for more details.