Happy Arbor Day!

"Trees are your best antiques." ~Alexander Smith

Today is Arbor Day! Observe this nationally-celebrated day by planting a tree! Relationships with humans take up a lot of time and energy, so creating a bond with non-humans, like trees, must be a conscious choice. Plant a tree to mark a special anniversary, a yearly commitment, or the completion of one of life's milestones. Over the years, your bond with the tree will grow, and your subtle connection has the potential of lasting a lifetime!

I have a special connection with an aspen and a plum tree. What kind of tree are you connected to?

-Keryn

BODY Style

The cyclical nature of community

Building community takes work. We all have the tendency to settle into our own private worlds when we aren't making a determined intention to be part of the bigger picture. I dare you to reach out to make a connection in some way that is out of your regular routine. Here are some ideas:

• Compliment a stranger
  
• Share something you are passionate about with a friend
• Attend a community gathering
• Start an communal project with your neighbor
• Lend something special to someone
• Donate your time to a worthy organization
• Offer to help someone

Making these efforts may feel like work at first, however contributing to a community entails reaping the benefits of being part of something that is larger than yourself.

-Keryn

BODY Style

BODY Style

BODY Style

BODY Style Blog

The new BODY Style Blog is here!

Every day we marvel at the beauty and creativity walking by or through our doors at BODY. We, at the BODY Boutique would like to share these experiences with you by capturing, displaying and celebrating the diverse styles expressed by the members, employees and visitors of our BODY community. It is such a feast for the senses to drink in the wonderful combinations of color, texture, and form that make up an individuals "style"; the witnessing of which translates into the idea that our very bodies are an art form to be dressed and adorned in endless possibilities of expression and play. Which is one of the reasons style is so intriguing; it is always evolving...Just like us.

Beauty. BODY. Individuality.

Come play "dress up" with us and let us know what you think about the images and styles we've chosen for our BODY Style segment this week.more

Miracle Beauchamp, BODY Boutique Buyer
Jacqueline Beam, BODY Boutique Manager

Time & Gravity

"Time and gravity are the best teachers"

This is what one of Body's great yoga teachers, David, said to the class on Tuesday. Throughout the hour of his class, David guided us through an exploration of gravity and how intense it can be when combined with extended time. My muscles are happily feeling the effects of yesterday's class, which immediately gave me a renewed sense of adjustment - even in my bones. I highly suggest David's class for anyone who is looking for a uniquely meditative and stimulating experience.

-Keryn

Spring renewal

"To cherish what remains of the Earth and to foster its renewal is our only legitimate hope of survival."

~ Wendell Berry

Take this quote as a reminder of the importance of following an eco-friendly lifestyle. The best inspiration to recycle, purchase green products, and to lower you carbon footprint can be found right outside your front door. Look at each spring blossom as a beautiful symbol of how the earth can renew itself - but only with our help and dedication to protect nature and the atmosphere.

Happy Spring!

-Keryn

Our newest Skin Care - DNA

We have always loved Spa Tech, but have always wanted to add another line to our spa. We have finally added in DNA. We are thrilled to have them and feel they fit in perfectly with BODY's beliefs. DNA uses only natural, organic, chemical-free and preservative-free ingredients. The products contain no parabens, even the sunscreen is completely natural. All fragrances are natural. (I recently got the night cream and it smells like walking through a rose garden after a rainstorm. Not a fake rose smell, but a true rose smell). DNA also offers cryostem cells. Research has shown they actually slow the aging of cells and increase new skin growth by 71% percent. We really liked the fact that there is a lot of research behind this product. There are many organic products out there, but they do not all have scientific research to back it up.
Sometimes when you hear cryostem cells it might make you wonder, but their cells come from cows. As follows: (cows). The bovines roam free-range in a pristine region of the French Alps. They receive organic feed and are hormone, steroid and antibiotic free. The health and well-being of this special bovine herd is a priority for the DNA Health Institute, and we ensure that these bovine live in a safe and nurturing environment. Embryonic fluid, rich in nutrients and stem cells, is extracted during a carefully calculated specific timeline (within the first trimester of the bovine’s pregnancy) to achieve maximum amounts of stem cells which have not become specific to the bovine genetic composition but contain the DNA information to influence and support human skin. The extraction process is similar to human amniocentesis, a diagnostic procedure in which a small amount of amniotic fluid is withdrawn from the amniotic sac, the membrane that surrounds the fetus in the uterus. This cruelty-free method does not harm the bovines and protects the health and well-being of the mother bovine and her fetus. The extracted fluid is soon replenished by fresh embryonic fluid, rich in the biological nutrients necessary for a healthy pregnancy. The mother bovine replaces the fluid in less than eight hours after extraction. The DNA Health Institute has always been on the forefront of animal and human rights.

Many of the staff has already started using the product and I have noticed drastic results in a few. I highly recommend if you are looking for a good skin care product to try DNA out.

Evening of Spirit

Body staff is abuzz with excitement for this Sunday's event by Charley Castex "Evening of Spirit"! As the most recent addition to Body's community of psychics, Charley takes residency at Body every Friday to offer in depth life readings that focus on each individual's personal potential.

Charley has been very busy here at Body, and booking an appointment has become competitive. If you haven't been able to book one of Charley's transformative readings yet, join us on Sunday, March 15, for "Evening of Spirit" - you might be one of the lucky audience members to receive a random reading! This is the introductory event, so admission is free!

Prior to the gallery readings, Charley will offer us a presentation of joyous teachings on cultivating an empowering relationship with our own natural divinity. Please join us in a journey of transformative self discovery led by Charley Castex.

-Keryn

Take it slow

“Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.” - Lao Tzu

Allow yourself to go at your own pace today. Chances are, you still will get everything done with even more precision. Life is not about getting your errands done. Practice fully feeling every moment today. Trust that every task is a stepping stone on your personal journey.

-Keryn

The BODY challenge!

We encourage all to join us in a transformative 2 week promise to your greatest ally - yourself. Starting March 1st, give yourself the gift of committing to 3 or more of the following awareness building practices. Be sure to check in with yourself everyday and experience the sensation of creating space within. Here are a few of the challenges that some of us here at BODY are taking on...We hope you join us!

* Wake up 15 minutes earlier than usual & start the day with a short meditation. Create an intention for your day.

*Speak the truth, deliver it kindly.

* Eliminate media as much as possible from everyday routines. This includes TV, radio, newspapers, internet, books, etc.

* Spend at least 30 minutes outside each day. Watch the sun set from start to finish, immerse yourself in the night sky, or spend time with the rising sun.

* Create a daily practice of yoga, tai chi, or breathing exercises. Focus on nuturing your body. Thank it for all it does for you.

* Elminate recreational eating. Choose all meals by nutritional value. Listen to your body to determine what foods are best for your individual needs.

* Acknowledge all of your efforts at work, with family, etc... by fully relaxing for a set amount of time each day. Take a nap, a hot bath, or simply sit. Be careful to keep your mind from wandering.

You are beauty

"The moon lives in the lining of your skin."
-Pablo Neruda

Take this quote as inspiration to find the beauty and the infinite potential that lives within.

-Keryn

A few additions to our website

We have gotten a lot of comments from our clients over the years about things that will make BODY better for them. We are slowly going through that list to add as many of those items that we can. One of the newest items, is the ability to purchase gift certificates on-line. You can print them right away, email them, or order a gift card to be shipped. I hope it makes it easier for everyone to treat all the people they love. Don't forget that the best way to get a gift card is inside BODY because then you can treat yourself to a chai or hot chocolate in this cold weather. Always feel free to add other items you think could make body better to this Blog or email info@bodyofsantafe.com. The link to purchase gift certificate is http://www.bodyofsantafe.com/body_spa.html.

Kendra

Healthy Resolutions

The results are in!

Did you know that in our most recent poll, the most common resolution for BODY lovers was split 50/50 between vowing to eat more consciously and dedicating to a more regular yoga routine?

I suppose it is no surprise, our café has been bustling as usual! I've also noticed recently that the studio classes have a wonderful communal energy. Thank you for your participation in the poll!

Next time you find yourself in our café try something from our menu you've never had before. A favorite among BODY staff is the Asian Green Curry (featured in the photo). It's perfect for chilly winter days when you need to warm up from the inside out.

-Keryn

Hasbeens

BODY boutique is thrilled to announce that we will soon be carrying eco-friendly Hasbeen shoes, Lucky magazine's must have shoes of the year. As one of Sweden's fastest growing fashion brands, Hasbeens are made of ecologically prepared natural grain leather with heels crafted from sustainable wood. Ever since 1972, Hasbeens have been handmade in the same small factory in Sweden. BODY is happy to be the exclusive local retailer in Santa Fe to carry this brand that prizes creativity, joy, quality, and eco-friendliness above all else.

Hasbeens were chosen as the trend of the year in Sweden at the annual Trend Award Gala 2008 in Stockholm. During 2008 Swedish Hasbeens have become one of Sweden’s fastest growing fashion brands, triple their sales during only one year, attract some of the world’s best stores and expanded their brand to sell in more than 15 countries.

We expect our first shipment of Hasbeens soon! Until then, we are having a 25% off sale on all shoes!

-Keryn

Love your Community!

Here at BODY community comes first, which means we respect everyone's opinions and political leanings. That's why we are so inspired by the following community building project that transcends political parties!

Known as "A Call to Service", this project encourages Americans to get involved with their communities by committing to start volunteering today, January 19, 2009. Spokesperson Michelle Obama motivates us all in an online video to serve our neighborhoods, simply by routinely donating a little of our time.

Find a way your own way to give back to Santa Fe. For a list of local volunteer opportunities, Click here

Wah! is coming to BODY!

Wah! is a prolific songstress of Sanskrit chant, who seamlessly infuses a unique mix of Hindu chorus, pop, reggae and storytelling. Wah!’s concerts are always uplifting celebrations of spirit that are said to be “sensual enough to accompany candelight and playful enough to make a grown man shimmy”. Audiences tend to be a mix of people seeking a transcendent musical experience and fans who just want to have a night out dancing.

Wah! focuses her performances around interaction, frequently involving the audience in call and response, which she calls “mantras in motion”. The healing essence of mantras may be what attracts so many fans to Wah!’s performances, literally giving listeners good vibrations. Wah! writes all songs with the intention of healing for herself and her listeners, and considers chanting to be a community building practice.

You may recognize Wah! as the guitarist for Krishna Das, the best known American singer of Indian kirtan-style devotional music.

Buy your tickets in advance for this amazing event! Tickets will sell out. Wah! will be in concert at BODY on Saturday, March 28, 7:00 pm. For more information about Wah! Visit www.wahmusic.com

The transformative power of compassion

Compassion and peace are not the first things that come to mind when thinking of prison life. But with the help of Venerable Robina Courtin, a number of prisoners across country have been able to find peace, and even happiness, during their incarceration.

Venerable Robina Courtin, a nun for over 30 years in the Gelugpa tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, helped to create the Liberation Prison Project, which introduces prisoners to Buddhism. This project helps rehabilitate and provide spiritual refuge to interested prisoners through teaching compassion for others, meditation, and other important aspects of the dharma. The project intends to give prisoners tools to live productively outside of prison, and thus end the cycle of crime and violence that frequently brings people back into prison. The success of this project accentuates the need of rehabilitation on a grander scale; a service that our prisons fail to provide to inmates.

Perhaps the most surprising outcome of this project is that Ven. Robina Courtin successfully teaches happiness (and thus freedom) to people in prison. How inspiring that happiness can be found in such difficult circumstances!

Ven. Robina will be at BODY from January 30 - February 1 to give a series of lectures focused on happiness. Don't miss this incredible opportunity to meet such an important teacher of our time!

Artwork by a Liberation Project student

Click here to know more about the Liberation Prison Project.

-Keryn