Aparigraha is one of the five Yamas, or ethical guidelines, found in the 8 Limbs of Yoga by Patanjali. It is often translated as "non-possessiveness" or "non-grasping", Aparigraha encourages us to cultivate a sense of detachment from material possessions and desires. By embracing the principles of Aparigraha, we can reduce stress, increase mindfulness, and live a more fulfilling life.
Here on Bowen Island, Foxgloves are typically in bloom starting in late May lasting to late June or early July, displaying their showy, tubular blooms in vibrant hues of purple, pink, white, and yellow that stand out in woodlands and other grassy or forested habitats.
The Latin name Digitalis purpurea, from which the 'digitalis' chemical derives its name, is utilized in medicine for managing blood pressure and heart conditions. Nonetheless, it's crucial to note that all parts of the Foxglove are toxic if consumed. Despite this, the appeal of the Digitalis genus, which boasts 20 diverse species of Foxgloves, remains undiminished. Perhaps it's their enchanting beauty juxtaposed with their toxic nature that captivates. Since 'digitalis' originates from 'digitus', meaning finger, this could symbolize the plant's allure, as if its delicate blooms (or fingers) are beckoning humans to engage with it spiritually.
As we steward this beautiful 20 acre Bowen Island forest that we gratefully call home here in the Pacific Northwest, we find that this land, along with its trees, streams, and even what we may commonly call weeds, including Yarrow and Dandelion, captivate and enchant us. Plants possess a distinct vitality, each species resonating with its unique energy. As we synchronize with these local plants, we discover a profound connection to our own inner spirits. We can’t wait to welcome you to your next visit to Nectar.
Known for its stinging leaves, Nettle is a herbaceous perennial that offers a myriad of benefits ranging from environmental rewilding to medicinal uses and even spiritual significance. Nectar Yoga Retreat’s wellness blog also includes lesser known fun facts, and three nettle tea recipes that do wonders for our complexions and general vitality.
Beyond appreciating them in cooking, what are oyster mushrooms good for? Pleurotus varieties are saprotrophs that are involved in providing nutrition to its ecosystem as a primary decomposer of wood, especially deciduous trees, and beech trees in particular, though here in the Pacific Northwest, oyster mushrooms are also seen growing on dying hardwood trees. Their saprophytic function benefits the forest by returning vital elements and minerals to the environment in forms that are usable to other plants, other organisms, and general soil biology.
Pine trees, belonging to the genus Pinus spp., stand as stalwart guardians in the forest network. These evergreen conifers, characterized by their needle-like leaves and distinctive cones, possess an enduring visual and fragrant allure. Their presence is woven intricately into the fabric of our ecosystem, offering both tangible and intangible gifts to the environment and its inhabitants, including here at Nectar Yoga Retreat on Bowen Island.
Mosses’ diminutive size belies their resilience, tenacity, and ecological significance. Mosses are essential for retaining soil and moisture (as much as 40 times their weight), preventing erosion, and providing homes, insulation, and sustenance for various organisms in their ecosystems, including at Nectar Yoga Retreat on Bowen Island.
At the core of Svadhyaya lies the act of self-reflection. Through inner reflection, we gain insight into the tapestry of our thoughts and emotions, and how they play a role in our habits and experiences. All over the world, where yoga and mindfulness is practice, including right here at Nectar Yoga Retreat on Bowen Island, BC, we face our vulnerabilities, our joys and our sorrows, with a sense of clarity and acceptance. Encountering ourselves demands courage, a willingness to stay in the present, and with fully open eyes to witness our complexity and paradoxes.
