Downtown Collingwood Ice Sculptures Fit for a Queen

Resolutions For Positive Change

Change. Just the word alone can ignite excitement! More commonly, it stirs up FEAR. We often crave change, but the work of making it happen can be terrifying. It's a work-IN!

We have all experienced or heard stories about failed New Year’s resolutions. We lose a few pounds in January only to gain ten in February. We resolve to be healthy only to find ourselves even further out of balance. We want to eat smaller portions or be more active and we find ourselves sitting on the couch with a bag of chips feeling guilty. We want to be more active but stop because UGH it just feels so uncomfortable when we are out of shape. It happens to many. The question is WHY is this such a common scenario?

 Before you jump to your end goal and muster through the big push to make it happen, it is helpful to take some quiet time to pause and reflect. Be gentle with yourself. The habits you have created in your life are a symptom of a problem not the problem itself. They have developed based on your life experience so far, how you have needed to cope or manage, how you got results, how you got needs or wants met. With awareness of the habit or situation you want to change, you can begin to dissolve old patterns of thinking and start creating the life you want.

 In yoga, we call conditioned or habitual patterns samskaras ~ the web of mind and body. Yoga asana (the physical practice of yoga postures or 'seats') teaches us to 'sit with' what is arising in our mind and our body. What are our habitual ways of reacting. How do we show up on our mats? If a posture is too challenging, do we get hard on ourselves or blame the teacher or circumstance? This can all be applied off the mat as well. How do we show up in the real world when we face challenge? Do we over react? Do we blame? Do we eat brownies? Do we watch TV? Do we drink? Do we ignore? What habits do we create to cope? These are likely the very same habits you want to change in the new year. We can get off the mouse wheel. We don't have to keep running. The change starts with awareness! Pause to reflect and create forward action based on centered intention rather than spiraling through typical patterns.

Yoga practice on or off the mat is a practice of observing, undoing, restructuring and transforming. When we see clearly (vidya), we make different choices. Healthy patterns become easeful to integrate. Imagine that! EASE! So start with awareness of where you are. Plug it into your GPS. Type in your destination goal. Then plan the journey. It's not helpful to push through change. Baby steps. Start where you are. Invite what you want. Remove obstacles to change. Practice new habits again and again, and again and again! Be gentle with yourself. Start again if you have a mis-step. Integrate. Enjoy. Be curious. Observe. Ask yourself in every moment "Does this action/thought serve my intention?" "Will this nourish me?" "Is this bringing me closer to balance?" Go deeper, "Why did I create this habit in the first place? Emotional fulfillment? Boredom? Need for self worth? Need for love or acceptance?" You will be amazed what you discover when you get to know yourself!

Rather than focusing on what you don't want in your life, set your internal dristi (gaze or focus) on what you DO want. For example, integrating healthy foods into your daily diet, by default, omits unhealthy choices. Start on a positive note. Being hard on yourself won't get you to your goal any faster. In fact it's more likely to suck up a lot of the energy you could be using to manifest what you do want. Try starting the new year by reflecting on positive or joyful moments from the year past. What were you really happy with? What are you proud of? Build on this. If you focus on your 'failures' you are likely to give failure more power. Don't let failure be a word in your vocabulary. Instead, allow these mis-steps to be an opportunity to observe yourself. Get to know yourself better. Learn. Love yourself no matter what. Move forward.

Be sure to reflect on all parts of your being. A fragmented intention alone is not complete. For example, a common resolution to lose weight focuses only on the physical aspect of our being. Create a full being intention - body, mind, heart. You might intend to return to a healthy weight, feel your body strong and vital, have energy to fulfill your passions and give energy to healthy relationships, feel inspired in your day and in your life in general.

I live by these words of wisdom one of my teachers once shared: "Take a baby step, toward balance, in the right direction, appropriate for you uniquely, for where you are in your life in this moment..and be content with this."

All of this philosophy is at the heart of naturopathic medicine: Get to the root cause, treat the whole person: mind, body, spirit, share the principles of healthy living. I hope the wisdom that was once shared with me helps you reach your New Year’s resolution goals and assists you in living a healthy and inspired life!

 Laura is a licensed naturopathic doctor and certified yoga instructor. Her naturopathic practice Awaken Wellness Within is located in the heart of downtown Collingwood. She can be found teaching yoga at Buddha Rider Yoga & Cycle studio.

 "As a naturopathic doctor, through education, empowerment, and example, I endeavour to guide patients toward manifesting optimal health and living their most inspired life!" “As a yoga instructor, my intention is to guide students towards getting in touch with their breath, listening to the innate wisdom of the body, observing the connection of the mind, body and spirit, and awakening the life force within.”

Laura Vanderaa, CYT BSc ND
Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine Certified Yoga Instructor
(705) 994-3699
136 St Paul St.
Collingwood ON

O Christmas Tree when do we get rid of thee?

Now that the presents are unwrapped and the tree is dropping more needles everyday, you might be interested to know when Christmas tree collection happens in this neck of the woods. Check out this link

Seasons Greetings From mycollingwood.ca

Need Your Mac or PC repaired? Locally

My daughter's MAC charger had a freyed plug in cord. It would have cost me $150+ to buy a new one. Ryan charged me $30 to fix it...Works great!..You can call Ryan at 705-888-2173 - MCSA, Security +, Net+ ,CompTIA A+, CCNA, PC & MAC Repair. Did I mention that the service was same day?

Yoga Classes for Kids at Buddha Rider

Check out this interesting new Yoga Class at Buddha Rider - they've just added a kids yoga class to their schedule! 8 WEEKS KIDS YOGA SESSION WHERE: Buddha Rider Yoga and Cycle Studio WHEN: Mondays 4:15-5:15 DATE: Oct 15- Dec 3 AGES: 8-12 INVESTMENT: $120.00 +HST This class requires a minimum of 5 students. Please contact the studio directly to book your child's spot. 705.444.2266.

Funny how a mistake can be a positive thing

This morning with high hopes and my cycling shorts on I showed up at Mountain Fitness for a spin class only to find that I had a made a mistake while reading their schedule. What was scheduled was a class called Pump with Amanda. She encouraged me to try it out. I was game and found that it was indeed tremendous fun (except for the last set which works on abs...ouch). Set to music this motivating class works out all of your muscle group while using free weights for additional resistance...plus it feels cool to pump iron. What really made the class enjoyable was the instructor Amanda. I encourage you to try it too. I know I'll be back for another round (as soon as I can walk again properly...ha ha...just kidding). Click more information about Mountain Fitness

Summer Sundown Celebration in the Blue Mountain Village

Summer Sundown Celebration Live bands, The Silly People! Street performers, family activities and Sunday night FIREWORKS! Friday • 9am-9pm Village Scavenger Hunt, Activity Central • 10am Columbia Guided Hike, in the Village Plaza • 6pm-8pm Midweek Concert Series – Jeff Cunningham, Village Stage • DUSK SAMSUNG Movies Under the Stars, Brave (G), Village Plaza Saturday • 9am-9pm Village Scavenger Hunt – Activity Central • 10am Columbia Guided Hike - in the Village Plaza • 12:30pm Variety Show: The Silly People! – Village Stage • 1pm-4pm Live Music: The Lemon Pepper Pickerel - Village Stage • 1pm-4pm Face Painting and Balloon Twisting – Water St. • 2pm The Silly People! Workshop – Juggling, Spinning Plates and more! • 4pm Variety Show: The Silly People! – Village Stage • 5pm-8pm Live Music: Mike McCarthy Band – Village Stage Sunday • 9am-9pm Village Scavenger Hunt – Activity Central • 10am Columbia Guided Hike - in the Village Plaza • 12:30pm Variety Show: The Silly People! – Village Stage • 1pm-4pm Live Music: Mossy Rocks – Village Stage • 1pm-4pm Face Painting and Balloon Twisting – Water St. • 2pm The Silly People! Workshop – Juggling, Spinning Plates and more! • 4pm Variety Show: The Silly People! – Village Stage • 7pm-9pm Live Music: Dr. Draw – Village Stage • 10:15pm FIREWORKS – Smart Alec (Gondola area) Monday • 9am-9pm Village Scavenger Hunt – Activity Central • 10am Columbia Guided Hike - in the Village Plaza • 1pm-4pm Live Music: Aaron Garner Band – Village Stage • 1pm-4pm Face Painting • 5pm-8pm Live Music: Shane Cloutier – Village Stage http://www.bluemountainvillage.ca/summer-sundown-august-31-september-2/

The Titans would like to thank the Collingwood Optimist Club for sponsoring the Georgian Bay Titans Rugby Football Club Mini Program. The Mini program has grown over the years and now has over 85 members. The Support of the Collingwood Optimist Club helps make Titans Mini’s a very successful program for kids ages 6 to 12.

Summer Hours at Craigleith Depot

The Craigleith Heritage Depot will be open 9 am to 5 pm Tuesday to Sunday. Come and experience hands on local history spanning back 445 million years! Journey into the ice age and experience what our Town looked like when mastodons roamed our area. Learn about the Petun and Jesuit occupation - our pioneers days and what it was like when we had to make our own ski clothes. Don't forget to visit our train room where you'll discover what "knight" is associated with our Town. Visit our Kiddy room and dig for artifacts and fossils!  Admission is $3 per adult, $2 per senior and children over 5. To book a specialized tour, call 705-444-2601.

Visit www.thebluemountains.ca to learn more about what the Depot has to offer including our ever so popular lecture series now taking place at Town Hall the last Monday of each month from 1 to 2pm.

Catch 22 Open for Business in Wasaga Beach

Bob Bickmore and his team have opened their doors in Wasaga Beach.  The much anticipated opening has kept them hopping over there.  To learn more visit their website http://www.catch22grill.com/

Seven Swans a Swimming

Check out the Swan family as they set out to sail after navigating Highway 26 from the 9th hole at Cranberry Golf Resort to the Cranberry Marina before dipping their toes into the waters of Georgian Bay.

Here are the photos taken by me this morning of the Swan Family’s trek across the highway to the lake.  I was informed that their adventure started from the 9th hole of Cranberry golf course, and that their trek took over 2 and 1/2 hours to complete. We stayed with them till they reached the lake.

I think it was remarkable the amount of help and consideration they received from everyone involved. Special thanks to the Cranberry hotel and their van driver for his care and supervision over the Swans till they reached their destination.

Sincerely, Robert and Susy Gaglione

Milk Bags Needed

Check out this very interesting article about what a group of local Seniors is doing with recyled milk bags.  They are in urgent need of more so please read on.

Special Message from Dr. John R. Miller, DDS

As you may or may not know my last 3 years have been very committed to a new business venture known as PowerDentPulse. I, along with my colleagues, have invented a new dental product that is now selling in retail and within the professional market across Canada. We are also distributing internationally in South Africa, Japan and Australia with many more countries on the horizon.

I am writing you today to first of all make you aware of the product(s) and to ask you to go to our website. When you go to this link you will have the chance of entering the contest that we are running right now to give you a chance to win a trip for 2 to Hollywood, California, all expenses paid from anywhere in Canada. If you do not live in Canada I am sorry but you can't enter but it would be great if you could check out our site.   The address is www.powerdentpulse.com and the link for the contest is www.powerdentpulse.com/bff. 

It would be even better if you could pass along the link to all of your contact list so that we can try to create as much awareness as possible for the product.

Thank you so much for visiting our website and if you enter the contest I wish you luck and hope you win the trip! I also would like to extend a big hello to you if it has been a long time since we have connected. Take care and thanks again.

Love and best wishes,

John R. Miller,  D.D.S.

12 Second Street,

Collingwood, Ontario

Canada

L9Y 1E3

Tel: (705)444-2668

Cell: (705)606-0067

Toll free: (866)544-4792

Easter Brunch at The Pottery in the Blue Mountain Inn

Wow what an amazing Easter Brunch at The Pottery in the Blue Mountain Inn.  Everything from the exceptional service to the tremendous selection on the Easter Brunch Buffet made this a perfect choice for our Easter gathering.  Happy Easter to all.  Don't forget to check out the amazing Spring Menu Specials available at The Pottery.  If you missed Easter Brunch I'd get on the phone and make your reservations for Mother's Day Brunch.  When we called for our Easter reservations they had to squeeze us in so reserve early for Mother's Day.

Hop into Heavenly Sweets

Heavenly Sweets Cafe located in Downtown Collingwood on Pine Street is loaded with lots of yummy Easter treats.

Foodie News

If you have not been to the Ruffed Grouse in Thornbury yet, you're missing out.  Trust me.  Go in jeans and feel like you're wearing a tux when you're leaving...That's how great the food is.  Wednesday evenings feature a $2 corkage fee.  That sure takes a huge bite out of the dinner bill.

Being a long time skeptic of make your own wine, I have just been educated and recant my previous position on the topic.  We made amazing wine with John at Wine Works.  Check out my article for more details.  If you don't then you're a wine snob.

Word on the street is that big huge turn key restaurant space in the Canadian Tire plaza which started out as a Casey's then morphed into Echo's is about to be reborn.  Likely much more sophisticated.  Looking forward to checking this out. From what I understand things will move fast.

Blast from the Past

Check out this great photo of Hurontario Street in Downtown Collingwood.  The view is looking North from Third Street.

The Art of Thank You

As a media outlet, we are constantly being asked to donate media space and support many local fundraising and charitable campaigns throughout the region.  One of our chosen organizations this year and likely for many years to come is Breaking Down Barriers.  This evening I was pretty much moved to tears when a delivery came to our house with a special thank you from the organization.  It was not so much that the lovely framed Thank You included a very special ingraving recognizing mycollingwood.ca as a media sponsor...what moved me to tears was that the folks behind the organization appreciated our donation in such a classy fashion, but moreover that it reminded us how proud we are to support an organization that does such great work in our community.  I was very proud to be reminded that our donation helped BDB raise almost $20,000.  We are proud to be involved and thankful to be recongized.  As parents of a challenged son, we know more than most how important an organization like Breaking Down Barriers is in any community, and especially thankful that they are in our community.

Christie's End of Season Sale

Don't miss out.  Christie's Clothing is having their End of Season Sale only until March 17th.  Sale not applicable to new spring and summer fashions.

A look back - Sandy and Alex

Who knew then that these two would become major players in the Collingwood and Wasaga Beach Food and Beverage industry?   Not to mention such huge supporters of local charity, non-profit and sports organizations in the community.

Pancakes Anyone?

Next Tuesday is Sunset Grill's 4th annual Pancake Tuesday, pancakes are $1 and 100% of the proceeds are donated to the Canadian Cancer Society. Last year they raised an impressive $1886 and the goal is to break the $2000 mark. 97.7 the Beach will be broadcasting their morning show live from 7am to 10 am but they will be raising $$$ all day from 7am to 3pm. Come on out and enjoy some pancakes and raise money for a great cause.  Sunset Grill is located in the Blue Mountain Village.

No Sweat - Great Product available at One Tooth

Every new year I do make a decision to exercise more.  During the course of this endeavour, I have had the nasty experience of washing my work out clothes to find that sometimes a normal wash cycle does not really do the job.  Then I discovered No Sweat available at One Tooth Active Wear in Cranberry Mews.  Great product and it really works well.

Sarah's Oven - this is hilarious

During the holiday celebrations in December, Sarah Heipel, my personal trainer from Good Energy that has assisted me on my on-going quest for fitness hosted an open house.  Enthusiastically,  I attended as usual bringing my camera with me.  While I was in the kitchen I noticed that she had a new set of kitchen appliances.  Now before I go any further you need to understand that Sarah is a RAW food advocate and I couldn't for the life of me figure out why she needed a new stove - she never used the old one.  Being curious, I chatted with my friend Chai about it...we commented, then we were curious...then we opened the oven door.  Surprise!