I love my life, I love my life... did I say "I love my life!" It is now December and I am sitting here in my hammock on my lovely desert property in Baja, Mexico. Wait a minute.... for those of you that know me...I should say, sometimes I am sitting in my hammock. Otherwise, I am surfing, gardening, playing music, creating programs, teaching yoga, rehearsing for a play or communicating with the local plants and animals. The last few days a hawk showed up and is now living with us here on the property, arriving each morning during my yoga practice. How incredible is this!

I just returned from a month of leading programs in Belize and now enjoy the warmth of this beautiful place. The contrast of sailing the Belize Cay's and wandering the Mayan Ruins in the Belize Jungle to the Baja Desert certainly takes my breath away.

December is a time of reflection and appreciation for all that I have manifested and for the many women that have come into my life. I am honored to receive the sacred gift of sharing so many intimate moments and awakenings. I am thrilled and grateful for the opportunity to witness the transformation that each woman including myself has experienced. From a dream to a reality for so many. Thank you all for living large, having the courage, faith and belief in yourself to actualize your dream.

TIS THE SEASON...MERRY CHRISTMAS!

With much love, joy and light I extend warm wishes to you and your family.

May the season be filled with joy, happiness, fun and abundance of all things.

Peace, Peace, Peace!

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NEW OFFERINGS

BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS

We will be experiencing our 4th year in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) this next year. I keep going back because the sailing is awesome and the winds are perfect. The air and water temperature is fantastic for swimming and snorkeling. Sailing, snorkeling, diving, hiking and playing are easy. This year we will sail all of the BVI including Anegada and clear customs to sail over to St. John in the US Virgin Islands. The island is mostly park with incredible white sandy beaches and a treasure chest of interesting things to see.

HERIZEN grads share their experience and stories best. I am with happiness and appreciation!

"SHIP OF DREAMS"

February 20-27, 2007

This was a magical, amazing, sailing voyage. Veni, Vidi, Navigate! It was so incredible to watch 6 women that did not know each other come together and learn to sail under such a safe, patient and enthusiastic direction. We all learned so much about sailing and cruising. All of the aspects of cruising like going through customs to sail from the BVI to the US Virgins, the protocol of mooring and sail trimming were included in the program. The Yoga and Chi Gung in the morning was an unexpected gift. Each day I watched as we all learned more, stretched ourselves, deepened and opened our hearts. The improvement to my health and personal growth was profound. One would expect that 7 people living in such close quarters would not have an easy time of connection, but it was such a bonding experience. Such a renewal of trust both with ourselves and each other.

I am very grateful for this experience. Shalom! Clare, Canada

British Virgin Islands February & March 2008 - Women Only

Women Sailing and Living with Confidence!

Click here for the February & March 2008 Schedule

Early Bird Prices Extended until Dec 23rd Only $1995 US PP

Sea of Cortez, Baja, Mexico

Our trip earlier this year filled up quickly and turned out to be an amazing experience. Our days were filled with full on wild adventure in the Sea of Cortez, Baja, Mexico. One morning while enjoying our yoga practice we were suddenly in the midst of whales jumping off the stern of our boat. Seal lions, dolphins and rays frolicked in the water around us. The contrast of majestic red colored rock cliffs with cactus clinging to find a foot hold, awe inspiring sunsets and brilliant star studded skies made this the best location for women that love the wild.

March is SOLD. There are a few spaces available for April 2008 dates: go here for details.

Early Bird Price $1895 US PP

Live aboard Sailing and Self-Awareness Training:

Belize, Sea of Cortez, Mexico, Caribbean and West Coast of Canada

Success/ Life Coaching & Key Note Speaking are now available: go here for details

NEW - HERIZEN™ Yoga for Women - Ashtanga Yoga Teacher Training in Baja

NEW - HERIZEN™ Yoga for Women - Adventure & Wellness Retreat March dates coming soon!

NEW - HERIZEN™ Wilderness for Women - Chi Gung Wilderness Teacher Training in Baja

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Live aboard Sailing and Self-Awareness Cruise and Learns

are available between May and September 2008

Waiting list available - dates coming shortly

Email: herizen@sailingforwomen.com

36 to 42 foot sailing vessels will be used for sail training experiences.

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MAKE THE LEAP

Lately, you may have a desire to make a change in your life, a desire to do something that you have always wanted to do...to actualize your life long dream. You think of this, get excited and then....a thought "what if...." comes into the picture. The excitement changes to a feeling that is not so good and you stop moving forward to making this dream a reality.

I invite you to experiment with this simple exercise in taking that leap of faith, the next step in actualizing what it is you truly desire. Firstly, you will want to surround yourself with people that want to see you win. If you have signed up for this newsletter you are on the right frequency. There are many other women like you that want to see you win.

I invite you to experiment with this meditation to help you take the leap and make your vision a reality. Ultimately, you want to see and FEEL your dream actually happening in the NOW!

Meditation:

When: Try this meditation if you feel ready to manifest a dream.

Preparation: Write down what you wish to manifest in your life and how it feels.

Practice: Sit on a cushion or chair in a space that is comfortable to you. Meditate by noticing your breath for about five minutes. If thoughts appear...just notice them and let them go by like clouds drifting in the sky above.

Bring to mind a dream you would like to manifest. Ask yourself why you have not moved forward to make it a reality. Explore your beliefs about yourself and notice what comes up. You may have feelings that have stopped you from moving forward by unconscious and conscious decisions you have made about what you can handle safely, what you can create practically or what you deserve realistically. Your freedom to grow and manifest your dreams depends on you noticing and being aware of those not so open decisions, mindsets and self-images.

For example: If you have always wanted to learn to sail and were uncomfortable about not staying safe in some way, the boat not staying upright at a comfortable level, you had a not good experience with a male partner, you feel the cost is not what you have budgeted for in your lifestyle or the experience is more fun that you deserve. Examine those beliefs, just notice them and then counter them with new ones. As an example, tell yourself millions of women learn to sail safely, it is money well spent on something that feeds your soul and of course you deserve to be happy and enjoy your life to the fullest.

End your meditation by committing to taking the first step towards making your dream a reality. It may mean a phone call, doing research, signing up for a class or leaving your job. Whatever it is make sure you make the leap into your future and your happiness now!

All of our training and adventure programs have food included unless noted. It is a grand affair to witness what transpires in the galley. The boat is usually provisioned and we all take part in cooking, cleaning, crewing and skipper the boat. The food that comes out of the galley is incredible. More women today are becoming more aware about healthy eating habits and ways to prepare food that is nurturing and wholesome.

Here is a healthy snack tip: Nuts and Seeds

According to Ayurveda, the almond is one of the best bone-building foods. Besides having abundant magnesium, calcium and other bone-fortifying minerals, almonds are said to possess subtle components that build all body tissue. Snack on a handful of almonds daily. Eat oranges or tomatoes along with the almonds or any other nuts or seeds. Oranges and tomatoes are like wild cards. They can be eaten with all proteins and go great with nuts and seeds. These wild cards help to break the protein down and assist with digestion as well add vibrant color. This combination makes a refreshing, simple and healthy snack.

How about Italian? Joanne has sailed with me in BVI and in Belize. She is a fantastic cook, teaches yoga and is so much fun. Here is her offering:

Hi...easy for Italians to cook. All we need is olive oil, garlic, onion, parsley (flakes will do in a pinch), canned white beans, canned tomatoes, pasta (I use wheat less- Quinoa), eggs.

Fritta (omelet) with onions and potatoes

Pasta fajoli - Saute garlic and chopped celery (if you have) in oil, put in crushed tomatoes with parsley and basil (if you have) and beans - add some water so it is loose - then cook your pasta right in the sauce. I sometimes use only 3/4 of the box of pasta to keep it soupy. Serve with red pepper and grated cheese. Quick & easy.

Serving red wine on a boat can be or not be a delightful experience. Want to keep your boat white? Serve the red wine in a small glass like the Italians do.

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