Tag: Breast Health

Because You Matter

Because You Matter

Amber_Young

Weaving The Threads Of Our Breast Health Through Our Whole Body Wellness

I want to very gently remind you that you matter; every part of you matters – your beautiful whole matters, and you are deserving of care and supportive attention. 

There are many things we can do to optimize the  health of our breasts and our overall wellness, as well as empower ourselves, this is a step on that path. 

Our breasts feed and nurture life in our infants, have an extensive role in our lymphatic system and offer us wisdom and insight into our hormonal health.  When we look specifically at our breasts, they have a simple anatomical design and quite straightforward needs; however they are often neglected in the overall care of our bodies. This neglect can create; pain, discomfort, lowered self-confidence and often fear. Emotionally our breasts, with their proximity to our heart and our lungs, hold some of our most profound emotions.

Statistics show that many people experience breast concerns at some point in their lifetimes, and that the number of folks that will report these concerns to their primary care giver, or to anyone, is quite low…why?  Perhaps because most of the time breasts don’t receive healthy attention as an important consideration in a persons overall care.  Breasts are often sexualized rather than respected, which gives many people a decreased sense of confidence in voicing any concerns they may have about their breasts.  

As human beings, I was reminded during a program I completed with Sat Dharam Kaur, we have the capacity to tune into our higher consciousness and use our inner light and wisdom to guide our thoughts, words and deeds.  We can choose to be stewards of our health, the health of our families, the earth, other species and future generations, or we can misuse and contaminate our bodies and the resources we’ve been so generously given.

It is an honour to weave the teachings of Debra Curties and her work with breast massage, the work of Sat Dharam Kaur, teachings on self compassion and mindfulness, and my 20 years of learning through workshop facilitation, one – on-one care, yoga and massage with people on their breast health and overall self care journey, into this empowering 6 week experiential program.

Through this process may you become a little more conscious, and walk with greater appreciation, harmony and care in your sacred body on this precious planet, our home.

I would like to acknowledge that as a little girl I lost one of the most important and special women in my life, my Nana, to breast cancer, I also lost one of my dear friends to breast cancer in February of 2022, at the tender age of 37. This offering is created in their honour, and in honour of all the women I’ve been privileged to work with over the past 20 years – your strength and courage are my biggest call to action.

I’m super excited to announce the next session for this 6 week Integrative program will be offered this October, 2022.

Why should you mark your calendars?  Because you matter, your whole body matters.

This program is primarily geared towards breast health, but explores different facets of our overall health and the ways we are woven together through body, mind and spirit.  There is an accessible movement and yoga practice recording sent out each week, in depth handouts for self study, meditations, and a different discussion focus at each live session over the course of the full program.

What can you expect? 6 weeks of focused self care and self love! Our live sessions will be offered virtually though the zoom platform.

  • We’ll also be discussing the connections between your breast health and your whole body
  • Learn and practice yoga and stretching specifically for your hormone and breast health
  • Learn self breast massage and other self care techniques you can put into practice immediately
  • Learn about different oils that help to support your breast health
  • We’ll explore the lymphatic system and how you can optimize the ways it supports you
  • Explore nutritional considerations for our breast health (with a guest speaker)
  • Discuss the emotional aspects of this sacred part of our bodies
  • Connect with community in a safe way
  • Weekly check in/practice sessions
  • Support through reflective practices, exclusive weekly downloadable videos, electronic worksheets, and handouts, and a live 90 minute (optional) weekly discussion where we’ll move our bodies and dive deeper into the material.
  • Ongoing support during the 6 weeks, as well as unlimited access to Amber’s live zoom classes for the duration of the program.

Enrollment in the full program is necessary, as each week we build on the previous weeks material..

There are a maximum number of spots for each session, to maintain a safe space supporting you to show up exactly as you are.

Amber is beyond excited to be offering this very important program and she looks forward to this journey with you…..

Dates: 

Fall Registration open

October 17 – November 21st, 2022 – Monday mornings from 10:30am – 12:00pm EST

Book your spot by clicking on this link

Optional evening offering and next cycle will be held March/April 2023 – Dates will be posted soon

Cost: $180 (+HST)  Includes all materials, downloadable practice videos, handouts and worksheets, weekly live sessions, an unlimited pass for access to Amber’s Live zoom yoga classes valid during the program dates.

Payment is due on registration to hold your spot as spaces are limited.

Refunds (minus 20%) available up to 7 days before program start date, and subject to a 20% admin fee.

In an effort to make this support accessible for all women, I am offering 1 full Scholarship and 1 spot at 50% off of full cost in each session (needs based). Email me at amber@suryadaya.ca for more details and to find out how to apply.

Please help spread the word!

Optional day retreat: A full day of self care practices and time in nature; Saturday, October 1st 10:00 – 4:00 (more details to come)

Cost: $65 (+HST) for paid participants of full program.

$95 (+HST) If space is available, for day retreat only.

Would you like to practice yoga together? My next session (both in person and on zoom) is scheduled for Saturday mornings; July 9th – 23rd,from 9:00 – 10:15 am EST. We’ll be exploring heart focused sequences, and self care to support us through the busier summer months. Registration is necessary, head on over to my schedule and simply click on the dates you’d like to join to reserve your spot!

Testimonials from past participants of Because You Matter

” I can’t sing the praises of this course enough!  It has transformed the way I treat myself and my health, not only through motivating me to take on healthier practices and habits, but also through establishing a stronger mindset on the importance of self care.  I truly looked forward each week to seeing Amber and the others in my group, and cherished that time I could spend with them.  After each class, I always felt rejuvenated, relaxed, and happy.  The reading materials were informative and extremely helpful in incorporating Amber’s teachings and explanations, and the videos helped me to practice at other times.  I’m grateful for this because it allows for the feeling that it doesn’t have to end – that I can continue these healthy habits and involve them in my daily life for a long time to come. “

Jasmin, Almonte, Ontario

“We need more of this!”

CW, Ontario

“This is a robust course with so much valuable information to digest, and after 6 weeks of looking forward to seeing Amber, practicing breathing techniques, and learning how I can improve my habits to nourish my own health and well being, I didn’t want it to end!  Needless to say, it was not long enough!    During the class, she is patient and kind, she teaches and also listens, and offers a safe and trusting environment to allow all the members to feel totally comfortable. But for all intensive purposes, the overall balance of the teaching material, mixed with meaningful discussion and practice, created the perfect environment for me to start some excellent habits and motivate me into caring for myself!  I believe the long term benefits will be immense!”

JM, Ontario

Offerings – An Update

Offerings – An Update

Amber_Young

“The most important thing each of us can know is our unique gift and how to use it in the world.  Individuality is cherished and nurtured, because in order for the whole to flourish, each of us has to be strong in who we are and carry our gifts with conviction, so they can be shared with others.  Being among the sisters provides a visible manifestation of what a community can become when its members understand and share their gifts.  In reciprocity, we fill our spirits as well as our bellies.”

– Robin Wall Kimmerer from Braiding Sweetgrass 

These wise words from Robin Kimmerer reach inside of me and make me want to shine this light on everyone – each of us has to be strong in who we are – the wholeness of who we are, so we can carry our gifts, and live them, with conviction. She is referring to the three sisters in our gardens; corn, squash and beans – all needed strong in their authenticity for eachother to thrive. For the first time in my life, I actually understand this – not from ego, but from a deep well of compassion and dedication to being in service.

This is not a time in our lives to shrink or avoid our responsibilities, that’s for sure. Why are you here, and what do you care about? I have been asking myself this question since the beginning of all this shifting, settling a little more everyday in to the answers that arise for me.

It feels good to be back committed to my massage practice, offering treatments in peoples homes, in my private clinic/teaching space, and back with the incredible support at Carp Ridge. The years I ran the yoga studio were magic, but I realize where I’m most needed now with our present reality is in clinic – doing healing hands on work. People are feeling such a wide spectrum of emotions these days, I know I’m not needed to share that thought, but there is a deep awareness of how much support we all need right now – I feel that in my bones.

Being on my mat, practicing and teaching yoga, has evolved so much over the past few years. The yoga community I’m a part of also faced some raw truths during this time, and forced each of us to really answer the question – who am I, what is this path for me, tracing the roots for all of our teachings, and feeling fiercely about intentions and care in approaching these practices not only for ourselves, but also in the ways we hold safe space for others.

How do I bring forth the truth of these ancient teachings fueled by compassion and love, honouring all of my teachers (past and present), our ancestors and integrating the teachings from our natural world into the scientific and anatomical understanding of the movements in our body – weaving the science, the magic, the art, and the wisdom in our cells – truly embodying our yoga.

I’ve been teaching breast health workshops now for almost 20 years, born out of my massage practice, and inspired in so many ways from various trainings and teachers, and the intimate therapeutic and emotional work that has happened on my table. During this time, inspired by Sat Dharam Kaur’s work, I have put my energy back into these offerings and have threaded together an integrative approach within the container of my background; exploring our breast health, but also our whole body, mind and spirit wellness. This has taken (and continues to be in the creation state) time to craft, and I’m excited to hold this space. I am also so excited to be able to offer day long in person retreats starting again this spring.

Jessica and I launched our Soul Wisdom cards in June, that was a birthing process, and such a beautiful project, one very dear to our hearts. We have been spending some time pondering and visioning for our journal together, our next project to support you with personal and soulful reflective practices.

Through the last few years, spending more time on my own, I am acutely aware of what I love in the work I do in this life; writing, teaching, learning, exploring, and healing hands on work. I am hopeful over time that through these offerings I can help to support you to find your way into your own answers –

Why are you here? Start with the simple heart centered answers – to nourish your garden, to feel joy in your body, to be a support to those dear in your life, honouring self amidst your roles in this lifetime, to explore a creative endeavour that feeds your soul, to write, to serve food to hungry bellies, to dance, to be in service to the earth. The simplest and clearest answer here is the most profound and impactful – we have to begin with the simplest steps – remember that.

How can you best support yourself to thrive during this precious lifetime?

What do you care about?

What’s important to you? ,

Thanks for sharing these thoughts, I felt an update on my practice was due, as it’s been a while.

Please know my support is here – and there are many avenues we can work together through this wild human experience. I bow down to all of the amazing wellness guardians in our communities, supporting the whole to flourish.

You are magic unfolding, never forget that.

pink waterlily flower in full bloom

With so much love,

Amber

Do you want to practice together? You can see my schedule (and find our more details) here.

Learn more about Because You Matter, a beautiful 6 week journey into your breast health and whole body wellness. Click here for more information. My next offering starts in March of this year.

A Focus on Breast Health

Amber_Young

I’m writing this article in an attempt to help empower women in their bodies and educate our community about respecting and helping to fully care for a woman’s whole body.  Statistics show that most women experience breast discomfort at some point in their lifetimes, and that the number of women that will report this pain to their primary care giver, or to anyone, is quite low…why?  Perhaps because breasts don’t receive the proper attention as an important consideration in a woman’s overall care that they require.  Breasts are often seen as a “taboo” topic, especially in our society where breasts are often sexualized rather than respected, which gives many women a decreased sense of confidence in voicing any concerns they may have about their breasts.   I want to very gently remind you that your breasts matter, that you matter; every inch of your body matters and is deserving of care and attention.

 Breasts are body tissues which are an incredibly important part of a woman’s anatomy.  They feed and nurture life for our infants, have an extensive role in our lymphatic system and individualize our beautiful feminine bodies.  When we look specifically at our breasts, they have a simple anatomical design and quite straightforward needs; however they are much too often neglected in the overall care of our bodies which can create pain, discomfort, lowered self-confidence and often fear.

Breasts don’t have muscles to facilitate movement; therefore they require aid to support ongoing circulation which helps to maintain tissue health and to prevent dis-ease and possible pain syndromes. Breasts are also susceptible to various changes including:

  • The menstrual cycle
  • The natural process of aging and associated changes
  • Menopause
  • Pregnancy (both during and after)
  • Breastfeeding
  • Dietary changes
  • Environmental stressors

These changes can often create discomfort through a woman’s entire lifespan.

Breasts can also undergo various surgeries, diagnostic procedures, trauma, as well as the diagnosis of both benign and malignant conditions.  We can’t ignore the fact that breast cancer is also becoming more and more common for women in our society.  It is vitally important for us to respect the needs of our breasts and to become more comfortable in caring for them and touching them in a healthy and therapeutic way. This can help women to recognize as well as to understand changes in their early stages.

What can you, as a women, do for yourself? It is important to take ownership of this very important part of you and to incorporate some daily self-care techniques into your regime, as well as gain education about:

  • Self-massage
  • Drainage techniques
  • Oils and creams to support your breast tissue
  • Contrast showers and dry brushing
  • Dietary support
  • Yoga and stretching specifically for your breasts.

Your breasts are a part of your body, a life nourishing part, that are as deserving of care as every other part of you; it’s never too early or too late to establish healthy breast practices.

Tomorrow morning (March 10th) I’ll be speaking at the Women’s Health and Wellness Conference in Perth creating a safe space for women to come together to talk about breast health, later in April, on the 13th, I’ll be facilitating an afternoon workshop at our studio focusing on breast health and the interconnections with your whole body wellness.   Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.

Written by Amber Young ( Registered Massage Therapist, Yoga instructor and Breast Health Educator)

dawn sunset beach woman
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