THE YOGA & AYURVEDA BLOG
EXPLORE INSIGHTS, TIPS, AND PRACTICES FOR HOLISTIC WELL-BEING
 We’re back from Peru and had an absolutely incredible time! We were warmly hosted by a wonderful family who guided us from Lima through the Sacred Valley, Cusco, Machu Picchu, and even to a beautiful island by the ocean. Their vacation homes were not only breathtakingly beautiful, but we also felt so deeply loved and cared for—words truly can't capture the warmth we experienced.
Peru's nature is incredibly diverse and awe-inspiring—everywhere we went, we were met with beauty that touched our hearts. Amidst all the joy, there was also sorrow. During our time in Peru, we received the heartbreaking news from Germany that my older brother had passed away after a long and courageous journey with health challenges. It was a very difficult moment. Yet even then, our host family showed such gentle compassion and took time to listen as I shared memories of my brother—a kind, generous, and beloved soul. His passing is a profound loss for our family. We’ll be traveling to Germany soon to be with our loved ones and to celebrate my brother’s life. Later next month, we’ll return again to attend our nephew’s wedding—a time of joy and new beginnings. Once we’re settled, I’ll be in touch to arrange a time for a Zoom gathering for some social connection and meditation. Until then, sending you much love, Hannelore
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 Dear Yoga friends,
Finally, Winter has arrived! There’s something about this season that brings a particular stillness—a quiet invitation to slow down, reflect, and turn inward. It's my favorite time to retreat into seclusion, or simply create space for new visions and inspirations to emerge. Just a few days ago, when the winds were howling around the house, our new chimes were ringing out with their deep, resonant sounds. The snow turned our backyard into a Winter Wonderland, each flake transforming the landscape into a soft, cottony artwork. It was breathtakingly beautiful! Sitting by the fireplace, I can hardly be bothered by the minus-degree temperatures outside. In fact, I love bundling up and strolling through the woods with our dogs, feeling the crisp air on my face. And when we come back inside, a hot cup of tea—or Chaga—feels like the perfect reward. My favorite stews are a comforting reminder of last summer’s harvests. It's such a precious feeling to savor those squashes and other vegetables, nourishing both body and soul. In Ayurveda, Winter is the season of cold and dryness. It’s a time to focus on eating warm, cooked, well-spiced foods to balance the body’s energy. Root vegetables like radishes, carrots, and beets, along with Brussels sprouts, kale, spinach, leeks, onions, and mushrooms, are all wonderful choices. Combined with lentils or mung beans and spiced with garlic, ginger, black pepper, and chili peppers, they keep us warm and nourished. During these cold months, it’s best to avoid icy drinks. Instead, I recommend warm or hot beverages, especially teas. A blend of dried ginger, cinnamon, and cloves will not only heat the body but also calm the spirit. For digestion, I love combining ginger, cinnamon, black pepper, or coriander, cumin, and fennel seeds. These spices are especially supportive in Winter. I’ve also discovered something new this year that I’m excited about—Chaga mushroom coffee and Lion’s Mane mushroom coffee from our local store, Dunk’s Mushrooms. It’s a roasted, non-caffeinated alternative that pairs beautifully with either nut milk or real milk, making the perfect treat after a Winter walk. At night, “Golden Milk” is a lovely indulgence. Whether made with nut milk or dairy, it’s soothing and calming with its blend of turmeric (anti-inflammatory), nutmeg (calming), and saffron (nourishing). A perfect end to a Winter’s day, helping you sleep deeply and peacefully. I hope these little tips help make the rest of your Winter season cozy and nourishing! Before I wrap up, I want to remind you about a special offer on my recordings. All of the recordings that have been on the MOMO platform are now for sale as downloadable gems. Many people have told me they’re too valuable to be priced at $108, but since I’m retiring soon, I want to make them accessible to all who would benefit from them. I’ll be raising the price to $180 before I embark on some more travels, so now is the perfect time to grab them while they’re still at this amazing price! To get access to the recordings, you can either:
I’ll be back in touch with you in March for a new Meditation-Hypnotherapy session. Until then, take care, stay well, and enjoy the Winter season! With Love, Hannelore  Dearest Yoga Friends!
As Christmas Eve draws near, I’m struck by how quickly this year has flown by! I want to take a moment to wish you all a joyful holiday season—Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, or simply Happy Holidays, whatever you celebrate! In our home, we embrace a beautiful mix of traditions—our Christmas tree, Ganeshas, Buddhas, and symbols that reflect the many paths to our inner light. When we connect with that light, it allows us to be vessels for the love, peace, and joy that are at the heart of this season. This year, our home is filled with family, and I’m grateful to have all the 'kids' and their families here with us. I sincerely hope that this sense of warmth and togetherness is also with you this season! Looking ahead, I’m stepping back a bit in the new year—retiring “a little more” as I move into this next phase. As part of this, I’m offering all my recordings for download, now available for a special price of $108 (a sacred number!). This is in lieu of continuing the MOMO Membership. To get access to the recordings, you can either:
For the best experience, I recommend using a separate hard drive or USB stick to store the recordings, so you don’t run out of space on your computer! Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a healthy, abundant New Year in 2025! With warmth and gratitude, Hannelore  Hello Everyone, This is an update with the LINK (in the text in purple) for MOMO members! I’m writing to you while waiting for my connecting flight from Munich to Boston, reflecting on an incredible journey through Germany. We’ve been celebrating my brother’s 80th birthday with the whole family, visiting friends in Cologne, Bad Nauheim, Görlitz, and Weimar, and spending time with relatives in Dresden. Between family visits, we have had the opportunity to explore the rich history of the region, including the places where Goethe, Schiller, and other great minds once shared their wisdom. Despite the chilly, rainy weather, the warmth of heartfelt conversations with loved ones and the nourishing meals we shared more than made up for it. As I return home, I’m excited to announce two upcoming meditation classes centered around the practices of Gratitude and Peace. I’d love for you to join me: Save the Dates!
For those of you with an Annual Membership at MOMO, these classes are complimentary, but please remember to reserve your spot through my website. Simply FOLLOW THIS LINK to sign up! You’ll receive a link to join the class with your membership. Alternatively, if you prefer, you can purchase one or both sessions individually HERE. For those who wish to pay by check, please email me, and I’ll send you my mailing address. In these sessions, you can expect revitalizing and calming breathing practices followed by a guided meditation focused on either Gratitude or Peace, leaving you feeling relaxed and centered. If you’re interested, I’ll check in with you a day before each session to ensure you have the link to connect. I can’t wait to see you soon! Wishing You a Wonderful Thanksgiving! As we approach Thanksgiving, I hope you enjoy a joyful holiday surrounded by family and friends. If you’re looking for something delicious to make, here’s one of my favorite seasonal recipes: Butternut Squash Soup
Enjoy, and happy holidays! Much Love, Hannelore  Hello Everyone! I hope you all had a wonderful summer! I’m excited to announce two upcoming Restorative Yoga classes featuring a gentle practice and a Healing Visualization. Mark your calendars for Wednesday, October 2nd and 9th at 5:00 PM. If you have an Annual Membership with MOMO, these classes are complimentary, but please reserve your spot through my website. To join the yoga class, simply click the button below to access the MOMO Platform. As a member, you'll receive a direct link to the class. If you're not an annual membership holder, you can purchase a one-time class for $18 or a two-class package for $30. If you prefer to pay by check, please email me for my address. In these classes, you can expect a gentle standing yoga flow followed by restorative poses using either a bolster and blankets or a chair and blankets, depending on your preference. We’ll conclude with a soothing extended visualization to leave you feeling refreshed and energized. I can’t wait to see you soon! With Love, Hannelore  Granddaughter & Grandma Yoga :)
 Back Home and Reflecting on a Wonderful Summer! I’m finally back home after a whirlwind of a summer! It’s been such a joy visiting friends and family across Europe and the US. Our adventures took us from the comforting familiarity of home to extended stays in upstate NY and Boston, filled with everything from babysitting to exploring nature and delving into museums in Cambridge and Boston. Upon our return from Europe, we were welcomed by a sea of Tulsi and Echinacea in our garden. I’ve never seen so much Tulsi before! While I’m excited about brewing teas, I have to admit I only enjoy Tulsi tea with honey. My favorite way to use Tulsi, however, is by adding its leaves and blossoms to my homegrown heirloom tomatoes and lettuce. I’m also experimenting with making tinctures and freezing the leaves in oil to preserve their aroma for winter stews and soups. The possibilities are endless! Tulsi now finds its way into almost every meal and salad. 😊 Here’s a bit more about Tulsi, also known as Sacred Holy Basil or Ocimum sanctum, often referred to as the Mother of Medicine. This ancient herb, revered in Ayurvedic practices and Eastern and Western herbology, has been used for centuries in sacred rituals and for its therapeutic benefits. Tulsi’s different species can vary depending on climate, nourishment, and soil conditions. Tulsi is rich in Sattva, which imparts lightness and spiritual clarity. It’s excellent for alleviating the discomfort of fevers, coughs, and colds. By increasing lung capacity and clearing dampness and toxic Ama, Tulsi supports overall vitality. Its aromatic pungency boosts appetite and aids digestion by promoting the smooth movement of Vata through the intestines. The herb’s chemical and nutritional profile includes alkaloids, fats, carbohydrates, proteins, glycosides, phenols, saponins, tannins, and terpenes. Notably, its key pharmacological components—eugenol, methyleugenol, carvacrol, and limatrol—provide uplifting energy without caffeine. Tulsi is also a valuable nutritional supplement, offering Vitamin A, Vitamin C, minerals, flavonoids, and fatty acids. There’s so much more to explore about Tulsi, but I mainly adore its aromatic and harmonizing benefits. Last night, I enjoyed another delicious salad made entirely from my garden’s bounty! Wishing you a wonderful end of your summer. I’ll be in touch again soon! Much Love, Hannelore  Fresh from the garden with Balsamico and oil. :)
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AuthorThank you so much for your interest in learning more about the benefits of Yoga & Ayurveda. ~ Hannelore Categories
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