Garden Cats and Summer Evenings
My daughter and I have worked to create the garden of our dreams from notebook to amazing blooms this year. Not only have we been enjoying the energy, new growth and creative experience, but the garden has invited a new member to our family. What is a fairy garden without a cat? As we settle on a name for this new magical little creature, I can’t help but reflect on the common yogic theme of attracting the energy that you put out into the world. We created our space with the intention of being a place of peace, belonging and togetherness. A place of new growth, nourishment and learning. A place of calm and a place for joyful reflections on the day. Our energy was answered in kind by this loving little gal.
We hold a responsibility to nourish our own energies in such a way that we are living our true self which is not only a benefit to ourselves but also a benefit to all things around us. The wake we leave behind ripples and infuses, ebbs and flows and attracts back. When we take on energy that does not serve us, may you use your practice to release it and ground back to you. May your love attract love and your soul’s light attract other’s who shine just as bright.
With Love ~ Natalie
Tip for Grounding and Clearing Energy
Burning sage has roots back to Native American traditions and is commonly used as a way to clear negative energy. If you feel heavy or your space does with energy that is not yours, practicing smudging by opening a door or window, lighting sage and repeating a positive affirmation as you walk through your home or allow the smoke to waft over you.
After cleansing the negative energy, you can burn Palo Santo to invite in the positive energies around you, ground yourself and your space. Palo Santo is often used prior to meditation as it can help to increase your focus.
Sage Affirmation: Negative energy is not welcome here. I am safe and protected. I release what no longer serves me.
Palo Santo Affirmation: I fill this space with positivity and love. Infuse this space with blessings and peace. I am grateful for abundance, light and love.
Teacher Feature: Sheri Plough
As with so many of us, I was introduced to yoga through a friend and fell in love with the practice. As I experienced the many benefits of yoga, I felt inspired to share this gift with others and help them grow stronger, not just physically, but also mentally and spiritually. My yoga journey brings me joy, and I’m committed to sharing that joy with my students. As a lifelong learner, I’m always looking for ways to deepen my practice and pass on the benefits to those I teach. I teach Hatha 1-2 and Chair Yoga classes. My classes focus on building a strong foundation, while also nurturing the mind and spirit. Students can expect a supportive and inclusive environment where they can grow and connect with others.
My favorite part of teaching is the connection that I have with my students and the sense of community that forms in my classes. Seeing my students grow and evolve, not just in their practice, but in their overall well-being, is truly rewarding. If you are considering trying yoga or a different style of yoga, my advise would be to just go for it! Don’t let fear or uncertainty hold you back. Yoga is a journey and it is okay to start slow. Be open to new experiences and trust that you’ll find what works for you.
Getting to know me off the mat is learning that I love music and believe it is so powerful! I’ve had formal training in both voice and piano which has helped me develop such a strong foundation in music. Currently, I’m learning to play guitar, which is a fun challenge. I enjoy a wide range of genres and appreciate the artistry and technical skill that goes into creating music. As a musician and yoga teacher, I love the feeling of crating something that can touch people’s hearts and minds.
Lemon Basil and Poppyseed Olive Oil Loaf
The name may be a mouthful but this olive oil loaf speaks for itself. My lemon basil plant has been happily thriving and I needed a new idea on how to use the gorgeous herb.
This loaf has a savory and bright flavor that goes great with tea.
The Lemon Basil Sugar
1 Cup sugar
3/4 fresh lemon basil leaves
Lemon zest from 2 large lemons
Blend in blender jar until it is a lovely green and no full leaves remain
The Bread
1 1/2 Cups gluten free cup-for-cup flour
1 1/2 TSP baking powder
1/2 TSP baking soda
3/4 TSP salt
3/4 Cup of lemon basil sugar
1 Cup buttermilk
2 TBS lemon juice
2 eggs
1 TSP vanilla extract or paste
3/4 Cup good quality olive oil
1heaping TBS poppyseeds
Mix flour, baking soda and powder, salt in a bowl and set aside.
Mix the eggs and lemon basil sugar in a separate bowl until combined and all of the sugar chunks are dissolved.
Add in the buttermilk, vanilla, olive oil and lemon juice to the sugar/egg mixture and combine.
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet and mix until just incorporated.
Coat the inside of a loaf pan with olive oil and then parchment paper for easy removal.
Pour batter into pan and sprinkle white sugar on the top for a bit of crunch.
Cook at 350 F for 40-45 minutes. Allow to cool for 20 minutes and then remove from pan to continue cooling.
Serve with extra lemon basil sugar sprinkled on top and a dollop of whipped cream or Greek yogurt on the side!
Green Witch Column with Saloni Thompson
Tips for using the natural magic of herbs, flowers and essential oils
Simmer Pot for Spirit Guide Connection
Try this fragrant simmer pot to invite and connect with your spirit guide, using herbs and spices that enhance intuition, protection, and spiritual awareness. Here’s how:
Cinnamon Sticks for protection and spiritual connection
Bay leaves to invite wisdom and guidance
Lavender to calm the mind and open intuition
Star anise to enhance physic awareness
Rose petals for love and gentleness
Gather your herbs and place in a stove top safe pot. Add water and allow to simmer over low heat. Let the steam carry your intentions as you open the door to guidance.
If you’d like to learn more from Saloni, join her Sunday nights from 5:30-6:15pm for her Santoshi Sunday Breath & Sound Meditation.
This class incorporates guided breathwork, sound bath with various instruments and a supportive environment to explore your inner landscape, reduce stress, increase self-awareness and emotional release, deepen your connection with breath ad body and allows for the potential for profound self-realization and clarity.
200 Hr Cloud Nine Yoga Teacher Training
If you have ever wondered, ‘Is Yoga Teacher Training for me?’.
The answer is 100% Yes!
Our next session of Cloud Nine Yoga’s 200 Hr Teacher Training will run January thru June 2026. Andrea, Tammy and a handful of other instructors are excited to welcome you on this journey.
Contact Andrea if you’d like more information.
Private Yoga Sessions
Many of our incredible teachers offer private or small group yoga in studio sessions.
Pricing:
1-$75
2-$130 ($65 each)
3- $160 ($55 each)
Each additional person add $20
You can reach out to Andrea to inquire.
