Heavenly Coconut Truffles!!

These heavenly truffles will melt in your mouth! Easy to make, a great afternoon snack FULL of super foods. Enjoy! XO

1/4 cup organic agave syrup(can be switched to maple syrup or raw honey)
1/4 cup organic unrefined coconut oil

 1/2 cup finely shredded organic raw dried coconut
1/2 cup raw organic cashews, soaked approx 2-3 hours, drained
1/4 tsp ground vanilla or liquid vanilla
nice pinch of Himalayan salt

Cacao powder or sheredded coconut to roll on after

Place all ingredients except coconut oil in food processor. 

Melt coconut oil in a glass measuring cup set in hot tap water for 5 minutes and add to mixture and mix until well combined, scraping sides a couple times.  Chill mixture for approx 45 mins. 

Scoop by heaping teaspoon full and roll into balls and chill again for at least 10 minutes (I freeze).

These can now be rolled into raw cacao powder or shredded coconut.

** Can add ¼ cup of Ruth’s Food hemp powder**

Heavenly Coconut Truffles are literally like heaven with every bite

Prana Retreats

Hello friends!
I know it has been a while since my last blog. I have been around and writing, but for magazines and other blogs. I have also been working hard to plant the seeds for two companies that have been my dream to establish.  Yes, a dream to be a  yoga-preneur!!
Prana Retreats is officially established!!!The first retreat in September was a HUGE success, and I am GRATEFUL for the continued support and inner-will that keeps me moving towards fulfilling my dreams.

Here is an article I wrote for Parvati On-line magazine on Prana Retreats and all that we offer.
http://parvatimagazine.com/January2013/wellness-prana-retreats-by-ella-isakov/

The next Prana Retreats held in a BEAUTIFUL cottage (near Georgian Bay) are set for:
March 29 - 31 - Yoga and Juice Detox Retreat (Perfect time of year!)
September 6 - 8 -  Yoga (Vinyasa Flow/Yin yoga) and RAW food

Do you have a dream? Is there something you have always wanted to do or try? My best advice...take a DEEP breath, set an intention, and take the first step. Leave your comfort zone and take a risk. You will never know unless you try.

I will be more regular with my posts. Sharing my fave raw foods and recipes, and health and yoga tips.
Stay tuned for more from Yogini Ella!

Much LOVE and Abundance,
Ella

2011 Global Seva Challenge: Haiti school connects mind, body, and spirit of its students

A blog written for OTM! In case you missed it.
It’s Day 3 of the 2011 Global Seva Challenge “bare witness” tour of Haiti, and we are not only beginning to see the incredible things our donations are funding, but are seeing firsthand the strength of spirit within the Haitian people. We started our day with a meditation to check in on how we have been showing up since we arrived. What entered my mind was how the Haitians show up each day, full of pride for their country, love for their community, and a genuine warmth and gratitude for foreigners such as ourselves.
Today we saw a seed that has been planted for change in Haiti when we visited the Amurt School, an eco-friendly school on the outskirts of Port-au-Prince with a focus on yoga and mindfulness. Since the 2010 earthquake, the school has brought together the surrounding camp of 2,000 people by providing grade school (K-6) education, in addition to programs that empower local women through vocational and literacy training, parenting programs, and communication and leadership development. There is a small fee to cover basic necessities, but if the family cannot afford it, they volunteer their time as a barter. No child is turned away.
Yoga and mindfulness is the foundation for ALL of the school’s teachings. Every school day begins with the students seated together in a “Circle of Love” to invoke a sense of union, compassion, and joy to set the tone for a structured and calm atmosphere for the day. Yoga classes are provided throughout the day for people of all ages in the community. The school is closely connected to the camp community, and the students’ families are involved with the school’s maintenance as well as decision making.
Along with being a holistic school that looks at the whole child, the Amurt school looks holistically at people’s surrounding environment. There is a garden located at the heart of the campus to teach the school’s children how to grow their own food. A drinking water system was created using gravel and sand, making clean water available for everyone and reducing plastic bottle use. Composting toilets have been created using sugar cane husks, which are then used as compost for banana and moringa trees (a tree with highly nutritious leaves, equivalent to the superfood Spirulina).
The director of the Amurt School gave us a tour, and we saw something distinct in these children. They appeared confident, well balanced, joyous, and interactive. We participated in a yoga class led by one of the teachers and watched the children surrender in Savasana, where they lie getting a few moments of peace and calmness in the midst of their day. In another classroom Suzanne Sterling, co-founder of Off the Mat, Into the World, played her drum and united the children with music and song (a common theme in all our visits). There was dancing and laughter and clear sense that the children not only felt safe and were allowed to be expressive, but their warmth was overflowing and contagious. These children have been living in tents for more than two years, where there may not be food, a toilet, or basic necessities, yet everyone danced together in laughter and joyous union. Near the end of the dancing, a boy came up to me, hugged me smiling, and didn’t let go. We continued to dance with the embrace of our hug. My heart was touched by the warmth of the whole experience, and my emotions heightened . Our hearts were united and for those few moments our different cultures didn’t matter…we were united as one.
The school has been so successful in creating a sustainable model of holistic teaching and unification of community that the government has asked them to create the curriculum and train the teachers of more than 75 schools throughout Haiti. The Amurt School is thrilled to share and collaborate in creating a holistic education system where the mind, body, and spirit are all seen as essential to a child’s development and well-being. The school is currently seeking out teachers to volunteer to enhance the education of Haitian children. Housing and food will be provided for these teachers, and there is a possibility of grant funding in the future. If you are energetic, wanting to help, and see the true value of a yoga and mindfulness focus in schools, check out their website for more info: www.amurthaiti.org, or contact the Amurt School director at sara@amurt.net. Theirs is an incredible model of education uniting spirituality, yoga, and education to not only enhance learning but allow for children to gain balance in their lives.
Just one of the memorable and transformational moments in Haiti. Thank you, Kristin Adair for capturing the precious moments at the Amurt School.  SO grateful!
Much LOVE,
Ella

Global Seva: Haiti - Off the Mat, Into the World

I was honored when asked to write a blog for Sweat Equity Magazine, and grateful for their support in 2011 as I took on the challenge that would have a profound effect on all parts of my life.  

Since giving up my full-time career a year and half ago to become a full-time yoga instructor and now Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapist, there have been shifts within from my time on the mat. A deep desire to make a difference somehow (locally or globally).

At the time, I wasn't sure what my action would be or how it would look in my life.  I had heard of "Off the Mat, Into the World"(OTM) and had a friend who raised money for Uganda in 2009.  I asked to meet her for coffee on a cold January day. Somewhere in the middle of our conversation I felt this connection for not only what OTM stood for, but also what they did each year.  It was at that point that everything changed, and I decided to join the Global Seva challenge to raise $20,000 for Haiti and then travel to the area in February 2012. 

“Off the Mat, Into the World” was started by three incredible women: Sean Corne, Suzanne Sterling and Hala Khourig.  This was the fourth year to unite yogis for change. The first 3 countries selected were Cambodia, Uganda, and South Africa.  Over $500,000 was raised for each country and incredible work done.  2011 was all about Haiti, and I mean ALL about Haiti!  I organized events almost every month (yoga events, silent auctions, yard sales, selling coffee, Global Wristbands...ANYTHING that would help my cause!!). I don't think I comprehended the extent of the challenge and impact it would have on my life when I began. But looking back I know that I rose to every challenge and used the tools I had from my life experiences, time on the mat and meditation.   Not to say that there weren't moments of doubt and fear of failure along the way....believe me there WAS! But, I committed on every level, with every cell of my being, and knew that I was the vehicle for others to contribute for change. My efforts would go towards helping the Haitian people regain their lives and create a sustainable life for themselves and generations to come.

Along this path, I was in awe of the generosity of so many businesses and people.  I am not exactly sure how many people and businesses contributed but definitely over 300.

As the deadline was nearing in December, I had moments of panic and will admit, despair.  I was forced to surrender to the divine force and the belief in my heart that I will meet the goal and witness the beginning stages of change in Haiti.  The deadline extended for a few weeks and magically people started donating like it was their challenge too. They were on the ride for Haiti.  I raised $20,000 for Haiti, and in total $370,000 was raised for Haiti!!
The money raised will go towards...
* Micro-financing small businesses and skill development for women and youth
* Building a community centre
* Supporting 2 orphanages and a school
* Rebuilding the water system and cleaning up the rubble still left from the earthquake

With one week till we leave and bags of donated toys, clothes, medical and school supplies to bring with me, the emotions are rising.  I am still in awe of what I accomplished in 2011 and know that the trip will be one of deep transformation on many levels.  I am open to whatever it brings.

I never thought I had it in me to not only be a leader but also be part of the change. I am just overwhelmed with what I have achieved.   It became part of my healing journey, as my heart opened for a greater cause, and in turn for myself and ALL that I am.
With SO much GRATITUDE,
Ella

Dec.10 - ONE LOVE for HAITI with OTM

                            WOW! 

ONE LOVE - DEC.10 at Kool Haus

The last event of the year for Haiti with "Off the Mat, Into the World".
Can't believe it is almost over! What am going to do with all my time when this is done???
Been a year of thinking about nothing BUT Haiti, which of course included TONS of hours planning, organizing, emailing, calling, talking, you name it!....ALL YEAR LONG!!
It was ALL worth it!!!


Full of GRATITUDE to the businesses and people that have supported my efforts all year.
This is it!! The final event! 
Your last chance to support....UNITING for a GREAT CAUSE!!
To give Haiti their dream of being self-sufficient and independent.  2012 will be Haiti's year to gain the help they need to create the lives they dream of.

 http://www.onelovetoronto.org/index.html

LOVE and MUCH GRATITUDE xoxo
Ella

November 6th event for HAITI

Hello dear friends,
It has been a while, I know.  All my energy has gone into raising the money for Haiti, which means countless (literally!) hours of work emailing, contacting, picking up, organizing....you name it!

As the dead-line of Dec.15th gets closer, I am filled with emotions, some of which I am still trying to understand.  This year has had a profound effect on me, more than I can describe with the written word.  However, I will try and capture the essence of my year next month after the dead-line.  Perhaps, it will be easier to put into words when I am not thinking about the next event or action plan for Haiti.

So, a week ago Sunday (Nov.6) was one of my last events! I am overwhelmed, tired, and somehow still staying strong and persevering for a greater cause. For people that are still jobless, homeless, unskilled...and the list goes on. This article I wrote for Parvati Magazine captures who I am doing this for, and briefly how it has altered my life.
http://www.parvatimagazine.com/November2011/category/news/activism/

The event was in Richmond Hill at Jack Bengall's Dental clinic (gorgeous space!!).  Thank you so much, Jack!!
I am grateful beyond words to Elayna Bengall, Eric Benchimol and Michele Cauch for their constant support, encouragement, and never once doubting that I can indeed achieve my goal and make a change.

The event consisted of 2 yoga classes, a silent auction/raffle tickets, and the sampling of Thai massage by the talented Genia Klaiman.
As the morning began, I tried to release to whatever would unfold.  My stomach in a knot, and my body slighty numb as fear set in, and I felt these overwhelming emotions and just wanted to let it out and cry, but I knew I had to keep it together...at least till after the event was done.

As I met my Eric to head over, I received emails and texts from people who wanted to donate or bid.  Good thing I have an IPhone and could get my mail!! The reaching out of people on the morning of, stirred more emotions of GRATITUDE, and just knowing the universe has a way of providing what and when it is needed. 

The event went well.  I tried to release to grace to who ever came and participated.  This is still a challenge for me, but this year has been good for the growth in living with grace and being okay with whatever the outcome. Being okay with what is...
                      WE raised $2,000 for HAITI!!!
The money was raised with ...
*the 2 yoga classes
* Bids on donated items/services
* Raffle tickets
* Thai Massage given for donation with Genia
* Global Wristbands for Haiti that were sold for $15

I am FULL of GRATITUDE for the people that contributed to the success of this event and the ones previously held.  You are ALL part of the CHANGE, and will provide for the country and the people of Haiti! I could NOT  have done it without your support and efforts!

When I got home after dinner that evening, I couldn't hold on any longer, nor did I feel the need to, and just let it out and cried, and cried, and cried...  Never thought I  had it in me to not only be a leader but also be part of the change, and just overwhelmed with what I have achieved. It has been part of my healing journey, as my heart has opened for a greater cause, and in turn for myself and ALL that I am.

LOVE and GRACE,
Ella  xoxox
PS.  LAST EVENT, "ONE LOVE" on Dec. 10th. Stay tuned for details!:-)

This path....not as easy as one might think

Hello dear friends,

This blog will be on the spiritual path I have been on.  One of growing awareness, of all that was, all that is, and all that CAN be.

I have been on this path of "awakening" for over 3 years now, but it has definitely been heightened with the yoga therapy teacher training that I have been doing all year and the challenge I joined to raise money for Haiti with "Off the Mat, Into the World".  Both these journey's have given me a "step up" along  this path, this path of "awakening" the inner spirit.  At first I was thinking "I am SO looking forward to unpacking some of this baggage that seems to have set up home within me".  Well, NOT as easy as one would think, incredibly hard....on ALL levels!!For my Phoenix Rising Yoga therapy teacher training that is 8 months long, a lot of it is actually filled with readings, reflections, introspections, and making us look at our "shadows" so we can clear the path to hold an honest, authentic and safe space for the client, without our "baggage" getting in the way (Yes! We all have baggage). We are human after all.  Between the work for the course and my efforts on the journey to aid Haiti by raising funds and going there next year, A LOT has been coming up.

Growing up as a child, I lived in different countries like a gypsy. We were living in poverty and there was abuse, which led me to spend my teenage years going through the foster care system.   Somehow, I did make it, and went to several universities, only to return to the gypsy life I knew as a child after graduating. I just packed in all my memories inside, and stored them there so I could continue to lead my life "normally".  Never thinking that I would ever have to face them....boy, was I wrong!

About 3 years ago, I had a big message/life lesson from the universe that the patterns in my life couldn't continue, that I have a bigger path that was not being followed. That there was a bigger plan.  So I started on this path....thinking it would be great to just unravel the unwanted/unhealthy habits/ways of seeing myself and the world, and then that would be that. Like magic! Well, NOT QUITE AS EASY as I had expected, and boy are things unraveling.

What is making the path SO challenging for me is the acute awareness that is prevalent now in all aspects of my life.  This awareness is causing such anxiety, helplessness and sometimes just feeling at a loss.  As I become aware of a thought or feeling that may not be healthy, the frustration sets in as all  I have in my "bank" is what I learned from previous role models and the trained mind of what the truth is, about me and the world around me.  This was keeping me from believing in myself and the power I can have in this world.  Trying to unravel the years of learned views/behaviours is not as easy as it may seem, because then there is the feeling of being at a loss in what to do or how to alter what is present .....all that is known. 

As I go through this time in my life of moving out of my comfort zone, on all levels, and continuing to grow and persevere in things I believe in, my time on the mat has been a pocket of my life that is immeasurable in value.  As things from the past start to rise, the mat is the one place they can release or "have a voice".  I have always been a little quiet and fairly private, and my time on the mat allows my body to move through the postures and feel what is rising to the surface and be present with it as I take each breath in my own little world on the mat....even though, really in a packed room full of other sweaty yogis.;-)

This awareness, no matter how heightened and emotional at times, is inspiring me to be more than what I have allowed myself to be.  To get out from under the heavy rock of feelings of "why me" or "I can never achieve....", to be FREE from the past and etch down (slowly) to a more authentic self.  I often imagine this giant slab of rock that is slowly being etched away at to get a masterpiece.  A magnificent piece of work that took so much time and effort, and was created from a mere rock....inner spirit and beauty set free!

One that is such a free loving spirit, that has wings that want to fly with visions of a better world, a better life for those in need and a life filled with love and gratitude.  This is the journey I am on, this is what makes me persevere for myself and for others (Haiti with "Off the Mat, Into the World").  I  have had such challenges in my life, and feel so lucky and blessed for the opportunities and guidance I have been handed to lead me to where I am today, and I want to give back in some way.  To make a difference!  Giving back.....this is my path......

Check out www.yoginipath.com to find out more about me, and the "Off the Mat, Into the World" challenge for Haiti.  Ways to support my journey and up-coming events and promotions are all listed.

With Gratitude and MUCH LOVE!

Ella