In 2010, while I was in my final year of naturopathic medical school, I took the summer off and travelled through Nepal and onward into Tibet on a journey to Mount Kailash.

I had prepared myself as well as I knew how - packing herbs, homeopathic remedies and anything else I thought might help me through the high-altitude regions. I prepared for many months physically and mentally with intensive yoga, meditation and fitness.

But what I remember most isn't the preparation.

It's the experiences and the people.

I remember the warmth and generosity of the people we met in Nepal and Tibet, and especially the Sherpas and local guides who looked after us so carefully throughout the journey. And the deep friendships with others on the same journey.

And, as I was part of a music team, my violin came with me, playing music in remote areas I had never been to before (nor heard of a violin making it through those climates!). My violin travelled through the mountains with us, rain or shine. One morning, after a night of heavy rain, I woke to find water flooding our tent. Before thinking about my clothes or anything else, my first thought was: save the violin.

That violin - still one of my most precious possessions - made the entire journey with me. So did the memories of that trip.

It was a profound time in my life, and my journey to Kailash stayed with me long after I returned home.

And now, Nepal & Tibet are on my mind again.

In light of the recent tragedy in Nepal, this feels much closer to home than something happening far away. I know people who have been touched by it, including people I have worked with over the years, and their families who have been directly impacted, here in Toronto.

I had been preparing to spend this time wrapping up promoting my recently published book, Cool the Fire.. But this doesn't feel like the right thing to focus on right now. Instead, I have decided to donate 100% of the proceeds from Cool the Fire to relief efforts supporting survivors and families affected by the tragedy in Nepal and surrounding region.

I know that whatever this raises will be very small compared with the magnitude of what is needed. But sometimes we have to start somewhere to do the small things within our capacity.

If Cool the Fire is something you have been thinking about purchasing, this would be a meaningful time to do so. The book is an Ayurvedic guide to navigating summer and Pitta season - with food, daily rhythms, cooling practices and practical ways to bring Ayurvedic wisdom into everyday life. Although we're approaching the end of summer, much of it remains especially relevant during this seasonal transition and for anyone with Pitta in their constitution.

But more importantly, for this period, your purchase will be helping me contribute to relief efforts in Nepal. And if this book isn't for you, simply sharing this message or with someone who may be interested would mean just as much.

Thank you for helping me turn something I created into a small way of giving back to a place and people who gave so much to me many years ago.

With gratitude,

Dr. Leena

Purchase Cool the Fire in Support

100% of the proceeds from Cool the Fire be be donated to relief efforts in Nepal. Thank you for your support.

A teal yoga wellness book titled “Cool the Fire” with an illustration of a burning flame between meditating figures.

Get your copy now --> www.doctorleena.ca/cool-the-fire

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