Book signing event and workshop in Montréal

I can't believe it's already February! How is your 2016 going so far?

My 2016 has been very interesting. I left a full-time job at the end of 2015 and decided to put more energy and time into my project, Maya's Labo. Now I have more time to play in the kitchen and practice yoga and meditation. I'm happy with my decision, but it was not an easy transition.

After I moved to Montréal, I got back my life from a workaholic lifestyle in Japan. I was very happy to work as a raw vegan food chef. I was enjoying almost all the challenges at work. I was pushing myself hard and repeating myself that ''I can do it!''

Five years later, I took a 6-week vacation because I was almost exploding. ''Why am I so stressed? Am I enjoying the job?'' I was asking myself in beautiful mother nature, along beaches and contemplating the jungles of Hawaii. ''What do I want to do in life? Am I happy? Is it important for me to be myself? Wait, how can I be myself?''

After I returned came from my Hawaiian vacation, I was still looking for answers. Two months later, I made my decision to leave my job.

During this period of contemplation and transition, there was also a huge and exciting project pushing me positively in the back.

Before I left for vacation, one of my best friends, Gisele, asked me if I'd like to collaborate with her on co-writing a book. I didn't understand what she meant. ''Writing a book? In English? No way! I have nothing to write about...''. But thanks to her patience and encouragement, I said ''yes'' in the end. As I embarked on the project, I started thinking about the content. It took some time to organize my thoughts. I was writing on the beaches of Hawaii, and in the woods of California. Two months later, I finally finished dragfting up all the texts.

I couldn't have accomplished this project without Gisele. She helped me follow through with my inspirations and literally, improve my English too. This project helped me build my confidence, and has manifested only pleasure. Look what I have now! I have my first collaborative book, an amazing collection of chocolate creations, plus a memorable first experience as an author of my passions in life.

So here is the book! It was launched on November 22nd, 2015.

''THAI-ing it all up!'' -Beyond Trauma, Nutrition & Holistic Bodywork

You will discover how to :

-Zen your mind and stir up the body's innate healing powers

-Release trauma from deep inside your tissues and rebalance your nervous system

-Being Ayurveda into your massage, food and lifestyle

-Detox and flourish with clean, plant-based nutrition while on-the-go

-Apply easy restorative yoga and Thai massage postures at home

In this ''THAI-ing it all up!'' book, I share recipes which are simple, easy-to-make, plant-based, gluten-free, allergen-free and yummy! Read also about my favorite superfoods, which include medicinal mushrooms.

At the book launch with Gisele, Tony(co-author), Sukha(co-author) and Stanley

It has been such a pleasure working with these amazing co-authors:

Gisele Seto is a certified ANQ naturotherapist and a RMQ massotherapist. She offers a fusion of holistic helath coaching, therapeutic yoga, Thai massage and myofascial bodywork.

Tony Eng is a certified massage and bodywork therapist specializing in osteopathic approaches, which include Cranio-Sacral Therapy, Visceral Manipulation, Somato-Emotional Release, Myofascial Release, and Brain Therapy.

Kam Thye Chow is the founder of the Lotus Palm Thai Massage School in 1995. Lotus Palm was the first educational institution in North America dedicated to the teachings and propagation of the art of Thai Massage.

Sukha Wong is a certified massage therapist and instructor. She became the owner of the Lotus Palm Massage School in 2011.

''THAI-ing it all up!'' book is available online

at amazon.ca / amazon.com / amazon.eu .

Also, at the Lotus Palm Massage School, Sattva Yoga Studio and Energie EnCorps in Montréal.

I'm excited to be part of another book signing event Thursday, February 11th!

We are look forward to sharing our body & mind healing journeys with you. It's free and open to everyone. Sukha will lead a chant and Tony will lead the meditation.

Come support and join us for a meaningful night of celebrations, Chinese New Year bites, wonderful vegan snacks, tea and discussions. - Lotus Palm Massage School

More details ☞ facebook event page

Also, I'm collaborating with Stanley & Gisele on a special workshop on St-Valentine's day!

It will be a sensorial experience for you and your loved one, as we take you through a partner yoga flow and massotherapy exchange using aromatherapy and Tibetan bowl sounds. I'll offer your taste buds by showing you the power of CACAO by sharing my own Maya's Labo raw chocolate treats.

Sign up here ☞ Sattva

Looking forward to see you there!!

Love & Gratitude,

Maya xx