Edmonton Folk Music Festival
Hundreds of festival-goers grace the Gallagher Park hillside, creating this iconic view that is EFMF. Image used from festivalseekers.com
Festival City: Edmonton Folk Music Festival
The Edmonton Folk Music Festival (EFMF or Folk Fest for the veterans) is a four-day outdoor music event held the second weekend of August annually since 1980. Though named a "folk music" festival, EFMF boasts a ton of different acts and genres. You can find Celtic, bluegrass, blues, gospel, roots, and worldbeat acts performing on the multiple stages, through the day and into the evening. Staged in Gallagher Park in the Cloverdale community, Folk Fest is truly one of the largest highlights of the Edmonton festival collection.
The 2014 line-up is looking stellar. Acts include Ben Harper and Charlie Musselwhite, Blue Rodeo, and Michael Franti & Spearhead. Find the full performer roster here!
The festival gates open at 4:30 PM on Thursday & Friday and 9:30 AM Saturday & Sunday. During the daytime hours of the festival, there are six active stages hosting workshops and concerts with one stage devoted solely to children's entertainment. Face painting, street performers and roving acts are just some of the treats you'll find in between the stages. This festival is so kid-friendly they have put free entry in place for festival-goers 11 and under. There are dozens of food vendors, ranging from carnival fare to vegetarian and world cuisine. The green onion cakes and elephant ears are two EMFM classics! A large tent houses craftspeople and there is a CD tent where the performers' albums can be purchased.
"Like most festivals, the experience needs to be lived to understand why this festival continues to be one of the premier music events in Canada. The Folk Fest manages to create an atmosphere that goes beyond the music, into an experience in itself. The entire production—from the setting, of the stages, to the volunteer staff that keep it going, and even the festival goers themselves—generates a feeling we look forward to experiencing again and again." - festivalseekers.com
Are you going to the Edmonton Folk Music Festival this year? Send us your pictures and stories for a festival recap! info@yogalifestudios.ca
Foundation Friday: Drishti
Zoran's drishti aids in his balance and concentration.
Foundation Friday: Drishti or Gazing Point
Drishti (meaning: "full seeing", vision, point of view, intelligence or wisdom)
Pratyahara: sense withdrawal
Dharana: concentration
drish-tee
"The eyes play a predominant part in the practice of asanas." - BKS Iyengar
Drishti, or focused gaze, is a means for developing concentrated intention. It relates to the fifth limb of yoga concerning sense withdrawal, as well as the sixth limb dharana relating to concentration. There are a total of 9 drishtis and each yoga asana is associated with one. There are many yoga systems that use this practice and differences regarding which are used for specific asanas, but drishti is mainly part of the Ashtanga Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Bhakti Yoga and Raja Yoga traditions.
Why do we practice drishti?
Focusing your gaze as specific points allows your concentration and intention to flow in a circular manner. The gaze first comes from within and is then directed outward to a specific point. This intense focus creates an energy that is reflected back into your body to hold your concentration. This allows the 'looking' to reflect inward, creating a withdrawal of the outward senses and a connection to Self. The directed gaze also gives the mind a focused visual stimulus; wherever your eyes go your mind will follow. Drishti allows the mind to be singularly focussed and balances our internal and external practice. In a visually addictive world, our attention is like currency. Spend it wisely!
Drishti may help...
- concentration
- inner connection
- posture alignment
- meditation
- cleansing the mind
In Urdhva Mukha Svanasana (Upward-Facing Dog Pose), for instance, we gaze at the nose tip: Nasagrai Drishti. In meditation and in Matsyasana (Fish Pose), we gaze toward the Ajna Chakra, the third eye: Naitrayohmadya (also called Broomadhya) Drishti. In Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog Pose), we use Nabi Chakra Drishti, gazing at the navel. We use Hastagrai Drishti, gazing at the hand, in Trikonasana (Triangle Pose). In most seated forward bends, we gaze at the big toes: Pahayoragrai Drishti. When we twist to the left or right in seated spinal twists, we gaze as far as we can in the direction of the twist, using Parsva Drishti. In Urdhva Hastasana, the first movement of the Sun Salutation, we gaze up at the thumbs, using Angusta Ma Dyai Drishti. In Virabhadrasana I (Warrior Pose I), we use Urdhva Drishti, gazing up to infinity. In every asana, the prescribed drishti assists concentration, aids movement, and helps orient the pranic (energetic) body.
In some cases, an improper drishti can actually be harmful, like shoulderstand where the head should not turn to look left or right. Keep this in mind when working with drishti in your practice.
Let the drishti be your guide in to the unseen, to your source, your truth. Allow the flow of your gaze bring you into your true balance and nature.
Guest Post: Inner Glow Nutrition
We are ecstatic to have Inner Glow guru Kristine Fraser back on the blog with awesome information and a delicious new recipe. Read on!
A little bit about Kristine:
Kristine Fraser is a Professional Engineer turned Holistic Nutritionist. A corporate wellness speaker and consultant on natural health, she conducts 8 week "Get Your Glow" challenges in collaboration with corporations and yoga studios, offers one on one coaching, cooking classes, and retreats.
Inner Glow Nutrition
Your Life Changing Supplement!
Well it may not be what’s trending on twitter right now, but it is certainly coming to the forefront of more people’s nutritional conversations, as it should. Truly, a missing link for many of our current ailments, such as bloating, fatigue, a weakened immune system, ridding the body of excess belly fat and one major symptom in particular: brain fog... check out www.innerglownutrition.ca/something-to-chew-on to read more!
AND! The best way to get your coffee: Monkey Style! These freezer packs are great to premake in the freezer and make your grab and go morning “monkey coffee” Try with a few variations outlined below.
Chocolate Monkey Coffee
For your pre-made smoothie packs... 1 banana 4 ice cubes 2 Tbsp of almond butter 3/4 tsp each cinnamon and vanilla 4-5 dates 2 -3 Tbsp raw cacao.
Brew pot of coffee and leave in refrigerator in a glass mason jar with a cute white lid. When ready to make blend 1/2 cup cold coffee, 1/2 cup almond milk (or your own variation), contents of frozen smoothie pack and any extra cacao or sweetener to your liking. Coconut water, protein powders and greens would fit in nicely as well. ENJOY!
Make your version and hashtag #innerglownutrition to be featured on instagram!
Servus Heritage Festival
Festival City: Servus Heritage Festival
This year marks the 39th Servus Heritage Festival, known around YEG simply as "Heritage Days" or "the most amazing place to grab dinner". Featuring 60 pavilions and representing over 85 cultures, this festival is brimming with things to do and see. The action runs from August 2nd to 4th in beautiful Hawrelak Park. Enjoy cultural food (so much delicious food!!!), performances, crafts, clothing, artwork and more in Edmonton's largest park space.
Festival Hours:
Noon to 9 pm Saturday, August 2nd 10 am to 9 pm Sunday, August 3rd 10 am to 7 pm Monday August 4th
The Heritage Festival is an amazing place to connect and chat with people about their cultural roots and their present-day communities in Canada. Look for pavilions showcasing cultural displays with photos, paraphernalia, and stories about their culture or ethnic background in Edmonton. Check out the full pavilion listing here.
Admission is FREE but don't forget your donation for the Edmonton Food Bank!
What are your favourite YEG summer festivals? What have you been up to?
Connect with us on Facebook and share your summer stories.
*photos in the article used from www.heritage-festival.com
Foundation Friday: Trikonasana
These Yogalifers are feeling the length in Louise McKinney Park!
Foundation Friday: Trikonasana || Triangle Pose
Utthita Trikonasana (extended triangle pose)
trikona: triangle asana: posture or seat
Ooh-tee-ta Trih-koh-nah-sah-nah
Trikonasana is one of those foundational poses that gets extra juicy with technical alignment and a longer hold. With that said, there are many ways and cues to get you into this pose, and as we always say, the best version is the one that feels the best. Strength and length are at the heart of triangle pose; feel grounded in your lower limbs and lengthened in your torso out to your fingertips.
Why do we practice Trikonasana?
Like Pranayama and meditation, we can think of our physical postures as medicine. Here are some of the benefits of triangle pose:
- improves the flexibility of the spine
- corrects alignment of the shoulders
- relieves backache
- soothes intestinal issues including gastritis, indigestion, acidity and flatulence
- massages and tones the pelvic organs
- corrects the effects of faulty posture and a sedentary lifestyle
- assists stiffness in the neck, shoulders and knees
- strengthens the ankles and tones the ligaments of the arms and legs
- improve appetite, digestion and circulation
- tone the spinal nerves and abdominal organs
- tone the reproductive organs
- stimulate the nervous system
How do we get there?
There's a lot going on in this pose: you are stretching your hamstrings and psoas, activating and lengthening the external and internal oblique muscles, and the aligning your shoulders as you engage and strengthen the rhomboids (those muscles between the scapulae). Not to mention all the internal medicine you're receiving simultaneously...!
So, from the ground up:
Turn your back toes to face the long edge of your mat, perhaps turning them in slightly depending on sensations in your knee.
The front foot is facing the short side of your mat.
You may use heel-to-arch alignment if it feels right or choose a wider stance based on what's right for your body.
Engage the inner thighs as if you're trying to bunch your mat in the middle.
Draw the pelvic floor up and simultaneously draw in and spin the bottom low belly toward the ceiling.
Spin the entire rib cage up as well.
Ideally, the hips are square to the long side of your mat, with the top hip point (the iliac crest) rolling up and open to the ceiling, the bottom hip rolling under. This will help to square the hips, but if the psoas is tight (and you may feel that tightness in the hamstrings, as the contraction of the psoas here draws on the hamstrings’ origin point), it may take time.
You can use a block under your hand and always remember to take a soft bend in your knees if that's what's feeling best. Never lock them out or hyper-extend!
Keep space in the lower-side oblique muscles so that you’re not collapsing through that lower side waist; keep it long and engaged. Think equal length in both sides of your waist, continuing with that length into your neck and right out your fingertips.
You may choose to gaze up to your top hand or simply look where it feels natural.
Keep your breath long and deep, pulling it in and expanding through the diaphragm to contract and tone your digestive organs and keep focus.
Be sure to come out of this pose on the inhale, engaging the abdominals to help you rise without stressing the lumbar spine. Choose muscle over momentum. Breathe. Switch sides!
Catching Up With Joe Byram
Catching Up With Joe Byram
Yogalife Studios Sponsored Athlete Joe Byram is having an awesome summer. After being named to Team Canada in April he has been training and prepping for the Pan Pacific Championships which run August 21 – 24, 2014 in Gold Coast, Australia.
Joe just got back from a trip to California a few weeks ago and here's what he passed along to us:
The trip to California was a great experience: I had the opportunity to race some of the best swimmers in the world (Michael Phelps, as one example) at the first of two meets, the Santa Clara Grand Prix, near San Jose. My times and placing in my 100m backstroke were okay, but my 200 backstroke was abysmal.
After Santa Clara we went to Mission Viejo, near Anaheim, to train for 3 days, then to race at another meet, the Fran Crippen Memorial Swim Meet of Champions. For the most part, my performances improved from Santa Clara, with the exception of the 200m back, which got even worse...I guess if I am going to swim slow, California is a pretty nice place to do so: we swam outdoors the whole time (without major sunburns!) and had the ability to bodysurf in the Pacific a few times. A rough life indeed.
These meets are what we call "in-season", when our training load is high, and our bodies and minds are tired.
I raced at Provincials here in Edmonton last weekend, but swam events I normally wouldn't. Next weekend I head to Saskatoon for Nationals as a final prep for Pan Pacifics with Team Canada in Gold Coast, Australia. Nationals will be interesting, as I will be "unshaved and untapered" while most of my competitors will be shaved and tapered, as it is their pinnacle meet of the summer. The goal is to push through any tough spots and swim the fastest I have all season.
Check out this video we made with Joe to learn more about his practice and his experience at Yogalife.
Yogalife Sponsored Athlete: Joe Byram from Yogalife Studios on Vimeo.
Thanks Joe!! Best of luck in August!
Welcome Back Meghan Currie!
We are SO pumped to welcome back Meghan to Yogalife Studios July 25 and 26. This time she is here to share her juiciness on LOVING.EVERY.MOMENT.
Every moment is a magical recipe of sorts. Even the most sour of flavours are important and serve purpose. We can collect and assimilate nutrients from every flickering moment if we chew slowly and stay present to the complex flavours of life. This weekend is an opportunity to indulge in all the flavours of You. To simmer in your own experience and let it take you to where you need to go. The classes weave together to create a complete transformational journey, taking your practice to another level of deliciousness!
Perfectly Imperfect
You are here. We begin here, as we are. This is where all the power lives. In truth, rather than in ideas of perfection. How is this all not perfect, as it is? Once the contraction of the idea of perfection relaxes, expansion can then occur. Prepare to sweat and have fun. We flow, opening up the corners of our bodies. Hips + upside down + gentle hearts
Surf School
Swim on air, surfing the breath in each moment. And whatever arises from each moment, we surf that too! This is where we discover the grace and power that comes to our practice from listening to each moment with sweetened ears. Arm balances + deep twists + hearts
A little bit about Miss Currie~
she loves...
handstands, motorcycles, smells, grafitti, safety pins, bicycles, pigeons, music, moss, languages, books, beets, mud, dancing, hydro lines, diagrams, sewing, teaching, surprises, shaking, yard sales, anatomy, instruments, sleeping outside, wisdom, nonsense, sprouts, spoons, body parts, seeds, insects, fears, rocks, giving, essential oils, foods that vibrate, photos, ocean, laughing, naps, spinach, crying, sewing machine parts, singing, love, wrinkles, long walks, good talks, all creatures, trees, apples, raspberries, learning, breathing....being...
Visit Meghan's site to get more acquainted!
Join Meghan at Yogalife Studios South || register here!
Perfectly Imperfect || Friday, July 25 || 7-9pm
Surf School || Saturday, July 26 || 2:30-4:30pm
Foundation Friday: Sama Vritti Breath
Yogalifer Amy Stuparyk shows us you can literally practice this breath anywhere!
Foundation Friday: Sama Vritti Breath
Pranayama (meaning: to restrain or control life force) Sama Vritti or Equal Breath (Sama = even, smooth, flat, equal or same, Vritti = fluctuations or modifications)
sa-ma vree-tee
Why do we practice Sama Vritti breathing?
As the saje Patanjali teaches, we practice yoga asanas and meditation to calm or smooth the fluctuations of the mind (yoga-chitta-vritti-nirodhah). This same principle can apply to sama vritti pranayama—smooth, equal breaths to inspire a calm mind. As the name suggests, the purpose of sama vritti is to create a steady, equal rhythm to create a quality of 'sameness' or balance in the flow of consciousness. Pranayama—or breathwork—is one of the eight Limbs of Yoga (more on those to come!) and can be practiced on its own, or alongside asana (postures).
Sama Vritti may help...
- distractions of the mind
- anxiety
- heart rate
- flow of consciousness
- general focus and attention
- achieving a meditative state
- steadiness in our seated and asana practice
How is it done?
Pranayama often fixes a ratio between the length of each inhale and exhale. In sama vritti pranayama, the ratio is equal. It is a good idea to begin the practice of sama vritti pranayama in the reclining position and then continue by moving on to a seated practice.
To engage sama vritti pranayama, try restricting your breath to an even count on both the inhale and exhale, for example: an inhale = 4 counts, and an exhale = 4 counts. Continue with this pattern.
You can increase the number of counts for each inhale and exhale as you feel comfortable, enjoying the longest pattern you can sustain! Remember to take your time and stay steady with the counts. Notice the way your body, mind, and spirit feels quiet and calm after a sama vritti pranayama practice.... and then carry this with you throughout your day!
Unify Festival
WHEN IS IT?
Sunday July 27th • 10am till late
WHAT IS IT?
A co-creation of local yoga studios and conscious people: yoga, lectures, acroyoga, breath work, kirtan, music, dance and conscious celebration.
WHO IS IT?
Meghan Currie, David Wolfe, the Luminaries, Kaminanda plus lots of local favourites.
Full Line Up —————— Jana (Derges) Roemer Sonic Sattva – Andrew Misle & DJ Robindrafari Meghan Currie Rameen Peyrow Acroyoga with Kelsey and Dawn Integrative Breathwork with Noorish Breathwork Team and music by Blair Francis Sparrow Grace and Friends David Wolfe – yoga and talk Luminaries – conscious hip hop Kaminanda
Noorish loves good food, yoga, conscious living and community.
This July they’re bringing together leading Author and Superfood Expert David Wolfe, renowned Yoga Instructor Meghan Currie, musical guests The Luminaries and Kaminanda, along with a myriad of our local favourites to throw a 1-day festival of yoga and conscious celebration in Edmonton at the Oasis Conference Centre.
Sunday July 27th, 10am till 1am At the Oasis Centre – 10930 177 St., Edmonton AB (see map)
Ticket Options
Full Festival Pass (includes yoga, David Wolfe Talk, and evening music) – $111 advance, $140 door Yoga Day Pass – $60 advance only David Wolfe Talk - $60 advance only Evening Music Only (Kaminanda + Luminaries) – $35 advance only
Visit the official site: http://noorish.ca/unifyfest
Taylor Nystad: Ironwoman!
Yogalife Studio South GSR (Guest Services Rep!) Taylor Nystad is taking off on July 23rd to complete her first Ironman Competition in Whistler, BC. We couldn't be more proud of this huge undertaking, and we want to share a bit of Taylor's story with you.
For those of you that aren't familiar with the parameters of the Ironman, it consists of the following:
Swimming 3.8 km
Biking 180 km
Running 42.2 km (a full marathon in itself!)
She has 17 hours to complete the three components. Taylor has been training on average 15 hours a week, and only started running 2 years ago. She is excited to see what she's capable of and we know she's going to ROCK it! Check out what Taylor has to say about this experience below:
Taylor talks about her journey towards the Ironman in Whistler! from Yogalife Studios on Vimeo.
Foundation Friday: Savasana
This post is the first in a new series that delves into the basics of yoga—looking at its postures (asana), breath (pranayama), philosophy, and all the other essentials—giving you the foundations upon which to build a solid practice. First off, we’ll be taking a look at the quintessential yoga asana, or pose—savasana.
Foundation Friday: Savasana
Asana
Corpse Pose, or “Savasana”
(sava=corpse, asana=pose)
sha-vass-a-na
Savasana is the most important—and perhaps, the most difficult—pose in yoga. While it may appear that someone in savasana is simply setting up for a nap, the goal is not actually to fall asleep—rather, savasana intends to mimic the restful effects of sleep by rejuvenating the body, mind, and spirit while the practitioner remains conscious. Since we are not distracted by sensory sensation in this restful position, we are perfectly prepared to lie in quiet awareness of our breath, of our mind, and our humble presence. Without attaching any judgment on to our pattern of breath or to any thoughts that may arise, we may simply be conscious of them.
Why do we practice savasana?
Savasana is a perfect place to pause and find some peace before yoga, to settle our minds and bodies, to get ourselves into a quiet space, setting the tone for our practice. After asana practice, it is so important to take savasana—savanasa is where our bodies make sense of everything that happened throughout practice. This is the time that we can integrate any new sensory information throughout our bodies—where we can soak up all the goodness of practice and let it sink in. It is also an exercise in calming the nervous system, and just like any muscle in our body, the more we can train our brains to find quiet—to slow down and simply notice things the way they are—the stronger our brains and nervous systems will be at mimicking the same quiet, stillness, and calm throughout the rest of our lives.
Savasana may help…
• Decrease your heart rate • Lower your blood pressure • Alleviate muscle tension • Lessen anxiety • Heighten your ability to concentrate or focus • Increase your energy levels
How do I get there?
- First, lie on your back. Lay your feet outstretched from your body about hip-width distance apart, with your arms outstretched a few inches away from your side body, palms face up.
- Let your toes relax to the sides (your feet may rotate outwards slightly).
- Slightly tuck your tailbone under to lengthen your spine.
- Tuck your shoulder blades underneath your body to open across your chest.
- Slightly tuck your chin in to keep the back of your neck long.
- Close your eyes.
- Relax and soften everywhere that you can in your body.
- Release any breathing technique you may have been using in class—breathe naturally.
***Note: comfort is essential in savasana—find whichever variation of savasana is the most relaxing to you, so that it will be easier for you to avoid distractions.
If this position is uncomfortable, you can:
- Keep your upper body the same, but bring the soles of your feet together and let your knees fall wide
- Place the soles of your feet mat-width distance apart and rest your knees together (helps if you are experiencing lower back discomfort)
- Place a bolster under your knees (also helps with lower back discomfort)
We hope this helps you better understand the concept of savasana. Please feel free to comment with any further questions. And let us know if you have something you would like to see featured in Foundation Friday!
Seize Summer... All Things FESTIVAL!
Let's get ready to FESTIVAL!
Let's be honest, our beautiful YEG thrives in the summer. With such a colourful festival line-up, it's hard to choose where to be! We are excited to create a hub of festival pre- and reviews as we seize summer in style. Watch for our favourite festival highlights, Yogalife instructors in the field, and epic musical musings as we share all things FESTIVAL.
Here's a complete festival/celebrations list for Edmonton as told by Mastermaq, a site definitely worth checking out if you're into YEG action.
http://blog.mastermaq.ca/2014/06/05/your-guide-to-summer-festivals-events-in-edmonton-2014-edition/
Beyond the array of Edmonton cultural offerings, we'll be taking a look at some of the best out-of-city festivals around. Astral Harvest, Wanderlust, Burning Man... ahhh, summer dreaming!
Join our Facebook Group and stay connected throughout the summer! We love to hear from you!
YEG Highlight: South Common Farmer’s Market
YEG Highlight: South Common Farmer’s Market
Surely you’ve seen all the signs on your commute to and from our south studio—our neighbours over at the South Common Farmer’s Market are so close, you can almost smell the fresh summer berries as you step out of our studio doors!
Featuring sunshine, fresh local goodies, and friendly faces, the outdoor market is home to some lovely vendors sharing everything from handmade coconut milk soap to Alberta beef jerky. Bring your pre- or post-class appetite—food trucks and stalls offer ready-to-munch goodies like fresh fish tacos, sweet and juicy lemonade, and gluten-free perogies smothered in all the toppings.
Feel free to simply browse and enjoy the community, and feel good about any purchase—not only are you supporting local farms and businesses, but the South Common Farmer’s Market also gives back to various charities, like Hope Mission, The Center for Arts and Music, and plenty of youth sports teams.
The South Common Farmer’s Market runs every Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Servus parking lot just southeast of Yogalife South (this year, it runs until October 19th). There’s plenty of parking, and ETS route #74 stops right at the curb.
Hope to see you southies there!
Guest Teacher Lisa Cohen
Yogalife Studios South is excited to welcome guest teacher Lisa Cohen, joining us from Arizona.
Lisa will be leading Melissa's Ashtanga class this Sunday June 29th at 12:30pm.
A little bit from Lisa:
Yoga came into my life when my father and sister took me to their Ashtanga yoga teacher, Anthony "Prem" Carlisi, in 1998. I did Primary series, all of Primary series in my first class. I couldn’t move after class or the week after. I was humbled. I knew that I would practice yoga for the rest of my life. I didn’t know that I would teach, but Prem passed the torch to me when he moved away. After 15 years on the mat, I am still a lifelong student, still humbled and still in-love with the Practice.
Yoga opened me up to many ways of seeing and learning, communicating and growing. Yoga is opening, loving and evolving. Yoga is an ego corrective experience. Finding yoga has helped me practice gratitude everyday in every way.
My class is appropriate for all students willing to try something new and step out of what they might think is possible, ordinary or routine. With guidance and love I try to challenge each student while nourishing the body with breath and awareness and clarity of alignment.
To learn more about Lisa visit her site www.flowinwithcohen.com See you Sunday!
Warriors Of Change
Brandon Jacobs, Warriors of Change facilitator, speaks about his upcoming offerings at Yogalife Studios:
I have reworked my Warriors of Change series to bring you two different workshops - Awareness & Transformation. This is a humble offering, in hopes that I can be of service to help anyone in any way I can to move through your physical practice and to embrace and move within your emotional and subtle body, in pursuit of your highest self. I have attached the poster here, so please pass this along to anyone you feel could benefit from it. I feel workshops such as these are greatly needed in the yoga community so I am very proud to be offering this.
Through a lot of reading and research on unhealed trauma, Brandon has been newly inspired to evolve this workshop into a program to help people find empowerment and awareness from their past experiences, struggles and wounds. We are not victims, and we are not alone. Brandon is passionate about creating an extremely safe space and environment to allow people to move through whatever they may need. Small or big steps, we are all here together in support of one another. Brandon published an article in Elephant Journal, in April of 2014 as a way to open up the lines of communication. The hope is that everyone will have read the article before we begin the first session.
We often try to overcome many societal issues (perfectionism, eating disorders, self-worth, body image, etc.) individually. This workshop will provide a safe place for people to emote, deal, and realize the power of hearing someone say, “me too.”
This workshop is the very core of Brandon's work, and he is truly committed to helping people work through, or at least become aware of what is holding them back. We have already received an overwhelming response from the previous Warriors of Change workshops, and we hope to continue to help people become their truest and most authentic selves. This is a needed workshop, not just at Yogalife, but in our community as a whole.
Warriors of Change // Awareness // July 5 // 2:30-5:30pm
Yogalife Studios North
In this workshop we will be discovering ways to heal traumas, and work through many common societal issues, by means of asana, or the practicing of yoga postures, svadhyaya, or the practice of self-study, journaling, meditation, and mantra. This is all in pursuit of moving towards a higher version of yourself. Through the POWER of asana, we create a deep sense of self-awareness, so that we can progress and grow. We learn to truly see ourselves, forgive ourselves, and love ourselves. By becoming AWARE and working through what is holding us back, we move away from distraction, and find what is at the core of us as individuals. Through this acceptance, transformation becomes possible.
Warriors of Change // Transformation // August 9 // 2:30-5:30pm
Yogalife Studios North
Throughout the course of this workshop, we will dive deeper into the concepts of self-acceptance and self-worth. We will immerse ourselves in our yoga practice, and move mindfully as we breathe, and chant together. After we practice and forgive, there will be a very cleansing guided meditation, followed by a ceremony, where there will be an opportunity for others to share in their experiences, as we bring our community even closer together. Always coming back to the reminder that we are not a victim of circumstance, but a powerful being with choice.
*please bring a journal & something to write with $30/$35 at the door for one session, or $55 for both
Featured Yogi Of The Month: Neil Haggard
This month we caught up with Neil Haggard, Yogalife's resident adventure yogi who has been with us right from the start! When Neil's not travelling, you can find him leading classes and workshops or riding his bike. What a perfect ambassador for Bike Month! Neil is an active cyclist, hiker and climber and is inspired by how Yoga builds strength and flexibility to support and enhance so many outdoor activities.
Neil shares a bit about his upcoming Yoga for Summer Athletes workshop, Sunday, June 29 3:30-5pm:
Click here to register!
I am excited to offer this fun yoga workshop to active summer yogis! Runners, recreational cyclists, walkers and hikers will benefit from an invigorating Yoga Asana practice to build flexibility for hips, hamstrings and develop a strong core! This workshop will be fun and challenging, for anyone active in summer activities who wish to enhance their fitness, strength, flexibility and knowledge of anatomy! We will work with breath techniques, experience stress relief and learn ways to develop a deeper sense of health and well-being! Come and join with other like minded yogis, as you deepen your practice, and give your body the support it needs to continue with the outdoor activities that you love!
How did you get your yogic start? Who brought you to your first class, what was that like, and where was it? My start in yoga was 17 years ago as a runner with tight hips, hamstrings and a sore back. I found yoga helpful in stretching my body and savasana was so helpful in dealing. I learned to breathe, started cycling and found it really helped me when I was racing road bikes and doing time trials. I had a wonderful Korean senior teacher (Julie Jeong) at the YMCA who inspired me to continue and eventually join the Yoga Association of Alberta where I became a certified YAA teacher. I have been teaching for 11 years and enjoy teaching Hatha, Yin, hot and warm flow, and core to all levels and abilities. I am now an intermediate teacher with the YAA and was one of the original yogis who started with Yogalife a few months before we opened the South studio! I teach morning Hatha on Mondays and 7 pm Foundations and 8:30pm Warm Flow on Thursday evenings as well as various workshops throughout the year (Tibetan Singing bowl meditations, Yoga for Cyclists, Anatomy for Yoga, etc) I am excited to offer a workshop for Summer Athletes on Sunday, June 29 3:30-5pm - a strong, fun practice to enhance all summer activities!!
Share a favourite quote, lesson, or teaching that inspires you.
There is do, or not do...there is no try - Yoda
What's your favourite music to practice to (or do you prefer silence?)
Karunesh (~compassion) has some amazing music to practice with, and I use their music while teaching. Gandalf also has some incredible music for asana and meditation!
Your favourite books, yogi-inspired or fiction.
Light on Yoga by BKS Iyengar and Judith Lasater's Living Your Yoga are two favorites
Tell us about your first teacher training.
A River Lodge yoga retreat with the Yoga Association of Alberta where we each had to teach 2-3 poses to other teachers. It was incredible how much we learned from each other and the senior teachers.
Where's your favourite vacation spot?
Nepal - I lead Yoga & Culture tours and treks to Nepal each year and when I return this October, it will be my 13th time there! I keep a Nepal blog - www.neilinnepal.blogspot.com. I have just returned from nearly a month cycling in Norway (my 4th time there so I guess it is also a fave)
What is your favourite meal to make and share with friends?
Seafood and a nice California or Australian wine!
What's your favourite pose/sequence/area of the body to work on?
I actually have 2 favourite asanas - Kapotasana - my piriformus always needs a stretch and Warrior II for strength
Who inspires you?
Gandhi and Iyengar
Share your favourite self-healing practice.
I breathe, meditate, enjoy stillness and nature while cycling solo Jasper to Lake Louise, which I do for 3-4 days each year! Very restorative. I climb rock, XC ski and Ice climb as well as do some mountaineering which I find meditational to be in the mountains and notice the stillness, clear my mind and enjoy this amazing earth!
Where's the next place you want to travel?
Central and South America are waiting - Patagonia, Machhu Pichhu, Ecuador!
Share one of your life goals.
A life goal would be to move to a country in Asia to live, steep in the culture and become fluent in the language. I plan to fly around the world in 2-3
years!
Namaste Neil! Thank you for sharing.
Big Love For Prairie Yogi
photos by Jenn Crebas Photography
Ahhh, sunshine, music, friends, and yoga. What more could you want out of life?! Last week, the elusive Edmonton sun beamed out its welcoming warmth and rays— a wonderful way to greet Prairie Yogi as they stopped over in our city. After reading and loving the online magazine and community they’ve created, we finally had the pleasure of meeting Rachelle and Monique (a.k.a. Prairie Yogi) in-person at Louise McKinney Riverfront Park.
Together, we saluted the beaming sun as Noah Krol of Peg City Yoga guided us through an open-air karma practice, the river and pyramids our drishti. Post-savasana popsicles from our friends at Lululemon made the whole afternoon feel a treat as we sat in the grass to chat.
And as if the daytime yoga wasn’t enough bliss, we stepped into Latitude 53—an art gallery repurposed as practice space—for the official PY YEG Launch Party, the tone set with soft incense and some sweet, funky musical stylings from Robhindra Muse-ic. Our heart-opening practice was guided with the warm hands of Edmonton’s own, with gracious adjustments from Myrah Penaloza and Teresa Byer, as Andrew Misle led us through a strong back body sequence.
We loved practicing alongside familiar faces, and some we haven’t seen before—it was incredible to share space and so much good-hearted energy with all kinds of YEG yogis! Edmonton’s yogis are truly rockin’ their practices—and this whole day of yoga immersion with the community served as such a sweet reminder of all the good vibes floating across our city, within and without our studio walls.
We hope you felt the love too, Prairie Yogi—please come back and hang anytime!
Prairie Yogi toured Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta to promote their upcoming Prairie Love festival which takes place in Winnipeg this September. Check it out!
Stay Connected! Join our Facebook Group.
Virya Yoga Challenge
Virya means diligence, effort and enthusiasm
Join us for the next 3 months to build a more balanced and consistent yoga practice in your life this summer.
Yoga is an inward journey for all of us so allow yourself the time and space to develop your own personal practice.
THE DETAILS
A minimum of 3 practices per week from March 1st until May 31st.
There are a total of 13 weeks plus 4 days in that time.
You will receive a journal upon registration to keep track of your weeks and practices as well as marking your weeks in-studio.
This challenge is meant to help build consistency in your week to week, month to month lifestyle. To commit to yourself to practice every week, three times per week means to consistently build discipline in your practice. Extra classes in one week will not count towards the next. This practice is about consistency and how you can maintain a healthy happy body each week.
If you can’t make it to the studio or you plan to go on vacation, bring us with you!
Show us how you’ve kept up with your practice during that week. Here is an option:
Tag us @yogalifestudios and Hashtag #YogalifeViryaPractice with your preferred social media to let us know your progress, or let us know in your own creative way how you’ve been keeping up with your practice.
Join our Facebook Group to be motivated and to motivate others during the challenge.
108 Sun Salutations
What is 108?
It is an auspicious number that has so many meanings, but the one that resonates the most with this workshop, is that there are 108 energy lines that converge on the heart chakra (Anahata). Interesting that this is a place of love and peaceful sharing.
The vision is to share a room full of caring yogis, fill that room with breath, prana, peace and let that resonate to the world this summer solstice. You will be guided through 108 sun salutations and a whole lot of fun on June 21st, in hopes to raise money for a charity dear to your guide, Melissa's heart called "Women for Afghan Women".
A while back, I was reading a National Geographic story called "Afghan Women". For the first time in a long time, I wept uncontrollably. We are so blessed to live in a place where we can express our freedom, can come and go as we please and travel the world on our own.
The women of Afghanistan can't even go to the market on their own, and generally are not allowed the opportunity to know anyone outside from their family. Abuse amongst many women is almost at 80% nationwide, which is an astonishing fact.
The stories out there are horrific, yet their fierce spirit has helped them persevere. Such amazing and inspiring souls. Women for Afghan Women has now built 7 women shelters in Afghanistan, and they help to remove women and children from life threatening situations, provide safe shelter and educate them in hopes of a better future.
This organization and the stories of the women they help struck a heart cord with me and I felt compelled to take part since I have been so grateful to have travelled the majority of the world, even to central Asia, and was met with whole hearted kindness where ever I went. It is now my turn in life to try and reciprocate.
I would love to have you all join me in this solstice for peace and blessings to the less fortunate. We are all trying to build a better future for the world! Click here to register!
-Melissa
108 Sun Salutations for Peace with Melissa Perret Saturday, June 21 // 2:30-5:00 pm Yogalife Studios South Minimum donation is $25
So Fresh And So Clean!
Although many yoga students learn asana practice first, the ocean of Yoga has many teachings to offer. Pantajali's classical Eightfold Path places yama and niyama before asana; more teachings are categorized within these limbs as well (yogi's love their lists!).
These offerings may not be a common theme in a typical yoga class, yet it is important to understand the information and apply it to our practice.
The niyamas include 5 observances: Saucha (cleanliness of thought, mind and body), Santosha (contentment), Tapas (spiritual effort), Svādhyāya (self-study), and Ishvarapranidhana (surrender to God). Today we will touch on the first niyama, Saucha.
As yogis we understand the importance of clean thoughts and intentions; our limiting words and judgements are a nasty byproduct of the ego. Committing to cleaning up your thoughts, words and actions cleans up your energy, your life. With less clutter we can flow through life with greater ease and clarity. With this cleanliness everything becomes easier.
Purity IS health! We can think of this quite literally, finding that perfect cleanse, keeping our homes clean, and caring for ourselves properly.
When we step onto our mats alongside perhaps 40 or 50 other sweaty yogis, saucha is incredibly important to maintain the respect and comfortability of the room. Honour yourself and your fellow yogi by keeping your props tidy, your mat lined up, and above all your personal hygiene tended to. Just as we expect a fragrance-free studio space, we ask that you come with an awareness of your personal saucha. Obviously things are going to get sweaty, that's the point!! But ensuring that you are coming in decently showered and such will keep the space enjoyable for all.
Friendly etiquette reminder and philosophy lesson wrapped into one! Thank you and namaste.
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