Foundation Friday | Viparita Karani
Our Foundation Friday series 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. Today we are exploring 'legs up the wall' pose, or Viparita Karani.
Foundation Friday | Viparita Karani
Viparita Karani
Viparita, inverted or turned around
Karani, action
One of the most gentle and nurturing ways to care for yourself is through restorative yoga, a passive form of practice that invites the use of props alongside long-held postures to facilitate subtle opening and overall relaxation of the body. In the case of viparita karani, the wall is your prop! This pose is a passive inversion and holds the same benefits of many other active poses in the same category.
Benefits of Viparita Karani
Legs up the Wall Pose is a restorative, relaxing and gentle inversion that has many benefits:
- Eases anxiety and stress
- Therapeutic for arthritis, headaches, high blood pressure, low blood pressure and insomnia
- Eases symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, menstrual cramps and menopause
- Relieves tired or cramped feet and legs
- Gently stretches the hamstrings, legs and lower bacK
- Relieves lower back pain
- Beneficial pose for varicose veins (takes pressure off the veins as blood is directed back to the heart)
- Calms the mind
- Grounds your back body into the earth
How do you get there?
- find a clear wall and snuggle your bum right up close to it
- swing your legs up the wall and lay flat on your back (your bum may not necessarily touch the wall when you first start, nor does it need to ever)
- you may put a foam block between you and the wall to press into if your bum isn't touching the wall
- position your legs straight up the wall and make sure your sacrum is flat on the ground
- ensure a bend in your ankles, like you were standing on the ground
- relax your arms out beside you with your palms facing up
- you may choose to use a towel under your head (just a single fold so it's not too high)
- relax into the pose for at least 1-2 minutes, although you may hold it for as long as you like
- to bring more space into your heart and lungs, you may choose to use a bolster, folded blanket, or foam blocks under your upper pelvis (hips cascading, shoulder blades on the floor)
- play around with the height of your hips, the placement of your arms, and the length of the pose to explore its benefits fully
Question Yourself, Know Your Roots
“All that is gold does not glitter,
Not all those who wander are lost;
The old that is strong does not wither,
Deep roots are not reached by the frost.”
― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Rings
Getting To Know You
Earlier this week we got the wheels rolling on journal writing and the pursuit of self-study. It can be daunting to sit down with a blank page and a full head and often times one single question can be contemplated for hours (weeks? years?!). This is the beauty of letting your mind go; a contemplation can turn into a novel that uncovers buried layers.
Recently we reviewed "Anatomy of the Sprit" by Caroline Myss, a book that takes you on a journey through your energetic Self; a healing quest full of knowledge and contemplations. As Myss goes through each chakra, Christian sacrament, and Kabbalah's Sefirots, she presents questions for you to personally explore each area within your own life. Writing and reflecting doesn't necessarily yield a direct answer every time you contemplate or muse; the insights spawned from acknowledging your questions are the medicine.
The following is Myss' introduction to the First Chakra: Tribal Power.
Knowing your tribe, community, family and environment is at the root of knowing yourself.
"The energy content of the first or Tribal chakra is tribal power. The word tribe is not only a synonym for family but an archetype, and as such it has connotations beyond its more conventional definition. Archetypally the word tribal connotes group identity, group force, group willpower, and group belief patterns. All of these meanings make up the energy content of our first chakra. The first chakra grounds us. It is our connection to traditional familial beliefs that support the formation of identity and a sense of belonging to a group of people in a geographic location."
Learn more about muladhara, the root chakra here.
Questions for Self-Examination
1. What belief patterns did you inherit from your family?
2. Which of those belief patterns that still have authority in your thinking can you acknowledge are no longer valid?
3. What superstitions do you have? Which have more authority over you than your own reasoning ability?
4. Do you have a personal code of honour? What is it?
5. Have you ever compromised your sense of honour? If so, have you taken steps to heal it?
6. Do you have any unfinished business with your family members? If so, list the reasons that prevent you from healing your family relationships.
7. List all the blessings that you feel came from your family.
8. If you are now raising a family of your own, list the qualities that you would like your children to learn from you.
9. What tribal traditions and rituals do you continue for yourself and your family?
10. Describe the tribal characteristics within yourself that you would like to strengthen and develop.
After all that writing and contemplation enjoy this grounding, root-based practice from Michele Theoret at Empowered Yoga.
5 Reasons To Start Journaling
There are so many reasons to keep a journal. This a place for you to let out the build-up, pour your heart into something only for you to see; to watch your creative ideas snowball and to synthesize your innermost dreams and desires. Journaling, as it's called, is your doorway to self-expression through writing out your dreams, goals, ideas, fears, hopes, loves and needs. The act of realizing your thoughts and ideas through physical documentation is one key way to self-study. Add even a few moments of writing every day to start learning more about yourSelf.
The following list was written by Ani Nercissian at MindBodyGreen
Here are 5 reasons why you should start journaling daily:
1. Journaling enhances self-expression and it releases the writer in you.
It gives you an opportunity to explore your creativity, ultimately leading to self-growth.
2. Keeping a journal can help you better understand and make sense of issues that trouble you.
Are you having trouble making sense of a problem? Journaling can help you decide what to do next and gives you perspective that you may have missed had you not written out your thoughts.
3. Journaling can help you track your progress toward a particular goal.
Do you have a specific goal in mind, or would you like to improve a particular quality of yourself? Start journaling, create a plan, and record your progress.
4. Writing out your thoughts can help improve your relationships.
By writing down your thoughts about people in your life, you can better understand them and their perspective. Perhaps you had reacted harshly with a loved one or you had taken a loved one for granted.
Writing down your thoughts and shifting to the perspective of your loved one allows you to feel a deeper connection that you may have otherwise missed. This allows you to be better in tune with your feelings about them and it increases your gratitude for your relationships.
5. Journaling can help you reduce stress.
It allows you to get in touch with your feelings and just…let go. Writing about your feelings can help to reduce the intensity of the built-up emotions within you.
Journaling daily allows you to be present in the moment. If you prefer to type your thoughts rather than write them in a journal, that works, too. Just write. When you begin journaling, simply jot down whatever first comes to mind and allow yourself the opportunity to explore this new avenue for self-expression. Make it a habit to journal daily, and you may find yourself better off than you were before.
Body Talk
Body Talk: Are You Listening?
Self study happens on many levels. Each cell in our body shares our human experience; love resonates in our every fibre, as does shame, guilt, fear and anger. You may hear the hips referred to as the "emotional junk drawer of the body" or notice that certain parts of your body ache more with certain stresses. Humans store emotional experiences in their bodies and a yoga practice is a way to not only study these imprints, but to release them.
Alanna Kaivalya at MindBodyGreen shares the following:
"What we hold in our bodies as tightness translates into what we hold in our bodies as energetic stress and tension. For example, most of us recognize that someone with a hunched upper back has more than just shoulder and chest tightness, they also may have depression, sadness or fear. Other portions of the body store specific kinds of energetic tension that are exhibited as tightness and inflexibility.
Energetically speaking, our hips are where we store the emotional stress caused by a lack of creativity, difficult intimate relationships and the coinciding emotional roller-coasters. The hips are the energetic location of the second chakra, which is ruled by emotions, creativity and intimacy. Life stressors in these areas become lodged in the hips, resulting in difficulty opening up - both literally and metaphorically."
If you're looking to deepen the way you release in your yoga practice, we have the perfect offering coming up on November 22 at Yogalife Studios South.
Yin, Partner Massage & Self-Healing with Sara Cueva
Join Sara Cueva for a three hour workshop designed to educate you on the various methods to incorporate a more well rounded approach to your existing yoga practice. This workshop will include a short discussion on the relevance of, and importance of exploring, fascial release. Sara will guide you through the various techniques used to incorporate instrument assisted fascial release into your body to ensure the proper flow of nutrients within, followed by techniques for partner yoga massage, and will complete this nourishing journey with a yin practice to focus on the connective tissue of the body. This workshop will involve hands on work, so come with a friend, partner, or spouse, OR ensure you are comfortable touching and being touched by someone you may not know. This workshop is open to all levels (no prior yoga experience is required).
Anatomy of the Spirit, reviewed
Anatomy of the Spirit by Caroline Myss www.myss.com
In 1996, Caroline released Anatomy of the Spirit, a New York Times bestseller that has been published in 28 languages and has sold over 1.5 million copies. Through the investigation of the underlying reasons why people sabotage their healing processes, Caroline identified a syndrome she calls "woundology," characterized by a person's reliance on the power of illness for manipulation of his or her world, as opposed to attaining an independent, empowered state of health.
The following article is a personal review of the book I completed for my final project with the Gaiatri Teacher Training program this summer. I still find myself revisiting the dog-earred pages of this amazing book and realizing how the teachings are sinking into my life. It is an important read for everyone, especially those looking to dive deeper in the journey of self-study. Enjoy!
- Caitlin
My life was changed from the second I started reading this book. Normally when I start something I have to go back and re-read, get confused or lost. Anatomy of the Spirit had me hooked from the beginning because I knew it was what I needed to be reading at this moment in my life. I would put it down for a few days and know exactly what was going on when I resumed because it was that important to me. It was constantly going through me. These teachings will be with me forever.
Myss takes the reader through her history, which is why I was so enthralled from the start. She shares her fears, limitations, and failures alongside her gift, realizations and wake-ups. She is humble and honest, a real person with real thoughts and emotions, though I couldn’t imagine keeping my shivers down if we were in the same room (just reading her words was an emotional rollercoaster! Not her fault…). Right away Myss’ “energy language” becomes apparent, and I have totally reframed how I think about energy after being introduced to it this way. The thoughts and language we use are so pertinent to our energy, a point that Myss drives home frequently.
Anatomy of the Spirit breaks down our energetic self into 7 sacred truths, using the symbolic power of the seven chakras, the Christian Sacraments and the Ten Sefirot. This combined wisdom lays out the map for understanding our souls. Myss explains that these truths “pulsate within us, directing us to live according to the right use of its power”. She explains that energy is in fact the power our bodies need to survive; “that which serves our spirit enhances our bodies. That which diminishes our spirits diminishes our bodies”. This is communicated throughout the teachings through the entire book.
Myss uses examples from her practice to drive home her teachings, and a lot of these stories must be familiar to the masses. I often found myself saying “I can relate” or “I’ve been there” or “I’m there”. The energetic community that Myss opens up through Anatomy of the Spirit is really important for people to understand the big picture. To know that if you do not fix this it will kill you is such a powerful lesson and I have taken this all to heart.
This book covers so much, from faith to self-esteem; all the issues that are hiding in our tissues get touched on in some way. I feel like this book should be read in high school, and then again in university, and then again each decade of your life just to check in and remind you of its power. Through practical medicine, ancient wisdom, and spiritual consciousness, Myss creates a teaching that is so important it cannot be ignored. Our spirit is our currency, it is our duty to get in check with ourselves and those around us so that we can live free and healthy lives. I am grateful for her knowledge and am now passing this book around my friends.
Read, learn, love, om.
<3
Foundation Friday: Swadhyaya
Our Foundation Friday series 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. Today we are sharing a teaching from Pantanjali's classic yoga sutras, Swadhyaya or self-study.
Foundation Friday: Swadhyaya, Self-Study
Swadhyaya, the 4th Niyama Sva | Self Adhyaya | investigation or inquiry
“Study, when it is developed to the highest degree, brings one close to higher forces that promote understanding of the most complex.”
-The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, 11.44
Swadhyaya is one of the five Niyamas (daily observances) presented in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. These practices are the foundation of a yogic life; the system of the Niyamas lend to simplifying clutter and observing/attaining stillness. Pantanjali teaches that these practices progress your spiritual life on the basis that everything you need is inward. What one looks for is already there. These 5 observances are a system meant to work in harmony rather than isolation.
Patanjali also notes that this Niyama involves the study of the ancient scriptures pertaining to Yoga (The Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, and The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali). These teachings are used to assist us in engaging in life spiritually through self-inquiry. As we meditate and contemplate our own life's lessons - our thoughts, emotions, reactions - we begin to learn about our true Self. Reflecting on our own flaws, patterns and stories rather than those of others gives us the opportunity to grow, allowing our mistakes to become lessons. In your life and within your yoga practice, look at yourself with the same discernment you use with others. As if you are watching your life on film, notice what happens with your sensations, emotions, feelings, thoughts and breath; feel empowered through your process of self-study.
The Five Niyamas
The first Niyama: Saucha
Saucha is cleanliness which involves keeping your body clean inside and out. This includes eating the right food, decluttering your environment, communicating with clean and clear words as well as purification of the mind.
The second Niyama: Santosha
Santosha or contentment is the practice of being content with having enough in life.
The third Niyama: Tapas
Tapas is the practice of austerity or self discipline. This is a practice for simplifying your life, removing all the unnecessary things that do not serve you. It is a way of reflecting the external into the internal to refine your needs. The interference of thoughts and emotions can prevent us from seeing our inner stillness.
The fourth Niyama: Swadhyaya
The observance of Self allows you freedom to step into your highest form through truth and discernment.
The fifth Niyama: Pranidhana
This practice allows us to surrender to the divine or higher reality. Yoga is a spiritual practice but not a religion - the science and vehicle that enables us to understand our own beliefs better.
Learn, Love, Grow
Recently we've been sharing words and ideas on self-love. This topic is as important as it is endless, a true lifelong journey of understanding one's existence. The deeper you study, the deeper you love. The marriage of self-love and self-study is key, synonymous even.
We will continue to share information on self-study as we ease into winter. Perhaps this coming season holds a sense of hunkering down, both internally and within your daily life. Acknowledge whatever part of this journey you are on. Inject it with LOVE. It is YOURS.
The following is an excerpt from MindBodyGreen, written by Megan Bruneau
Anatma: The self is always changing.
When I ask clients what they want to get out of therapy, they commonly answer, "I want to find myself." Our culture has led us to believe there's a concrete, constant "self" tucked away somewhere in us. Is it between our heart and liver? Or somewhere unknown in our brain? Who knows!
Buddhism, however, assumes there is no fixed, stable "self." In line with Anitya (impermanence), our cells, memories, thoughts, and personal narratives — all of the "matter" that ultimately comprises our identities — change over time.
Sure, we all have personalities (though they can change over time). We have names, and jobs, and other titles that we use to identify ourselves, to feel a sense of "self."
But the idea of a constant self is yet another story our culture has told us. It is a story we can change, and thereby accept the idea that we ourselves can change — at any time, in any place. As Thich Nhat Hanh says, "Thanks to impermanence, anything is possible."
How we can use it in our everyday life: Instead of focusing on "finding ourselves," we ought to focus on creating the self we wish to be at every moment. It's possible for us to be, and feel, different today than we were and felt yesterday. Being depressed today doesn't mean we'll be depressed forever. We can forgive others. We can forgive ourselves.
Once we let go of our attachment to the idea of the constant "self," we can rest more comfortably with the constant change present in all of life. In each new moment, we ourselves are new.
Acro Yoga Fundamentals
Meet Luc Felicidade, Gaiatri Yoga Training grad and acro yoga LOVER, amongst other things! Luc is joining us at Yogalife Studios South to offer Acro Yoga Fundamentals, a playful workshop to learn the basics of acro yoga. This is a great opportunity to learn new skills and deepen the ones you may already have.
In AcroYoga Fundamentals, not only will you learn the 7 fundamentals of AcroYoga, you will learn how to safely practice at home with friends. AcroYoga Fundamentals will take the foundations of yoga into the air in a fun and playful way. This interactive workshop will include foundational postures including therapeutics.
If you have been thinking about giving AcroYoga a try, this is your chance.
All levels of yoga and fitness are encouraged to attend as you explore partner yoga poses and take flight in AcroYoga!
No partner required. Only a desire to have fun with others in your community.
If you are registering with a partner, there is a discount!
Acro Yoga Fundamentals Yogalife Studios South November 8, 2014 2:30-5pm register here!
Foundation Friday: Abhyanga
Our Foundation Friday series 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. As this month is geared towards self-care, we are taking a look at the basics of Abyhyanga, or self massage, and sharing the foundations for you to give back to yourself.
Foundation Friday: Abhyanga
Abyhanga is the Indian tradition of self massage, done ritualistically to honour one's body as a temple. In India, this practice is done with babies until they grow old enough to do their own self massage and help the elders. Different oils are used for different doshas, the three human constitutions in the system of Ayurveda, or depending on climate and time of year. Sesame oil is the most common; be sure to opt for an organic, food-grade product as you are applying it to your largest organ. This Ayurvedic practice is traditionally performed in the morning, before your bath or shower, to facilitate the release of toxins that may have accumulated during the previous night. Self massage is perfect after dry skin brushing, another step in honouring your temple inside and out.
Benefits of Abhyanga
- Increased circulation, especially to nerve endings
- Toning of the muscles and the whole physiology
- Calming for the nerves
- Lubrication of the joints
- Increased mental alertness
- Improved elimination of impurities from the body
- Softer, smoother skin
- Increased levels of stamina through the day
- Better, deeper sleep at night
If you're interested in learning more about Ayurveda, we have an upcoming workshop at Yogalife Studios North An Ayurvedic Approach to Food Digestion & Cleansing with Ian Hayward November 1 || 11am-6:30pm
Featured Yogi: Courtney Kennett
Thank you to Laurie Jensen Photography for the beautiful photos featured in this piece. www.lauriekjensen.com
We are incredibly grateful to have Courtney on the team at Yogalife Studios. Read on to learn about this YEG yogi and be sure to check out one her classes!
Featured Yogi: Courtney Kennett
This month Yogalife has decided to focus on the topic of Self-Love & how to incorporate Yoga as a Healing Practise. I feel honoured to contribute to such a near & dear topic to my heart, and I will do my best to present my thoughts in a truthful and sincere manner.
For years (and even to this day) I struggle with that constant battle of negative self talk & the never ending strive for "perfection". Although it is a positive thing to set goals & to be productive, this can also be a very slippery slope that can result in a damaging outcome. But how do we draw the line? And how do we Love ourselves even if we aren't quite where we want to be? These were questions I asked myself for years & after submersing myself in the true roots of Yoga I have finally been able to show gratitude, love & positivity towards myself!
Below are a few things I have learnt that have helped transform my perspective on practising Yoga.
1. Rather than thinking of Yoga as a way to "burn calories & workout" I started looking at it as a healing modality... It's became a time for me to disconnect from my worldly commitments/distractions & an opportunity for me to focus on my journey towards becoming a calmer, kinder, patient individual.
2. Instead of letting my mind wander towards envy of the girl with the "flat abs & perfect head stand", I've learnt to set a personal intention & create an individual Mantra every time I step onto my mat. If my thoughts start to shift in a negative direction I gently remind myself of my Mantra " I AM BEAUTIFUL & I AM ON MY JOURNEY TO BECOMING MY BEST SELF".
3. Speaking of Journey, I often tell my students "It is called Yoga PRACTISE, not Yoga PERFECT". As a result, we must realize that teachers do not expect us to be perfect or to never fall out of a pose... And if they do, then please find another instructor lol ;) I purposely try to fall in class & make a fool of myself when I teach, just to show my students that it's ok to slip up & struggle at times (it makes us human).
4. Lastly, I encourage everyone on their Journey to take what they've learnt in class & start applying it throughout their day. For instance, if I learn about a new Pranyama (breathing technique) to calm my mind, then I try to use it when I feel agitated, nervous or hard on myself.
Yoga is an amazing tool we can all use on our "Journey To Self-Healing".
Here's a little bit more about Courtney
Q: What's your favourite music to practice to (or do you prefer silence!?)
A: Music plays an integral part in my yoga practise & the mantras chanted or sung truly affect my soul. I connect a lot to Deva Premal & Nirijan Kaur.
Q: Where's the next place you want to travel?
A: My husband & I are going on one more "just us trip" before our little Yogi baby arrives. It is one of my FAVOURITE places... Waikiki in Oahu!!!
Q: Share one of your life goals.
A: My life goal is to be a "Supermom"... To inspire, motivate, encourage & support my children in any stage of their lives. I know there will be days when I fall & fail, but I truly believe that all mother's plays a divine role in the nurturing, rearing & shaping their children's lives for the better. I acknowledge any mother that has been and that is yet to come... You are all "supermom's" in my eyes!
Namaste Courtney
20 Characteristics Of Self-Love
Adapted from Howard Falco at MindBodyGreen
Falling in love with yourself is the TRUEST type of love. It is not selfish, egocentric or unjust - it is the most important relationship you can foster. This love transcends borders, liberates you and connects you to your surroundings. Today we're celebrating 20 aspects of self-love and the positivity it brings back into you.
1. Self-love is appreciative of your journey, struggles, and determination to move forward and overcome.
2. Self-love respects your physical body and its absolute perfection.
3. Self-love understands, forgives, and honors your past for the lessons it has provided you.
4. Self-love understands that you cannot change the past, and can only make new, more empowered choices right now.
5. Self-love is grateful for the gift of life with all its ups and downs.
6. Self-love accepts the current circumstances and is appreciative of the knowledge every situation offers on how to begin powerful change.
7. Self-love results in a divine respect for who you are, which leads to respectful choices
8. Self-love understands that your existence is the self-evident proof that you matter in every moment.
9. Self-love trusts the process of life.
10. Self-love accepts the truth that all life presents is for you in some divine way.
11. Self-love provides a love that allows you to trust that life will bring you what you desire when the conditions are right.
12. Self-love provides you the patience and faith to wait for the conditions to be right.
13. Self-love allows you to be limitless in your dreams, hopes, and desires, and limitless in the actions you take to achieve them.
14. Self-love gives you a healing and comforting presence around others.
15. Self-love gives you the peace that is stronger than anyone’s negative comments.
16. Self-love gives you a knowledge that surpasses all fear.
17. Self-love is kind, gentle, forgiving, hopeful, optimistic, and energizing to the soul.
18. Self-love is kind, gentle, forgiving, hopeful, optimistic, and energizing to others.
19. Self-love is the greatest gift you can give yourself and your world each and every day.
20. Self-love is the greatest love of all.
<3
Foundation Friday: Uttanasana
Our Foundation Friday series 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. Today we are highlighting Uttanasana, or standing forward fold.
Foundation Friday: Uttanasana
Uttanasana || Standing Forward Fold OOH-tah-NAH-sah-nah
Ud (उद्; ud) = prefix for verbs or nouns, indicating superiority in location, rank, power, intensity Tana (तान; tāna) = "stretched" Uttana (उत्तान; uttāna) = "intense stretch" or "straight" or "stretched" Asana (आसन; āsana) meaning "posture" or "seat"
Uttanasana is an active time-out; your legs release, your feet root and ground you, your head is below your heart, and your spine releases. Taking time here allows your other postures to integrate and connects you to the present moment. With a variety of ways to execute uttanasana, you can tailor your experience in this asana to suit your intention. You may choose to dangle and sway, releasing tension from your entire back body, or you may choose a variation including a grip on the toes or hands under the feet with a more active core, spine and legs. Regardless, uttanasana allows you to hang your heart close to your body, a shape that offers inner reflection and the opportunity to create self-love. As our postures are medicine, this one bows you into your Self, creating a reverent pause to fall deeper in love.
Benefits of Uttanasana
- stretches your hips, hamstrings and calves
- strengthens your knees and thighs
- keeps your spine strong and flexible
- calms your mind, soothes your nerves
- reduces stress, anxiety, fatigue and depression
- releases neck, spine and back tension
- activates your core
- stimulates your kidneys, liver and spleen
- addresses symptoms of menopause, asthma, headaches and insomnia
- improves digestion
- can lower high blood pressure
The Wealth Inside
This month we're sharing insights and highlights of self-love - the most important thing you can learn in your practice. Understand your wealth and use it to love everything you can to the fullest extent. The following is a post from Yogalifer Caitlin, who shares some insight on how self-love and her yoga practice helped her with anxiety.
The Wealth Inside
8 or so years ago, after getting a new job at lululemon, I went to my first yoga class. I knew right away I had found something special. I don’t want to say I “suffer from anxiety” but I have anxiety and that is a fact. Since starting my practice, it no longer has ME. At that time in my life it was almost unmanageable.
I was experiencing a total loss of control, daily panic attacks, and a deterioration in my personal relationships.
I was able to remain somewhat peachy on the outside, but the internal core of my soul was crumbling. I learned quickly that the peachier you are externally, the more you compromise yourself internally. Looking back it seems so logical, but isn’t that always the case.
It was interesting, I took the job at lululemon on a complete whim. This was a serendipitous sign in my life that things really do unfold the way you need them to. I had never even been in the store before, nor had I practiced yoga. I am so thankful my boyfriend took extra long at Foosh that day, driving me to wander into this new stretchy-pant place.
Cut to a few months into practicing… the thing that kept me coming back was the knowledge that there was a quiet place within me that offered me a source of control and patience with myself I had never quite been able to harness. I guess you could simply say it offered me SOURCE. I absolutely felt the desire to transcend my human condition, which spawned later to my dharma of transcending the collective human condition.
I found that even when I was off my mat I could slip into this place and enjoy my inner sanctuary.
I knew that this was too important to me to not share. I set the goal that I would be a certified yoga instructor by the time I was 25 and on May 22, 2011, I completed my first 200-hour teacher training (I turned 26 on May 23 of that year! Goal crushed with one day to spare!).
As yoga has become a huge part of my life, it is most certainly a deeply-rooted impulse to honour why i'm here. I absolutely fall off course, have the occasional panic attack and most certainly have bad days, but I know deep down that the place I first fell in love with – that sanctuary in my heart – exists. As a teacher, I go on, perhaps endlessly, about the value and importance of self-love. For me, my inner space guides me through anxiety; it’s my crux and I own it and accept it. I don’t expect everyone in my class to resonate with the story behind my words, but there is a sense of connection that comes when words truly come from the experience of the human condition. Teaching people to find ways to love themselves is at the core of my existence because I was taught also.
And really, love is the most healing medicine one can be offered.
Foundation Friday: Dry Skin Brushing
This post is yet another instalment in our Foundation Friday series - tidbits of information to deepen your practice. This month we are focusing on falling deeper; exploring the practices that allow you to shine from the inside out. We will focus on a variety of self-love and self-care practices to get you falling!
Foundation Friday: Dry Skin Brushing
Earlier this week we shared yoga poses to get you glowing, focusing on postures that stimulated the lungs and digestive systems to make your skin radiate. Today we're sharing something even more simple and incredibly effective: dry skin brushing. This simple wellness technique is quick, inexpensive, and helps to cleanse your body inside and out.
Benefits of Dry Skin Brushing
- exfoliates dead skin
- stimulates the lymphatic system
- helps reduce cellulite
- unclogs pores
- improves circulation
- allows skin to absorb more nutrients
- make sure to purchase a natural bristle brush (not synthetic!) that has a long handle to reach your entire body
- strip down and stand in the tub or a surface you can sweep up (it may get a little "dusty")
- brush from your extremities in towards your heart; start at your feet and work up your legs to your torso then move to your arms and follow the same path
- use long, sweeping motions and be mindful of sensitive areas (skin will become less sensitive the more your brush)
- you may choose to shower first and then apply an organic oil like sesame or coconut
- you may warm up your oil and apply it after you brush; let the oil sink in for 10 minutes and then shower off and pat dry
- this technique is recommended twice a day
- don't forget to clean your brush with soap once a week
Happy Brushing!
Ayurveda with Ian Hayward
Ayur = life, Veda = science or knowledge
Ayurveda is the traditional system of Hindu medicine that is rooted in the idea of balancing the body, mind and spirit to maintain health. The wisdom in this science of life is drawn from an understanding of the laws and rhythms of nature rhythms and laws, based around the five elements of ether, air, fire, water, and earth.
The following article comes to us from Ian Hayward. Ian was first introduced to Vedic knowledge in 1984 as he searched for alternatives to Western medicine to aid his health. He was initially instructed in the practice of Vedic mantra meditation. The profound effects of this effortless technique propelled him to learn more about this ancient health system. Over the next ten years Ian attended countless Meditation Retreats and Vedic Science Courses at home and abroad. He learned and regularly practiced Advanced Meditation Techniques including the Siddhi Yoga Sutras and eventually, in the summer of 1993, emerged from the Maharishi Vedic University in Valkenburg, Holland (Deepak Chopra’s training was in the same lineage) fully trained as a Panchakarma therapist offering an extensive range of bodyworks and elimination therapies and as an Ayurvedic Wellness Consultant offering pulse diagnosis and lifestyle solutions.
http://elementallifesolutions.com/pages/ian-hayward
Fall season is now well under way and this can be an excellent time to do a cleansing program. However any cleanse must be approached with a realistic attitude or the results could lead to a destabilization not just to the physical but to the mental & emotional levels as well. When you remove a physical toxin you also disturb the mental and emotional pattern that was involved in the forming of that toxin. This is why the experience of detoxification can be a roller coaster of thoughts and emotions.
Before you contemplate the level of detox you want to achieve take a realistic look at your present toxin level. If you are new to cleansing or have not been living a particularly pure lifestyle then you need to start gently. If you release too many toxins at once you can feel like you are being poisoned, this is disheartening, destabilizing and can set up a negative pattern towards purification. It is much more effective and positive experience to cleanse at a rate that leaves you feeling fresh and clean rather than sick and unstable.
It is also important to do a cleansing program that is right for your Elemental body type and dosha. Click here for more information and specific cleansing guidelines for different doshas.
Ian Hayward, Elemental Life Solutions Inc.
Join Ian at Yogalife Studios North on Saturday, October 18 from 11am to 6:30pm for 'Elemental Intro to Ayurveda', the first instalment of workshops geared towards building the key concepts of the Ayurvedic approach to health and wellness.
Register here and contact us (info@yogalifestudios.ca) with any questions!
Foundation Friday: Fall Deeper
October: Bold, earthen colours float amongst the the fall foliage. Leaves whiz atop the earth in a dizzying haze. Us Edmontonians savour the all-too-short time to run about in our fall scarves and jackets, sipping warming teas, and feasting on the foods of the fall harvest (like pumpkin-spiced everything) before the heavy winter sets in. Routines that fell away during summer return to their regular rate, and maybe you're finding yourself craving some time in the hot room again. This month, we're focusing on falling deeper into practice—we will be sharing our favourite self-healing practices and ways to glow from the inside out. Come along with us on the blog and in our studios as we move through a journey of self-love and healing!
Foundation Friday: Love-Yourself Affirmations
Affirmation the action or process of affirming something or being affirmed emotional support or encouragement
A huge part of self-love is physically telling yourself how and why you love you. Affirmations are these personal statements; they encompass anything you need to plant within you at that moment. The result is an increased positive self-perception that can condition your subconscious mind to get on board with your needs and goals. Just as you can create a damaging inner effect by constantly negative self-talking and keeping ourselves down, you can reverse the pattern and get on your own team through dedication to your positive affirmations. Shifting your thoughts from negative to positive can truly shift your life.
How do I get there?
1. Choose your affirmations for YOU Allowing your script to come from a place of what YOU need is important. Think about your goals, needs, desires, and let that guide the words.
2. Write down what you love about yourself It can be a daunting task to compliment yourself, but it is a huge part of letting the self-love pour in. Sit with a pen and paper and record everything you love about you. This will help you gain the confidence you need to let your affirmations land and work. Use present tense for this writing: I am beautiful. I am strong. I am worthy.
3. Replace the negative Think about all the negative scripts you rattle off in your head - this may be a written physical list too. For each one, find its positive counterpart. Use this positive list to counteract the negative. Be vigilant in changing your language to yourself.
4. Prioritize As you go through this process and start creating your lists and really looking at your language, you may find there is a lot to sift through. Rather than feeling overwhelmed, prioritize what your most immediate goals and needs are and then focus on those. The other things may just fall into place! Once you see improvements in one area you can move onto the next.
5. Write it down You've had lots of practice writing things out by now! Continue that with your chosen affirmations. Choose to create these as "I can" and "I will" statements. See yourself achieving your goals!
6. Repetition is key Find yourself coming to your affirmations multiple times a day through different mediums. Writing them in your journal, on your bathroom mirror, the fridge, the front door, on your yoga mat, in your car... keep letting the positive energy of your words take you into a deeper self-love.
We'd love to hear your experience with self-love, goal-setting and affirmations. Connect with us on our Facebook page or get the conversation going around the studio next time you're in. We love this stuff and we love YOU!
Beautiful Words from Dean Tumibay
The following is a beautiful message from long-time Yogalifer, Dean Tumibay. For me personally, Dean made my transition into the media team so easy; he was always there to field my millions of questions and frustrations over technology... there to lend a hand wherever he could. Dean will ALWAYS be a Yogalifer and we are ecstatic to see him grow into his career. Best of luck, thank you for all your hard work, support and silliness!
You are a true gem Dean.
I came to Yogalife a week after it opened, April 2010, in the hopes of finding a yoga studio nearby that I could complete a self-induced 30-day yoga challenge with my cousin, Michelle. I had done hot yoga before, and heard about these 30-day challenges at other studios, but never committed to one. I decided to give Yogalife a shot.
Just like many of you, I was first blown away by the sheer beauty of the space.
Polished white floors, warm tones, large windows, complimentary tea – what more could one want in a space? With bright smiles, the two owners greeted me at the front desk. They warmed up to me even more when I explained that I was doing a personal 30-day-challenge before they even had established an official one for their studio.
My cousin and I became familiar faces in this space, chatting constantly about what we loved and in some cases, hated strongly disliked about classes. Near the end of my challenge, I found myself sitting in the lounge, alone, quietly reading a magazine when one of the owners approached me. With a bright smile on his face, he asked if I’d be interested in a position at the studio. I was elated and within a week of submitting my resume, I was behind the front desk of Yogalife Studios South.
At the time, I didn’t realize how accepting this offer would define 4 years of my life.
Yogalife became a second home to me. In this space, I laughed until my stomach hurt, held warrior 2 until my legs burned, cursed under my breath during a tough core sequence, danced to the greatest hits of the 90s while the rest of you were in class, played a didgeridoo, unclogged a toilet and folded a million towels. It was perfect.
Yogalife provided me an opportunity to let my creative juices flow, after being stagnant for a number of years, getting caught in the regimented schedule of being a University student. I became a part of the media team, shot many of the videos on the Yogalife blog, and made a point to expose our amazing crew on a deeper level to our beloved clients.
Though it was my home, Yogalife exposed me to a world in Edmonton that I had no idea existed despite having been here all my life. The wonderful individuals I met in different communities outside our own enriched my life and opened my mind to so many alternative practices.
As my employment here came to a close, I began to observe all the beautiful things that I’d miss when that faithful day came, where I’d walk through the doors as an employee for the last time and hand over my key to Caren, the studio owner. I embraced the bright sunshine in the empty lounge, softened by the frosted windows, the smell of my favorite tea brewing, the warm air of the Sun studio, the bright hallway lights, the cat pictures on our computer desktops, and most importantly the anticipation when clients and instructors would walk through the front doors.
Many of you came in, often stressed from work or school, but walked out with a smile on your face, responding to my question, “How was your class?” with an exasperated “A-ma-zing…”
Beautiful.
I always dreamt of a job like those you see on T.V. The places where everyone knows your name (go ahead, sing the Cheers theme song), where those same people are genuinely interested in the on-goings of your life, and just happy to share space with you, even if just for a brief moment.
Yogalife was exactly that.
It was my goal to get to know as many of your names as possible, and if I ever fumbled with a pronunciation, please accept this as my apology. I am grateful for every interaction I’ve had with each and every one of you. I loved knowing your stories, celebrating your successes, and being present as your yoga practice grew. I loved that because of you, Yogalife became a place I could go when I needed to escape any stresses I ever experienced.
To the amazing instructors and GSRs I’ve met, you have become such an important part of my life, inspiring me in ways that I could never fully express in words. I’m grateful to call many of you friends, and look forward to where this next step in this journey takes us.
I walk away from this studio, holding dear to me the sweet memories of serving this community, and wish all of you nothing but love.
The absolute highest in me honours the highest in you and bows to it.
Namaste.
Foundation Friday: Balasana
This post is yet another instalment in a 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. Today's posture is another great addition to our Grounding Series.
Foundation Friday: Balasana
Pose, or Asana Child's Pose bah-lah-sah-nah
Mmm. Child's Pose.
Don't you just love it when your teacher says those words, offering you the chance to retreat inside, to turn inwards, to shut off all external noise and simply breathe? Child's pose, or Balasana, is frequently offered as a break within sequences, a time to re-establish steady breath, calm the heart rate, or return to intention if we've gravitated away from what we've set out to do.
Why is child's pose so grounding and calming?
- First of all, the shape of the spine in a child's pose mimics the shape of the spine in a fetal position—and our time in utero was, for most of us, the most stress-free, comforting, and grounded environment we've ever known. It's a gentle reminder to our bodies, and then our minds, to return to that calm, quiet state.
- Secondly, all forward folds are—in their physical nature—calming and quieting as our bodies are literally turning in towards themselves. The anatomical action of folding our bellies, chests, and faces into our legs—or in this case, the floor—seals us away from whatever is going on externally so we can only look at ourselves.
- Further, the action of resting the forehead down on something (the earth, stacked fists, a block) gently stimulates the vagus nerve. The vagus nerve helps to regulate the parasympathetic nervous system (the part that allows us to rest and relax), and in doing so it naturally lowers our heart rate, blood pressure, lessens tension and the stress hormone cortisol. That's why child's pose is also an excellent bed-time posture!
Balasana may help…
- Opens through your hips, thighs, and ankles
- Open the shoulders (especially in the traditional variation)
- Calm anxiety, soothe stress, and relieve fatigue
- Help move your nervous system into a more relaxed state
So, how do I get there?
- From Downward Facing Dog, lower your knees down, about mat-distance apart.
- Touch your toes together, and rest your seat back on your heels.
- Fold your torso forward. Let your belly rest in between your thighs.
- Extend your arms forward, palms facing down.
- Find someplace for your forehead to rest—if the ground is not available, you can use a block, a folded blanket, or even stack your palms or your fists.
- Breathe.
We hope this helps you better understand balasana, or child's pose. Please feel free to comment on our Facebook with any further questions. And let us know if you have something you would like to see featured in Foundation Friday!
From Roots We Rise
This month we're focusing on grounding - growing and stabilizing our roots; connecting to the earth and ourselves. We're thrilled to have YEG yogi Michele Theoret contributing her piece 'From Roots We Rise' on the blog today. She's even included a 75 minute video to put her words to work. Michele is the woman behind Empowered Yoga, a local company offering teacher trainings and workshops, not to mention a wicked blog an other online resources. Get empowered! www.empoweredyoga.ca
FROM ROOTS WE RISE
The root chakra (muladahara) is the first chakra and is located at the base of the spine (lowest point in the pelvis). Muladhara is associated with earth element, instinctual desires, stability, safety and infancy; it is your survival center. Our very existence depends on our ability to relay on external and material support, therefore the sympathetic fight-or-flight response is initiated from the root chakra.
Our roots are our connection to the earth and therefore serve to ground us. Grounding orients us in space and time. It allows us to SHOW UP in the moment, detaching from future based expectations and fears as well as past retreats and defeats. To be strongly grounded allows us to stand on our own two feet and face what is in front of us without flinching, to remain anchored to our truth in the face of opposition. From security we can then safely explore the idea of movement and creativity; only when we feel safe and grounded can we learn to let go and flow. As we lift the energy from the roots up into the pelvis (much like a plant draws water up its trunk) we create inertia, momentum and desire, allowing us to become un-stuck as opposed to uprooted, propelling us forward in the direction of our goals. We cannot simply create things with our minds, the downward flowing “rooting” energy is required for manifestation.
Mulabandha is a technique for arousing the powerful grounding/manifesting energy. It is located at the root of our spine, in the perineum. Hui Yin, the first point on the Conception Vessel from Traditional Chinese Medicine is also located here. Mulabandha or “root lock” is for the most part over engaged and over-emphasized. Often language like “do a Kegal” or “contract and lift your anus” is used. In a society that is plagued with, control, material possessions, digestive issue and sexual dysfunction, this practice is not necessarily helpful. The effective usage of mulabandha comes from the SUBTLE lifting inside the pelvis, combined with subtle contractions of the muscles surrounding the outside of the pelvis and the gentle cinching effect of the transverse abdominals. When mulabandha is engaged in this way it becomes the internal “safety net” that calms the fight or flight response through stability while drawing the energy upwards into the second chakra to further energize the pelvis.
Growing Roots
The proper functioning of the roots requires a “dynamic balance” of both sthira/strength and sukha/flexibility. Range of motion, suppleness and joint health requires the community of muscles surrounding the pelvis and legs to turn on when we need them and off when we don’t need them. When specific muscles get lazy, other muscles get cranky and overworked. Stretching may only aggravate the problem. It is important to incorporate both strength/yang-based exercises as well as well as stretching/yin based exercises. The following roots sequence begins with some effective awakening exercises for the legs and hips followed by sequences to strengthen and invigorate and postures to release and unwind.
It's Time To BLOOM 2.014!
Yogis gather at BLOOM 2013, held at the AGA. This year they've got a new venue and even more to BLOOM you!
THE BLOOM 2.014 EXPERIENCE: Yoga, Beats, Bliss
Yoga Music Meditation & Inspirational Speakers
Bloom is BACK! This years' festivities are a collection of events all central to conscious expansion... yoga, beats and bliss to get you blooming! The line-up is stellar and includes two of our own Yogalifers, Sarah Zandbeek and Myrah Penaloza. There's a lot going on leading up to big day on October 5th - check out the line-up below to schedule your BLOOM!
Together We Bloom: Flower Crown Workshops, Oct. 2 & 3
Together We Bloom is an opportunity to build your own floral crown or headpiece to accessorize, and express your style for this event.
Rock your newest flowered-creation to It’s Time to Bloom! The only other accessory required is a smile and an open-heart. And then literally, Together We Bloom!
ANTHROPOLOGIE @ WEST ED
Thursday: 5-7pm
Friday: 7-9pm
Open to ALL ticket holders, register your spot here!
BLOOM Opening Gala, Oct. 3, Muttart Conservatory
Come celebrate the BLOOM festival weekend with our opening ceremony led by native elder Sequoia Truebloom, followed by talks and meditations and pranayama with Rameen Peyrow, Myrah Penaloza, Jacki Carr, Robindra Mohar and Taylor Eyewalker. Once you have had a chance to go through the 4 pyramids to experience a series of musicians, meditations and breathing in the tropical forest, you will arrive in the center foyer where we have converted it into a space to celebrate and dance with music by the one and only Dj Drez.
Appetizers, drinks and desert by Inner Glow Nutrition
Please purchase a separate ticket for this event or include it in your weekend pass! Ticket info here!
Saturday BLOOM Sessions, Oct. 4
Be sure to check out the whole line-up here to plan out your weekend. There are yoga and workshop passes that get you into different events, so pre-plan your path to ensure you're all set to BLOOM!
Highlights from Saturday's line-up include 'Jumping Timelines' with Taylor Eyewalker (kundalini yoga) and 'Maha Sadhana' with Reno Muenz and special musical guest Sheela Bringi - a deep immersion of purification practices, asana, and a deep guided meditative relaxation practice with live harp, bamboo flute and sacred Indian singing.
BLOOM 2.014: Sunday, Oct. 5
Sunday is the main event! The day is packed with speakers, classes, music and more. Again, plan out your sessions to get the most of your experience and save some energy for the live concert that wraps up the weekend featuring DJ Drez and MC YOGI. MC YOGI’s music is inspired from India’s great epic myths, poems, and sacred texts such as the Ramayana and the Bhagavad Gita. He’s inspired by the life of Mahatma Ghandi and his message of peace. Perfect. We couldn't be more excited to experience BLOOM 2.014. See you there!
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