11 Insights on Taking a Yoga Training
Yoga teacher training can and will change your life, and here's why.
Our 200 hour Foundational Teacher Training is just around the corner. Facilitated by Sarah Zandbeek, this course will guide you to transform your practice and deepen your understanding of philosophy and history of yoga. Moreover, this course is an invitation to self: self love, self knowledge, self illumination. The following post is from your teacher, Sarah.
For full details on this offering, head here!
Get in touch: trainings@yogalifestudios.ca
Here's 11 reasons to dive in deep with a yoga teacher training.
“Any yoga teacher or human I know that has taken a yoga training has said they believe that this should be a mandatory life program.”
1) Remoulding Reality: There is so much we don’t know about what we know. Having been raised in a culture that deeply values hierarchy and money, we have been secretly trained to hold rules that might be enslaving us instead of propelling us forward. Our idea of success is buried in things that don’t touch the Soul. Yoga trainings begin to ask more, begging the question again and again, “is that true for you, are these ways of existing true for you?” Some how in some way, something opens and all of a sudden the need to hustle and feel stressed about not having enough transforms into “holy shit, I am so taken care of.”
2) Space Holding: Ever feel like no one ever really quite listens to what you are saying? Their physical ear is there, but they’re not hearing the words or the frequency beneath the words? Well, Yoga Training, helps you to not be that friend. As Teachers, we become guiders in Life, whether we chose that or not. When we begin to look at our lives with a higher resolution microscope, we learn things about life and the way it works and in that, we gain empathy, understanding, and compassion. So, when friends and family come to you, you can actually listen with a tuned in ear to the pains they are speaking of without needing to try and push it away with statements like, “it’s going to be all good, he is a jerk any ways, or you’re going to be fine.” Being able to listen is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself, your community and humanity.
3) To Live: Yoga training helps you to understand life. In this you gain the courage to really start living it – outside the bounds of who and what someone told you you were suppose to be/do. When we start to observe what the body is experiencing, it becomes a beautiful guide that moves you towards your authentic truth. When we are in line with truth, ease arises, and the dance of life begins underneath our feet.
4) Freedom: I bet you often hear a calling for something more and you have been ignoring it for a while. There is something deep within you that is getting louder and louder, asking you to listen; the Soul’s cry for freedom. Answer that call. The time for change is NOW.
5) Strength and SURRENDER: Learning the pulsation of life can help you move through the tough times with more grace. Unfortunately (fortunately), tough times are an essential part of life and learning; imagine learning from the rough patches in a much less stressful and tumultuous way. Not everything needs to be dealt with head on: yoga can teach us to surrender to that which we can not change and to look a little deeper in order to see the truth of the matter, which is always humbling and filled with powerful teachings.
6) Re-Inhabit Intuition: Living in a society that is mostly based on lies, we have grown to stop trusting our intuition – that which guides us to who we are and our highest purpose. This can lead us to wondering, “what am I doing, what is the point?” Not knowing your purpose can make it really hard to wake up each day, moving through the motions that aren’t moving you. Yoga training helps build Self-trust and confidence to stand up for what you are feeling. It offers a space for others to drop their lies and start moving toward speaking truth and having the strength to say the hardest of things. Moving lies out of the body makes space for deeper movements and more profound moments in life. Life becomes much more juicy!
7) Dissolve Suffering: Suffering exists due to undigested emotional experiences, which tend to inhabit the tissues of the body in the strangest ways. As we practice asana, engage in breath work, and meditate, these stagnancies begin to move. This brings emotions to the forefront, giving us a chance to dissolve past happenings and release them from there grip on our day to day perspective of life.
8) Threshold meets Change: Often, when we reach the edge of something, there is that friction has built and it’s hot, frustrating, and it feels like it might collapse us. We turn around and go back to what we already know and that courageous part of us turtles once again – the cycle ensues. What if we learned to meet these thresholds and had skills to yield through them? We may start to desire these times of great change instead of fear them. Grace may begin to exist as a consistency in our personality.
9) Authentic Self: Who are you? Be that. Scary? Maybe. Impelling? Most definitely. Yoga training can help you begin to move through life guided by what really serves you in all senses: food, relationships, work, and love life. Live in complete accordance to that which you were designed for.
10) Navigation: Yoga training teaches us how to begin chipping away all the built in patterns that we have created over time through our experience in this life. How does one begin to “listen” to the inner guide, to have courage to follow it no matter what, to speak truth even when the voice quivers and the truth is hard. Observing the journey of Yoga in the body-mind-spirit continuum teaches us so much, allowing us to start observing moments in a much more profound way.
11) Life becomes an Offering: Empathy. Through working on your Self, the vastness of what makes you begins to reveal itself. Within that, we start to see that we are all things: crazy, wild, kind, and free. It is only through allowing yourself to experience all of Life’s emotions, that you begin to make space for the uncalculated pathway of others. Each life, each soul is having a different experience than you and your way and learnings may not be their way. Once this is realized, there is space for you to not attach to their experience but rather joyously (and sometimes frustrating) observe them as they unfurl, at their own special pace, way, and time. Not to be corrected or fixed, only loved through the process. The Ultimate offering.
VIRYA CHALLENGE
Virya means diligence, effort and enthusiasm
Yoga is an inward journey for all of us so allow yourself the time and space to develop your own personal practice.
VIRYA CHALLENGE
USE EXISTING MONTHLY PASS OR SIGN UP FOR $99 PER MONTH COMPLETION OF CHALLENGE GIVES YOU 15% OFF THE $99 MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP VALIANT EFFORT & PARTICIPATION GIVES YOU 10% OFF THE $99 MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP
FOR OUR ORIGINAL REGULAR MONTHLY MEMBERS WE HAVE PRIZES FOR YOU FOR COMPLETING THE CHALLENGE
WRAP UP PARTY SWAG FROM OUR AWESOME PARTNERS PRIZES TO DRAW
BUY MONTHLY PASS
You can sign up at the studio. Find the board and put your name on it. Start counting on July 1st.
Vitality Kitchen Workshop Series
Yogalife and Vitality Kitchen are teaming up to bring you healthy workshops
Yogalife Studios is known for offering you yoga (makes sense, we ARE a yoga studio!), but we believe that yoga is one fraction of a balanced, healthy lifestyle. We want to share more than asana, pranayama and meditation with you; we want to give you the tools to create the healthiest, happiest life! In an effort to keep you connected, we're teaming up with Bianca Osborne of Vitality Kitchen to bring you a series of hour-long workshops to inform and enlighten.
We want to help you create a lifestyle that suits YOU.
The first event is coming up this Saturday, March 5 at our south studio. 3:30-4:30 pm. $5
(yep, only $5)
Space is limited so be sure to pre-register HERE!
Vitality Health Workshop Series 1: Essential Oils for Digestive Health
One of the biggest health concerns affecting people is digestive distress from bloating, gas, indigestion, constipation, diarrhea and more. As essential oils and their benefits have grown in popularity, it’s time to to harness their healing benefits for your gut and promote abundant digestive health. This workshop we will cover the top essential oils for healthy digestion and how to use them safely.
I started using essential oils as a way to to make my home smell good without the use of chemicals often found in candles and air fresheners, which kickstarted my adventurous discovery into the best essential oils. Certified, pure, unadulterated and sensibly sourced reinforces that these really are the best essential oils and they have changed my life. I use them in cooking, in my home and as a part of my wellness routine- these AMAZING essential oils are life changing.
- Bianca Osborne
Follow Bianca and The Vitality Kitchen on Facebook and be sure to stay up to date with other events here and on her website, www.thevitalitykitchen.ca
Upcoming Vitality Kitchen workshops at Yogalife Studios:
Boost Your Immunity with Essential Oils, Yogalife Studios North, March 12, 3:30-4:30
How to use essential oils to support immunity all year round.
Relax and Rebalance with Essential Oils, Yogalife Studios South, March 20, 3:00-4:00
Learn how to calm the body and renew the nervous system with essential oils.
Total Body Cleanse with Essential Oils, Yogalife Studios North, March 26, 3:30-4:30
Learn how to support the detoxification process naturally with essential oils.
Community Yoga Class For Keiran
Com·mu·ni·ty /kəˈmyo͞onədē/ A feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals.
Community Yoga for a Dancer's Dream
Yogalife community, meet Keiran. Kieran is fourteen years old and loves to dance. He started taking ballet when he was four years old in Vancouver. He danced for several years there and then took a few years off after becoming self-conscious of the fact that he was the only boy in class. He started again three years ago and is now working towards his dream of becoming a professional dancer. Currently, he spends about 20 hours a week training in studios, at home, as well as performing on stage.
Kieran started coming to Yogalife last February and absolutely loves it! He can be found in class in positions that show his flexibility and strength, alongside his mother. Kieran enjoys adding yoga to his dance practice to enhance his breathing, and add calmness to his very busy schedule.
He recently auditioned for the Alberta Ballet’s summer school intensive, which is held in Calgary in July for three weeks.
He was not only accepted, but also awarded a full scholarship for the tuition!
Unfortunately, he still is required to come up with residence fees, which are over $2000. The opportunity to participate in the summer program means the possibility of acceptance into the full-time professional program, which would give him the training he needs for attaining a career in dance.
Join Melissa Perret for a karma class at Yogalife Studios North on March 5 at 3:00pm. Melissa is leading a vinyasa-style flow class with all the proceeds going towards Keiran's dream.
We Want To Give You Yoga!
Here's how we're going to do it
Feeling loved, appreciated and comfortable in a yoga studio is incredibly important. This is perhaps where you spend your calmest hour or so of the day; where you may open up and become more sensitive to yourself and your needs. It's where you sweat, grow, challenge yourself and even change. This place can grow to be your second home, your family, your team!
We want to make your connection to our studio really easy and affordable, and keep you excited about us! Here's a few ways we're going the extra mile to keep you on our team:
30 Days of Unlimited Yoga for $39
The best way to become acquainted with a studio is to go as much as you can! Get the most out of your 30-day trial: try new classes, meet the instructors, make friends in the tea lounge, have an apple after class (we provide those!). Your membership includes mat and towel service if you need it, on a first come first serve basis.
Our new student trial price equals less than the price of two drop-ins and comes with a mat and towel if you need. Bonus.
12 Class Challenge
This is where things get interesting. The 12 class challenge is just like it sounds, completing the goal of 12 classes within 30 days. We offer such a variety of classes; warm foundation, yin, meditation, vinyasa flow, acro, hatha flow and happy hips, just to name a few. You may fall in love with hot yoga or prefer to practice in a non-heated space; this trial period is your time to explore.
Once you complete your 12 classes in 30 days we will excitedly gift you with a free month of yoga (one month auto-renew = $99 - we're giving you two!).
We hope your curiosity and connection to yoga and Yogalife will continue to flourish as you deepen your practice.
Save On Your Monthly Membership
When you get into the groove of a steady practice and come to the studio multiple times a week, it makes sense to do an auto-renew membership. To help with this commitment, we'll cover $10 of your monthly fee. Sign up in the first month of your 30-day trial to snag this deal.
We know this is a lot of information but at the end of the day we just want to give you yoga. We want you to feel valued and supported as you get more serious about your practice. Whether that involves 3 sweaty flow classes a week or a variety of hatha/yin/meditation, we want to make this as accessible as we can. Never hesitate to ask our staff and instructors about the details.
New Year Tibetan Singing Bowl Meditation
Sound healing meditation to reflect and renew
Many cultures recognize the importance of music and sound as healing power. In the ancient civilizations of India, the Orient, Africa, Europe, and Native Americans, the practice of using sound to heal and achieve balance from within has existed for years. The Tibetans use bells, chimes, bowls and chanting as the foundation for their spiritual practice. In Bali, Indonesia, the echoing, gamelong, gong and drum are used in ceremonies to uplift and send messages. The Australian aboriginals and native shamanists use vocal toning and repetitive sound vibration with instruments created from nature in sacred ceremony to adjust any imbalance of spirit.
We are excited to bring this healing practice to Yogalife Studios this holiday season with a New Year Tibetan Singing Bowl Meditation with Neil Haggard.
Celebrate the New Year with an Asana and guided Meditation practice to reflect on the important things in life. Wellness. Peace. Health. Family. Renewal. Movement. Focus.
When we hear inspiring stories and take time to reflect on what is important in our lives, taking stock, we can see our lives in new ways, focus on what is great about life! Taking some time to relax, listen to our hearts, move the body, calm the busy mind, restore the senses and learn to breathe - a sure way to being healthy and a great practice to take into the year to come.
Walk away with a renewed sense of well being and deep commitment to the important things in our lives! Click here to register!
Community Spotlight || Pura Botanicals
Pura Botanicals: In Pure We Trust
This month we're featuring local apothecary and potion professional Pura Botanicals. This green beauty apothecary & natural perfumery boasts a collection of non-toxic, vegan, and eco-friendly skincare and wellness potions centred around the ancient art of the beauty ritual. Pura Botanicals is incredibly conscious; check out their amazing ambassador tribe (which includes the lovely Myrah Penaloza!) and learn about why the founder, Lane, was destined to create this company.
"From an early age, I was fascinated with making potions on a little step at the side of our home. I spent hours concocting healing tinctures for my mother, whom was kind enough to test almost anything I snuck into our home. It was my love for nature and probably her nurturing instinct that guided me down the path to becoming a green beauty skincare alchemist and perfumer."
- an excerpt from Lane's 'Love Letter'
Natural Beauty
Pura Botanicals' collection encompasses skin care, body care, aromatic elixirs and yoga potions. Only the finest, skin-friendly ingredients go into these products, with the intention of unveiling and celebrating natural beauty. At the heart of this process is finding the luxury in nurturing yourself, the planet, and the community. Pura creates with mindfulness and consistency.
Custom Fragrance
Another interesting niche of this company is the Bespoke Perfume program. Pura's extensive library of essential oils offers something for everyone and the intimate process of selecting the right combination for you is truly unique. They conduct an in-depth scent analysis to ensure the most authentic inspiration is arrived at.
"My first memory of perfume comes from my childhood. At night, on the occasion that my mother would go out, she would mist her heart centre and pulse points with her special perfume, and then kiss me goodnight before leaving. Up close, her soft, moist skin and signature scent would enrapture me with her elegance and beauty. Now as a woman and mother, I wear her favorite perfume to remember her by... to savour those bedtime kisses again and again. That's the power of perfume. It can be something dabbed on for an evening outing, never to be repeated again, or it can be an unfading part of one’s identity, recalled decades later with bracing clarity & awe."
- Lane Edwards, Pura’s founder, perfumer & alchemist
We are stocked with our favourites at both studios. Come try a sample and see why we fell in love! To learn more about this amazing company in our community, head to www.purabotanicals.com.
The lovely images featured on this blog were provided by Jenn Crebas Photography. Check out more of her work at www.jenncrebasphotography.wordpress.com, and find her on Facebook and Instagram!
YOGA FOR ANXIETY, FEAR AND STRESS RELIEF
Finding the tools that work for you to manage and overcome anxiety.
Yoga is a practice of many things: self-love, awareness, quiet, patience, balance. We often refer to our mats as a sanctuary where we can escape into peace. For some of us, this may be the only place we feel this relief. Yoga aims to teach us to live our practice off the mat and into the world, but the power of anxiety and stress can overshadow the positive qualities of our practice in our day-to-day lives. Anxiety disorder (and the stuff that comes along with it) is very real for many people - around 12% of Canadians to be exact! This goes beyond pre-exam nerves or date jitters; this form of stress can be debilitating.
Being a human is a work in progress and our yoga practice is just that, a PRACTICE! (not a perfect). Sri Swami reminds us “practice becomes firmly grounded when well attended to for a long time, without break and in all earnestness” in The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. In other words, keep at it. Sometimes we just need the tools, and then to be reminded of them.
Talk about your anxiety
Anxiety has been a prevalent topic on our blog because it is a very real issue. We believe in the commitment to self through the regular practice of self-love, meditation, asana, pranayama, and whatever else works in YOUR toolbox of life. Above all, it's important to talk about it. If you're feeling alone, know that you don't have to be.
A bit from a past blog:
"The thing that kept me coming back [to my mat] was the knowledge that there was a quiet place within that offered a sensation of control and self-patience I had never quite been able to harness. I guess you could simply say it offered me SOURCE. I found that even when I was off my mat I could slip into this place and enjoy my inner sanctuary. 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."
Learn more about managing anxiety
If this is something you would life to learn more about join us December 5th for an in-depth offering, Yoga for Anxiety, Fear and Stress Relief with Michelle Chung.
This workshop is specifically designed to help those that suffer from anxiety and stress. Using LifeForce Yoga ® principles and techniques, you will learn to move into more balanced (sattvic) state and move towards positive emotional, mental, physical state of equanimity and self-awareness. You will learn yoga practices that calm feelings of anxiety, which includes asana (postures), pranayama (breathing techniques), relaxation (yoga nidra), yoga chakra sounds and mantras. No previous yoga experience necessary.
LifeForce Yoga is a practice of compassion that creates a big enough container to embrace and accept all the dualities of mood.
Saturday, December 5, 2015 2:00 PM - 4:30 PM Yoga for Anxiety, Fear and Stress Relief with Michelle Chung Yogalife Studios South
Yoga For Trauma and PTSD
The following is a guest post from Yogalife instructor Gabi Weaver. Gabi brings a special element to our team with her experience in Therapeutic Yoga and her involvement with helping at-risk groups begin to stabilize and heal.
Gabi is excited to share a special 3-hour workshop with the community October 31 at Yogalife Studios North.
My name is Gabriela Weaver, RYT, RHN, YoR. I am a practicing Yoga therapist. I have used Yoga’s many tools to heal and support others with anxiety and depression, alcohol and drug addiction, eating disorders and PTSD. I have worked with people who have cancer, fibromyalgia, HIV, high blood pressure, multiple sclerosis and neurological and neuromuscular diseases. I have used Yoga countless times to support and strengthen thousands of practitioners, and lead them back to better lives, happier lives, with better health, and a new vitality for living that is so exciting and wonderful to see.
I’m going to ask you to think of yoga as medicine - a concept which may be new to you. You have probably seen many pictures of yoga practitioners in very advanced postures and have heard about the sauna-like conditions that accompany many modern yoga practices. This has convinced many people that yoga isn’t something that could possibly be for them. But take a closer look; you will find yoga being used in ways you may have never thought of before. Yoga is now being used in many capacities to heal both body and mind.
Yoga may be the most powerful overall system for healing ever discovered. The relief of suffering has been the central aim of yoga for thousands of years. Part of the reason that yoga is so effective is that it aims to heal the mind, body and spirit together. Yoga not only addresses the symptoms of PTSD, but has the tools to do it. A number of yoga practices, starting with simple breathing exercises that almost anyone can do, can reliably shift the body from the flight-or-fight response to relaxation (Colonel David Grossman -Tactical Breathing author of ‘On Combat’). It is even possible, using yogic tools, to shift your mind and body into a relaxed state when you are experiencing PTSD symptoms. Keep in mind though, that while powerful, yoga isn’t a quick fix. Yoga becomes more and more effective over weeks, months, and years of practice.
Therapeutic yoga awakens in you the ability to heal yourself. Therapeutic yoga is supported by psychology and neuroscience. It is brought to life by my students who share their stories of struggle and healing. By connecting with your mind and body, you’ll gain a glimpse of what lies beyond the emotional pain of PTSD, trauma, and heightened states of anxiety. Yoga opens a window to a new world. This includes a connection to a deeper part of you that lives within and also transcends your mind and body: your spirit or vital essence.
Yoga For Trauma and PTSD w/ Gabi Weaver Yogalife Studios North Saturday, October 31 || 2:30-5:30pm
The Yogalife App Is LIVE!
We like to consider ourselves somewhat tech-savvy and are always looking for ways to make your lives a bit easier. Behold, the newest edition to the Yogalife Studios collection of things digital: our very own app!
APP /ap/ noun a self-contained program or piece of software designed to fulfill a particular purpose; an application, especially as downloaded by a user to a mobile device.
Now you can book your classes, find out who's teaching, learn about new workshops and all things related to the studio from anywhere.
Find us in the app store:
It's (almost!) Time To Bloom
BLOOM 2015. A 2 DAY RETREAT & CELEBRATION OCTOBER 3-4TH WINSPEAR CENTER EDMONTON, ALBERTA
www.itstimetobloom.com
The third annual Bloom is right around the corner and for the YEG yogi community this is like Christmas (plus there really is something for everyone at Bloom)! Yogalife Studios is so thrilled to be on the supporting team for this amazing event again this year and we simply can't wait to experience Bloom 2015's offerings.
The line-up this year is incredible: music, yoga, knowledge, inspiration.
Keynote speaker Marianne Williamson is a pioneer of a worldwide spiritual movement. She has written four #1 New York Times Best Sellers and her teachings have influenced millions around the world to lead happier and more fulfilled lives. In 2014, Marianne ran for US Congress in an attempt to start a bold new conversation in politics. She is the founder of Project Angel Food that serves over 1,000 meals per day for people suffering with AIDS in Los Angeles. Marianne co-founded the Peace Alliance and sits on the board of RESULTS that works to end hunger and poverty throughout the world.
Marianne offers a free weekly talk via live stream on her website!
The concert series showcases some of the world's finest, most inspiring artists. If you were a part of Bloom 2.0 you know how fun this portion of the weekend is. This year Bloom has invited back favourites DJ Drez, Marti Nikko, and Sheela Bringi for musical stylings and workshop offerings.
New to the bill this year is Grammy-nominated musician Jai Uttal. He'll be sharing a concert and workshop: Awakening Bhakti on Saturday and a workshop talk on the Ramayana on Sunday. Jai Uttal is a pioneer in the world music community. His eclectic east meets-west sound has put his music at the forefront of the world fusion movement; his musical roots embrace a rich variety of cultures and traditions that span the globe and the centuries.
From the hillbilly music of the Appalachian Mountains to the passionate strains of Bengali street singers, from the haunting rhythms and melodies of ancient India to contemporary electric rock sounds, Jai’s music distills the essence of diverse musical forms.
Explore the full musical line-up here!
Be sure to say hi at our Yogalife Studios homebase in the marketplace!
Grab your tickets to Bloom 2015 HERE.
'Smitten With Life' Nicaragua Retreat || Destination Feature
Breathe In Life Destination Feature Playa Escameca, Nicaragua
Yogalife Studios and Breathe In Life travel/adventure/yoga/all-around amazing company are teaming up to bring you a special offering in a beautiful corner of the world. The following is a feature on Playa Escameca, the breathtaking area of Nicaragua that Yogalifers Caitlin Varrin and Graham Parsons are taking yogis to get a little more smitten with life. You can find more destination features on the Breathe In Life blog, alongside tons of cool yogi/yoga features, recipes, festival reviews and more.
In the deep south of Nicaragua, just a stone’s throw from Costa Rica, there is a special beach you can only hope to stumble upon while traveling – Playa Escameca. Arguably one of the nicest beaches in Central America, you won’t find Playa Escameca in any travel books and that’s because this spot is unique. This incredible stretch of beach presently only has 1 eco-resort where we will be staying named ‘Costa Dulce’ which means ‘Fresh Coast’. It boasts not only gorgeous scenery but some seriously gnarly surfing conditions that you can enjoy all to yourself. You are about as far away from honking horns, pesky sales people, crowded waves and booming late-night parties as you can get. That’s why Free & Easy Traveler (Breathe in Life’s sister company) jumped all over the opportunity to start building our own little sanctuary for the travellers we know are out there looking for something peaceful and off-the-beaten-path. Many of you actually may have seen it before and not known it; Playa Escameca was the setting for the TV show Survivor Nicaragua! You know this show always finds the most beautiful, remote paradise locations so this says a lot about this special spot.
At the beach-house we stay in you will experience resort living in an ecological reserve teeming with wildlife and natural beauty. This private villa has been custom designed using green building concepts, native hardwoods and stones. High ceilings and large overhangs provide shade from sun and rain showers. Boundaries between indoors and outdoors blur when sliding walls open kitchen and bedrooms to large decks overlooking the beach. The yoga studio has a stunning view as soothing sounds of jungle and ocean intermingle. Monkeys sometimes even make an appearance at our sessions!
We can't wait to practice with you, laugh & co-create with you, root down & uplift with you. Come partake of something special, and re-acquaint yourself with the wonder that's always quietly humming in the world around us. All we need to do is listen. And get smitten.
SMITTEN WITH LIFE with Graham Parsons and Caitlin Varrin November 13th – November 23rd, 2015 Playa Escameca, Nicaragua Click here for more information on this retreat!
Yogalife Studios 5 Year Anniversary Celebration(s!!!)
CELEBRATE 5 YEARS WITH US!
Can you believe we’ve been open in South Edmonton Common for 5 years!? We definitely can’t! But we’re ready to celebrate! Join us for a free week of classes (both locations) from May 23 – 30th.
Remember to reserve your spot ONLINE.
We’re also having a party.
May 30th | 4pm – 8pm, Yogalife Studios Edmonton SOUTH
Community, Food, Drinks, Boutique Shopping Experience, Tarot Card Reader, Photobooth, and really awesome people to come hang with.
Enter your name to win some draws!
We can't wait to celebrate with you! Thank you for your support and love.
#YogalifeLove
6 Tips For A Digital Detox
DIGITAL DETOX
Feeling overstressed and over tired are all too common in our collective work and family lives.
What are we doing wrong?
We are more connected via technology but somehow not connected to ourselves.
We have become focused on whats outside of us, what is external, instead of whats in here.
How can we connect to that inner voice and find balance?
Do you spend too much time on social media? on your phone?
Have you been out for lunch with a friend and interrupted the in person connection to check your phone, maybe more than once? Do you feel disconnected to your creative work?
Digital technology is forever changing the way we communicate, connect and develop relationships. The problem is that we have become so accustomed to instant gratification of our curiosity and our mental whims, that we have undermined our own ability to focus. The average human attention span is now less than 9 seconds, worse than that of a gold fish, we are giving ourselves ADD through our abusive relationship with technology.
Join us this Saturday, May 2 at Yogalife Studios South from 2:30 - 5:00 for the Digital Detox Workshop. This offering kicks off with a conversation led by Robindra followed by a yoga class led by Myrah (founders of the Bloom Festival), all designed to bring your attention back.
We will go through the 8 limbs of yoga to find a new balance and new relationship with technology, practise a few addiction breaking kundalini yoga kriyas, and have a group conversation about what's working and not working and come up with how we can redesign our every day lives to be free of our addiction to technology.
The digital detox is not a total technology black out, rather we will outlay a 7 day program to study ourselves, our compulsions, and to give ourselves space from technology during power times of the day.
Here are 6 quick steps to getting your digital detox started immediately, borrowed from the geniuses over at MindBodyGreen.
1. Turn the phone off or into airplane mode before bed.
2. Shower and get dressed before you check your email or social media.
3. Resist the urge to check social media during a meal, especially dinner with family and friends.
4. Buy a real newspaper or magazine and get your fingers dirty from the ink.
5. Leave your phone at home or at the office for at least one walk or errand a day.
6. Stare into space at least one minute a day, without grasping your gadget. Call it meditating or simply "spacing out." Either way, it will be productive and challenge you to loosen your grip on technology.
You can do it! See you this weekend.
A little bit about Kevin Naidoo
Yogalife Studios South is excited to welcome travelling yogi Kevin Naidoo this Sunday for a unique 3 hour workshop. Come explore a non-dogmatic, contemporary, compassionate approach to Ashtanga Yoga.
Moving slow and mindful together creating a powerful vibration as we support each others Greatness.
Includes: Pranayama, Philosophy, Asana, and Yoga Nidra
Love Light Liberation with Kevin Naidoo Yogalife Studios South Sunday, April 19, 2:30-5:30 $35
Kevin is a true yogi traveler. He hitchhiked across 50 countries, discovered yoga in the Caribbean, lived on remote islands, trekked across Africa, and bathed in the Ganges. He truly lives his life through his heart.
Through Yoga, Kevin discovered a deep mind-body connection, and an increased sense of mental clarity and purpose. He travels, practices and teaches Yoga, with the intention to spread that sense of Oneness, firmly believing that the ancient practice of Yoga is for everyone. Spreading the message of yoga to the next generation, he has also taught yoga to children, inner city youth, and children with disabilities.
Kevin teaches Hatha, Yin, and Vinyasa flow classes, inspired by positive island vibes. His classes are both creative and challenging, focusing on igniting the Prana, and finding stillness and oneness in each asana. Woven with Indian Vedic Philosophy, each class is a journey in itself, culminating in Yoga Nidra that will leave you feeling bliss as you float your way home.
Kevin completed his teacher training in Classical Hatha Yoga, at the Sivananda School in India, has completed a 200 Vinyasa TTC with Ryan Leir, and has certifications in Yin and Yoga Nidra. He continues to study, and teach yoga around the world, and teaches in a studio when at home in Canada.
Personal Progress: keeping track of YOU
If you've been around the studio lately you've probably seen our Virya Challenge poster in the hallway, chalk FULL of checkmarks. This "challenge" is intended to create accountability to a steady practice; students can see their progress and feel the benefits. When you track your progress you have a tangible account of your journey. It serves as a guide for the process, and although it's just a checkmark - or a journal entry or perhaps even a sticker! - it is a visual representation of your accomplishments.
Tuning into your progress is a huge part of achieving goals. Nothing happens overnight, especially when it comes to self-study and growth, so keeping track along the journey is helpful to stay on the path. Keep on keeping on and remember, it's never too late to join the team or create your own commitments! As per usual, the family at Yogalife Studios is mega proud of all of you and so thrilled to be a part of your progress.
Therapeutic Yoga with Gabi Weaver
Yogalife Studios North is pleased to introduce a regular Therapeutic Yoga class with Gabi Weaver, starting this Sunday, April 5, 1:00-2:15pm. Learn more about this beneficial practice below in this guest post written by Gabi.
Therapeutic Yoga
Gabi Weaver
Yoga has long been practiced with therapeutic intentions as a way of healing and awakening both the body and the mind. Therapeutic yoga is a particularly effective practice for those recovering from, or living with, injury or illness. Therapeutic Yoga blends restorative yoga (supported postures) gentle yoga, subtle strengthening exercises, breath-work, hands-on healing adjustments, and guided meditation techniques. It is excellent for those who need something gentle -yet effective for reducing pain, bringing the body into balance, opening it, strengthening it and reducing stress.
Therapeutic Yoga can be a deeply restorative experience and can help to access the deeper wisdom that resides within-to awaken our bodies’ own ability to heal itself. Therapeutic yoga differs from a regular yoga class by focusing on the needs of students instead of the student modifying to fit the class. The class is catered to benefit the needs of students. Health issues ranging from chronic pain and injury, to cancer, depression, digestive issues, heart conditions and stress-related symptoms can be effectively addressed using yogic techniques.
Healing is a process of bringing the entire being into wholeness, not just relieving symptoms. Western or allopathic medicine diagnoses and then treats the symptoms of disease, but often ignores the root cause- which may be physical (due to a lack of movement or injury) emotional, (brought on by stress or negative mind chatter) or spiritual (expressed in feelings of despondency, depression or a failure to thrive). Yoga’s broader approach reminds clients that they are not defined by their diagnosis and symptoms. It recognizes healing as a multi-faceted journey toward greater health and wellbeing. Therapeutic Yoga is not intended to be a substitute for modern medicine, but is a complementary and alternative method that enhances the healing process.
Yoga Therapy and Therapeutic yoga are only now emerging as a discipline in itself. More and more health care practitioners are starting to include yogic techniques in their approach to healing-and more yoga teachers are giving a therapeutic intention to their teaching. People who have never tried yoga before are starting to consider including yoga in their treatment plan. Yoga is beneficial for our health in ways that modern science is just beginning to understand, though it has been applied with therapeutic intention for thousands of years. More and more research is being conducted on helping science and the medical community to understand and accept the benefits of Yoga Therapy.
Featured Yogi Of The Month: Suzanne Slocum-Gori
Suzanne Slocum-Gori is joining the YEG yoga community this Sunday to share "Architecture, Mystery & Radiance within the Subtle Body" at Yogalife Studios South. In the past few weeks I've been getting to know this woman through emails, reading her website, and chatting with fellow teachers; we are HYPED, to say the least. She holds a doctorate within Counselling Psychology, a E-RYT 500, Co-Owner of One Yoga for the People Vancouver & the SARA Foundation for Cancer Prevention. Amazing.
Suzanne's teachings encourage students to dissolve barriers & to dance through an intelligent practice in order to create more intimacy with Grace.
We simply can't wait!
Architecture, Mystery & Radiance within the Subtle Body Sunday, January 18 || 1:30-3:30pm
A conversation with Suzanne:
How did you get your yogic start? Who brought you to your first class, what was that like, and where was it?
A memorable jump into yoga was when I was living in Boston and completing my Master’s Degree . I was a marathon runner. One of my running buddy’s mother recommended I attend a ‘breathing’ (pranayama) and restorative class with her. She took me to an Iyengar instructor where we primarily focused on witnessing & feeling our natural breath, developing a steady Ujjai and relaxing our muscular-skeletal system. All I can remember is I left the class feeling as if I was walking on a different planet embedded with a new atmospheric system. I was so heavily rooted yet incredibly buoyant. My senses were awakened to a point I felt I was smelling, tasting, seeing and experiencing myself and the elegance around me for the first time. I dove into the practices of yoga and all of its components from that day on.
Share a favourite teaching that inspires you.
One of my favourite teachings is to ‘look for the good or magic ~ in every situation’. We will find it if you look long and deep enough. Applying this motto requires a triggering of our cognitive functioning, and the rippled effects are immediate, soothing, uplifting and permeate into the physiological and emotional layers. An additional teaching that changed my life: ‘you need to ask in order to receive’. Our needs and longings are more likely to be nourished (satisfied) when we send out a request, prayer or intention. My little piece of advice when you send a request: be very specific.
Your favourite books, yogi-inspired and fiction.
There are too many favourite books to list…I am officially a book junky. Here are a few that have been in my hand in the last month:
- Avatar: The Last Airbender (Book Series) - Gene Luen Yang
- The Power of Myths - Joseph Campbell
- Bless the Space between Us - John O Donohue
- Tantric Visions of the Divine Feminine - Dr. David Frawley
- Anghora - Dr. Robert Svoboda
- The Sacred Path of a Warrior - Chogyam Trungpa
- Take your pick of yogic texts: Upanishads, Mahabharata, Shiva Sutras, Vijnana Bhairava Tantra, etc.
What is your favourite meal to make and share with friends?
I cherish my time in the kitchen. It grounds my family, friends and myself. Preparing food creates an internal and collective cohesion. When the kids and our family unit seem to be scattered, stressed, dense or sad, I immediately pour a focused and loving attention into a curry…usually one that includes tumeric, cumin, mustard & cardamon seeds, ginger, cinnamon and coconut oil & milk. My curries most often utilize lentils or moong beans, served with squash, kale and quinoa (or rice). The mixture of ingredients slowly (at a low heat) metamorphose into aromas which provide a deep anchoring in our beings. The nourishing food enters our systems ~ creating an ignition of our innate fire and energetic centre points, which ultimately cultivate an internal magnetic force, a feeling of 'wholesomeness' and a cohesion of all of our fragmented parts. The element associated with smell (or our nose) is ‘EARTH’. The earth element is stable and medicinal, but is also incredibly rich with diversity and strength. Therefore, the aromas bring forth an abundant amount of sensation to experience from a deeply rooted & cohesive stance. The kitchen also serves as a fire place….a space for family and friends to gather and tell stories. This process often stimulates the power of healing, synthesis and even ancestry. Fire is a ceremonial element, inviting alchemy and transformation. The kitchen is my fire ground.
What's your favourite pose/sequence/area of the body to work on?
My practice prioritizes attention into my legs, hips and pelvis on a daily basis. I open and strengthen my thighs, hamstrings and hips. Mobility of my femur bones allows me to clear the pelvis, (specifically a widening of the pelvis) leading to more freedom in my low back and additional power to broaden my chest and heart. I couple this with a strengthening and activation of pelvic floor and deep core muscles with the aim of directing an energetic force up my center line (as I internalize a divine flame (or deity) rising up to the sacred space of my heart). I find these practices can be incredibly purifying as they tend to assist in eliminating energetic debris, toxins or emotional blockages and ultimately assist in healing wounds. As our channels are cleansed, prana and awareness flow more freely filling in imprints with sprinkles of the most important ingredient of all - LOVE (i.e., bliss).
Who inspires you?
My mother has been the most inspiring being for me. Her ability to serve others and emanate compassion in a reliable and consistent manner is extraordinary. Her energetic system must be incredibly strong in order to hold and direct the amount of light that she does so gracefully. Light is a refined force which vibrates at a high frequency, and my mother exudes this medium as her primary pulse. Yes - she oscillates, as all humans do, but she never grasps on to any of the various energies moving through her. She always traverses back to the middle path, serving out abundant amount of
Love.
Mommy & Me
The morning sickness, achy lower back, and fatigue of pregnancy have passed. But for new mamas, a whole other different set of physical conditions often accompanies the bliss of loving your little creation. Luckily, yoga can help address the most common concerns after having your little one. And moms aren't the only ones who can benefit from yoga; a few basic moves for the wee one can make your infant more comfortable and calm.
Mommy & Me with Dawn McCorry Yogalife Studios South || January 12-February 23, 1:30-2:30, register here Yogalife Studios North || January 14-February 18, 1:15-2:15, register here
Kari Edwards at MindBodyGreen offers these tips for new yogi mamas:
1. Focus on breathing.
In the first few weeks after birth your body needs time to recover so the best thing you can do is put your asana practice aside and focus on pranayama and meditation. When you're feeding your baby or in need of a boost after a long sleepless night, practice breathing deep into your belly long and slow through your nose.
Close your eyes and focus on the feeling of the breath as it moves in and out of your body. Even if you only manage one deep breath, your body and mind will thank you. Do this as often as you need throughout the day and it will help focus and calm your mind and enjoy these special early moments.
2. Ease into your practice with forward bends.
Provided you are recovering well and had a normal birth, beginning to include a few forward bends around two weeks or so post birth can help to compress your belly and aid in returning your uterus to its pre-pregnancy position. Check with your midwife if it's OK before you begin.
Sit with your legs together straight out in front of you. (You can lie your baby on your legs or beside you if you wish.) Bend forward from the hips, remembering not to push yourself, close your eyes and take a few deep breaths here.
3. Before you begin to include asana in your daily yoga practice, wait until six weeks postnatal or until you have the OK from your doctor or midwife.
If your baby allows you to put her down, you can begin with a few rounds (or just one round) of Sun Salutations to get your body moving and stretching again. Include chest and shoulder stretches such as eagle arms to stretch out a sore back from holding the baby and nursing. If your baby just needs to be held, you can practice a few gentle lunges or some standing hip rotations while you soothe your baby.
If you are feeling steady, you can include balancing asana like tree pose while you hold your baby but remember to take things slow and not to push yourself.
The key to transitioning from a prenatal to a post natal yoga practice is to take things slow. Listen to what your body needs as it changes and remember that you don’t need to be on the mat for a 60-minute period to benefit from yoga. Little bite-sized bits of yoga in your day will help to keep you calm and centered and to enjoy the many benefits of yoga.
New Year Restore & Renew
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