Make Your Heart Sing
We have a few tasty holiday offerings to make your heart SING! Whether you're looking for the perfect gift for a special yogi, getting into yoga yourself, or just looking for a great deal, we have some amazing offerings to share with you.
The Beginner's Journey
$179. Help someone start their Yoga journey for Christmas. Get them a three month unlimited pass to start their New Year off, and receive a Yogalife Journal to gift to them with their Yoga Pass.
Available starting December 1st.
The Yogi Starter Kit
Receive 20% OFF a Manduka Mat and a 4 Week Unlimited Pass, and you'll also get a Yogalife Journal. This is a great gift for someone you know who would enjoy starting yoga in the New Year.
Available in studio to purchase December 1st - 25th.
And just a little sneak peak into 2015, to prepare you for the new year, we'd like to offer you our 2015 New Year's Resolution.
The Resolution Yogi
A one year pass, a Goal Setting Session and a Yogalife Journal for only $790. Start your 2015 off with the best of intentions and plan to watch yourself succeed. Available to purchase January 1st - 31st, 2015. Limited number of passes available.
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!
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!
Embrace the Spirit from Within: Yogalife's Fall Retreat 2014
***We have had ONE LAST SPOT open up for a Teepee on this upcoming retreat! Please let us know if you'd like to fill it—who knows, it could completely alter the course of your life... ;) Next week, Sean Forchuk, Keia Dreger, and an eager group of Yogalifers will be making their way west to Golden, B.C. for this year's fall retreat. As we've been referencing on the blog this month, fall is such an awesome time to slow down, stay still, and re-connect with your roots—and what better opportunity to do so than amongst the great tall trees and majestic mountains on our own soil?! The five glorious days of this retreat will be spent immersed in yogic philosophy, asana practice, hiking, raw-chocolate-making... even fire walking! Plus Sean and Keia promise to entertain with their antics—if you haven't gotten to know these two already in their classes, this video has everything you need to know...
Embrace the Spirit from Within will run this September 24th-28th. Retreat-goers, we wish you safe travels, and a balanced mix of craziness and calm!
Meditation 101 (Guided Meditation Audio Included!)
Starting a meditation practice can be daunting - where do you start? How do you sit? What exactly does it mean to be "in meditation" anyhow? How can you navigate through your inner landscapes with more depth and authenticity? Who am I, beneath all these layers of body and mind? This workshop with experienced yoga & meditation practitioner and instructor, Amanda Ings, provides a space for you to explore each of these questions, and much more. A simple, easily approachable 4-step meditation will be shared and broken down, both in practice and in discussion, step by step. Exactly what we are doing in each step and why, how it works in the body-mind-energy-consciousness field, and how each step can be integrated into your daily life to bring more presence, power, and stillness, in yourself and your relationships with others. This workshop is appropriate for everyone; those wishing to deepen their current practices (in yoga or meditation), and those completely new to meditation and/or yoga. Everyone always takes away exactly what they need.
Amanda will be leading the first workshop of a 2-part series, Meditation 101 this coming Sunday at our North location. Find out more here!
Bonus—for a sample of what you'll learn this weekend, try out one of Amanda's guided meditations here: Guided Meditation with Amanda Ings
Learn to Fly: This Saturday with Sara Cueva
This weekend, Yogalife Instructor and Karma Coordinator (and co-host of our current Instagram challenge!) Sara Cueva is leading her popular Arm Balances and Inversions workshop at Yogalife South. Check out the video we shot with Sara last year to learn a little more about why she's so passionate about taking flight within yoga practice—and gain some insight into the goodies you'll learn in Saturday's class!
Arm balances and inversions with Sara from Yogalife Studios on Vimeo.
Learn to Fly with Sara Cueva runs this Saturday, September 6th at Yogalife South from 2:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. Sign up here.
Festival City: Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival
Festival City: Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival
FRINGE: not part of the mainstream; unconventional, peripheral, or extreme (aka something you want to check out!!!)
This year marks the 33rd Edmonton International Fringe Festival, an 11-day event anchored in Edmonton’s Old Strathcona district. The Fringe showcases a variety of independent theatre performances from more than 1,200 local, national and international artists. Purchase a program guide from these retailers to plan out your Fringe experience. Many shows sell out, so buy your tickets in advance!
Along with the Festival’s diverse theatre offerings, the festival features an abundance of outdoor fun. The offerings are comprised of theatre performances, indoor and outdoor shows, street performers and buskers, vendors and beer gardens. Check out the full line-up of festival events here!
A street performer entertaining Edmontonians gathered in Old Strathcona.
Bring your little ones to Kidsfringe, a fun and FREE area for ‘little fringers’ ages 0 – 12 and their caregivers found on the North end of the Fringe site. Experience plays, music, storytelling and more on the KidStage, hear a story at the Book Nook or get creative at the Craft Corner!
Let us know your Fringe highlights! Know someone performing? Favourite venue? We'd love to hear from you! Connect with us on Facebook and Twitter!
Happy Fringing!
Brandon's Final Words
Brandon's final classes were today, Saturday, August 16, 2014. He felt compelled to write one last thank-you to the Yogalife community.
Gratitude.
I am thankful that Yogalife was the very first studio that I was able to teach at. It’s actually the only studio I have taught at so far. I am thankful that a chance was taken on me, even though I was very early in my teaching career. I am thankful for you, all of the students, who have generously allowed me to guide you, share with you, and grow with you. Even share a quote or two. I am thankful for all of the knowledge I have gained over the past two years.
I am thankful for all of your support.
For attending my classes so diligently. For following me to the North Studio when I would teach there. For coming to my Warriors of Change and Art of Massage Workshops. For joining my wife and I in Nicaragua.
I am thankful for your trust.
Thank you for trusting me enough to feel as though I had something to offer you. My hope is that I have helped even one of you in your journey through yoga and life. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to be even a small part in all of it.
I poured my heart and soul into this studio and everything I was involved in, and I promise to continue to do that for the yoga community.
If you want to connect with me, or find out where I end up and what I am up to, please follow me on Facebook at Brandon Jacobs Yoga.
“Letting go and moving on means to come to the realization that some people and some places are a part of your history, but not a part of your destiny.”
Highest Regards,
Brandon
Brittany's Final Words
Brittany's final classes at Yogalife Studios Edmonton were on Sunday August 10, 2014. She wished to say a few words as her parting gift to the Yogalife community.
Yogalife was one of the first studios that welcomed me in my infancy as a yoga teacher. I was so willing and excited to play a role in the growing community and taught a lot that first summer. So much has shifted since I began teaching at the studio over 3 years ago. Not only have I witnessed the growth of the community and studentship at Yogalife, but within our city as a whole.
We are truly so lucky to have such committed students and teachers of this practice just within our beloved Edmonton.
I’ve been lucky enough to have had such fun, inspired and lively people in my classes at Yogalife. It would not have been such a memorable and enriching experience if not for the students. From putting holes in the walls in Power Upside Down to bringing us chocolate covered bacon, or even giving me (the yogi on the bus) a lift to the train after class. I’ve laughed so hard, felt so loved, so appreciated and so very inspired by everyone I’ve had the privilege of meeting in my time here.
Teaching the Tuesday night hot flow class has become one of my favourite teaching memories.
That class was truly unique from week to week, and I always loved showing up to that class knowing you would be making wild animal sounds, dancing in the dark, doing ridiculous amounts of core and purely delighting in your practices. I always felt uplifted after teaching that class, and for that, I am forever grateful.
Thank you for allowing me to be but a small piece of your practice these last few years. Words are not even close to being able to express the love I feel for this community. If you would like to reconnect, please follow my Facebook page, Yogi on the Bus.
I whole heartedly welcome the notion of crossing paths with each of you again one day.
In Love and High Spirit,
Brittany
Sean and Keia's Upcoming Retreat: Video
Have you met these two? After getting to know these loving goofballs throughout this video, it's pretty tough to pass up on an opportunity to go on their upcoming retreat this September in Golden, B.C. Yes, there will be plenty of silliness, but time for serious stuff and stillness, too.
Check out their video, enjoy all of the bloopers (there are many!), and if these two speak to you, head on over to our Retreats page to learn more or sign up for some sweet time away!
Embrace the Spirit from Within with Sean and Keia on Vimeo
Embrace the Spirit from Within runs Wednesday Sept. 24th-Sunday Sept. 29th at the Quantum Leaps retreat centre in Golden, B.C. Visit our Retreats page for more details, or send us an email with your questions.
Edmonton Folk Music Festival
Hundreds of festival-goers grace the Gallagher Park hillside, creating this iconic view that is EFMF. Image used from festivalseekers.com
Festival City: Edmonton Folk Music Festival
The Edmonton Folk Music Festival (EFMF or Folk Fest for the veterans) is a four-day outdoor music event held the second weekend of August annually since 1980. Though named a "folk music" festival, EFMF boasts a ton of different acts and genres. You can find Celtic, bluegrass, blues, gospel, roots, and worldbeat acts performing on the multiple stages, through the day and into the evening. Staged in Gallagher Park in the Cloverdale community, Folk Fest is truly one of the largest highlights of the Edmonton festival collection.
The 2014 line-up is looking stellar. Acts include Ben Harper and Charlie Musselwhite, Blue Rodeo, and Michael Franti & Spearhead. Find the full performer roster here!
The festival gates open at 4:30 PM on Thursday & Friday and 9:30 AM Saturday & Sunday. During the daytime hours of the festival, there are six active stages hosting workshops and concerts with one stage devoted solely to children's entertainment. Face painting, street performers and roving acts are just some of the treats you'll find in between the stages. This festival is so kid-friendly they have put free entry in place for festival-goers 11 and under. There are dozens of food vendors, ranging from carnival fare to vegetarian and world cuisine. The green onion cakes and elephant ears are two EMFM classics! A large tent houses craftspeople and there is a CD tent where the performers' albums can be purchased.
"Like most festivals, the experience needs to be lived to understand why this festival continues to be one of the premier music events in Canada. The Folk Fest manages to create an atmosphere that goes beyond the music, into an experience in itself. The entire production—from the setting, of the stages, to the volunteer staff that keep it going, and even the festival goers themselves—generates a feeling we look forward to experiencing again and again." - festivalseekers.com
Are you going to the Edmonton Folk Music Festival this year? Send us your pictures and stories for a festival recap! info@yogalifestudios.ca
Servus Heritage Festival
Festival City: Servus Heritage Festival
This year marks the 39th Servus Heritage Festival, known around YEG simply as "Heritage Days" or "the most amazing place to grab dinner". Featuring 60 pavilions and representing over 85 cultures, this festival is brimming with things to do and see. The action runs from August 2nd to 4th in beautiful Hawrelak Park. Enjoy cultural food (so much delicious food!!!), performances, crafts, clothing, artwork and more in Edmonton's largest park space.
Festival Hours:
Noon to 9 pm Saturday, August 2nd 10 am to 9 pm Sunday, August 3rd 10 am to 7 pm Monday August 4th
The Heritage Festival is an amazing place to connect and chat with people about their cultural roots and their present-day communities in Canada. Look for pavilions showcasing cultural displays with photos, paraphernalia, and stories about their culture or ethnic background in Edmonton. Check out the full pavilion listing here.
Admission is FREE but don't forget your donation for the Edmonton Food Bank!
What are your favourite YEG summer festivals? What have you been up to?
Connect with us on Facebook and share your summer stories.
*photos in the article used from www.heritage-festival.com
Welcome Back Meghan Currie!
We are SO pumped to welcome back Meghan to Yogalife Studios July 25 and 26. This time she is here to share her juiciness on LOVING.EVERY.MOMENT.
Every moment is a magical recipe of sorts. Even the most sour of flavours are important and serve purpose. We can collect and assimilate nutrients from every flickering moment if we chew slowly and stay present to the complex flavours of life. This weekend is an opportunity to indulge in all the flavours of You. To simmer in your own experience and let it take you to where you need to go. The classes weave together to create a complete transformational journey, taking your practice to another level of deliciousness!
Perfectly Imperfect
You are here. We begin here, as we are. This is where all the power lives. In truth, rather than in ideas of perfection. How is this all not perfect, as it is? Once the contraction of the idea of perfection relaxes, expansion can then occur. Prepare to sweat and have fun. We flow, opening up the corners of our bodies. Hips + upside down + gentle hearts
Surf School
Swim on air, surfing the breath in each moment. And whatever arises from each moment, we surf that too! This is where we discover the grace and power that comes to our practice from listening to each moment with sweetened ears. Arm balances + deep twists + hearts
A little bit about Miss Currie~
she loves...
handstands, motorcycles, smells, grafitti, safety pins, bicycles, pigeons, music, moss, languages, books, beets, mud, dancing, hydro lines, diagrams, sewing, teaching, surprises, shaking, yard sales, anatomy, instruments, sleeping outside, wisdom, nonsense, sprouts, spoons, body parts, seeds, insects, fears, rocks, giving, essential oils, foods that vibrate, photos, ocean, laughing, naps, spinach, crying, sewing machine parts, singing, love, wrinkles, long walks, good talks, all creatures, trees, apples, raspberries, learning, breathing....being...
Visit Meghan's site to get more acquainted!
Join Meghan at Yogalife Studios South || register here!
Perfectly Imperfect || Friday, July 25 || 7-9pm
Surf School || Saturday, July 26 || 2:30-4:30pm
Unify Festival
WHEN IS IT?
Sunday July 27th • 10am till late
WHAT IS IT?
A co-creation of local yoga studios and conscious people: yoga, lectures, acroyoga, breath work, kirtan, music, dance and conscious celebration.
WHO IS IT?
Meghan Currie, David Wolfe, the Luminaries, Kaminanda plus lots of local favourites.
Full Line Up —————— Jana (Derges) Roemer Sonic Sattva – Andrew Misle & DJ Robindrafari Meghan Currie Rameen Peyrow Acroyoga with Kelsey and Dawn Integrative Breathwork with Noorish Breathwork Team and music by Blair Francis Sparrow Grace and Friends David Wolfe – yoga and talk Luminaries – conscious hip hop Kaminanda
Noorish loves good food, yoga, conscious living and community.
This July they’re bringing together leading Author and Superfood Expert David Wolfe, renowned Yoga Instructor Meghan Currie, musical guests The Luminaries and Kaminanda, along with a myriad of our local favourites to throw a 1-day festival of yoga and conscious celebration in Edmonton at the Oasis Conference Centre.
Sunday July 27th, 10am till 1am At the Oasis Centre – 10930 177 St., Edmonton AB (see map)
Ticket Options
Full Festival Pass (includes yoga, David Wolfe Talk, and evening music) – $111 advance, $140 door Yoga Day Pass – $60 advance only David Wolfe Talk - $60 advance only Evening Music Only (Kaminanda + Luminaries) – $35 advance only
Visit the official site: http://noorish.ca/unifyfest
Seize Summer... All Things FESTIVAL!
Let's get ready to FESTIVAL!
Let's be honest, our beautiful YEG thrives in the summer. With such a colourful festival line-up, it's hard to choose where to be! We are excited to create a hub of festival pre- and reviews as we seize summer in style. Watch for our favourite festival highlights, Yogalife instructors in the field, and epic musical musings as we share all things FESTIVAL.
Here's a complete festival/celebrations list for Edmonton as told by Mastermaq, a site definitely worth checking out if you're into YEG action.
http://blog.mastermaq.ca/2014/06/05/your-guide-to-summer-festivals-events-in-edmonton-2014-edition/
Beyond the array of Edmonton cultural offerings, we'll be taking a look at some of the best out-of-city festivals around. Astral Harvest, Wanderlust, Burning Man... ahhh, summer dreaming!
Join our Facebook Group and stay connected throughout the summer! We love to hear from you!
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