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.
Foundation Friday || Sādhanā
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.
Foundation Friday || Sādhanā
Welcome to 2015! In this time of transition, renewal and reflection, what is your intention for this year? Maybe you're inviting a theme to your life, or perhaps you've assembled a specific list of ways to live and the things to do to get you there. This concept of shaping and committing to a goal is called sādhanā, quite literally defined as "a means of accomplishing something". In yogic philosophy this is generally a spiritual exertion or focus to achieve your said goal, but the theme can arch into many other accomplishments you want to create in your life. Traditionally, the chosen sādhanā is guided by a guru until the practitioner steps into the rhythm autonomously. Who may you need to seek out to ensure your path is set up, or are your goals already so apparent that you can step forward with confidence?
Iyengar describes sādhanā in relation to other facets of self-study in his translation of Pantajali's Yoga Sutras:
Sādhanā is a discipline undertaken in the pursuit of a goal. Abhyāsa is repeated practice performed with observation and reflection. Kriyā, or action, also implies perfect execution with study and investigation. Therefore, sādhanā, abhyāsa, and kriyā all mean one and the same thing. A sādhaka, or practitioner, is one who skillfully applies...mind and intelligence in practice towards a spiritual goal.
Yogi Bhajan proposes the following questions for contemplation when working towards a goal:
1. How much am I a part of the I which made me what I am? 2. During my working day, during my existence, during my awareness, how much of the time have I been aware that I am part of the greatness that I am? 3. What can I do to extend myself to the greater I AM of which I am a part?”
"In finding the answers to these questions, you will find your way from the realm of finite ego to the realm of higher consciousness, and you will have the experience of total relaxation into mental happiness and contentment."
- Yogi Bhajan
Architecture, Mystery & Radiance within the Subtle Body
2015 is right around the corner and we couldn't be more excited about the offerings that are gracing our studios. On January 18th we have Suzanne Slocum-Gori, Co-Founder & Co-Owner of One Yoga for the People in Vancouver, joining Yogalife Studios South to guide Architecture, Mystery & Radiance within the Subtle Body. This offering is an exploration of the discerning, intuitive, refined and sophisticated layers of our pranic (energetic) system. Suzanne will review the structure of the subtle body; and she will delve into how the subtle body provides pathways to sculpt awareness and consciousness. The session will include a few asana postures, pranayama and mantra meditation in order to invite in the mysterious and to ignite more clarity for the body, mind and heart.
"May our inner radiance light the way to recognizing the contributions & beauty that other human beings provide to this planet"
-Suzanne Slocum Gori
About Suzanne
With a doctorate within Counselling Psychology, a E-RYT 500, Co-Owner of One Yoga for the People Vancouver & the SARA Foundation for Cancer Prevention, Suzanne's teachings encourage students to dissolve barriers & to dance through an intelligent practice in order to create more intimacy with Grace. In the context of international workshops, retreats, teacher trainings and mentorships, Suzanne offers devotional, mythical, dynamic, bold, mighty and introspective experiences for all. Anchored in ancient teachings and woven to attune to modern duty, Suzanne's teachings progressively awaken students to their own humanity and auspiciousness. Suzanne continues to feed and share her curiosity in life by studying with several highly esteemed scholars and teachers. Suzanne's heart is captivated and mesmerized by her husband, two children & malamute husky and by her Gracious yoga community in Vancouver.
Suzanne was born into a family of devotion and has led a life of ritual and sadhana practices ever since she was a young girl. Suzanne stepped into her yogic journey as a way to deepen her training as a marathon runner and triathlete, and to heal a broken heart. She traveled to southeast Asia in 1999 and participated in a teacher training in Thailand before exploring Cambodia, Vietnam and Loas where she participated in Vipassana retreats. She completed certifications in Thai Massage and Reiki. Her studies in graduate school slowly led her into researching complementary and alternative medicine and psychospiritual approaches within mental health. During this time she was incredibly fortunate to study in an intimate setting with Anodea Judith and Sufi teacher Kabir Helminski. Suzanne's tours of India led her to various ashrams and intensive studies with the Iyengar and Sivananda lineages. Her travels to Nepal led her to Tibetan Buddhist teacher Thrangu Rinpoche, and she has studied in his monastries throughout North America, India and Nepal. Suzanne is deeply honoured to have studied with His Holiness the Dalai Lama and His Holiness the 17th Karmapa while in Dharamsala, India. After doctoral studies Suzanne received federal funding from Canadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR) as Principal Investigator to examine the impact of yoga therapy on breast cancer survivors. Out of her research and practical experience with clients, Suzanne created the SARA Foundation.
Learn more about Suzanne and her offerings at www.suzannefaith.com
Architecture, Mystery & Radiance within the Subtle Body
January 18, 2015, 12:30-3:30
Yogalife Studios Edmonton South
Slow Flow Chakra Glow
This weekend, Yogalife Studios Edmonton North is hosting "Slow Flow Chakra Glow" with Cole Williston and Kris Elaschuk. Chakras are located along the spine. Each of these energy centers can be felt in the body, exercised through yoga, and balanced to create an overall state of well being. With Cole's background in Chakra Yoga he will lead us through a warm flow designed to bring awareness to the elements that represent each chakra. As we practice Kris will be serenading our souls with a variety of sounds intelligently created to stimulate the chakras. The afternoon will close with a 30 min meditation complimented by the crystal bowls. Let's continue to glow this winter solstice even when the sun won't.
Slow Flow Chakra Glow with Cole Williston & Kris Elaschuk
Yogalife Studios Edmonton North
December 21, 2014, 3:30-6pm
We've talked chakras before; those whirling discs of energy throughout our system that govern a whole host of connections to our health, harmony, history and human form. Sarah Walsh at MindBodyGreen explains "the chakra system is a complex energetic system, and chakra balancing is one path that can lead you to spiritual growth... when you discover and become aware of your unique chakra system, you can balance these energetic systems not only to reach higher consciousness, but also to achieve more peace and balance in your everyday life."
You can/will take a lifetime or two studying the things that make your wheels turn, but Walsh suggests this simple written exercise to get in check with the imbalances that may be affecting your life.
1. Muladhara Chakra The first chakra is where the Kundalini energy lies dormant. Muladhara is the most physical chakra and the energy therefore is grounded and rooted. When this chakra is out of balance, greediness and the desire to hoard appear. When this chakra is in balance, feelings of security, calmness and connectedness to the earth are present.
What is your relationship like with your family? What is your relationship like with money?
2. Svadhisthana Chakra The second chakra is the center of creativity and sexuality. When this chakra is out of balance, jealousy, anger, promiscuity and codependency can be found. When this chakra is in balance, creativity and love blossom.
What are ways in which you express your creativity? Do you feel creatively blocked or open, and why?
3. Manipura Chakra The third chakra is the seat of power. It's the center of our identity and selfhood. When this chakra is out of balance, the emotional dysfunctions are fear, guilt and intimidation. When the chakra is in balance, there's a strong sense of trust, self-esteem, responsibility and power or strength.
Would you consider yourself an introvert or extrovert? Reflect on times in your life where you may need to stoke your fire (power) and times when you may needed to contain the flames (power).
4. Anahata Chakra The fourth chakra is the home of love and compassion. This is the central chakra, where the lower and upper chakras meet. When Anahata is out of balance, feelings of resentment and loneliness exist. When it's in balance, you're at peace with yourself, others and the environment.
What injustices in society break your heart? Write a forgiveness letter to someone (you do not have to send it unless you want to).
5. Vishudha Chakra The fifth chakra is the doorway to liberation. It's the center of self-expression. There are 16 petals to represent each of the 16 Sanskrit vowels. When the chakra is out of balance, criticism, bitterness and addiction may be present. When it's in balance, purity of speech, expression and choice are present.
List 10 adjectives that best describe you. Do you tend to be the talker in the conversation or the listener? Does this change with different people in your life? If so, why may that be?
6. Ajna Chakra The third eye sees the future while the physical eyes see the past and present. This is our center of intuition and wisdom. When the chakra is closed, learning disabilities and untruthfulness may result. Often referred to as “a gut feeling,” when the third eye is open we intuitively find the answers to our own questions. When the relationship of the self and the spirit are heightened, there's great access to inner resources and insight.
If you had one question to ask a psychic, what would you ask? Name a time when you listened to your intuition and it worked, and name a time you didn't follow your intuition and the results were unfavorable.
7. Sahasrara The last chakra is the highest both physically and spiritually. The individual merges with the whole here creating oneness with the universal life force. When the chakra is blocked, genetic disorders and selfishness may occur. When the chakra is spinning open, one feels spiritually alive and connected.
How does the word God resonate with you? Identify the times when you feel the most connected to your spirituality.
For more in-depth reading and writing, check this book out.
See you this weekend!
Foundation Friday || Ujjayi Breath
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.
Find the balance of fierce grace with this essential yogic breath.
Foundation Friday || Ujjayi Breath
Ujjayi Breath Pranayama
"Ud" = moving upward, "Jaya" = conquest, victory fire breath, victorious breath, ocean breath
“Remember the connection between breath and movement: every movement comes out of breath. Rather than moving with and following the breath, the breath should initiate the movement. Practicing this way, we will be moved by the breath like the autumn wind picking up leaves.”
- Gregor Maehle
Ujjayi breath is a pranayama technique that allows you to focus and calm the mind. Often coupled with asana, this breath will guide you deeper into poses, steady your intention and allow you to experience your yoga more fully. In your practice, breath is regarded as the teacher; how you move and where you go is paralleled with the rhythm of your breath. Ujjayi breath is strong, fierce, warming - your pranayamic partner to bring you out of fear, anxiety, or judgement. Just as the intensity of your practice fluctuates, so does your breath. You may choose to use this fiery breath throughout your practice, or switch it up with a more gentle nostril breath like sama vritti to adjust the tone of the moment.
* note that Ujjayi pranayama involves breath retention and Ujjayi breath is the steady rhythm, sans retention
Benefits of Ujjayi Breath
- increases focus
- calms the mind
- builds concentration
- creates internal heat
- increases oxygenation
- tones the lungs
- facilitates the flow of prana
- builds energy throughout practice
- clears toxins
- creates awareness, especially within transitions of asanas
Foundation Friday | Prenatal Yoga
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're sharing tips on prenatal yoga.
Our post today comes from Emily NcNicoll (who you may remember from Monday), our prenatal-passionate yogalifer. This piece was written specifically for teachers and is equally important for an expecting yogi to understand the limits of her body and practice.
Pregnancy in Yoga by Emily McNicoll
Although it can be intimidating to have a pregnant lady walk into your class, it is a wonderful chance to serve a woman that is going through a lot of change and would likely appreciate your support. Remember that knowledge is power and keeping educated with simple guidelines can make a big difference to your teaching experience and the way in which you serve your community.
Just like asking people about injuries, being informed about a pregnant woman in class is important. A simple “If you’re pregnant, come have a chat with me before class starts” is a good way to let a woman know she is seen and cared for by her teacher. Also, talking with front desk staff at the studio can be a good way to stay informed. Knowing the basic do’s and don’ts about practicing yoga while pregnant is a great way to build confidence as a teacher and a great service to all potential students.
Things to keep in mind and at heart:
Pregnant women produce high levels of a hormone called Relaxin. One of the roles that this hormone has is allowing for the ligaments around the pelvis to relax therefore allowing the bones of the pelvis to shift for childbirth. In terms of any exercise that involves stretching, it is very important for a pregnant woman to stay away from acute sensation in her joints (i.e knees) as Relaxin can make her ligaments and tendons more susceptible to injuries than a person who is not pregnant. My advice to the woman is to engage firm foundation of hands and feet (hasta and pada bhanda,) avoid hyperextension, and ease away from any painful sensations.
Pregnancy tends to induce heat in the body as it is literally working to grow life. With this in mind, encouraging woman to ask the teacher to cool down the room when she is feeling too hot is really important. A cooler room is often a relief to a pregnant woman as her internal temperature is high. I often bring a sweater when I teach prenatal so all the woman can remain comfortable, myself included!
Just like paying close attention to painful sensations and her own temperature, encouraging a pregnant woman to set her own pace and listen to her body is important. Teaching modified postures first and then offering more challenging variations is a great way to allow a woman to empower herself with choice. One day she meets her mat she may be up for a lot of physical challenge and the next day it could be different. This is why as a teacher being educated in modifications and prop use is really important.
When a woman asks about other classes that she can attend, going through a studios schedule with her and advising her of a few “don’ts” is really important. Here are the things she should know when exploring her yoga practice:
Always talk to the teacher before class to inform them of the pregnancy.
No hot or warm yoga. As explained above, a pregnant womans body temperature is on the rise. It is important not to aggravate this further. Also, pregnancy is thought to be a good time to introvert and build the bodies energy. Hot yoga can easily exhaust energy reserves which are needed for childbirth and being a mother. This is another great reason to encourage a woman to go at her own pace as only she will truly know what she’s feeling and her own personal needs.
No core yoga. A little bit of core engagement is encouraged (like 20-25% of her capacity) as it helps to tone and strengthen the pelvic floor and support her spine and hips. A core yoga class would not be recommended.
No arm balances. Unless a woman already has a strong inversions practice, staying away from arm balances is a safe bet. The risk of her falling out of the posture must be considered. Keeping her and her child safe is obviously important. Likewise when doing one legged balancing postures. Pregnant woman should be encouraged to use a wall when getting into and out of the poses with the option to play with taking hands off the wall. Some women find their balance to be way different when they are pregnant and the wall is there for her safety.
No deep twists. Gentle twists are a great way to lengthen and restore the spine but deeper twists with core engagement are a great way to encourage elimination. Keeping a soft lower belly and lots of room for the uterus is important.
A couple other things to consider:
The feet in forward folds should be a little wider than hip distance apart. In the beginning stages of pregnancy it will leave space for the womb and with in the later stages it will be the best way to accommodate the babies growth.
In the second and third trimester laying flat on her back is not recommended. The baby can put pressure on the mothers aorta (a main artery) and cause loss of blood flow to the brain and heart. Modifying reclined postures like savasana with bolsters is a good way to keep her more upright. You can also recommend resting on the LEFT side with a bolster between the thighs and one under her head. The left side is important due to the position of the aorta.
Know your oils! Some essential oils can cause uterine contractions. If you’re using oils in class be aware of the contraindications and when in doubt, don’t use them.
If you're interested in prenatal classes at Yogalife Studios, please get in touch with us at info@yogalifestudios.ca or by calling either of the studios.
Our next round of prenatal yoga classes start December 4th at Yogalife Studios South with Sara Cueva and December 5th at Yogalife Studios North with Emily McNicoll.
28 Ways To Take Care Of Yourself
Adapted from Rachel Gibbs at MindBodyGreen
28 Ways To Take Care Of Yourself
When I was completing my practicum for the Holistic Health Practitioner Program at MacEwan, I had to collect a certain amount of hours in a variety of areas to round out my portfolio. One of these areas was self-care, and I thought "amazing, I get credit for taking care of myself, plus I'm accountably taking care of myself!" This was one of my first introductions to self-care; I had a regular yoga practice and liked to whip up weird face masks and stuff, but actually documenting how I took care of myself was new. It makes sense: you must take care of yourself, especially if you plan on caring for others. As yogis and lovely humans, this is something that we're constantly reminding each other of, thankfully!
In the spirit of taking care of ourselves first, here are 28 ideas to spark some self-care in your life this month:
1. Take a bath.
2. Get a massage.
3. Go to the park.
4. Go on a walk.
5. Take time to be sexual – with yourself or your partner.
6. Try something new where you’re not in control or the expert.
7. Play with a child.
8. Visit a family member and get coffee.
9. Organize your DVDs and books and sell the ones you don’t want anymore.
10. Go to a yoga class.
11. Do your favourite DIY activity.
12. Write in a journal.
13. Sing karaoke.
14. Turn off your computer, tablet, and cell phone for two hours.
15. Watch your favorite movie from childhood.
16. Organize your iTunes music.
17. Get a manicure/pedicure.
18. Get lost in a magazine.
19. Dance around in your apartment.
20. Try a guided meditation.
21. Visit that new restaurant you’ve been wanting to go to.
22. Read for pleasure.
23. Bake.
24. Eat chocolate.
25. Go walk around your favourite store without buying anything.
26. Pick up the phone and call an old friend.
27. Be a tourist in your own town.
28. Start a gratitude journal.
Featured Yogi of the Month: Emily McNicoll
"Monthly pedicures, good food, frequent body work, and a daily meditation practice are some of the ways I integrate love and self care in my life. All of these things are a reminder that I am worth taking the time to pause, slow down, and work toward feeling at peace in my own skin."
Featured Yogi of the Month: Emily McNicoll
Meet Emily McNicoll, Yogalife Studios family member since day one. You can find her at both studios facilitating drop-in and registered classes as well as workshops. Her next offering, Restorative & Sound Healing, is coming up this weekend at Yogalife Studios South; November 29th from 2:30-5. Learn more about the workshop and register here.
Emily teaches prenatal and hatha yoga at both studios, enjoy one of her regular classes:
Yogalife Studios North || Monday 530pm hatha, 7pm prenatal; Tuesday 930am hatha
Perfectionism used to drive my self study. Which, in truth means the way I looked at myself was through the eyes of fear. I was never good enough. My inner critic was loud, destructive, and mean.
Now, after a lot of guidance from amazing teachers, a willingness to take a good look at myself, and a good dose of faith, I see through the eyes of love. My heart cherishes the parts of me that I believe to be imperfect and recognizes them as wonderfully unique, beautiful, and the very places from which I can grow. A kindness, understanding, and compassion toward myself has allowed the edges of my heart to soften and ultimately the perfectionist morphed into a woman who practices self acceptance.
Self acceptance and self care go hand in hand. When I take time for myself and really listen to what I need every day, I am saying to myself: "I love you, you are worthy of care, you are enough." I also believe one of the ways we can show the people closest to us that we love them is to take wonderful care of ourselves. When we do, our family and friends can watch us blossom and grow.
To grow will take work. As expansion happens so will struggle and growing pains. As I learn to love myself through the growing pains and dust off my knees when I've fallen to them I inevitably teach from those places. When I speak with a light heart and sense of humour about my own struggles, students relate. May my willingness to love myself through the light and the shadows encourage my students to do the same. May my work be of service to them.
Namaste.
What are my favourite books?
"The Way of the Happy Woman." By Sara Avant Stover. The author wonderfully explains how each week of a woman's cycle correlates to each season. She offers great meditations, recipes, self care practices, and yoga sequences that I can embody seasonally. Her offering through the study of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yoga, and Ayurveda encourages me to eat, practice, and live in harmony with the seasons and therefore the cycles of my own body.
"A Painted House." By John Grisham. A wonderful story told through the perspective of a seven year old boy growing up of a farm. I've read this book five or six times and always come back to it on the cold days I want to curl up with a tea and get lost in adventure.
What's the coolest experience you've ever had with a student?
I've been teaching prenatal yoga for over four years. One of the most memorable experiences I had as a teacher was seeing a new born child of one of my students. She had been coming to class before she even had a baby bump. To watch her grow, shift, and move toward motherhood was incredible. I'll never forget the day she walked into YogaLife carrying her new baby. Goosebumps covered my body and I just kept saying to the sweet little girl "you've been here before, you were just inside! I'm your yoga teacher." To know that I play a role in helping women through big changes in their lives is a humbling gift.
What is your favourite pose/body part/sequence to work on?
My practice right now is best described as "Occupy Armpit" and it makes me laugh. Obviously a spin on the Occupy movements that were happening all over the world, it is about revolution. My chest, armpits, and shoulders are asking for movement and freedom as I sink deeper into seeing myself and the world through the eyes of my heart. Active back bends like wheel, camel, and cobra are feeling great. So is anything where my hips and armpits move in opposing directions like triangle, side angle, and half way lift. I have always embraced the medicine of yin and restorative yoga. I'm loving resting with a block between my shoulder blades and relaxing with my arms at different angles. The nurturing aspect of restorative yoga is bringing liberation into the more active poses I mentioned above.
What is my favourite festival to attend?
I have to say the time I look forward to the most in Edmonton is the Edmonton Folk Festival. There is always a wonderful gathering of friends I don't often see and an explosion of artistic expression. I love the ease of the festival and the positive attitudes of the people I encounter there. The music is diverse, the love is free, and the beer is cold. What more could I ask for?
What is my favourite place to travel?
Oh, a tough choice indeed. I love to travel and every place I've been has offered something unique and charming. So far though, I'd say Bali has my heart. The sea is my medicine and Bali's beaches are beautiful. What is most endearing to me about the Balinese is the simple way in which they live. Food, family, and faith is at the forefront of their culture and I feel at home there.
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.
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.
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