Yoga Fundamentals Video #1: Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)

At long last my very first Yoga Fundamentals Video is here!!  I plan to post one vid a month (some months maybe more than one when inspiration calls) so please feel free to post questions or pose suggestions down below in the comments section!

Om Shanti!

Yin Yoga: History, Benefits and a Yin Sequence just for You!

 
Yin Yoga is the Moon energy to the Sun energy of the more dynamic/yang styles, like Hatha, Ashtanga, and Vinyasa Flow.  While these dynamic styles build strength, stamina and focus on linking breath with movement, Yin embraces stillness by holding each posture for between 2 and 5 minutes, takes place predominantly on the mat and works with strengthening the joints and connective tissues rather than muscles.  Yin has been growing in popularity over the past decade and the wonderful part of this is that you can now wander into pretty much any studio and find a Yin class on the schedule.  Originally developed by the Taoists, Yin was brought to the West by Paul Grilley and Bernie Clark who have been spreading the benefits of the style far and wide.  They espouse that Yin makes the perfect balance to the Yang styles, by helping to open energy channels in the body, preparing one for comfort in meditation and can even help to improve ones' more dynamic practice as well.

Some benefits you might reap from practicing Yin Yoga are:

• Calming effects on the mind and body
• Increased mobility, particularly in hips and joints
• More flexibility of the joints
• Greater stamina in your Dynamic Practice
• Lowered stress levels
• Greater ease seated in mediation
• Easing of TMJ and migraines
• And many more!

If you are curious to try some Yin, please enjoy this Yin sequence (complete with pics and everything!) put together by Yours Truly and tested out at Power of Now Oasis (http://www.powerofnowoasis.com/), the gorgeous Beach-side studio I have recently begun teaching at (I am so Blessed!).

Yin Yoga Sequence

Before You Begin:  Our energy is different depending on the time of day and so I would recommend if following this sequence in the morning to complete a few simple, slow sun salutations before beginning the sequence.  If practicing in the evening, a few minutes sitting in a meditative pose or taking some gentle cat/cow stretches can be a nice way to begin.

**Experienced Yoga practitioners may be confused by the similarity of certain poses to those in the Yang styles and wonder why the names are different.  This is because Yin is a more passive practice in which it is important to remember to let go of holding and tension, unlike the tension we hold and build sometimes in more dynamic styles - hence the uniquely Yin names.**

1. Dangling Pose

Take your feet hip distance apart on your mat, bend your knees slightly.  Fold forward so your upper body hangs down over your legs, if you experience any low back pain bend your knees a bit more.  Bring your hands to opposite elbows and "Dangle".  Hold for approximately 2 minutes or 20 breaths.  Take a Squat (or a few) as a counter pose to this Yin version of a  Forward Fold.

2. Sphinx Pose

Lie on your belly on your mat, feet and legs together behind you, hands palm down under the shoulders, forehead resting on the mat also.  Lift into a Cobra and then walk your hands out until the elbows, forearms and hands are resting on the floor.  Keep your heart lifted and shoulders away from the ears.  Hold for 5 mins (remember you can always come out early if you feel pain).  Counter this pose with a long Child's pose.  

3. Seal Pose

Repeat the steps to come into Sphinx and then walk your hands a little further away from you until your elbows and forearms lift off the mat.  Arms should be straight, shoulders relaxed.  This is a more intense backbend than Sphinx so hold this for only 1-2 mins and then counter with another Child's.

4. Caterpillar Pose

Sit on your bum with the feet and legs together.  Inhale your arms up alongside your ears and as you exhale fold forward, draping your upper body over your legs.  Let the upper back round, and close your eyes.  Breath (hopefully you have been doing this step all the way along!).  Hold for about 5 mins, readjusting if you need to at any time.  Counter this stretch with a few quick Inverted Table Tops (pictured below).

5. Swan/Sleeping Swan Pose

From hands and knees, bring your right knee forward so it rests on the mat just behind right wrist and bring your right shin as close to parallel with the front of your mat as you can (again without causing pain).  Slide the left foot away from you down the mat.  Hold here in this subtle backbend for 1-2 mins and then start to walk your hands forward, coming onto your forearms and then maybe right down to your forehead for Sleeping Swan, hold this for 2-3 mins.  Counter with a Downward-facing Dog and remember to complete these steps on the other side as well. ;)

6. Toe Squat Pose

Come to a kneeling position on your mat, sitting on your heels.  Place the hands down in front of you on the mat and shift your weight forward so you can tuck your toes under, then come back to kneeling, while giving the feet and toes a great stretch.  Hold for 2 mins and if you find this uncomfortable perhaps distract yourself with a some breathing exercises, like counting your breaths or counting to 4 with your inhale and back from 4 with your exhale. To counter this, untuck toes and lean back on tops of feet, lifting knees off the floor and supporting yourself on your hands.

7. Snail Pose

Place a bolster/pillow/cushion length-wise behind you and lie down on your back with your head pointing towards the bolster.  Bring knees into your chest as you exhale and then extend feet back towards bolster, bringing them down to rest.  You can support your low back with your hands or have them resting at your sides.  Keep your head and neck still.  Hold for about 3 minutes (up to 5 if you enjoy this pose).  Counter this pose with a "Baby" version of Fish (pictured below).

8. Reclined Spinal Twist

Lie on your back and bring your knees into your chest again.  Stretch your arms out at shoulder-height on either side of you and with your exhalation bring the knees over to your right side.  Hold for 2 mins, and switch sides.  Counter this twist by bringing the knees back into your chest and rocking gently side to side.

 

9. Savasana/Final Relaxation

Lie on your back on your mat.  Widen your feet to about mat width apart and bring the hands palm up at your sides.  Tuck your chin slightly and close your eyes.  Focus on your breath, relax and enjoy!  Stay here as long as you want!

I hope you enjoy the sequence and that if it happens to be your first ever Yin-experience that you feel inspired to seek out more Yin-liciousness at a studio near you!  If you have any questions/comments or would like some guidance on specific poses or sequences feel free to leave a comment below!

Until next time..

Be Happy, Eat Healthy!

Sources & Links:

http://www.yogajournal.com/practice/580
http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-5037/Yin-Yoga-101-What-You-Need-to-Know.html
http://www.yinyoga.com/
http://www.powerofnowoasis.com/

The Healthy Yogini Takes Flight!

A friend from Newfoundland came to visit us this week in our little corner of Paradise and she and I decided to head up to Ubud together to see the sights (which consist mostly monkeys and rice paddies), eat Delicious food (and most of it was healthy too!) and partake in some delightful Yoga.  It was her first time visiting Bali and she immediately fell in love with Ubud just as I did the on my first visit.  While we were there we had the opportunity to take part in a Flying Yoga class, which is a blend of Acro Yoga, Thai Yoga Massage, and Hatha Yoga.  And I have to say a little flight was just what I needed!

I have been living in Bali for about two months now and though I know it sounds hard to believe, it hasn't all been sunshine and rainbows for me.  This move has taught me that no matter if you are moving to Antarctica or Fiji, uprooting your Life and leaving behind your Home and everyone you know can still be a pretty emotionally heavy ordeal.  And since arriving here I admit I have definitely been battling some loneliness and homesickness.  Living this past year in St. John's, Newfoundland was such a treat and such an easy transition that I wasn't fully prepared for the transition of moving all the way across the globe to a country where I don't speak the language or know anyone.  

So if the arrival of my Lovely friend Rhonda was just what I needed to lift my spirits, then attending this Flying Yoga class was the icing on the cake!  I had attended an Acro Yoga seminar once before and played around with a few flying poses with other yogi friends and really enjoyed it, so when I saw it on the schedule at Radiantly Alive Yoga Studio I suggested we try it (this was Rhonda's first Acro Yoga session).  

But I was completely unprepared for the level of connected-ness I felt to my partners (none of which ended up being my friend funnily enough).  We started the session by introducing ourselves to the group, and a brief warm-up while sitting knee to knee in a circle on our mats.  Next we linked arms and had to work as a group to stand as one unit, before walking the circle (created by our mats) periodically stopping and locking gazes with whomever was closest to us at the time.  Ordinarily I would feel a bit funny holding someones gaze for more than a few seconds but this exercise made me feel filled with the light of the other persons smiling eyes.  From there we split off into smaller groups of three and worked on Acro poses, consisting mostly of back bend variations like 'Whale'.  Our groups were made up of a 'Base' (person is the point of contact with the ground), a 'Flyer' (person who is elevated off the ground by the Base) and a 'Spotter' (person with objective view of Base & Flyer ensuring safety for both).  In order to perform the postures the three of us needed to work as a team, communicating and trusting that our group members would do their part and give us the support, guidance and leadership as we took turn playing each role within the poses.  Before we sealed in our Practice with one last resounding Om we went back around the circle and shared something we felt we had learned or experienced during the session.  I shared my experience of the Positive energy and connection flowing from one to the other as we practiced together.

                                                               Whale Pose Variation

Though practicing any form of Yoga technically makes you a part of the global yoga community, we often don't have the opportunity to connect with our fellow yogis in the everyday drop-in class.  We might practice next to the same person for months and not ever even say hello.  The beauty of Acro Yoga (and its' sister-style Partner Yoga) is that it brings yogis together to develop their practice in a direct, hands-on way, enabling you to step off your mat, build relationships with others, share some laughs and in turn gain perspective on the ups and downs of Life.

I left class that day feeling a redeveloped sense of belonging and connection to the Yoga Community at large.  In the midst of my emotional ocean of loneliness I had been thrown a raft, and though I am sure there will still be moments of loneliness/doubt in the future as I continue my Balinese Adventures, I know and trust that I will never truly be alone.  And if I get in really dire straights I can always high-tail it up to Ubud and take in another Flying Yoga class! ;)

For more information on Acro Yoga and to find a studio offering it near you click one of these links.

http://www.acroyoga.com/

http://www.acroyoga.org/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acroyoga

Until next time...

Be Happy, Eat Healthy!

My Adventures as a Yoga Tourist Bali-Style!

Have you ever met a fellow Yogi while traveling to a far off destination?  Or found yourself sitting up late at night googling exotic locations to bring your Practice?  Yoga Travel is one of the fastest growing sectors of Tourism - with more Yogis desiring to make their holiday time a more introspective one and a whole host of "Mini Yoga Meccas" to accommodate them for a Retreat, Intensive, or even a Teacher Training in an exotic locale (just type Yoga Tourism into Google and you will be amazed at all that comes up!).  This past weekend I decided to head out (though not too far afield) on my own mini Yoga Vacation to the Heartland of Bali, Ubud!

Ubud (pronounced Oo-Bood) is only a mere 20 kms from my Home in Sanur, but due to narrow one laned roads and congested traffic it takes about one hour to arrive there.  It has a perfect blend of Balinese Culture, Nature and Yoga activities, so there is something for everyone, 'Yoga-Nut' or not.  Ubud is home to at least 3 Large Art Galleries (many more small privately owned ones), Hindu Temples, Balinese cultural dance performances, markets, Yoga studios and salas and a bevvy of delicious restaurants catering to the ever Health-conscious Yoga crowd. 

Having the opportunity to spend a long-weekend there allowed me to sample a selection of the studios Ubud has to offer, as well as numerous styles of Yoga.  I attended my very first Iyengar class at The Yoga Barn (http://www.theyogabarn.com/), the largest and most well-known studio in Ubud.  It was a Level 2 class and I spent most of it in supported Inversions, either using blocks, bolsters, blankets and straps or at times even making use of ropes which were secured to the wall.  It was quite fun and offered me some new adaptations for poses which I hadn't thought prior.  My next class was at Radiantly Alive Studio (http://www.radiantlyalive.com/), which seems to be Yoga Barn's direct competitor, offering a wide variety of classes throughout the day as well.  Here I happily spent a 90 minute Yin class sprawled against the wall stretching my hips, knees and legs, eyes closed, enjoying the subtle opening of my joints (word to the wise - bring something other than flip flops when going on vaca, they sure do hurt your feet and legs after a days worth of walking!).  Both of these classes were very enjoyable, but the real gems of my little Yoga-Adventure didn't come until Monday when I attended a Kundalini class at a locally-owned and run sala called Bodyworks Healing Centre (http://www.ubudbodyworkscentre.com/yoga.php).

Our class took place on the third floor of a more traditional Balinese building, with room for only 10 students.  Our teacher Putu lead us through a rigourous class with much leg work and core strengthening ending with a Heavenly (and much deserved!) Savasana with the Roosters crooning from the ground below. I thoroughly enjoyed the Pranayama exercises we practiced throughout this class, breathing fully in through the nose filling our bellies and than swiftly out through the mouth making a 'Shh' sound - it made me feel invigorated and very present on my mat.  And lastly I was lucky enough to have had Ketut, the Hatha Teacher from Taksu Spa (http://www.taksuyoga.com/) all to myself.  He lead me through a delightful (and chuckle-filled) Hatha class which ended with us experimenting and sharing different arm balances we knew.  And all of this taking place in a studio surrounded by lush greenery and the gushing sounds of the river which flowed around it.  Though I only spent 3 days in Ubud, it has definately made an strong impression on me and I know I will be headed back there soon to continue my exploration of the town and all it has to offer both Yogically and Culturally.   

Whether you are a first-time Yoga-traveller or a seasoned 'Retreatee' there is something on offer for everyone and a myriad of ways to find what you are looking for.  In the land of the World Wide Web you can find everything from budget/sustainable Yoga Vacations to the most luxurious of Yoga Retreats at an exotic moutain-top spa!  From the Galapagos to the Berkshires, if you can unroll a Yoga mat there rest assured someone has designed (or is right now) a Yoga Experience to be had there.  Depending on your budget you could find yourself in a small oceanside village in Nicaragua or a lavish (not to mention pricey!) villa at a spa resort in Thailand. Many of these packages include meals, accommodation, airport transfer, yoga classes and may even include other spa/wellness treatments.  My only advice when booking would be that you do a bit of research and ensure that you are headed to a destination and Yoga experience you really want and not just signing up for the first good deal that presents itself.  **See Sources & Links for links to helpful articles and websites on booking yoga vacations. 

So if after reading this you are silently kicking yourself for not having used your holidays this year to book a Yoga Retreat somewhere exotic, let go of those regrets!  You can be a Yoga Tourist, discovering new and exciting studios and further developing your practice from Home! 
Here's how:

• Try a class with a new Teacher/Style of Yoga (we often get into a groove with one teacher or style and don't what we could be missing out on by trying something/someone new)
• Book a Trial Week at a new Studio in your town/city (most studios offer discounted trial weeks for new students allowing you to try unlimited classes for the week!)
• Invite a friend (or a whole gaggle of them) to accompany you on a Yoga Studio Tour where you live and in the surrounding area (be sure to allow a bit more time for this, one month is a good starting point so you have time to experience a few classes at each place)
• Take a weekend (maybe a long weekend) and visit a neighbouring town/city specifically to try out the Yoga Studios they have to offer (book into a quiet hotel, eat lots of fresh & delicious food, make it your own little Yoga Retreat - personalized just for you!)

Anyways I hope my musings on my most recent adventures in Yoga (and travel) have got you excited about where your Practice will take you next, whether it be literally or figuratively!  Has anyone been on a Yoga Trip or Retreat (organized or of your own making) recently?  If so, what are your thoughts on your destination?  Please feel free to comment down below! 

Be Happy, Eat Healthy!

Sources & Links:

http://www.theyogabarn.com/
http://www.radiantlyalive.com/
http://www.ubudbodyworkscentre.com/yoga.php
http://www.taksuyoga.com/
http://thetravelyogi.com/
http://www.sustainabletrip.org/yoga
http://solyogatrips.com/trips
http://www.sheknows.com/health-and-wellness/articles/984679/affordable-yoga-retreats
http://www.coastalliving.com/travel/twenty-three-best-coastal-yoga-retreats-00400000065636/page5.html
http://yogaindiatours.com/yoga-tour.html

Yoga on Sunday? Blasphemy or Worship?

 About a week ago Sunday while I was visiting my Folks in Port Charlotte FL, I attended a Yoga class while my Mum and Dad went to church.  It occurred to me during my Practice that day that while Yoga is not a religion it offers me (and countless others) many of the things which attending a House of Worship offers my Parents (and countless others).  


What first drew me to Yoga was the pace of the Practice and the inner stillness it provided me in a way nothing else did.  I have always been one to constantly be looking onto the next, best thing and often missed out on the Present.  Yoga has taught me the Art of 'Being Comfortable in the Now'.  I believe that perhaps organized religions may offer something similar to their congregations by helping them to appreciate the blessings which are bestowed upon them rather than covet for more, whether that be more time, more possessions, etc.

Growing in my Practice has helped me to let go of judgement and embrace a more accepting and loving mindset towards others.  It has also helped me to understand that all events in Life (both good and bad) play a role in shaping my character and the character of others, that nothing is random and that how we deal with these events shapes the path our lives will take.  Having grown up attending United Church I remember that we were taught that God has a plan for each one of us, even if we don't know what it is or understand His reasoning that nothing is random, everything is Divine.

As I delve deeper into Yoga my faith in the Divine Nature of the Universe has been re-ignited and I have found Peace with some of the "mistakes" I have made in Life.  I see now how they have shaped me and through Yoga have learned to Love myself, skeletons and all...does this sound familiar..perhaps like I am Born-Again?

By comparing Yoga to Religion I mean absolutely no offense.  I merely mean to share with you what the Practice offers me and show how for Yoga Practitioners it is far more than a Physical Practice alone.  Yoga has offered me so much over the years (the above mentioned being only the tip of the iceberg) and if I could share it with the whole World I gladly would.  I am so grateful to have a Family who accept and love me for my differences rather than castigate me for not following the same spiritual path they have chosen.

Not much info today, just gratitude. Thanks for listening to my ponderings!  Please feel free to share below what Yoga or your Place of Worship has offered you..I love to hear stories of inspiration!

Eat Healthy, Be Happy!

I

Yoga for Travelling

As some of you know, I am now in my 4th week of travel (the past week or so have been so busy with visits that I haven't even had time to post!), with still another 2 weeks to go before reaching my final destination of Bali, Indonesia.  Most of my travels so far have been around my Home Province of Ontario, Canada, but I currently find myself in Beautiful Port Charlotte, Florida (which lies on the Gulf of Mexico side of the State) visiting my Parents before I leave North America.

During the course of my visiting Friends and Family around Ontario and making the journey down to Florida I have spent a lot of time in cars, on buses and trains and on a plane too (only one so far, but there shall be  many more before I get Home).  And though I am still continuing my attempt to practice Yoga daily during my travelling adventures, I have found that I am still spending a lot of time sitting while getting from one place to another.  And of course it's only natural that all this sitting has left me with tight hips and leg muscles.

So I have been using my daily 'Yoga Time' often to stretch out these areas with what I like to call 'The Adventuring Yogis Post-Travel Series' (I know snazzy name huh? LOL).

I usually do this practice once I have arrived at my destination for that day/few days but you can utilize this sequence during a stop-over or at any other time if you only have a few moments to practice.  See below for the sequence, try it out and please feel free to modify/add other poses in to suit your ability levels/practice needs. Please also remember that it is important to listen to your body during your Practice and only go as far as your Body wants to go..honour its Wisdom..it's smarter than You! ;)

'The Adventuring Yogis Post-Travel Series'

**I have given a break down of each pose below, for anyone reading this without an existing Home Practice/Sound Knowledge of Yoga. 

1. 10 Full Belly Breaths

Sit cross-legged on your mat/floor (or any other way you can sit for 10 slow breaths comfortably), place right hand onto abdomen (need only do this if you are new to breath technique).  Sitting nice and tall through upper body (ears  lined up with shoulders, shoulders lined up with hips), close eyes and begin breathing in and out through the nose, pushing the breath into your lower belly (you should feel the right hand move with each inhale as the belly puffs out with breath).  Repeat for 10 breaths. *This exercise is great to do while travelling too, helps to calm the mind/nerves, etc.

2. Cat/Cow Pose - 5-10 Breaths

Come to hands and knees on mat/floor.  Wrists directly underneath shoulders, knees directly below hips, toes can be curled under or top of feet resting on mat/floor.  Inhale drop belly towards the floor as you lift your tailbone and press heart forward.  Exhale press pelvis  forward, round upper back and tuck chin towards your chest.  Repeat for 5-10 slow breaths (all breathing should be done in and out through the nose).

3. Child's Pose - with Wide Knees - 5 Breaths

From hands and knees, stretch arms out in front, with hands shoulder distance apart.  Take knees as wide as your mat (or if you don't have a mat, create a wide 'V' shape with legs, knees bent).  Sit your bum back towards your heels and rest your forehead on fists, hands stacked or the mat/floor.  Close eyes, practice deep, slow breathing in and out through nose for 5 breaths.

4. Downward Facing Dog - 5-10 Breaths

From hands and knees, curl under toes and lift hips up and back, creating an inverted 'V' with your Body.  Take a moment (or a few breaths) to walk one heel down and then the other.  Keep hands shoulder distance apart and spread your fingers wide.  Hold here for 5-10 breaths.

5. Pigeon Prep - 5 Breaths each side

From Downward Dog, lift your Right leg up and back behind you, bend your Right knee and place on your mat just behind your Right wrist (Right foot should rest in space between Left wrist and leg).  Stretch Left leg straight down the mat/floor behind you.  You can stay up on hands or lower to forearms or perhaps even the forehead if you feel up to it.  Hold for 5 Breaths before repeating on opposite side.  *Note - Hip of straight leg should not be resting on the floor.

6. Low Lunge - 5 Breaths

From Downward Dog, step Right foot forward and lower  Left knee to mat/floor (Left toes may stay curled under or press top of foot to floor).  Sink hips towards the floor and place both hands to Right thigh or to hips, hold for 2 breaths.  For last 3 breaths reach arms alongside ears, for a good side body stretch.

7. Low Lunge - with Twist - 3 Breaths each side

From Low Lunge (Right leg forward), bring hands together in front of your Heart.  Bring Left elbow to outside of Right knee, keeping hands in Prayer.  Hold for 3 breaths and then repeat on other side.


8. Legs-Up-Wall/Inversion (Shoulderstand/Headstand)

Bring short edge of mat to an empty wall (careful there are no pictures hanging there) or come to an empty wall.  Sit with one hip close to the wall and knees bent, feet planted.  Bring hands behind you and place them on floor, lean back on hands and swing legs up the wall.  Rest here for 10 breaths, moving feet/legs anytime you feel the need.  Close your eyes and allow the blood to recirculate.

**If you have an established Practice of your own and are feeling up to it then you might opt to insert a Shoulderstand or Headstand here at your own discretion.

9. Optional: 2-3 Sun Salutations

Ordinarily Sun Salutes  would come near the beginning of a Practice but because you may have been sitting for long stretches and could be quite stiff I recommend doing the above practice as a Warm-up to Sun Salutes. I also would not recommend adding Sun Salutes to this Series if you have arrived somewhere late at night or are planning to rest/nap/sleep right afterwards as they tend to Pep you up rather than wind you down.  They are a Great way to end this Series however if you have just arrived sleep-deprived somewhere and are expected at a Family-event or something.  They help to build heat in the body and get the circulation flowing again after being seated for long periods.


Add your feedback/comments on the series down below or share with travelling yogi friends!  If you would like more info on how to work Yoga into your Travel plans check the links below.  Let the World be Your Yoga Studio!

Be Happy, Be Healthy!

Links:

http://www.forbes.com/sites/juliewilcox/2012/04/25/yoga-for-travel/

http://www.yogajournal.com/lifestyle/1232

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exdnxh6Dz5Q

Yoga Show Extravaganza!!!

Another Yoga Conference & Show has come and gone, and of course all too quickly. L I feel like this year it went by SUPER fast.  But I am sure this is because I spent much more of my time this year in Seminars and Workshops then on the Exhibition Floor.  

For those of you who have not yet had the opportunity to attend this Show, it is a 3-day Yoga-Extravaganza that this year included 70 workshops, 200 Exhibitors and a huge ‘Yoga Garden’ in the center of the Expo floor with FREE yoga classes happening all day Friday through Sunday!  The Exhibitors included Yoga Clothing Retailers, Natural Health Stores, and Locally-made Healthy Goodies!  There was even a Healthy Food Court with a Juice Bar and SUPER affordable and tasty eats, like Govinda’s Indian Food (which was boasting a heaping combo plate for only $8!).

I had the opportunity to attend a hand-full of the Yoga Garden classes, including some with the likes of Leslie Kaminoff (Yoga-Anatomy Guru) and Sadie Nardini (Yoga Rockstar Extraordinaire!).  I even got to take part in a Havan Practice (or Fire Ceremony) cleansing me of my unwanted uncertainty about the Future.  I enjoyed a sampling of each of the Food options on offer, did a tad bit of shopping and “Hung Around” the Flying Yogi booth for a bit too! (theflyingyogi.ca)

On Friday I even had the good fortune to run into a fellow Yoga-Teacher Friend, whom I hadn’t seen since moving to Newfoundland!  We enjoyed a Lovely lunch together and had the opportunity to catch up on the comings and goings of the past year.

My Workshops were an eclectic blend this year.  When I received my Workshop Catalog back at the end of 2012 (I was SOOO Excited when it arrived!) I remember I made quite the deliberation trying to decide which ones to take.  And I think I still ended changing my mind a few times before I actually registered for any..lol!  Because of the uncertain nature of my Future in Bali (and having never been there before) I had no idea at the time what workshops would be of use to me there, so in the end I decided to focus on my Passions in Yoga and areas I felt I could use some upgrading.  So in the end I registered for a Ayurveda & Yoga seminar with Madhuri Phillips (Clinical Ayurvedic Specialist and Yoga Teacher, www.madhuriayurvedayoga.com), a Partner Flow Yoga seminar with Kaelyn Wong and Sebastian Kowalik (of 8 Limbs, 2 Hearts Yoga, www.8limbs2heartsyoga.com) and 2 day-long Yoga Anatomy Workshops with Dr. Ray Long (Ortho-surgeon and creator of Bandha Yoga).  Each of these workshops provided me with new knowledge, inspired me to continue growing in that aspect of Yoga and they were all Fun to Boot!  I was particularly inspired by Ray Long’s Anatomy workshops (www.bandhayoga.com) and his use of simple tweaks to familiar poses to deepen the stretch and bring a new sense of challenge and muscle memory into play with each hold. 

The great thing about this event (and Yoga events in general I think) is that everyone I encountered was kind, generous and open-hearted and –minded!  My friend, Tiffany and I shared a table on Friday with several Lovely people as the Food Court filled (we even joked that the other two chairs at our table were revolving), I chatted in the Lounge areas with other Yogis about the workshops they were taking, spent a good 45 mins chatting to two Lovely Ladies on the MTCC floor while we ate our lunches and even went out for drinks and nachos post-Yoga show with a few people from my last Workshop.  I even saw Yoga-lebrity Seane Corn sitting on the floor (near the washrooms no less!) eating her lunch! 

One thing is for sure, I feel very blessed not only to have had the opportunity to attend this years’ Yoga Show, but to be a part of this Global Community of Folks with Big, Open-Hearts!

Who knows, maybe I will bump into You next year at the Show!  Save the Date: March 27-30, 2014! (www.yogaconference.com) 

Have you got an inspiring, heart-warming or funny Yogi encounter/event to share?  Please share below in the comments!  And don’t be shy to like, share and subscribe! ;)

Be Healthy, Be Happy!

Travelling Tips for Eating Healthy..Learn from My Mistakes!

So I have now safely arrived back on the Mainland, and have begun my Whirlwind Tour of Ontario, visiting many friends and family in Southern-Ontario while here.  My last few days in Nfld were bustling with packing the last few items, signing over our vehicle, mailing things back to my In-Laws, etc, etc.  One of the things I had meant to get too but unfortunately fell through the cracks L was popping into my Local Bulk Barn to pick up some travel-friendly, healthy snack-age for my day-long trip from St. John’s, Nfld to Grey County, Ontario (roughly half way between Orangeville and Owen Sound).  This sadly didn’t happen because I just flat ran out of time the day before my departure and left very early on Tuesday morning, leaving no time for that “quick stop on the way to the airport” Bulk Barn trip.  Not making that shopping trip a priority  lead me to feel tired, unsatisfied and generally icky for the better part of my Tuesday or Trip Day (which included 7 hrs on a plane, then a cab, train, bus and car ride to get to my final destination). So I have included for you below “Jess’s Travel Tips for Healthy Eating!” so that the next time you are travelling (whether around the bay to Grandma’s house or on a 26-hour flight to Hanoi) you will arrive feeling refreshed, energized and ready for your next Adventure!

Jess’s Travel Tips for Healthy Eating!

1   

   Make Eating Well while Travelling a Priority - (after reading my above post this may seem like a no brainer) Before travelling make an effort to think about the Journey ahead and pack a few healthy snacks for the trip **Especially if you are Vegetarian, Vegan or have any Diet Restrictions as planes, trains and rest-stop fare may not meet your needs. Some examples of Healthy Easy-to-Pack Snacks are Trail Mix, Dehydrated Fruit, Raw Almonds, Homemade Granola Bars, and I am sure you can think of more ideas too!

2.     Always ALWAYS Remember your Water Bottle – I cannot stress this enough!  Whether you are travelling by car, plane, train or bus the air tends to get very dry and sucks the moisture right out of your skin.  Our skin is the largest organ of the body, so if it feels parched you can only imagine what your other organs are going through!  Also by bringing your own water bottle you are more likely to drink regularly from it throughout your trip, which is not only good for your body (aids in hydration and digestion) but also has a positive impact on your pocket book and the environment too (no need to purchase bottled water for you!).  No matter what I have on the go during the day I never leave Home without my reusable water bottle, it’s a great habit to adopt not only for travel, but the everyday!

3.   Shop Around - When mealtime hits and you find yourself stopped at a Restaurant/Food Court/Chip Truck at the side of the road, take a few minutes and shop your options to find something to eat that is not only Nutritious but Satisfying too!  By taking that few extra minutes (even if you are like me and your stomach has taken over your brain and is crying out for you to fill it as quickly as possible with whatever you can get your hands on) you will usually find healthier items/combinations than if you just automatically ordered what you would normally have when eating at that establishment or choosing the food court stall you eat at most frequently.  Who knows there could be Delectable Quinoa Salad around the next shelf corner which would fuel you so much more completely than those greasy French fries, and all you have to do is look. 

4.   It Doesn’t Hurt to Ask – If you find yourself at a Restaurant/Other Eating Establishment that doesn’t offer many Healthy options or perhaps you are like me and have a Dietary Restriction, don’t be afraid to ask if the cook can whip you up something which isn’t on the menu (like a yummy vegan stir fry!) or ask to have an extra side of veggies or a salad instead of your fries.  Remember you should have at least 1 serving of veggies with every meal, not just when its’ convenient! ;)

These are just a few tips that have been reaffirmed for me in this first leg of my Journey to Bali.  How do you make sure you eat well when travelling?  Please share your comments and experiences below!

Stay tuned for my next blog post on my experience at the Toronto Yoga Show and Conference, taking a quick break at the Show now to write this post and looking forward to sharing my experiences with you all in the next few days!

Eat Healthy, Be Happy!

42 Days of Travel, 42 Days of Yoga!!

As I am wrapping up my time here in St. John's, NL and begin to look ahead towards my new adventure in Bali, Indonesia, I have to remind myself that I still have over a month from the day I leave Newfoundland (early tomorrow morning - March 19th) to arriving in Bali and being reunited with my Husband (hopefully by the April 28th).  In the 'In-Between Time' I will largely be in one continuous transitory holding pattern..lol, travelling first to (and around) Ontario to visit Family & Friends (while there I will also be taking in the Yoga Show..SOO Excited!!) and then to sunny Port Charlotte, Florida to visit my Parents (who since retiring have become Snowbirds hehe) and then onto Koh Tao, Thailand for 7-10 days of visiting with my friends and Yoga Teachers before Finally arriving (hopefully acclimatized to the drastic temp. difference between Nfld and Bali).

My Husband and I have done our fair share of travelling in the 7 years we have spent sharing adventures together (this is a pic of us at the top of a very foggy mountain in Nepal!), and I have noticed in those transitory times of ours that my Yoga Practice has suffered.  Must be the excitement and newness of our ever-changing surroundings, but when we travel I find even when I bring my mat with me that I don't find my way there regularly (or sadly, depending on the length of our trip at all!). Keeping this in mind I have decided to set the intention to practice Yoga (in some form) EVERYDAY of my Journey. I am anticipating roughly 42 days of travel before reaching Bali, my final destination, so that will mean 42 days of Yoga too! Beware I may be posting some comical Airport-Yoga pics in the near future!  ;)

By stepping onto the mat regularly (and this doesn't have to be daily, anywhere from 2-4 times a week will grant you surprising benefits) you will reap a whole host of physical benefits, such as increased strength, flexibility, better posture not to mention better breathing and circulation of the blood too!  But you may also find that you develop some marvelous side effects like an ability to better cope with stress, a calmer mind, better sleep patterns, more balanced emotions and a more mindful approach to your eating habits(I had to fit something food-related in here somehow lol).  When you add up all of these things it's astounding that everyone isn't rolling out their mats once a day! Why with the benefits to practitioners (both physical and mental) isn't every business implementing regular 'Asana-Breaks' (people still get regular smoke breaks after all and Yoga-Breaks are far better for You!)?  Maybe one day we'll get there but for now we have to take responsibility for our own Well-being by getting onto the mat regularly, even if just for a few mins.  Useful Tip: Try leaving your Yoga Mat out and unrolled somewhere that you will pass by a few times during the day, this gives you more incentive to actually use it, can you hear it...it's calling your name! lol
See the links below for more info on how a regular Yoga practice can help you in all aspects of your Life.

And keep your eyes peeled for more posts on my 'Personal Yoga Challenge'! Also stay tuned for a post 'Coming Soon!' on my experiences/adventures at this years' Yoga Conference & Show being held in Toronto, Ontario! (www.theyogaconference.com)

Eat Healthy, Be Happy!! *And get on your mat! ;)

Sources & Links:

www.theyogaconference.com
http://www.webmd.com/balance/guide/the-health-benefits-of-yoga?page=3
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Yoga
http://www.rodale.com/yoga-and-health?page=0,0

I Love Fortuitous Events!!

Yesterday was a very BIG day!  It was my last day of teaching Yoga at Shakti Yoga Studio before leaving Newfoundland for my next Adventure, it marked the completion of my first (of many!) Yoga & Nutrition Courses and my Best Friend got to tag along for the ride too!

Me with My Beautiful Nutrition Yogis!

But something else really cool also happened too!  After a long 'Day in the Life of a Yoga Teacher' my Forever Friend Julie and I arrived back to my apartment, just happened to check the mailbox and what did we find?!  My Vegetarian Nutrition Diploma from Alive Academy!  It was a very fortuitous sign I think that on the very day I my first Yoga/Nutrition Course comes to a close my certificate arrives.  Like a sign from the Universe that this is EXACTLY what I am meant to be doing with my Life.  Helping others live a more happy and healthy Life with Yoga!  And as sad as it was to admit that this stage of my Life's Adventure is coming to a close :(  and though I will miss all of the Positively Lovely People who have shared this Newfoundland Adventure with me, having my diploma arrive when it did has helped me to acknowledge that this is only the Beginning of a whole new chapter in my Life!  So thanks to all of you that have helped me get to this point, I Love Your Faces! :)

Just had to share my Joy and sense of Inner Purpose with all of your Shining faces!!  Do you believe in signs?  Have you ever had a sign occur?  Or an 'Aha!' moment for that matter about your future/destiny?  Please feel free to share in the comments down below!

Support Leads to Success!

This week in the Yoga/Nutrition Course which I am currently teaching at Shakti Yoga Studio in St. John's, NL (www.shaktiyogastudio.ca), we covered 'Supporting Our Health Goals'.  Through the course of our evening we discussed ways we ourselves can support our intentions to eat healthier (if we don't work to set ourselves up for success who else will?)  and also the importance of having a Support Network (or several!) in place...and then of course finished things off with a SUPER Fun Partner Yoga Practice, in honour of the weeks' topic. ;)

Some of the techniques we discussed that we can implement ourselves to ensure we eat happily and healthily are: Menu-Planning for the Week, Stocking Healthy Snack Items ie. trail mix, fresh fruit, greek yogurt, etc. and keeping them in various places to stave off turning to junk foods, and no longer using food as a reward for a job well done, even Journaling has been proven to have positive effects on overall Health!

But the real interesting facts come into play when we look at the impact Social Support Networks have on overall health.  In a report completed by the Public Health Agency of Canada, they found that access to Health Services and the quality of care provided did not contribute to the overall health of the General Public as much as Social Support Networks (it was ranked #2 in the list of Key Determinants).  This report made references to a study done in California that found that for both men and women the more social contacts an individual has the lower their premature death rate was.  Social Environments was listed as Key Determinant to Overall Health as #5, and this factor alluded to the Community at large which we belong to (and its' social mores and values) playing a strong role in our Overall Health too.  Personal Health Practices & Coping Skills were also listed as #7 on the list of top determinants for Health of Canadians (Health Services was ranked #10 right before Gender and Culture!), which demonstrates our need to support our own goals too!
For more info from this report please refer to this link: http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/ph-sp/determinants/determinants-eng.php

So how can you build more Support Networks, if you find your current ones lacking or (God forbid!) non-existent?  Here are a few things you can try, (though I am sure you can come up with some neat ideas of your very own too), you can involve your family and friends in healthy menu-planning and food preparation, join or start a walking/exercise group or Healthy Living group (with other like-minded folks), or invite some friends over for a Healthy Potluck Night (maybe even make a regular event!).  Stay tuned for pics and recipes from my own Vegetarian Potluck coming in the next post!  Or if you have a budding Yoga practice, invite a few friends to join you in a 'Yoga Studio Tour', and that way even if you don't end up with one of your existing friends becoming your 'Yoga Accountability Partner' you will hopefully find a studio that suits your needs and also meet others who could become your new 'Yoga Buddy'!

Establishing bonds with people who are like-minded or have similar long-term goals for their own Health will help to motivate you, inspire you and these people will build you up when you need it most AKA those dark times when you are feeling blue and want to hoover an entire bag of Potato Chips..instead of doing that you can call up someone from your new Support System and go for a brisk walk together in the Sunshine to boost your Spirits!

 I am so Grateful for all the Yogis, Yoginis, Friends and Co-workers that I have had the pleasure of having in my Life this past year spent in Newfoundland, you have inspired me, encouraged me and helped me over my hurdles (with food and otherwise) and I believe I have a new found respect for the importance of these supports in any goal you are wishing to achieve (whether it be trying to give up sugar, coming into headstand, or any other goal large or small).

Eat Healthy, Be Happy!!


Sources & Links:

www.shaktiyogastudio.ca
http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/ph-sp/determinants/determinants-eng.php
http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/motivation_articles.asp?id=579