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

There's What in My Granola Bar?!

If you are anything like me you grew up with the good old Quaker Oats Chewy Granola Bars always on hand..in your lunchbox, the pantry, the picnic basket..in my Home growing up they were always thought to be a good healthy snack.  Well guess again!!


Upon further research, and re-reading the ingredients from my old-favourite Quaker Oats Chewy Chocolate Chip Granola Bar (now knowing how to properly read said ingredients list) I realized that eating one of these snacks was not much better than eating a mass-produced Chocolate Candy Bar!  In the ingredients there are 8 sources of Sugar listed (totaling 7 grams or 2 tsps of refined sugar) and though claiming to be Trans-fat Free, they also contain Partially Hydrogenated Soybean and Cottonseed Oils (which are in fact trans-fats!).  Trans-fats cause your LDL (bad) Cholesterol levels to raise and your HDL (good) Cholesterol to lower, having an adverse effect on the health of your heart.  These tiny bars of seduction also contain only 1 gram of Fibre even though the manufacturer touts their Greatness for being made with only Whole Grains!  So what is a busy person such as yourself who is always on-the-go and often in need of a quick healthy snack to do??  Keep reading and find out!  
  

Fortunately my friend Jeremie introduced me to a Delicious, Easy and Healthful alternative to these over-processed convenience foods.  Just make your own!  Jeremie modified a recipe from www.givemesomeoven.com for 'No-Bake Energy Bites' into delicious homemade Granola Bars that you can even add your own fun, tasty and healthy ingredients too if you like!  You can find the link to the original recipe in the Sources Section below.

Jeremie's No-Bake Granola Bars

Ingredients:

4 C Quick Oats (I have also used Spelt Flakes in the past and they worked just as well!)
1 1/3 Unsweetened Coconut Flakes
2 C Natural Peanut Butter/Almond Butter
2 C Ground Flaxseed
1 1/3 C Raw Unpasteurized Honey
1 Tbsp Vanilla Extract

Instructions:

Wrap a layer of Cling wrap around a large baking sheet, and set aside.  Stir all ingredients together in a Large Bowl (I use my wok) and mix together till all ingredients are blended well (best to use a pair of clean hands for this because you're likely to break your wooden spoon in the thick of it all!).  Scoop mixture onto baking sheet and spread evenly.  Cling wrap over top of mixture once spread.  Use the roll from your aluminum foil (or something else that is hard and cylindrical) to really press the ingredients down and gel them together...don't be afraid to put your weight into it.  Once the ingredients are compressed well, place sheet in fridge for 30 mins to harden.  After 30 mins remove from fridge, unwrap and cut into bars.  Re-wrap individually with Cling Wrap and store in fridge or freezer until you want a snack.  Will keep for up to a week in the fridge, longer in freezer (though they have never lasted more than 2-3 weeks in my freezer so I can't speak for how long before they get freezer burnt).

Yield: Between 12-20 Bars (depending on how big you cut them)

One thing that I love about this recipe is that you can add in additional ingredients to your hearts content!  Some of the extra ingredients I have added are Walnuts, Goji Berries, Cacao Nibs, Protein Powder (both plain and chocolate-flavoured).  So you can see that this recipe can be as versatile and flexible as you want it to be!  Have fun experimenting with your own combinations and please send along any superb concoctions you come up with..I always Love to try new food adventures!

If the above recipe seems daunting or time-consuming to you, have no fear, there are less processed granola bars on the market now (not like back in the day when I as a young whipper-snapper was eating at least one a day).  When perusing the Granola Bar aisle (yes the options take up almost an entire aisle now!) look for an option that is lower in sugar (10 grams or less), has only a few ingredients (steer clear of those ingredients you can't pronounce), is trans-fat free and contains at least 3-4 grams of Fibre. If you are not sure how your favourite stacks up to other bars on the market, check out this nutritional info website to learn more http://caloriecount.about.com/tag/food/granolabar.

Be Happy, Be Healthy! 

Sources:

http://www.quakeroats.com/products/oat-snacks/chewy-granola/chocolate-chip.aspx
http://blog.fooducate.com/2010/05/03/are-quaker-chewy-granola-bars-good-for-you/
http://www.gimmesomeoven.com/no-bake-energy-bites/
http://caloriecount.about.com/tag/food/granolabar

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!