The Sounds of OM - A Journey of Yoga

What is your Mantra?

2012-02-06T22:42:00.002-08:00

We all have them! Often though, they aren't positive! and that is sad.

Mantra's are like the power of suggestion, if repeated enough times it will simply become a manifestation, a way of being.

In yoga we use mantra's constantly, even OM is a mantra. But what does OM mean. Well simply, nothing. But it is also everything. We don't need to understand what a mantra means for its positive effects to take hold. It is the vibration that the mantras create, the vibration within your own body as well the vibrations that you send out into the world as you chant.

The simplest Mantra that I know for anyone to start chanting is one that you can do silently and with your eyes closed.

Sit in Easy Pose with your palms facing down resting on your knees. Looking inwardly, begin focusing on your breath noticing each inhale and exhale. Once you feel yourself settling into your natural breath, on the following inhale silently chant SAT and on the exhale, NAM.

SAT NAM, translates to Truth is my identity, or as I prefer, I AM - THAT. I love this meditation when I need grounding and to reestablish my personal mantras. Some of my mantras are: I am: a teacher, I am: a wife, I am: a friend, I am: honest, I am: beautiful, and so on.

To me each inhale, as I chant SAT or I AM, I am grounding myself and going inside to my core and discovering what I am, and then as I exhale and I chant NAM or THAT, I am telling the world what I found.

I don't always finish my mantra, I more often leave it open since I am so very much and it leaves room for so many possibilities.

Now I ask again, What is your Mantra?

Don't Panic

2012-01-31T22:14:00.000-08:00

Let's Welcome February into our Lives!

2012-01-31T21:41:00.004-08:00

Here we are at the end of the first month of the year and entering into what most provinces know as the most difficult month to survive due to the harshest and coldest weather that typically visits this month.

This past week for me was a hard one, in fact only these last 3 days were really all that tiresome, and why is that? Well my usual excuse is due to the crappy grey weather that Vancouver treats us to, but really because I hadn't practiced yoga for the three days prior to that. When I keep up my practice I always feel fresher and more vibrant, I feel like I can handle what the day throws at me, even if that day is grey, rainy, and cold.

So join me as I celebrate some of the great things of February.

As of February 1st we will have already gained a full hour of daylight since Christmas!
At the end of February our days will be just a minute short of 11 hours!
Valentine's Day. I know this might seem weird, but Valentine's isn't just for those with a partner, it is the day of love, or as I prefer, connections. I like to celebrate all of my friends and my family, each and every loved one that I might cross paths with. And to be clear I don't necessarily mean chocolates and flowers and commercial stuff, I mean acknowledging their worth in my life.
In Vancouver with longer days usually means a little less rain and best of all...
Blossoms! In fact I have heard rumours about some cherry blossoms already downtown.

It's official!

2012-01-26T20:52:00.001-08:00

I am officially not only a certified yoga instructor, but I am now a registered with the Yoga Alliance. Get that registered! really what does that mean, after reading blogs and deciding if I would register with yoga alliance or the BC Yoga Alliance, which is a very active alliance with a lot of involvement with its members. So why didn't I choose them? Well I figured it made more sense to register with an alliance that no matter where my life takes me I can keep that same registration with me. If I eventually can afford to register with both or feel a need to register with both maybe we will go down that road, but for now I'm going to keep it simple, maybe even try to provide some help with the alliance to make them better and keep them accountable. But for now I need to take care of me and those around me. What's next? the insurance, one step at a time, right?

Update: Insure is had I have my registration number all that's left is some more paying yoga classes.

Aging with Grace and Beauty

2012-01-16T09:56:00.002-08:00

There have been so many responses and rebuttals to the New York Times publishing of the Yoga can Wreck your Body excerpt. I still stand by what I wrote while also respecting and considering others opinions.
Although the article completely missed the whole point of practicing yoga as well the beauty it can provide if practiced properly and wholesomely. I suppose that only means that we all just need to read the book once it's published and get the entire picture of what the exact message this author is trying to send.

I have been itching to find something, an article or a video that shows the complete other side of the story. And I got it! The below video is a woman who although doesn't practice yoga per say, she has practiced that yogic lifestyle and movements her entire life and it's beautiful to watch. This is what the whole envelope of "Yoga" can do for you when you listen to everything it has to teach.

Make it simple... and enjoy!

My friend Maia from julia warr on Vimeo.

My Resume

2012-01-07T17:59:00.000-08:00

Should We Be Practicing Yoga?

2012-01-06T13:14:00.157-08:00

So there was this great article that was written 2 days ago in the New York Times. It's a really good read. It's possible you've read it already, I recently saw it floating around on facebook. "How Yoga Can Wreck Your Body" by William J. Broad. The article toys with the idea that maybe we, in society, need to revaluate the need to practice yoga. He even claims to have stopped practicing due to an injury he had sustained years ago, but it would seem that he does still practice outside of this article (and I would hope) with more awareness. Please go and read it here.

My response to the article is something akin to ...well, duh! But it is, as most things are, actually a little more complex than that.

While I don't disagree that as we practice more, collectively we are all going to injure ourselves more, with also more concerning injuries popping up. And, I think this goes without saying, the reason why we are attracted to the yogic practice is because of the awesome affect that it has on us. From our flexibility to our subtle systems and how we can make adjustments in our lives that our western minds have a hard time understanding. These are only some of the broader reasons that we find yoga so attractive and keeps us coming back for more. But the problem is, as the author states, our egos are too big, they are too much in control. Which is kind of ironic, because a true devote yogi would have seen this blaring siren and say "you need to back off. You shouldn't practice asana, you might just want to meditate until you have that under check".

But in our modern, western world, it is increasingly difficult to be able to stop and recognize that, or even to seriously tell someone. Heck even the Yogi, Glenn Black of Manhattan's Sankalapah admitted that most people should not be practicing yoga, and this is the same guy who teaches other prestigious instructors after they have injured themselves. And to make it even juicier, at the end of the article, William reveals that this same yogi has just had spinal surgery to fuse several vertebrae in his lower spine. All due to practicing too many deep back bends.

When it comes to sports in general, we often take the mentality of, "no pain, no gain" (what kind of slogan is that to live by?) but we also perhaps bring it to an extreme that goes a little to far. But it is because of this mentality that we become injured or strained in our other sports and so then we go see physiotherapist, massage therapists, chiropractors, and now yoga instructors. Each to help resolve or at least relieve some of that pain. Although there is an estimated 20 million americans practicing yoga, many of these people are practicing yoga to complement their other lifestyle choices, whether it be hockey, football, figure skating, cycling, running, and even golf. And people are doing this, because they get injured in their other activities.

But this brings us full circle to our western minds; are we ever going to be able to listen to our bodies and allow ourselves to enjoy the slow and winding path filled with gentle poses, adjustments and modifications to accommodate the needs of our different bodies? If we as a society could slow down and actually listen to ALL of the lessons that Yoga has to teach us, I don't think so many injuries would occur, but I also think that yoga wouldn't attract the same following.

So the lesson to be learned is not to stop practicing yoga; we need it mentally just as much as we need it physically. Remember, that if you don't listen to your senses you are most likely going to cause injury. It could be a slow and steady injury or one that happens in a matter of seconds. And if you don't listen, be prepared for the repercussions. When you are playing with your subtle body (it IS "subtle" for a reason!) and manipulating parts of your system you never thought possible, if you overdo it you just might go to far! Like blocking off a blood valve due to overextension or excessive stretching of the ligaments before the muscles are even ready to budge. The article is filled with examples of people who are doing just this and each suffers the consequence. Im sure you might know someone who has done this, even outside of yoga but in their own sports.

So please remember, work at your own pace not the person lying beside you.

Yoga Journal's 21 day challenge in January

2012-01-05T21:15:00.000-08:00

Yoga Journal is hosting a 21 day challenge beginning January 9th. There is the option for those just starting out or beginners or those who are "ready" or intermediate. Whichever track that you sign up for, you will receive daily newsletters in your inbox including daily video, weekly meditations, and daily newsletters with practice tips and recipes. Along with this, you have the chance to set goals and track your progress over the 21 days. The goals that they have set for you is pretty simple and easy enough to meet.
Your three goals will be:
1. 15 minutes of meditation a day
2. 1 vegetarian meal a day
3. 1 yoga practice

Pretty simple and easy to meet. There are already over 2500 participants signed up, so there will be lots of support and others exploring the same journey as you.

Detox with Clara Roberts-Oss

2012-01-01T04:00:00.017-08:00

Clara is who I did my Vinyasa Teacher Training with in the summer. I hadn't practiced with her since then. In fact, I had forgotten how inspirational she can be. Welcome this New Year in with this fabulous practice. Detox a little of last night out of your system and start this promising Year with vigour and freshness!

shit yogis say

2011-12-31T11:11:00.006-08:00

I can't help but wonder if I say at least half of these things, I know I've heard others... and yes there are days I want to roll my eyes as well...
Thanks Lululemon for creating this wonderful (and sadly enlightening) spoof!

"I think your third eye could maybe use some visine"

2011-12-29T13:28:00.006-08:00

Yoga Girl - Fog and Smog

Getting back on Track

2011-12-28T18:39:00.001-08:00

So it's been awhile. really.

And this is changing. Part of my reconnecting to myself and my practice I am going to start posting to the blog again. I actually miss it!
So part of my resolution was begin a daily practice if only for 30 minutes. Unfortunately that was ended pretty quickly when I stopped a fall using my head. Although legitimate it was disappointing because 2 days before I had bought myself a bristol board to track my progress and explore Eoin Finn's Blissology practice. Through my work I had bought his Blissology DVD at the end of November and had been enjoying it to help with my practice on those days that I feel so tired that even the thought of rolling my Mat out is painful. The 4 week Blissology challenge is fulfilling "The Big Easy Bliss Commitments" each day throughout the month. The 6 commitments are:

1. Yoga

2. Meditation

3. Nature Appreciation

4. Food Awareness

5. Gratitude

6. Wild Card

He believes that by following this and respecting these commitments that you will attain an upward spiral. Over the four weeks you will experience:
An Attitude that creates habits, Habits which create Actions, and finally Actions that create our world. Each influencing the next and thereby attracting positivity into your life.
So my official starting date for this will be January 1st, I am going to begin exploring the possibilities tonight.

My next resolution is to finish reading many of my books and keep a record or library of my books along with my thoughts on each of them. So to start I am going to work through my latest new book, Wheels of Life: The classic guide to the chakra system. So perhaps to integrate this into my bliss commitments, for the first week I can do something to do with this book and or exploring the chakras.

So there we have it, the beginning of my New Year's resolutions. I am really looking to the possibilities and

Yoga in our Daily Lives

2011-09-19T12:40:00.001-07:00

I've been thinking a lot lately about how yoga is or can be present within our lives without us even knowing. And when I say "yoga" I mean it in the broadest sense, not just in its physical practice.

Yoga shows up constantly and it goes by many different names and themes. Even in how it has become popularized in recent years and this sports compatibility, training complementing practice. But really, most athletes have been practicing some form of yoga forever. We just used to call it stretching.

I've been thinking about this for several reasons but mostly it always stems from my recent marriage. Yes I just got married. We have already passed the two week point. But my journey of what makes a wedding so special began two weeks before that. And to me, that is when the essence of yoga in our daily lives really began to shine around me. The moral goodness, selfless service and unconditional love, these were all integral parts of what helped bring my wedding together. All of these people that I have known to be part of my life, part of my core they each came to me to support me and to help in their way and I was amazed.

I think we each spend parts of our lives thinking that we are fighting through this life blind and alone, but really there are always people waiting next to you, for your hand to connect with theirs, always ready to help you. (to help you cross that intersection of life) It was so beautiful to watch and to be apart of. I will forever hold those two weeks close to my heart.

Marriage is much more than the simple unity of two people, it is the affirmation of family. Within that affirmation is yoga; it is all of the yamas and the niyamas.

Since this moment, I can't help but see yoga in a new way. I see it in myself more than before, the way that I think, the way that I react, even the way that I move. I experience it in other people and I even think of the athletes in my life and how they practice yoga without knowing it. Perhaps in their stretching or perhaps in how they prepare themselves mentally before or during a race. We all do it, it is part of our being. Yoga is so naturally part of our lives that we each are yogis, just some of us shine a little bit more, or some of us label ourselves. But I see through these facades and I am happy that you are who you are and I will nurture this natural beauty and goodness because we each need it. Thrive forward and let yourself be what it does best naturally. I love you all, and thank you for being you.

Ticks Tocks

2011-08-14T10:53:00.004-07:00

There is so much beauty and grace;

although my practice is no where close to include this I can't help but be fascinated...

Another free event

2011-08-13T23:23:00.002-07:00

** EDIT: This event is running until September 4th, 2011. Every Sunday at 6pm at the Kitsalano Beach right next to the pool on the Grass. The teachers will be on a rotating basis. No need to reserve a space and this is open to all Semperviva Members and non-Members.

This is a slightly last minute event, so I apologize for those that might have been interested having time permitted.

Free Yoga at Kits Beach complements of Semperviva Yoga:

Colin Wolport will be teaching at Kitsalano Beach Sunday August 14th at 6 PM. It is on the grassy shore next to kits pool overlooking the vast expanse of the ocean!
Bring your Mat, Bring your friend and be blown away with the presence of Nature so closely entwined into your practice!

Hope you can make it

This is Your Life...

2011-08-07T18:11:00.003-07:00

Life is Simple. Life is Short.

Live your Dream and Share your Passion.

Open your Mind, Arms, and Heart to New Things and People. We are United in Our Differences.

Acts of Kindness

2011-07-21T10:15:00.006-07:00

This post was originally written months and months ago, actually close to year ago now. But as it clearly expresses, I was saddened and embarrassed about my lack of action or sincerity. Well I'm posting a slightly darker side to me and what a city like Vancouver has doug out of me. Although it doesn't make me proud (which it really shouldn't) I have since walked this gentleman across a street twice, but In fact beyond november, I have not seen him since. I can only pray for him and his safety. That someone else had not taken advantage of his weakness.

The only other thing I want to add is the experience of assisting him across a street crossing. He sings to you. And he says very sweet things. That is once you get past the initial grumbling when you first introduce your touch to him and he forces your arm into position of leading where he can hold securely. I don't think you could have a conversation, but you can certainly listen to his ramblings for the minute it takes to cross a street with him, and that is pleasant.

Well on with my original post...

August 24, 2010

There is this gentleman that I have only seen once, maybe twice before, who travels around my neighbourhood. He carries a knit sign that says "I am deaf and blind".

Unfortunately as a woman, living in vancouver, living more specifically in Mount Pleasant north, I have partly for safety of myself turned off my random acts of kindness towards people in need. I have found in the two years that I have lived here I can (shamefully) turn my head away and keep walking past someone in need. Most of the time my heart going out to them. I honestly can't stop to help everyone, and Vancouver is notorious for people in need. but I have left food for one person one night and random bits of change for people who I felt deserved it and of course to local shelters etc.

So to the point, the times I have come across this man I have kept walking not knowing what to do, how to help, nor knowing if he was for real. Admittedly I have never forgotten him, how could one not! he stands at the edge of the sidewalk and he bangs his sight stick against the edge of the sidewalk endlessly.

I once again found myself at the corner with this man at Main and Broadway, banging away at his stick. I arrived and I know I looked puzzled; not really sure what to do. fortunatly before the light changed this other gentleman arrived on his bike, understanding, got off and touched the mans arm and immediately it dawned on me, what this man needs and is asking for is a safe crossing, this is it! In that moment I felt relief that he would be helped, embarrassment that it wasn't me, the pedestrian going in that direction, and shame that I didn't trust that he was honest about his limitations.

I was really impressed that I witnessed another person actually take the time and effort to help another out. I sometimes feel I fight some of these battles on my own, picking up trash, sticking my hand out for the old lady, etc. It was so inspiring!

Facing Grief as a Yogi

2011-07-21T01:17:00.003-07:00

Death, it's never easy, but it is something everyone is apart of at some point. And funny enough it is also one of those things that many people have a really hard time facing.

Different cultures celebrate it differently or even their way they mourn. There is no right way nor any wrong way. So how as a yoga student can we be helped in facing this elephant?

This topic is something that has been staring at me for close to a week now, someone I actually don't even know, but seem to have a profound enough connection that I find myself mourning for her, even dedicating my energies for her and the people who surround her this week.

As a yoga student, like in life, you will find that there is a plethora of ways that you can work through your grief. Each is individual and yet beautiful.

For me, there are days that rolling out my mat, is all that I can do. Sometimes, that is all the therapy I can manage. But, I do find that the healthiest and most helpful exercise is meditation. It not only calms that mind, it slows the breathing and even helps you sort some of those emotions, the memories, and all of the balls of energy rolling around inside.

A Simple, Loving Meditation

Taking a seat on your mat, find a comfortable, but stable seat. Feeling your own connection to the earth, yet noticing the light lift through the crown of your head, feeling the polar ends of your body. Resting your hands on your knees, hands facing up, to allow for openness. Close your eyes and breathe. Focus on your inhales and your exhales.

Breathe.

Keeping your focus centred and internal. As we all do, you will notice yourself "thinking", your inner thoughts running rampant, maybe even cry.

That's okay. And notice that.

Tell yourself that you recognize your thoughts and you see them, and say okay. And then, return to the breath. Each time you feel your mind wander away repeat this southing and accepting practice, and feel it each time, notice how you might feel a little taller, a little lighter. Maybe only ever so slightly.

But again, that is okay.

You might find you can only muster a minute or two and that minute might actually feel like ten. and that my friend, is normal. Ask yourself to practice, to just take a minute to sit down on a chair or on your mat, or perhaps behind a closed door. That minute will help you manage the following 10.

Just always remember to say, okay. This is all okay.

New Class

2011-06-28T00:03:00.001-07:00

It was such an honour to co-teach with my classmate, Annilee today.
We are co teaching over the next few weeks the students of the Explore Program at Langara College. These are both young and older adults who are in or finishing a post secondary degree but would like to improve their English. (There is also a program for English speaking students who would like to improve their french if you are interested!)
It was so much fun to assist Annilee and to help the students go deeper into their postures as they explored the movements within the class. I can't wait for next week! It will be my turn to lead the class.

Yoga Class at MEC BikeFest 2011

2011-06-16T23:44:00.003-07:00

Come one Come All!

I will be teaching 2 short 20 minute class Sessions at the Plaza in the Village along False Creek. These classes will focused around key areas for those avid cyclists that just need to spruce up their training to balance the single direction of movement.

Feeling tense in your thighs and hips? Your lower back and even your shoulders are rounding in? Open up and limber up in these 20 minutes jammed packed with movements that any body will thank you for giving.

Give your body some much needed TLC

Class #1: Starts at 10am in front of the stage.
We will be joined by the lovely Angela Healey and her mother for harmony (check her out HERE).
The style of this class will be more gentle and will allow us to really sink into our bodies and feel the movements and how each postures helps bring us to a more balanced being.

Class #2: Starts at 3:30.
The location is to be determined but it will be North of the Plaza somewhere closer to the water. In this class will be more upbeat flow, keeping our energies high. We will let the water and the spirit of the festival guide us.

***Please note that these styles may always change depending on the group of people that come, I am happy to modify or adjust the pace of each class to meet the needs of the student.

Please REMEMBER, bring your own Yoga Mat, or else you will have to practice on the cold hard ground!

I can't wait to see you there!

View My Saved Places in a larger map

A Life Lesson

2011-06-12T18:17:00.002-07:00

A grandfather tells his grandson, "I have two wolves that are living in my heart. One is short tempered, vengeful and violent. The other is gentle, patient and compassionate...and they are at war in my heart."
"Which one of them will win the war in your heart?" asks the boy.
The old man answers "The one that I feed."

Food for Thought

2011-06-11T09:01:00.001-07:00

Love is Hope

2011-05-10T11:41:00.000-07:00

Stretch Festival ☆☆☆☆☆ Pondicherry Yoga Cannes Festival Lion

2011-03-31T10:43:00.000-07:00

Quote - Swami Vivekanada

2011-03-02T22:20:00.001-08:00

Take up one idea. Make that one idea your life, think of it, dream of it, live on that idea. Let the brain, muscles, nerves, every part of your body be full of that idea, and just leave every other idea alone. This is the way to success.
~Swami Vivekananda