May 2016 Classes

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I'm excited to be starting classes again in my home studio. You can sign up for a four class session in May, Mondays or Thursdays, 7 - 8pm. 

If you are interested, send me a message. Note: class will be either Mon or Thurs. I will set the date 

depending on which day works best for those interested

Gentle Low Back Sequence

Here's a short yoga sequence that will help to strengthen and stretch your lower back. If you want, you can skip Triangle and Pyramid and move from the Sun Salutation to Seated Forward Fold. 

If you click on the image you can print it for your reference.

Summer Reading

What are you reading this summer?

X-ray Body in Motion - Doing Yoga

X-ray Body in Motion - Yoga from hybrid medical animation on Vimeo.

Our bodies are so amazing. One of the things I love about doing yoga is that it allows me to connect with my body. Check out this video created by Hybrid Medical Animation that shows an x-ray image of a body doing yoga. Simply beautiful.

Meditation: Peace is Every Step

Breathing in, I calm my body.

Breathing out, I smile.
Breathing in, I dwell in the present moment.

Breathing out, I know it is a wonderful moment.

~ Thich Naht Thanh

I love this meditation. I have used it in silent meditation and in walking meditation. It reminds me of the peace and tranquility I experience when I'm on a beach, by the water. 

You can also use this meditation as you move through your yoga practice.  Beautiful words to bring you into the present moment.

Jerusalem Artichokes and the Root Chakra

I so enjoy Jerusalem Artichokes. I love that they bloom in the fall when other flowers have lost their petals and leaves are beginning to change colour and fall off. I love that they have such thin stems yet grow so tall. I love that they grow together and you can get lost in their beauty and their strength. I am intrigued that their roots that are actual artichokes.

These flowers are a metaphor for me of the grounding we need to grow and reach our potential. How our roots and grounding provide us strength to grow and blossom.

In yoga the chakras are the energy centres. The root chakra is located at the base of the spine. When we balance our root chakra, where our grounding energy is, we are better able to reach our potential. In September I focussed my practice on grounding through asana (postures) and meditation. Off the mat I also engaged in prayer and reflection that brought me back to my roots, to what sustains me so that I can grow and blossom.

... Be like the flower

reaching up to the sun,

straight stemmed like a column.

Be open, ready to accept all things without fear

and you will not lack light on your way.

From "How to Pray" by St. Seraphin of Sarov b. 1754

World Special Olympics 2013

Matt receiving Silver at World Special Olympics 2013

A few weeks ago Matt and his family came over to share pictures and stories of their experiences at the World Special Olympic Games this past January in Korea. Matt played on the Team Canada East floor hockey team which won a silver medal at the games. Sounds like it was an amazing trip. Matt's dad, James, took great photos and allowed me to post the one above from his album.

What I am always struck by in the stories of Special Olympics competition is the true sportsmanship that is displayed. While the athletes are there to do their best and to win, they also support everyone at the level they are at and are truly happy for each other, wherever they place.

For more information about the team's experience check out Special Olympics Canada Pyeonchang 2013 site here.