I'm going to Toronto next weekend with my boyfriend to see his parents again (his hometown is Toronto) and while I'm extremely excited to connect with his parents again, I'm also VERY excited to try out some cool classes that I found at a couple local studios.
I teach a lot of barre classes so I'm always interested in what other barre studios/teachers/classes are like. I am planning on taking 5 classes at Barre Works next week: Open Barre, BAAAre, Mixed Level, Spin and Abs, and Stretch and Roll. I'll keep updating this post as I take those classes :)
Jess and I will also be taking some Spin Classes. I found a cool spin/yoga class, a spin/core, and a regular spin class to try. Jess really likes biking so we are going to see if this is his cup of tea or not. :)
Stay Tuned!
Friday, July 17, 2015
Saturday, July 4, 2015
Dreams
I made a promise to myself to set out a little time each week so that I can take the time to write out and share either a thought, an idea, a playlist or even a recipe or a quote. I dunno whatever comes to my mind at that time I suppose. Life gets really busy sometimes especially for me and I always feel that my mind is racing a thousand miles a minute so that I can do everything I set out to do.
Stopping to write is that little bit of time I take for myself...maybe someone will read my blog and my posts? Maybe not? My intention is not to get a million views resulting in people wanting to advertise on my blog or send me items to promote, not my intention to become famous in anyway in the bloggosphere and go on tours and visits to all my bloggy fans. That's not my dream.
My dream is to one day have a space where I have the freedom to create an environment of healing, of health and of peace. I teach yoga, and I try to give create this environment in every class that I teach but there is so much I cannot do if its someone else's dream space as the class itself is just one component to the overall experience. Never wanting to step on someone else's dream, I'm aware that their vision, their wavelength may not be the same as mine, and that not only inspires me but it also drives me to want to be the change and the difference that I cannot be when I teach in a space that is the dream of someone else.
I dream of awesome events, of a community. I dream of helping others achieve goals of health both in the physical body and in their emotional mind. I dream of having an environment with minimal drama and clear communication, a place where other yoga teachers can sit with me to collaborate instead of just being told whats what. A place where teachers feel appreciated and that they are contributing to a wonderful dream instead of putting in their required time and then just hustling off. A place where learning and continuing to learn how to give the gift of yoga to students is supported and encouraged. A place where 'that's not my job' is never mentioned cause nothing there actually feels like work.
That's my dream and with only moments of free time to focus on it in between many other life obligations, I hope the small moments eventually add up and my dream becomes a reality.
Stopping to write is that little bit of time I take for myself...maybe someone will read my blog and my posts? Maybe not? My intention is not to get a million views resulting in people wanting to advertise on my blog or send me items to promote, not my intention to become famous in anyway in the bloggosphere and go on tours and visits to all my bloggy fans. That's not my dream.
My dream is to one day have a space where I have the freedom to create an environment of healing, of health and of peace. I teach yoga, and I try to give create this environment in every class that I teach but there is so much I cannot do if its someone else's dream space as the class itself is just one component to the overall experience. Never wanting to step on someone else's dream, I'm aware that their vision, their wavelength may not be the same as mine, and that not only inspires me but it also drives me to want to be the change and the difference that I cannot be when I teach in a space that is the dream of someone else.
I dream of awesome events, of a community. I dream of helping others achieve goals of health both in the physical body and in their emotional mind. I dream of having an environment with minimal drama and clear communication, a place where other yoga teachers can sit with me to collaborate instead of just being told whats what. A place where teachers feel appreciated and that they are contributing to a wonderful dream instead of putting in their required time and then just hustling off. A place where learning and continuing to learn how to give the gift of yoga to students is supported and encouraged. A place where 'that's not my job' is never mentioned cause nothing there actually feels like work.
That's my dream and with only moments of free time to focus on it in between many other life obligations, I hope the small moments eventually add up and my dream becomes a reality.
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Outreach
I have had the wonderful opportunity to reach out to an after school program with young adolescent girls from December - March. It has not only given me the opportunity to strengthen my own yoga teaching, but project a good self image to these young girls.
All my life growing up I was always teased for my appearance. I was never a really pretty or a 'popular' girl in my junior high or high school years which often lead to ridicule and no dates or interest by the opposite sex. I never really let it get me down, but instead really focused on my academics and athletics - becoming a student who excelled both scholastically and athletically all through my growing years. While I was pretty tough and determined, it would have been really cool to have been exposed to a strong female who I could have looked up to.
I think its really important to go back into the school system and show these young girls that you can be a good role model without being an actual model. I had these girls dancing and singing, and being silly while we played fun yoga games.
The girls were grades 5 and 6, so not a age level that I'd really apply a moksha practice to. They are pretty young and full of energy at this level so its always fun to make yoga games. I created this came which is kind of like musical chairs, but I called it musical mats. The girls would run around the mats in a large circle while I played music...and when it would stop - I'd strike a yoga pose and they'd have to run to an open mat and copy me. Every round I would remove a mat and any girls who were eliminated would have to help me pick the next yoga pose. It was a fun way for the girls to be silly yet get some yoga postures in.
At this age, they're really creative and not afraid to speak their thoughts (I find they get more self conscious of what others think in grades 7-9)...so I created another activity where I demonstrated some of the basic yoga poses - and then they were given the opportunity to create their 'own' yoga pose....well, let me tell you I had some really interesting ones! Mostly based on food for some reason, steak pose, taco pose, ice cream pose....hahhahahah! Taco pose was definitely the most interesting, yet its something that I probably will never demonstrate in public.
What I learned from volunteering with this program is that there really needs to be more programs like this up and running in more schools. I give such kudos to the teachers who spend their time after hours to organize events like this and give an opportunity to open and expand the minds of these young girls. I hope that I have made an impression with at least one girl in my time here and that maybe 10 years from now they will be inspired to be an instructor or a teacher.
All my life growing up I was always teased for my appearance. I was never a really pretty or a 'popular' girl in my junior high or high school years which often lead to ridicule and no dates or interest by the opposite sex. I never really let it get me down, but instead really focused on my academics and athletics - becoming a student who excelled both scholastically and athletically all through my growing years. While I was pretty tough and determined, it would have been really cool to have been exposed to a strong female who I could have looked up to.
I think its really important to go back into the school system and show these young girls that you can be a good role model without being an actual model. I had these girls dancing and singing, and being silly while we played fun yoga games.
The girls were grades 5 and 6, so not a age level that I'd really apply a moksha practice to. They are pretty young and full of energy at this level so its always fun to make yoga games. I created this came which is kind of like musical chairs, but I called it musical mats. The girls would run around the mats in a large circle while I played music...and when it would stop - I'd strike a yoga pose and they'd have to run to an open mat and copy me. Every round I would remove a mat and any girls who were eliminated would have to help me pick the next yoga pose. It was a fun way for the girls to be silly yet get some yoga postures in.
At this age, they're really creative and not afraid to speak their thoughts (I find they get more self conscious of what others think in grades 7-9)...so I created another activity where I demonstrated some of the basic yoga poses - and then they were given the opportunity to create their 'own' yoga pose....well, let me tell you I had some really interesting ones! Mostly based on food for some reason, steak pose, taco pose, ice cream pose....hahhahahah! Taco pose was definitely the most interesting, yet its something that I probably will never demonstrate in public.
What I learned from volunteering with this program is that there really needs to be more programs like this up and running in more schools. I give such kudos to the teachers who spend their time after hours to organize events like this and give an opportunity to open and expand the minds of these young girls. I hope that I have made an impression with at least one girl in my time here and that maybe 10 years from now they will be inspired to be an instructor or a teacher.
Saturday, January 12, 2013
Sangha Support
We have a beautiful 2 story series of picture windows that overlook Lake Winnipeg at my parents cottage. Ever since my parents bought and started building the cottage 15 years ago, it was my fathers dream to create a 'rock wall' - a beautiful wall of stone that he spent years preparing for. First he talked about it for a few years, talking it over with my mom and trying to figure out how he was going to do it. He then spent years hand selecting rocks from our beach front, cutting them in half and he started stock piling these rocks. He looked into tools that he needed to use and even bought a 2 storey scaffolding so that he could reach the top of the picture windows.
Once all the prep work was done he laid this wire mesh, prepped the wall with mortar, and in 2009 he started to create his masterpiece... a wall that he wanted his grandchildren to look at and know that 'Gigi' (Ukrainian for Grandpa) built that wall.
When carbon monoxide poisoning took my fathers life just before Christmas in 2009, he was only half way done. For 2 summers it was a constant reminder of what we lost and all his tools, his unused rocks, mortar and scaffolding remained just the way he left it.
We contemplated contracting someone to finish this work for us....but I finally decided in the spring of 2012 that I was going to finish it. My dad would not have paid someone to finish this job, he believed in doing things himself....Now, I'm not a stone mason, but neither was my dad. Luckily I share the same characteristics as my father - that being mainly stubbornness..but also the ability to conceptualize an idea, and then will it into fruition via trial/error and a lot of patience (and the occasional swearing moment)
So on June 23rd, 2012...I started helping out my Dad - one last time.
Click the link to see the photo documentary.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jwEBZcVQi5I
Once all the prep work was done he laid this wire mesh, prepped the wall with mortar, and in 2009 he started to create his masterpiece... a wall that he wanted his grandchildren to look at and know that 'Gigi' (Ukrainian for Grandpa) built that wall.
When carbon monoxide poisoning took my fathers life just before Christmas in 2009, he was only half way done. For 2 summers it was a constant reminder of what we lost and all his tools, his unused rocks, mortar and scaffolding remained just the way he left it.
We contemplated contracting someone to finish this work for us....but I finally decided in the spring of 2012 that I was going to finish it. My dad would not have paid someone to finish this job, he believed in doing things himself....Now, I'm not a stone mason, but neither was my dad. Luckily I share the same characteristics as my father - that being mainly stubbornness..but also the ability to conceptualize an idea, and then will it into fruition via trial/error and a lot of patience (and the occasional swearing moment)
So on June 23rd, 2012...I started helping out my Dad - one last time.
Click the link to see the photo documentary.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jwEBZcVQi5I
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Who doesn't like Frog??!?
My life is a little nuts...so nuts that I usually have a very hard time falling asleep cause I'm thinking of a million things at once. I started this little ritual where I go into Frog Pose....
Now for those unfamillar with Frog - here are the specs taken straight from www.yinyoga.com
Benefits:
Contra-indications:
Getting Into the Pose:
Now for those unfamillar with Frog - here are the specs taken straight from www.yinyoga.com
Benefits:
- Deep groin opener (especially the adductors)
- Provides a slight back bend, which compresses the lower back
- Aids digestion and relieves cramps (both menstrual cramps and those from eating.)
Contra-indications:
- If you have a bad back
- Knees can be uncomfortable, so use padding under the knees
- If the neck is stiff, rest the forehead, not the chin, on the floor or on a bolster
- If prone to tingling in the hands when you extend the arms overhead, you may need to move the hands wider apart or closer together. If that doesn't help, do one arm at a time.
Getting Into the Pose:
- Start in Child's Pose and slide both hands forward, separate the knees, but remain sitting on the heels. This is also known as the Tadpole.
Alternatives & Options:
Coming Out of the Pose:
Counter poses:
Meridians & Organs Affected:
Joints Affected:
Recommended Hold Times:
Now its not really the physical effects that are beneficial to me, it does something to calm me, regulate my breathing and allows me to be peaceful and relaxed so that I almost immediately fall asleep when I am finished. I looked into maybe there was some research to back up my claims to feeling super calm after only 5 minutes but there was nothing. I can only attribute it to the fact then that it is a pretty intense hip opener. So when things are intense, through yoga, we have been taught to breathe and focus on the sensation and then try to soften it or let it go. I feel that the automatic practice of doing this takes me out of that past or future headspace and draws me into the present and allows me to live in the moment and find my peace so that I can finally chill out. I have been doing this for the last 3 weeks now as my bed time ritual cause live has been pretty intense and I find that it has totally helped! |
Live n Learn!
Here is a synopsis of a few extra trainings I've done so far, if you're interested in deepening your yoga teachings, read on!
Kids Yoga: Ok, I didn't really do a training for this...I just was thrown into teaching yoga to grades 1 - 8 for a whole week! 3-4 classes per grade! This was done back in April while I was still a new teacher and MAN is this a great way to learn quick! What I learnt (and had to learn quickly!) was to be able to say EXACTLY what I mean and how to read a class and change my pace, tone, etc. The first classes were...terrible...at least I thought they were terrible and that the kids hated it, but by the end of the week they were suuuuper sad that there was no more yoga, even the teenage boys! It was a valuable lesson in learning to lay off the self-judgement and wait for the end result.
Nena's Hot Flow/Hot Hatha training: Using our MYW manuals that we have as reference, I was able to further understand the flow as well as the ques when teaching a hot flow or a hot hatha class. It really helped me understand the concepts and gave me the confidence to run a Hot Hatha class. I LOVE teaching Hot Hatha and it seems like I do the class justice. :) I am not super confident about Hot Flow yet so I feel like I need more training on that before I am ready.
Senior Yoga Training: Through Yogafit, I became certified to teach senior yoga in early September. It was a full day training and I found a lot of interesting concepts in this training in terms of modifications for those who are less able bodied to do a practice such as Moksha. I had the opportunity to teach this style of training while I was away on vacation to the elderly that were on my cruise ship (which was 98% of the cruise ship)...and they LOVED it! It was really a nice feeling to be able to teach this style to this particular group of students...they seemed to really have enjoyed it.
Barre Training: I wasn't really sure what to expect when I went to Barre training...but after the first class - where I almost died - I figured this was a fantastic style to bring to Winnipeg! People are going to love it! Its a wonderful fusion of yoga, pilates and ballet and works everything from the crown of your head to the tips of your toes. I think what the training was missing for me was the practical application so I am looking forward to doing some practice runs once that studio is finished this week. Technically what I learnt from this training was some interesting ab exercises as well as an into the pilates way of alignment.
What I hope to do in the upcoming year is Moksha Flow training....a few times I've almost been left high and dry here at the studio without a teacher to teach a MF class so it would be really awesome if I had the confidence and know how to step in if needed.
Friday, October 19, 2012
What to eat?
Here are the trials and tribulations of having different eating habits and how I feel about them. I am by no means knocking any of these styles...its just my thoughts on them.
VEGAN: I was Vegan for a whole month in Brazil in Jan/Feb. I found this to be very challenging because: 1. I like meat 2. I like dairy. I found my body was not getting enough of what it needs so I was filling myself with glorious starches and carbs to make up for the lack of proteins. Now I know beans and lentils are a good source of protein...but they were not agreeing with me.
CONCLUSION: I gained like 15 pounds being a Vegan and most of it was because I was bloated. LOL! I think I could do a more veggie based diet, if I could even include some light proteins like fish and seafood.
PALEO: So this is a little on the opposite end of the spectrum. Focusing on meat and cutting out processed foods, gluten and dairy (cause its processed). I tried Paleo for a whole month and I found that the whole 'restricting' thing isn't really my bag. While the recipes were really REALLY tasty, they took a long time to prepare and I just don't really have time with my given lifestyle...nor do I really take that much time for myself.
CONCLUSION: I lost 5 pounds like right off the bat and was like THIS ROCKS! But then I never lost any more...and I quickly lost interest and really had to push myself through the last 2 weeks.
EATING FOR YOUR DOSHA TYPE: I read a super interesting book that was all about eating for your dosha type. I'm a pitta and so I was to stay away from fiery foods (which is too bad cause I LOVE fiery foods!) but more importantly I was to actually sit.....and eat....and do NOTHING but sit and eat. And also to not eat past 6.
Now if you know me, you know this is hard. I don't just do one thing at a time unless its sleeping. I really enjoyed the fact that I am suppose to drink warm liquids, but it wasn't a big change for me since I am a tea fanatic.
CONCLUSION: I 'tried' for 2 weeks but basically konked out after 1 week. My life is not structured enough to structure in eating times. The food was healthy and my issue has never been not eating healthy foods.
The social factor: I'm a very social person, I like to go out and have tapas with a friend, or have the occasional drink or connect over cooking...so to put a barrier on this is a definite deterrent on changing eating habits I find.
JUST BEING MORE ACTIVE: So basically this is my own little creation. I make sure to eat something around breakfast, lunch and dinner and I threw in a little extra recreation 4 - 5 days a week.
CONCLUSION: Since it doesn't really matter what or when I do it as long as its 4-5 times within 7 days its really easy to adapt this into my lifestyle. I'm already quite active so its just being a little more mindful of myself and making a little more time than I already did to throw in activities such as extra yoga, walking, biking or weights. I find this to be the one I've been able to stick to the most, and I feel pretty good as a result without having to sacrifice anything.
VEGAN: I was Vegan for a whole month in Brazil in Jan/Feb. I found this to be very challenging because: 1. I like meat 2. I like dairy. I found my body was not getting enough of what it needs so I was filling myself with glorious starches and carbs to make up for the lack of proteins. Now I know beans and lentils are a good source of protein...but they were not agreeing with me.
CONCLUSION: I gained like 15 pounds being a Vegan and most of it was because I was bloated. LOL! I think I could do a more veggie based diet, if I could even include some light proteins like fish and seafood.
PALEO: So this is a little on the opposite end of the spectrum. Focusing on meat and cutting out processed foods, gluten and dairy (cause its processed). I tried Paleo for a whole month and I found that the whole 'restricting' thing isn't really my bag. While the recipes were really REALLY tasty, they took a long time to prepare and I just don't really have time with my given lifestyle...nor do I really take that much time for myself.
CONCLUSION: I lost 5 pounds like right off the bat and was like THIS ROCKS! But then I never lost any more...and I quickly lost interest and really had to push myself through the last 2 weeks.
EATING FOR YOUR DOSHA TYPE: I read a super interesting book that was all about eating for your dosha type. I'm a pitta and so I was to stay away from fiery foods (which is too bad cause I LOVE fiery foods!) but more importantly I was to actually sit.....and eat....and do NOTHING but sit and eat. And also to not eat past 6.
Now if you know me, you know this is hard. I don't just do one thing at a time unless its sleeping. I really enjoyed the fact that I am suppose to drink warm liquids, but it wasn't a big change for me since I am a tea fanatic.
CONCLUSION: I 'tried' for 2 weeks but basically konked out after 1 week. My life is not structured enough to structure in eating times. The food was healthy and my issue has never been not eating healthy foods.
The social factor: I'm a very social person, I like to go out and have tapas with a friend, or have the occasional drink or connect over cooking...so to put a barrier on this is a definite deterrent on changing eating habits I find.
JUST BEING MORE ACTIVE: So basically this is my own little creation. I make sure to eat something around breakfast, lunch and dinner and I threw in a little extra recreation 4 - 5 days a week.
CONCLUSION: Since it doesn't really matter what or when I do it as long as its 4-5 times within 7 days its really easy to adapt this into my lifestyle. I'm already quite active so its just being a little more mindful of myself and making a little more time than I already did to throw in activities such as extra yoga, walking, biking or weights. I find this to be the one I've been able to stick to the most, and I feel pretty good as a result without having to sacrifice anything.
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