Poser, The Calgary Yoga Magazine 1

Transcription

Poser, The Calgary Yoga Magazine
1
Yoga targets
the core.
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Core Professionals.
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2
Poser Spring 2015: Contents
30
50
38
26
28
14
8
20
32
featured studios
practice & lifestyle
Grace. Foundation. Strenth. 16
Check Your Ego at the Door 5
The Benefits of Cupping 68
Constant Evolution 45
Body, Brain & Breath 6
Seduced By My Ego 69
Yoga Mandala
Bodhi Tree Yoga Center
Crystal May
Pam August
5 Tips for Beginner Power Yogis 42
Calgary’s Salt Caves 71
Ahlia Hoffman
Freeing Your Natural Voice 54
Maya Lewandowsky
Happiness: Can it be Learned? 56
Angela Sahota
Sewing the Seed 58
special features
Cancer Diagnosis: A Line in the Sand 13
Susi Hately
Sean de Lima
You Are What You Believe 61
Lorraine Press
The Power of Movement 36
I Love My Droopy Pelvis (said no one ever) 63
You Against Your Ego 43
Chained to the Desk 64
Sean de Lima
Jaclyn Edwards
departments
You Open-Hearted-Wild-Thing, You! 26
Matthew Thiel
Maya Posavec
The Power of Will 66
Marie Simpson
Asana Clinic | Nattacia & Jurgen Mantei
Yin & Restorative 33
HistorYoga | Cynthia Stratulat
Inspired 41
Valerie Turbak
Publisher’s Letter 3
Recipe: Ginger Chia Muffins 67
April/May/June Events Calendar
Thriving 60
Gale McCombie
Building the Optimal Swing 65
Yoga for Golfers | Tyla Arnason
Amanda Kingsmith
Point of Confession 70
Alice Hong
8
22
30
37
50
Lisa Mitchell
The Dark One 29
calgary’s posers
Shannon Taylor
Corae Russell
Jamie Hyatt
Caroline Sereda
On the Cover Alice Hong
exclusive web content
1
72
Jennifer Day
Sean de Lima
2
Publisher/Editor/Creative
Sean de Lima
Contributors
Crystal May
Pam August
Susi Hately
Nattacia Mantei
Juegen Mantei
Alice Hong
Cynthia Stratulat
Valerie Turbak
Ahlia Hoffman
Jaclyn Edwards
Maya Lewandowsky
Angela Sahota
Gale M.
Lorraine Press
Matthew Thiel
Maya Posavec
Tyla Arnason
Marie Simpson
Sean de Lima
dear posers,
Photographers
From the very start, Poser has aimed to answer not,
Jamie Hyatt
Tammy Hanratty Photography
Landon Anholt
Deanna Finlay Photography
Katie Novak Photography
Gil Killick
PhotographYYC
What is yoga? but rather, What is yoga in contemporary Calgarian society? To our greatest extent
thus far, Poser Spring 2015 showcases many facets
of practice and lifestyle throughout Calgary.
This issue looks at Personal Power and what drives
Copy Editor
and motivates individuals to keep coming back to
Craig Strukoff
Tina Thiel
their mats. I hope you will be inspired by some of
the stories shared by teachers and practioners alike.
Printed By
If you’re lucky, some of these stories might chal-
Printwest
lenge your definition of yoga in hopes of continuing
the dialog regarding what is yoga?
Published By
de Lima House of Publishing inc.
On a personal note, I owe a huge debt of gratitude
Contact
to Christa who joined Team Poser at the start of
9 Lynnridge Villas, Calgary AB, T2C 2N1
403.681.5581, [email protected]
www.posermagazine.ca
the year. Without her dedicated efforts and hardwork, this issue would not be as spectacular as it is.
Thank you so much for all the help you’ve offered
Advertising Inquiries
and the vitality you’ve brought to the team.
Christa Geddes, 403.542.2281
[email protected]
Contributors, photographers, teachers, students,
readers, responders and supporters—thank you
Contents © 2015. All rights reserved.
so much for helping to build the momentum of
this project!
Materials in this publication can not be reproduced in any form without
consent of the publisher. Neither the publisher or its representatives will be held
responsible for any omissions or errors found in the magazine.
Visit our website www.posermagazine.ca
to download the free Spring 2015 Expanded Edition
for additional content.
-Sean de Lima, Publisher
3
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Check Your Ego
At The Door
‘I am’ is such a powerful phrase. Whichever words you choose to seal
off that sentence becomes your story, your habits and your self-image.
Some believe the ego is our self-image but not our true self. It can be
Author: Crystal May
characterized by labels, memories and experience, while the true self
can be characterized as playful, powerful, and infinite.
‘Check Your Ego At The Door’
Although it already has a big job, sometimes the ego offers itself a promoThis sign actually hung above the doors at my dance studio growing
tion: grasping onto memories and occasionally turning them into negative
up. As a dancer, I noticed it was rare to come across a humble per-
experiences, gluing the unpleasantries into your ego yearbook, and cre-
former. We work really hard to express our stories through our bod-
ating what we can only call a false identification of you. To fight with the
ies, and we were proud of that. Sometimes so proud that at one
ego is almost like trying to outrun your footsteps in fresh snow: you can’t.
point, the sign at the door had lost a significant amount of its relevance. I swear the last time I looked at it, it said, “My dad can beat
For example, if you make the choice to try a ‘sugar free diet’ (and we all
up your dad.”
have tried), you will inevitably walk by a Crave Cupcake (Why are they
everywhere?!). It will be your ego that says ‘I want’. You immediately
I am a competitive person. I loved winning as much as the next
begin the Battle of the Cupcake, and it will rage until you decide to
dancer and I loved knowing my work paid off. The competition of
either walk away and stick to your agreement, or make the choice to
dance didn’t end at technique. It spread all the way to body shapes,
treat the voice that says, ‘I want,’—and deal with the inevitable guilt
clothes, friends and even as far as who had the least amount of ‘jiggle’.
that’s coming, or potentially is already there. That ‘guilt’ that you feel
One of the most inspiring things about yoga is that it’s not a
IS your ego. Your ego identified the want, and now it’s making you
competition. I can progress, but no one has to come in second place.
feel bad for taking it. Let’s be clear, your ego is a jerk.
The times that my ego does follow me to the mat and takes a front seat
in my practice, it’s usually a less than inspiring practice. My ego pushes
So now you're a cheater for eating the cupcake, and because Adriana
harder if someone is doing something I can’t and I can hear its voice
Lima wouldn’t have eaten the cupcake you’re not worthy and you have
while it does that pushing. It has a tone I can recognize and only then
failed. The ego is kind of like fat: there’s a good kind, and a bad kind.
can I pull the reins in on my ego and take a moment to think; ‘What
It’s required to keep our boundaries as individuals, but not to define our-
are you trying to prove here Crystal? Do you know how many jerks can
selves that way. We all identify with our jobs, our thoughts, our feelings,
touch their toes? Plenty.’ It’s almost as if the ego has convinced me that
but it is this identity that gives the ego too much power. What if we didn’t
having a strong asana practice will grant me a pure soul.
define ourselves that way? What if our thoughts and feelings, our jobs
and memories were like water on our skin, and they were to roll off each
What is your ego anyways? Is it easy enough to remove at the door,
time they hit us? Not that we should be devoid of feeling, but the feelings
like our boots? We have a difficult time defining ‘the ego’ because
need not stick around to build a home and masquerade as your identity
we all define it differently. It’s so often defined as arrogance or over-
by calling that home, ‘I am.’
confidence but I think that, like so many opposites, it’s a fine line. It’s
possible to achieve confidence in your ability without letting it bleed
How do you keep your ego in check? Sally Kempton describes a ‘healthy’
into arrogance. It’s not as if it’s hard to be humble, it’s just so easy to
ego as “One that did its job of creating necessary boundaries and kept
get caught up in ‘I am’.
us functioning as individuals. But rather than seeing itself as bounded
by identifying with its thoughts and opinions, this ego would know
The ego can sometimes get a bad reputation, but it has an important job.
the secret— that the ‘me’ is just the tip of the iceberg of something lov-
Your ego identifies your ‘wants’ and with them it creates a story. It identi-
ing and free that is living as ‘me.’ All that is. Greater than the greatest.
fies, searches back to a memory, and with that memory creates an exper-
Higher than the highest. And, simultaneously, it would see that it is nothing
ience. With that experience it creates an opinion and with opinion we
at all. A healthy ego wouldn’t identify to anything other than pure
enter into a world of ‘I am’.
presence and love.”
55
Body, Brain & Breath
What’s the Connection?
Author: Pam August
Next think of a time when you were you at ‘your
periods of time. Diaphragmatic breathing
not so best.’ Notice again –What are you think-
relaxes the body and reduces the anxiety or
ing? What are you feeling emotionally? What
frustration that often accompanies a trig-
are you experiencing physically? Again, place
gered reaction.
your hand where you experience sensation
and ask yourself, “what’s the word behind the
Exhalation: The inhale and exhale are
hand?” Now return to your happy place!
automatically controlled by our autonomic
We have all experienced it: leaving our yoga
nervous system which also controls our trig-
mat feeling peaceful, calm and one with the
If you tried this experience, you likely noticed
gered reaction (or ‘fight or flight response’).
world and then it happens—something that
a distinct difference in your thoughts, emo-
Our inhale signals to the brain and body ‘get
triggers a negative reaction from us. It could
tions and physical sensations in the two sit-
ready for stress’ and our exhale signals ‘calm
be something physical, like heavy traffic on
uations (if you didn’t do it, it not too late).
down’. When triggered, inhales are longer
Deerfoot or arguing children. It could simply
Becoming aware is the first step in becoming
than exhales, which can become very shallow.
be the recollection of an ‘annoying’ person,
our best selves.
Lengthening the exhale so that it is longer
place or thing. Despite our best intentions, we
than our inhale relaxes us.
transform from a zen yogi into another less-
Breathe
desirable version of ourselves. Let’s explore
The breath is the great connector, bringing
ABCDE breathing is a tool to use in stressful
the three B’s (Body, Brain and Breath) so that
body and brain into greater integration when
times. You can take as few as 5-10 breathes or
we can more often come from a place of inten-
triggers knock us off course.
you can do it for as long as it takes to calm
down and de-trigger. In order to become
tional response rather than triggered reaction.
We all do it, all of the time. Yet outside of
more effective at this method it is important
yoga practice, we pay it little attention.
to practice while not stressed. Choose a time
Every experience we have registers in three
Effective breathing is our number one tool
each day to establish a routine: before get-
powerful and connected ways. We have a
to move our body and brain to a place where
ting out of bed, when going to sleep or pick a
thought about something (consciously or
we can be at choice and be our best selves.
cue during the day.
unconsciously), we attach an emotion to
Dr. Phil Blustein, Calgary Gastroenterologist,
it (consciously or unconsciously), and we
yogi, meditator, and author of, ‘Mindfulness
Body Brain & Breath
experience a physical sensation (consciously
Medication - a Physician’s Prescription for
It’s all connected. Noticing your experience
or unconsciously). Notice a theme? Inten-
Stress Relief’, describes a conscious breath-
in the moment (thoughts, feelings, physiol-
tional response starts with greater noticing
ing method that is as easy as ABCDE:
ogy)- especially when you are triggered, and
Body & Brain
bringing your brain and body back to a place
and awareness of the interconnectedness
between our body and our brain.
Awareness: Observe your breathing, be
where you can respond rather than react with
curious and notice what it is like without
ABCDE breathing help us bring our best
Our thoughts affect our emotions, our
changing its nature.
intentions to reality more often.
thoughts and emotions affect our physiol-
breath awareness bringing us into the pres-
ogy, and our physiology affects our emo-
ent moment. There is no room for triggering
In the same way that our Three B’s are con-
tions and thoughts. Take a moment to
thoughts or emotions.
nected so to are we as individuals connected.
The ‘simple’ act of
When we show up as our best selves, just
experience this:
Breathe Calmly: Make your breath smooth,
about everybody else will happily play along
Think of a time when you were you at your
quiet, soft and deep. Continuously flow
(this shows the power of mirror neurons - but
best (perhaps it was a great day with your
between inhales and exhales, breathing
that’s another article!).
family, with friends, at school or at work).
through your nose while sitting up tall without
As you recall this time, take note of your
straining or forcing the back mucles. You will
For more valuable information and resources
answers to the following three questions:
notice, as you do this, that you mentally, emo-
from ‘Dr Phil’ (Blustein that is) please go to
What are you thinking? What are you feeling
tionally and physically relax.
The Breath Project: thebreathproject.org, and
click ‘How to Relieve Stress.’
emotionally? Where are you experiencing
sensation physically? Take this noticing one
Diaphragm: Diaphragmatic breathing aka
step further and place your hand where you
‘belly breathing’ allows us to draw more fresh
experience sensation and ask yourself, what’s
air into the lower lungs. In our triggered
the word behind the hand? What’s the feel-
moments our breath tends to become shal-
ing? The sense? The temperature? Etc.
low and we may even stop breathing for short
6
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Photograph by Tammy Hanratty Photography
Thank you to The Body Center for your
support and sponsorship of this issue!
Hair and Makeup: Melanie Corrigall
Wardrobe Supplemented by: Believe Fit
The Body Center’s
Shannon Taylor
You can read the full interview
on Poser’s Free Digital Issue from
What made you decide to become a yoga teacher?
What do you like most about teaching at the Body Center?
It came down to lifestyle choice, I wanted to stay active, and do something I loved. I very slowly eased myself into teaching, I had never been
good at public speaking and was very shy as a child, but I knew this is
what I wanted to do. Teaching has helped me gain confidence and live a
well-balanced life. It is also very rewarding for me to see the progression
and the change in body composition in my students over time.
I love the family feel of the studio. It’s great, the kids and parents can both
come and take a class. We have a very diverse schedule and there’s definitely
something for every one of all ages and fitness levels. Whether it’s the bootybarre classes, Cardio Kickboxing, Black Belt karate classes, our flow yoga
classes… we have a lot of fun classes with really great instructors. I also love
taking the different barre classes offered at the Body Center. Sabrina has
created her own barre style, The Adagio Method which is a unique mix of
yoga, pilates and barre, and Hayley choreographs a combination of toning
pilates techniques with classical ballet for a really fun class!
How did you get into bootybarre?
8
I had done ballet and synchronized swimming as a kid and was looking for a workout that would help me to achieve those same results,
long lean muscles. I had heard about Barre as being the “hot new
workout” in LA and New York. In 2012 a friend told me about a Barre
class here in Calgary, I instantly knew I had to check it out. I loved
the high-energy, cardio intervals, weight training and stretching all
choreographed to great music. Shortly after that did Tracy Mallett’s
bootybarre teacher training.
8
What would you like people to know about you or bootybarre before they
take a class with you?
bootybarre is about having fun, moving to the music, strengthening and
lengthening muscles. It’s the prefect balance between yoga, Pilates, and
dance. It is an experience in body awareness and making that mind body
connection. No dance experience needed and the results are amazing!
How did you get into yoga?
I was a competitive snow boarder. For a while I worked at Sunshine Village,
and eventually moved our to Mount Baker to follow my career. At the time I
didn’t know anything about yoga, or understand the importance of cross training. I was 100% about snowboard. One day I saw snowboarding legend, Craig
Kelly, doing some stretching in the lodge and I thought the he must be doing
yoga. It sparked my interest and I went and found some yoga VHS’s to try it
out. Later, I injured my shoulder really badly and had to take a step back from
snowboarding for a while. I moved back to Calgary in 2000. Around that time,
I found Yoga in Motion and started practicing with Rockney White. I did my
first teacher training with Rockney, and shortly after did a weeklong intensive
training with David Swenson in Vancouver.
What sorts of trainings have you taken?
My yoga training was through Yoga in Motion with Rockney White, and I did a
week long intensive with David Swenson. A couple years ago I took PMI Pilates
certification. My first barre training was with Marlo Brausse here in Calgary,
then I took the Booty Barre and Sculpt trainings with Tracey Mallett. I recently
even went for a Surfset training and started teaching that in March. The last
two years have been dedicated to a ton of trainings and now I’m ready to focus
on my teaching and experimenting with everything that I’ve learned in the last
couple of years. I love to see the differences in each of these techniques and
finding their similarities.
9
Do you find it tough to balance teaching, all your trainings and being a mom?
I have two kids: my daughter is eleven, my son is eight. Sometimes trying to balance everything can be tough. I’m lucky- when I left the corporate world I really
wanted to make teaching my full time job and it happened. There are many
teaching and subbing opportunities that come my way but I need to remember
to bring it back in and chill. Sometimes I need to ask myself what is the best
thing to do for me.
Outside of the teaching world, do you have time for other hobbies?
I still love to go snowboarding. In the winter we’re usually in the mountains
every weekend. I also really enjoy cooking. There are some glutton sensitivities in my family, so it’s been a lot of fun navigating that and learning how to
cook bake around glutton. I’ve also started to pay closer attention to nutrition
because of the sensitivity.
10
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12
Ca n c e r
Di a gn o s i s :
A Line in the Sand
Author: Susi Hately
How to Answer the “Now What?” Question
ent, who is supporting someone through this
How Yoga Fits In
recovery process. While your specific challenges are different, there is still a physical,
The practice of yoga has evolved from some-
You or a loved one has been diagnosed with
mental and emotional toll. The Now What?
thing primarily esoteric to a mainstream fit-
cancer, or are finished treatment. Whichever
Question leads to, “How do I manage going
ness program to a growing and very practical
is the stage, an undeniable line in the sand
forward? How best do I take care of myself
healing modality. Yoga Therapy is a combi-
has been drawn. What was before, is no lon-
while also caring for the person I love?”
nation of yoga movements that have been
ger what is, and everything going forward is
adapted and modified according to princi-
unmistakably different. The veil of life, the
Whichever your role, and wherever you are
ples of kinesiology, anatomy and physiology,
veil of illusion, has been pulled away. Now
on the spectrum of recovery, you can estab-
specific to each person facing a disease or
what? Where do you go from here?
lish a foundation from where you can regain,
condition. There is a recognition that the
maintain, attain or retain as active and bal-
pain or tightness you are experiencing is
anced a lifestyle as possible.
getting in the way of living the life you want
The answer to the Now What? Question is different depending on the stage you are at. At
the start of treatment there are options and
advice to navigate, decisions to be made. The
Now What? Question guides you in building
your plan as you start moving forward.
During each treatment, or after surgery,
you may feel fatigue, nauseous, or possibly
so stiff that you can barely move. The Now
What? Question leads to a very simply, “How
can I feel better and mitigate the experience I
am having as a result of the treatment?”
to live. Yoga therapy can help you build the
No matter where you are on the spectrum of recovery you still need to
move . . . Along the road to recovery,
standard errands might become
exhausting. At times, small movements can become very challenging.
Movement is a necessary component to
our day-to-day lives, and the more
you move the easier it will become.
mobility, stability, strength and stamina so
you can return to what you know best.
For some there may be limitations. You may
have had surgery or could be experiencing
latent effects of chemotherapy, and your
physical structure may have been altered.
This could lead to strength or flexibility
imbalances. No matter what the limitations, progress is still possible. The key is to
improve your function within your current
No matter where you are on the spec-
context, so that the impact of the limitation
After the last chemotherapy or radiation
trum of recovery you still need to move
is lessened, leading you toward being able to
treatment, or when you walk out of the doc-
. . . Along the road to recovery, standard
do what you want to do with less pain, tight-
tor’s office and there was a vague hope there
errands (grocery shopping, making meals,
ness and tension.
would be some sort of acknowledgement
picking-up/dropping-off kids) might
that you were complete… but there wasn’t,
become exhausting. At times, small move-
The Success of Yoga
the Now What? Question leads to, “How do
ments (turning your head on your pil-
How Movement, Breath & Stillness
I pick up the pieces and carry on . . . calm,
low, rolling out of bed, or walking to the
Enable Healing
steady strong.”
bathroom) can become very challenging.
Movement is a necessary component to
In over 20 years working with people mov-
On the other hand, you might be the loved
our day-to-day lives, and the more you
ing through the healing process I have wit-
one, the friend, the spouse, the child, the par-
move the easier it will become.
nessed three interweaving layers of results.
13
Each layer impacts and is impacted by the
tion to wellbeing. Reacquainting yourself to
your eyes? Grip/brace anywhere in your
others. The Big-Picture results tend to be
that Inner-Knowing is a vital piece to heal-
body that isn’t supposed to be involved
better sleep, improved mood, less fatigue
ing. This can be challenging, particularly in
with the movement? Try to find a way
and a brighter outlook towards life. The
the realm of mental and emotional states.
of moving that allows the body to stay
Middle-Picture results (which will lead to Big-
A cancer diagnosis can make people feel
Picture results) include improved flexibility
completely abandoned by their body, they
and strength, increased endurance and
become upset at it for letting them down.
on point 2, this focuses on reducing
reduced tension. This is fed by the Subtle &
Clients will ask me rhetorically, “How could
the compensation in your body. If you
Foundational results: improved body aware-
my body do this to me?” They say that the
reduce the amount of compensation you
ness, improved breathing and ability to move
last thing they want to do is get in touch with
will improve your function, mobility,
well and to sit comfortably in stillness.
the various sensations of their physical body.
flexibility, stability, strength and power
Others have shared how amazed they were
much faster.
calm and relaxed.
3.
Move as precisely as you can. Building
The foundational/subtle layer will illicit gains
with how their body was healing. They are
in the bigger picture, and the bigger picture
in awe of the process and thankful for what
force, or try to push, you will find that the
will feed and inform progress through the
their body is doing for them.
amount you grip and brace will increase.
4.
smaller process. All layers need to be kept in
mind as you continue to take steps forward.
Maximizing Your Efforts
Do not force your body. If you apply
While it is often believed that we must
After diagnosis, you begin to move forward
push to improve, I have found that with
by recognizing where your mindset is. I have
less force there are faster results.
worked with people who have expressed both
5.
Breathe Naturally. There is often a
states of being. Both are completely valid.
thought that we must breathe deeply,
Clients have told me that during the treat-
Neither is better than the other, neither sug-
or in a certain way for the breath to be
ment phase, the medical clinic will prescribe
gests or has shown better healing outcomes
effective. As you move through the heal-
and outline the appointment times and treat-
than the other.
ing process, your body will become sup-
ment regimes. Practicing yoga is one of the
pler allowing a greater breath capacity.
few choices they get to make - they choose
In addition to becoming aware of your men-
You don’t have to rush this process. If
their own yoga times. Healing requires a
tal and emotional states, there are the physi-
you allow it to happen organically, by
clear understanding that you have the con-
cal sensations of stiffness, tightness, tension,
following the principles above, your
trol to make choices. By stepping onto your
nausea and fatigue. These may be pre-
breathing ability and capacity will
yoga mat, a powerful inner statement is
existing to your diagnosis, be a result of
improve very quickly.
being made that this is your choice, that you
treatment, or stem from mental and emo-
can chart a course for your own future.
tional experiences (stress is often accompa-
Healing is possible. Regaining movement,
nied by tightness somewhere in the body).
stability and strength is possible. Begin small
My clients have also found that how they
and begin with awareness. You will find that
Principles For Making Progress
practice is as important as actually practicing! Yoga therapy consists of a combination
as your capacity for movement grows, your
pain will reduce, your sleep will improve and
of breath, movement and stillness and each
To help you navigate this healing process
your feelings of confidence and steadiness
practice includes an allotment of each com-
as it relates to breath, movement and still-
will build.
ponent. Deciding how much of each compo-
ness, consider the following 5 principles
nent to do depends of a number of factors.
of that have helped people recover quickly
Susi Hately has used her BSc. Kinesiology to
How are you feeling? What are you feeling?
and develop the capacity to live the life they
support people recovering from cancer for
What do you need to do to care for yourself
want to live.
over 15 years. Susi developed the YogaThrive
program which has been studied at the Uni-
today? If you are ready, in what ways can you
move forward?
1.
While in treatment and recovery, the concept
of feeling cannot be overstressed.
2.
Recognize how you are feeling prior
versity of Calgary and has used the results
your yoga session. What is driving you,
from that research to create Calm.Steady.
what is motivating you to practice?
Strong™, a yoga program supporting those
As you move, move in a range of motion
who are in and out of treatment. She has also
that doesn’t increase pain, create ten-
started the C.S.S. Fund which supports char-
The surgery process can hammer away the
sion or induce strain. Notice, when you
ities who are actively supporting people in
Inner-Knowing that is an inherent founda-
move do you clench your jaw? Harden
treatment and their families.
14
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15
Grace.
Foundation.
Strength.
Yoga Mandala prides itself in slowing down and allowing every body to find a fulfilling practice. The studio, located in the Marda Loop area, is home to a collection of instructors from a
variety of philosophies and methodologies. With wellbeing and healthy growth at the forefront
of all decisions, Mandala is a must-experience for finding grace over depth in every pose.
“I’m often asked, ‘What kind of yoga do you teach?’ and honestly
there’s no answer to that,” says Kevin Elander. “I teach healthy,
functional movement, with a few yoga poses and a peaceful philosophy thrown in.” Breaking away from ‘traditional’ styles, he
started Yoga Mandala as a place to offer a different kind of mindful yoga experience.
Formerly a doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), a large
portion of Kevin’s life has been dedicated to offering help to those
looking to lead a healthier lifestyle. “I practiced TCM for seventeen
years. Year after year, I’d see many of the same people returning with
the same disorders simply because they never changed their patterns,” he shares. Seeing the opportunity to make a strong impression and offer the tools to create lasting change, Kevin left the TCM
world and began Yoga Mandala. The studio boasts alignment-based
teaching and functional movement in all of its class styles. “I wanted
to create a centre with good teachers from different philosophies to
help individuals become better at whatever they are, or at least give
them the strength to make a change,” he says.
14
Teachers Kevin Elander, Corae Russell, Christy Hayne
16
17
Yoga Mandala asks practitioners to drop
As a dedicated environmentalist, Kevin
pre-conceived ideas about what a pose
draws inspiration from nature. “A tiger, one of
should look like and instead focus on feeling
the most powerful animals, is also one of the
comfortable, supported and strong. Whether
most graceful animals. He moves fluidly. He
it’s blocks, straps, bolsters, or even chairs,
doesn’t force his body into strained or pain-
the use of props is encouraged for even the
ful shapes. That’s how we should be; I believe
most seasoned students. This allows every
we should try to find gracefulness over depth
possible body type or shape the opportu-
whenever we come to our practice.” Teachers
nity to find comfort in their poses and make
at the studio might offer slight adjustments to
improvements to their lifestyle in a safe way.
help correct alignment; however, they do not
“We’re not going to try to fit square pegs into
adjust in order to move someone ‘deeper’ into
round holes. We’ll try to accommodate and
a pose. “Our practice is about movement. Can
offer variations, to make it a fulfilling prac-
you move from one pose to another in a state
tice to any body,” says Kevin. The studio also
of grace? Can you find your foundation? Are
proves that moving slower does not mean a
you struggling to get out of your pose? We
practice will be easier. Many of Mandala’s
don’t have a goal in mind for what a person
most challenging classes move to a gentle
should look like in any pose.”
rhythm with heavy emphasis on foundation,
grace, and strength in each movement.
Before class starts, friends can be found smiling and chatting quietly—the atmosphere is
“It’s been my mission to create a
place where you can come be a
better person. Be healthy. Maybe
even be a little more mindful.”
–Kevin Elander, Studio Owner.
18
very casual. Once class begins, the mood
does not shift. “We’re a group of people practicing together with a high level of respect
for each other. We talk a little. We laugh. We
don’t have to be silent the entire time,” Kevin
reflects. “Yoga is supposed to help you find
a balance of spirit, body and mind. Where
does that exist when you’re trying to break
practices such as C.A.T. (Critical Alignment
your patterns, only to find yourself forced
Therapy™) and Mat Pilates. In addition to
into another pattern? We don’t want to tell
more than thirty-five classes every week, the
people how to act or what to be. We just ask
studio hosts frequent workshops, covering
that they make time to show up and enjoy
everything from meditation and nidra, to
their practice.”
alignment and anatomy, to Mom and Baby
sessions. Kevin wants the studio to keep
The studio is my home away
from home, and the teachers,
staff and students are my community. I am a teacher at Yoga
Mandala, but I am also a student.
I am influenced by the style of
yoga we teach, and learn from
other teachers and students,
everyday. We use a method that
is welcoming, non-intimidating,
open-minded, inclusive, truly
accessible and, most of all, fun!
offering diversity in its practice styles while
incorporating more systems that inspire
grace, foundation and strength.
A two hundred hour Yoga Teacher Training is
currently underway. With the support of other
Mandala teachers and guest speakers, Kevin
encourages critical thinking and analysis of
Yoga Labs
Yoga Mandala Presents
Understanding Your Practice
-Sara Villamil, Yoga Teacher
Discover new ways to deepen your practice and improve your teaching skills.
Suitable for any serious yoga teacher or student.
Mandala offers daily classes in a variety of
Fridays 1:30-4:30 of the teacher training. See website for dates and lab focus.
www.yogamandala.ca
flow-based styles and even includes specialty
19
the body in relation to yoga poses. “We’re trying to support the teacher trainers so that they
can find the confidence to teach yoga in their
own way,” says Kevin. The group, which meets
one weekend a month, is learning yoga from
different perspectives and lineages. Trainees
have the opportunity to discuss concepts and
ideas in an open-minded environment.
Classes at the studio veer away from traditional sequences. “I feel that sequenced
practices don’t give the opportunity to fully
break out of our routines… they just give us
new routines to follow,” says Kevin. “Letting
students know that they have options, that
getting “deeper” into a pose doesn’t mean
pushing the body physically further, then
suddenly the practice isn’t about achievement. They’ll stop comparing themselves to
themselves and to the other people around
them. Ultimately, that’s what I consider a
‘yoga practice.’
“I couldn’t have chosen a better
studio to develop my practice.
Kevin Elander’s attention to
detail in alignment, and safety of
practice is prevalent through all
of his teachers. The vibe at the
studio is very down to earth, and
acknowledges the full range
of human qualities-including
a sense of humour- that can
inhabit a yoga practice. As you
might expect, this atmosphere
leads to a community I find to
be very diverse, friendly, and
above all, warm and welcoming.
I am very grateful for this oasis
in my life!”
-Mary Sullivan, Student & Teacher Trainee
“Of course, I want to leave a big chunk
of my studio and my philosophy open to
people to say, ‘he could be wrong.’ It’s why
20
each of the teachers here teaches from
their own place of experience. Some systems will fit some bodies better; other
methods will fit other bodies. Down the
road, if my method proves to be less
smart than the others, I’d like to think that
I’d be open to changing it.” The studio
encourages its teachers and practitioners
to question and consider the reasoning
behind certain cues or ideas brought up
while in practice.
Overall, Yoga Mandala wants to be honest
in their delivery. The instructors and clientele value the creation of lasting health,
peace of mind and a community hub to
gather and share ideas. “We don’t expect
anyone to be something they’re not. We
teach from a place of welcoming a person
and all of their differences.”
Thank you Yoga Mandala for your support
and sponsorship of this issue!
™
21
Corae Russell
Yoga Mandala’s
How does CAT work?
Critical Alignment focuses on the spine because it is here that the most
important structures and tissues for movement are found. In CAT,
the movement muscles are relaxed by using gravity (body weight),
breath (pranayama) and pressure (using specialized therapy props for
support). When the spinal column functions well, the extremities –
shoulders, arms, pelvis and legs—function with ease and without pain
or stiffness. Conversely, if the back is not functioning well and is experiencing blockages and pain, then most likely pain will also manifest
itself in the extremities.
How did you get into Critical Alignment Therapy (CAT)?
After the eighth year of a very consistent and dedicated Ashtanga
practice, my body started to fall apart. What I know now, is that I had
gone into yoga with many pre-existing athletic injuries, and unconscious
movement patterns that simply got worse. Week after week and year
after year these patterns took me to a place of incredible despair. My
pain and my inability to continue with my daily rigorous practice finally
broke me down, physically and mentally. One of my teachers suggested I
see a certain yoga therapy teacher from Amsterdam, who was in Calgary
conducting several clinics. His name was Gert van Leeuwen.
The yoga therapy he pioneered dealt with the skeleton, with focus on
the spine. While in town, he was doing a week-long clinic specifically
designed to address back pain. By day five, I was feeling strong enough,
and more confident in my movements to slowly get back to my yoga
practice. I had previously been seeing healers and therapists in all
modalities, including every form of western medical specialist. I had
done this for 3 years, and nothing had worked.
20
This was different. I first started in June 2006 and I have been a committed CAT student, and now teacher, ever since. It has also allowed me to
continue practicing all my other yoga methods. The difference is that I
have now combined my yoga practice with what I’ve learned in Critical
Alignment Yoga and Therapy. Currently, I feel like I felt when I was 18
years old: strong, flexible, light and energized. Talk about cleaning up
the karma, paying it forward or whatever you want to call it, but every
time I help another yogi get back on their mat I feel a little lighter.
22
The skeleton and postural muscles primarily ensure that the front and
the back of the body remain in balance. If the spine is stiff, more and
more vertebrae get tangled, and are held together by rigid muscles.
When the muscles are released, the vertebrae can be mobilized. The last
step in achieving better movement, strength and coordination is aimed
at optimizing the function of the postural muscles. Postural muscles that
function optimally create a feeling of space and freedom in the body. It is
the lightness that I consistently refer to with my students.
Describe your experience working with the Yoga Mandala Community.
I have been working with the community for a year. One of the biggest
joys of working with Kevin is that he has been open to different styles of
yoga (we go way back, to the early Ashtanga days). He is open enough
that he can let new information seep in. The Mandala’s mandate is that
of variety and choice, and it attracts many like-minded students and
teachers who also enjoy the multiplicity.
What would you like people to know before they take their first CAT class?
Your first class probably will not be what you expect. It’s going to
be a unique experience. We move slowly using breath, gravity and
specially designed CAT props. As a result, the mind can become
anxious, which can create a lot of internal chatter. In turn that might
even manifest itself as external chatter. I’ve heard it all, especially the
creative expletives! Knowing that habitual postures and movements
are likely created in childhood and are shaped by ambition, motivations and stress means it cannot be all undone in one class. My
students tell me it’s the hardest they have ever worked in a 90 minute
class, but the benefit to the remaining 22.5 hours in the day, is worth
it. This is definitely not a passive experience!
How did you start your yoga practice?
Being raised under the Kabalarian Philosophy, we followed what I now know
to be the 8 limbs of Yoga. I was raised a vegetarian, and we practiced breathing
techniques and meditation. I was given my own mantra by Maharish Mahesh
Yogi in my teens. The only limb of the 8 that was missing was the third limb of
asana. This limb would be found in adulthood. When I discovered Ashtanga
after a dozen years of really hardcore fitness, it really was a profound experience.
It was like finding the missing piece of a lifelong puzzle or solving a mystery I
had been seeking to resolve. I settled on my mat and that was that!
I had come from a place of competitive body building and Ashtanga fit my personality beautifully. Being in the practice felt like going home, it was completely
natural, all of it. It eventually lead me to Mysore, India where I had the privilege
of studying with Ski K Pattabhi Jois. I was very committed to Ashtanga, practicing at least six, sometimes seven days a week for 10+ years. I also took many
training sessions and workshops along the way.
Many people will come to CAT for injuries or misalignments. Are there common
or reoccurring issues you see in many of your students?
There’s a huge spectrum of complainants, and my student base is not just yogis
but people who for the most part have had a very active life. The most common
of complaint relates to lower and mid-back back pain. The second would be
shoulder related issues. That said, as I go over the intake forms each student is
required to fill out, I will see very unique and different pain stories. Students
think that if their pain is in their lower back, then that is where the problem is.
Generally speaking it goes beyond the specific pain site. Using controlled breath,
pressure and gravity we slowly release tensions within the body and allow new,
healthy movement patterns to slowly replace the unconscious old ones caused
by years of athletics, injury, and lifestyle.
Who should take a CAT class?
In an ideal world, before you ever took a yoga class you would understand the
structural and muscular imbalances in your body. We all have them, they’re
unavoidable and are commonly referred to as preference patterns. Some are
more obvious that others- imbalances from injury, athletics, genetics and lifestyle. If we don’t understand what these imbalances are, and we continue to
move in these patterns of preference, week after week, year after year, the end
result can be pain and restricted movement.
CAT works with the skeleton. One of the biggest surprises to those trying this
therapy for the first time is how intense it is. The mental-physical connection
is what is so incredibly powerful. When that connection is made, we can truly
release unwanted tensions in the body. At that point the body can experience
movement in a more free and enlightening way. It’s an amazing experience.
23
You teach Critical Alignment Yoga, in addition to Critical Alignment Therapy.
What differences can people expect to see between that and a flow style of yoga?
I teach the CA yoga class as a therapist, as opposed to as a ‘yoga teacher.’ We’re
going to move a little differently and focus on the breath in a different way. I
might talk a little more than students are used to, and it’s definitely going to
feel like a new experience.
For the serious yoga practioner, CA yoga and or therapy will not be an easy
road. In the beginning we actively seek limitations in movement and the result
is confrontation with tension and immobility at the deepest level. Restoring
alignment with the cooperation of both the postural and movement muscles is
a process and cannot be rushed.
What are some of the biggest transformations that you’ve seen in people who’ve
come to your CAT classes?
Many of my students are yoga teachers and long time practioners (10+ years).
They have gotten used to a certain degree of discomfort in their body and by
the time they come to see me, their situation has become unmanageable. They
come with a ton of stress, anxiety and tension and they expect (or hope) it can
be fixed quickly. They learn right away (first session) that that is not what CAT
is about. It’s about dedication, and the learning curve is steep. The first class
itself feels like quite the journey in uncharted territory. The second class will
be a completely different feeling. By the time they’ve reached their twentieth
class, they are receiving the feedback necessary to heal. The transformations can
be quite amazing, although once the body stops experiencing pain the mind
quickly moves to forget and its like it was never there. Most students claim they
remember when their pain sensations started to fade, but the exact day they
woke up and went on with their lives pain free is a hard one to track.
What is your personality as a teacher? Why is it important?
There are CAT teachers that are nurturing in their delivery. Others can be a
little more precise and mater-of-fact. I’m somewhere is somewhere in the middle with a splash of humour (I hope). Students seem to gravitate towards the
teacher that best suits their personality at a time when they are feeling quite
vulnerable, a trust is built and then the work can be done. I’d like to think I
can hold the space accordingly, and verbally support the student in a way that
serves them and the room. Because I have a history of pain, I need to be careful
as I can move into empathy very quickly. I have learned to stand back, rely on
my intuition, stay calm and focused, even if the students are not. As a result,
I talk a lot, and different tones generally can guide a group through intense
postures. I guess this is where six years of elocution (speech lessons) comes in
handy. This is such a personal experience and I want every student to take their
own journey, but at the same time I don’t want them to get too invested in their
pain story. Some people love to tell you about everything that’s ever gone wrong
with them. That’s when (their pain story) becomes infused into their biology
and they are their pain. When dealing with eight to ten people who might be
experiencing pain (of any sort), I need to be there to facilitate a relaxed, safe
atmosphere. Calmness through meditative breathing is extremely important in
CAT and CAY.
We move slowly and with a lot of control. The work we do can be quite intense
and it is meant to break us out of our regular practice patterns. Overall, the
intensity is considered to be spicy (5 chili peppers), but it is suitable for all
levels because we move super slow, and child’s resting pose or simply backing
off is always available.
What does the CAT yoga teacher training look like?
There are four levels of training exclusively with Gert Van Leeuwen. It’s recommended to take the first two levels in the same year, and then take a minimum
of a year off from the training. During that year, you work exclusively with the
soft props (the spinal strip, the felt pad and other blocks). The students works
with a senior teacher and also attends cat classes regularly. After at least a oneyear training and teaching practicum, you return and take level three and four
to master the hard props. Gert van Leeuwen is currently the only one who can
certify a teacher and give his blessing to teach. Before completing my final level,
I had already worked (taught) for three straight years using just the soft props.
The therapy is so detailed that it takes years to find your voice and really understand what is happening and what to expect. I learn something every time I
teach a class and I often think I make a better student than a teacher. Gert will
say ‘if a student does not understand what you are asking them to do – it is not
their fault, find another way to say exactly the same thing’.
Outside of CAT and yoga, what occupies your time?
I am an entrepreneur and artist. I float between my art studio and my 2 businesses’. After selling a business 14 years ago, I checked into ACAD for 5 years
(2002-2007) where I studied painting. During my fifth year, looking for an
additional challenge I went to London to study Encaustic (tree sap, bees wax
and dry pigment) which I continue to do. I also am into restoring a 1959 Corvette named Pearl! Vroom vroom.
24
Critical Alignment
Therapy Training
with Gert van Leeuwen
An innovative approach to yoga,
based on 30 years of research and
didactic practice, Critical Alignment
Yoga and Therapy offers you the
opportunity to enhance your yoga
practice by focusing on alignment at the
most fundamental level - the skeleton.
Join founder and creator, Gert van Leeuwen,
to learn and explore the deeply therapeutic
theory and method behind the Critical
Alignment practice. This training will
give you the tools to help your students
and yourself move out of tension, pain
and unconscious patterns of the body
and teach you how to cultivate ease,
balance and strength in the physical
and mental bodies.
Level I: May 15-16
Level II: May 17-19
Level III: May 20-22
Level IV: May 25-28
For more information and
to register, please visit
www.yogadotcalm.com
403.225.2267
25
NAT T AC I A
&
J U RG EN
M ANT E I’ S
Asana Clinic
Model: Maya Posavec
You
Open-Hearted-Wild-Thing
You!
In our first Poser article, published October 2014, we discussed Chaturanga Dandasana, the yoga pushup; especially the importance of keeping
your shoulder’s on your back, where they belong. Besides keeping you safe and injury free, there’s actually a deeper and more mysterious benefit
– your heart is now in the perfect position to lead the way.
Wow, just imagine how peace-filled and blissed out our world would
be if more of our actions and decisions came from our heart, and less
from our head or ego.
Throughout our lives we’ve discovered that the simple act of physically bringing our heart out in front of the shoulders, where it’s meant
to be, can result in life feeling like an absolute thrill ride! The best
posture to deliver just such a ride is Wild Thing.
Wild Thing is often confused with Flip Dog. Flip Dog is a posture than
can crank your low back and pop your shoulder joints out of position
–ouch! Who can even think of opening up your heart, loud and proud,
with all that struggle and discomfort going on? Wild Thing, on the
other hand, can make you feel like singing—which is something Jurgen and I love to have our student’s do. Nothing lights up the room
quite like singing Happy Birthday to someone in the class, with your
heart smiling and opened wide.
John Salisbury, one of our favourite yoga teachers in Arizona,
explains the difference between Flip Dog and Wild Thing perfectly.
It’s all in the positioning of the feet:
•
In Flip Dog both feet end up pointed towards the back of your
mat. Jurgen and I believe that is exactly why it’s so easy to overextend yourself and take it into your low back, the front of your
shoulders. [fig. 1a]
•
In Wild Thing, your bottom foot is pointed towards the wall you’re
facing. From there things just keep getting better - your pelvis,
shoulder and back can stabilize and your heart can all but leap
[fig. 1a]
clear out of your chest! (Cue the sound of angels singing in jubila-
[fig. 1b]
tion and celebration.) [fig. 1b]
26
The cleanest way to achieve a blissful Wild Thing, and not drop over
into Flip Dog, is:
Step One
•
Come to High Plank (see Poser’s Fall 2014 Asana Clinic)
Step Two
•
Bring the big toes to touching – preparing for side-plank
(vasisthasana) [fig. 2a]
[fig. 2a]
Step Three
•
Rock onto the outside edge of the right foot, weight comes onto
right arm (put a micro bend into that elbow so you’re not dumping into the joint). Also watch that your right shoulder doesn’t
pop forward and become unstable.
•
Stack and flex both feet - the toes of both feet should now be
[fig. 3a]
pointing towards the wall you’ve opened towards. [fig. 3a]
Step Four
•
Bring your left (top) foot to the floor about two feet behind your
right foot– not much more than that.
•
Straighten your right (bottom) leg and press your right foot as
flat to the floor as you can – keep the toes of that foot pointing
toward the wall you’re facing.
•
Left leg is bent, and left foot flat, with the toes pointing toward the
back of mat.
•
Draw your frontal hip points and low ribs towards each other to
stabilize your pelvis and help build core strength (besides being
a great heart opening, core strength is where the magic really
In Wild Thing, your bottom foot is pointed towards the
wall you’re facing. From there things just keep getting
better - your pelvis, shoulder and back can stabilize
and your heart can all but leap clear out of your chest!
begins). [fig. 4a]
•
Left hand can either reach towards the ceiling or toward the top
of the mat for a deeper heart opening. [fig. 4b]
•
Extend your heart-centre (sternum) towards the sky and feel
the joy and freedom filling the spaces that have become tight,
blocked and closed off!
Coming out of the Pose
•
Move slowly, with control - bring your right hand and foot back
to their staring points on the mat and press back to Downward
[fig. 4a]
Facing Dog.
•
We love to cycle through to a Vinyasa (High Plank, Low Plank,
Upward Facing Dog and meet back in Down-Dog position)
before trying the pose on the other side.
See, wasn’t that FUN!!! I actually felt a little giggle come up from my
heart just thinking about it. Your next assignment is to see how many
other postures you can start really opening your heart through.
In our upcoming yoga teacher training we’ll be introducing our trainees
to what our brilliant anatomy instructor, Edward Louie, calls “Anti-fetal
Position” – talk about an amazing heart opener! If the mention of our
teacher training and the thought of deepening your practice or becoming
a yoga teacher just made your heart go zing with excitement we’d love
to have you join us. To learn more, or apply, visit www.SoulHotYoga.com
27
[fig. 4b]
Call for Submissions
You’re invited to submit an article for
consideration for publication in Poser Summer 2015.
Summer 2015 Theme:
Love, the Heart &
How We Deal With Emotions
Let’s discuss how your regular yoga practice has shifted how you deal
with emotional situations. How has it changed your views on love?
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:
• Maximum 900 words
• Please submit articles double spaced, in Times New Roman, .docx format
• Include a title line with your name on a byline underneath
• Chosen articles will be edited for spelling, punctuation, grammar, clarity, space,
and consistency in tone with the editorial content of the magazine
• Please note, we can not accept articles about personal businesses,
or profiles on members of businesses
Please send your article to [email protected] before May 28, 2015
Writers will be notified via email whether or not the article is being used.
28
Author: Alice Hong
The Yogic Tradition is full of rich stories
Kali Iconography & Symbolism:
reminds Kali that in her dance of
depicted through gods and goddesses.
•
She is naked and bare-breasted because
fury, she must hold steady awareness,
she has cast away illusion and the truth
otherwise she might completely destroy
of life and death are revealed.
the world.
Myths guide us to understand timeless
teachings that remain relevant to our lives
today. The energy of the deities exists
•
She wears a garland of skulls (the San-
as energetic frequencies in our manifest
skrit alphabet and mantras), manifesting
In our manifest world, Kali can be
world, and we can also see them, as psy-
which remove our deluding ideas.
seen in lightening storms, volcanic
chological archetypes or personifications
She wears a skirt of severed hands:
eruptions, tornados, tsunamis and battlefields.
of energy, which we can relate to and feel
she removes the karmic tendencies of
She is the ultimate source of creation, thus
within ourselves.
her devotees that keep them bound to
represented by the birthing process (literally,
worldly life and ideas.
as well as in any creative process). She is
Her tongue sticks out and her hair
experienced in times of intense crisis, where
is wild. Her nature is to be fierce, wild
things at first feel like they are falling apart.
This month, we meet Kali, whose name
•
•
means, “the Dark One.” She is a goddess of
transformation and liberation, devoted to
absolute truth and freedom.
and free.
•
Kali holds a sword of knowledge in one
Kali has many dark, fearful aspects about her,
hand and a severed head in the other,
and yet she is truly a goddess of love. Invoke
representing the severing of our ego.
Kali when you want to bring radical change
Her dark colours signify the void
in your life. She gives you the power to free
state, a place where everything
you from all structures that keep you stuck
dissolves back into our formless nature.
and confined in your limited, socially condi-
Her eyes are warm and soft, reminding
tioned roles. Call on her for strength to get
self, fear her. To those open to her powerful
us that despite all her wildness, she is
past limited beliefs and when you need the
love, she is the mother, lover and ultimate
also compassionate and deeply loving.
strength to cut through despair. Invite her to
She stands on her consort Shiva, who
show you the love that is behind all fear.
Her image is both beautiful and terrifying. It
is said that those who are ready to embrace
•
transformation in their lives and let go of
their veils, are drawn to her. Those who
remain attached to their limited sense of
teacher of freedom.
•
•
29
29
Jamie Hyatt
How did you start practicing yoga?
Soul Hot Yoga’s
I had my first taste of yoga when I was sixteen years old while I was
in dance class. Our dance teacher didn’t show up so there was a last
minute sub who had no idea what to do with us… so she put in a
Hatha Yoga DVD. I remember it very clearly- the yoga instructor was
this beautiful woman, lean and strong in a white full body leotard
against a blue background. At this time I had an eating disorder, and
I was very drawn to the woman’s figure. I remember all of my friends
in that class hating it, because it was slower, relaxed and quiet, but I
loved it! At first glance, I fell in love with yoga mostly for the aesthetic because of my eating disorder but it really sparked an interest
non-the-less. The following year I was given a mat and a bunch of
yoga books from my boyfriend’s mom as a birthday gift. I studied the
books and began practicing at home. I would revisit yoga on and off
over the next couple of years, but really started to get into it at the
age of nineteen. I was hired by lululemon athletica and dove in to the
yoga scene, practicing a few really hot, strength-based classes. Then I
was really interested in the physical asana. Within a year I was doing
yoga consistently and started to explore other practices.
Did yoga have a role in overcoming your eating disorder?
Yoga was the reason I got better. It was my recovery program, it
was my way to reconnect with the body that I had abandoned and
abused for so long. I took my heavily focused physical asana practice and shifted towards more restorative, yin and mindful flow
classes in order to slow down and really integrate the connection
with my body. Back then, the harder classes triggered a competitive, burn-more-calories state of mind and fueled my eating disorder.
I needed to make a switch before my yoga practice turned in to
something unhealthy and obsessive. Coming to my mat helped me
realize the damage that I was doing to my body and see how much
emotional and mental pain I was actually in. Asana was the catalyst
but yoga changed everything for me.
Why did you choose to become a yoga teacher?
I’d been through such an amazing transformation, physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually, and I wanted to help inspire other
people in the same way. Each of us are dealing with our own challenges and issues. Yoga can be so deeply healing, I wanted to help
facilitate a safe and inspiring space to help others the way other
teachers and practices had helped me.
What is your favorite part about teaching at Soul Hot Yoga?
26
The students, the community! I feel like Soul is one big family. I look
forward to coming to the studio every day; it’s such a warm atmosphere (no pun intended) and the connections between students and
teachers are invaluable. It’s a space where I feel incredibly comfortable
to be vulnerable and talk about the “crunchy stuff ” in life. I have met
so many amazing friends in that space that I will have for a lifetime.
on Poser’s Free Digital Issue from
Thank you Soul Hot Yoga for your support
and sponsorship of this issue!
Photograph by Landon Anholt
30
Jamie Hyatt
Why did you choose to become a yoga teacher?
What is Breath & Bakti?
I’d been through such an amazing transformation, physically, emotionally,
mentally and spiritually, and I wanted to help inspire other people in the same
way. Each of us are dealing with our own challenges and issues. Yoga can be so
deeply healing; I wanted to help facilitate that for others.
Breath & Bakti is a collaborative wellness project between Samantha Baldwin
and myself. We met in 2009 when we were both hired at lululemon athletica.
We were in a group interview together and I immediately fell in love with her.
We’ve been best friends since then but haven’t had the opportunity to teach in
a common space. Last year, we had our first Breath & Bakti event- an outdoor
yoga class in the fall. It was well received and a ton of fun. It helped us to realize
that we need to work together more often. One exciting event we’re planning
for this summer is a retreat that includes yoga, Reiki, writing and sound healing. We’re both very passionate about this project and are keen to bring it into
the community.
Where did you do your first teacher training?
I did my 200-hour training through Yoga Passage’s summer intensive course.
I knew that if I wasn’t totally immersed in my training, I’d have been very
distracted. The course demanded my full focus, and for that month I was not
distracted by anything else. It was very intense. By the third week I felt like I’d
been cracked open. Although I’d already been in recovery for a few years, by
the end of the training I realized that I was completely finished with my eating
disorder and I was ready to move on from that segment of my life.
What is one of your favorite styles of yoga?
I have studied Yin yoga for a long time. I’ve read many of Bernie Clark’s books,
taken many yin sessions and have seen countless practices on Gaiam TV. I have
been practicing yin for so long and it’s something that I love to share with people. Yin is so special to my heart, it’s where I found the most healing. Lying on
the mat, surrounded by silence, in my body, I was able to realize my patterns. I
was literally beating myself up mentally, while in a class. I’d feel frustrated if I
couldn’t move or fold a certain way, or compare myself to other people around
me. It was in Dawn Bayers’ classes that I really started to challenge these patterns. She would ask us to notice where our thoughts were going, and try to
bring them back in.
How did you start your career in photography?
Photography had never been at the forefront of my mind. Growing up, I
wanted to be a writer and in high school I took journalism and wrote for the
school newspaper. My boyfriend at the time was on the basketball team and I
often ended up writing about sports events and taking photos of the games.
There was one photo I captured of a guy in the air about to dunk the ball- the
photo blew up! For a couple weeks it was everywhere in the school. Eventually
I became the editor of the paper and really enjoyed the design aspect. Laying
out the articles and photos was a lot of fun. After graduating, I went to school
for desktop publishing. As I was learning the design programs, I found myself
having most fun with the photos. I changed my focus and started studying photography instead. In 2009, I casually started my photography company but my
main focus was yoga. Shortly after, my sweetheart Landon, bought me a really
great lens that lit a fire underneath me. Things started to snowball and now I
almost can’t keep up with all the amazing projects coming my way!
What would you like people to know about your before they take your class?
What other ways are you reaching out and making connections with people?
I have taken my level one and two of Reiki and it’s really incredible how integrative Reiki is. It’s a beautiful companion to yoga. During my classes I bring
in elements and ideals of Reiki to a class, or healing touch, or sometimes we’ll
talk about the chakras. It has taught me how to be more intuitive and how to
treat the emotional body.
31
I’m a deep heart kind of person, I’m very intuitive and I talk more-so on the
spiritual side. I think anatomy and proper alignment are important, but what I
believe to be the most important thing is the connection- the mind-body-spirit
connection. My classes are usually gentle, but challenging and at times I might
share meaningful memories or experiences. When leading a class, I try to talk
like I’m speaking directly to a friend. It’s my hope that when anyone leaves my
class, they will feel like they were seen.
JAMIE HYATT
P
H
O
T
O
G
R
A
P
H
32
Y
&
D
E
S
I
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N
HistorYoga
Author: Cynthia Stratulat
This is the third installment of a four part series exploring the background of various styles of yoga practices available at Calgary studios.
What is the difference between Yin and Restorative Yoga? How are they the similar? How do they differ?
Take our quiz and challenge your understanding of Yin and Restorative Yoga:
Do I go to a yin class?
Do I go to a restorative class?
I need help with stress.
I need to balance my Vinyasa practice.
I am recovering from an injury or illness.
I want to work on deepening the tissues of my
ligaments, joints and deep fascia.
Yin Yoga
Restorative Yoga
Yin yoga is the balance to a yang or active practice – they are the two
If you are recovering from an injury or illness, or if the everyday
halves of a classical Hatha routine. The dynamic and active poses of
stress of work and life has just become a bit overwhelming then
a Vinyasa Flow class can be complemented with the deep, still hold-
a Restorative yoga class is an excellent choice. Restorative yoga
ing of a regular Yin practice. Yin yoga was first introduced to North
poses, based on modifications of hatha yoga, were created by the
America in the 1970s through Daoist yoga, which explains the use of
late B.K.S Iyengar during the 1960s and are designed to reduce
the Chinese word yin. The concept of long held poses is not a new
stress and restore health. Restorative yoga expert, Judith Hanson
or Western concept, but rather originates in ancient yoga practices
Lasater, refers to restorative yoga poses as “active relaxation.”
developed over 2,000 years ago.
The key concept of Restorative yoga is to create an environment
of supported surrender and complete relaxation. Most Restor-
The Yin Approach
ative poses hold the body in place using bolsters, folded blankets,
Yin yoga is a different way to approach Hatha poses: rather than vigor-
straps, blocks, or pillows allowing the muscles to release and rest.
ously activating the muscles, the poses are held in stillness allowing the
deeper tissues of the ligaments, joints, and fascia (connective tissue that
Benefits of Restorative Yoga
stabilizes or separates muscle fibers) to gently stretch, removing tightness
A Restorative practice will gently move the spine in all directions
and creating space. Practitioners slowly take their body to an edge of resis-
through supported front and back bends and twists. Inverted poses
tance, and then wait in stillness until the body invites a deeper opening
are very important to a Restorative yoga practice. The relationship
or yielding. Yin poses are usually held for 3 to 5 minutes. The difference
of the lower body to gravity changes when our legs are elevated, as
between long held Restorative poses and Yin is that Yin yoga is not so rest-
in ‘Legs up the Wall’ pose. Stress is reduced as fluids return to the
ful or comfortable. Bernie Clark, a yoga teacher in Vancouver and a leading
upper body and enhance the functioning of the heart. The poses of
expert in Yin yoga, describes the benefit of a Yin practice as staying in a
Restorative yoga stimulate and soothe the body’s organs, folding
zone of discomfort despite the mind’s urgent pleads to leave. The challenge
the body forces blood out of the organs and unfolding allows fresh
of Yin yoga is as much mental as it is physical. Yoga, in all its forms, is a very
blood to rush back. Restorative yoga is refreshing and relaxing
personal and thoughtful journey to self-acceptance. A daily Yin yoga prac-
through stilling the body and calming the mind.
tice can change every day and the practitioner needs to be present to one’s
body, sensitive and dedicated to honouring what the body offers.
Restorative and Yin yoga both invite us to appreciate how a yoga practice can be versatile and accommodating. If we are open to following our
body’s needs, there is a yoga practice available to everyone, whether we are recovering from injury or stress overload or in the bloom of health
but in need of balance. The Taoist symbol of yang/yin guides us to seek wholeness in all areas of life. Perhaps it is this seeking for the benefits
of yoga that has led us to couple yoga with other activities. Hybrid yoga classes are being offered everywhere: paddleboard yoga, partner yoga,
or yoga for pre-natal women are just some of the ways that yoga has evolved over the last five years. Next issue we will explore current trends
in yoga classes as studios react to Western society’s seemingly insatiable need for yoga.
Further reading: Relax and Renew: Restful Yoga of Stressful Times by Judith Hanson Lasater
The Complete Guide to Yin Yoga: The philosophy and Practice of Yin Yoga by Bernie Clark
33
M I G H T Y M P H OTO G R A P H Y
W . M I G H T Y M P H O T O G R A P H Y. C O M
E. [email protected]
P. 4 0 3 9 7 1 2 4 0 3
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yogamcc.com 403.251.9642
2028b 33rd Avenue SW, Calgary
34
create a basic resource that breaks down the poses and offers a start-
the
ing place for people who might not be able to move through a regular
yoga practice.”
Power
Last year, Kim handed the reins to Candice Aceti who has worked
tirelessly to bring the event to fruition. Like Kim, Candice started as
of
Movement
Author: Sean de Lima, [email protected]
a volunteer who helped to advertise the event and grow attendance.
“I took over the Community Coordinator role only four months ago,
and since then I have been busy making preparations and organizing
the volunteers for the event,” shares Candice. Over the next twelve
months, Candice will continue working with the Foundation to help
make the event even bigger next year. “Overall, I feel really grateful to
On March 8, 2015, the Power of Movement celebrated its ninth consec-
everyone who’s gotten involved and offered their time and donations.
utive year with a massive, Canada-wide, yoga fundraising event. This
The event was wonderful this year!”
year Calgary raised more than six thousand dollars in support of the
Arthritis Research Foundation. At present, the Foundation has raised
As everyone settled into savasana at the Power of Movement event,
more than 1.8 million dollars for research and treatment methods.
Karissa Schidt sang a beautiful rendition of “Shine the Light” by
The Dixie Chicks. Karissa cannot overstate the importance of sup-
Arthritis affects more than 4.6 million Canadians, two thirds of whom
porting this worthy cause and expresses extreme gratitude to those
are women. Although the disease is invisible, it is painful and can be
who have helped raise awareness of the effects of arthritis. “I’ve been
debilitating. It receives only 1% of Federally granted research dollars;
involved with the Power of Movement for the last three years. I used
every year, arthritis related disability claims cost the Canadian econ-
the hashtag ‘#arthritis’ on twitter, and the event organizers reached
omy over 6.5 billion dollars. The Arthritis Research Foundation is lead-
out to me through social media and asked me to get involved.” She
ing the way in raising awareness for arthritis and developing a cure.
has filled Eau Claire with the beautiful sound of her voice and her
calming energy. Arthritis is only one of the illnesses that affect Karis-
As in previous years, the Power of Movement took place at Eau Claire
sa’s everyday life: she shares her experiences about her health and the
Market where Calgary yogis unrolled their mats to practice for this
medical system on her blog TheLighterSideOfMedicine.blogspot.ca.
great cause. The class was jointly lead by Kim McNeil and Caroline
Sereda. “I’ve been involved with the Power of Movement since 2009,”
The Power of Movement, and its cause, are gaining more and more
says Kim. Because of the specialized yoga sessions she offers, the
momentum every year, and it’s all thanks to each of the selfless vol-
Arthritis Research Foundation reached out to Kim and asked her to get
unteers who have offered their time and commitment to making this
involved with the event. “My brother suffers from arthritis so working
happen. This disease affects so many people, but with ongoing sup-
with this organization was a no-brainer.” Kim started as a volunteer
port, we will beat arthritis.
and eventually moved into the role of Community Coordinator.
For more information on arthritis and the Power of Movement event,
In addition to her involvement with the Power of Movement, Kim has
or to find out how you can volunteer, please visit beatarthritis.ca and
written Happy Joints: Yoga for Arthritis, a book that offers yoga modi-
powerofmovement.ca.
fications and practices for those who are dealing with arthritis. “Right
now there’s not a lot out there about yoga and arthritis. I wanted to
35
Printed with the approval of the Arthritis Research Foundation.
36
Caroline Sereda
How did you come to own Be Love Yoga?
After my first 200-hour teacher training with Martin and
Jordan Kirk I started teaching at Be Love Yoga in the Fall of
2010. My yoga career started in this space and I became one
of the studio’s key teachers within a year. Over time Kyrsten
Blair [former owner] and I established a nice exchange and
conversation about the studio and she asked my input into
the kinds of classes and workshops I offered at the space. At
one point Kyrsten decided to keep the studio open through
the summer months when students attending my classes
requested the studio not close for those two months as it
had in previous years. When Krysten was ready to move
on she came to me as someone who she knew would be
interested in guiding the studio in her place. As a full time
teacher, a regular face at the studio and someone who was so
invested in this space it was a natural fit. The original owner
handed the studio over to Krysten who, in turn, gave it to
me. I feel honored to be a part of this growing legacy.
How did you get involved with the Power of Movement?
Be Love Yoga’s
I was at a friend’s house party and met Kim McNeil! We totally
hit it off right away- I was especially stuck by her groundedness.
It’s not always that you meet many strong business-minded
entrepreneurs in the yoga world. It was immediately apparent
to me that that was she. A little while later she reached out
to me on facebook invited me to be the third teacher for the
Power of Movement event, in collaboration with herself and
Simone Hutchinson. We lightly planned it before hand, but as
soon as we were in front of the group magic happened and it
was an AMAZING class. Afterward, Kim pulled me aside and
said, “That was a lot of fun, and we really like you as a teacher.
Would you like to permanently become a part of this event?”
Of course I was thrilled to be involved! My role with the Power
of Movement happened very organically. I have every intention
to stay involved, as it’s such an important cause. This year was
very sweet. In past years I’ve seen Kim raising awareness and
making preparations, and this year the legacy had been passed
to Candice who has brought a new energy to the event. The
people that came and the businesses that supported the event
were all lovely. My goal in over the next year is to learn how to
better use social media to help raise awareness and bring out
even more people!
What would you like everyone to know before they practice at
Be Love Yoga?
32
on Poser’s Free Downloadable issue from
Photograph by Deanna Finnlay
37
I really feel that people who come here should know that
yoga is you. There is a natural tendency for folks to separate
themselves from what is at the heart of yoga. Yoga is a practice of who you are; all you can work with is what you bring.
It’s my hope that people don’t feel self-conscious when they
come here, and they can come as they are! When you can
come here you can be happy. You can be angry. Be Sad. Be
Jealous. Be anything you want, but just be human.
How did you start practicing yoga?
At the time, I was a social work student and avid marathon runner. My first
class was in 2001 at the University of Calgary with Nora Maskey. A girlfriend
has convinced me to tag a long to a lunch our yoga class. I had negative interest
in yoga and didn’t know what it was. I certainly had no motivation to go to a
class alone. We went to the class and I discovered I was really flexible! Right
away I was able to pancake my body to the floor in a seated wide-legged forward
fold. It really taught me how little awareness I had toward my body. My awareness started then, and has been growing ever since.
You have a gentleness to your personality and a tenderness in your voice. Was this
a result of yoga?
I feel like that has always been my nature- from a young age I was always
the joyful observer, and always very playful. I feel it’s something that’s always
been there.
What has been your experience with Nora Maskey?
At the start, Nora Maskey was my primary teacher. She was the one who introduced me to the Anusara world and helped me to deepen my practice. Nora is
very intelligent and she does not hide that in the way she instructs. She always
brings a lot of depth to her instruction, while not overwhelming her students.
What trainings have you done?
I’ve attended Martin and Jordan Kirk’s Anusara training- it was my first 200
hours. I later pursued Inspired status in the Anusara school and even studied
with John Friend and other teacher including Noah Mase, Desiree Rambaw,
and Partick Crillman. Eventually I left the anusara school, as did Noah Mase
who embarked on his own school. He has become my primary teacher. I completed a 200-hour training with him and am currently fulfilling my 500 hours.
When did you first connect with Be Love Yoga?
After my 200-hour teacher training with Noah Mase, I decided to dive off the
deep end and become a full time yoga teacher. Previously, I had been a social
worker, and then a stay-at-home mom and then a divorced stay-at-home mom.
This presented a huge opportunity for change- it allowed me and my heart to
do something that completely terrified me. As I started looking for places to
teach, I heard that Be Love Yoga was a studio with a great community and a
non-pretentious atmosphere. I was very interested in spaces that were dedicated
to practice without many distractions. The moment I stepped into the studio
it felt like home.
38
What is the studio’s schedule like?
The studio offers both preregistered classes and drop-in sessions. Since I took
over ownership, I’ve tried to build on the foundation that Kistin had laid.
Registered classes have been the primary way most people come to the studio.
There were a number of requests for drop-in session and it’s something that
we added recently. Our schedule has anywhere from two to four classes per
day. In addition to yoga, we’ve also started hosting a weekly Qi Gong class on
Friday evening (it’s the perfect way to end the workweek). Overall, we try to
offer classes and workshops and classes that focus on building self-awareness
and healing.
What is your experience with Arthritis?
I’ve had a number of students who have arthritis come to my classes who’ve seen
amazing improvements to their bodies from practicing. Virtually all people, at
various ages and conditions will deal with arthritis in one form or another. It’s
happening to people at younger and younger ages and I’m happy to support the
search for a cure for everyone’s benefit.
Is arthritis your main charity focus?
I was invited into the arthritis event have been very happy to offer my support.
The other cause that is very dear to me, and something that I’d like to use Be
Love Yoga to build more awareness around, is homelessness. We don’t see the
homeless here. There are people living and dying on the streets, but we don’t
see it here. It’s hidden. Everyone should have a place to rest their head at night
that isn’t concrete.
You had a passion for art and painting. Where did that come from?
I love creating! I’ve always felt very creative and have been naturally drawn to
being creative but felt a lot of pressure to pursue academia in my schooling. Art
has always been something that I’ve done to relax and find a connection with
myself. I was with my daughter at a coffee shop and we sat at a large table with
several chairs. A woman was sitting a few seats away and struck up conversation
with us. She asked me if I was an artist, and I said “I guess so… but I’m not really
doing anything with it right now.” She gave me a sketchpad and a set of chalk
pastels and said, “Take two weeks with these and get in touch with me- we’ll
go for coffee and see what you create!” The beautiful thing that exchange gave
me was this opening and permission to create- no matter what came of it. My
art practice evolved and I moved into acrylics on canvas. It’s only been eighteen
months, but I’ve put together a couple shows and have sold a few pieces. It’s
fun! It’s also hard. At times I’ll come up to a block and have to sit with the
painting for a few days before I know whether or not it’s done.
39
JOIN THE
THIEL
MOVEMENT
TODAY
Personal Training and Yoga
Done From the Comfort of a Private Gym
or From Your Own Home
Daily Drop-In and Registered Sessions
1409 Edmonton Trail NE 403.815.4878
beloveyoga.ca
587.890.6288 • [email protected]
www.thielmovement.com
relax stretch focus be
heal strengthen balance
align listen breathe play
40
burner. Initially, my broken ankle injury had
out the teacher training we’ve also studied
been the reason I’d began to practice again,
the anatomical and energetic human body.
but eventually yoga awakened more within
Figurative illustration has always been one
RE-AWAKENING THE CREATIVE SPIRIT
me than I’d ever expect.
of my favorite subjects to work with and with
We’ve all had a streak of bad luck at one
One day I’d noticed that there was a call out
ing the human form in various expressions of
or many points in our lives. For me, 2013
for Karma Staff at my local studio. I’d decided
yoga postures. I’ll even be participating as a
was just not my year. It seemed like noth-
to volunteer for some shifts and get more
guest artist at a “Live Art” event where I’ll get
ing would go right in my life. Nothing was
involved in the yoga community. The studio
the pleasure of sketching yoga practitioners in
meant to be. The main challenges I’d come
had a big chalkboard at the entrance where
their favorite asanas.
face to face with were my partner losing his
the owner and staff would write inspirational
job and myself breaking my ankle, leaving
quotes and messages. After a few shifts I
Perhaps I would have come back to my artis-
me unable to walk for seven weeks with a
couldn’t resist the urge to draw a few lotus
tic side in due time. We all go through life’s
long, complex healing process to follow. It
flower designs on the board to fill in a bit of
ups and downs, losses and gains. I do know
seemed like no matter how hard I tried, there
space. I didn’t think much of it. However, the
that yoga allowed me to embrace my creative
was always a stumbling block. There were
owner of the studio, who is now a good friend,
passion again and empowered me to harness
times that I could barely afford to buy gro-
took notice and asked if I’d like to work with
a part of myself that I’d lost. It seems that my
ceries. Stubbornly, I would even try to work
her to draw up some more thematic art on
life in this community has brought me back
a job where I stood all day on one leg even
the board. Something inside me sparked. I
to a flow of life instead of seeing blockages.
though I was told not to. We were living on
began to draw up some ideas and she came
When I make art I feel like I exist wholly in
Vancouver Island and as much as we loved
up with some quotes. I was given a blank can-
the present moment, just like when I come to
the ocean and our beautiful surroundings, we
vas in this beautiful studio to bear my artistic
my mat to practice or sit quietly in medita-
had to make a change. I had to turn a page
soul. A part of my soul that had been buried
tion. When we are in that space, our potential
in my life. My partner accepted a job offer in
deep within me. Since that first drawing, I’ve
is indeed limitless.
Calgary that summer and I would later join
gone on to create several works of art on the
him for a fresh start.
ever-changing chalkboard in the studio.
I have always been a creative soul. I love to
I should also mention that during this time I’d
Send your story to [email protected]
paint, draw, sew, garden – you name it. I love
enrolled in a 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training
before May 28 for a chance to get published!
to see the world in a vivid, colorful light. In
Course. With an immense amount of self-dis-
college, I’d studied art and textile design.
covery while deepening my practice through
With all of the challenges I’d faced in my
the course, I’ve tapped into my creative roots
unlucky year, I’d repressed all of this. I was
even more. A great deal of my passion for art
existing in a fight or flight mode because I
and creativity has surfaced in practicing med-
was worried for my survival. I’d reached the
itation. Taking a deep look into my true self
age of thirty and had an expectation that I
has shown me that honoring a creative
should be sailing on the water and not sink-
space in my life is really important
ing. Calgary is a place where so many people
to me. I’ve been keeping a con-
come “to work” and I was one of those peo-
sistent journal of ideas for
ple. Working long weeks, paying off debt,
creative projects and set
and bettering my situation became my focus.
up a space in my home
Through all of this I came back to my love
to dedicate to this
of yoga. Something I’d also put on the back
energy. Through-
this new perspective; I’ve come to enjoy draw-
41
- Valerie Turbak.
Tell us how yoga inspired you!
5 Tips For Beginner Power Yogis
Author: Ahlia Hoffman
Interested in starting a power yoga practice and unsure of where or how to begin? Want to create
a strong practice that supports your health, well-being, and overall balance? One you can continue
to practice for years and well into old age if you’d like? Follow the simple tips below to help establish
a well-rounded yoga practice that will enrich your body, mind, and soul.
One
Start with appropriate level classes. You may be in great shape
already, but unless you know trikonasana and how to safely get in
Four
Stay for savasana. Stay longer if time and space allows. Savasana
is the most important posture in your practice. Everything you do
and out of that posture (and other basic poses), it’s important that
before savasana, leads you to the time you spend there. Savasana, the
you start in classes that teach the foundations of yoga: breath, align-
final resting posture, is to integrate and absorb the benefits of your
ment and engagement. Once you feel comfortable with the language,
practice, beyond the physical. I often say in class that the practice is
pacing, and structure of class, go beyond the basics into an appropri-
a work-out, and also a work-IN. You have just released tension, stress,
ately challenging class. Starting a yoga practice is like learning a new
and even unnecessary gripping in the body; by taking time to lay in
language, initially everything seems foreign; the sensations in your
stillness you’re restoring balance to your nervous system and all sys-
body and the way the instructor tells you to breathe. With practice
tems of the body. This amazing benefit of yoga practice is a bi-prod-
you become more accustomed to slower paced movement, exploring
uct of becoming present in the moment. Savasana is the epitomy
sensations in your body, and proper alignment. Start with an appro-
of this, and an opportunity to meditate in the space you’ve created.
priate level class and enjoy the process of deepening your practice.
Enjoy this time, meditate peacefully, and rest well.
Two
Go easy on yourself. There’s a fine balance between exploring your
edge and easing up to make space. It can be easy to push yourself,
Five
Practice yoga off the mat. Ever notice that you feel lighter, happier,
freer, and somehow have more clarity and direction after practic-
especially with yoga practitioners around you who may have a more
ing yoga? Yoga helps you discover that being alive is a reason to
“advanced” practice. Often times it’s the thing you’re working to
be grateful, and each moment is a blessing meant to be fully expe-
move beyond that will hold you back – your ego. By pushing the
rienced. On your mat you let go of things that no longer serve you
extreme you risk your practice being compromised, such as breath
and learn how to set intentions or dedicate your energy to something
and proper alignment, which in turn can lead to injury. The practice
outside of yourself to create and perpetuate positivity. You can prac-
is about finding balance, opening your physical body, and being fully
tice this off the mat as well, perhaps in traffic when you can dedicate
present in the moment. The purpose of your practice is not about
some energy to the health and safety of the people around you instead
impressing the people around you or compromising alignment to
of projecting negativity to other drivers. Taking yoga off the mat and
find the full expression of a posture. Give yourself credit for doing
into your life is such an important aspect of the practice, and truly
the work, you’re exactly where you’re meant to be. Give yourself per-
one of the great purposes of yoga. By being mindful, peaceful, and
mission to modify and take breaks. Take time off from your practice
present during class time, you are training and conditioning yourself
and let that be ok. Be kind when you fall out of a posture, instead of
to do the same when you leave the yoga studio. No matter how long
beating yourself up over it. I say in class sometimes, “notice how you
you have been practicing, it’s also important to remember to be kind
speak to yourself in your mind, is it loving? Is it kind?”
to yourself (tip #2). No one is perfect, we all face challenging times,
Three
and staying light hearted and easy on yourself will prove to help you
Start a practice for self-study. Monitor highs and lows to your energy,
accept when you make mistakes, integrate and put into action any
how you act around certain people and how you feel when you’re
lessons you can take away from the circumstance, then release it into
alone. Notice the predominate nature of your thoughts; observe the
the past and move on. Practicing yoga off the mat gives you the space
fluctuations in your mind and how this correlates with your level of
to be unapologetically authentic, stay true to you, and move in the
productivity. Also witness how the types of things you consume make
direction of your heart.
you feel. Does what you eat/drink relate in any way to how you feel in
yoga class? Drinking water and staying hydrated is essential, and con-
Ahlia is co-owner of Yoga/Vino Retreats, a full time yoga teacher in
suming dehydrating products can make you feel unwell during yoga.
Encinitas, California, and ranked 5th in the world for tandem surfing.
When you drink more water, eat mindfully, and think positively, it’s
Visit www.yogavinoretreats.com or email [email protected]
likely you’ll experience a profoundly positive shift in your life and your
practice both on and off the yoga mat. “Yoga is not about touching
your toes, it’s about what you learn about yourself on your way down.”
42
Left: Alli Smithdorf Right: Courtney Sokal
YOU
EGO
AGAINST YOUR
Yoga in Competition
Author: Jaclyn Edwards
American thing to do, this is far from true.
levels are welcome to join. Participants vary
Competitive yoga was brought to North
from yoga teachers, yoga students, gym-
America from India, which has been holding
nasts, contortionists, athletes, etc. There are
yoga competitions for thousands of years.
two different age categories in the competi-
The International Yoga Sports Federation
tion, youth (ages 11 -17) and adult (18+) with a
(IYSF) says the aim of the competition is “to
group of participants over 60 who get special
demonstrate the practice’s life enhancing
recognition in the adult category.
benefits and encourage others to take up the
practice through Asana (postures) and Pran-
Yoga instructor, four time winning provin-
ayama (breath).”
cial competitor and coach, Ricky Brennan,
says, “Yoga competition brings people of all
Although there are contrary beliefs to
ages together to celebrate yoga, to celebrate
yoga competition in North America, it is
what people have been working on, and the
important to understand that competition
challenges people have faced along the way.
Yoga is a place where you connect with the
means something very different when
It demonstrates the possibilities that we can
mind and body. For some, it’s a time to focus.
it comes to yoga. Yoga competition is
achieve through regular practice.”
on your breath, calmness and a way to discon-
healthy competition.
nect from stress. For others, it’s all about move-
The yoga competition season starts in Feb-
ment, strength, flexibility. Overall the practice
“We gather this idea of what yoga is [in
ruary with provincials, goes until June with
of yoga means different things to different peo-
North America], so people are really sur-
nationals, and is then followed by the inter-
ple, but no matter what brings you to the mat,
prised that there are competitions because
national championships. In Canada, the main
the practice is all about you and no one else.
it’s not what we typically associated with
hosts of the event is Bikram Yoga studios in
Most of us have been told this over and over in
yoga,” says Courtney Sokal, participant in
collaboration with the Canadian Yoga Feder-
the yoga room – to focus on your own practice
yoga competitions and winner of the 2015
ation. Each year, participants in the compe-
and don’t compare yourself to your neighbour.
Hatha Yoga Asana Championship in Alberta.
tition are able to demonstrate their personal
That being said, how is this supposed to work
“It is a competition, but there is a different
achievements in their practice to their peers.
when yoga becomes a competition? Is compet-
vibe to competing. Everyone is really excited
itive yoga a complete oxymoron of what we’ve
about each other’s progress. There’s not that
“It really opened up my eyes to what’s physi-
all been told in the yoga studio?
intense air of other competitions.”
cally possible. Things that I never thought were
possible in my practice, I can now do. It gives
Yoga and Competition?
People Coming Together
me focus; it gives me a goal to work towards.
The western world was introduced to yoga
You don’t have to be affiliated with any stu-
I practice a little bit day-by-day and I feel like
over 40 years ago. Although some may think
dio, or even practice yoga often to participate
I’m achieving something,” says Alli Smithdorf,
making yoga competitive is a typical North
in a competition; everyone from all different
yoga teacher and three time regional winner,
43
including the 2014 Alberta champion. “It’s
my stomach?” You remember to breathe and
Yoga competition is an option for those who
something I can look forward to - competing at
then your focus returns. You begin.
want to take their yoga practice beyond the
a high level until I’m much older and not have
to worry about breaking down.”
yoga room. It is a way to develop one’s yoga
With three minutes on the clock, you start
practice in a new direction. “When you get
with your four compulsory postures holding
up on stage, you learn a lot about yourself by
Training for the competition is really just
each for at least five seconds. After this you
accepting who you are and being okay with
frequent yoga practice and getting the body
demonstrate two postures of your choice,
what you have to show people,” says Sokal. “It
used to the same postures that the cham-
which shows strength, flexibility and balance.
makes me happy and I get a lot more out of it
pionships require. Many participants train
All positions that you moved through were all
than going to a class every day.”
together in groups to get used to demon-
done in control, while maintaining your breath.
strating the yoga practice in front of others.
One of the biggest challenges is finding the
As you stand to complete your practice within
courage to get in front of a crowd to show
Picture This
the allotted time, you feel calm and excited
your practice in a humble and graceful way
Put yourself in a yoga competitors shoes:
about your personal accomplishments you
with no strain. “It’s an opportunity to move
You’ve been training with the same routine
have demonstrated. The crowd cheers as you
your practice from the yoga room to a pub-
for months with fellow competitors, mentors
walk off the stage and you feel amazing. You
lic setting where you will be challenged to
and friends. You’re getting ready to go on
showed that with dedication your physical
find just as much peace that you’ll find in the
stage and feeling nervous in your competi-
practice can expand. On stage you showed
yoga room,” adds Brennan. “Some very diffi-
tive outfit (basically a bathing suit). Fellow
your peers that the poses you thought were
cult one-arm balances have become far more
competitors, who are also friends, notice
impossible were actually accomplishable.
accessible to me due to the championships.”
your anxiety and give you words of encouragement and hugs as you head to the stage.
As you walk off stage you wish the next person
Want to Know More?
sincere luck as they prepare to present their
If you’re interested in learning more, the com-
Your name is announced as you walk onto
poses. Participants have all worked hard and
munity of the Bikram Yoga studios is always
the stage. The spotlight is shining on you
made progress with their personal practice.
willing to chat and provide information.
making the audience in the theater dark. You
You hope that they all feel as great as you do.
can sort-of see the judges, and some of them
There are also resources online such as
you know as yoga mentors. One of the judges
It’s Personal
canyoga.ca and i.yogasportsfederation.org,
gave you advice about your practice before
Is yoga competition a contradiction to what
along with lots of videos of participants’
the competition that day. You remember
yoga practice should be? Although you are
demonstrations from around the world.
what she said as you’re signaled to begin.
presenting your yoga practice to judges
and there are rankings, yoga competition is
If you’re not interested in competing, you can
The room is completely silent to the point
very personal. “It’s not one person against
also attend a yoga competition as a spectator.
of hearing a pin drop, and your mind is rac-
another; it’s just you against your ego. It’s
It’s amazing to see the results of focused dedi-
ing. Thoughts flood your head – “I wonder if
really you against yourself as far as I’m con-
cation to a yoga practice. That’s what compet-
my friend is in the audience,” “I hope I can
cerned,” says Smithdorf. “Yoga is a very indi-
itors are demonstrating, and it is inspiring and
stay balanced during my standing-head-to-
vidual thing. Everybody has a really personal
humbling.
knee pose,” “did that sound just come from
experience when they practice.”
Ricky Brennan
Photos by Gil Killick
44
Evolut
ion
Constant
The Bodhi Tree Yoga Centre is dedicated to offering a space
where Calgary’s yoga practitioners can evolve. The Centre serves as a reprieve from the stresses of everyday life. It’s
a place where everyone is welcome to come and spend time
cultivating peace.
The Bodhi Tree Yoga Centre, formerly the Bikram Yoga College
(BYC), opened its doors as one of two Bikram yoga studios in Calgary
in 2002. Celeste Needham started the studio with her business partner
Cheryl Townsend. “After moving to Alberta from Ontario, I met and
worked with Cheryl in Banff. Shortly before the studio opened I was
in Calgary starting a Bachelor of Kinesiology,” says Lisa Shillolo, one
of the two current owners of the Bodhi Tree. “Cheryl asked if I’d like
to be involved with the studio. I decided to try it out - my very first
yoga class was the first class that Céleste taught here!” After the class,
Lisa immediately signed up as a Karma cleaner and as time went on
38
she become more and more involved with the operations of the studio
itself, eventually moving into the role of studio manager.
45
From its inception, the studio has maintained a distinct and intentional purpose: to serve and support its community and offer a safe
place for each individual to facilitate personal growth and transformation. Many of the community members have practiced at the studio since day one and have seen first-hand how the studio has evolved
over the years. Two years after opening its doors, “The Bodhi Tree
Yoga Centre” was born as it made a transition toward Moksha-based
classes. At that time, teachers had the option to offer different yoga
styles and bring new concepts and ideas to their classes. When Moksha studios began to make their way into the city, the Bodhi Tree
shifted again and moved toward a flow and non-sequenced schedule.
Currently the classes range from non-heated to warm to hot, with a
holistic schedule that includes Flow, Yin, Foundation, Restorative,
Hip & Hamstring, Core, Seniors, Mom & Baby and Prenatal. Some
classes are athletic based, some are alignment focused, while others
offer spiritual depth. “No matter where we are going, we will continue
to maintain a solid foundation for our community and offer a home
base where everyone feels comfortable and welcome,” says Lisa.
Co-owner Catherine Nelson-Reid started practicing yoga at the Tree
shortly after her fortieth birthday. “A friend wanted me to do hot yoga
with her. At the beginning I took one class per week and eventually
committed to a thirty-day challenge. That challenge totally changed
things for me,” says Catherine. “When I began, I often attended Lisa
Whitford’s classes but some days I’d walk in and see Céleste at the front
desk, which meant she was teaching the class instead, and I’d cringe.
Céleste demanded, in a firm but gentle way, complete presence. And
that was very difficult for me.” For many people, including Catherine,
the studio has been a place of healing and has become a place that has
inspired growth and finding your centre. In 2010, Lisa left the Tree and
relocated to the West Coast to go to school and expand her horizons.
Catherine then came to work along side, to be mentored and to be guided
by Céleste as she prepared to gently rest the Tree in new loving hands.
46
When Céleste was ready to move on and start other projects, Catherine and Lisa (who had become close friends over the years) both
knew, whole-heartedly, that they were ready to shift into an ownership
role. “I have personally done a lot of work here and I feel very grateful
and honoured that I can now hold this space for other people to do the
same,” shares Catherine.
Before passing over ownership, Céleste offered one final gift to
the Tree, arguably the energetic heart of the studio: the Puja Wall
(Puja means ‘offering’). Three boxes have been cut into the wall
it self. Each box holds one of the values that the studio offers its
community- prayer, love and protection. Further down the wall,
there is space for community members to share their ideas and
inspirations. Over the month of March, students were invited to
The Tree is a staple. As of this year, I will have
been teaching there for ten years, and practicing there for twelve. It’s stable with high level
of studentship and teachership that comes
from years of dedication and a strong sense of
community. It’s like a family to me, it’s always
been a part of my life in some way and even if
I were to leave or change I know I’d always be
welcome back.
-Amy Thiessen , Yoga Teacher
write about what silence means to them, and share their messages
on the wall itself. Often, students will come to sit in meditation in
front of the wall before class.
“We want to make a space that can be experienced through all five
senses,” starts Lisa. “We’re trying to achieve this with the essential
oils you’ll smell as soon as you walk through the door, the variety of
soothing colours and beautiful artwork that your eyes will land on,
and the different physical textures that can be felt throughout the
studio. We even ask our teachers to mindfully choose their music.
Coming to the Bodhi Tree should be a full body experience.”
The loving attention that’s been given to the studio’s atmosphere is
immediately obvious. Even the name of the studio was carefully chosen and involved input from students. “The Bodhi Tree is the tree that
the Buddha sat under when he found enlightenment,” says Catherine. “Tree itself means so many things: branches, roots, flowers, fruit,
birds, seeds, growth, family, life… it really speaks to the multifaceted
nature of this studio.”
47
Classes &
Trainings
The Bodhi Tree is dedicated to service and to working with different
Virtually all of the teachers at the Bodhi Tree have been part of the
groups to help improve the quality of life of those it can reach. Money
studio for many years, both as teachers and as students. The Teacher
earned by the Mamma Karma class goes toward MothersHealth.org.
Mentorship Program and the Adjusters Program give people who’ve
The Wednesday Karma class donations are being saved to help build
completed a 200-hour training the opportunity to hone their skills as
a school in India through Vishva Ji’s Anand Prakash Ashram. Once
teachers and develop the confidence to lead fun, safe and personal
per week, The Tree offers a free class to the Women’s Centre and to
classes. Lisa offers some insights, “The adjusters program is very
the Wellspring Centre. “Every Friday, we have a one-hour community
multi-dimensional. It’s a service to our community as it gives classes
class and the money that is gained through that goes directly back into
an extra set of eyes to make sure that everyone is comfortable and
building the Bodhi Tree community,” says Lisa. These acts of service
moving safely. Adjusters can be present and it gives a greater oppor-
are not given exclusively to the students of the studio. Once a month,
tunity for them to watch individuals practice and grow as teachers.”
the teachers are treated to a professional development day. “We want to
try to offer new experiences and deeper understanding of different ven-
In November 2014, Danielle Pechie and Yoga Therapy and Body Work
ues of healthy living. We’ve gone rock climbing, taken trips to cadaver
took up residence at the Bodhi Tree. At the end of March Danielle started a
labs, visited art studios to see our students painting, we’ve invited
200-hour training that includes the first level of Gert Van Leeuwen’s Criti-
physiotherapists to give lectures. We want to expand the ways that our
cal Alignment Therapy. In addition, this summer the studio will be hosting
teachers can feed their spirits and ignite their imagination.”
long time friends, Gaiatri, for their annual 200-hour teacher training.
48
Many teacher training programs cover very minimal, if any,
adjustments. The Adjusters Program allows teachers to get
theoretical and practical experience in visual, auditory, and
kinesthetic adjustments. Having attended the Adjusters
Training as a new teacher, I found the practical learning
styles very helpful. was useful for that as well as being able
to be in a classroom with a teacher once a week. Since
Adjusters also rotate and work with in-class with different
teachers they are exposed to a variety of teaching methods.
-Clark Murray, Yoga Teacher
Thank you Bodhi Tree Yoga Center for your
support and sponsorship of this issue!
The Bodhi Tree is graciously welcoming to anyone at any stage of his or
her yoga journey. “All of our teachers do so many different things and
bring all of their experiences to the Centre. We see so many students coming to yoga for different reasons from unique backgrounds,” Catherine
says tenderly. “At the heart of our collaborative effort we have seen the
birth of love. Through this effort we have created a place that you can
come and be safe. You will be held. And you will be nourished.”
Inspiring Beautiful Lives
49
Alice Hong
The Bodhi Tree Yoga Centre’s
You bring a lot of philosophy and grace into
your classes. Is that something that was trained
into you, or has it evolved experientially?
A bit of both! Learning about philosophy
and the other limbs and paths of yoga such
as the yamas and niyamas, chant, mantra and meditation have opened me up to
explore and enquire about deep questions
that have been with me since I was a young
girl such as Who am I? and Why am I here?
I had spent years circling the globe trying to
answer these questions that are alive within
me and the teachings of yoga provide a context to explore this. What I share in class is
inspired and transmitted to me by my many
teachers, shared through the lens of my own
limited experience and understanding. It’s
evolved over time…it’s continually evolving!
Describe your relationship with the Bodhi
Tree Yoga Centre?
I cannot think of anything else that I could
ask for in a relationship with a studio. I
started there as a student over 10 years ago
and have been teaching for the last three.
The Tree is my home away from home, a
nourishing and welcoming space for me
to land again and again. I can always show
up as I am; on the days I feel joyful and
bright, I can go in and be bright! On
the days that I am challenged, I have
a place to do “my work”. I feel supported to show up as my fully
human self. Catherine, Lisa
and all the teachers have a
great capacity to hold space for each other,
to listen deeply and offer supportive and
insightful reflection that helps each of us on
our personal and professional paths. I am
grateful to be a part of this big family!
Many of the programs, workshops, and even
drop-in classes you host tend to offer support
and service to your students. Why is that
important to you?
A teacher of mine said to me, “As a yoga
teacher, you’re not there to create an experience for someone. You’re there to create a
space for people to have an experience for
themselves.” This has stuck with me because
holding supportive space and being of service
through love, honesty and sincerity, in the best
way I can, is all I have to offer. When leading
a class, program, training, women’s circle etc,
I often pause and ask myself a few questions:
What is my intention for doing this? Does it
serve the community and my highest self, or
does it service my ego? Am I leading from a
place of lack (within myself ) or a place of love?
I feel we are of service to each other all the
time. This is what I love about being in community; I have many mirrors to help me see
myself more clearly. I grow and expand so
much through being with others. Together,
we celebrate when we’re high on life and
grieve together when we’re in pain. To be able
to witness each others’ lives like this is precious.
Do you have any advice for those who are new
to their yoga practice?
Embrace it all! The joys and challenges, the
bliss and the sadness, whatever comes up in
your practice, allow it to surface. The yoga
mat is a playing field where you get to see
yourself show up in your myriad of ways and
the practice offers the great opportunity to
love yourself as you are.
When you take your shoes and your coat
off, peel off the layers of your day, your
masks, any holding of who you think you
need to be. In our culture, we’re often asked
to not show-up fully human. You see it in
our media all the time. There are underlying fears that keep each of us locked into a
limited expression of who we are. The class
setting offers a sacred place where you have
the invitation to let go. Allow yourself to
explore this invitation – it can be the
most liberating thing in the world.
The Bodhi Tree has been that place
for me- I fall apart and I fall back
together, and ultimately, remember that I am already whole.
on Poser’s Free Downloadable issue from
Photograph by Sean de Lima
44
50
How did you come to the practice of yoga?
I did my first class in 2000. I had recently graduated from high school, and
was just about to go to university. For most of my life I’ve had a very curious
spirit and I have always been, in many ways, a seeker; a big part of my personal
evolution has been a feeling of longing. When I was younger, it was more in
the form of What’s the new work out I can try? What’s the new, hip thing to
do. I have always really loved being in my body. I went to my first yoga class
and, like many others, fell in love with it right away. Looking back, I think it’s
because yoga gave me an opportunity to be in my body and become present
in a way that wasn’t competitive. I might not have realized that presence was
the big draw to the practice, but I recognized that I’d leave class feeling calmer
and more at ease.
How did you know you wanted to become a yoga teacher?
Before I took my first training, I lived in Tanzania working on international
development. I had gone through a really tough year- it was probably the
darkest year of my life thus far. I went through a bad break-up, made some
choices that I wouldn’t make now, and generally felt really lost and angry. I
felt as though I had gone across the world in search of something that wasn’t
there. While abroad there weren’t any yoga classes available to me. Amongst
my peers I had the most yoga experience and they asked me to lead weekly
yoga classes at the local gym. It was a lot of fun! Back then I didn’t know that
I wanted to be a yoga teacher until a teacher named Randall O’leary came and
offered a workshop in Tanzania. I had been away from a yoga community for
over a year, and the workshop nourished me. Before he left, Randall offered
me a very generous gift: a full scholarship to his first teacher training in Thailand. It was an opportunity that I could not pass up.
When did your collaboration with the Bodhi Tree begin?
I’ve been a student with the Tree since 2004. It’s always been a home to me.
The beauty and simplicity of the space feels exquisite. After practicing there for
a few years I had the opportunity to start subbing in 2010. Shortly after that
I left to go travelling again to the Omega Center in New York. After I came
home I officially started teaching a permanent class in 2012.
The Bodhi Tree has a mandate to appeal to all five senses. As a teacher, one way
you can bring a lot of personality to classes is by the music you play. How do you
choose your music?
Music is another tool that teachers can use to cue a class. Music resonates with
us on a level that doesn’t require words. The first chord your hear on a piano,
or the first note that’s played on a violin, can capture you in a way that’s indescribable. I do my best to very mindfully choose what I play. It shouldn’t be
a distraction; rather it should support the environment for a yogi to dive in,
instead of dive out. That doesn’t mean it needs to be slow and somber the
whole time. It can be upbeat with a good base! Pratyahara, sensory withdrawal, teaches us to disconnect from the senses and go into our own inner
worlds. By engaging with our five senses we confront that we are embodied
in human form and we have senses. We can realize our senses as tools that can
help us interact with the sacredness of life.
51
You are involved with a teacher training. What does that look like?
In September we’re starting our first 300-hour teacher training, which is really
exciting. I co-teach with Nora Maskey, who has been a great friend and mentor of mine over many years. I am lucky to teach with her. Nora is a wealth of
knowledge, information and wisdom. David Budrow, my partner, is teaching the
meditation portion of the course, and he too draws from a deep well of inspiration. The training gives us the chance to dive deeper into the things that really
ignite our passion. Nora is more like the science of yoga and I am more like the
arts. We make a good combination. It seems there’s a lot of spaciousness to bring
creativity into our 300-hour training.
Why did you start your Yoga Teacher Mentorship program?
Over the years I’ve been approached by a number of students, who have taken
their teacher trainings, who’ve said they want to learn more about teaching. 200
hours sounds like a lot at the start, but it goes by so quickly! Speaking with other
teachers and students, we managed to determined what exactly they wanted to
learn further; adjusting, efficient and effective phrasing, sequencing, and theming were a few of the big ones. We also wanted to address fears and self doubts
that come up as teachers. There’s a technical component that includes building
useful skills, but there’s also a deep-inquiry component. The course is based over
twelve weeks and ends with a practicum. Each teacher gets to lead a class, and
we all go to support each other. We also give honest and reflective feedback. At
the heart of the program, it’s our greatest joy to help teachers find out what their
greatest talents are and how they are unique as a teacher.
52
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• +300 Program held over 8
offering excellence in training
weekends plus one evening
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4/4
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4/5
4:00PM
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apryl dawn
mallory chapmen
4/10
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KARMA YOGA CALGARY
4/11
1:30PM
UNION ATHLETICA
kate love
jennifer mehalko
4/14
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LULULEMON 4TH ST. RUN CLUB
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raf lopez
tish duffy
4/17
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jilaine beddoe, kate mak
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4/26
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jonathan campbell
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classes by donation, find the full schedule here: http://on.fb.me/1W8D935
53
Author: Maya Lewandowsky
Freeing Your Natural Voice
Many people say “I cannot sing,” as if it is
sing at the same time. Funnily enough, after a
likely in childhood when our values and iden-
a conclusive, simple fact about themselves
few years I felt I had sold my soul to the devil! I
tity were still being formed. An adult parent,
that cannot change. Instead, I believe every-
had immersed myself in popular entertainment
teacher, or care giver could have reacted neg-
one can sing. Simply, most of us haven't been
culture (including acting on TV shows), which
atively when they heard us singing or play-
taught how to sing. I teach people how to
didn't connect with my deeper creative drives.
ing with our voice. Societal beliefs like 'girls
free their natural voice. I want to share what
should be quiet' and 'boys should be confi-
I have learned about my own voice and my
Though I can't deny I gained great skills
dent when speaking' are ingrained in our
thoughts about this complex and mysterious
through musical theatre, I was still looking
collective psyches. The opinions of others
area of human expression.
for more. I then trained with vocal teachers
regarding our voices, either positive or neg-
and speech therapists. Finally, I moved into
ative determine how we perceive our voice,
classical singing, and trained in opera. I loved
whether we like it or not.
From Dance to Voice
the virtue and athleticism of the classical
As a dancer trained from a young age, my raw
techniques, and my voice range grew wider.
inner fire was tamed somewhat by the grace
In the process of growing up through our
teenage years to adulthood, we change emo-
and discipline of ballet. I spent hours upon
After 15 years of a wonderful career in Israel
tionally, physically and mentally. We began
hours repeating techniques for core strength
and Europe, I decided to move to Canada in
losing the care free attitude of childhood
and refinement of movement. This increased
2002. Arriving in Calgary as a fresh stranger,
and became more confused, frustrated, shy,
my body intelligence. Instead of being con-
I started again from zero, and it has been my
angry, suppressed or depressed. As adults,
sumed by fire, I used the fire combined with
home since then. I have also enjoyed teach-
we feel easily ashamed and exposed. We usu-
discipline. This allowed me to shine with a
ing dance and voice at the School of Alberta
ally don't know who we are, what we should
deeper energy that entertained my audiences.
Ballet, the University of Calgary Dance fac-
be, or how to show up in the world.
However, I felt something was missing in my
ulty and privately. My company, LaCaravan
dance career. Like typical dancers, I spent
Dance Theatre, creates “dance operas” with
most of my time in the studio, and on stage,
contemporary dance, ballet and live vocals.
Freeing the Natural Voice
I've found that everyone has an authentic,
silent and muted.
From my experience and multi-disciplinary
unique voice, and that it can be brought out from
This all changed one creative day when I
training, I have found that the best way to
beneath the layers of confinement and fear.
experimented with a wireless microphone
free the voice is to focus on the body as an
attached to my body. During this session,
instrument and the breath as the source.
The voice is a symptom, a result, and a mir-
I discovered unique 'breath' and the natu-
The metaphor is like how the wind blowing
ror of our soul. Our bodies are like a memory
ral sounds of my body while dancing. This
through a flute creates sound. Many of my
bank, like a battery that needs to be charged.
reminded me of tribal cultures using a com-
students have needed different approaches,
If our body is not fully functioning, our instru-
bination of dance, breath and sound in ritual,
whether they are young or old, beginners
ment is affected and we can not sing freely
such as throat singing, native chanting, man-
or advanced. Some students have needed
and naturally. This is why I focus on body
tras and oral story telling.
to overcome physical dysfunctions, mental
awareness when teaching people to sing.
and emotional fears and self judgment. My
From then on, the rebel in me began to
Calgary studio has become like a laboratory
We all have a voice, we all have a heart, we
defy the classical aesthetics of traditional
experimenting in voice expression. I can see
all can sing. I believe that when we free our
dance, and I started to introduce work that
and hear immediate results when the com-
voice, a healing takes place for ourselves, and
challenged my physicality while singing. I
bined body and breath is made a key founda-
for others, and for the planet.
became the first dancer in my dance company
tion in voice training.
in Israel that was asked to sing. Choreography
brought wailing voices combined with dark
low throaty sounds out of my body.
What Are The Biggest Fears
People Have Around Their Voice?
Maya’s Free Your Natural Voice Training can
be found at: www.freeyournaturalvoice.com
She is also the artistic director of LaCaravan
Dance Theater (www.lacaravan.com) and
I wanted to explore these mysterious voices
I notice that people feel they can't or won't
teaches body and voice awareness at the
more deeply, so I decided to pursue Musical
sing for various reasons. One of the reasons
Dharma Hub: www.dharmahub.ca
Theatre. This helped me learn to dance and
is some kind of trauma from the past, most
54
NATURAL
ICE
VAO
N
N TURRA
VVOICE
OUURR
FFRREEEEYYO
AL
If you set your body in
motion it will heal itself.
OP &
WORKSH
G
COACHIN
PRIVATE
Journey through the 5Rhythms®
of Flowing, Staccato, Chaos,
Lyrical and Stillness with thoughtful
instruction and eclectic music.
P H&ING
OC
HA
Maya E KCSO
PRIVWAOTR
SG
OHPIN
AC
SH
Lewandowsky’s
KO
TERC
PR&IVWAO
distinction as a
singer & dancer has
Maya
Maya
seen her performing
Lewandowsky’s
Lewa
ndowsky’s
& touring
distinction
asaa
distin
ction as
professionally
singer
dancer
has
singe
r &&danc
in Europe,
N er has
seenher
herperfo
performing
seen
rming
America and Asia
touring
&&
tourin
g
for over 20 years.
professionally
profe
ally
Her ssion
inspirational
in
Europe,
North
inteaching
Europe, N
style will
America
and
Asia
Amer
ica and
increase
yourAsia
vocal
over2020years
years.
forfor
over
.
range,
vocal style
Herinspir
inspirational
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ation
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and confidence.
teaching
stylewill
will
teach
ing style
increase
yourvoca
vocall
incre
ase your
range,
vocal
style
range, vocal style
and confidence.
http://freeyournaturalvoice.com
Evangelos is a certified 5Rhythms® facilitator and
meditation teacher who trained directly with movement
shaman Gabrielle Roth. He has been continuously studying
with meditation master Achariya Doug Duncan of the
Namgyal Lineage since 2002. His students enjoy his
diverse explorations and creative atmosphere combining
a sense of adventure and safety, while weaving a delicate
chemistry of humour and intensity.
NEXT WORKSHOP: NOV, 8-10 2013
403.969.1909 | MEDITATIONMOVES.CA
[email protected]
MAYA | 403.471.7707 | [email protected]
NEXT
WORKSHOP:
NOV,
8-10 2013
NEX
T WO
RKSHO:PNO
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0 2013
MAYA
| 403.471.7707 | [email protected]
MAY
A| 403.
471.7707 | [email protected]
PLANETARY AWAKENING
M ay 2 2 - 2 4 | 2 2 3 2 B OW N E S S R D N W, W E ST H I L L H U RST
Discourses on Deep Sustainability
( Fr i d ay 7- 9 p m & S a tu r d ay 10 a m - 12 p m )
Green Tara Initiation
( S u n d ay 9 : 3 0 a m - 12 p m )
Jo i n D h a r m a t e a ch e r C a t h e r i n e Pawa s a r a t fo r a we e ke n d
ex p l o r a t i o n o f “ P l a n e t a r y Awa ke n i n g .”
C a t h e r i n e w i l l c ove r s u ch q u e s t i o n s a s :
•• W h a t n e e d s t o s h i ft fo r h u m a n s t o l i ve i n b a l a n c e a n d
h a r m o ny w i t h t h e p l a n e t ?
• H ow c a n we s u p p o r t t h i s p r o c e s s i n o u r d ay- t o - d ay l i ve s ?
• H ow d o e s t h e c o n c e p t o f s u s t a i n a b i l i t y t r a n s l a t e t o o u r
mind states?
C a t h e r i n e w i l l a l s o g i v e a G r e e n Ta r a I n i t i a t i o n ( Wo n g k u r ) i n t h e Ti b e t a n B u d d h i s t
t r a d i t i o n . G r e e n Ta r a i s t h e f e m a l e B o d h i s a t t v a o r a r c h e t y p e o f e n l i g h t e n e d a c t i v i t y,
and related to mother nature, plants, animals and the eco- system in which we live. The
initiation is a celebration in itself, and also provides an energetic transmission upon
which one can develop further practice.
MORE INFO: [email protected] | Ruth: 587.327.0207 | Stephen 403.585.9202 | dharmahub.ca
55
IS THE WORLD TODAY HAPPY OR SAD? WHY DOES THIS QUESTION DRAW SO MUCH ATTENTION?
Happiness: Can it be Learned?
Author: Angela Sahota
The Centre for Studies of Living Standards,
In terms of background, the Happiness Pro-
in its 2010 report entitled Does Money Mat-
gram was introduced to Canadians in 1981.
ter? Determining the Happiness of Canadi-
The founder of AOL, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar,
ans concluded that “We find that household
a world renowned humanitarian, philan-
income is a relatively weak determinant of
thropist, ambassador of peace and spiritual
individual happiness. Perceived mental and
teacher believes that “…only when people are
The United Nations released the first World
physical health status as well as stress levels
happy and contented in themselves, will they
Happiness Report in 2012 (the “Report”) in
and sense of belonging are better predictors
feel empowered to foster these same senti-
preparation for its first Conference on Hap-
of happiness.”
ments of co-operation, sharing and caring in
piness and Well-being. The 150 page Report
their communities.” His philosophy is that”…
analyzed data gathered from the Gallup
It went on to say that “We find that the most
enough contented people will ultimately
World Poll, based upon the life-evaluation
important reason for geographical variations
blossom into a contented community.”
results which asked people to describe their
in happiness in Canada is differences in the
“happiness” based on a scale of zero to 10.
sense of belonging to local communities,
The principles and techniques taught in
which is generally higher in small CMAs,
the Happiness Program truly drive home
rural areas, and Atlantic Canada”.
these invaluable sentiments. The program
The UN commissioned the Report after
adopting Bhutan's call for a holistic approach
teaches breathing techniques, meditation
to development. In rejecting GDP (gross
Clearly we all want to be
domestic product) as the only way to mea-
happy, so what is stopping
effectively cope with stress. The wisdom
have championed a new approach to devel-
us? Have we just fallen into
when imbibed into one’s behavior, empower
opment, which measures prosperity through
the “habit” of being unhappy?
and equip you to address the challenges
happiness) and the spiritual, physical, social
As a big-city-girl working in corporate Can-
depression and separation head on…and
and environmental health of its citizens and
ada, my life was essentially an endless array
that has certainly been my experience.
natural environment.
of stressful challenges. In my forties I found
sure progress, in its place, the Bhutanese
formal principles of GNH (gross national
practices, yoga, and practical wisdom to
and techniques, so simple and practical,
of stress and feelings of powerlessness,
myself questioning how I could reduce the
I took my first Happiness Program in
Do Canadians Even Need to Engage in the
stress in my life without having to change
2005. Until then, I considered my work to
Happiness Debate?
careers and/or residence.
be the root cause of my stress, negativity
After all, we ranked 5th place in the World
Strange as it may sound, I found the answers
the only way out was to change careers. I
Happiness Rankings, isn’t that proof
to these questions and many more in a course
have been practicing the breathing tech-
enough that we’re all happy! Well, not quite.
aptly named the Happiness Program offered
niques now for over 9 years and can tell
We still need to account for why national
by the Art of Living Foundation (“AOL”).
you that my smile seldom fades through-
and general unhappiness, and believed
statistics relating to mental illness and
depression, gang violence, drug addiction,
out the day (…even on a bad day!). I’ve
Happiness: Can it be learned?
and bullying and violence in schools all
bad the day is going, but rather, my reac-
continue to rise. Does our level of national
According to AOL, it certainly can and they
income really accurately reflect our nation’s
have the smiles to prove it. In fact, it was the
health and well-being?
“smiles” which first attracted my attention.
learned that it’s not about how good or
56
tion to the day’s challenges.
So what changed? I did!
As I practiced the techniques on a daily basis
As I opened myself up to connecting with my
time tested practice which uses rhythms of
and “lived” the knowledge, I found myself
co-workers and collegues, I noticed this cor-
breath to eliminate stress, support the var-
smiling for no reason, and looking for ways
responding shift my attitude. I was smiling
ious organs and systems within the body,
to be helpful and kind for my own selfish
more often and my negativity was giving way
effortlessly transform overpowering negative
motives: because it made me feel good. I
to trust and happiness.
emotions such anger, frustration and depres-
was connecting with people in ways I never
Happiness! It is not something that can be
sion, and restore peace of mind, leaving you
thought of doing before.
explained, it is not a concept to be analyzed,
feeling calm, energized, focused and relaxed.
it can only be experienced.
Immediately, I saw myself becoming more
To date, the practice of SKY has been taught
The Happiness Program
to over 2 million people across the globe
throw me into emotional turmoil no lon-
The Happiness Program will take you to the
Other practical instructions taught as part of
ger triggered fear and anxiety. I found
point where you effortless reconnect to the
this Happiness Program are valuable skills
myself detaching from my emotionally
one inexhaustible source of joy – You.
for managing negative emotions and chal-
alert and aware of my thoughts. Challenging circumstances, which would normally
charged reactions; stepping back to take
lenging situations, for improving focus and
a breath or two allowed me observe from a
The “how” is easier than you think… here’s a
productivity at work and strengthening rela-
different perspective.
clue: the key to happiness is under your nose.
tionships.
I started to notice a shift in my attitude,
Ask any AOL teacher how one acquires an
Happiness! Why not give it try? What have
which had become quite negative and
unshakeable smile and you will get the sim-
you got to lose?
jaded with age. I first encountered the term
plest yet most profound answer: by using the
“belongingness’ in the Happiness Program
breath. It’s just that easy.
Written by Angela Sahota A lawyer by profession, and an active volunteer with AOLF
and thought it a strange concept. In fact,
it made me feel quite uncomfortable. Even
Have you ever noticed that your breathing
since 2005, my meditation routine includes
though I was popular and made friends with
patterns change according to the feelings
the daily practice of SKY (Sudarshan Kriya
ease, I still felt alone.
you are experiencing? When you are angry,
Yoga) as taught by AOL teachers’ worldwide.
your breath becomes shallow and short.
I am still not sure how this new “me” came
When you are relaxed, you take long, deep
“The stress of my professional world was over-
about, but my next statement is likely the
breaths. The obvious conclusion is that the
whelming until I started practicing SKY and
most profound comment I have ever made:
breath is influenced by how you feel. So the
meditation which relaxed my mind, returned
you cannot be happy until you feel like you
next question is: can our negative emotions
my smile, and I discovered that volunteering
“belong”.
be transformed by our breath?
is a beautiful way to de-stress the mind and
honor your life!”
Belongingness is simply feel-
Certainly.
ing you are connected to
The breathing techniques taught as part of
another person. The truth of
the Happiness Program help to restore life's
the matter is that we are all
natural rhythm.
interdependent. We pride
Still Not Convinced? The transformative
ourselves on being indepen-
Happiness Program is referred to as SKY.
dent, not realizing that it is
our interdependence which
brings us the most joy.
breathing technique taught as part of the
SKY, better known as Sudarshan Kriya
Yoga, is a uniquely powerful and effective
breathing technique that uses specific, natural rhythms to get you “unstuck”. It is a
57
Sewing the Seed
“I had been saving money to purchase a big screen TV, and was ready
to buy it with just over a thousand dollars. For the six years before that,
I knew I wanted to start Seed but had never taken the plunge,” says Blake
Ward, creator of Seed Yoga. “I asked myself, ‘What will the next ten years
look like if I buy that TV? What will they look like if I start Seed Yoga?’
And instead of buying that TV, I bought a serger and started sewing.”
From a young age, Blake had an interest in sewing and fashion. In his
late teens, he pursued a career as a professional hockey player, playing as a WHL star, a Team Canada gold medalist and an NHL draftee.
By age twenty-one, Blake had lived the pro athlete lifestyle and then
went to school at the University of Lethbridge where he was able to
take introductory fashion classes.
Seed Yoga was born as Blake acquainted himself with his serger at his
kitchen table. Despite having minimal sewing experience, he started
designing his first fashion line with many rejected prototypes along
the way. Now, a new collection is launched every sic months including the recent, colourful Martini Tank. Everything is produced within
Canada, and Blake has personally designed each collection. “From the
very start, I’ve said that this has to be the best clothing on the planet.
We refuse to compromise on that,” he says. “It’s top qaulity, from the ecologically sensitive fabrics we use, to functionally brilliant designs, to the
incredible comfort and mobility you feel when wearing Seed Yoga.”
Dedicated to protecting the environment and not wasting precious
resources, Seed Yoga maintains a ‘No Tags, No Bags’ policy. Every
article of Seed Yoga clothing comes with a multipurpose ‘Seed Bookmark’ —illustrated by a local designer—in place of a tag. The bookmark
is attached to the garment by a bracelet with a dragon blood jasper bead.
Thank You Junction 9: Yoga & Pilates for offering your location for our photo shoot
Photos by Katie Novak Photography
In May/June 2014 Blake ran a successful Kickstarter campaign to
raise money needed to expand the company. The capital earned went
directly toward the production of Seed Yoga’s second collection. Recognizing the support of his clients and Kickstarter backers, Blake
feels grateful to the community for helping Seed Yoga to grow.
58
YogaVentures is bridging the gap between
urban existence and the natural world.
Whether on a guided hike or a lesson in studio,
YogaVentures offers the unique opportunity to re-connect with
nature, combined with the practice of yoga.
www.yogaventures.ca • 403.970.LIVE
Bay 5, 2403 33rd Ave SW (Marda Loop) Calgary Alberta
Calgary’s First Eco Friendly Yoga Studio
& Outdoor Adventure Company
Our first YogaVenture
will be Saturday April 25th
(9:30am-2:30pm)
transportation provided.
Contact for more details
or sign up online
seedyoga.ca
Designed in Calgar y. Made in Canada.
59
Stories from members of the Yoga Thrive Community
I consider myself a little bit of a control freak. So when I was diagnosed with breast cancer for a second time, all control seemed to
disappear. It is a scary feeling- thinking you have no control, until
you realize there are still some things you can control. I choose to
control how the cancer affects my life.
Connecting with your body and mind has amazing healing
This journey I am now embarking on is a totally different journey
than the first and the decisions I need to make are about the physical, for now. This is where I will make the decision to lose a part of
myself by having a double mastectomy, in order to live a long and
healthy life. It is not a decision made lightly, since I really only need
powers for many types of situations and circumstances
that a person could face. As this connection is very
central to the practice of yoga, it was with this firm belief,
along with research and evidence, that became the inspiration of a unique yoga program for cancer survivors.
to remove one breast. Do I want to deal with this diagnosis again?
Absolutely not! My head knows it is the right thing to do, but my heart
hurts so much. My heart will heal and understand, eventually.
I do not pretend that this diagnosis is not completely scary, or unexpected to me, and I struggle with the emotional side of this journey I
must take. Once again, I chose to reach out and ask for help to get me
through. I know with complete certainty that my physical body will
heal, but it is my emotional self I am more worried about. I will not
Inspire Calm
Guide Connection
Relieve Stress
Offer Peace
let the cancer destroy all that I am or how I see the world or myself. I
choose to fight back with all my might.
I am very blessed in so many ways, and I am surrounded by those
who love and care for me: family, friends, doctors, nurses and colleagues. I will be drawing on their strength and support to help
guide me through. It can be a lonely journey if you allow it. I choose
to embrace the strength that I know I have, and that of others who
choose to help me through. I cannot forget to mention God who
plays one of the biggest roles in my life, even though I do not give
Him enough credit or thank Him enough for all the blessings of my
life! In my heart, I know He walks each and every step with me, and
Join Tyla Arnason and
Dr. Nicole Culos-Reed for
Yoga Thrive Teacher Training.
This 32 Hour Training will
show you therapeutic yoga
techniques for working with
this specialized population.
For further information email Tyla at
I love Him for his unconditional love.
Having been down the breast cancer road once before, I know there is
[email protected]
a light at the end of the tunnel. I just need to get to the other side of all
the physical and emotional stuff and keep moving forward. I choose
The Yoga Thrive program provides a therapeutic and healing
to look into the future rather than the past. The past teaches great
place for cancer survivors. It’s a place to get in touch with the
lessons, but the future is what I look forward to. The future is where
body and mind, it is a supportive community, and it helps a
my hopes and dreams live and I choose to live and share them with all
person to find emotional healing for the struggles a person
who choose to be a part of my life!
with cancer may endure.
~Gale M.
60
For more information on the Yoga Thrive program,
visit www.thriveforcancersurvivors.com
You Are
What You Believe
Author: Lorraine Press
"bitch" or "lazy" and are often
thing positive that happens in
those who imparted these neg-
the seeds of where our limiting
a new relationship or maybe
ative judgments on you, never
beliefs started.
it’s sparked by the inspirational
really knew you (or their own
words of a song. It could also be
true self for that matter).
Society tends to leave the average
that you are inspired by a yoga
and the ordinary alone. Standing
teacher who imparts such kind-
It's easy to see how our power
You are what you believe. The
out in any way, be it for our great-
ness and compassion, that the
can become blocked—controlled
questions is, why do you believe
ness, uniqueness or our human
voice of your inner critic is tem-
by other's opinions, suppressed
what you do? Where did those
imperfections, can unfortunately
porarily silenced. These oppor-
out of fear of being ridiculed,
beliefs come from? Are they
be a magnet for criticism, judg-
tunities prompt you to take the
these inner voices are our limit-
serving you in expressing and
ment, jealousy and unwanted
first step in connecting with your
ing beliefs.
living your most authentic life?
attention. Common sense tells
personal power. You start to
Are they limiting you? Restrict-
us that by the time we reach a
become a little bit more aware of
Personal power means that you
ing you from achieving a life that
certain age we should be past
the falseness of your inner critic.
find the inner strength and cour-
you most want to live?
our childhood fears, phobias and
You begin to question your old
age to be, as well as express, your
our limiting beliefs. By then we
limiting thoughts and beliefs
true self at all times. It's being
Many full grown adults, some-
should have the inner strength
that are telling you what you are
congruent with the things that are
times years after being out of
to not let those things bother us
or are not.
most important to you, your core
school, still struggle with the
or interfere with what we really
results of peer pressure and
want to achieve. I have found
Someone had to tell you that
is your ability to make choices for
feeling the need to please or fit
in my Reiki practice, as well as
you were "a phony", "a bitch"
the good of yourself and others
it. Others are plagued with self
in my own life, common sense
or "lazy". No one, as a child,
involved in a situation. Making
doubt and insecurity, caused by
tends to have little to do with it.
ever wakes up one day and
the choice to be in control of what
being bullied or teased. Harsh
These false judgments, that were
tells themselves that. If you
you believe and who you are is a
comments and judgments made
repeatedly told to us overtime,
think back to who, or maybe
necessary step in giving you back
by people important to us, be
eventually become internalized.
where, you first started to hear
your personal power.
they an authority, parents or
They become an unquestioned
these judgments, you'll begin
coaches, can pack deep wounds.
perspective of who we believe we
to understand where these
Self reflection, meditation and
are and what we are capable of.
scars came from. More impor-
Reiki are some of the many tools
tantly, the deeper that you look
available to help you continue on
Labels and judgments of "the
values and your heart's desires. It
jock", "the pretty girl" or "the
Ideally one day a trigger, or more
at the sources of these scars,
the path towards a balanced, ful-
fat kid", were translated directly
accurately, an opportunity pres-
the more obvious their origins
filling and self empowered life.
as "dumb", "phony", "stuck-up",
ents itself. Whether it's some-
might become.
61
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62
“I Love My Droopy Pelvis!” (said no one, ever)
PROTECTING THE BACK WITH THE CORE
Author: Matthew Thiel
Does your lower back have discomfort in plank, back bends,
the spine long. Never move into pain. Move with calm
or chaturanga? How about while simply standing still? Is it
breath. Rinse. Repeat. We’re aiming to have muscles work
easy to shrug off spinal discomfort as “normal?” Muscular
directly below the belly button in the lower-abdominals.
engagement can change how the back feels during things
If you feel your lower-back or hip-flexors doing most of
like exercise, lifting objects, and standing. This doesn’t nec-
the work, readjust or immediately take a break from the
essarily mean we need to do countless crunches to improve
movement. It’s easy to disengage the hips while lowering
our wellbeing; it means we have to rethink our relationship
the feet, so move mindfully. It’s better to move the legs
between our hips and abdominal muscles. Today, we’re going
only a few degrees with proper engagement, rather
to look at rectus abdominus.
than letting the muscles collapse in order to move the
To understand the muscle engagement we are looking for,
legs in a broader arch.
we have to understand the muscle. Rectus abdominis is the
Something to try while seated at your desk: sit tall on
hidden six-pack under our fun. It is only part of the orches-
the tips of your sitz bones (ischial tuberosity), extend
tra that makes up the core. It attaches from the “pubic bone”
through the crown. Bring awareness to the lower
(pubic crest and pubic symphysis) to the lower ribs (costal
back; can the arch be reduced by either lengthen-
cartilage of ribs 5-7 and xiphoid process). For any muscle
ing the tailbone downward or smoothing the low
activation, attachment points have to “pull” closer together.
ribs ribs toward the hips? How has the sensation
The rectus abdominis creates a crunch-type motion (flexion
in the back changed?
of the trunk), angles the pelvis backwards (posterior pelvic
tilt), creates compression, and partners with other muscles to
create stabilization of our trunk (abdomen).
To incorporate this into your Yoga practice: while in plank (from either palms or
forearms) engage your core strength
The back relieving movement is subtle. Imagine a pair of
by finding your pelvic suspenders.
suspenders attached from the top of the hips to the low
Low belly muscles will lift toward
ribs. These suspenders will work 3-5 out of 10. While sta-
your spine and the lumbar curve
bilizing the front of the ribs and hips in a line, lengthen
will lengthen. Be aware, locked-
long through the lower back while maintaining a slight
out knees can prevent the hips
lumbar arch. When the ribs flare or the hips tip forward,
from finding an effective tilt. You
whatever weight the abdominals were supporting is then
can extend strongly through the heels
transposed into the spine. This is a bad habit that many
while adding a slight bend to the knee. This pro-
need to break. The challenge for others is becoming
vides space for movement of the hips and transfers
aware of their lower abdominals.
the load of body-weight from the spine to the core mus-
Lower-Abdominal Awareness Exercise: Knee-Lifts
I. Starting on your back, bend the knees to ninety degrees
with the heels on the floor.
cles. Remember, if your lower-spine is moaning, check
in with your pelvic suspenders. Using deep, balanced
inhales try to extend and expand the entire upper body.
II. Lengthen the lower back to the point of almost flat
Be mindful, abdominals get tired and need stretching
while maintaining a slight lumbar arch. Shoulders blades
too. Back bends can offer an effective release to the active
move down the back of the rib cage. For some people,
muscles. As you move into your back bends, borrow the
“the suspender” analogy offers a clear cue. For some, it’s
hip lifting/tilting action, sustaining slight engagement
easier to imagine moving the tops of the hips towards the
throughout the core.
low ribs. For others, focus of lengthening the tail bone
towards the feet. We are not “scooping” the tailbone
under, or between the legs.
III. Maintaining an extended spine, slowly lift one or
both knees towards the chest and then lightly lower the
heels to ground. Keep the knees at ninety-degrees and
In many ways, pain and discomfort is our bodies trying
to communicate with us. The next time you are standing and your back begins to complain, consider bending
slightly at the knees and lengthening the spine. This simple action will save your spine a lot of grief.
63
What can you do when you have to stay at your desk and get the
job done?
Try this: as you read these words start to exhale. Please slow down
your exhale. Pause for a moment and relax your throat. Exhale a bit
more. Pause. Exhale a bit more. Pause. Continue interrupting your
Chained to the Desk
R E C L A I M Y O U R B O D Y ’ S P O W E R AT T H E O F F I C E
Author: Maya Posavec
exhale until you reach the complete bottom of your breath. Now
indulge in a huge, nutritious inhale. Repeat three times and then
check in with how you feel.
Yes! The movement of your breath can create massive physical
changes in your body (even while you sit). It’s the easiest way to create flow while sitting. Your first line of defence against a “sedentary
You can feel it: day in and day out, the long hours of sitting at your
energy drain attack” is deep, controlled breath. Most of us use a very
desk are draining your life force. You sit all day and then come home
small percent of our lung power and usually depend on vigorous
tired and just feel like sitting some more. How can that be? You would
movement to inspire the lungs into deeper breathing.
think you would have extra reserves of energy from all the resting,
right?
Pranayama (breath control), the foundation principle in a strong
meditative yoga practice, offers you the reverse effect, even at your
There is no doubt about it: the body is designed to be a “movement
desk. Start with deep controlled breath and observe your energy lev-
machine.” From a very simplified perspective, the body is a bunch of
els rise. Breath can inspire more movement. It is movement!
pumps, levers, and tubes that depend on movement to keep things
flowing. For example, the lymphatic system, very simply described,
Okay, now try this: start to slowly inhale. Pause. Inhale a bit more.
is designed to clean your body’s blood and tissue and in so doing,
Pause and continue stalling out your inhale until you feel completely
aid your immune system to stay strong and ready to fight disease.
full. Hold. Float. Relax your throat. Inhale a bit more right at the top.
The lymphatic system is much like your circulatory system just with-
Now exhale vigorously. It’s normal to feel a bit dizzy. Repeat again
out a heart. The major tubes or vessels of this system meet at nodes,
and check in with your energy level and mood.
balls of tissue that can be looked at like little filtration centres. These
cleaning factories are strategically located at major joints like your
Start interjecting these breath techniques when you feel low energy
underarms and groin area. Why? These vessels and nodes depend
and observe heightened focus to the job done. These breaths can
on muscular contraction to keep the fluid (lymph) circulating. The
inspire natural stretching, like raising your arms above your head and
lymphatic vessels are dependent on the contractions of the skeletal
pointing and flexing the feet. Keep using these techniques and give
muscles to pump optimal health around your body.
yourself full permission to step away from the desk when stuck. Walk
a bit. Do a forward fold and roll up nice and slow. Reset.
So, the less you move, the less you like to move. The reason is that
These cleansing and energizing breath techniques are a gift to your
your tubes and pumps have become backed up, and these toxins sit in
body when you must sit. Invite your breath to give you the strength
the body and congest the “flow of energy,” so to speak.
to focus at the desk while still reserving the inspiration to move more!
64
Yoga for Golfers
Author: Tyla Arnason
“We don’t believe there is one way to swing a club; we believe there are an infinite number of ways to swing a club. But we do believe that there is one
efficient way for all golfers to swing a club and it is based on what they can physically do” -Titleist Performance Institute
The quest for the perfect golf swing has
ture and enough mobility and stability to
swing. Yoga twists will help golfers achieve
been an eternal one and will likely remain
maintain that posture throughout the swing.
more mobility and stability but studies have
so. The golf swing is one of the most studied
They require muscle balance, and good supple
shown that dynamic movement creates
movements in all of sports. Golfers around
joint motion, as well as optimal mobility and
greater gains than static movement before
the globe spend countless amounts of money
stability, especially in the shoulders, lats, and
tee-off. So practice your regular yoga poses,
on lessons, equipment, video analysis, prac-
the cervical and thoracic spine. The thoracic
but when you are headed for the course, use
tice game rounds, and even simulators, all in
spine was designed to rotate better than the
dynamic twists to warm you up, always letting
an effort to attain the so-called perfect swing.
lumbar spine and, coupled with shoulder tilt,
the breath be your guide to movement. When
These approaches can certainly help, but often
it helps facilitate the necessary twisting action
golfers are doing dynamic rotation in twists
what needs to be addressed is, quite simply, the
in the backswing that assists to protect the
that mimic the golf swing, it’s ok if the pelvis
golfer’s own body. More specifically, the body’s
lumbar spine. The lumbar spine only allows
turns into the twist slightly as it does in a real
ability to perform the actions necessary for
about 5 degrees of rotation while the thoracic
golf swing.
the ideal biomechanics of the golf swing. Let’s
spine offers 35 degrees and the cervical spine
leave the technical side of the swing to the golf
up to 50 degrees.
Twists are beneficial for the obvious physical
professionals and instead take a look at what is
reasons stated above, but they are also important
within each individual’s power to change: the
Golf yoga/fitness experts say that every
to a golfer for other reasons. Twists flush fresh
mobility and stability of the body.
decade you’ve lived should translate into 10
blood in and around the organs and muscles of
percent of your mobility program. For exam-
the abdominals, meaning oxygenated blood is
Golf is a rotational sport, no doubt about it.
ple, if you are fifty years old, half of your con-
getting to the muscles most needed for rotational
In its simplest terms the optimal golf swing
ditioning program should be mobility-based.
strength. Along with this, twists help reduce
occurs when the torso and shoulders rotate
To that end, yoga becomes increasingly
stress which can provide a sense of cleansing,
around the spine. Inability to rotate well can
important to facilitate this need for enhanced
which is a vital component for the mental aspect
result in loss of posture, that is to say, signif-
mobility and to balance it with stability.
of the game. Golfers need to be able to let go of
icant alteration of the body’s original set up
When speaking specifically about rotation,
each hole and each shot as they are played and
angles during the swing, from which 65% of
twists and lateral work are especially effec-
move forward, and having a strong clear centre
amateur golfers suffer. The average golfer’s
tive for upper body mobility, disassociation
can assist with this. Twists can also help allevi-
body simply cannot move the way it needs to
and stability. Physical assessments can be
ate back pain and injury, a major issue for golfers.
in order to maintain the swing path. Being
used to measure the efficacy of such work as
As well, from a deeper yogic perspective, twists
able to separate the upper body from the
it relates to improved swing capability. From a
access the Manipura chakra, or the energetic
lower body is referred to as disassociation
yoga perspective, there are two camps when it
area between the navel and solar plexus. This
and is measured by something called X-Fac-
comes to twisting: some teachers instruct for
centre is all about who you are at your core. Not
tor. A golfer’s X-Factor is the difference of
the sacrum and pelvis to turn with the twist,
all golfers are ready to give much thought to their
roation between your shoulders and your
while others tend to guide the twist from the
chakras, but they are usually willing to consider
hips at the top of the backswing and is mea-
navel upward. When golfers practice seated
their energy as they know it. They understand
sured in degrees. To reach full swing poten-
twists and start from the navel, they will get a
that when optimal, this area of the body can fos-
tial, athletes must be able to rotate not only
really clear indication of how well the middle
ter characteristics like confidence, self-discipline,
efficiently, but explosively at their core. To
and upper spine can turn before they add the
reliability, proactiveness vs reactiveness,and hav-
do this safely, without risking the injuries
cervical spine. This is good information for
ing a strong sense of personal power and will.
that can accompany the incredible forces of
moving forward with a program and knowing
Without a doubt, these are definitely the attri-
the swing, a golfer must have adequate pos-
what needs to be done to help enhance their
butes of any skilled and consistent golfer.
65
The Power of Will
Author: Marie Simpson
“Your vision will become clear only when you look into your own
First we listen. Hard. Patiently. Gently. Lovingly. We listen to the
heart. Who looks outside dreams; who looks inside awakens.”
sweet whispers of spirit that emerge from our hearts, to the places
O
– Carl Jung
our minds take us that make us smile, to the deep wisdom of our
subconscious through dream. We listen with open ears ready to hear
h, will power. We’ve had some good times and some pretty
the surprising, the silly, the seemingly impossible. We trust that in
darn rough times. We’ve each won, we’ve each lost. I’m here
those messages lies the potential to really meet ourselves. I listen
to declare a truce, my old friend, to rethink my relationship
best in the bath tub, ears submerged, but for you it may be time in
with you and maybe inspire others to do the same.
nature, meditation, heck, dancing to blaring music that connects
you with your wise inner voice. Listen until you hear it, and when
Will power: The ability to have discipline, to gain control of ourselves,
you hear it, trust it.
to resist temptation. Insert your own flashbacks of rigid diets, rows of
elliptical trainers, tight budgets, or any other time that you’ve had the
Next we try. Diligently. We take that sometimes misplaced will-power,
grandest of plans based on the most well-intentioned of “should’s.”
and we direct it to transform our deepest desires into action. We DO
The ultimate triumph of power over will.
the things that we HEARD when we listened. This is the place for
tapas, for that fiery commitment to ourselves and to our practice that
Of course there are instances in which a little self-control goes a
keeps us stepping one foot in front of the other. Because although
long way (ie. me faced with a block of cheese). Sometimes we have to
we need the heart to help point us in the right direction, without the
invest ourselves in mundane or undesirable work to maintain integ-
action of Shakti at the navel, we continue to stand in one place. And
rity with who we are. And yet there are instances in which we all act
here’s the part that can set us free: it’s ok to get it wrong. This is sim-
from a place of obligation or expectation that cuts us off from our
ply a test drive for the soul, and if this isn’t the right car, those keys
own values and feelings; the times that we all use different versions
can go back and we can try another.
of force to propel us forward on a path that we simply don’t enjoy. The
impact is that we can end up glorifying will-power at the expense of
Then we listen. Again. Honestly. Not to the results of those just-taken
connection to ourselves.
actions, not with the purpose of judging our skill in this new place.
We listen instead to how it feels to be here. Does taking this action
Instead, I’m suggesting we ask more of this: what about the power
make us happy, feel full and alive? Does it bring us closer into contact
of will?
with ourselves, with the people around us? Is it something we’d be
excited to share with the world? My body is my clearest compass at
What about the overwhelm of joy that comes from living our pas-
this point – when I do the thing, when I even think of the thing, what
sions? What about getting into a state of flow, the practice of yoga
happens? It is a tense, contractive feeling, or a light, open, expansive
as a union with our soulful and heart felt action? What about living
one? How am I breathing? Am I breathing?
our lives as an expression of our excitement and letting that powerful energy propel us forward? Why not embrace the potency of deep,
Finally we choose. We use the feedback from our feelings to discern
authentic desire as a worthy call-to-action?
which actions most align with the life we desire. Because the more we
are acting from will, making soulful decisions, the closer we get to
I say we use that same strength of volition to make manifest in our
who we really are. And ultimately our power lies in fully embodying
life the things we want, rather than the things we think we need.
our own unique gifts and purposes so that we may share ourselves
fully and freely with the world.
Here’s the thing with the power of will: in order to make that choice
we need to first know what we want. And in the light of infinite
I invite you then to look at which things in your life you are doing
choice, knowing what to grab onto and what to let pass us by can
because you are supposed to. What areas do you power through, even
get daunting. How then do we separate desire from the realm of
though they never bring you joy? How might you live differently if
necessity? Here are the four steps I use to come back to my own
you did more of what you want? Let this be your call to get quiet, then
deep place of knowing at my navel, that solid sense of self that is
to listen, try, listen again, and to let the answers received from within
informed by satya, the big T, Truth.
guide your actions towards a joyful, consciously created life.
66
Ginger
Chia
Muffins
Recipe yields 12
This recipe offers a clean eating, high-in-fibre,
vegan snack. The idea is to create a premade
breakfast treat that is a digestive aid and
doesn’t use refined sugar, dairy, eggs, or soy.
First bowl
Second Bowl
Baking
•
½ cup Buckwheat
Preheat the oven to 350ºC.
•
¾ cup Quick (Steel Cut) Oats
•
¼ cup Sunflower Seeds
•
2½ TBSP Cinnamon
•
1½ TBSP Nutmeg
Add water as necessary until mixture is
•
1 TBSP Baking Soda
sticky and slightly fluid.
Option: Taste the mixture- for more sweet-
seeds in a food processor or coffee grinder
ness add maple syrup or honey.
until it is a floury consistency.
Fill oil lubed muffin tins with a ¼ cup of batter.
In a mixing bowl combine the flour with the
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Since there isn’t
cinnamon, nutmeg, and baking soda.
sistency. 20 minutes renders a slightly raw
nuts or veggies by removing ¼ cup of oats.
center and malleable outside, while 25 minutes crispens the muffin. Muffins don’t rise,
smooth the top of them before baking for a
Frying Pan
•
2 sliced Medium RIPE Bananas
clean look.
•
10 pitted chopped Dates
•
¼ cup of Coconut Oil
Option: For cookies, place the dough between
•
½ TBSP Salt
•
2 TBSP of Freshly Grated Ginger
•
2 TBSP Flax Seeds
•
½ cup Water
•
½ cup Unsweetened Apple Sauce
•
1 TBSP Vanilla
Chop bananas and place slices into a large
•
1 TBSP Apple Cider Vinegar
frying pan.
parchment paper and roll it out to be about
¾ of an inch thick. Use a cookie cutter. Bake
time is 20-25 minutes.
The muffins taste great with a little nut butter
spread on top of them.
Grind the chia and flax seeds in food processor
Add dates, coconut oil and salt to the pan and fry
or coffee grinder.
on medium until bananas turn brown and mushy.
Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl.
Once mushy add the grated ginger and fry
eggs or dairy, cook time is more for the con-
Option: Add 1 cup of grated/chopped fruit,
2 TBSP Chia Seeds
stirring every 5 minutes.
pan into one large mixing bowl.
Grind the Buckwheat, oats, and sunflower
•
Let the ground seeds soak for 15 minutes,
Mix contents of both bowls and the frying
for 30 seconds.
Enjoy!
Have a fantastic, healthy snack idea?
Send your favorite recipe to [email protected]
Set aside to cool for 2 minutes.
67
67
for a chance to have it featured in our next issue!
The Benefits
of Cupping
nese Medicine. Cupping was still being widely
other hidden emotions are stored in the
used in Europe and even England into the 19th
fascia, and the fascia becomes distorted.
century. However, as modern medicine and
Loosening and stretching the fascia allows
drugs were developed, the traditional apothe-
the trapped emotion to come to the surface
cary and simple but effective treatments like
to be released. Talk about healing! Studies
cupping were excluded from general medical
have also speculated that the power of acu-
practice. Unfortunately, in North America
puncture is related to fascia. Fascia mapping
cupping became regarded as unscientific, and
has shown that meridians flow along fascia
merely ‘Old women’s remedies’.
networks, and that acupuncture points are
located at intersections in these fascia net-
Author: Lisa Mitchell
Benef its of Cupping:
works. Traditional Chinese Medicine utilizes
this with cupping as a major therapy along-
My partner and I specialize in a wild and
The benefits of cupping are many. In Tra-
wonderful therapeutic art form: Cupping.
ditional Chinese Medicine, cupping is con-
You may have seen celebrities sporting cup
sidered a tool for 'moving qi and blood', for
marks on their backs. Some of you may have
dispersing stagnation and pathogens. In
I s Cupping Painful
even experienced your Asian / Greek / Mid-
modern language, we can look at the ability
a nd W il l it Lea v e M a rks or B r uis es ?
dle Eastern / Turkish / Russian grandparents
of cupping to move lymph and stretch fascia.
For facial cupping, specially designed cups
coming to you with cups to get rid of your
cold or help with your back pain. We love
side acupuncture.
Some benefits of cupping therapy:
that exert minimal pressure are used, so no
marks or pain occur. Cupping on other body
giving and receiving cupping ourselves and
we want to share some of our passion and
•
Reduces Anxiety
parts will most likely leave some marks and
knowledge of this simple and effective ther-
•
Minimizes Pain
this is considered a good thing. The marks
apy in this article. The Calgary yoga commu-
•
Increases mobility which allows for less
are a sign that stagnation and toxins deep
injuries when working or exercising
within the body are coming to the surface
Younger and tighter looking skin with
to be expelled. These marks are not bruises!
nity will appreciate how cupping treats pain
and rejuvenates the body naturally, without
•
less wrinkles
There can be discomfort at times but it is
•
Strengthens the immune system
mostly described as ‘good pain’ and it sub-
•
Efficient blood circulation
sides as the fascia and muscles relax during
•
Reduction of cellulite
the session. A friend with severe kyphosis
chemicals, drugs, lasers or botox injections.
W h a t I s Cu p p i n g ?
(lack of curvature) of her neck found cupping
Cupping involves creating negative pressure on the body using specially designed
Cupping Benefits the Lymphatic System:
to be one of the few drug free methods that
cups. Cups are made from glass, silicone or
The lymphatic system helps remove waste
actually helped her pain and flexibility. It
plastic, and a vacuum is created in the cup
and toxins from your body. Many people
also is really effective for treating sciatic pain.
from fire or suction. The practitioner decides
have sluggish lymphatic systems and this is
which cups and techniques are to be used
a problem because when lymph stagnates,
depending on the condition and type of cup-
it can have all kinds of effects, including
ping treatment. The negative pressure helps
reduced immunity, increased wrinkles and
loosen muscle tissue and fascia, promotes
sagging skin, uneven skin tone, swelling
We offer Cupping here in Calgary, and we
healthy blood flow and sedates the nervous
of the skin and more. Cupping stimulates
focus on cupping for facial rejuvenation,
system. Cupping pulls blood to a specific area
lymph flow and movement, and thus benefits
cellulite reduction and massage cupping for
to stimulate healing.
our health.
pain. Most acupuncturists and Traditional
W here ca n y ou tr y c upping?
Chinese Medicine Doctors also practice cupping, as do some massage therapists.
Wh ere D oes C up p i n g Co m e F ro m ?
Cupping a nd Fa scia
There is no consensus about when cupping
Cupping is effective at stretching the fascia
www.healcalgary.ca
first began but we know it was mentioned by
and this has many benefits. Benefits include
587-888-3057
Hippocrates and practiced by the Greeks in
greater flexibility, less tension in the body
the 4th Century BC. It has been practiced for
and less pain. There are new studies on fas-
thousands of years in other cultures as well,
cia coming out all the time. One of the most
and is a therapeutic pillar of Traditional Chi-
interesting points to me is that trauma and
68
Seduced By My Ego
Author: Amanda Kingsmith
“Come to a comfortable seated position, palms together at your chest,
and set an intention for your practice,” the yoga teacher breathes out
slowly, the words dancing along the long, drawn out breaths of her body.
I will focus inward and not worry about what other people are doing
today. Everything but my practice will stay off my mat.
“Now, move into your first down dog.”
Man, I’m tight today. Why am I so stiff? All I want to do is wiggle my
legs around and move. Is anyone else moving?
I subtly glance between my legs to the people around me to see if
they are moving in their downward dogs. With confirmation that I am
Easier said than done.
not the only stiff yogi in the class, I begin to move.
When I began practicing yoga 8 years ago, I went for the exercise. I
From the very beginning of my yoga practice, my ego stokes the
clenched my abdominals tightly in poses where the intention was to
fear of judgment, preventing me from feeling free to let the powerful
relax the muscles of the body. I took a vinyasa at every opportunity
vibrations of a group om be heard by others; preventing me from lis-
available to me, in hopes of sweating a little bit more. As I moved
tening to what my body wants and needs in my first downward dog,
through my practice, I watched myself critically in the mirrors of the
for fear of what people might think.
yoga studio, thoughts swirling in my head. I would push my body so
that the poses looked good, rather than listening to how my body felt.
My body and mind were completely disconnected.
As the yoga teacher guides me into warrior one, I feel a familiar discomfort in my hips. I have practiced yoga long enough to know that I should
shorten my stance in order to get my hips facing forward. As I peer into
Much of my life was spent moving through a dense fog of worry about
what everyone thought of me. Little did I know that all those people
I was worried about were living in a similar daze, concerned about
what I was thinking of them. It’s hard to believe that other people
were and are afraid of being judged by me when I live in a state of fear
of them, but that’s how ego works. The ego drives fear, anxiety, worry,
and concern within us, causing us to feel afraid and nervous about
how we look, how we speak, and how we behave in social situations.
The ego, tucked away deep within the depths of our brains, seduces
the mirror at the people around me, my mind races once again.
I wish my warrior one looked like hers. Why can’t my hips be that
open? Why is this so uncomfortable? If I move my back leg in, I’m
going to look ridiculous. I’m better at yoga than this.
My body is telling me to shorten my stance; my ego is telling me to
stay put and look good for the other people in the room. So I stand,
trying to breathe, in discomfort and pain, looking good.
us into believing false truths and incomprehensible, unreal realities.
We move into tree pose, and as I stand, feeling grounded to the floor
Each time I practice yoga, I come to my mat with the intention not to
to play around. Before moving in any way that may be considered
worry about what everyone else in the class is doing. As I move through
my practice, I believe that everything I’m doing is solely for myself and
that I don’t care what other people think about me. Wrong. My ego is
tricking me into believing that my practice is all about me, when, in
reality, I am worrying what other people are thinking of me without
even noticing it. Even when I think I'm only focusing on myself, I'm
and connected to my mind and body, the instructor encourages us
“weird”, I glance around the room to see what other people are doing.
As I move, I am intensely aware of my balance for fear of falling over
and being labeled as “bad at yoga”.
It was not until recently that I realized that my yoga practice, a place
where I felt I was safe from fear of judgment, was one of the places
unconsciously spending energy on what people think of me.
where I was trying to impress the most. The thing is, I want to be
“Breath in, let all air out. Breath in and ommmmmmmmmmm.”
ing my time practicing looking good.
good at yoga; however, it is hard to be good at yoga when I am spend-
As I breathe in alongside the group and begin to let my voice be
heard, my mind takes over.
begins with awareness. Now, when I come to my mat and the yoga
Don’t om too early. Hold it. Feel it vibrating through your body. Okay,
people are stopping. You should stop too so the people beside you
don’t hear you.
Breaking free of my ego is a practice I have yet to perfect, but it
69
teacher asks me to set an intention for my practice, I think to myself,
“Today, I will be aware of my ego.”
Point of Confession
In the winter issue, you may (or may not) recall my article that was published under the heading “Inspired”. I was in the midst of ending a 10 year relationship with a shattered sense of
self, that led me to my regular yoga practice. Yoga, was a tool I used to build this perfectly
awkward human being, that exists and continues to evolve today.
Well, I have a confession, something else happened during that time that I didn’t write about
which is a valuable lesson worth sharing.
I gave yoga all the credit for my healing. I believed that without practicing it, I would fall apart
and crumble into a heap of wreckage. I thought yoga was the only glue holding my perceived
brokenness together.
I became aware of this developing story during an appointment with my Naturopath. After
a lengthy discussion, she asked the question “What will happen if you don’t do yoga?”. I felt
uncomfortable with this question, and even more agitated as I envisioned a time arising where
I couldn’t practice for a few weeks. I learned something new that day; I forgot to take credit
myself, for this transitioning.
I know there are worse things one can believe in but what I needed was to have more faith in
myself; a healthier way of viewing my beloved practice, and I needed to give tribute to the
one doing all this work. I needed to realize it wasn’t just my mighty mat that was saving me.
My point for confessing this is to remind you of your personal strength. To honour that intelligence that has navigated through all of life’s challenges. To remind you to thank yourself
for showing up to yoga class, reading that insightful book that gave you a new outlook, taking
time to cook a nourishing meal, have a hot bath, or doing whatever it is that revitalizes you.
Remember who the driver is behind all the hard work, the one making decisions to move
forward, to let go, or to hold on. Remember to recognize the real reason you’ve come through
all you have; the warrior inside you, who doesn’t give up, the one that whispers “keep going”
when you feel like you’re falling apart, that essential part of you, that keeps pressing forward
-Jennifer Day
70
Calgary’s Salt Caves
Calgary’s North West is home to a unique experience; Salt Crystal
offers a well-known European tradition, halotherapy (“salt therapy”).
Among many wonderful benefits, individuals can come to the centre
for relief from breathing difficulties and ashma, improve the health
and vitality of skin, and even cure colds and nasal congestion.
In 1843, Dr. Bochkovsky began studying and recording the curative effects
of local Polish salt caves, and built an experimental clinical hospital in the
Wieliczka salt mines. By the mid nineteenth century, an American Doctor, Dr. John Croghan, bought the Mammoth Caves and started an underground hospital that utilized the natural salt in addition to its notable
dryness to treat patients with tuberculosis. Volunteer patients lived in stone
huts built within the cave; unfortunately a few months into the pilot project,
one of the patients died and the hospital was shut down. During the Second
World War, the caves were repurposed and used as a bomb shelter. Patients
experiencing Broncial Ashma were noted to have better breathing and had
virtually ceased having attacks of breathlessness or coughing fits.
Speleotherapy (the emission of tiny salt particles into the air within
a confined room or space) gained momentum after WWII. Under the
order of Germany’s Dr. K. H. Spannagel, an inpatient unit was established in the Klyutert Caves to monitor the effects of Speleotherapy.
After catching on in Germany, Speleotherapy became commonplace
in Austria, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Romania,
Bulgaria, and the Soviet Union.
In 1969, the Speleotherapy Commision brought together all the scientific and medical minds that were studying and working with salt
caves. The Commission aims to systematically coordinate and intensify collaboration between medical professionals working with speleotherapy, assist in the publication of scientific papers, and organize
international events revolving around scientific findings in this field.
Today, salt caves and salt baths are used to treat respiratory diseases,
diseases of the lymphatic system, chronic ear infections, skin diseases,
metabolic disorders, arthritis, rheumatism, asthma, hypertension,
gout, metabolic diseases and gynecological disorders.
Using a speleotherapy method, Salt Crystal brings the wonderful benefits
of Europes salt caves to a comfortable Calgary setting. Their first location
hosts two group rooms that can comfortably sit up to either four or eight
people, two private rooms with salt beds, and even a children’s play room.
Crystal Salt is North America’s largest salt air therapy center. Located in the
Varsity area, it offers an alternative health option within a convenient distance.
For more, please contact Tatiana at Salt Crystal.
71
Spring 2015 Event Calendar
April
Throughout the month of April, join Apryl Dawn and instructors across the city as we Sweat for a Cause
in an effor to raise money for the Sheldon Kennedy Centre for Child Advocacy! Find a full listing of
studios and classes at: http://on.fb.me/1w8D935 #sweatforacauseyyc
Mom & Baby (6 Weeks)
VimanaVinyasaTeacherTraining
1:15-2:30pm, Monica Krock
2
Thurs
3
Soul Hot Yoga
Sat
Fri
5:30-8pm, Stacy Fleming
Sat
12
Breathe Hot Yoga
Seasonal Session: Aroma Therapy
16
17
lululemon athletica
One Day Meditation Retreat
18
Bodhi Tree Yoga Centre
Intro to Yoga
18
1-4pm, Sherry Norman
YogaMcc
Sat
18
Yoga Shala
Sat
18
19
YogaMcc
Midnight Globe Ride
21
Midnight, Simmons Building
Tues
lululemon athletica
22
Yoga Passage
24
Melt for Flexibility
25
Sat
Yoga Passage
26
Sun
Be Love Yoga
25
Sanguine Yoga
26
11
Sat
Yoga Within the Heart
of Bragg Creek
1:30-3:30pm, Alexis Kelly
Sat
Soul Hot Yoga
Sat
Field of Yoga
1:30-4:30pm, Pandit Dabral
Sun
YogaMcc
Thurs
Yoga Passage
Sat
YogaVentures
3-5pm, Lacey Smith
Sun
Breathe Hot Yoga
27
Yoga Passage
ChangeYourThinking,LosetheWeight
12
72
Soul Hot Yoga
Lyndsay Chollak
Bikram Yoga Calgary S.
Sun
Movie Night: “Happy”
7-9pm, Leanna Lutsch
17
Sanguine Yoga
Fri
Hips & Hamstrings
18
12-2pm, Crystal May
Sat
Soul Hot Yoga
Yoga for Beginners Workshop
1:30-3:30pm
18
Sat
Sanguine Yoga
New Moon Singing Bowls
18
7:30-9:30pm
Sat
YogaVentures
Critical Alignment Theraphy (4 weeks)
21
4-5:30pm, Corae Russell
Tues
Yoga Mandala
Seasonal Session: Flower Pressing
23
7:30-9pm, w/ Gypsy Skulls
Thurs
lululemon athletica
Yoga for Your Hips
3:30-5:30pm, Caroline Sereda
25
Sat
Be Love Yoga
Chakra Balance Guided Meditation
26
3-5pm, Jill Thomas
Sun
Breathe Hot Yoga
Partner Yoga Workshop
7-8:15pm, Monica Krock
Mon
Soul Hot Yoga
Tues
Yoga for Backs (4 Weeks)
Melt for Strength
Sun
YogaMcc
Arm Balances & Inversions
4:15-5:30pm, Alyssa Perron
26
Prental Yoga (4 Weeks)
YogaVenture
Yoga Mandala
Sun
Fri
9:30am-2:30pm, at The Cross Convention
2-4pm, Alive Hong
Yoga & Acupuncture
3-4:30pm, Caroline Sereda & Jessica McDonald
26
23
YogaVentures
Dynamic Chakra Flow
4:15-5:30pm, Alyssa Perron
7-9:30pm, Mona Campbell
5:45-7pm, Francesca Ter Poorten
1:30-4:30pm, Kevin Elander
Fri
Yoga Dot Calm
Yoga for Grieving, 6 Weeks
Yoga Lab 7: Standing Poses
&;45-9pm, 6 weeks
Thurs
19
YogaVentures
6:30-7:45pm, at Weaslehead Park
Wed
Sun
Exploring Yoga Philosophy
Free Earth Day Yoga
Yoga for Better Backs
23
18
1-3pm
Sun
6-7pm, Jane
Be Love Yoga
Sat
A Night of Inspiration
Soul Hot Yoga
Sat
11
7-9pm at Willow Park Wine & Spirits
Intro to Kundalini
1-4pm, Anne Cox
Sun
18
6-8pm, Dale Miles
Yoga for Golfers
19
YogaMcc
Sat
Breathe Hot Yoga
Intro to Aerial Yoga
1-4pm, Dr. Leslie Ellestad
Meditation Series (4 Weeks)
Mechanics of Arm Balancing
2-3:45pm,Christine Cox
18
Taking Refuge in an Unstable World
18
Sat
Studio Sat Nam
Mindfulness Part 1
11:30am-2pm, Laurinda Penner
of Bragg Creek
Sat
6-7pm, Agneiszka Janik
6:30-8:30pm
Fri
Prenatal Yoga
10am-4pm, Jayanta
10am-1pm, Kristen Stuart
Sat
17
Yoga Mandala
Fri
10
Yoga, Books & Wine
10:30am-12pm, Corae Russell
Luminous Core Spring Detox
18
12
Be Love Yoga
Sun
of Bragg Creek
Sat
Evening Meditation
Critical Alignment Theraphy (4 weeks)
7:30-9pm, w/ OH DEER
Thurs
11
Yoga Dot Calm
3-5pm, Caroline Sereda & Sabrina Syne
2-4pm, Dawn Bayers
lululemon athletica
Yogi Bootcamp (4 weeks)
Hanuman Inspired Kirtan
The Art of Relaxation
Sun
11
Yoga Shala
6-8pm, Lyle
11
Breathe Hot Yoga
Sat
Spring Detox
Acro Yoga Workshop
Acro Yoga Foundations
12
8
Gong Meditation
12:30-3:30pm, Kristen Stuart
2-3:45pm,Christine Cox
11
Sanguine Yoga
Sat
6:30-9pm, U of C Downtown Event Centre
Foundations of Backbending
6:30-8:30pm, Crystal May
11
Fri
Yoga for Runners
10
Dreaming in Sanskrit Tour
Bel & Emily Carpenter
27
Sara Gallow and Steven Leong
Mon
May
Shortcut to Nirvana
A play by Jacqueline Russell
May 1 & 2, 9:00pm
Presented by Swallow-a-Bicycle Theare & Bodhi Tree
Advanced Backbending
Beth Davis
2
Sat
Moon Salutation Workshop
6:30-9pm, Nora Maskey
8
Pranayama- Vital Breath
of Bragg Creek
Sat
10
Breathe Hot Yoga
Sun
9
16
YogaVentures
Sat
14
19
Tues
Thurs
17
Sun-Tue
22
Yoga Dot Calm
Fri
24
Yoga Dot Calm
Sun
19
29
Fri-Sun
YogaMcc
23
BYCS Staff
Tues
25
Yoga Passage
June
Yoga, Books & Wine
5
7-9:30pm, Mona Campbell
Fri
YogaMcc
6
Sat
Yoga Dot Calm
12
Fri
Yoga Mandala
31
Be Love Yoga
YogaMcc
Mon-Thu
Yoga Dot Calm
1:30-4:30pm, Natalie Monson
Fri
Yoga Mandala
Sun
Yoga Passage
Fri/Sat
Yoga Dot Calm
17
7-9pm, Gert van Leeuwen
Yoga Dot Calm
Sun
20
Wed-Fri
Yoga Dot Calm
The Art of Relaxation
24
6
Sat
YogaMcc
Advanced Backbending
6
Beth Davis
Sat
25
2-4pm, Dawn Bayers
Sun
Breathe Hot Yoga
Mon
Soul Hot Yoga
7-8:30pm, Anton Mackey
29
Fri
Yoga Passage
13
Sat
YogaVentures
Sanguine Yoga
10:15-11:30m, Monica Krock
6
Sat
23
Tues
Soul Hot Yoga
Soul Hot Yoga
7
Sun
YogaMcc
19
Fri
Yoga Dot Calm
24
27
Mon
Soul Hot Yoga
3pm, Lacey Smith
Sun
Breathe Hot Yoga
Prenatal Yoga (4 Weeks)
26
Soul Hot Yoga
Tues
Soulful Flow Master Class
10-11:30am, Anton Mackey
30
Yoga Passage
Sat
Dynamic Chakra Flow
2-4pm, Alice Hong
31
Sun
Sanguine Yoga
Mom & Baby Yoga (8 Weeks)
10-11am
3
Sanguine Yoga
Wed
11am-12pm
6
Sat
Sanguine Yoga
The Art of Yoga Breathing
7
1:30-4pm,Danielle Pechie
Sat
Yoga for Beginners
1:30-3:30
20
Sanguine Yoga
Fri
Arm Balances & Inversions Level 2
Crystal Singing Bowl Concert
8-10pm, Be Light Be Sound
6:30-8pm
22
Aromatherapy for Health Professionals
10am-2pm, Lisanne Watchell
Sara Gallow and Steven Leong
Mon
YTT Info Session (no cost)
18
2-4pm, Alice Hong
Sun
Sanguine Yoga
Sat
Partner Yoga Workshop
Dynamic Chakra Flow
31
YogaVentures
Sat
1:30=3:30pm
16
Sun & Moon Flow Master Class
7:30-9:30pm
2-4pm, at the Cross Convention
Yoga for Beginners
Aromatherapy for Health & Wellness
1-3pm, Lisanne Watchell
10
C.A.T Teacher Training
Level 3: May 20-22, Gert van Leeuwen
of Bragg Creek
Sat
Mother’s Day Yoga Class
C.A.T Intensive Workshop
June 21: Don’t miss the first annual
24-Hour Yoga Marathon to celebrate International Yoga Day!
More info at: sanguineyoga.com
3-5:30pm, Caroline Sereda & Sabrina Syne
Sun
15
YogaVentures
1-3pm, Danielle Arsenault
9
10am-12pm, Anton Mackey
Summer Solstice Celebration
21
Sat
Be Love Yoga
Sun
Hips, Twists & Balances
Yoga Lab 7: Head/Shoulder Stanad
1:30-4:30pm, Kevin Elander
1-4pm, Anne Cox
29
Beads of Intention
Apryl Dawn
10
7-8pm
Sat
Raw Vegan Cheese Making
Mindfulness Part 2
Yoga Lab 7: The Rope Wall
1-3pm, Anton Mackey
Sat
Sat
Anatomy of a Handstand
30
9
Yoga for Gardeners
Yoga Therapy Essentials (3 days)
Fri: 6:30-9pm, Suzette O’Byrne
1:30-4pm, Lisa Whitford-Watts
Summer Schedule Starts
C.A.T Intensive Workshop
Yoga Dot Calm
2
SeedsofIntention:ArtofMalaCreation
Asana & Movement Workshop
Soul Hot Yoga
Fri
Mom & Baby (4 Weeks)
Vimana Vinyasa Classes Begin
BYCS Staff
Be Love Yoga
Sat
7:30-9:30pm
1
Journey into Baptiste
3pm, Gillian Bell
BYCS Staff
Yoga for Your Shoulders
1-3pm, Emma Barry
9
Sanguine Yoga
Fri
108 Om’s Mantra Meditation
30 Day Challenge (Yoga/Pilates)
Sat
Sanguine Yoga
Introduction to Yoga Nidra
3:30-5:30pm, Bridgette Shaw
27
Sat
Want to see your studio’s events listed here?
Email [email protected] to find out how to get your studio’s events added to the calendar!
73
Be Love Yoga
g
Y
24marathon
F i r s t
A n n u a l
HOUR
R
June
21
AMAZING HOURS
INCREDIBLE YOGA CLASSES
EXTRAORDINARY YOGA TEACHERS
O N E G R E AT C A U S E
Join us for the first ever annual 24 hour yoga marathon
marking International Day of Yoga as recently announced by
the United Nations.
COST...
Come for one or multiple yoga classes…or better yet, round
up a bunch of your friends or co-workers and enter a team!
$20 Drop-in
mited multiple entries)
$45 All-Access Pass (unli
$450 Team Pass
Calgary, let’s come together for some fun on our mats
knowing that we can make a difference!
WHERE...
All proceeds from this 24 Hour Yoga Marathon fundraiser will
support the initiatives of the global non-profit organization Off
the Mat, Into the World.
SAIT Polytechnic
pus Centre)
Symposium Room (Cam
WHEN...
For more information, visit sanguineyoga.com
or email [email protected]
Every hour on the hour
Follow us @sanguineyoga
#24HrYogaMarathonYYC
74
starting at 12 AM

Poser, The Calgary Yoga Magazine 1

Transcription

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