The Yoga Bee

Prenatal Yoga Classes near YOU!

2010-03-18T05:35:00.001-07:00

Little Mountain Yoga
4531 Main Street (Near 29th Ave)

Sundays, April 4-16 (no class April 12)
11:30am - 12:45pm
6 week series for $88

A minimum of 6 registered students is required for this class to run. Please contact little mountain at 604-928-3936 or yoga@littlemountainyoga.com to register!

Open Door Yoga
Arbutus and 16th Location

Saturdays 2:00 pm - 3:15 pm
April 10 - May 8
5 week series for $75

Couple's Prenatal Workshop May 8 (Saturday) 7:30 - 9:00 pm
Workshop $35, $25 when enrolled in 5 weeks

Register at Open Door Studios at info@opendooryoga.bc.ca or 778-371-8179

Greentree Village
4295 Garden Grove Drive, Burnaby

Mondays 7:15 - 8:15 pm
April 12 - May 10
5 weeks for $59

Online registration form at http://intoyoga.ca/classes.htm

FW: Droplets rolling down her bark

2010-03-11T10:31:00.000-08:00

> From: theyogabee@gmail.com
> To: yogabee@live.ca
> Subject: Droplets rolling down her bark
> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 10:28:02 -0800
>
> Droplets rolling down her bark
> After the storm has passed
> Remembering the rain
> The way the spring remembers last
> And each season holds an imprint of emotions from the past
>
> And just once the snow will try to freeze a cold snap of the season
> Frozen in time
> Frozen in reason
> But spring knows better
> And so do the blossoms
>
> Still teardrops well up on her lashes
> And when the wind passses, fragrant memories of yester year
> Provoke their salty descent
> Upon her lips she tastes her prideless heart
> The way the grass receives the rain
> After the storm has passed
>
> Pregnant droplets finally fall
> From branches that never forget
> And she remembers what it felt like watch the love rise, then watch it
> set
>
> Hoping this all too is just a cycle just the same
> Hoping she's not the only one remembering the rain
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Sent from my iPhone

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Where is the tree?

2010-02-27T15:37:00.001-08:00

> From: theyogabee@gmail.com
> To: yogabee@live.ca
> Subject: In relating to a tree
> Date: Sat, 27 Feb 2010 15:33:36 -0800
>
> In relating to a tree
>
> There is an infinite number of ways that one can relate to a tree.
> They can be categorized in 3 ways; those that are not directly a part
> of the tree but are essential to it's existence, those that are so
> much connected to the tree that it would seem they were indeed a part
> of it, and those that truly are parts of the tree itself. Of course ,
> for sake of completeness, there are also two other categories on
> either end of this spectrum, which are those that do not relate to the
> tree whatsoever ( this includes those that don't even know the tree
> exists, or what a tree is) and that which is the tree itself.
>
> Firstly, there is the soil, and the rain, and the sun; organic and
> energetic materials that feed the tree whose existance wouldn't
> otherwise be possible without them. They have no motivation and simply
> serve as keepers of the tree. This category might also include humans
> and animals that serve the tree with intentional nourishment and
> loving company (in the case of the animal, and perhaps an uninhibited
> human, this would include "fertilization").
>
> Next there is the category of that which intertwines it's life with
> that of the tree. Moss growing round the trunk, bugs weaving in and
> out, nesting birds, and fungi are all included in this group. It can
> be especially difficult at times to distinguish where the existance of
> one ends and the other begins.
>
> Thirdly there is the parts of the tree itself. Note that this category
> differs from that which is the tree itself, in the same way your arm
> differs from that which you consider to be you.
> Firstly there are the roots, anchoring the tree to the earth, and to
> drawing up water and nutrients to the cells of the tree. Next, there
> is the trunk; the body of the tree, which provides a foundation or
> canvas for all things in category 2 (nooks for nesting squirrels and
> birds, and bark upon which the moss and insects can grow). The
> branches and leaves, and in some cases the fruit, also fall into this
> category. These parts of the tree exist to serve; both inside and out.
> They offer shade and protection to living beings around and within the
> tree, and supply nourishment and compost to the earth below, which at
> some point will come around and again nourish the tree.
>
> Finally, for sake of completeness, we have 2 other groups. One
> includes those that do not relate to the tree, perhaps out of
> naievity, and they simply do not know of the tree to be in any way
> shape or form related to oneself. Perhaps they do not know what a tree
> is, or of this specific tree to exist at all. Or finally, perhaps,
> they are choosing to consciously negate any relation to the tree
> itself. Any one who can cut down a tree, without remorse, empathy and/
> or respect for that specific tree can be considered in this group.
>
> And then, at last, we have the tree. Now, where is it? After
> exhausting all possible ways one can relate to the tree, and all parts
> that compose her physical structure, how can we define the essence of
> the tree? Again, I ask, where is it?
>
> If I took the branches away, would I still have a tree? Yes of course.
> Therefore the tree is not the branches. If I take a piece of bark off
> the trunk, would I still have a tree? Again, yes, and so the tree is
> not the bark or trunk. It may seem redundant, but If I cut away the
> roots, is there still a tree? Yes, but what if we burned the tree into
> ashes, now, is there a tree? Well, no. and so it seems to be a bit of
> a puzzle to find where exactly "the tree" resides.
>
> From the above analysis, it seems clear that the tree itself exists
> only in it's wholeness and with all parties that relate to it, even if
> they are not by definition part of the tree. The tree exists because
> of some formless life force, or energy; an energy that makes it
> possible to take in nourishment and serve as nourishment for itself
> and others.
>
> Now, I ask you, then, that if this is true of the tree, might it also
> be true of other living beings? If we take into account all that
> relates to a single human being, and all tangible parts that
> constitute that being ( body, mind), is it not true that this human
> exists only in his or her entirety; exists only because if some
> concentrated life force energy dancing and flowing through his or her
> tangible parts?
>
> And if so, what differentiates the energy that flows in the tree from
> that flowing in me and you? I am proposing that it is the same.
> Therefore, what I am really proposing, is that if we "zoom out" and
> look at the big picture, we are one unit, compoSed of billions of
> parts that relate to one another, existing only as a whole and because
> of the same mysterious life energy.
>
> I am proposing that there is no relating. To the tree. We must be the
> tree
>
> We are the tree.
>
>
> Sent from my iPhone

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The Journey, by Mary Oliver

2010-01-23T08:25:00.000-08:00

The Journey

One day you finally knew
what you had to do, and began,
though the voices around you
kept shouting
their bad advice --
though the whole house
began to tremble
and you felt the old tug
at your ankles.
"Mend my life!"
each voice cried.
But you didn't stop.
You knew what you had to do,
though the wind pried
with its stiff fingers
at the very foundations,
though their melancholy
was terrible.
It was already late
enough, and a wild night,
and the road full of fallen
branches and stones.
But little by little,
as you left their voices behind,
the stars began to burn
through the sheets of clouds,
and there was a new voice
which you slowly
recognized as your own,
that kept you company
as you strode deeper and deeper
into the world,
determined to do
the only thing you could do --
determined to save
the only life you could save.

~ Mary Oliver ~

The Stress Factor

2010-01-14T08:24:00.001-08:00

One of the most common reasons I get from students for coming to yoga is 'stress'. Somewhere down the line, one hears that yoga is a great way to relax, that it reduces the harmfull toll that stress has taken on the body, and is a great way to learn and develop healthy stress management techniques.

Often times when you think of stress, you think BAD! However, stress is actually an important part of the human design to KEEP YOU ALIVE! For example, if a tiger were to run into your room right now and begin chasing you, I can guarantee you would be stressed. Your bodily response would include increased heart rate, quicker breathing, sweating, and contracted muscles. Additionally, hormones like adrenelin and cortisol would begin to flood your tissues, as your body prepares to either fight the tiger, or run away (which is why we call it the 'fight or flight' response). This build up of energy is quickly used (relased) once an action has taken place (through fighting or running).

However (and quite fortunately so!) this is not the kind of stress we experience on an every day level. For most of us, the type of stress from which we need relief is that of chronic, consistent stress, often occuring in places where it would be inconvenient, inappropriate, or impossible to release the energy. In essence, we are running away from invisible tigers. Whether it's traffic, job stress, the pressures of relationships - we have these daily stressors that cause our bodies to hold more and more energy. If you think of it as cupping your hands, and gradually filling your hands up with little rocks that represent stress, eventually the hands will be full. So you start putting rocks in your pockets. You start STORING stress in the body!

Additionally, the increased circulation of hormones causes damage to the body and all its organs on a cellular level. It is now accepted by science that stress is the cause, or at least a leading factor, in all illness and disease. When the adrenals are exhausted (those little guys on top of the kidneys that release stress hormones), the body simply cannot function at an optimum level.

So, then, what can we do in yoga to eliminate or counter this stress?

Number 1 is to check in, constantly, throughout your practice. Take it into child's pose. Take it into down dog. Breathe and check in: Thus far, in my practice today, have I created more stress in the body, or am I relieving it? Am I putting pressure (and stress!) on myself to "achieve" certain postures, or am I moving with loving kindness and enjoying my practice?

Number 2 is to breathe! Make it your practice to find the breath in each pose. Can your breath be as easy and gentle in handstand as it is in sukhasana, easy pose? Warrior three as in mountain? As you practice connecting to the breath, you will be able to easily and naturally take this skill OFF of your mat and into your life. Can you breate as easily and gently in a stressful board meeting as you can on your lunch break? hmmm, food for thought!

Number 3 is to channel! USE the energy you have accumulated in your body, and channel it to move into, through and out of postures. In reality, your entire being is composed of just that - energy. We are simply atoms of energy vibrating at different frequencies, and so if you sense you have an over abundance of what feels like 'negative energy', or 'stress', it simply means you are vibrating, on a whole, at a lower frequency. Become an instrument to bring these frequencies to a higher level - whether it's through vinyasa, breath, a posture, or meditation. All energy is divine.

With that said, may you be chillin, relaxed and cool as a cuke this week,

Sat nam!

Brenna

What's your mantra??

2010-01-02T09:10:00.000-08:00

Morning all,

Just wanted to share a quick note I wrote the other day that I wrote while pondering my intentions for 2010. I've just begun reading a book about 'Vision Boards' and was inspired to create a mantra for the new year.

"What are the thoughts I want to have continually streaming through my consciousness? What mantras or affirmations do I want to become natural ideas in my mind, and eventually replace old thought patterns and habits? What intentions will act as reminders and flags to keep me on track and moving towards my highest purpose?"

The following is what I came up with:

- I am in charge
- I am responsible for my own happiness
- I am fulfilling my divine purpose
- My life is going where I want it to go
- I am committed to living an awesome life
- Happiness, success, money and friends are abundant in my life this year
- Get er done!

What's yours?

Love B

Nice Days!

2010-01-01T10:16:00.001-08:00

Dear Yogis,

I wanted to share with you something wonderful a friend of mine is doing this year:

It's called 365 nice days a year and David, along with his followers, have committed to doing at least one "nice" thing (on purpose!) each day for all of 2010. Visit his blog here for more details, and follow him as he shares his experience. Be inspired and join in!

In the heart of all hearts, everyone is inherently good. It is in our innate design that we are decent, nice and kind human beings. Let that be a mantra of 2010...

I am kind, without reservation, and recognize the divine kindness within each sentient being around me

Wishing you all the biggest experience of love and kindness this year,

Brenna

2010

2010-01-01T10:01:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year Yogis!

It is said that life begins on an inhale, and ends on an exhale. Let it be so with 2010; this morning, take a deep breath in. Today is a fresh start. This YEAR is a fresh start. Let's reflect on the year (and the decade!) that has passed...

what have you done?
how have you grown?
how have your actions influenced the world?
did you move in the direction of your divine purpose?
how did you love? how did you lose?
how did you give? how did you FORgive?

Appreciate, and then exhale.

Wishing you a breath of fresh air this 2010,

Sat nam, B

Saturday Shenanigans!

2009-12-19T08:33:00.000-08:00

Reflection on Friday:

Yesterday was a busy day, so I was grateful that I took time to set my intention in the morning. It was difficult at times to feel the love (especially in the mall!) but remembering to take a few moments to stop and breathe made all the difference! I think I could most definitely have been more committed to my intention yesterday, which is why I will carry it into today. (Perhaps love should be a part of every day's intention?)

Saturday's Intention: Being Present

* As I leave my mat today, may I continue to carry the awareness of the present moment, regardless of the events, activities, and stressors that may occur throughout the day.
* May each breath be a reminder that I am here, I am real, and that I am okay.
* May I embrace each moment with equal compassion, and without fear or hesitation.
* May I be able to recognize when I become disconnected from the present moment, and be able to return immediately to the moment, should I choose.
* May I carry this space of awareness as I move throughout my day, so that others may find a place of awareness within themselves.

How it might manifest:

* Breathing and pausing while I eat and drink the treats throughout the day (yummy costco samples, Christmas baking, dinner parties, gingerbread, etc!)
* Walking slow and being patient as I shop with my family
* Returning to my breath if I feel awkward or unsure as I reconnect with friends/new folks throughout the day
* Genuine hugs; being with each one!
* Being conscious of my habits and patterns in action and in speech, so that I can speak and reconnect more genuinely and honestly with others (and myself!)

Namaste: "I honor the place in you in which the entire Universe dwells, I honor the place in you which is of Love, of Integrity, of Wisdom and of Peace. When you are in that place in you, and I am in that place in me, we are One."

Home for the Holidays

2009-12-18T07:59:00.001-08:00

Season's greetings yogis! With the holiday season in full swing, some of us may find it difficult to maintain our current yoga practice. Maybe you're travelling and unable to make it to a studio, or perhaps the cool weather is keeping you in bed past your usual practicing hours, or maybe it's just that you've indulged a bit too much into mom's christmas baking to feel comfortable doing anything close to matsyendrasana (yogic twist)! Whatever the case, there's no need to give yourself a hard time about it. Yogic philosophy teaches us that yoga is a practice of presence, kindness, and forgiveness.

As you find yourself "drifting" from your regular practice, become present, and make a conscious decision to either adapt or accept. Did you skip your morning practice because of an unexpected family outing? Adapt, and practice in the evening; or accept and set an intention to get back on the mat tomorrow morning. Did you drift from your usual 'sattvic' (balanced) nutritional regimine? Adapt, and drink more water, go for a brisk walk to help flush your system; or accept and recommit to starting your next morning with a healthy breakfast.

For the next week leading up to Christmas, devote the first part of your morning (30, 10, even just 5 minutes!) to set the foundation for your day. Sit. Breathe. Mediate. Do some yoga. Most importantly, set an intention for the day ahead. Once you've set an intention, take a few moments to visualize how this intention might manifest in your day. Over these next 7 days, I would like to share with you my daily intention and I invite you to be inspired and share with me yours!

Good luck and happy holiday wishes to you all!

Merry Merry,

Brenna

Friday's Intention: Love

* As I leave my mat this morning, may I have a heightened awareness of love.
* May I experience the abundance of love and be able to share it openly, unconditionally, and without fear.
* May I be a channel for divine love, and with each breath, be reminded that I am love.

How it might manifest:

* Choosing healthy foods to nourish my body
* Saying I love you
* Hugs and kisses
* Purchase gifts for people I love
* Send love to those I am frusturated by while shopping
* Be present with each food or drink I consume; practicing gratitude

2009-10-08T07:53:00.000-07:00

This week, in my yoga classes, we focused on opening the heart center. For the past month, we have been systematically working our way through the chakras, or energy centers, in the body. We started by strengthening our foundation in chakra one, opening our hips and creative center in chakra two, stimulating the digestion and fire in chakra three, and this week, it was about opening our hearts with the infamous chakra number four!

In the transitional time between seasons, especially in the 'cooling' transition between summer and fall, there is a tendancy to close ourselves off from the world. We may be back in a routine, juggling family, relationships, errands, jobs, the holidays and the like... even our yoga practice becomes something we struggle to fit into our schedule. We have so much to do, and so many roles to play, that all of our energy is focused towards simply getting the job done. And as we settle into this routine, we begin to IDENTIFY with our roles and the adjectives that describe our lives (mom, busy, hectic, hard working, self sacrificing, etc.). Even if these aren't terms we would consciously choose to describe the person we want to be, our ego still clings to having something with which to identify. It is our ego that craves an identitiy, no matter what it is. (I believe this can help describe the phenomenon we see with those suffering from eating disorders; the ego's grip is so tightly held to the identity, that the person fears, 'well, who am I BEYOND an eating disorder?')

Turning you awareness inward is fine, and so is seeking an identity for who you are, but when we identify with that which is TRANSIENT (like our roles, relationships, jobs and emotions), which will ultimately change, we set ourselves up for dissapointment and dispair. This is what we are talking about in yoga when we speak of 'non-attachment' (aparigraha) and of 'suffering' (dukha). An attachment to anything that is impermanent will ultimately lead to dukha. Furthermore, our attachment is based on fear - more specifically, the ego's fear of no longer having an identification - and fear is simply an unconscious protective mechanism to keep us from getting hurt. Fear, on the other hand, will also keep us from opening to change, love, abundance and prosperity. How do we get there? By opening our heart centers.

It is so simple! But not always easy... when we open our heart center, we release ourselves from the bind of identification with the impermanent. This means our JOBS, or RELATIONSHIPS, and all those other things we identify with so deeply. This doesn't mean you should quit your job or stop calling your friends; it simply means to learn to be at peace with the changes that occur within these areas of your life. Our EMOTIONS and our THOUGHTS are even more transient , and yoga is a way to access the space inside of you where it is quiet and still and unchanging. That which is YOU. When we realize our true identity, we will no longer cling so tightly to our roles, because we can see their impermanance.

When we hold onto things from a place of fear, we send the message that we don't need to recieve. When we open our arms and release that which no longer serves us (the fears we store in our heart center; a release which is not necessarily a pleasant one), we send the message that we are part of the flow of life, that we deserve prosperity and joy just as much as the next person, and that we are open to new opporunities and change. Energy, like water, must flow. Rivers do not flow into still ponds. Open your flood gates and give way to the abundance of the universe!

Let me tell you, after three classes that day of back bending and chest openers, I think I tore my heart right open! On Wednesday, after a bit of a challenging morning (spilling hot chocolate all over my papers and teaching books, and rescripting my kids yoga class at the last minute because I was unexpectedly sans music) I was wondering why I was feeling so vulnerable and sensitive! Was it the full moon this weekend? Did I need more sleep? Or was it from all of that opening I had done the day before? Who knows; perhaps it was an accumulation of all 3! But what I do know, is that clearly, I myself have some work to do on my heart chakra. And when we notice that opening our hearts is especially difficult, it also means we need to work on strengthening our lower chakras as well. We must first become stable, centered and grounded in our own bodies and able to give to ourselves FIRST (skills that reflect strength in the lower energy centers) so that we can be expand our generosity and compassion beyond ourselves.

May you be bright, brave and beautiful; prosperous and at peace,

Sat nam,

Brenna

Note: The above is a reflection of my own personal experience and is not meant to be construed as medical advice, or as a replacement for psychological or medical counselling. If you or someone you know is suffering from an eating disorder, or any other pyschological or medical issue, please speak with your primary care giver or someone you love. Namaste!

Bike Trek

2009-09-14T09:14:00.000-07:00

As I sit down to write about the 200km bike trek I completed this weekend, words escape me, and I don’t even know where to begin! On Friday morning, I packed my gear, loaded up my bike (and my belly!) and was White Rock bound from my apartment in Vancouver city. With an extra 25 pounds hooked onto me, and an extra 25 degrees celcius beaming down from the sky, I finally arrived at Hazelmere Campground at 3pm. I was sticky, sweaty and ready for another 200 k! Fortunately, I had 12 and a half hours to recover.

As soon as I arrived, I was welcomed by a group of lovely volunteers who were happily shucking corn and listening to ‘here comes the sun’ under the bright blistering ball herself. Being early, I spent the next few hours setting up my tent, exploring the site, and snacking by the generous display of treats and goodies that turned out to be an integral (and sometimes FOCAL) component of the trek.

By 5:00, smoke was billowing from the barbeque grill, and the aromas of veggie burgers, fresh salads, and coffee were drawing in more and more trekkers coming in from all corners of BC to participate in the weekend adventure.

I registered alone, but by the time I had my (first) plate of food, I had made several new friends and was excited that the weekend had just begun. After some mingling and munching, many trekkers retired to their tents, and those who lived near by returned to their homes to rest up for the inevitable effort ahead.
I’m not sure if I actually lost consciousness in that tent Friday night, I was so excited that it was difficult to sleep. It was more of a still but conscious relaxation. By 5:45, I heard a few birds clearing their throats, and the sound of zippers and crunching leaves as volunteers prepared pancakes and coffee. At this point, I gave up any attempt at passing out and, after brushing my teeth and washing my face (somehow, despite lack of sleep, I managed to obtain morning breath and sleep in my eyes!) I joined the early-risers for some coffee and chatting.

At 7:00 am I led a quick yoga class, which enabled me to meet a few new faces, and afterwards, enjoyed a delicious breakfast spread of pancakes, muffins, cereals, fruits, etc. etc. etc. And wow, I must mention now: in regards to the food this weekend; it was incredible! EVERY check point, EVERY meal, was a 10/10 in all categories; quality, deliciousness, and QUANTITY! Even with all the biking, there was SO MUCH FOOD that I think I managed to gain a few pounds this weekend– woo hoo!

By 8:30, fuelled and amped, we were off! One large mass of 400 + cyclists quickly streamlined over the next half hour as trekkers found their own pace. Rest stops were provided ever 25 km, each one sure to have a team of volunteers cheering you on as you arrived. The rest stops were a great opportunity to mingle with other trekkers as you refuelled and stretched out in preparation for the next 25. One of my favourite stops on Day 1 was at Birchwood Dairy Farm. This was lunch, and was complete with delicious roasted vegetable sandwiches and fresh, local ice cream for dessert. I opted for a scoop of new york cheese cake and vanilla ice cream. Mmm mmm…

By 75 km, I had already accomplished more distance than I had ever covered in one route and had realized a whole new appreciation for the strength and stamina of my physical body.

There’s something truly meditative about cycling such a long distance. In reflection, I honestly think that this weekend, I have had a more genuine and full experience of yoga than I’ve ever felt in ANY 90 minutes of yoga postures! Over 200 km, I had such a connection to what was going on inside my own body; such a deep understanding of how my breath carried, supported and recovered me; and an incredible ability to clear out the mind stuff and find stillness.

In yogic philosophy, there are 5 sheaths, or koshas, that are said to cover up one’s true essence – Physical, mental, emotional, wisdom, and bliss. Through 200 km of what occasionally felt like a moving meditation, I peeled off these layers one by one. As I challenged my PHYSICAL body, I pushed through my doubts and fears, discovering strengths and endurance I didn’t know were inside of me. When I approached what I thought was my physical limit, I realized that I actually had no IDEA of what my physical body was capable; It was all MENTAL! My assumptions were mind-stuff, and as I pedaled away, I was able to let go and go on. Something happens when you approach a big hill – you can look up and think, that’s impossible, I better just hop off now and walk it, OR you can look up and NOT think, and just GO! One breath at a time; THAT’S what got me up those hills – never my mind. After the mental stuff came the EMOTIONAL sheath. Fear, doubt, anger, frustration, joy, pride, humility, hope, relief, and love are just a few of the probably thousands of emotions I moved through (or that moved through me) on the road. As these emotions danced in my body, sometimes like a wave nearly flipping me over my handlebars, I simply brought the awareness back to my breath. My emotions weren’t going to get me up those hills, so I breathed into them and kept going. The next sheath I encountered was WISDOM, and this one is hard to describe. Maybe I didn’t even make it here, I’m not sure… but if I could try to explain what I experienced at this level, it would simply be mental stillness. Not to be confused with blanking out and having an out-of-body/mind experience, but simply being present; being PRESENCE itself. I believe it was at this point I spontaneously began to pray.

Over 10 km, I prayed for everyone who I knew and loved; for those who supported me to get to the point I was at in that moment. I prayed for my teachers, my students, people I barely knew, and people I DIDN’T know. I prayed for those who could breathe, for those who couldn’t, and for those who were working to help the others breathe easier. I prayed for the other trekkers, for the animals in the farms, for the wind, the earth and the trees. I prayed for that sound, that smell, and that sensation. I prayed just as much for life and living beings as I did for the death and dying going on all around me. I prayed equally for beautiful singing birds, llamas and loved ones as I did for dead leaves, road kill and bugs that hit my face. Hell, I even prayed for the horse poo on the side of the road! And as I prayed, I reached such a deep level of gratitude for everything going on around me; good and bad, I approached the sheath of BLISS. It was here that I experienced yoga.

As much as I could go on about the rest of my experience this weekend, I think I would rather sit and just let it be. It was wonderful. It was everything. And it was nothing at all.

I am so grateful for everyone and everything that made this experience possible; the volunteers, the coordinators, the other trekkers, the sponsors, the cheerleaders and all those behind the scenes who may never be formally acknowledged: THANK YOU!

May you all be peaceful, playful, and breathe easy. Namaste.

Yoga Community Resources Updates!

2009-09-06T09:03:00.001-07:00

Are you a yoga teacher looking for a way to connect and interact with the community?
... a yoga student looking for a way to find teachers, studios and events in your area?

Namaste Vancouver redesigned it’s yoga directory website for Vancouver BC. Yoga Teachers & Yoga Studios in Vancouver BC area can create their listings for Free. Click here today to add your listing.

Other Online Yoga Resources Created By NamasteVancouver.com for Vancouver’s Yoga Community:
Yoga Community – Social Networking Site for Yoga Lovers in Vancouver BC. View or share upcoming yoga events & yoga workshops in Vancouver BC
Vancouver Yoga Teachers Group on Facebook
Vancouver Yoga Community Group on Facebook

Also find affordable websites at Yogi Web Designs!

Much love, and namaste!

Anger - an exerpt from "Kundalini Yoga: The Flow of Eternal Power" by Shakti Parwha Kaur Khalsa

2009-08-18T06:41:00.000-07:00

As part of my practice of kundalini yoga, I have been studying this book (as named above). It is a very wonderful resource for anyone looking to investigate further into Kundalini yoga, or to deepen their established practice. It includes kriyas, detailed explanations of breath, mantras, philosophy, and recipes (including yogi Bhajan's recipe for Yogi Tea!! mmmm!)

The following is an exerpt I really enjoyed that answers the question of heaven and hell (or at least gives an incredible insight into the two). I highly recommend you check this book out if you are at all interested; the library in Vancouver has a few copies, but trust me, after a bit of twiddling through, you're going to want your own! Sat nam, and enjoy!

(Pg. 68)

Anger

Anger is a condition of frusturation born out of the ego feeling powerless.

"The bold and handsome young Samurai warrior stood respectfully before the aged Zen master and asked, 'Master, teach me about Heaven and Hell.' The master snapped his head up in disgust and said, 'Teach YOU about Heaven and Hell? Why, I doubt that you could even learn to keep your sword from rusting! You ignorant fool! How dare yo suppose that you could understand anything I might care to say!' The old man went on and on, becoming even more insulting, while the young swordsman's surprise turned first to confusion and then to hot anger, rising by the minute.

'Master or no Master, who can insult a Samurai and live?' At last, with teeth clenched and blood nearly boiling in a fury, the warrior blindly drew his sword and prepared to end the old man's sharp tongue and life all in a moment. The master looked straight into his eyes and said, 'That's Hell.' At the peak of his rage, the Samurai realized that this was indeed his teaching; the master had hounded him into a living Hell, driven by uncontrolled anger and ego.

The young man, profoundly humbled, sheathed his sword and bowed low to his great spiritual teaher. Looking up into the aged wise man's beaming face, he felt more love and compassion than he had ever felt in his life, at which point the master raised his index finger as would a school teacher, and said, 'And that's Heaven.' "

SavvyMom Mom Entrepreneur of the Year Award

2009-06-30T10:35:00.001-07:00

SavvyMom Mom Entrepreneur of the Year Award

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Lost - By David Wagoner

2009-06-17T07:15:00.000-07:00

Stand still. The trees ahead and bushes beside you

Are not lost. Wherever you are is called Here,

And you must treat it as a powerful stranger,

Must ask permission to know it and be known.

The forest breathes. Listen. It answers,

I have made this place around you.

If you leave it, you may come back again, saying

Here.

No two trees are the same to Raven.

No two branches are the same to Wren.

If what a tree or a bush does is lost on you,

You are surely lost. Stand still. The forest knows

Where you are. You must let it find you

Loving-Kindness and Equanimity Meditation

2009-06-04T21:20:00.000-07:00

Lately, I am reading the book Emotional Alchemy; how the mind can heal the heart written by Tara Bennett-Goleman. I just sat down to read a chapter after returning from a long bike ride, watching the sunset over Fraser River, which I did after spending the previous few hours exhausting my mind with my anatomy textbook, and so was able to completely be absorbed into the book.

In the latest chapter, Goleman gives instructions for how to cultivate equanimity and compassion, and suggests the repetition of specific phrases (of course, to be made personal to anyone's specific liking).

For equanimity, she gives the simple example,

"May I accept things as they are."

(Sitting in the humid, sweaty heat of my unairconditioned apartment, I found I really had to concentrate on this one!) For loving-kindness, she offers,

"May I be free from suffering and the cause of suffering.

May I have ease of well-being.

May I be protected an safe.

May I be happy."

suggesting that first this reflection to be offered to oneself, then loved ones, then aquaintances and casual encounters, then those with whom one has difficulties, and finally, all sentinent beings everywhere. To finish, one returns to,

"May I accept things as they are."

By practicing equanimity alongside compassion, we practice unattachment to how we would like things to be. This is the first time I have gone through this meditation/reflection and am going to continue to explore it for the next few weeks. I would love to share my experience with you as I go along....

Until then, may you all be free, easeful, protected, safe, and happy! Love love love,

Bee

Yoga Journal - Ogden: The Inappropriate Yoga Guy

2009-05-26T09:55:00.001-07:00

Yoga Journal - Ogden: The Inappropriate Yoga Guy

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Tech Free Day

2009-05-14T07:20:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I decided to take a mini-vacation - to step out, if only briefly, of this techno-bath in which I am continually submerged! I took a "tech free day", turning off my cell phone, computer, and television. The day began sans alarm at 7 am, as usual, and, because I wasn't in a rush to do anything at all!, I closed my eyes again and enjoyed my cloud of blankets for another hour and a half!

While washing my face in the bathroom, I heard Wade flick on the TV. Shucks... so I decided it would be a good time to have a shower, do my nails, and get ready for the day. When I was finished, Wade had already gone to work and the TV was off. Phew! Breakfast consisted of some organic fruits I had pulled out of the freezer to defrost overnight, some flax cereal, and some cooled coffee.

Morning activities consisted of reading, folding towels, and washing the dishes in the dishwasher - by hand! It was a very satisfying, soothing, almost meditative activity...though I am happy to let the dishwasher do the work most of the time! (some studies show that using a dishwasher efficiently, ie. full loads, quality appliance, may actually use LESS water and LESS energy than hand-washing. THis may need verification, and may or may not be true in all situations. Still, it was an enjoyable, wholesome activity with which to celebrate tech-free day!

During the afternoon, I was able to accomplish some more chores, one of which being taking care of the garbage/recycling, which, without using the elevator key, requires that one go outside of the apartment and then back in through the garbage room. I had a good laugh to myself when I realized (already outside my building in front of the convenient store), I was still in my pajamas with my hair in a beehive bun and bandana... CLASSIC! By then I had worked up an appetite to enjoy some yogurt and fruit before venturing on my bicycle to run some errands. By noon, I was enjoying the day soooo much and feeling both incredibly free and grounded at the same time. Since I had turned off my ipod, I was still 'looping' songs in my head, but after a while those faded and Iwas able to be present with the sounds of what was going on AROUND me. Furthermore, I became aware of what was going on WITHIN me. Each time I habitually put my hand in my pocket to search for my cell phone to check the time (yes, I'm still tacky like that), I remembered that it DIDNT MATTER! That was a most beautiful realization.

The rest of my day consisted of biking, visiting friends, bumping into a cousin I hadn't seen in ages and spontaneous conversation. On the way home I went to visit a friend, throwing rocks at her window to see if she was home. Alas, no response, and the neighbor seemed a bit frusturated at my repeated hollar "emmaaaaaaaaaa!". So I left...

I picked up some vegetables that didn't require cooking at the market on my way, and, very serendipitously timed if I do say so, it began to rain JUST as I entered my apartment! The familiar buzzing vibration of the television was humming as kathy got ready for work, so Itook the opportunity to study on my bedroom floor and take a little nap until she had left. Dinner was a laaaarge salad complete with lovely organic ingredients from my yoga friend, and I was able to be COMPLETELY present and enjoy every bite (what with no electronic distraction stealing my awareness).

Later, I read the entire greek play Antigone (okay, it's a short one! :P) and almost finished 'A Streetcar Named Desire' ("stellaaaaaaaaaaaa!"). I was surprised how fantastically entertaining these 'treats' were, and how much one could enjoy READING a play. I kind of wished, however, that I had some friends around to act it out with me (is that lame? whatever!).

Despite the fact that I was able to "accomplish" so much, one of my biggest triumphs was to feel okay with doing NOTHING AT ALL! - to just sit and breathe in natural meditation or kind of roll around on my floor relaxing in organic yoga - to manifest myself as a human BEING rather than thinking, doing, computing, or whatevering!

All in all, I had a fantastic day! Honestly, it was a little 'scary' at first (what if someone needs to talk to me today! pshh.. lol) but after taking some time to breathe, I realized it was a beautiful thing. I deserved - and we all do - a day off...completely off! If anything, this day gave me space - space to think, do, and most importantly just to be.

From this, I hope you are just a wee bit inspired to turn off the tech for yourself. Even if it's JUST the TV, or JUST the internet, whatever's possible. Maybe it's just an hour or two in the afternoon when you consciously distance yourself from the electronic noise makers in your life.

When we disconnect from the world of technology, even just a bit, we open ourselves up to connecting with something infinitely bigger and beautiful - the world inside of yourself and inside of others. We unplug, to plug IN!

Turn of the tech little bees!
Aren't you curious?

Many blessings,

xoxo Brenna

Spring Came This Year

2009-04-25T16:24:00.000-07:00

It's true! Spring came this year, at last
9 months she waited patiently
As other seasons passed
Resting her blossoms and branches
While the bees hovered humming on the side lines
Waiting their cue
When is she due?
They wondered
And then one heard
The subtle unpeeling of a petal
And the scent of new nettle
Rippled through the field
Without yield
Winter weilded - gave way
The gates
Swung open and a stream of bees - like a river - flooded in
Without a hair of hesitation
Pollination
An inuendo-sparked creschendo
Blood-red raspberries rippled ruthlessly their path
A crimson bath
Left in their way
April showers washed the Earth
Fresh flowers surrendered to their birth
Inevitable. Perennial.
Spring.
Did you ever have doubt?
While 9 months pittered past -
Though they flowed fairly fast -
She was coming.
In her own time - in her own way, she would arrive.
And it's true - Spring came this year, at last.

Patient Lotus Visualization (for prenatal!)

2009-04-20T14:10:00.001-07:00

Patient Lotus Visualization

Sit in a comfortable seated position (simple cross legged, easy poses, against a wall or even in a chair are appropriate postures). Prepare yourself for a simple meditation.

Start by establishing a good posture; allow your sit bones to root into the ground, or chair, even physically moving the flesh away from the thighs to create a real rooting sensation through your seat. Feel your thighs, knees, and hips heavy and relaxed, as the rest of your body – torso, shoulders, arms, neck and head – feel light. Allow this lightness to help you grow taller. The spine lengthens effortlessly towards the sky. Closing the eyes now, allow the face, forehead, eyelids, cheeks, and mouth to soften. Let there be a space between your top teeth and bottom teeth, the upper and lower lips, and allow the tongue to relax. Take a few deep breaths.

Now, keeping your eyes closed, connect the thumb and middle finger on each hand. Both palms face up, rest one hand in your lap, and let the other hand gently rest on top of it. The mudra (gesture) you are making with your fingers is said to stimulate patience. Allow yourself to feel this patience as you breathe. The way you are holding your hands, one atop the other, is meant to represent a lotus flower. In this way, you have created a patient lotus ;).

As you relax and breathe here, imagine yourself a beautiful, patient lotus flower. Floating in a still pond, feel your roots grow deep into the water. Sitting patiently, perfect as your are, just sitting, just being, you bask the warm sunshine of Spring. Your heart lifts and opens towards the sun. Feel your face warm, smiling softly – joyfully. Enjoy a few long deep breaths here, basking in your radiance.

Now imagine your petals, like big wings extending from your hips and legs. Start to feel the warmth of the sun becoming cooler, as the sun starts to set. Slowly, one by one, allow your petals to close in on you; sealing your body into the bud of the flower. Sweet darkness and security surrounds you.

Now turn your attention inward. Come to your baby. See him or her, floating about in their own warm pond. (If they are closer to term, you can visualize them centered, stable and rooted in their pond as you were). See them as the beautiful bud within you – waiting patiently to emerge from the lotus; from your body.

See them smiling – soft baby body – no sense of urgency or worry. All is well. Stay here and enjoy this world – this universe – inside of you. Breathe it in.

When you are ready, gently start to draw your awareness back into the present moment. Feel the temperature of the room, the sounds, wiggle your fingers and toes, roll your neck from ear to ear (like you were awakening from a long hibernation, or a good shavasana!). Maintaining this sense of inner and outer softness you have cultivated, open your eyes.
May you be blessed with patience and joyfulness for the rest of your pregnancy, and into motherhood!

Namaste

Brenna Coupland

Come Home

2009-04-05T08:20:00.000-07:00

To feel "at home" is to feel "at ease" - wherever you are. One way to ensure your comfort in any location is to find it within your own body - your place of constant residence (for this lifetime, at least).

When we feel tightness, it is almost as if we don't "fit" in our own body. How unfortunate, for we cannot strip it all off and slip into a new one! Even if we could, I am sure that the "new" one would not be any better suited.

What we need to do, rather, is wiggle and explore and use our YOGA to move back into our bodies; to establish a place of comfort and acceptance and feel natural in our skin. In this way, we can feel "at home" again.

So when tightness arises, in the form of physical stagnancy and congestion, in the emotional body as "homesickness", or in the spiritual energy body as seperation or loss of direction, can we reestablish our grounding and sense of belonging in our own body? Finding the physical manifestation is often easisest, so look for it's source in the body first - then work it out!

Hang up your coat, let your muscles drape over your bones, and wiggle your hips back into the bum-groove of your own body! Come back again and RUTHLESSLY set up camp in the place of your original source - your body - come home, come home!

Lunch and a Yogi

2009-03-13T11:52:00.000-07:00

This spring, IntoYoga presents…

Lunch and a Yogi!

Take your yoga practice off of your mat, and into the kitchen! Learn what REALLY makes the yogis "glow"! This workshop begins with a yoga flow designed to prepare the body for digestion, followed by the preparation of a nutritious vegetarian meal. You will learn about the yoga of eating and explore such topics as:

- The prana (energy) of foods

- Principles of yoga that relate to eating

- The importance of mindful preparation and consumption of food, and

- The relationship between the nervous system and the digestive system(and how yoga plays a role!)

After consciously enjoying our meal, the workshop will conclude with meditation, breathing and relaxation. Please bring a yoga mat and a note pad if you wish to take notes. Copies of the recipes will be provided.

Total workshop cost: $52

Namaste - let's eat!

Sunday April 19

11:00 am – 2:00 pm
HASTINGS COMMUNITY CENTER

3096 East Hastings Street

To register, call 604-718-6222

Saturday April 25

1:30 pm – 4:30 pm

MT. PLEASANT COMMUNITY CENTER

3161 Ontario Street

To register, call 604-713-1888

IntoYoga.ca

Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, Coquitlam
mobile on-site programs

serving Lower Mainland, British Columbia

Tele: 604.421.9872 Fax: 604.421.9878

Self Healing

2009-03-02T13:01:00.000-08:00

Business, changes and a little stress (what - a stressed yogi?! Et-il possible?!) in the past few months and I find myself more than a hair shy of optimum health. Physically, I've been feeling sluggish, stagnant, and congested. In other areas of my life, the symptoms show up as a lack of luster in my teaching, less direction during my day (what did I wake up for again?) and difficulty staying focused - Nothing is particularly BAD, it's just not as FABULOUS as it has been or could be - and hey, why settle for anything less than spectacular?!

What really woke me up to this was the latest chapter in my nutriton course, Vitamins, and also the first section of the book, "The Anatomy of the Spirit", both of which point to emotions and nutrition as the two primary factors of general health and well being. As a semi-vegan who enjoys SQUASH as a staple of her diet, I am aware that I don't consume enough whole grains and maybe not enough protein, so ding-ding-ding, it was only a matter of time before it showed up in my health. I started by purchasing a quality multivitamin formulated for women that includes all the B's - important vitamins for energy and happiness - then picked up some tofu, soy and mung beans for more protein. The result? Well it's only been a few days, and it could be purely psychological, but I already feel more energetic, less muscle fatigue when biking, and overall, BRIGHTER!

As for the spiritual/emotional factor, I just started to explore this last night. I drew a picture of myself (gingerbread man style), and ornamented her with graphic interpretations of what I was feeling - tightness and congestion as squiggly lines, aches in bold pencil scribbles, etc. Then I medidated, drawing my awareness inside of my own body, focusing on the areas in which I had highlighted in my depiction, and contemplated the possible emotional causes of my ailments. I was able to focus on one or two major energy centers (chakras) of my body that were calling my attention, and determine a few potential sources of their distress. I feel better already - just being aware of what's going on inside.

I am responsible for my own health and happiness, and am excited about finding out just how fantasic it is possible to feel - inside and out.

It is so true that those times when it seems as if we can't make time for our health, or yoga practice, or SELF are when we NEED IT THE MOST! The bee is a busy one, but still takes time to taste a little honey herself. So my wish for you this week, my beautiful yoga bees, is to contemplate the idea of feeling a little bit more spectacular. Take a moment to taste the honey in your life - dance in your underwear, sing in the supermarket line, be onnoxious and flamboyant and organic. You deserve it! :)

Lots o love from your obnoxiflamganic yogi,
B

Note: My blogs are not intended as medical advice - if you experience a sudden - or even a gradual - shift in your health, well being, or energy, talk with your primary care giver.

The Perfect

2009-03-02T09:01:00.001-08:00

Good nutrition is essential for your developing baby. Learn just what you should be eating over the next nine months.

View >>

One Little Yogi Neuron

2009-02-24T09:25:00.000-08:00

Good morning!

I hope you all had a chance to get out and soak up some vitamin D this week - wasn't that amazing? I was convinced that it was summer already! However, even I'll admit that sometimes we need a cloudy, rainy day to remind us that we live in Vancouver, beside the beautiful ocean, amidst the majestic mountains and among many many lovely yogis, friends and strangers.

I would just like to follow up a bit regarding my last entry (re: weekly goals). I accomplished some pretty cool things this week, including the completion of two lessons from my CSNN Distance Ed course, and teaching my first two prenatal yoga classes since Christmas. I also had the opportunity to teach my first class as a substitute teacher at Unity Yoga - an inviting and peaceful yoga studio on 10th avenue, just west of Commercial Drive.

As for my appreciations this week - where do I start?! I suppose the common thread weaving through my many appreciations has been community and support. I feel so blessed to be part of such a strongly-knit yoga community here in Vancouver. It is like a well-functioning organism, the way the community works; taking care of eachother, sharing inforation, efficient - like brain synapses firing - and full of freshness, constant rejuvination and continual growth. I am so grateful to be a part of it; just one little neuron, one little cell, one little yogi, in this awesome network of love!

Zzzzzap!

Goal: Set Weekly Goals again

2009-02-16T13:50:00.000-08:00

Goal number one: I am going to start setting weekly goals again! CHECK!

Each week during my yoga teacher training, we would reflect on our past week - our accomplishments, self learning and appreciations - and set our intentions and goals for the following week. One of my dear teachers during once said regarding the reflections, 'If you find ANY benefit whatsoever in writing down your weekly goals, keep doing them!' Hence, I continued to do them in my own journal each week, up until a few months ago. It wasn't until I STOPPED putting my intentions and reflections in ink that I noticed a shift.

By the nature of my personality, I'm fairly good at self motivation and consistency. But then I got lazy. Something about writing it down made it more likely that I would accomplish my goals! Of course, it wasn't until I STOPPED writing it down that I noticed how easy it is to slip into a bit of montony and stagnancy; of living a horizontal life rather than vertically to my greatest potential. (I even slipped back into drinking coffee regularly! Eek!)

I am ready to set goals again. I will start by posting them here, so that maybe you can hold me accountable to what I put down here, and, if it tickles your fancy, you can reply to this post with your OWN goals. Let's inspire eachother!

Feb 16-Feb 23:

Accomplishments:
- Taught crow pose for the first time this morning at Lululemon!
- Went to my first business networking meeting and met some great contacts
- Finished reading "The Power of Now" by Eckhart Tolle

Appreciations:
- Support from my wonderful, generous and loving friends
- Sitting in the sunshine with no where to go and nothing to do
- Laughing, sleeping and feeding babies!

Self-Learning:
- Setting goals works for me, so I should do it! I want to live a purposeful, spontaneous and joyful life; always here, ever arriving.

Goals:
- I switch to decaf coffee
- I eat my last meal before 9:00 pm, at least 5 days out of the 7
- I go to at least one power yoga class
- I teach a new arm balance in my vinyasa class

Question: What are your goals this week?

Yoga Canada Day Poster

2009-02-07T09:35:00.000-08:00

MOMS-TO-BE, MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

The Yoga Bee - RYT, prenatal and kids yoga certified - is participating in Yoga Canada Day!

Location: Open Door Yoga Studio

1111 Commercial Drive (entrance at rear)

Time: 2:00 - 3:15 pm

Class Type: Prenatal Yoga

Phone: 778-847-2422 (Brenna)

Studio Phone: 604-677-4972

In this class, you will explore gentle postures, breathing techniques and relaxation to open and strengthen your changing body. You will also learn tools to alleviate common discomforts of pregnancy. Connect with your growing baby and meet moms-to-be in your community! All stages of pregnancy welcome - no previous yoga experience required! Please check with your doctor to be sure gentle hatha yoga is safe for you and your baby!

Brenna Coupland778 - 847 - 2422yogabee@live.ca
http://www.theyogabee.ca

Bring your friend or family member to try Yoga for Free.

No Registration required.

How to Nip a Cold in the Bud.. The Yogi Way!

2009-02-03T09:37:00.000-08:00

Good morning!

They say that sometimes, before things get better, they get worse, and this is definately holding true for my cold! Immediately upon waking this morning, I got serious about nipping this cold's bud. In a holistic, yogic like fashion, I meditated, and then medicated. To start, I "enjoyed" a hot cup of 'Gan Mao' tea (seriously, if you haven't tried this, go to your chinese herbalist and get some! It WORKS!). You'll understand why I put the word "enjoyed" in quotations, :) but I promise you won't be dissappointed in the results! I then minced up a HUGE clove of garlic, mixed it with a teaspoon of honey, and proceeded to chew and swallow this "delicious" concotion. I made sure to eat every morsel, and yes, I licked the spoon clean!

This wasn't self-punishment, nor a prescribed remedy from any doctor, it just made sense to me that these two anti-bacterial and anti-viral ingredients would be just the team to kick some serious cold - booty! Did it work? I hope so... for the sake of everyone who has to talk to me today it better have been worth it! After the extreme warmth in the face and neck, gentle aches in my chest and back, and then a VERY excited stomach, I had some breakfast to calm my system, and I feel great! I think one more dose of this duo and I can officially say adios to my ailments.

(As always, please don't mistake my experiences as medical advice! Try the raw-garlic-and-honey remedy at your own risk (: )!

On another topic, I'd like to make note of a few classes I'm teaching this winter/spring. Please contact me for more information, or visit my website for more details. (I promise I won't do the raw-garlic-remedy before class!)

Mondays
5:00 pm HeartQuest Wellness Center (204-2250 Commercial Drive)

This is a gentle, non-intimidating, intimate class accessible to all body types and levels of fitness/yoga experience (even first timers!) Come to relax the mind and open the body and heart. No registration required, just bring your own yoga mat or towel. First class $8.

7:30 pm Green Tree Village, Burnaby Prenatal Yoga

Next 5 week session begins February 23rd. Please Visit IntoYoga for registration details!

Tuesdays
10:00 am Kerrisdale Community Center Baby and Me Yoga

Next 5 week session starts February 24th. Visit IntoYoga for registration details.

5:50 pm Yogacara (10th and Trutch) Hatha Yoga
7:00 pm Yogacara (10th and Trutch) Vinyasa Yoga

These are drop-in classes, suitable for all levels of practice. In the vinyasa class we flow more quickly from one posture to the next through the sun/moon salutations, and also explore more challenging and powerful postures. It is most appropriate if you have some prior yoga experience and are familiar with the sun salutation. YogaCara is a beautiful studio in Kits and classes are affordable and non-intimidating!

Wednesdays
1:15 pm - Boditree Pilates Kids Yoga (4-6)
3:45 pm - Boditree Pilates Kids Yoga (7-10)

Kids are natural yogis! In this class we learn postures through stories and games. Great way to stay fit and have fun in a non-competitive environment. Next 4 week series begins February 23. Visit Boditree Pilates for more details and registration info!

Thursdays
11:00 am - Douglas Community Center - Mom and Baby Yoga

3 sessions left in current series. Next 5 week session begins Feburary 26. Visit IntoYoga for registration details.

6:30 pm- Yatra Yoga (North Burnaby) Prenatal Yoga

Please contact Lori, or visit Yatra Yoga to find out about this class!

Fridays
5:15 pm - Yogacara (10th and Trutch) Vinyasa Yoga

Saturdays
1:30 pm - Boditree Pilates Kids Yoga (4-6)
2:45 pm - Boditree Pilates Kids Yoga (7-10)

Sundays
9:45 am - Lululemon Oakridge Mall (41st and Cambie) Free Hatha Yoga Class

No need to preregister! Join us in the store before mall hours each sunday morning for a free gentle hatha yoga class. Bring your own yoga mat, or feel free to use one at the studio. Snacks are served after class (if a great free yoga class wasn't convincing enough!)

Namaste my friends,

Hope to see you soon! Stay beautiful! :)

Yoga in Vancouver | The Yoga Bee

2009-02-02T11:03:00.001-08:00

Yoga in Vancouver | The Yoga Bee

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Healing and Yoga

2009-02-02T08:38:00.000-08:00

According to The Weather Network Canada's Cold and Flu report, 10-15% of people living in Vancouver are affected by respitory illness (that's high)! Yogis are not entirely safe from this percentage either. As a substitute yoga teacher, the number of "Help! Can you take this class? I can't talk!" emails I've received lately is almost overwhelming, my inbox is spilling over! Further more, it's becoming more and more imperative to remember to put out the kleenex boxes in the studio, and no one can spend more than 5 breaths in down dog without feeling like their head has been mistakenly replaced with a bowling ball (that's not just me, is it?).

As the wise grandmothers since time immemorial would advise, I will repeat: drink hot water with lemon juice and honey, as well as plenty of other fluids, and REST! I'd also like to add 'don't forget about your yoga!' I don't think it's a fantastic idea to go to the studio for a power class, (though some would insist that it's a great way to flush out the toxins) rather, from my experience, I have found it more benefical to use this time, and my illness, as an opportunity to rediscover the beauty of 'restorative yoga'.

Here are a few postures I've been enjoying through my healing process, but I encourage you to explore others and create a practice that feels really great in your body! Blocks, cushions and blankets are great props to support you for your beautiful restorative practice. (I have included hyperlinks to Yoga Journal where you can find more details about the postures and techniques, as well as find pictures of each pose).

1) Child's pose - Kneeling on a soft surface, sit on your heels and bring your chest to rest on your thighs, forehead rests on the floor. Place a rolled up blanket under the heels, or between the heels and buttocks. Forehead can rest on some height, especially if this causes pressure in the sinuses. Use your hands like pillows, stack your fists, or use a cushion to support your head. Breathe. Stay here for as long as you like, exploring the breath in your back body.

2) Dirgha Breath - AKA Three Part Breath. The lungs are one of the major detoxifying organs in the body, so deep breathing helps to expel toxins, as well as calm the nervous system. When the nervous system is relaxed, the body can use its energy to heal. You can do this breath in any comfortable seated posture, resting on your back, or even in child's pose. Use your hands on your body to feel the breath. As you inhale, breathe into your belly, then your rib cage, then your heart, and as you exhale, let your belly fall, ribs fall, heart falls. Follow this wave of breath, trying to let your inhale be as long and deep as your exhale. Find the breath not only in the front body, but in the sides and the back as well. As you breathe in visualize healing light coming into your lungs, and as you exhale send healing light out into the world. Continue for a few minutes, or longer. If you become dizzy, stop and resume regular breathing.

3) Cat/Cow - On all 4's, knees are hip distance apart, hands are beneath the shoulders, fingers are spread wide, and toes are tucked under. If this is incomfortable for the wrists, come to fists or place cushions underneath the wrists (or knees). Keep the elbows soft. As you inhale lift your tail bone, let the belly fall, and lift your heart through your shoulders. Gaze up. As you exhale, tuck your tail, arch your back to the sky, and tuck your chin. Gaze at your belly. Continue moving in this wave like motion with your breath. This posture clears out the lungs and gets energy moving through your spine. You may cough! That's a good sign it's working! Continue for as long as you like, resting in child's pose when you've had enough.

4) Supported Down Dog - if you have a sinus infection or congested head, you probably won't be comfortable in this posture for very long, if at all. Be guided by your body wisdom! Starting in cat position as above, tuck your toes under, and lift your hips up to the sky. Keep your knees bent as much as you need to find length in the spine as you press your chest towards your thighs. Sit bones move towards the sky. If you wish, begin to press your heels to the ground, beginning to straigten the legs, length through the hamstrings. Wrap your shoulder blades around towards the front of your body (a gathering-in motion), keep your elbows soft, and fingers spread wide, pressing into the WHOLE hand. You can place a stable, high, block underneath your forehead, and rest here for as long as feels comfortable. Rest in child's pose.

4) Two-knee twist - Resting on your back, hug your knees to your chest. Take a moment to rock from side to side until you find center. Arms come out like wings, in one line with your shoulders. Your choice: Palms face up or down. Inhale here, exhale let the knees fall to the right side. You can place right hand on knees and gaze to the left if that feels nice in your body. Adjust the knees AWAY from your body if it feels like too much of a twist, or tuck them in towards your body if it feels good to do so. Relax and breathe. Feel free to find the dirgha breath and visualize the healing process. Stay here as long as you like. Repeat on the other side. If you fall asleep on one side, make sure you get an equally long rest on the other side!

5) Supported Bridge - Resting on back, knees bent, hip width apart, feet planted into the ground. Arms are along side the body palms face down. As you inhale, begin to lift your hips and place a block, or any height beneath your sacrum (between tail bone and low back). Place your back down on the height (make sure it's comfortable!) and breathe. Keep your thighs parallel, and let your eyes close or watch your belly rise and fall. This is a beautiful gentle inversion, so stay here as long as you like. To come out, gently lift the hips, remove the prop and lower back down. If you feel dizzy or too much pressure in the head, come out early and rest. Afterwards, take a moment to hug the knees to chest and rock side to side.

6) Shavasana - Corpse pose. You know this one! If you like, prior to doing shavasana, take 5-10 minutes with your legs up the wall. When you're ready, dim the lights, use the washroom, get a sip of water, and grab any props you need (blanket, pillows) for this final posture. Rest on your back, or even on your side if that's more comfortable. You can have a pillow underneath each knee to support your low back. Hands can rest along side your body, a distance away from your hips, palms face up, or let them rest palms down on your belly and heart. Close your eyes and relax. Breathe and let the healing take place.

If you're one of the lucky ones who hasn't fallen prey to a cold or flu this season (congratulations!), restorative yoga, or any yoga of your preference for that matter, is believed to support the immune system (through a calm and regulated nervous system), the respiratory system (through postures and breathing techniques), and the excretory system (twists, breathing, etc.). Most importantly, gentle exercise gets stagnant energy and toxins movin', so white blood cells and lymph can repair tissues and rid your body of infection FASTER (we yogis are an efficient bunch!). For more information about the benefits of yoga on the immune system, see this article from Yoga Journal here!

Of course, none of this should be taken as medical advice, and you should contact your doctor prior to attempting any exercise regime. Practice postures at your own risk. As always, listen to your OWN body - especially at a time of impaired health. I encourage you to set your intention before you begin your practice; let it be healing, compassionate and come from a place of gentleness.

As the author Bruce Larson states, "There's a lot more to health than not being sick"!

Be well!

Question:
What methods or techniques are you using to remedy your cold or flu this season?
(or if you're not ill - good for you! - how are you ensuring you maintain your health?)

Beautiful Shavasana

2009-01-26T20:20:00.000-08:00

Lying in stillness, I find my shavasana. Since the moment my feet met the earth this morning, I had not stopped moving - or thinking - until now. My body is tired, my mind is ready to relax, and I just rest. One hand on my belly, one hand on my heart. This is still one of the most challenging postures for me. I usually find myself slipping into one of two extremes - asleep, or lingering on the edge of it, or fully engaged in a conversation with my thoughts. Today, however, I watch my breath. It just happens. I just happen. I feel my heart beat. And I feel it in a way I haven't felt before. I have completely surrendered. I no longer put effort into being, and I experience a oneness with myself. I sense an "other". This "other" is beating my heart, flowing though and breathing me. It dawns upon me that with all of the power of my mind, I can not stop this life force any more than I can create it. It just "is". At first I experience this as a force outside of myself that "allows" me to continue being; I feel loved. I feel grateful. I continue to exist because someone - something outside of myself; something "other" - loves me. And then I realize that it IS me - I continue to exist because "I" love me. I continue to exist because "I" love. I continue to exist because OF love... In this moment, I am submerged the true essence of yoga. It is beautiful. And as quickly as it comes, it goes. It is time to come back; to wiggle my fingers and toes and draw myself back to my body; back into this world. The moment is over and another one awaits. Until then, I am in this one. Namaste.

Plan Bee

2009-01-19T10:50:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends,

One year ago, along with many other wonderful and inspiring yogis, I took my first steps on the path to becoming a yoga teacher. It has been nearly 7 months since I left my restaurant job in order to dedicate myself - my time, my energy, and my heart - to the practice. It has not always been easy, and I did not expect it to be! I told the universe my intentions, and the universe provided. Opportunities came, wise people appeared, and, somehow, my practical needs (food, shelter, etc.) were taken care of! I am indescribably grateful for all of the support I have received over this past year (and beyond). To my students, my teachers, my family and my friends: you are incredible! If I have not told you in the past how much appreciate you, then I am telling you now! So thank you. I hope I can someday give back to you the support and encouragement you have offered me.

This year, my intention was to become a full-time yoga teacher. I had several classes lined up (more than enough!), workshops in-the-making, and more ideas than chaturangas in a vinyasa class! With my full schedule penned into my 2009 calander, I was prepared to come into my true manifesto as a busy yoga bee. Classes at studios, community centers, and schools were waiting to be pollinated with yoga, and I was PSYCHED (er.. I mean I felt equanimity.. as the "good" yogi I am :P).

However, as is life, so is yoga, and writing in pen doesn't necessarily indicate a sure thing. With the unpredictable weather, and along with the economy being as it is, registration for yoga classes everywhere has been low. Consequently, the classes I had anticipated teaching are now postponed until March (assuming the next sessions manage to solicit enough registration to run). As the happily naive and optimistic gal I am, I have no plan B (only a plan Bee!).

Accordingly, I have had to sit down and re-evaluate my goals and intentions; to ask myself, "what do I really want? what does my heart need?" I have come up with a list, and would like to share three of my answers with you:

- I want to be a great yoga teacher. This is number one! I want to share the benefits of the practice that I have experienced with others. However, I realize now that in order to do so, it doesn't need to be my means to living! I want to learn HOW to be a BETTER yoga teacher and participate in more courses and workshops so I can have more to offer.
- I want to be healthy. At first, this appears to be a rather ambiguous goal - Let me be more specific: I want to deepen my own yoga practice, both at home and through other teachers. I want to eat more nutritious, fresh foods. I want to fuel my body with enough energy to enjoy an active lifestyle without worrying about whether I'm obtaining proper nutrition. To accomplish both of these, I need to be financially secure enough to afford them.
- I want joy! I want to say YES more! I want to be free to make choices on the basis of whether I want to do them or not, not on whether or not I can afford them in time, money or energy.

In conclusion, I want to be a teacher, not only of yoga, but of joyful living. At this point in my life, I have realized that in order to do so, my expectations of myself need to change. I am working with accepting that it is okay to change my mind (if you know me well, you understand how difficult this is for me!), and that doing so doesn't indicate defeat or failure. I must make a decision - a PRACTICAL decision: I am going to find a job.

Am I going to find a job in order to make money? Simply put, yes. I don't want to be rich or buy fancy things, but I would in fact like to be able to afford fresh, healthy food. I would like to continue practicing yoga at the studio. I would like to live joyfully and say YES! But most of all, I want to be able to GIVE. For the past few months, the universe and the beautiful people in my life have been my providers on so many levels, and the time has come for me to give back.

I paraphrase the great sufi saying when I say that I can only give from the overflow of my well, not from its depth, and hence, I am going to find a means to fill my well!

Thank you for allowing me to share this pivotal moment in my life with you, and for your continued love and encouragement. Many blessings to you and your journeys, and I look forward to seeing you at yoga someday soon!

Fly on bumble bees,

Brenna

"Aerodynamically, the bumble bee shouldn't be able to fly. But the bumble bee doesn't know this, so he goes on flying anyway" - Mary Kay Ash

Upcoming Workshop - Dinner and a Yogi

2009-01-19T08:38:00.001-08:00

Dinner and a Yogi - take your yoga practice off of your mat, and intothe kitchen! Learn what REALLY makes the yogis "glow"!

This workshop begins with a yoga flow designed to prepare the body for digestion, followed by the preparation of a nutritiousvegetarian meal. You will learn about the yoga of eating and explore such topics as: - the prana (energy) of foods,- principles of yoga that relate to eating- the importance of mindful preparation and consumption of food, and- the relationship between the nervous system and the digestive system (and how yoga plays a role!)

After consciouslly enjoying our meal, the evening will conculde with meditation, breathing and relaxation. Please bring a yoga mat and a note pad if you wish to take notes. Copies of the recipes will be provided. Namaste - let's eat!

(Date, time and price to be announced. Class space is limited, so stay tuned!)

Vancouver Yoga Community!

2009-01-16T22:02:00.001-08:00

Vancouver Yoga Community Network

Namaste Vancouver has created a social network for Vancouver Yoga Community. Visit http://yogacommunity.namastevancouver.com. You may post your events/workshops/retreats for free and selected events will appear on events/workshops section of NamasteVancouver.com.Namaste Vancouver is your online Yoga Directory for Metro
Vancouver.

Namaste!

2008-11-24T08:03:00.000-08:00

You’re Invited to…
Raise the Roof on Compassion!

Sat, November 29th 8 am – Sun, November 30th 8 am
The Rooftop Studio: 301-1945 West 4th Avenue

8:00-8:30 am
Event starts, refreshments
Coffee, silent auction
8:30-9:30 am
Hatha Yoga
Erin
9:30-10:30 am
AIDS presentation
Brenna
11:00-12:00 pm
Kids Yoga
Tara
12:00-1:00 pm
Lunch Break
Second Cup
1:00-2:00 pm
African Mask Making for Kids!
Darci
2:00-3:00 pm
Hatha Yoga
Jen Bodmer
3:00-4:00 pm
Hatha Yoga
Teacher TBA
4:00-5:00 pm
Power Yoga
Lori
5:00-6:00 pm
African Dinner
Brenna, Safeway
6:00-6:30 pm
Concert
Angie Inglis
6:30-7:00 pm
Live Kirtan
Freedom and Leela
7:00-8:00 pm
Yoga
Teacher TBA
8:00-9:00 pm
Play Reading (Fast Girls)
Share in the reading, or just come enjoy!
9:00-10:00 pm
Compassion Slam
Bring something to share, or come to listen!
10:00-11:00 pm
Hatha Yoga
Emma
11:00-1:30 am
RENT the movie
Bring a pillow or blanket
1:30-5:00 am
Stories, music, games, campfire
Stay for the evening!
5:30-6:30 am
Hatha Yoga
Brenna
6:30-7:30 am
Hatha Yoga
Teacher TBA
7:30-8:00 am
Breakfast, wrap up, silent auction draws
McDonald’s muffins and juice

* Schedule subject to change!
Face painting Saturday afternoon with Sara!

Activities by donation, come for one, two, or all!
All ages welcome – Bring your kids Saturday afternoon!
All funds go to Unicef’s Unite for Kids, Unite Against AIDS campaign

Questions? Contact Brenna: (778) 847-2422 yogabee@live.ca http://www.theyogabee.ca/

The Roof, The Roof, The Roof is on Fire!

2008-11-11T11:25:00.001-08:00

Raising the roof on compassion for children with AIDS in Africa

According to Unicef statistics, there are approximately 2 million children under 15 living with HIV. In 2007, nearly 270 000 children died of AIDS related causes, the majority of which could have been preventable with antibiotics or antiretroviral treatments. We need not let this information depress us, but rather turn it around and allow it to motivate us. The etymology of the word ‘compassion’ literally means to share pain, but instead of being burned by the reality of the AIDS epidemic, we are inspired to ignite our own fire – a flame of change.

On November 29th to December 1st, schools, yoga studios and individuals are raising money for Unicef’s Unite for kids; Unite Against AIDS campaign (http://www.uniteforchildren.ca). This campaign funds programs to prevent mother-to-child transmission, provide paediatric treatment, prevent infection among young people, and protect and support orphaned and vulnerable children. The ways to participate are infinite!

Schools can participate by registering on the yoga4kidz website (http://www.yoga4kidz.ca), and get matched up with a ‘yoga mentor’ in your area. Resources are available to help you launch your own fundraising initiatives and host anything from a small compassion-themed yoga class, to an hour-long assembly!

For others, starting at 4 pm on November 29th, there will be a 24 hour yoga marathon/relay at the Croation Cultural Centre. Individuals, groups and yoga studios are participating as “teams”. Family and friends can pledge you to participate, all of the money going to the Unicef campaign. Alternatively, others are organizing their own events outside the Centre.

In Kitsilano, the Rooftop Studio (301-1945 West 4th Avenue) is holding a 24 hour day of compassion beginning at 8am, Saturday November 29th. Yoga, art, face painting, music, cooking demos and a silent auction are just some of the various activities we are organizing to raise money for AIDS. Help us raise the roof on compassion! For information about ways you can be involved in our event, visit http://www.theyogabee.ca/.

Yoga is a perfect way to experience the compassion and selflessness of the body; through simple movement and introspection we learn so much. A simple example is the heart. By nature, the heart organ is compassionate, pumping around 2 000 gallons of blood per day, and only using a fraction of that blood for itself. In the same way, and I truly believe this, humans too are inherently compassionate. We live to give. However, coming back to the heart, when we are cold, our toes and fingers are the first to lose sensation. This occurs because the blood is centralizing towards the heart. The heart must take care of itself first. From this, we learn to “always give from the overflow of [our] well, not from its depth” (Sufi saying). What I am urging you is to realize how FULL your well IS!

A creative and beautiful yoga teacher once explained to me that the earth is a body. Each continent is like an organ. If one organ struggles, the entire body – the entire organism – is affected. Simply put: “If Africa’s in trouble, we’re in trouble.” (Maalaa, http://www.theyogatree.com). So who is responsible? We are. Who is going to turn this around and instigate change? We are. I hope that intrinsic place of compassion inside you is sparked, that you are lit with inspiration, and that you are stirred to light this fire of change.

LET’S DO THIS!

As we say in yoga, the light within me acknowledges the light within you; Namaste!

Brenna Coupland
http://www.theyogabee.ca
yogabee@live.ca
(778) 847-2422

To make a donation, visit http://my.e2rm.com/personalPage.aspx?SID=2023387.

A Night for All Souls

2008-10-26T09:37:00.000-07:00

A Night for All Souls
The Art of Ritual

Yesterday in Vancouver was the official kick off to the plethora of Halloween celebrations that will follow throughout the week. Over on Commercial Drive, the parade of lost souls was underway: A massive procession of costumed individuals flooded the streets while dancing, music and performers entertained the participants and onlookers. I, however, did not take part in this particular event. Though I would definitely like to experience this celebration in the future, yesterday, my observances were elsewhere!

During the afternoon, I attended a Halloween workshop at Open Door Yoga with Randy. All together, about 8 of us gathered in costumes ranging from an 80’s work out instructor to a bottle of mustard (which makes for an interesting headstand, I must say!) and practiced yoga. Instead of the classical yoga class set-up, we placed the mats in a circle so we could face each other – to create a sense of community and purpose, as well as to get a few laughs at the fantastic costumes! As usual, the yoga was awesome, but what was even more incredible was the space that was created by all the beautiful, devoted yogis in the room; a space of oneness and common intention. THIS IS YOGA! We didn’t even need to do ONE warrior or tree and yoga was already in practice. I hope this comes to be a tradition. A special thanks to Randy for holding this wonderful space for us– (and for being the most delicious condiment in the world!) The money raised went to Western Canadian Paediatric AIDS Society.

After returning home for a quick dinner of squash and edamame beans, it wasn’t long before I heard of another event taking place in the evening. Kathy and Wade came home and mentioned there was some activity happening at the cemetery about 15 minutes away from our place. “Something about souls?” Kathy suggested. After doing a quick ‘Google’ search (which I do for EVERY new event/word/item I hear), I discovered that taking place in the cemetery that evening was “A Night for All Souls” – a family event to remember and celebrate the deceased. It is said that from late October to early November, the souls of the dead are most able to communicate with the living. Intrigued, I grabbed my scarf and a cup of tea, and ventured out in the chilly, damp air to the cemetery.

Firstly, though I would like to describe every ounce of last night, it is truly something that needs to be experienced for oneself – but since I’m here already, I’ll give it a shot ;)!

The entrance, as well as the paths throughout the cemetery (which is an impressive 10 by 3 blocks of land), was lined with white, felt lanterns, some written upon with inspiring messages about life and death. I began my experience by creating a prayer flag; writing a message to my grandparents who have passed on and then tying it to the clothes line of other prayers. I was told that in a few days, when the event was over, the flags would all be burned and the messages would be received by the souls of the dead. Next, I made my way to the main building, where in which there were numerous ways to honor the dead. Needless to say, I was inspired to try them all!

The first ‘station’ I sat at was a table covered in papers, stamps, gold ink and white markers. I made two pieces in total – one for Denis, my and my sister’s dearly loved manager from Winnipeg, and one for Jazmin and Miss Kitty, our adored pets who still hold a place in our hearts. The sweet woman at the table very mindfully taped my creations to two separate candles, letting me light them myself.(I say ‘myself’, as the woman was lighting candles herself for others at the table – mind you, they were children!) With my two candles in tow, I picked up a bouquet of flowers, watched a very ceremonial tea serving ritual in the lounging area, and made my way back outside.

For the next hour, I walked peacefully through the paths of lanterns, visiting various ceremonies, altars and shrines speckled throughout the grounds. I wrote prayers on paper leaves, tied them to Tibetan wheels, and spun the wheel to complete the ritual. I glanced at other prayers people had written, many of which included world peace, love and health, all of which are of utmost importance in my heart. However, since I had seen that these prayers were already made, I wrote messages specific to people in my own life – those going through especially difficult circumstances. I also wrote a prayer to give strength for all the girls and women of the world. I lit candles and wrote names of passed Aunts and Uncles on the wall. I burned incense and placed my flowers at a shrine. I joined a circle of music, at which I was immediately welcomed and passed a candle and lyric sheet. We sang songs in English and ancient languages around a burning log. And at one point, a woman came around with a silver platter of cake! It was truly a celebration! Children, adults, families, neighbours and dogs flowed through the cemetery paths like blood in veins – this evening was truly a commemoration of the extraordinary fragility and beauty of this life. And though I say ‘life’, I mean ‘life and death’. And when I say ‘life and death’, what I really mean is ‘lifedeath’. Death indeed is a part of life, but can we also say that life is a part of death? Are they not one in the same? Can both be celebrated – and celebrated as ONE? THIS IS YOGA!

Overall, yesterday was a beautiful expression of communion; a unity among friends and strangers, adults and children, the healthy and the sick, the living and the dead. If there is anything that will sustain us - as a culture, as a planet, as a people - it is this unity. It is loving ritual. It is a common intention. It is a BLUR of the lines of separation; the lines between ourselves and our true nature; the lines between me and you; the lines between life and after life. In one word, it is yoga.

Om shanti,

B

Contractions

2008-09-24T07:07:00.000-07:00

After class, my stomach is rumbling and my mind is fuzzy, so I park my bike and go into the store to buy some trail mix. I sit on the grass and eat enough to give me energy to make it home. When I get to the big ascending hill, my legs are shaky, so I swing my hips off my seat and choose to walk my bike for a block. In this slowing down, I notice the evening sky, feel the cool air on my flushed face, and breathe. I am so here. I am so present. I am in my body, and it is phenomenal! It is in this time that I contemplate the homework we received in the prenatal yoga teacher training: What is the most meaningful thing you have learned so far in this course?

My instinctive reply is mindfulness: It is so important for a pregnant woman to be mindful, aware, and present in her body as changes (physical, emotional, and so on) arise throughout her pregnancy. This consciousness is essential to every part of her pregnancy – from her prenatal yoga practice, to various appointments with her doctor or midwife, to the birth of her baby. The focus during this time is on the well being of her and her baby. It is about being mindful, respecting the limits of her body, and being open to her own ‘body wisdom’ – intuition - in knowing what is fit for her. This is a time to be healthy, to reduce stress, and to practice self-care. However - and this is the most significant aspect I take from this course – we don’t have to be pregnant to practice these principles. We can be living like this all of the time! We can treat ourselves like pregnant women (pickles and ice cream, go for it)!

In essence, we are all pregnant. We are pregnant with divine wisdom; we are pregnant with creativity; we are pregnant with our selves! Why should we wait until we are pregnant with a child to begin taking care of our bodies; to practice from a place of awareness and compassion? This training has inspired me not only to embark on teaching prenatal yoga, but to bring more compassion and mindfulness into my own hatha yoga classes – as a teacher, and as a student. This course has reminded me of the importance of embracing each moment as a birth and using each moment as a chance to learn something about myself. I am so moved by the way this course has expanded my perception of pregnancy and birthing. I am excited to teach, and I am excited to learn more. I am ready to give way to the contractions of this life and give birth to my true self!

Questions on Love

2008-08-20T07:57:00.000-07:00

What is it to love? Is it to care for? To look after? To protect? To Honour? More importantly, how do we know if we love? As I sit on my yoga mat, I quietly contemplate this idea and find myself dumbfounded! I am considering my own love in my life right now and find myself questioning my ability to, and the possibility that I, love. But what am I looking for? Where is the answer? How do we know we love?

I am in scruples! Perhaps I should rephrase the question... How do we know we are without the ones we love? And to discover this, we would ask ourselves 'how do I feel when I am apart from the object of my affection?' Am I sad? Pining? Lonely? What comes up when I contemplate a cessation to the relationship? Is my intuitive response anguish and holding on, or am I composed and able to let go?

In Buddhist texts, equanimity is a consistent theme. Gil Fronsdal writes, "[equanimity] is the ground for wisdom and freedom and the protector of compassion and love"(http://www.insightmeditationcenter.org/articles/equanimity.html). Hmm... then it is misleading to measure our ability to love by testing ourselves with the idea of parting - if we hold onto our beloved as they pass, it does not mean we love them anymore than if we are equanimous and content in their parture. In fact, as Buddhism suggests, to be unperturbed in our emotions regardless of circumstances, we practice love!

The Buddhist texts also go on to discuss attachment. It is said that attachment - in this case, to our beloved - is the root of all suffering in this life. Even if we are attached to someone that we love - someone who cares for us and brings us joy - there is inevitably an underlying fear of loss. This is where the pain is hidden. If this is true, and as discussed above we can love and lose unperturbedly, then it must be possible to love without attachment; to love with the sole intention of loving; to love without expecting love back; to love regardless of the fact that the object of your affections will someday no longer be there. To love, and to always love, is what is known as unconditional love.

This, I believe, is the only true love possible. We cannot hold our love completely if we also hold fear in our hearts. The heart is not capable of multitasking! Further with the idea of unconditional love, we cannot to decide to love under specific conditions. We must love, and once we do, continute to love, accept, and even embrace the largest of 'flaws' in our love. This is to love unconditionally. Notice that I used the word embrace. This is more than mere acceptance. To embrace an imperfection is to adore without expectation or even hope of dissipating the flaw. We must love completely, without any subconscious desire for change, and continue to love just the same as the relationship metamorphoses.

To love completely and unconditionally is the only way. Love the catepillar
just as she is. Love the butterfly just the same. Smile as she flies away.

Namaste!

Multitasking

2008-08-16T10:27:00.000-07:00

As I sit down to reflect upon our society's obsession with multitasking, I sip my cup of tea, begin to write, flick quick glances up at the weather network and contemplate my breakfast, I realize my own - almost instinctive - pattern of multitasking. I admit that on my resume, I list the ability to multitask as one of my "strengths". Perphaps, I wonder, if the ability to complete a single task at one time would be a better credential? hmm... And so, I turn off the tv, put down my tea, and begin to write. Immediately I am more focused, my thoughts appear more clearly, and I experience the rare situation of single-mindedness.
Having been a part of the working world for 7 years, I have seen that our society encourages us to be super-efficient, multitasking, duty performers.To be successful and to "do a good job" we must, in fact, do several jobs at once; read the news, eat breakfast, brush your teeth, feed the cat, call the client, take the order, run the food, and so on! We can't even eat a meal for twenty minutes without adding another stimulation like TV, or a book, or the computer. Constantly and consistently, we live our lives with four legs, ten arms and brains divided into multiple puzzle pieces. It isn't until we're running up the down escalator reading the Georgia Straight and trip over our briefcase that we stop and take a breath.
It is our nature, I believe, to strive for efficiency, profeciency, and perfection. However, this becomes impossible when we make it our aim to please everyone all of the time. Knowing that, it would probably be our best decision to change our goal; doing our best at what we do best; completing one task at a time to the best of our capability before moving onto the next. I can hear you now: this is elementary school! True - but isn't that where many of life's most important and perennial lessons emerge? "Treat others as you would like to be treated", "share" and "don't run with scissors"! THERE IT IS - don't run with scissors, don't eat and talk, don't read and compute and write and watch TV!
In meditation, and in yoga practice, we work towards single-mindedness; to reprogram the multitasking pattern of our mind and focus on but one thing. Perhaps it is the breath, a flame or a mantra. Doing this regularly, in the morning or before bed, will improve your work, the way you perform and the way you approach activities in your daily life.
Throughout your day, try to become aware of exactly what you are doing, and look for an opportunity to practice single-mindednes. Pour a cup of tea, sit down and enjoy your coffee, or have a one on one with your partner, friend or pet. One of my yoga teachers once said that when you do more than one thing at once - when you multitask - you do nothing at all. When you cultivate a single mind, you can change the world!