Uxbridge Studio
Wednesday, December 21st, 2011
We are definitely in the midst of our holiday season, with Christmas less than a week away.
As I walked the mall last weekend I couldn’t help but smile at all the people that joined me on my gift journey. There was a definite hurried feeling in the air but I had this feeling of connection….togetherness.
Have you ever gone into a yoga class where the class was so busy that the mats were almost touching? At first it can feel intimidating, but as soon as the practice begins, there is this feeling of unity for we are all there for the same reason….to practice yoga and somehow share in the amazing energy that transpires through the room. There is no greater feeling!
I feel as if every time I step on my mat to teach, that I am offering up the gift of Yoga to my students.
This practice has changed my life in so many ways that each time I step on my mat, whether to teach or practice, I am at peace with who I am and what I have to offer and there is no greater feeling!
For those of you who know me, you’ll know that this time last year I struggled with the idea of creating a New Year’s Intention for our Intention Tree. My intention was to ”Just Breathe”, which suits me perfectly! I always thought that the idea of creating, what I used to call a….New Year’s Resolution, was silly. No one I knew ever stuck to them and it usually had to do with a diet or quitting something. I also had a hard time committing myself to the idea of sticking with one thing. It somehow terrified me but I have to say that I am excited this year about creating my 2012 New Years Intention! What a difference a year makes.
If you have never set an Intention before here are a few ideas in getting started.
Sometimes at the beginning of a yoga class you will be asked to set an intention for your practice. It may focus on love, happiness, health or something that comes up for you. The importance of setting an intention is so that it helps to keep you grounded and present throughout your practice!
When thinking about a New Years Intention it is important for you to offer yourself space to find the right one for you. Maybe a yoga or meditation practice will allow you the quiet space you need to hear what your heart truly wants.
Before you begin find a comfortable seated position and allow your hands to rest on your knees. Breathing through your nose all the
breath to be even and relaxed. Bring your index finger and your thumb together in the Gyan Mudra (a connection to the universe) and ask
yourself what it is that you need?
- Think about the demands in your life.
- Behavioural patterns that you wish to change.
- What goals do you have for the upcoming year?
- Where is your energy focused right now?
- Where do you need more balance in your life?
After you have your intention you may want to write it down on a piece of paper, in a journal or on a vision board. Somewhere that you can see it daily so that you can remind yourself of it until you feel as though you are living your intention.
As I continue to “Just Breathe”, I am certain that it was the intention that I needed to allow myself the space to continuing growing and learning to trust in the unknown. Sometimes life just needs to go with the flow and I just continue to breathe!
Join me Friday January 20th from 7:30-9pm for Breathing Space.
/www.balancedlifeyoga.ca/home-pages/retreats/ajax-fridays-workshops/
Susan Di Ilio is a certified 500 hour RYT with Yoga Alliance. When Susan is not on her mat teaching or practicing yoga she is a stay at home mom of two young children and loves spending time with her family and friends. Susan has worked as a Correctional Officer and brings her love of working with people to her Therapeutic Yoga teachings. She shares her love of this practice with her students and is open in sharing her own story of how she came to yoga herself. Susan teaches Gentle Yoga, Deep Tension Yoga and Restorative Yoga.
Tags: 200 hour yoga teacher training, ajax and yoga, ajax and yoga durham region and yoga, ajax studio, deep rest, gentle yoga, holiday, holiday giving, restorative yoga, restorative yoga and vinyasa yoga, restorative yoga teacher training, stress, stress release, uxbridge and yoga
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Thursday, December 15th, 2011
Can healthy food make you happy? 
Or, can happy people make the foods we eat healthier? When I think about these questions in relation to the upcoming holiday season, it seems obvious that eating steamed veggies over brown rice, although healthy, wouldn’t be as festive as a big holiday dinner with all the fixings. But what if that same big holiday dinner, with all the potatoes and gravy, when prepared with love and positive intention could be just as nourishing?
On my recent retreat to Costa Rica, I had a huge “ah-ha” moment about food, people and celebration. We stayed at a beautiful yoga retreat centre where the majority of the foods were grown on the property and every dish was made from scratch and with love. The wonderful Marie, who cooked for more than 15 people every day, always had a smile on her face. Cooking for others and providing them with beautiful and delicious food seemed to give her such joy and true happiness. She apeared to be celebrating life and nourishment through her cooking. I couldn’t help but feel that the meals I was eating were filled with her positive energy and love. And without realizing it, I was saying YES to dessert more than I normally would.
The food was delicious and nourishing, and I set an intention to embrace that sense of happiness and positivity when I returned home to cook for myself and my family. And I have to admit I am not the best cook, nor is it one of my favorite things to do, however when I changed my perspective and gently reminded myself why I was preparing a meal – to nourish and sustain a healthy body - the finished product started to taste better, leaving me feeling full and satisfied.
So this holiday season when the stress of preparing meals in celebration seems like more hassle than reward,
I invite you to set a new intention of health and happiness while when you prepare your holiday meals. Adding in fresh and locally grown produce doesn’t hurt either. Think of all the positive energy a local farmer puts in to growing food for your holiday table. Embrace all the positive aspects of preparing food for nourishment and happiness, and notice how much more tasty and filling your meals will be. And if you are looking for a quick fix in the kitchen, I’ve included a simple and healthy recipe for avocado vinaigrette to pour over fresh green salad or steamed veggies. It’s a household favorite that is super nutritious and delicious!
Avocado Vinaigrette
- 1 avocado
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice
- 2 Tbsp water
- 1 clove garlic
- Pinch of cayenne, salt and pepper to taste
Blend all ingredients until smooth. Pour over mixed greens or veggies.
Want to learn more about eating with intention to create a healthy and happy life? Join Adrienne for an inspiring workshop about setting your nutritional intentions for 2012.
Register NOW: Sankalpa Yoga & Nutitrition – Friday, January 13 from 7:30pm – 9:00pm $25
Adrienne Kelly-Durys
Adrienne Kelly-Durys is a Certified Nutritional Practitioner, 500Hr RYT and lover of feeling good in mind and body. She teaches Yoga and wellness classes at Balanced Life Yoga and specializes in detoxing and nourishment. Classes include Power Hour Yoga, Core Yoga and Strength Therapy, Power Hour +Bonus and Holistic Nutritional Consulting.
Tags: ayurveda, balanced life yoga, be, brain, breathing, cleansing, colon, connection, detoxification, dosha, eating, eating well, go, happy, health, healthy, heat, herbs, holiday, hydrate, India, intention, life, liver, love, meditation, natural, nourish, nourishment, now, pitta, plants, pranayma, protein, purification, radiant, rejuvenated, skin, stress, strong, summer, summer yoga, teach, toxins, triphala, vata, vegetarian, veggies, wellness, yoga, yoga and ajax, yoga and durham region, yoga and nourishment, yoga and nutrition
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Wednesday, December 7th, 2011
In the world of yoga the hips are often referred to as the ‘junk drawer’ because they can store a lot of baggage, old relationship energy and make us ‘stuck in our ways’ if they are not balanced. Energetically when the chakra associated with hips (known as Svadhishthana Chakra) is balanced – we can easily ’go with the flow’, accept change in our lives and get our creative juices flowing. On a physical level, the hips are quite literally ‘Grand Central Station’. Tightness, weakness or muscle imbalances in the hips can affect the joints, muscles and bones below (such as knees, ankles and feet) and above (such as the shoulders and neck).
This holiday season, practice the sequence outlined here to bring strength, balance and stabilty to the hips and the surrounding muscles and tissues. All you need is a wall, a block and non-slip mat. Begin by practicing a few rounds of your favorite Sun Salutations (here is a basic one if you would like to follow along) to create some heat and warm up the body. Then practice the four poses demonstrated below. End your practice with Savasana (the longer the better – so take a 5 minute Savasana if time is short – a 20 minute one if have a bit longer – your body and mind will thank you!).
Align the short edge of your mat with the wall. Standing approximately a leg length away from the wall, raise your left leg up until it is parallel to the floor and place your left foot flat against the wall with the toes pointing up. Your right leg should be directily underneath you. Check in with your pelvis to make sure it is in a neutral position (you will probably have to ‘untuck’ your tailbone a bit to bring your pelvic bowl into a balanced position). Lift your pelvic floor and draw your belly button in and up. Inhale to reach arms up overhead so there is a straight line through wrists, ears, shoulders, hips, knees and ankles. Exhale to release shoulders down and back. Hold for 5 breaths.
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Release your arms and walk your left foot over a few inches to the right. Your right foot and body does a quarter turn clock wise as you open up the adductors (inner thigh muscles) of the left leg. Your right leg is underneath your pelvis (not out to the side) and the hips are as level as possible. Find your balance, lift your pelvic floor and draw your belly button in and up. Inhale to reach your arms overhead, exhale to draw shoulders down and back. Hold for 5 breaths.
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With the support of a block under your right arm, transition into Half Moon Pose. Your left foot will do another quarter turn clock wise against the wall so the toes now point forward and the right foot on the floor will turn so the toes point away from the wall. Open up the hips so the left hip stacks on top of the right. Lenghten both sides of the torso equally and reach your left arm up on an inhale, exhale to press equally into both of your feet and your right hand. Hold for 5 breaths.
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Do one final quarter turn to face the mat. Bring your left hand to the block and square your hips to the floor. Your left toes will now point down the wall as you internally rotate your left thigh and square your hips to the floor. Your left leg should be parallel to the floor and your torso long and parallel to the floor as well. Press into the block with both hands to lift the chest and shoulders. Hold for 5 breaths.
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Repeat the entire sequence on the other side!
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Experience the yoga of relationship, connectedness and laughter! Book a 2UNITE Partner Yoga Workshop or Teacher Training now to reserve your spot for 2012!
Friday, February 10th 7:30 – 9:00 – 2UNITE Partner Yoga for Lovers
Friday, February 17th 7:30 – 9:00 – 2UNITE Prenatal Partner Yoga
Saturday, May 19th 10:00 – 5:00 – 2UNITE Partner Yoga Teacher Training Certification
Friday, April 13th 7:30 – 9:00 – 2UNITE Partner Yoga Intro to Acro
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Krista Bromfield
Krista Bromfield is a senior teacher at Balanced Life Yoga, a RYT, Can-Fit-Pro PRO Trainer, Mom and Auntie. She has an Honors Degree in Kinesiology and Education, and is the lead Anatomy Instructor for the Balanced Life Yoga Teacher Training Programs. Krista teaches a variety of classes including Power Yoga, Partner Yoga, Kids Yoga, Yog-ahhh, Prenatal Yoga, Stroller Fitness and Mom and Baby Yoga Bootcamp. She also leads Prenatal Yoga and 2UNITE Partner Yoga Teacher Training Certifications.
Tags: heart space yoga, hip flow, hip opening, hip strengthen, second chakra, yoga flow
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Wednesday, November 30th, 2011
Mindful Living – How to Live Like (a) Prince
As some of you already know I was lucky enough to see Prince in concert last weekend and the experience has profoundly affected my practice. So what has the Prince of Purple got to do with yoga, meditation and mindful living?
Let me start by saying that I am fortunate enough to know my purpose in life. It was one of the insights I uncovered during my 500 hour yoga teacher training with the help of Shasta Townsend. Through yoga and meditation my delight and passion is to help other people to stand in their own light. Aspiration: I am a powerful channel of Divine Light – fearless, intuitive and compassionate.
I am so convinced of this that I had it tattooed on my arm as a constant reminder. (On the other arm is my dharma name, Radiant Joy of the Heart.) Both of these tattoos represent aspirations and reminders for me to be the best possible version of myself.
My purpose is to get out of my own way and let my light shine in order to help others do the same. Whatever gifts I am fortunate enough to have shouldn’t be hidden behind fear of rejection or failure or any of the thousand other excuses that I have used throughout my life. By being brave enough to live like this I aspire to help others do the same.
As Marianne Williamson says,
‘…as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.’
Where does Prince come into this? He is without doubt allowing his light to shine. Apparently a shy young man he made a decision to get over his shyness in order to let his talent shine, and wow he has a lot of talent. Whether you are a fan of his music or not I’d be surprised if you could see him perform live without being caught up in his energy. He is like a bright light, fearless and unafraid letting the gifts he has shine out without fear or apology.
This was a powerful reminder for me to let my own gifts come forth. I may not have glamorous talents like Prince but I can try to live my life as fearlessly as he does. Imagine a world where we all did the same.
What are your talents? What is your passion? What activities do you lose yourself in? That moment when your small self disappears and you are able to transcend ego, fear and limitations and just be in the moment.
It might be a creative pursuit, it might be teaching, it might be yoga, if you’re really lucky it might be your job. It is the thing that you love, paid or unpaid it brings you happiness and joy. My advice to you and to myself is to do more of that. The benefits will creep into the rest of your life and your relationships. Be who you were meant to be, the you that is truly you without fear, without barriers. The you that no one else can be, whoever that is. Try this…
- Sit or lie comfortably in a quiet place where you will not be interrupted.
- Spend some time contemplating the question ‘what is my passion?’ or ‘what is my unique gift?’ or even ‘what is my purpose?’
- Ask yourself the question over and over finding deeper and deeper layers of answers.
- Once you find your purpose, make an intention to spend more time doing the thing you love without fear or guilt.
Why not set some reminders? A reminder on the fridge or on your computer or perhaps in your diary or phone. Good luck, let your light shine.
Thank you for reading. Wishing you presence, peace and joy in every moment.
Namaste,
jacquelyn
Join me at our Uxbridge studio for ‘Presence and Presents’ on Friday, December 16 from 7:30 - 9.00 PM
The most wonderful time of the year? Perhaps. The most stressful time of the year? Probably. We all love our families but with sky high expectations, crowded malls and lumpy gravy the holidays can turn out to be more of a test of fortitude than a feast of fun. Prepare yourself with a yoga practice designed to help you stay true to the warm and loving person you are despite all the stress and provocation. With calming mindfulness techniques we’ll each leave with a set of tools to help us not only survive but enjoy the holidays and our families. $25 + HST
http://www.balancedlifeyoga.ca/home-pages/retreats/uxbridge-workshops/
Jacquelyn is a 500 hour Registered Yoga Teacher and Reiki Level Two practitioner. Yoga has helped her to overcome paralyzing fears and chronic pain and find her true purpose in life. Her focus is on encouraging those around her to have patience, kindness and compassion for themselves and the courage to stand, fearless, in their own light. Jacquelyn has studied meditation and mindfulness in the Shambhala tradition and with Thich Nhat Hanh. She teaches Gentle Yoga, Chakra Flow Yoga, EMpower Yoga, Beginners Yoga, Power Yoga, Learn to Meditate and a variety of workshops.
www.balancedlifeyoga.ca
Tags: abundance, acceptance, ajax yoga, anger, attitude, balanced, beginner yoga, belly breathing, breathe, calm, chair yoga, chakras, change, chanting, community, community yoga, compassion, deep rest, durham yoga, emotions, energy, energy healing, equanimity, flow yoga, freedom friday, fun, gentle yoga, gratitude, grounding, hatha yoga, healing, heart opening, heart yoga, intention, jacquelyn o’brien, journey, joy, judgment, just be, kindness, laughter yoga, lead, live, love, love yoga, loving, loving kindness, meditate, meditation, mindfulness, movement, negative emotions, now, obstacles, om, open, patience, peace, pema chodron, potential, power yoga, Prince, private yoga, reactions, reiki, reiki and restorative, response, shasta townsend, thich nhat hanh, transform, transformation, uxbridge yoga, vinyasa, we are one, wisdom, workshop, yoga, yoga classes, yoga for all, yoga nidra, yoga therapy
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Monday, November 28th, 2011
Like me you probably have a closet full of clothes and no matter how many outfits you have there is that one favorite that you always feel good wearing. It is your standby. Your go-to. Your I feel skinny, radiant and alive in this outfit outfit. You choose it purposefully because you feel and believe you look better in it. The world seems better when you are wearing it. People are nicer to you. You are nicer to them. You get better treatment and exude a confidence or je ne sais quoi when you have it on.
In our wardrobe of personas or personality traits we have our favorite as well. It may be a way of being that you feel comfortable in or maybe it is just a pattern that you have take on so long that you can’t remember what anything else feels like or you are scared to try something else on. Maybe you see yourself as quiet and shy or maybe you are always the life of the party. Maybe all of what you believe to be is just what you have been putting on for a long time so it begins to feel like you. Imagine wearing the same outfit day in and day out so that you come to believe that you are that outfit, that it has become you. One day you realize that these are just clothes you are wearing and not really the truth of who you are in essence AND you can choose something else to wear or even go naked.
What if we purposefully chose what and who we wanted to be and not in a contrived way but with intention and purpose. What if asked ourselves, “What best version of me do I wish to offer today? What best self do I wish to put forward.”
Maybe it is time to break out the equivalent of that hot, confident black dress or collaborative, caring three piece suit or maybe it is time for that track suit of ease and allowing. We often believe that who we are is – well who we are but we can choose what and who we are just as we choose what we wear.
Me I have been setting the intention to choose my skinny jeans self. This self is not about being skinny
but about feeling confident, radiant, at ease, loving and collaborative. It is my self that expects the best case scenario. It is the self that is in the solution, the opportunity, the allowing. It is my, “I am fabulous and so are you” self. I choose it purposefully. I put it on and practice keeping it on. I notice when those old outfits of self-doubt, fear or self-criticism arise and say thank you but today we are choosing a different outfit.
What outfit will you choose today?
Much love and many blessings,
Shasta
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Choose Joy and Experience Love in One of the Most Amazing Places on Earth – Costa Rica
Join Shasta for an experience of delicious renewal and bliss at the Prana-liscious Yoga and Nature Retreat December 4-10, 2011 at the Blue Osa Retreat Centre in beautiful in Osa Peninsula Costa Rica. Enjoy lush jungle, first rate accommodations and inspiring practice that will enliven every cell and leave your heart singing. Limited capacity. LEARN MORE
And remember to tune into Shasta’s Vivid Life Radio Show Possibility 101 every Wednesday at 4:00 pm eastern standard time on www.vividlife.me.
Shasta Townsend
A celebrated transformational leader and a leading pioneer in embodied spirituality and Yoga, Shasta has inspired hundreds of people through her breakthrough methods for awakening and empowering your inner voice and divine power. Director, founder and senior teacher with Balanced Life Yoga, she delivers public talks, seminars and trainings on evolution and empowerment. She draws on a wide variety of techniques including Yoga, Shamanism, meditation, energy healing, coaching and the Law of Attraction. She is especially appreciated for her passionate way of allowing individuals to make sense of their world and embodied, holistic means to become the change they wish to see.
As early as in her teenage years, Shasta embarked on her journey as a spiritual explorer which led her to India, where she studied yoga, meditation and energy healing. She has studied with many remarkable mentors and she has undergone thousands of hour’s intense practice of meditation and spiritual studies. Shasta has taken every opportunity to become adept in her field through her own practice as well as through extensive training in yoga, group dynamics, meditation and spiritual counseling.
www.balancedlifeyoga.ca
Tags: balanced life yoga, costa rica yoga retreat, deliberate creation, love life, persona, shasta townsend, vivid life, yoga, yoga and ajax, yoga and costa rica, yoga and durham region, yoga and uxbridge, yoga and whitby, yoga for all
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Wednesday, November 23rd, 2011
As we approach the end of November, I know that the holidays are just around the corner and as we move into December, the child in me seems to erupt.
I LOVE decorating the Christmas tree with my family, putting up the holiday decorations around the house, and celebrating with family and friends. The Christmas carols play endlessly in the house and this year we have already memorized the new Justin Bieber Christmas CD that our daughter got for her birthday just a few short weeks ago.
I realize that with all of my excitement, some people may not share in my joy of the holiday season.
This time of year may bring people feelings of sadness, fear, stress, feelings of being overwhelmed or over committed. The need to please or find the right gift becomes increasing stressful.
Sometimes one of the reasons why people feel so stressed during the holidays is because of the unrealistic expectations they set for themselves.
So at this time of year how can you keep your feet routed firmly on the ground?
- Keep up your yoga practice or start a yoga practice to help you to find a place of calm in a sometimes very hurried and rushed season
- Don’t be afraid to say no
- Know your limits and don’t over commit yourself to holiday functions
- Find time to do something that makes YOU happy
When you are feeling stressed and overwhelmed this holiday season, pause for a moment and try this Metta Meditation.
- Start by finding a comfortable seated position (or lying on your back if seated is not an option for you). Close your eyes and allow your palms to face toward the ceiling in the gesture of receiving all things good.
- Tune into your breath and begin to breathe through your nose and notice how the breath begins to slow down and feel more relaxed.
- Bring your attention to the heart centre. Allow yourself to feel love, compassion, joy and happiness, all that the heart has to offer.
- Keeping your attention on the heart centre, think about someone that is easy to love. With all of the love that you have inside of you, imagine sending this person that love and see how happy it makes them.
- Now imagine someone who may be a little harder to love. With all of the love that you have inside of you, imagine sending this person that love and see how happy it makes them. Notice how it makes you feel to share this love.
- Now imagine seeing yourself standing in front of you and with all of the love that you have inside of you and send this love back to yourself. Feel love, compassion, joy, happiness and forgiveness for yourself.
- After this mediation sit quietly for a few minutes and allow yourself to slowly come back to this time and place.
Notice how you feel after the meditation. Ask yourself if you feel more calm? Relaxed? At ease?
Another great practice at this time of year (or any time of year) is Restorative Yoga. This is a practice that is suitable for everyone and a practice that we all truly need. Restorative Yoga is about supporting the body in postures using props such as blocks, bolsters, straps, or blankets. As we are built differently, each posture can be modified to reflect individual needs. In this practice Yoga postures are held for longer periods of time allowing the body a natural way of healing and reconnecting. As human beings we are in constant movement and sometimes forget that we need to slow down.
So this holiday season treat yourself to a Reiki and Restorative Yoga Workshop . Reiki is a safe, gentle nonintrusive hands-on healing. Leave yourself feeling grounded, relaxed and ready to take on the holiday season!
Join me on Friday December 2nd of an evening of Reiki and Restorative Yoga from 7:30-9pm
http://www.balancedlifeyoga.ca/home-pages/retreats/ajax-fridays-workshops/
Susan Di Ilio is a certified 500 hour RYT with Yoga Alliance. When Susan is not on her mat teaching or practicing yoga she is a stay at home mom of two young children and loves spending time with her family and friends. Susan has worked as a Correctional Officer and brings her love of working with people to her Therapeutic Yoga teachings. She shares her love of this practice with her students and is open in sharing her own story of how she came to yoga herself. Susan teaches Gentle Yoga, Deep Tension Yoga and Restorative Yoga.
Tags: 200 hour yoga teacher training, 300 hour yoga bridge course, 500 hour yoga teacher training, advanced yoga postures, ajax and yoga, being happy, gentle yoga, happiness, happiness meditation, happy yoga, holiday giving, meditate, meditation, meditation and uxbridge, metta meditation, prenatal yoga meditation, reiki and restorative, restorative yoga, restorative yoga and vinyasa yoga, restorative yoga teacher training, stress, stress release, the happy yogi, yoga
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Monday, November 21st, 2011
I had a major aha about the organizing principle of the universe this past weekend.
I often say Yoga saved my life. Like many, I came to Yoga at a dark time, a time when I felt trapped, isolated and just plain crazy. I would watch the homeless women and prostitutes in my Parkdale neighborhood and wonder how long it would be until I was living on the street with them. (I won’t get into the philosophical discussion that I am them, they are me, we are all one. At the time they terrified me.) I would wonder how many days I could stay up in a row without sleep and actually continue to drive – I think my record was five. I would wonder if at age 25 I was feeling this way what 50 would be like. Would I make it?
Then something happened. Despite the lack of sleep, over-medicating, over-drinking and over-doing something within me dragged my tired body to a Vinyasa Yoga class and a door opened. I felt a way to relax my body and mind. I felt clear and inspired and yet relaxed and grounded. I began to learn to extricate myself from myself but also to love all those parts of me that I feared would drag me into insanity. I learned to live passionately on the edge of stability and freedom. Yoga truly helped me come home to myself and realize that I was not broken nor was anyone else. It is truly a remembrance practice – that all really is well and unfolding perfectly. Which leads me to my aha.
I had a flash moment of insight in a seated twist. As I looked back behind me (symbolically into the past) I realized that everything that I had lived had been perfect and more than perfect perhaps destined. Yoga did not save me it called me. I was thinking I had accidentally discovered this amazing practice at a time when I really felt I needed saving but perhaps the universe was actually conspiring on my behalf to get my ass on the mat all along. You see most of us don’t evolve unless we are on our knees. Maybe the universe gave me a swift kick and then a few more to call me forward to my destiny. What if a higher intelligence, an organizing principle actually created all the chaos, drama, bad choice points, neurotic processes and failed relationships to get me to the Yoga mat and therefore into my deeper knowing, purpose and passion. What if everything that I thought I was healing THROUGH Yoga was what actually GOT ME TO Yoga?
Often we feel life is to be survived. What if all the events were there to actually help you thrive? What if everything that happened happened to bring you to this very moment. The question then becomes what will you do NOW? If there is nothing to overcome, to survive or heal from what will you do NOW with this precious moment and this precious life? If there is nothing wrong with you what then is standing in your way to your own excellence?
We often use our past as a way to stay stuck or to justify our misalignment. What if there was some deep organizing principle that was actually calling you on to clarity, purpose and truth? What if your pain was a mirror to pleasure? By knowing what you don’t want you know really clearly what do want.
Maybe I lost my mind to find my sanity. I gave up control to get true power. I left the party to get drunk on the play. It gives me peace knowing there is a Divine plan unfolding and that I am co-creating in it. I just need to step back and see the opportunity out of what appears to be obstacles. What is the message in the mess? (Thank you Todd Norian for that saying!).
Now I do not wish to learn through sorrow or suffering – that is of the old-world paradigm. I want to know who and what I am and what I want. I don’t need to drink arsenic to know it is not good for me. I am clear, however that all those past moments brought me to this amazing today. Today I look the homeless ladies and beautiful prostitutes in the eyes and smile. I know that we are all one and we are all on our own journey. I no longer fear them or pity them but allow them and affirm them. I assist where I can and love always. Let us appreciate all that got us here and be clear about where we are going to fulfill our own destiny and birth-right as Divine creators.
Many blessings,
Shasta
———————————————-
Choose Joy and Experience Love in One of the Most Amazing Places on Earth – Costa Rica
Join Shasta for an experience of delicious renewal and bliss at the Prana-liscious Yoga and Nature Retreat December 4-10, 2011 at the Blue Osa Retreat Centre in beautiful in Osa Peninsula Costa Rica. Enjoy lush jungle, first rate accommodations and inspiring practice that will enliven every cell and leave your heart singing. Limited capacity. LEARN MORE
And remember to tune into Shasta’s Vivid Life Radio Show Possibility 101 every Wednesday at 4:00 pm eastern standard time on www.vividlife.me.
Shasta Townsend
A celebrated transformational leader and a leading pioneer in embodied spirituality and Yoga, Shasta has inspired hundreds of people through her breakthrough methods for awakening and empowering your inner voice and divine power. Director, founder and senior teacher with Balanced Life Yoga, she delivers public talks, seminars and trainings on evolution and empowerment. She draws on a wide variety of techniques including Yoga, Shamanism, meditation, energy healing, coaching and the Law of Attraction. She is especially appreciated for her passionate way of allowing individuals to make sense of their world and embodied, holistic means to become the change they wish to see.
As early as in her teenage years, Shasta embarked on her journey as a spiritual explorer which led her to India, where she studied yoga, meditation and energy healing. She has studied with many remarkable mentors and she has undergone thousands of hour’s intense practice of meditation and spiritual studies. Shasta has taken every opportunity to become adept in her field through her own practice as well as through extensive training in yoga, group dynamics, meditation and spiritual counseling.
www.balancedlifeyoga.ca
Tags: balanced life yoga, costa rica and yoga, destiny, dharma, excellence, fear, healing, life calling, love, pity, retreat, shasta townsend, therapeutic yoga, yoga, yoga and ajax, yoga and durham region, yoga and uxbridge, yoga and whitby, yoga for all
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Tuesday, November 8th, 2011
Yoga means union! Experiment with some partner poses to invite laughter, communication and connection into your practice. All you need is a family member, coworker or friend and a sense of adventure to try this seated back to back flow. These four poses are intended to ground you, move your spine through a healthy range of motion and 2UNITE your hearts!
GROUNDING – Sit back to back with your partner in a comfortable cross legged position. Take a moment to feel where your backs touch and do not touch – make as much contact as possible with your partner along the length of your spine. Root your pelvis into the earth and stretch the crown of the head toward to ceiling. With a long spine, start to breathe deeply into belly, ribs and chest on your inhales. Exhale to let the breathe flow out of the chest, ribs and belly. Become aware of the subtle rhythm of your partners breath, without changing yours in any way. Continue for up for 5 mintues.
LATERAL FLEXION – Inhale to reach arms up over head simultaneously and see if you can connect hands, wrists or forearms with your partner. Exhale to side bend, planting one set of hands beside hips to support your side bend. Inhale back up to center and exhale to repeat on the other side. This partner stretch creates space in the side body and lateral flexion is a healthy movement for the spine! Communication and laugther permitted!
ROCK AND ROLL – Bend your elbows and link up with your partners arms. Start to move in small circles as you fold forward, lean sideways and lean back with your partner. Gradually make your circles bigger as you work towards increasing mobility in the low back and pelvis. Be mindful to only fold forward, back and side to side in a range of motion that is available to both partners! Slow down your circles and begin to rotate in the opposite direction. Giggles allowed!
SUPPORTED FORWARD FOLD/BACKBEND – One partner sits in a cross legged position. They inhale to reach arms overhead and exhale into a comfortable forward fold. Hands root on the floor in front of the legs for support (you can also fold onto a bolster). Second partner inhales to reach arms up and exhales to lay down and connect their low back, mid back, shoulder blades, neck and head with their partners back . The partner in the back bend can then lay the backs of their hands on the floor (palms up!) and receive a wonderful chest opener and backbend. To come out, the partner that is folded forward presses into hands and guides their partner out of the backbend with ease and support. Switch roles! This pose build trusts, teamwork and opens the heart to giving and receiving more love, compassion and kindness!
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Join Krista for 2UNITE Partner Yoga on Fri. Nov. 18th from 7:30 – 9:00 at Balanced Life Yoga Ajax! Explore the yoga of relationship and connectedness! Experience the joy and fun of yoga for two. Practice this unique form of yoga that integrates both partners into each pose – fostering teamwork, trust, and plenty of laughter. A ‘partner’ can be anyone you want to experience the true meaning of yoga with: UNION (a spouse, friend, sibling, life partner or yoga partner). $40 per couple. REGISTER HERE
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Krista Bromfield
Krista Bromfield is a senior teacher at Balanced Life Yoga, a RYT, Can-Fit-Pro PRO Trainer, Mom and Auntie. She has an Honors Degree in Kinesiology and Education, and is the lead Anatomy Instructor for the Balanced Life Yoga Teacher Training Programs. Krista teaches a variety of classes including Power Yoga, Partner Yoga, Kids Yoga, Yog-ahhh, Prenatal Yoga, Stroller Fitness and Mom and Baby Yoga Bootcamp. She also leads Prenatal Yoga and 2UNITE Partner Yoga Teacher Training Certifications.
Tags: 2UNITE partner yoga, 2UNITE Partner Yoga Teacher Training, Anahata Chakra, balanced life yoga, heart space yoga, union yoga, yoga for better backs, yoga of relationship
Posted in Ajax Studio, Asana, Uxbridge Studio, Wisdom Wednesdays, Workshops | No Comments »
Wednesday, November 2nd, 2011
I was half-way through writing a blog about dealing mindfully with anger, and how it’s important to keep perspective and compassion at the front of our minds, when I got a phone call that put everything in perspective. Isn’t the Universe clever?
It reminded me of Dr Grant talking about the velociraptors in Jurassic Park,
‘And that’s when the attack comes. Not from the front, but from the side.’
A little levity is a good way to regain perspective in these situations, don’t you find?
I had been writing about how anger is a very real and unpleasant sensation. About how we’ve all been there and how we usually have very clear views about who is to blame.
Sometimes our anger is small and easy to deal with but sometimes there are more ‘hooks’ as Pema Chödrön calls them. This stronger anger gets it’s claws into us and sets of a chain reaction ingrained over years of practice.
How about this for a hook? The protectiveness you feel for your child or loved one? The phone call today called into question the safety and happiness of one of my children. In seconds a chain reaction began and there was a danger that I would become the velociraptor.
This is just another chapter in an ongoing situation where people are doing their best with the resources they have but unfortunately the problem is not going away.
It would be easy to blame the adults involved or even to blame the other child but the truth is much more complex than the black, white and red that anger allows us to see.
Of course, my first priority is the safety of my child, as it should be. That’s deep programming, that’s nature doing it’s job and me doing mine. But, does this mean that I have to lose my temper? Does this mean that I need to blame someone who is so clearly suffering? Will it help anyone if I shout at people who are doing their best in difficult circumstances?
No!
I need to support my child and keep him safe. The best way I can do that is with good common sense and my feet firmly on the ground. This I will try to do. That is my job right now.
The other issue, the source of my original anger, seems so petty and trivial now. Thank you Universe for reminding me, for giving me perspective. Thank you for not making the reminder more painful as it could so easily have been devastating.
Belly breathing is one practice I use to ground myself when life and situations seem to be taking flight. If you are experiencing strong emotions like anger, I hope you will find it as useful as I do.
- Lie down flat or with a pillow under your knees.
- Slow down your breath and begin to relax your body.
- Bring your hands onto your belly and feel it rise and fall as you breathe.
- With each breath soften your body and let go of any tension or holding.
- Let the earth support you as you relax.
- Visualize roots growing out of your back body, reaching down into the earth.
- Continue peacefully here, enjoying the sensation of your belly rising and falling until you feel calm, supported and grounded.
Thank you for reading. Wishing you presence, peace and joy in every moment.
Namaste,
jacquelyn
Join me at our Uxbridge studio for ‘Step Into Your Light’…
Step into Your Light – Friday, November 4 from 7:30– 9:00 PM
‘Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.’ - Marianne Williamson.
Reveal your true beauty, radiance and light with this practice designed around Marianne Williamson’s incredible quote. Too often we shrink from stepping into our light because of a fear of rejection or of making others uncomfortable. You deserve to shine as brightly as you can. Cast aside your fears and step into your light, make your talents and gifts an offering to the world.
A flowing practice designed for everyone. $25 plus HST
http://www.balancedlifeyoga.ca/home-pages/retreats/uxbridge-workshops/
Jacquelyn is a 500 hour Registered Yoga Teacher and Reiki Level Two practitioner. Yoga has helped her to overcome paralyzing fears and chronic pain and find her true purpose in life. Her focus is on encouraging those around her to have patience, kindness and compassion for themselves and the courage to stand, fearless, in their own light. Jacquelyn has studied meditation and mindfulness in the Shambhala tradition and with Thich Nhat Hanh. She teaches Gentle Yoga, Chakra Flow Yoga, EMpower Yoga, Beginners Yoga, Power Yoga, Learn to Meditate and a variety of workshops.
www.balancedlifeyoga.ca
Tags: abundance, acceptance, ajax yoga, anger, attitude, balanced, beginner yoga, belly breathing, breathe, calm, chair yoga, chakras, change, chanting, community, community yoga, compassion, deep rest, durham yoga, emotions, energy, energy healing, equanimity, flow yoga, freedom friday, fun, gentle yoga, gratitude, grounding, hatha yoga, healing, heart opening, heart yoga, intention, jacquelyn o’brien, journey, joy, judgment, just be, kindness, laughter yoga, lead, live, love, love yoga, loving, loving kindness, meditate, meditation, mindfulness, movement, negative emotions, now, obstacles, om, open, patience, peace, pema chodron, potential, power yoga, private yoga, reactions, reiki, reiki and restorative, response, shasta townsend, thich nhat hanh, transform, transformation, uxbridge yoga, vinyasa, we are one, wisdom, workshop, yoga, yoga classes, yoga for all, yoga nidra, yoga therapy
Posted in Ajax Studio, Uxbridge Studio, Wisdom Wednesdays | No Comments »
Wednesday, October 26th, 2011
Thank you to all who voted in recent Reader’s Choice Awards.
Balanced Life Yoga is proud to announce…
We won Platinum for Yoga in the Ajax Pickering Reader’s Choice Awards!
And we were voted #1 Yoga by all the readers of Durham Parent Magazine
These awards follow our amazing nomination from the Ajax Pickering Board of Trade for Business Excellence Award
We don’t do what we do for the awards but to assist you live a life you love. Thank you ALL so much for your support, belief and love! We love our community!!! And we celebrate you by offerings savings…
Annual Pass SALE
We are offering a 15% SALE on our Annual Pass until November 15, 2011 to thank you!
Annual Pass regularly $1240.00 now on sale for $1054. (hst not included)
Offer expires November 15, 2011
Purchase Annual Pass Now
Thank-you to everyone who makes Balanced Life Yoga such a special and amazing place.
Posted in Ajax Studio, Uxbridge Studio | No Comments »
breath to be even and relaxed. Bring your index finger and your thumb together in the Gyan Mudra (a connection to the universe) and ask
Susan Di Ilio is a certified 500 hour RYT with Yoga Alliance. When Susan is not on her mat teaching or practicing yoga she is a stay at home mom of two young children and loves spending time with her family and friends. Susan has worked as a Correctional Officer and brings her love of working with people to her Therapeutic Yoga teachings. She shares her love of this practice with her students and is open in sharing her own story of how she came to yoga herself. Susan teaches Gentle Yoga, Deep Tension Yoga and Restorative Yoga.
