Wisdom Wednesdays
Monday, April 30th, 2012
Yoga means UNION. In this 2UNITE Pre/Post Natal Partner Yoga Practice, partners get a chance to connect and support each other during this amazing time. The partner poses outlined in this practice can help mom-to-be prepare for labor and birth, release tension in muscles that tend to get strained due to changing pregnancy posture and caring for a new baby, and foster a deep and playful connection between partners and baby. It is an opportunity to nurture each other, relax and strengthen - and help both partners get ready for birth and beyond.
What you will need:
A partner – a partner can be a spouse, family member, friend or loved one
A non-slip yoga mat – make sure you are on a surface that you will not slide or slip on
A blanket – to place under your bottom to support the pelvis in the seated postures
Comfortable attire – clothes you can move and breath in! (Krista is wearing the ‘It’s a Cinch Dress” and “Power Vinyasa Crops” – lululelmon athletica, Dwayne is wearing the “ Surge Jacket” and “Surge Pant” – lululemon athletica)
CONNECTING WITH BREATH – Sitting side by side and facing opposite directions, both partners position their pelvis on a blanket or cushion for support. Lengthen the spine and let your shoulders roll down and back. The support partner places one hand on their own heart and one on mom-to-be’s belly. The pregnant partner places one hand over their own heart and the other over their partners hand on their belly. Breathe in and out through the nose drawing breath down to baby – imagine you could deliver oxygen and prana (the vital life force) directly to baby. Send your baby love, happiness and well being. Let any tension or worry about your day, your pregnancy or what is to come – simply melt away. Continue this for up to five minutes and do it as many times as you like in the day to calm your mind, and connect with baby and your partner.
PARTNER SEE-SAW – Facing each other, the pregnant partner draws the soles of the feet together in Baddha Konasana (bound angle pose) while the support partner stretches out their legs in Paschimottanasana (seated forward fold) and places the soles of their feet on their partners shins. Grasping wrists or hands (or connecting with a strap) inhale together to lengthen your spines, exhale to gently fold in one direction. Inhale back to center and fold in the opposite direction. Repeat five times. Both partners will experience a stretch. Be mindful to keep the spine long, fold from the hips and maintain lots of space in the belly for baby! Switch leg positions and repeat the see-saw! This pose helps to open up the inner thighs and groins (baddha konasana) and lengthen the hamstrings (paschimottanasana).
PARTNER SQUAT – Stand facing each other and grip each others forearms. Both partners inhale to gently lengthen the spine and lean back, exhale to pull away from each other and lower into a supported squat. Make sure heels stay rooted into the mat and spines stay long. You can remain in the squat for a few breaths, or flow up to standing on your inhale and exhale down into the squat again a few times. Squatting can help open the hips for labour and birth, relax the pelvic floor and strengthen the legs. Doing it with a partner eliminates knee and ankle tension and it is way more fun!
HEART OPENING STRETCH – The pregnant partner stands with feet hip width apart, arms outstretched behind them (be mindful of sensitive shoulders and rotator cuff injuries). The support partner stands with knees bent in an athletic stance and reaches forward to grip their partners wrists. Inhale together to lengthen spines, exhale to counter balance. The pregnant partner receives a stretch for the chest and shoulder muscles while the support partner finds a soft bend in the knees. This stretch helps to releive tight muscles in the front side body due to changing pregnancy posture and is a must post partum for both partners to do to counter the actions of feeding, rocking and changing baby. Be sure to switch roles so both partners get a stretch!
TRAP RELEASE – The pregnant partner sits comfortably and tall on a blanket with a long spine. The support partner stands behind and places the palms on their partners shoulders. With gentle pressure, the support partner presses down on the shoulders and then releases working their way from the neck out to the sides of the shoulders. Communicate with your partner about preferred pressure and what feels good. Be sure to switch roles! This basic thai massage technique helps to relieve tension in tight trapezius muscles that can lead to neck pain, back pain and even headaches. Worry, tension and sore muscles due to changing pregnancy posture or caring for baby all melt away!
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JOIN KRISTA AND DWAYNE FOR PRENATAL PARTNER YOGA at Balanced Life Yoga Ajax
Friday, May 25 from 7:30-9:00 pm
Experience the joy of yoga for two during pregnancy. Bond, laugh and enjoy all stages of pregnancy with your partner. You will be guided through partner yoga poses and support techniques to help during pregnancy and the labor and delivery process. $40 per couple
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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 Teacher Training, partner yoga, partner yoga for pregnancy
Posted in Ajax Studio, Asana, Wisdom Wednesdays | No Comments »
Wednesday, February 22nd, 2012
Isn’t it unfair the way that life gets in the way of your practice? Whether you’re experiencing life challenges or pleasures, whether they’re large or small, they do have a habit of getting in the way of our time on the yoga mat or the meditation cushion.
Sometimes we’re just using these life events as justifications for our own procrastination but sometimes they genuinely do get in the way of us going to a class or taking time to meditate.
At times it seems an overwhelming task to squeeze in time for ourselves, especially when the going is rough or busy. But, this is absolutely the time when we need our practice most.
Although every day is still a challenge for me, I am trying to let go of the idea that I need to do a full hour of yoga practice and a full half hour of meditation. Sometimes it’s just not practical for me to take all that time out of a day. Since I tend to take a ‘full practice’ or nothing approach, this leaves me missing out on practice completely and of course feeling guilty and less connected as a result.
My challenge is to accept that my practice won’t look the same every day. Some days I might have a full hour, other days I need to content myself with just one or two postures. Either way I feel better for it if I practice in some way.
However much time you have today, use it to make yourself feel more grounded and connected. Do two or three of your favourite yoga poses or take five minutes to focus on your breathing in meditation. You’ll feel better for it and your day will be improved.
Many blessings and best wishes.
Namaste,
jacquelyn
Join me at our Uxbridge studio for ‘Energy Healing and Chakra Balancing – The Third Eye Chakra’ on Friday, March 9th from 7:30 till 9.30 pm.
This workshop series will take you on a journey through the chakras, the main energy centres of the human body, and bring awareness, balance and harmony to each. In the sixth of the series we explore ajna, the third eye chakra. Connect to your centre of inner knowing, your innate wisdom to see the patterns and flow of your life more clearly. We will combine a physical yoga practice with meditation, aromatherapy, music, visualization, reiki and breathing techniques to encourage the free flow of energy in each chakra. We will journey inward to release unconscious blocks and imbalances. Join us for one or all of these workshops. $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: making time for meditation, making time for yoga, practice in the tough times
Posted in Ajax Studio, Uxbridge Studio, Wisdom Wednesdays | No Comments »
Wednesday, February 15th, 2012
Have you ever started your day out feeling great with lots of energy, a good appetite and a nice flat tummy…and then throughout the day as you eat what you think are healthy foods, your waistline begins to slowly expand until at the end of the day you are feeling tired and bloated and thinking “what the heck did I eat?”. 
The truth is it may not have been exactly what you ate, but how and when you ate it.
When we eat a meal (or even a snack for that matter), our bodies produce digestive enzymes in order to effectively digest and assimilate our foods. But the human body is not designed to digest more than one type of food at a time, and it is difficult for our bodies to produce multiple different types of enzymes to break down different foods. For example, foods such as melons that turn into simple sugars require only 15-30 minutes to digest while the proteins in nuts and meat could take up to 4 hours to digest and assimilate. Improper food combining is one of the major causes of digestive discomfort. The results of poor food combining leads to: bloating, indigestion (and heartburn), poor assimilation of nutrients, lack of energy, weight gain, bowel discomfort and toxic build up in the colon. The following are some easy-to-follow guidelines for proper food combining for optimal digestion and health:
Combinations that work:
- Leafy greens + veggies + proteins
- Leafy greens + veggies + fats
- Leafy greens + veggies + starches
- Fruit and desserts should be eaten alone
Combinations to avoid
- Starch + Fruit
- Starch + Protein
- Protein + Fruits
If you are stuck feeling bloated and heavy after a meal with any improper food combinations, try sipping on a peppermint or ginger tea. This will help soothe the stomach and help in the digestion process. Wishing you happy and healthy food combining!
Balanced Life Yoga is now offering Holistic Nutritional Consulting with Adrienne.
Book your appointment today and make vibrant health a habit!
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: assimilation, ayurveda, balanced life yoga, be, bloating, brain, breathing, cleansing, colon, combining, connection, detoxification, digestion, dosha, eating, eating well, energy, food, 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, supplement, teach, toxins, triphala, vata, vegan, vegetarian, veggies, weight, wellness, yoga, yoga and ajax, yoga and durham region, yoga and nourishment, yoga and nutrition
Posted in Ajax Studio, Uxbridge Studio, Wisdom Wednesdays | No Comments »
Wednesday, February 8th, 2012
Yoga is a safe, empowering and relaxing way to prepare for labour and birth. It can help releive the aches and pains associated with changing pregnancy posture, build strength and stamina and maintain a healthy range of motion for the spine, hips and shoulders. The practice of yoga focuses on breath awareness paired with thoughtful movement of the body through poses or ‘asanas’. In this way yoga perfectly compliments preparation for birth and caring for a new baby. If your first trimester involved queasiness, nausea or dizziness it may have been difficult to exercise at all let alone start a yoga program. It is best to wait until these conditions subside before you begin your prenatal yoga journey. It is also very important to get your physician’s consent before starting any exercise program when you are pregnant. The following sequence is a gentle prenatal yoga practice that can be done safely throughout pregnancy. Always listen to your body and do what feels right for you! Namaste Mamma’s!
OPENING MEDITATION: Sit on a folded blanket or meditation cushion. Root through your pelvis and lengthen your spine, drawing your shoulders down and back. Bring one hand to your heart and the other to your baby. Start to breathe in and out through your nose (if nasal passages are not clear you can breathe through your mouth). Draw the breath in and down to where baby is feeling your belly expand three dimentionally. Imagine you could deliver oxygen and prana (vitality, the life force) right to your baby with your breath. Continue this for up to five minutes and then sit quietly for a moment.
COW/CAT & PELVIC ROCKING: Make your way onto all fours in table top position. Place a blanket under the knees if they are sensitive (you can also come to fists is wrists are sore). As you inhale, gently lower your belly towards the floor (spinal extension) tilting your pelvis so your tailbone lifts up as you gaze forward. Be mindful not to over arch the low back especially as baby grows. As you exhale press into your hands, tuck your tailbone under and round out through your spine (spinal flexion). Repeat for 10 breaths. This pelvic rocking action increases mobility in the low back and pelvis and can help releive low back pain during pregnancy. Always move mindfully and gently in a range of motion that feels good for you and your stage of pregnancy!
TAIL WAG: Return to the table top position. Imagine you have a long lizard tail and start to wag it from side to side. As you wag it to the left, press into your right palm and gaze over your left shoulder to look at your imaginary tail. Feel a light stretch in the right side body. As you wag your tail to the right, press into your left palm and gaze over your right shoulder to look at your imaginary tail. Feel a light stretch in the left side body. Continue to sway the hips side to side 10 - 20 times. This action creates space between the pelvis and ribs for baby and increases pelvic and low back mobility. It is great for releiving low back pain even during labour!
SUPPORTED SQUATTING POSE: Step the feet a bit wider than shoulder width apart and squat down with the support of a bolster, blankets or cushions under the pelvis. Make sure you have enough support that the knees, hips, ankles and belly are comfortable. You will feel a stretch in the hips, inner thighs and groins. Opening the muscles that surround the hip joint is an excellent preparation for labour! Bring hands to prayer and let elbows gently apply pressure to help open inner thighs a bit more. Hold for 5 – 10 breaths. The squat can be used with breathing exericses to bring awareness to the pelvic floor and birthing muscles. This pose is also a natural birthing position! (If you have symphysis pubis pain or hemorrhoids you might want more support for your squat ie. more bolsters, blankets, cushions and do not squat down as low!)
HIP OPENER WITH A TWIST: Bend your left knee out to the side and place your left foot flat on the mat. Stretch your right leg out and energize it by dorsi flexing the ankle (draw toes toward the shin) and engaging your quadricep (right knee cap lifts). Make a stop sign with your left hand and gently press the left elbow against the left inner knee to open the left hip and inner thigh. Place your right hand behind your back on the mat. Inhale to a long spine and then exhale to gently gently rotate the heart to the right and gaze over the right shoulder. As baby grows, be mindful to twist from the heart and not the low or mid belly. This pose continues to open the hips and gently rotates the spine in a healthy range of motion. Keep the spine long and root the pelvis as you inhale, gently rotate from the heart on the exhale. Hold for 5 – 10 breaths and repeat on the other side.
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Join Krista for two educational workshops at Balanced Life Yoga Ajax for Pre and Post Natal Moms and Yoga Teachers! The Pre/Post Natal Yoga Double Workshop Series features:
Pre/Post Natal “Healthy Core” with Krista and Samantha Montpetit-Huynh
Sunday, March 4 from 1:00-3:00PM $25*
AND
Pre and Post Natal “Intro to Hypnobirthing©” with Krista and Beth MacKenzie
Sunday, March 25 from 1:00-3:00PM $25*
Or sign up for the Double Workshop Series for only $40 (save $10!) Follow the links for more info and to register!
YOU CAN ALSO JOIN KRISTA AND AMY FOR PRENATAL YOGA TEACHER TRAINING ON SAT. FEB.25th FROM 9 – 5!
FOR MORE INFO ON PRENATAL YOGA TEACHER TRAINING CLICK 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: 2nd trimester yoga, 2UNITE YOGA, healthy pregnancy, heart yoga, prenatal asanas, prenatal postures, prenatal yoga
Posted in Ajax Studio, Asana, Wisdom Wednesdays, Workshops | No Comments »
Wednesday, January 25th, 2012
What’s your first thought when you wake up in the morning? You’ve probably heard it said that you can choose to start your day with ‘Good God, morning!’ or ‘Good morning, God.’ It’s certainly true that the way you begin can set the tone for the whole day and once the tone is established it can be very difficult to change.
I invite you to try a wonderful and simple technique to help you start your day in a positive and mindful way. When you wake up recite to yourself, either from memory or from a note by your bed, the following little verse, or gatha, from Thich Nhat Hanh.
Waking this morning, I smile.
Twenty-four brand new hours are before me.
I vow to live fully in each moment,
And to look at all beings with eyes of compassion.
Thich Nhat Hanh teaches that, as a young monk, he wrote this down and stuck it to his mosquito net so that it was the first thing he saw when he woke in the morning. It’s a wonderful way to begin the day with a moment of slowing down and setting a good intention.
I have found gathas incredibly useful for focussing my mind when I’m moving through my day and particularly during the more mundane activities of life. After all it’s at these times that we often allow our minds to wander down roads of worry and fear. In trying to live with mindfulness we attempt to prevent this from happening and gathas can be very helpful.
For example, when walking from one meeting to another replace the worries, false frettings and concerns that normally arise with a favourite gatha.
The mind can go in a thousand directions,
But on this beautiful path, I walk in peace.
With each step, a cool wind blows.
With each step, a flower blooms.
To focus on a gatha and prevent the monkey mind taking us down the rabbit hole of a thousand imagined and unlikely disasters is to remove a great deal of the worry and stress from the day. Try this simple technique and see what a difference it makes to you.
You can find a gatha for most daily activities in the wonderful ‘Present Moment, Wonderful Moment’ card and book set by Thich Nhat Hanh but you can also have fun making up your own. Good luck watering the seed of mindfulness in your life.
Many blessings and best wishes.
Namaste,
jacquelyn
Join me at our Uxbridge studio for ‘Energy Healing and Chakra Balancing – The Throat Chakra’ on Friday, February 3rd from 7:30 till 9.30 pm.
This workshop series will take you on a journey through the chakras, the main energy centres of the human body, and bring awareness, balance and harmony to each. In the fifth of the series we explore vishuddhi, the throat chakra. Connect to your centre of communication, voice your opinions and needs clearly and with compassion. We will combine a physical yoga practice with meditation, aromatherapy, music, visualization, reiki and breathing techniques to encourage the free flow of energy in each chakra. We will journey inward to release unconscious blocks and imbalances. Join us for one or all of these workshops. $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: ajax yoga, balanced life yoga, gathas, mindful living, thich nhat hanh, uxbridge yoga
Posted in Ajax Studio, Uxbridge Studio, Wisdom Wednesdays | No Comments »
Thursday, January 12th, 2012
I worked in a Health Food store for over four years, and I recall each year right after the 
holidays there would be a rush of customers who would come in to the store asking the same thing: “Do you have anything that can help me lose weight?” As an employee at the store, it was my job to suggest a product that would help them shed some pounds, whether it was an herb to help suppress their appetite, or a supplement to help increase their metabolism. But these products never really addressed the elephant in the room that was asking “what about changing your diet, or how often are you exercising?”
So now that I am no longer working in a health food store, I want to take this opportunity to answer the question more realistically: 
There is NO magic pill to help you lose weight. Period. While there are some wonderful natural supplements that can help to re-balance the body, cleanse and detoxify which often leads to weight loss, it is never the supplement alone that provides results. The truth is that our bodies crave nutrition from natural sources…our food! And when we feel hungry it is often a sign that the body is craving valuable vitamins, nutrients and minerals to help it function optimally. In order to lose weight or to feel better in general, there is more work to be done than just popping a pill. But it doesn’t have to be difficult…Making small diet and lifestyle changes to support a healthy body and weight can be simple, effective, fun and delicious.
Check out the following three supplement-free lifestyle choices that can help you lose weight, build muscle, improve digestion and feel great:
1) Practice more yoga. Yoga helps build and tone lean muscle which helps to burn calories. It also improves cardiovascular function, circulation, endocrine function, balance, mental clarity and reduces stress. Stress can cause the body to store fat and prevents us from using it for energy, so by reducing stress we are able to maintain a more healthy weight.
2) Drink more water. Water is an essential nutrient that your body needs to burn fat. It’s just that simple. Water is required for every metabolic function in the body, including the breakdown of fats by the liver. Without water, our breakdown and elimination of fat and excess waste is slowed, preventing us from getting rid of the excess
weight and waste.
3) Eat Breakfast. Eating at the start of your day helps to rev up your metabolism from digestion, and continues burning more calories throughout the day. It also fuels your daily activities and prevents hunger that could lead to consuming more calories later in the day when the digestive spark is lower. Try the following delicious recipe from Alicia Silverstone’s incredible book The Kind Diet. It is delicious and nutritious, packed with vitamins, minerals, and fibre, and will help start your day off right!
Try combining all three together: Wake up, have a full glass of water, do your yoga practice and then fill up with a delicious healthy breakfast!
Crocodile Crunch
2-3 cups of bite-sized pieces of Fresh fruitsuch as kiwi, strawberries, bananas, avocados, apples, pears or mango
2 Teaspoons spirulina
1 ½ Tablespoons any non-dairy milk (soy or hemp are good here)
2 Teaspoons almond butter
1 ½ Tablespoons maple syrup
2 Tablespoons fresh orange juice
2 Tablespoons shaved or diced coconut
½ cup kamut flake cereal
Divide the fruit into 2 serving bowls. Use a fork to stir together the spirulina and soy milk in a small glass. Add the almond butter and mix again. Stir in the syrup and orange juice, and give it a final stir. The sauce should be smooth and neither too think nor too runny. Pour the sauce over the fruit and sprinkle with coconut and cereal. Serve immediately.
Interested in learning more about balanced eating to create the healthy life you love? Join Adrienne for an inspiring workshop designed to help you set positive intentions for health, healing and wellness:
Register Now: Sankalpa Yoga and Nutrition: Friday January 13 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, supplement, teach, toxins, triphala, vata, vegan, vegetarian, veggies, wellness, yoga, yoga and ajax, yoga and durham region, yoga and nourishment, yoga and nutrition
Posted in Ajax Studio, Uxbridge Studio, Wisdom Wednesdays | No Comments »
Wednesday, January 4th, 2012
There is a lot of talk this time of year about New Year’s Resolutions and making changes in our lives – maybe you are working with a Sankalpa (a Sanskrit word meaning ‘determination’ or ‘will’) which is a ‘yogic intention’ of sorts. This year I have decided to put my heart into ‘Living My Yoga’. Early on my yoga path I learned that if I fight with my husband, swear at ten people from my car while driving and rush in frustration on my way to yoga class that the positive effects of my post savasana bliss are pretty much cancelled out. On the mat we practice ahimsa (non-harming) and steady our breath and mind – but if we don’t practice these things off the mat we are missing out on how yoga can truly change our lives for the better.
Want to try ‘Living Your Yoga’ but not sure where to start? Revisit or explore the Yoga Sutra’s of Patanjali. There are many editions and translations to choose from. For a heart centered translation intended for women – check out “The Secret Power of Yoga” by Nischala Joy Devi. It is beautiful and fresh take on the Sutra’s that will help you embrace and live your yoga every day!
Here is an excerpt from her book – a lovely story about a man learning to live his yoga. It is a lesson for all of us who are searching for the true beauty in all beings and ourselves!
The Wise Woman’s Stone by Nischala Joy Devi
A wise woman, who was travelling in the mountains, found a
precious stone in a stream.
She reverently placed the gem in her bag.
The next day, she met another traveler, who was hungry.
The woman opened her bag to share her food. The hungry
traveler saw the precious stone in the wise woman’s bag,
admired it, and asked the wise woman to give it to him.
The wise woman did so without hesitation.
The traveler left, rejoicing in his good fortune.
He knew the jewel was worth enough to give him security for
the rest of his life.
But a few days later he came back, searching for the wise
woman.
When he found her, he returned the stone and said,
“I have been thinking. I know how valuable the stone is, but
I would like to exchange it in the hope that you can give me
something much more precious. If you can, teach me the
secrets about the power you have within you, the power that
enabled you to, without hesitation, give me this precious
stone”.
This story speaks to the first limb on the 8 limbed yoga path which is ‘yama’ (or restraint/ethical standards). The fifth yama or restraint is ‘Aparigraha’ (non possessiveness). In simpler terms it means not wanting or taking what we don’t need. This can be a tough one when the yoga culture is a multibillion dollar industry! From yoga props to lululemon pants, malas to music, meditation cushions to Sanskrit tattoos – we often think we NEED many things to practice yoga. In truth, we can practice anytime/anywhere with very little.
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL! ENJOY LIVING YOUR YOGA IN 2012! Practice Yoga, Be Kind, Love Yourself, Love Others, Be Truthful and Meditate!
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RELAX AND RENEW – JOIN KRISTA AND OUR AMAZING RMT’S FOR YOGAHHH! This fusion class of gentle, flow and restorative yoga with hands on massage by certified massage therapists will leave you blissfully rejuvinated. Pre register now – these classes sell out quickly!
Friday, Jan. 27th from 7:30 – 9:00 REGISTER HERE
Friday, March 23rd from 7:30 – 9:00 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: aparigraha, heart yoga, living your yoga, yoga sutras
Posted in Ajax Studio, Wisdom Wednesdays | No Comments »
Wednesday, December 28th, 2011
This is a time of year for celebration and togetherness, a time to remember that we are all one. A time of gathering in, of spending time with loved ones and staying warm. Whether you are celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Winter Solstice, Hogmanay or something else, hopefully you are with people that you love.
It’s also a time of ritual; some religious, some social. For example, most of us will be enjoying at least one special meal with family and friends. Eating together is a core part of our society and it’s also an opportunity for mindfulness.
Many traditions encourage us to eat mindfully but I’d like to share with you five food contemplations for families from Thich Nhat Hanh’s Engaged Buddhism tradition. This is something we read before each family meal.
- This food is the gift of the whole universe: the earth, the sky, the rain and the sun.
- We thank the people who have made this food, especially the farmers, the people at the market and the cooks.
- We only put on our plate as much food as we can eat.
- We want to chew the food slowly so that we can enjoy it.
- We want to eat in a way that nurtures our compassion, protects other species and the environment and reverses global warming.
- This food gives us energy to practice being more loving and understanding.
- We eat this food in order to be healthy and happy and to love each other as a family.
Thich Nhat Hanh
You might like to try reading this before enjoying your meal. Eat each bite slowly and mindfully and try to be fully present to those who are sharing the meal. Just for fun, here’s a video of my own ‘little Buddha’ reading the contemplations.
The Five Family Food Contemplations
Thank you for reading. Wishing you a wonderful holiday season filled with joy and connection.
Namaste,
jacquelyn
Join me at our Uxbridge studio for ‘Energy Healing and Chakra Balancing – The Power Chakra’ on Friday, January 20 from 7:30 - 9.30 PM
This workshop series will take you on a journey through the chakras, the main energy centres of the human body, and bring awareness, balance and harmony to each. In this workshop we explore manipura, the power chakra. Discover your inner fire, determination, strength and self-discipline. We will combine a physical yoga practice with meditation, aromatherapy, music, visualization, reiki and breathing techniques to encourage the free flow of energy in each chakra. We will journey inward to release unconscious blocks and imbalances. Join us for one or all of these workshops. $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, food contemplations, 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, mindful eating, 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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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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CONNECTING WITH BREATH – Sitting side by side and facing opposite directions, both partners position their pelvis on a blanket or cushion for support. Lengthen the spine and let your shoulders roll down and back. The support partner places one hand on their own heart and one on mom-to-be’s belly. The pregnant partner places one hand over their own heart and the other over their partners hand on their belly. Breathe in and out through the nose drawing breath down to baby – imagine you could deliver oxygen and prana (the vital life force) directly to baby. Send your baby love, happiness and well being. Let any tension or worry about your day, your pregnancy or what is to come – simply melt away. Continue this for up to five minutes and do it as many times as you like in the day to calm your mind, and connect with baby and your partner.
PARTNER SEE-SAW – Facing each other, the pregnant partner draws the soles of the feet together in Baddha Konasana (bound angle pose) while the support partner stretches out their legs in Paschimottanasana (seated forward fold) and places the soles of their feet on their partners shins. Grasping wrists or hands (or connecting with a strap) inhale together to lengthen your spines, exhale to gently fold in one direction. Inhale back to center and fold in the opposite direction. Repeat five times. Both partners will experience a stretch. Be mindful to keep the spine long, fold from the hips and maintain lots of space in the belly for baby! Switch leg positions and repeat the see-saw! This pose helps to open up the inner thighs and groins (baddha konasana) and lengthen the hamstrings (paschimottanasana).
PARTNER SQUAT – Stand facing each other and grip each others forearms. Both partners inhale to gently lengthen the spine and lean back, exhale to pull away from each other and lower into a supported squat. Make sure heels stay rooted into the mat and spines stay long. You can remain in the squat for a few breaths, or flow up to standing on your inhale and exhale down into the squat again a few times. Squatting can help open the hips for labour and birth, relax the pelvic floor and strengthen the legs. Doing it with a partner eliminates knee and ankle tension and it is way more fun!
HEART OPENING STRETCH – The pregnant partner stands with feet hip width apart, arms outstretched behind them (be mindful of sensitive shoulders and rotator cuff injuries). The support partner stands with knees bent in an athletic stance and reaches forward to grip their partners wrists. Inhale together to lengthen spines, exhale to counter balance. The pregnant partner receives a stretch for the chest and shoulder muscles while the support partner finds a soft bend in the knees. This stretch helps to releive tight muscles in the front side body due to changing pregnancy posture and is a must post partum for both partners to do to counter the actions of feeding, rocking and changing baby. Be sure to switch roles so both partners get a stretch!
TRAP RELEASE – The pregnant partner sits comfortably and tall on a blanket with a long spine. The support partner stands behind and places the palms on their partners shoulders. With gentle pressure, the support partner presses down on the shoulders and then releases working their way from the neck out to the sides of the shoulders. Communicate with your partner about preferred pressure and what feels good. Be sure to switch roles! This basic thai massage technique helps to relieve tension in tight trapezius muscles that can lead to neck pain, back pain and even headaches. Worry, tension and sore muscles due to changing pregnancy posture or caring for baby all melt away!
Krista Bromfield
