When I started Yoga many years ago I had intense back-pain that made just standing unbearable.  I looked at fit, flexible bodies in back-bends and thought “can’t”, “wont” and “never”.   I had many personal beliefs and limitations.  “I can’t” was a mantra I said a lot.  But somehow I stayed in the practice and “can’t” thanks to dedicated practice became “can”.  It was not always easy or fun. I felt frustrated, annoyed and disappointed at times but I kept practicing.   The little “cans” along the way made me want more and more.  I had not ever felt that free, strong, relaxed and alive – that becomes an addictive state of being!

Yoga not only opened my body so that now over a decade later I not only stand without pain but the deep back bends I thought would never happen occur with ease and freedom.  Yoga is an opportunity for every single student to reach their goals or intentions.  What is it you want most?  What belief is standing in your way? Who can assist you? What do you need to dream? Do?

I share this amazing video to show how we CAN!!   Take the time to watch it. If you think you “can’t” or someone has told you “never”then watch Arthur’s story and the power of Yoga practice, our own determination as students and the belief of a great teacher.

Namaste

Shasta

Shasta Townsend is a passionate lover of life, cultivator of possibility and guide to radiant being both on and off the Yoga mat. She is the creator and director of Balanced Life Yoga, a freelance wellness, travel and well-being writer and a leader in grounded transformational spirituality. Her love of freedom and joy and her intention to always expand takes her to fresh and exciting places on the mat and around the globe. She offers group and individual transformation to help people live a life they love. Her own heart-based creation, Balanced Life Yoga is a community of light, transformation and possibility. You can connect with her in class or private sessions there (www.balancedlifeyoga.ca) or on Facebook (and follow her exploits and unfoldings).

Join her for a special offering dedicated to happiness and potential:

Super-Power Brain & Life: Life Purpose & Passion with Shasta

Tuesdays May 22-June 26 from 8:00-9:00 pm

Shasta leads you through inspiring techniques, meditations and empowerd teachings to assist you in finding your purpose, passion and joy. This is the time to truly step into your best life. Find out what all the buzz is about in this unique series with magical life coach, Shasta!  6 weeks for $99

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Linda demonstrates what it means to be a student and teacher on and off the mat. As a student in many of our various classes and a recent graduate of the 200 Hour teacher training program, Linda always works to deepen her understanding and practice of yoga. She always brings great energy to classes and shares her passion with everyone she meets. Thanks Linda!

1. How did you become interested in yoga?

A few months following a traumatic life event in 2002, my ‘support team’ suggested that I go back to practicing yoga and meditation again. I knew that yoga wasn’t just a physical activity, so I got back on the mat. And last fall I took on the 200hrYoga Teacher Training, so now yoga is part of my daily life.

2. What are the biggest changes in your life since starting yoga?

I am happier; I have a better clarity on my purpose. I am able to step back and not react to other people’s stories by getting caught up in trying to fix them. My biggest change: I have been able to let go of this guilt that I have been feeling about not being ‘enough’ to everyone.

3. How has yoga contributed to your life?

Over the years I was able to see and feel changes within me but yoga has helped me find myself and unfold emotions that were lying very deep within me. It has helped me achieve more balance in my life and create space for what I need and what is important to me at this time in my journey. It has provided me with inner strength and added self-confidence. I can only imagine what the future will offer.

4. What would you like to say about your experience at Balanced Life Yoga?

I cannot begin to express my gratitude to the BLY family. For the longest time, I had wanted to take the YTT but couldn’t find the right studio but I found it at BLY.  The energy at the studio, the acceptance of all people as they are, the teachings that are shared, and the potential to grow with all the workshops, services, classes, opportunities for inner growth is endless. It is an amazing studio, where all is well and safe.

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.

If you are like most people you would say, “To be happy.”

Even if you said more money, a lover, a nicer home ask yourself why you want those things.  I would suggest in the having of them you believe you will be more happy.

What if you could just be happy now – even without them?

Our “American dream” culture suggests that we will be happy when we get more money, more status or more reputation but recently released studies suggest that although the wealth of the average North American has doubled in the last 50 years we are actually not any happier. So we have bigger houses and nicer cars but we are not actually happier.

So what does make us happy?

Research suggests humans are happiest when they focus on these three intrinsic values:

• Personal growth or connecting to who we really are as individuals and unfolding our purpose
• Cultivating close relationships or being apart of a community of like-minded people
• Being in service to others and the world

Happy me doing all three values!

I am not suggesting you abandon your Porsche and live in a yurt but if you are seeking to resurrect happiness then connect to yourself, connect to others and just lend a helping hand.

Rather than negating yourself take that course or learning that you feel called to.

Rather than isolating ask someone to go for coffee or just smile at a stranger.

Rather than saying it’s not your problem, pick up that piece of garbage or help someone with childcare.

I guarantee you will feel happier.

Like me you may have spent many years of life working, striving, wanting to improve, overcome, succeed and achieve – which is all good but in the end for what if we are not happy?

I dedicate this spring to the resurrection of happy!    I still have a To Do list and love moving and shaking but at the top of my list every day is “Seek Happy.”

Much love to you all.

Namaste

Shasta

Shasta Townsend is a passionate lover of life, cultivator of possibility and guide to radiant being both on and off the Yoga mat.  She is the creator and director of Balanced Life Yoga, a freelance wellness, travel and well-being writer and a leader in grounded transformational spirituality.  Her love of freedom and joy and her intention to always expand takes her to fresh and exciting places on the mat and around the globe. She offers group and individual transformation to help people live a life they love.  Her own heart-based creation, Balanced Life Yoga is a community of light, transformation and possibility.   You can connect with her in class or private sessions there (www.balancedlifeyoga.ca) or on Facebook (and follow her exploits and unfoldings).

Join her for a special offering dedicated to happiness and potential:
Super-Power Brain & Life Creation with Shasta

• Tuesdays April 9-May 13 from 8:00-9:00 PM $99

YOU can be, do and have all that you seek. Join Shasta for a compelling and enjoyable journey into mindfulness, manifestation and metaphysics and learn how to train your brain to be super powerful, calm and present so you can create the life and success you seek the most. All levels. This course is open to everyone seeking to create a great life. You do NOT have to have any meditation, Yoga or spiritual practice. If you participated in our January session, please note we will review some aspects but much of the material will be new. Please join us again for a fabulous journey that will blow your mind!!!
Six weeks for only $99

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Sabrina has a lovely energy and always brings peace and harmony to her practice. We love Sabrina’s passion as a student and the inspiration she brings as a member of the 200-hour teacher training program. Enjoy and let your soul fly Sabrina!

1. How did you become interested in yoga?

For years I pursued balance. Balance became my credo, my ultimate path to perfection and yet no matter how I strived for it I remained a tempest of scattered energy whipping through life with my head spinning. By January 2010 I had dizzied myself into exhaustion and I began searching – really searching – for something to help ground me. I wanted to be calm, I wanted to be healthy, and I really wanted to burry my day planner in my backyard and learn how to live again. Yoga seemed like the perfect alternative to the madness.

2. What are the biggest changes in your life since starting yoga?

I know myself better. I love myself better. I dream out loud. I know where I’m going.

3. How has yoga contributed to your life?

Yoga has brought a wonderful sense of ease into my life. And while I am not skipping through fields of flowers with ribbons in my hair every day, I have made peace with the responsibilities I once abhorred, and joy in the dreams that once terrified me. Best of all, I have fallen in love with writing again and my novel thanks me.

4. What would you like to say about your experience at Balanced Life Yoga?

My experience at Balanced Life Yoga has been humbling and empowering at once. Every time I unroll my mat I am certain of two things: a) that I have so much to learn and b) that I am in the right place to learn it. I am deeply grateful for the teachers at Balanced Life Yoga who make every class meaningful and who – whether they realize it or not – have made this journey all the sweeter.

You can have it all at Balanced Life Yoga!  You asked, we deliver.

As of April we will be offering Radiant Yoga (thanks for the name Angela) several times per week.

Radiant Yoga will feed your cells and nurture your Soul – not your ego! Our Balance Studio will be heated to 90-95 degrees to assist in detoxification and deeper practice.  Radiant heating panels (going in soon) affixed to the ceiling will provide nurturing, safe warmth AND the panels we selected are a low energy use product so they are a green product as well. We will also turn panels off and on so the room will also be regular temperature for those taking non-heated classes.

Students who have had a negative experience with hot yoga in the past will be delightfully surprised by the complete difference in quality and sensation of the heat in our Radiant Yoga practice – which is much more gentle and natural than bikram or moksha. We encourage you to check it out.

We will be offering these Hot Yoga drop-in classes in April:

Radiant Power Hour – Tuesday & Thursdays 9:30 am
This class brings all the elements of a flowing vigorous practice together in an hour intensive class as we connect the mind and body to the rhythm of breath and inspire your greatest potential. A great class to detoxify the mind and body while building strength and power. We will add the heat of a 90-95 degree room to assist in detoxification and deeper practice. Vigorous

Radiant Detox Flow 95° – Tuesdays 7:45 pm
Get a great yoga practice while you detox, tone and strengthen the muscles in your entire body!  Join this conditioning class designed specifically to work your outer body, while you heal and cleanse your inner body in a room heated ninety to ninety-five degrees. Vigorous.

Radiant EMPower Yoga  90° – Thursdays 6:30-7:45 pm
EMPower Yoga – Ecstasy in Motion Yoga is to help you live an empowered life! Yoga is here to help us be the radiant being we truly are.  Experience a flowing vinyasa class with a philosophical theme that will enlighten your mind and your life. This class we will practice in a room heated to 90-95 degrees to assist in your detoxification and deeper practice. Vigorous

Q & A on Radiant Yoga at Balanced Life Yoga

Q: I thought Balanced Life Yoga was not a Hot Yoga studio. Why are you adding Hot classes?

A: Balanced Life Yoga is a place of possibility. We remain committed to our purpose and seek to assist as many people as possible in their journey and practice.  We are a FULL SERVICE studio and we seek to have classes for everyone.  After our recent student survey we realized we needed to serve student’s needs and requests better and as such we will be offering a few heated classes a week. We continue to offer a full range of classes for all students and seekers.

Q: Will non-heated or regular temperature classes still be offered?
A: YES. We have LOTS of regular temperature classes and are committed to our amazing offerings. Check out our Spring schedule. You will see there is very little disruption to your favorite non-heated classes.

Q: What are the benefits of practicing in a room heated to 90-95 degrees?
A:  A heated room will allow you to increase detoxification, boost metabolism, safely go deeper into postures and get your sweat on.

Q: I tried other Hot Yoga classes and found the heat to be too much. How is this different.
A: We know 100+ degrees can be intense and for many people is way too hot and not necessary by the way to achieve results. Our Radiant Yoga is a safer, gentler practice so you don’t feel overwhelmed or just plain nauseous. Yoga should help you feel, well – Radiant.  Give these classes a try. We are committed to your well-being and remember we have a LOT of non-heated classes to serve you as well.

Q: What do I need to bring to a Radiant Yoga class?
A: Please bring your enthusiasm and intention AND a bath towel.

See your Spring Schedule

Thank you to all who responded!!! YOU MATTER TO US!!!!

We love to innovate, create and wow you with our offerings and customer service!  We also like to hear from you to ensure our offerings are meeting your needs AND to learn what we can do better or offer more. We like to add deep value and meaningful forms of excellence in all we do.

SO…Balanced Life Yoga recently published an on-line and in-studio survey to get your feedback. THANK YOU again to all who replied.
Here are some of the highlights:

Respondents: 185 people responded

Key Findings

• 90% of respondents said they prefer class times to be 60 or 75 minutes long
• 72% of respondents said they would like a class offering at a heat between 85-100 degrees
• 99% said they would recommend Balanced Life Yoga to a friend

• The most requested class were Hot Yoga, more Meditation, more Beginner and Family Yoga.

Comments:
“Have really enjoy my classes so far, and I cannot believe how much it has already helped me.”

“You’re all doing a great job, and I love the warm inclusive environment which permeates the entire atmosphere.”

“Keep up the good work!”

“Thanks for Balanced Life Yoga and great teachers happy to have you in Ajax.”

“I love the atmosphere at BLY – keep up the good work!”

“It would be appreciated if patrons took their chatter outside the room, perhaps in the entrance way, before the start time for classes.”

“I especially love the friendliness of the staff. They are all well-informed and make a new person very welcome. I love all the information the studio puts out and I really like that there are so many offerings. I`ve been to many places where there is only a few types of classes.”

“Balanced Life Yoga is an excellent progressive Yoga facility with a wonderful feeling of community. Learning is ongoing and all teachers are friendly and supportive.”

“I really like it at Balanced Life Yoga because there are many choices of classes and times – and all the teachers are great!!! It is a studio where you always feel welcome and comfortable.”

What We Interpreted from these Findings:

We humbly appreciate your great feedback and your suggestions. We aim to be a centre of inspiration, transformation and fun and we send a big round of applause to our teachers and staff who are all doing a great job.  We thank you, ours students and loyal supporters for being apart of our community and for making Balanced Life Yoga apart of your life and journey. We are honored!!!

Our 60-75 minute classes seem to be right for most people and the class times we have seem to work well too.

We encourage students to have a seat before class and chat in lounge as to keep the sacred space for everyone inside the studio rooms.

Clearly warmer classes are being requested.  We are adding Radiant Yoga at Balanced Life Yoga!!!

We are creating a Beginner III class and may look at adding more classes to the schedule.
Shasta will offer her Super Power Brain & Living class again this Spring.

Check out our SPRING SCHEDULE now.

March 2012 Student of the Month – Greg Gates

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Greg proves real men do Yoga – and it’s good for your game! Greg’s story is a wonderful example of how Yoga can help balance all areas of our body and mind and lead to better health. Thanks for being a part of our community and sharing your story Greg!!

1. How did you become interested in yoga?

As a Golf Pro I noticed a huge difference between one side of my body and the other in the areas of strength and flexibility, a friend at work recommended Yoga as a way to bring balance to my body in those areas. I also felt it was something that would bring benefit to my overall health as well.

2. What are the biggest changes in your life since starting yoga?

I certainly feel a difference in my overall flexibility and strength, which can only help all athletes, and I know that as I get older that Yoga will help me stay injury free regardless of what I do.

3. How has yoga contributed to your life?

Yoga has contributed by giving me some structure to my health. I look forward to my classes throughout the week. I have also found that I have a better grasp on how to breathe properly and how that can calm my mind and in turn my body, this will help during competition.

4. What would you like to say about your experience at Balanced Life Yoga?

My experience has been nothing but positive, all the instructors are very helpful and care about what they are doing. I have taken different classes and find them all to be both relaxing and challenging at the same time. This is one of the things I love about Yoga, that regardless of your ability it is something that challenges you as an individual so you can get better at it as you go and continue to do it for a long time.

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

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.