It's official! I'm on vacation until June 18!

I'll be Yoga-ing it up in Southern California but will be back soon (you'll barely even notice I'm gone). Just make sure you do your homework. The practice happens whenever you think of it, wherever you are. *Oh, and be sure to register for the class (s) of your choice. I want to see you as soon as I get back! I'll miss you. I'll still be visiting my Facebook Page while I am away and it's here. Take Care & Namaste xo 

Ever hear of Kriyas?

Kriyas are ancient purification exercises called the Shat (six) Karmas (actions) or Kriyas.There are 6 purification practices were mentioned in many ancient yogic texts. They are meant to purify the whole body, as well as open the energy pathways of the body which are called nadi's. These practices are very powerful and advanced and should not be attempted without an experienced Teacher. Originally kriyas were all taught as part of The Hatha Yoga tradition, but unfortunately they are rarely part of a Yoga Teacher Training program here in the west. I have been blessed to have studied and practiced at great lengths with some very knowledgable teachers here in town (Shakti Mhi and Bernie Clark). I learned first hand (and through much practice), how to safely practice them, and safety is key. The few that I do quite regularly are: Neti-(nasal cleansing), Nauli- (abdominal massage), and as some of you practice with me, Kapalabhati (purification of frontal lobes and lungs). Kapalabhati is a kriya as well as pranayam technique. Some kriyas I wouldn't even try personally (no matter how much instruction I had and no matter who the Teacher was) but for the most part, some of these kriyas may change your life. You may find yourself feeling better, with more vitality than you have in years! Neti in particular is worth trying and is safe for most folks. *Check with your Doctor* Neti pots are for sale literally everywhere these days. When I was taught neti it wasn't with a neti pot. It was with a full cup of saline using both nostrils at the same time. I was basically drinking (sucking) a full cup of saltwater up both nostrils at the same time as it poured out from my mouth. I know, it sounds so strange, and gross! hahaha.. But it really isn't bad at all (as long as you have the salt water ratio down) *and the technique was being passed down to me by my teacher*. Neti has been used by practitioners of yoga and Ayurveda in India for hundreds, if not thousands of years. And like so many other yoga practices it has gone mainstream with Doctors widely recommending it to their patients for nasal issues, allergies and colds, sinusitis etc. I've never really had any ongoing nasal issues (other than the common yearly cold) but I love how it makes me feel. Purification is a central theme in yoga, and from an energy standpoint the practice cleanses the energy channels and helps to balance the right and left hemispheres much like nadi shodana.

There are more advanced techniques using various herbs and oils, but the simplest technique known, is jala neti. Jala neti uses water (jala) for the cleansing process. Above is a pic of my neti pot I snapped this morning before embarking on my morning neti. Neti isn't part of my daily routine but I do it a few times per month (and it is best to lubricate your nostrils with sesame oil after doing neti as it can dry out the nasal passages). With all the dust, pollen and other irritants we breathe in we can get really clogged up and not even realize it. Neti is a good place to start kriya-wise. And with cold/flu season being here it is an inexpensive, holistic and drug free way to breathe freely. Like anything, you should do your research and speak to your caregiver, and as far as any of the other kriyas out there. Only practice under the guidance of a VERY qualified teacher. After all, we are playing with the energy body and that is powerful stuff. Namaste.

Brand new Roundhouse sessions starting up all week beginning tonight! Have you registered?

There was a little confusion at last thursday evening's mixed levels class at the Roundhouse as to whether we would be changing rooms beginning this week (therefore restricting/capping class sizes for our beloved tues & thurs classes)

But with the exception of May 4 we get to keep Room B! Yay!

So if you have been coming and were worried that we may be doing one too many "sardine pose" up in multi media, hahaa..worry no more! Not only will you not be turned away, but we also have lots of glorious room in room B!

So go ahead and register! Or drop in. Whatever you choose.

I'll be there waiting for you and there will be a mat with your name all over it ♥

I still have to recommend registering though. It's cheaper, (it ensures you a spot no matter what) and it's always nice to have a consistent date with yourself and your yoga practice each week. Consistency is key with yoga.

Yoga has a multitude of benefits anytime and everytime you practice, so one yoga class per week is certainly amazing. But if you can do more than? Even better!

It's because of that I offer (with the exception of baby & me yoga) two classes per week at both The Roundhouse (if you are downtown/yaletown) and Mt.Pleasant CC (should you be in the east van/mt.pleasant areas)

And all for a special price to make doubling up affordable.

*2X's per week-Mixed Levels Hatha classes are-Tues & Thurs at the Roundhouse-7:30pm-9:00pm

To register: http://www.roundhouse.ca/ or 604-713-1800

*2X's per week-Daytime Yoga-(mixed levels)classes are- Monday & Wednesday Daytimes at Mt.Pleasant CC from 12:30-2:00pm

To register: http://www.mountpleasantcc.ca or 604-257-3080

*2X's per week-Prenatal Yoga -Roundhouse Tues & Thurs from 5:45-7:15pm

To register: http://www.roundhouse.ca/

And in addition to those I have a Wednesday evening Prenatal Yoga class at Mount Pleasant CC as well from 6:30pm-7:45pm, (but just the one evening per week.) This class is always full, although I always leave a few spots open for drop in's!

I know that price can be a factor for me in my own yoga practice (as far as getting out to group classes etc.) It's just reality. Yoga isn't cheap.

And now with the HST on top of it...*sigh. (insert long Ujjayi breath here!)

Anyways, although I can't control the HST I am so lucky that I can still keep my classes affordable in spite of it.

Just remember you can not overdo yoga. There is no such thing as too much time on your mat. And the benefits of a home practice can't be overstated..

If you have never thought of rolling out your mat in your living room, give it a go!

Or now that spring is here (well, almost here!) grab a patch of grass at the park, your backyard, the beach...and just go for it!

Just remember that with yoga you are training your mind, body and breath. (whether you are in a group setting or not!)

You are practicing self care in every sense of the word.

And Self Care is where it's at in this hectic world.

We can't control what life throws at us but I think all of us with a strong yoga practice knows just how truly valuable it is to our every day life.

It's impossible for your yoga practice to not spill over into your own life in various wonderous ways. If you are a stranger to yoga I can't encourage you enough to find a class near you and get started.

I have never met a single soul who has regretted time spent on their mat. It is sometimes hard to find the discipline to get to class, but you are never sorry you did. You are always glad that you took the time for your yoga practice. Whether it's 15 minutes or 90.

And if this post is beginning to sound a little too esoteric..

Yoga has some other wonderful benefits/side effects too (such as slowing down the aging process, stress reduction, it gives you a great behind etc.) haha..I feel funny even typing that, but it's true!

But heck, whatever is going to bring you to yoga! And often it is these outer side effects that bring one to yoga in the first place and that is perfectly ok! I mean, who doesn't want to look good and feel good?

Heck, I'd be lying if I said that I didn't enjoy the benefits of yoga on my physique.

You not only feel great, but yeah you look pretty good too!

Yoga works virtually ever system of your body, and those benefits are well documented and undisputed. To me yoga is like a trip to the chiropractor, the massage therapist, the physio, and the shrink all in one!

For me each and every yoga class is like a day at the spa that I have given myself.

Of course it is always best to have various body workers/health practitioners/caregivers on hand in this life of course, as yoga can never completely take the place of conventional medicine.

You will never hear me say that. Ever.

So for that reason it is always best to have a Doctors ok should you be pregnant or suffering from any health issues/injuries before starting a yoga practice, or any other form of exercise.

In short: If you are injured, DO NOT come to yoga. Allow yourself to heal first.

Anyways, I am going to fly for now as it is day two of sunshine! (and sadly we never know how long it's going to last this time of year in these parts, so I best take advantage!)

Hope you get a chance to enjoy some of it yourself!

Have a really lovely day!

Hope to see you soon.♥