I am so stoked about my Roundhouse classes starting up again this evening! This year will mark 7 glorious years teaching at what I call, the coolest place in Yaletown for sooo many reasons. Yoga, dance, theatre, the staff...and the list goes on! All my classes are supercasual, non threatening and affordable so come on down! You can find me there on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The cost of registration is pro-rated too, so if the session has already begun you can still register (or drop in too of course).
You save big by registering before or on the day of, and if you double up to attend twice per week there is a huge savings.(And of course all classes need the minimum number of registrants for the program to run, but luckily I don't seem to often have that problem). Namaste & I hope to see you tonight!
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.
When you release a deep breath, think of the muscles letting go of the bones. On the next exhale, think of the brain, the mind, and the cranial muscles letting go of thoughts and worry. On the release of breath, think of letting the heart and muscles around it relax. Each release of breath becomes a deep cleansing and letting go on many different levels: physical, emotional, mental, and other levels we're not conscious of.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Asana practice has been a wonderful through line for me because it's a way of embodying that work with attention, a way of spreading attention throughout the whole of the system, and a way of reflecting the perennial nature of life. You arrive back at the mat day in and day out, and yet you're not the same person you were the last time you were on the mat. Millions of cells have come and gone, different food has been metabolized on all different levels, whether it's food of thought, food of emotions, food of light and energy, food of relationships, food of organic substances. So there is all this different play in consciousness occurring each time we practice. And then there is the beautiful metaphor of it, training one's consciousness to absorb multiple lifetimes within this lifetime.
So far all classes are a go! And going smashingly well I might add!
*With the exception of Monday Daytime Yoga at Mt.Pleasant.
*Attendance wise it is hurtin' :(
This class is from 1230-200pm in the afternoon and is as cheap as I can make it.The session is from Sept 13 to Dec 13 and costs $132.50 to register which amounts to $10.19 per class.
This class had quite a few teachers in it all summer long, and with school going back it is now lagging behind in attendance unfortunately. Strangely enough these classes get loads of drop ins every class, but reaching the minimum "registration-wise" is needed for them to keep them running.
Wednesday's daytime class is doing better and there is always the option of doubling up and doing the Monday and Wednesday (2 times per week) for a total of $252, which is dirt cheap.
So..I just wanted to put it out there! *If you wanted Monday Daytime yoga to continue, register asap as it may soon be gone. Register in the next 48 hrs if you can.
Prenatal Yoga at Mt.Pleasant is drop-in only the next 4 weeks...(Aug 18, Aug 25, Sept 1 and Sept 8) *$12
The new session begins Wed Sept 15. (Weds from 630-745pm)
New Fall sessions for all classes are about to begin so I can't recommend enough registering. (this class in particular generally has a waiting list so I highly suggest registering).
Prenatal yoga-wise I also have two classes per week at the Roundhouse in Yaletown Tues and Thurs evenings from 545-715pm.
(and of course there is baby & me yoga for after baby arrives at both places as well as Mixed levels classes..) Lot's of affordable yummy yoga for all stages of your life.
This morning I read that around 900 million tons of food is shipped around the planet each year. Thats 4 times the amount that was shipped in 1961. Wow. That is staggering. Do you try and eat local? As much as I have been slacking in my garden this year our little household really does try. We grow some of our own food and do our best to eat food that is local and in season as much as we can. I try and keep the exotic foods to a minimum (although I do love my olive oil and bananas and can not lie).
If you haven't really thought much about it before start out small. Just do what you can do, and thankfully there are farmers markets galore, community gardens, organic food delivery programs and resources of all kinds out there. And luckily for us Vancouver not only is yoga land, but it's also organic food land! Eating local is even better then buying organic food from somewhere else so why not buy fresh organic local food? Growing your own is very fun too!
Eating local not only is delicious and healthful for the environment (helps in the fight against global warming), but eating in season is really good for us from a health standpoint as well... not to mention sooo delicious.
Plus, it keeps us in touch with the seasons!
When we eat local we're helping to support our local farmers, and we're putting money back into our own economy. As well, local food is fresher and at a much lower risk of contamination due to not having to travel some crazy distance from farm to plate.
Give it a whirl and you'll see how amazing it is. The food is loaded with nutrients, delicious, and surprisingly not costly at all. You'll be doing something wonderful for you and your family, the environment, your community and your taste buds. yum!
For more information (local farmers market locations, whats in season, gardening resources etc.)
Starting tomorrow online registration starts up for all programs at the Roundhouse! Which includes LOADS of glorious Yoga with me!
Yoga for everybody!
(even if you aren't born yet I have classes for you too)!
Classes are as follows:
-Tuesdays
-Prenatal Yoga from 545-715pm
-Mixed Levels Classical Hatha Yoga from 730-900pm
Thursday's
-Baby & Me Yoga from 1230-200pm
-Prenatal Yoga from 545-715pm
-Mixed Levels Classical Hatha Yoga 730-900pm
For the rest of my public class schedule please look to the right hand column of my blog under "Labels"(I will soon be throwing together a facebook fan page as well to keep you updated on all things yoga and me)!
To register online for Roundhouse programs clickhere
Registration started today for all of my Mt.Pleasant classes so....
Let's do it up!
**And don't forget the Roundhouse, fall registration starts up there soon as well!
(and classes there are ongoing)!** The RH website is: here Phone number is 604-713-1800
You can register online, on the phone (or of course in person ;)
All new sessions starting up:
If you have been thinking of revisiting yoga or even if you have never attended a class, these classes are for you. Perfect for beginners or for those who like more of a challenge as well.
* And I might add that these classes are affordable. I do my best to keep my classes as absolutely reasonable as I can get away with. Classes work out to be about $10 a class if you register, and if paying drop-in it's $12.
I really really keep them as low as I possibly can♥.ॐ. ♥. ॐ. ♥.
So...register away!
(Some classes fill up quickly so I have got to recommend registering).
Mt.Pleasant classes are as listed below: *website is here *phone number is 604-257-3080
-Daytime Yoga (Mixed Levels Hatha) classes 2 classes per week on both Mondays & Wednesdays from -1230-200
-Prenatal Yoga Wednesday evenings 630-745-*this class almost always has a waiting list so register asap!
-Baby & Me Yoga Monday 1045-1200.
The rest of my public schedule is in the right hand column of my blog under "Labels"
Any questions don't hesitate to contact me or either centre :)
I thought I'd share this video because I find it sweet and very informative.
Todd Caldecott is a Medical Herbalist and Ayurvedic Practitioner with a practice here in Vancouver. He also has an amazing website chock full of information to help keep you and your loved ones happy healthy. His website is here
As much as the rain gets to me sometimes it is pretty amazing living in a rainforest where it is just so lush, and green, and fragrant, all year long. Even in the dead of winter it is green green green....
We can't really complain having countless forests and the ocean for a backyard. Literally! I mean, who really even needs a backyard living here?
Anyways, enjoy this little video and check out Todds site.
But remember that medicinal herbs are drugs and should be treated that way. if you are expecting or breastfeeding always make sure that you check with your healthcare provider/midwife/herbalist/caregiver etc.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
"The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will interest her or his patients in the care of the human frame, in a proper diet, and in the cause and prevention of disease."~ Thomas Edison
A doula is an assistant who provides non-medical and non-midwifery support (physical and emotional) in childbirth. Depending on training and experience she may offer prenatal support, childbirth (birth doula) and/or postpartum. A labor doula may attend a home birth or during labor at home and in transport to a hospital or a birth center. A postpartum doula provides home care for the first six weeks (or longer in cases of postpartum depression) including cooking, breastfeeding support, newborn care assistance, errands and light housekeeping.
The Wikipedia definition sort of implies that a Doula only attends home births which is completely untrue. (at least here in Canada) Thank goodness! I have attended a great many wonderful hospital births as a Doula in the past right along with every other Birth Doula in this city. Doulas are welcome with open arms in hospitals (at least I always was).
Most people do deliver in hospital in fact. Sadly some people have a great fear about delivering in hospital, but I can assure you that you have a great many birth choices in hospital (it's your birth after all, and you aren't ill you're having a baby)! And in hospital you can do a lot to set the mood for your birth as well ♥.
*You really can. It is your birth experience and nobody elses.
This isn't a commercial for hospital births but you may wind up birthing in a hospital whether you plan to or not.
When I speak like this in a room full of pregnant women there is the occasional look of terror. But everything is ok. It really is. Remember what Buddha said. Non attachment. Non attachment is the best thing to practice when making a birth plan/thinking about your birth plan etc. (I highly recommend making a birth-plan even if it is only for yourself)
Because it requires you to research and think about decisions that may come up.
Hospitals aren't the bad and nasty places they have sometimes been made out to be. In my opinion anyways. I'm sure glad they are there! (I've been in the trauma unit fighting for my life before so maybe I am biased) Know your choices. Be informed. Take the tour. Ask questions. How your birth is going to unfold may not be up to you, but so many other things are. It is up to you who you have there with you supporting you. In Canada we can choose our own caregiver...we are so lucky. But the big thing is being informed.
There truly is no such thing a a dumb question when you are expecting.
I have been to some very magical births in hospital (all births are). Beautiful wonderful empowering births, difficult and challenging and complicated births...what can you say about childbirth really? Each one is different. Different and unpredictable. Every single one. But one thing is certain... every single one is just such a honour to be at. Such a magical incredible otherworldly, highest energy experience imaginable. On the one hand biological and on the other it's...well there just aren't even words really.
But home births, hospital births, water births, even c-section "births" (they are still births)! are just truly so miraculous, I will never get over it. I was seriously choked up yesterday at my first Roundhouse Baby & Me yoga class of the summer as the room was packed full of mom's who previously were in my prenatal class. Meeting their babies for the first time, and looking at them and watching them, witnessing their mothering... Just watching their whole transition to motherhood really (gulp) gets me every time, and for as long as I do this I know it will. They are soooo beautiful.
Anyways, I could go on about this forever!! (but I won't! I've gotta fly!)
I just wanted to a pass this clip along that a girlfriend Tara sent me yesterday. It's short, but it took me on a trip down memory lane remembering my days as a Doula, and I wanted to put the Doula bug in your ear!
If you are expecting, do yourself (and your partner) a HUGE favour and have a Doula. People who have had Doulas would not again give birth without one. This city is crawling with them. Ask for recommendations from your friends, your Midwife/Caregiver and meet a few of them. You WILL find the right Doula for you.
And remember that a Doula supports "you" and "your birth experience." You and your partner. Totally.
It is all about you baby! And you have lot's of choices! *remember that*!
Oh, and many Doulas's are very affordable. As well, there are many Doulas who are just starting out looking for births to attend. And they're free!! (I attended lot's of free births and so does everybody else)
Get informed, practice yoga and have a Doula at your birth and you'll be laughing!
Well, I'm outta here for now!
It's another scorcher, enjoy, keep cool & hydrated and have fun!
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.
The character for Qi (pronounced chee) represents steam rising from rice, meaning the air of life, a symbol for effortless sustenance.
When you release a deep breath, think of the muscles letting go of the bones. On the next exhale, think of the brain, the mind, and the cranial muscles letting go of thoughts and worry. On the release of breath, think of letting the heart and muscles around it relax. Each release of breath becomes a deep cleansing and letting go on many different levels: physical, emotional, mental, and other levels we're not conscious of.
Prenatal Yoga at Mt.Pleasant is drop-in only the next 4 weeks...(Aug 18, Aug 25, Sept 1 and Sept 8) *$12
Do you try and eat local? As much as I have been slacking in my garden this year our little household really does try. We grow some of our own food and do our best to eat food that is local and in season as much as we can. I try and keep the exotic foods to a minimum (although I do love my olive oil and bananas and can not lie). 
Registration started today for all of my Mt.Pleasant classes so....
