Sabbatical

After five years of owning a yoga studio in downtown Fonthill, and over 15 years of teaching pretty much full time, I find myself here on a bit of a sabbatical. It's an odd feeling. Mostly because it wasn't really "planned". I've noticed as I settle into a completely different routine, just how much my body is so programmed to be in a state of rushing. Some days it's more subtle than others. But many days it's this constant feeling of needing to be somewhere, needing to rush through the moment in anticipation of checking off the next thing on my To-Do List. Once we closed the studio the summer was drenched in this energy of needing to hurry and find a new location. I felt I had to rush and get, as quick as possible, to the next moment so everyone could be satisfied and there wasn't too much idle time. I took a part time job at a winery that was more like a cult than a business. I continued to teach a modified schedule until end of August, and worked at the winery every weekend. I thought keeping myself really busy would make me feel productive and would be 'healthy' for me. For the record: cult-like atmospheres mixed with wine where you're just another cog on the wheel, are rarely 'healthy'. Or respectful. I'll spare you the details, but it wasn't for me. That has helped me realize that busy busy schedules, and long days, often don't leave time for the kind of self care that's needed to keep things in balance. So I've decided to stop forcing. I've decided to rest. To allow myself to heal. To open to Divine guidance. To make space for whatever needs to be released so that Life can begin to flow freely again.

There's a certain hustle when you own your own business. Every day. There's always something to do, something to clean, someone's email or text to respond to, classes to plan, schedules to create, supplies to get, new ideas to find, classes to teach, clients to meet with, websites and social media to update. Plus trying to fit in your own practice time. Every single day is a whirlwind, at times, that requires a lot of energy. Especially in this business. But not just energy...it requires positivity. Inspiration. And a certain lightness of being. You really can't take yourself too seriously. But you DO have to be productive. Toward the end of the final year at the studio I started to become aware of just how tired I was. The kind of tired that's in your bones. I was exhausted. As I continued to advocate for my mother on her journey with Alzheimers (not an easy thing!), I was also battling an unprofessional negligent landlord at my business. Her relentless antics kept a current of conflict running continuously in the background. Which kept me in a continuous state of stress. Add in my 7-day-per-week schedule at the studio, plus my teaching schedule, and you have a recipe for major Burn Out. I would often find myself driving to the studio, after visiting my mother, and not being able to stop crying. What I see, and hear, in the nursing home where she lives is sometimes so heart wrenching it takes my breath away. It keeps me up at night. Yet, somehow, I became a master at stuffing down my feelings. The practice always helped. It gave me an outlet for some of those feelings and connected me back to my breath and my essence. I am so grateful for having The Village Yogi during this difficult time.

Because, really, yoga isn't just for the calm cheerful days. It's a wonderful support during the darker, more challenging ones. And that, truly is a blessing. We NEED to have a safe space where we can go when we're not ok. We NEED  to give ourselves, and others, permission to work through difficult times without feeling attacked or judged by our community. I do not teach from a place of trying to appear as anything other than Me. Just me. Unapologetically ...Me. Flaws, quirks, imperfections and all. I teach from the experiences of my not-so-perfect life. In the hopes that you will also be empowered to keep going when your life isn't so perfect either. While I perhaps haven't been the bubbly happy-go-lucky gal I once was, I AM a professional. Am I perfect? Hell No! But I haven't met anyone yet who is.

So when one of my teachers approached me, rather rudely, and said that she felt her class attendance was low because of MY energy, it was my first indication of the kind of subtle judgment and shaming that happens in the yoga world. She told me "Everyone knows you've got a lot going on. I think they can feel the "negativity" and that's why they aren't coming to my class. All my classes, in the other 2 gyms I teach at, are full!! So, it's obviously not me. I really think it's you." I was utterly stunned! This kind of shaming is happening everywhere. But it's perhaps the most shocking to see it so blatantly in the industry of yoga - an industry that's supposed to be built on kindness, community, support and inclusiveness. What this teacher didn't know was that people were continuously being injured in her class. What she didn't seem to notice was that most of the time, more than half the class was in child's pose, for much of the class. What she also didn't know was that I had received multiple comments about her teaching style being "a monologue" and that students generally felt like she didn't connect to them, or really pay much attention to them at all, like she didn't care if they were there or not. Yet, instead of a little svadyaya (self reflection...yoga teachers are supposed to be adept at it) she decided to blame me.

I believe that was a major turning point. In my life, my practice, and the future of my business. Another time, shortly after this, a sweet well-meaning client walked into the studio and told me "Oh just smile." I was doing my best to be pleasant. But what this woman didn't know was that every single day that week I had found my mother covered in bruises, feces or dried vomit. She didn't know that all week I had been trying to get the staff at the nursing home to treat my mother's respiratory infection, to clean her, to take care of her properly. She didn't know that my mother had yet another infected cyst on her body that wasn't receiving the proper care it needed, so I was going in daily to treat the wound. She didn't know how utterly heart broken I truly was in that moment, knowing that as I left the nursing home to return to the studio I was gripped in terror at what really goes on in there when I am not present. Telling me to 'smile' was literally the most absurd thing I'd heard all day. The fact that I attempted to do it was even more absurd. I sat there with a fake smile plastered on my face and felt ridiculous. All I wanted to do was cry. Yet there I sat - grinning like a foolish idiot so this woman would feel better. I taught a stellar class that night. But I went home feeling like a fraud.

And that's one of the worst feelings.

So - after pounding the pavement all summer long, knocking on doors, sending endless emails and going through dozens of possible new locations - all with ridiculously inflated rents- I'm waving the white flag. I surrender. Completely and utterly. I surrender. I am taking time to walk and get back on my bike. I am settling back into my own practice, daily, and reminding myself how to flow and create space for the stress to release. I am having regular reiki healing sessions. I am resting. I am cocooning. I am spending as much time with my mom as I am able.

I miss teaching. I miss my yoga community. I have a few workshops planned for the near future. I am actively continuing to look for space. But the intention behind my actions is different now. My priorities have shifted. My health has become a greater priority. The investment of my precious energy is deliberate now. If it doesn't feel right - it doesn't happen. I'm learning to trust myself again.
Because, let's face it, it's so empowering to say "This isn't serving me." And walk away in peace.

Peace to all of you. I look so forward to when we can practice again together.

Embracing Change, moving on.

Greetings friends, family and fellow Yogis,

I have a big announcement for you and I am filled with a variety of mixed emotions as I write this. Change always seems to do that doesn't it? As I sit and reflect on the last few years I am deeply humbled by all that Life has presented on this wild and wonderful path. I have had the greatest pleasure of serving the region of Niagara for over 15 years. My work in the yoga community has always been one of my deepest Joys. The last 5 years at our current studio location have definitely been some of the most memorable!

The Village Yogi was a literal vision and dream come true in many ways. From the designing, the renovating and the eventual opening of this special place, it was nothing short of magical how it all came together. We have been busy since the day we opened. Our little community grew quickly and the studio became a sanctuary for all of us. I have seen relationships built, new friendships forged and immense healing in so many lives, including my own.

Shortly after opening The Village Yogi we were "gifted" with a new landlord. Sadly it was quickly determined that her personality was not a good fit for a business centered in cultivating calm and joy. We've had our work cut out for us in dealing with her, that's for sure! These last 5 years have brought tremendous change for me personally also. The unexpected passing of my father, just months after opening the studio, and my mother's subsequent descent into Alzheimer's have been some of the greatest challenges in my life. Devastating actually. Through it all I have tried to remain transparent. After all - yoga is about accepting and embracing Life as it unfolds. Even when it isn't "pretty" or easy.

So here we find ourselves at the end of our 5 year lease at this current location. I have searched and searched for a new home for The Village Yogi. Exhausting myself in the process.  So - instead of trying to swim upstream, I am following the gentle nudgings of the Universe and will be taking some time to fill my own well, spend some quality time with my Mother as she slips slowly into the final stages of her illness, spend some much-needed time in Nature, and will be taking some additional trainings to immerse myself in my own practice again. Bring on the summer of self love and self care!

Please know that as I continue to search for our new studio home, I will be offering a 7 week summer yoga series, just down the street at the Holy Trinity Anglican Church located at 1557 Pelham st. Classes will run: Monday and Friday mornings at 9:30am, and Wednesday evenings at 6pm (& possibly 7:30pmas well). Punch cards can be used for these classes or you may choose to register for the series. Punch card passes are currently on sale until June 25th. You can purchase online here if you like.

Although I absolutely adore our cozy amazing studio, I am ready for change. Although there is sadness in letting go of all the work we've done here to keep this business running, I know that when one door closes, another always opens. I know great things are on the horizon because the Universe always has my back. So - let's get excited together about the unknown. Let's stay in gratitude for all the abundant blessings already present in our lives. Let's move forward into the unknown with a wide open heart. The possibilities truly are endless.

With deep bows of gratitude and infinite love to each of you,

Thank you for being a part of this journey with me and for trusting me to be a part of yours.

The future is bright my friends!

Hope to see you on the mat this summer.

Heather Jones

ps - please stay posted to the website and facebook page for special class, workshop, and Costa Rica retreat announcements. There are many exciting changes and plans on the horizon...

Easter Musings and Metamorphosis

This Easter is a powerful one. This time of year always feels significant to me. Like something new and wonderful is about to emerge!

Despite the cold and the snow the Full Moon and Lunar Eclipse last night on April 4th has already started to stir things up. As well - it marked the beginning of the Buddhist New Year. At the same time Hindus celebrate Hanuman Jayanti (a holiday celebrating strength, vigor and energy), Christians are celebrating Easter and it is the Jewish holiday of Passover. Whatever your spiritual beliefs are, or aren't, the collective energy and mindset of much of the world's population is dwelling on re-birth, resurrection, renewal, freedom from bondage, and releasing all of that which holds us in patterns we no longer wish to repeat. It is a powerful time. And, regardless of your beliefs, it is an opportunity. To heal. To begin again. Or to simply reflect. I find it fascinating that one of Easter's traditions is to paint and decorate eggs. Eggs - a literal symbol for fertility, new life and breaking free of one's shell. It just seems so appropriate to me.

There's something to be said for collective consciousness. We are right in middle of our 30 Day Challenge at The Village Yogi. And the collective energy of everyone challenging themselves on the mat right now meshes beautifully with the collective energy of  global humanity and the cosmos. It feels like a powerful time of transformation. I have been absolutely blown away by this year's Challengers. The dedication and the discipline of those participating has been incredibly inspiring. The energy of everyone's effort(s) is infectious - sweeping me in like a wave. One man, who initially started coming to class with his wife (who, incidentally, was the winner of last year's Challenge) has really blown me away with his dedication. This man, a true 'man's man' and not your typical granola-eating, man-bun wearing "yogi" (lol), is certainly not the most flexible person in the room, or the most flamboyant. Yet he is there. Almost every day. Sometimes 2 or 3 times a day to fit in his practices around his busy schedule. He said to me recently "It was different last year when (my wife) was going through this on her own. Now - doing it with her, I really am having a whole different experience. I get it. It's inspiring." This same man has forgone going to the hockey game so he could make sure to get his yoga practice in. (!?!) This same man had to leave town for a couple days on business and was sure to have a wake-up call at 3:45 (AM!) so he could get on an earlier flight out of Montreal to be sure to make it to the studio for 9:30am Easter Sunday practice. Not the most flexible yogi in the room...no. But possibly the biggest-hearted and the most dedicated. THAT is what inspires me. People like that are MY teachers. People like that keep ME going.

There are others that stand out to me. Another man, who initially began coming with his wife also, has thrown himself into the 30 Day Challenge with a focus that I rarely see. He is quiet and polite. Always taking a seat at the back of the room. He is respectful, always arriving early and practices with a focus, a strength and a willingness that is rare to see in beginners. And there are others - a woman torn in many directions, fighting with major life changes who is not in the "best" place in her life. Yet - there she is...almost every day...challenging herself to be present with everything that is happening. There are days I see the strain on her face. I know it was hard for her to get to the studio. I recognize her pain because I have felt it too. I understand how difficult it can be to even just get there to the mat. I know what it feels like to be carrying the weight of the world and then to somehow try to carry your own weight in Bakasana or Plank position. I get it. And i commend you for your dedication also. Know that although you may not speak to the others in the room - you can let their energy support you during this difficult time. Nothing need be spoken or explained. Just know. You are supported. You will get through this.

And as I witness all these beautiful souls, stepping out of their cushy comfort zones, I am so deeply humbled. Finally the voice in my own head which has been the loudest over this last year or so....the one that keeps repeating three stupid words over and over : "What's the point?" ...has begun to silence. Because I am being reminded every day that THIS...all of this...this is the point.

 The 30 Day Challenge, like Life, can present you with many things. Things you would rather avoid but  must accept or face head-on. Like the loud breather in class distracting you from your practice, or someone's smelly feet, or the teacher who keeps insisting that you "open your heart" when all you really want to do is drink wine and take a nap. Even just the act of working with your own physical exhaustion when a strong class is being offered.... It's all designed to push your buttons just enough to illicit an opportunity... to shift, to reflect, to release and possibly even....heal. And every single time you keep your commitment to yourself, just by showing up, you begin to set in motion a deep internal shift that builds power and energy within you. You move that much closer to living from your own essence. The wise witnessing part of you that is beyond the dramas in your life and completely unaffected by the insignificant bullies, gossipers, and backstabbers that you've been beating yourself up over. Like a Warrior who finally learns to use his/her shield and stand firm and proud in his/her own strength.

As spring (tries) to wake up all around us, we are also challenging ourselves to come back to life after the long cold winter. Just the simple act of disciplining yourself to make movement a priority can really have such a tremendously healing impact on your whole being. Your body craves movement. A regular, consistent yoga practice becomes not just a physical workout, but a time of introspection. A time of moving inward and challenging, literally, all those notions about yourself that keep you stuck and sedentary. Perhaps a time for forgiveness, or prayer, or the only part in the day where you don't have to pretend to be anything. You learn to honor yourself. Even on the days that you feel less than optimal - you still show up, honoring your body and yourself....wherever you are.When we begin to move our bodies with intention, and deeply respect our own journey, we start to create a whole new way of be-ing in the world.

And as you come into greater alignment within you become like a beacon of light in your community. There are Warriors among you folks. Humbly working every day to raise the consciousness of humanity. We are all connected. What we practice as One, affects The Whole. These Warriors are the ones who take the time to focus on their breath, who send thoughts of love and blessings into the world, the ones who make an effort to keep practicing peace. Step by step, breath by breath, we change the world by becoming better versions of ourselves. Then.... we keep practicing even after we've stepped off the mat and into the world. We remind ourselves that just like us, everyone is trying to overcome their own challenges....in the best way they know how. We make an effort to stay reflective and responsible for our own energy - even in the face of ignorance or cruelty.

Plank on Warriors. Plank on.
Om Namah Shivaya

The purpose of a 30 Day Challenge

Once a year we at The Village Yogi offer a '30 Day Yoga Challenge'.

This year it is a Spring Yoga Challenge beginning March 23rd, just after the Spring Equinox. After such a long and bitterly cold winter this will be a wonderful way for many of us to welcome Spring and the sense of rebirth and renewal that it brings.

The concept:  They say it takes 21-28 days to break a habit. Most (bad) habits are caused by stress and boredom. Sometimes, simply offering yourself something new and different is all it takes to start you moving in a new direction. Usually people are so focused on the way things are right now that it seems overwhelming (and discouraging) to even start the process of getting in shape (or feeling healthier, or losing weight, or changing your lifestyle, or simply being more positive). But with consistency, and changing just one or two things every day - remarkable things begin to happen. And before you know it, several months have passed and the person you were seems like a distant memory. By signing up for the 30 Day Yoga Challenge you are starting the ball rolling in creating lasting powerful changes in your life. The Challenge is to complete as many classes in 30 Days as you can.

The incentive: Aside from increased strength, muscle tone, focus and flexibility you will begin to replace certain habits with new healthier ones. We offer some pretty awesome prizes for those who complete 30+ classes however having a consistent yoga practice also challenges you to do something positive for yourself even when it's been "one of those days". You challenge yourself NOT to go to the pub right after work. You challenge yourself  NOT to hit the couch for 6 hours moping and texting your friends about how horrible and un-inspired everything is. You challenge yourself, instead, to keep moving....to do something every day that is designed to open your body, relieve tension and stress from your mind, and offers you on outlet (and some personal space) to work through your stress, boredom, anxiety or complacency in a healthy way. Aside from all of that - yoga naturally builds awareness. You may find yourself noticing how gross you feel eating all that processed food and not even wanting it any more. You may find yourself craving a good stretch instead of half a bottle of wine. A regular yoga practice also assists in balancing hormones, boosting metabolism, triggering the 'relaxation response' in your body and aiding in digestive and elimination processes. Plus - when you take the time each day just to stop rushing, to stop telling the script of  your 'story' to anyone who will listen and to simply just allow yourself some space and time to redirect your focus in a more positive/productive way...amazing things begin to happen! Suddenly you feel more creative, more energized. Or you finally find the courage to make that important decision you've been ruminating about. The benefits are absolutely endless! Your body WANTS to move - it's designed to move, it craves movement. The beauty of yoga is that it is, for the most part, very simple. And you're not maxed out by it. Typically, even in the most challenging class, you are working at about 50 - 60% of your max physical capacity. And many classes are more about mindful breathing and soft gentle movements than straining and struggling. Practicing every day gives you a chance to check in with yourself. And when you begin focusing on yourself in more loving patient ways you begin to create an optimal environment for vibrant health and healing.

But most of all....the confidence and self-empowerment that comes from having a goal, and completing it, is something money just can't buy. To commit to yourself, and respect yourself enough to follow through is one of the most powerful things you can do. It builds a strength unlike any other. You begin to believe in yourself. You begin to truly know and feel just how much you are capable of achieving. And once that happens - the sky's the limit! Before you know it, life as you know it will become a completely different experience - one of wonder and color and excitement.

Most people still believe that the happiness they seek will be found outside of themselves - in another person, another job, substances, a new home, a new town. But what many don't realize is - even if you acquire these external desires...chances are...you will still be unhappy. Until you change what's going on inside no amount of money, material possessions, or attention from another will truly satisfy you.

Are YOU ready for a Yoga Challenge??

Welcoming 2015...reflections from The Pit.

I haven't written much this last year. I think because my father's words are still ringing in my ears ~ "If you don't have something positive to say maybe you shouldn't say anything." It's been a year of tremendous challenge for me. And often it felt as though there really wasn't much positivity to speak of.

Yet here I sit. The first day of a brand New Year. The winds, wild outside my window right now, seem so appropriate. Stirring things up. Blowing away the old. Making room for change. I am filled with an unmistakable feeling of victory. Somehow I'm still here. Somehow life keeps moving forward. Most of 2014 felt like I was continually bracing myself for the blow after blow that just kept coming. It started last November really, when the building that is home to my (brand new) yoga studio was signed over to a "new landlord". The supportive and uber-professional man that I spent almost a year negotiating my 5 year lease with decided (without warning or notice) to sign the building over to his ex wife. A woman who would prove to be one of the most negative humans I've ever encountered. A woman who seemingly finds joy in trying to continually shame, intimidate and attempt to destroy others as if it were some kind of sport. Then, December marked the passing of one of my closest friends and greatest supporters as my Dad died very suddenly. The subsequent months that followed are a blur as we went through the (incredibly painful) motions of  clearing, organizing and dealing with all the unfinished business, and my grief stricken mother, that he left behind. Shortly after that my (brand new) business sustained a devastating flood. The first of three (THREE!) in fact that started the horrible process of dealing with the aforementioned landlord who then made me a target for her own rage instead of a tenant, paying good money, that she could be supporting (and working cooperatively and professionally with) to face the issues that continuously seem to arise at one of this town's older buildings.You'd think as a landlord happy tenants would mean an easier happier life. Not for this woman.

Like fireworks that just keep exploding the waves of challenges have continued. All. Year. Long.

The most difficult part of this year was the fact that I was never afforded a chance to just stop. To rest. To take time off to process all that was happening. With the challenge of building a new business, and the 2 part-time jobs I work outside of the studio, there simply wasn't time to slow down. So I just kept pushing through. And as someone who has difficulty with 'vulnerability' the challenge of this was absolutely monumental. Teaching yoga is not as "easy" as it looks. Especially when you are in the midst of your own series of crisis. Not only must you keep moving forward, but you're going through all of this in front of other people, all day every day. By February/March I had developed an ulcer and extreme digestive problems that caused me to vomit, uncontrollably, about 70% of the time I attempted to eat. I also started experiencing heart problems which caused fainting spells, a series of injuries (including a cracked rib) intense bouts of debilitating anxiety and somehow managed to accumulate an additional 30 pounds on my (normally) lean frame. My body became riddled with inflammation as my need for rest was never fully met and my cortisol levels never given a chance to effectively diminish. Several of my classes at times had to be cancelled as I would spend many sleepless nights writhing in pain on my bathroom floor, too exhausted to even move the next morning. Horrible...yes. But through all of this I am still here.

I'm sharing this because none of us are immune. Everyone loves to pretend that their lives are perfect and unscathed. But we will ALL, at some point, experience what I call these 'testing phases' of life. Some of us more than others as we have lots to learn so that we can be of greater service to humanity. And this is how Life teaches us. Like a compassionate divine mother we are ALL given exactly what is needed to grow. We are all served exactly the perfect portion(s) of challenges so that we can learn to overcome and thrive. Like the lotus, growing up through the muck and darkness toward the light to blossom and bloom, we are all meant to just keep growing.  Keep putting one foot in front of the other. Just. Keep. Going.

I experienced a couple of my closest friends retreating from me because they either didn't know what to say or do, or were totally intolerant to my process as I tried to navigate through the various levels of my grief while attempting to keep a business running and continuously recover from the unending 'episodes' of craziness. And yet, despite everything, I feel nothing but gratitude right now. Deep humility and absolute graciousness. I'm still here! To those "friends" who refused to support me - Thank you. You gave me the gift of learning to support myself. To my landlord who tries to make my life as difficult as she can - Thank you. I am so very grateful that I am not like you. You teach me constantly how to be a better person by never becoming like you. In fact to every single difficult person, every judgement and every challenge that came this year I majestically bow to you, to all of it. Thank you, each and every one of you, for serving my highest good and assisting me in becoming a better, stronger and more resilient ME. To my (slightly curvier) body - Thank you for slowing me down when I needed it and building a little extra cushion to help soften some of the blows. To my man, and my closest friends ~ Thank you, so much, for being by my side through all of this. I am forever grateful for your patience and your ability to see the real me even when I can't. There is nothing more powerful than your unconditional love and I am fueled by it every single day.

Nothing is ever just shit. There is a seed of light within every dark moment. Sometimes it's just a wee tiny seed, but it is always there....waiting for us to notice it so that it can grow.There is a gift inside every tear that is shed in frustration or fear.

There's a couple of things I know for sure:
Yoga is medicine. It will heal your broken heart and help you to recreate yourself at each and every stage of life. Food is medicine. It, too, can heal and mend you on every level. And Love is also medicine. The most potent medicine of them all. I will continue to love despite everything. I will continue to grow and I WILL flourish. This day marks the starting of my rebuilding. Some of you will get to witness this. But regardless - I WILL succeed. Because I am still here.

Letting Go.

The practices of yoga and meditation help us to become more aware; more clear.
Awareness acts like a light flicking on to illuminate a dark room. That dark room could be your anger, your insecurity, your jealousy, your addiction(s), your avoidance, or the fear that you are allowing to run amuck in your life. Once illuminated we have the opportunity to Let Go.

Letting go requires some practice.
Like being the still, silent observer in Savasana at the end of your yoga class.
Again and again we come back to Savasana. To stillness. To learning to let go.

When our fears are left unchecked they become very real. Soon they infiltrate our every relationship, every perception, and may even begin to manifest as physical symptoms of illness or dis-ease within our bodies and minds. Soon we are reacting out of fear and insecurity  - closing our hearts, closing ourselves off from friends, from lovers, from life. When we close and tighten around the vulnerable areas within us we actually begin to defend and protect the very things we want/need to let go of.

When you start to notice you no longer like the people in your life, or that life seems mundane and you no longer feel the joy of a new day; when things start to feel negative, everywhere, this is a sign that it's time to Let Go. In fact, as soon as you start to feel that internal stress, or the fire rising within you, something is being triggered. It's time to Let Go.

Doing this, I'm finding, is simpler than it sounds. Just like Life,  in your yoga practice ...things will come up - a fearful thought, a judgement, a negative projection...and you simply notice these things as they present themselves. You let them rise to meet your consciousness. Then - instead of following that thought or that imaginary scenario down into the rabbit hole and tightening and closing your heart - you Let. It. Go.
Let it rise.... Notice it.... Feel it.... Let it go.

Life will help you. When you remain centered and aware everywhere you go you will notice triggers. Triggers are the things that stir up all the blocked energy within you. If you are committed to your own happiness, your own peace, you can begin to welcome these triggers. Instead of running away, smoking more cigarettes, eating more food, drinking more alcohol or doing whatever it is you continually do when discomfort presents in your life - you let yourself stay present. In the words of the Dalai Lama: "Every person we meet is an opportunity to practice..."

For example ~ I was recently told by a young 22 year old kid (who incidentally has never left the small town where he was raised and still lives with his parents) that I don't have a "real job"...among other things. This person is familiar with the struggles I have had this year and the enormous amount of energy it has taken to launch my business. Anyone who's ever attempted to be an entrepreneur, or to operate a yoga studio in this economy, knows just how much work is involved. In that moment I felt his disrespect like a punch in the gut. I let the energy rise within me. I felt the heat rush to my cheeks. I watched all the clever retorts and insults I wanted to say pour into my mind. but instead of entering into a banter of egos (I'm sure what he was hoping for) I simply let it go. Then I politely excused myself. Respectfully declining his high-five on my way out.

No explanation is needed. The Work is all done in the privacy of your own heart and mind.
It's easy to close your heart and shut down. It's easy to take other people's disrespect and ignorance personally. But the consequence of doing so is not optimal - bitterness, resentment, self doubt, more fear, isolation. Getting involved in the darkness does not dispel it. It feeds it.

When presented with darkness, no matter the source, look up and allow yourself to rise above it. Relax your heart. And let it fall behind you. Do not push against it, try to enter into dialog with it, or allow yourself to close and tighten because of it.

A great place to practice this is on your yoga mat or the meditation cushion, as there are plenty of things that will always arise. Especially when we begin to slow ourselves down and get really present. Your awareness keeps you centered and connected to your true nature. Call it Spirit, Shakti, Prana, Soul, whatever.....being aware allows you to stay in your center while the melodrama of life parades before you. Practice observing and letting go. Practice keeping your heart soft and open. Then, when you step off the mat and out into the world...keep noticing, keep returning to your breath, keep practicing.

Slow Down Turbo! Yoga for Stress Relief

Sometimes you can't always make it to a Yoga Studio. I get it.
Below is a simple easy yoga practice you can do at home to help you relax, re-set your nervous system and release tension during stressful times. It is not fancy, strenuous or complicated. Simple. Easy. Relaxing. It might take you 20min tops. But your body and nervous system will respond to this little bit of loving attention you give to yourself and wonderful things will begin to happen!

Take. The. Time. It's better than fretting, worrying, ruminating or feeling awful. This is easy and you CAN do this. No one else will/can truly do it for you. The only way to deal with your suffering, your discontent, your terror...is to go straight into it...and then through to the other side.

Sooooo - turn your phone off! Dim the lights. Maybe play music you like. Create an uninterrupted space for yourself to relax, breathe and focus inward. This is short. It's simple. It's sweet.
Move with intention and breath.

Hold each posture for a minimum of 5 breaths before moving on to the next.
Breathe smoothly and evenly, through the nose, throughout your practice and let the breath lengthen...especially your exhalations. Use your exhales to soften and settle into each posture.

 Vaparita Karani (legs up the wall)

This is a great place to start. You may wish to place a pillow under your hips to elevate the lower body even more and help release pressure from the lower back.

Hold for 3 - 5 min.

Roll to one side to release. Take your time and move to your hands and knees.

Childs Pose - Balasana

Shift your hips back to your heels and rest forehead on the floor in Child's Pose.

Arms either overhead or at your sides.

Breathe 5 full breaths and settle the hips down with each exhale.

Come back onto hands and knees.

Wrists under shoulders, knees under hips.

 Cat/Cow Pose

 Start to move with your breath.

1 - Inhale: lift tailbone twd ceiling, draw shoulders back, look up

2 - Exhale: tuck tailbone under (twd floor), push into hands and drop head to really round spine.

Continue with the breath - 5-6 breaths 

Come up onto the knees in a kneeling position.

Gate Pose

Extend one leg. Reach up with opposite arm. Lean over your extended leg. Look up. Reach, breathe, lengthen your Side Body.

Hold 3-5 breaths - extending and lengthening.

Repeat on opposite side.

Downward Dog

Return to hands and knees. (hands a bit forward of shoulders now, fingers spread wide)

Lift hips toward ceiling. Press firmly into both palms. Let your head relax.

Bend your knees slightly if the legs are tight.

Press the chest back toward the front of your thighs.

Hold 5 full breaths.

 Return to Child's Pose for a few breaths.

Then transition onto your back.

Reclining Twist

Bring your knees (together) into your chest.

Open both arms on the floor at shoulder level.

Take a deep breath. When you exhale let your knees move to one side...hovering over the floor. 

Inhale - knees come back through center.

Exhale - knees flow to other side, hovering over floor.

Repeat, moving with the breath, 4-5 times on each side.

Perhaps hold the last one by letting the knees fall all the way to the floor and taking a few breaths there.

 Baddha Konasana - Bound Angle Pose

Bring the soles of your feet together. Let your knees open to the sides.

You might place pillows or folded blankets under your knees for support.

Relax your shoulders, close you eyes. Breathe and let your belly rise and fall with the breath.

Sink into gravity.

5-10 breaths

Relax onto your back and let yourself settle...

Savasana. The pose of sweet surrender.

Perhaps place a pillow under your thighs for supporting the lower back.

Relax and breathe here. 

Let your mind drift.

Let gravity pull your body into the Earth.

Spend a few minutes here simply observing what arises. 

Extend compassion towards yourself. Extend forgiveness to those who have wronged you.

Contemplate the notion that the Universe is ON YOUR SIDE. It WANTS to bring you positive wonderful experiences and people. The more you relax into that notion, and the easier it becomes to focus on what you want....beautiful things begin to come.

Release everything.

Enjoy!

 

Reflections on a 30 Day Challenge

During the month of February, and early March, The Village Yogi hosted a "Live-Your-Yoga Challenge".

There was really no additional charge for this Challenge - with the exception of the regular monthly membership fee. Plus - Challengers received discounts on the variety of Special Events that were offered at the studio as part of the Challenge - including Partner Yoga, a Live Music Class and an Ayurveda workshop & yoga class. Plus all us teachers did our best to keep fueling participants with positive reinforcement.

The concept: participants who willingly entered The Challenge were encouraged to try to come to 30 classes in 30 days. At The Village Yogi, this is not difficult to do as classes are held every single day. Seven days per week! And the schedule is quite varied - offering a balanced mixture of both rigorous and gentler classes. As well as weekly meditation and softer Yin Yoga classes. So, truly, practicing every day, (or even multiple times a day as many people did!) is easy and actually quite enjoyable.

The point: To ease yourself out of your winter rut, commit to doing something healthy for yourself every day, & to experiment with what it means, and what happens, when you commit to a regular yoga practice. Also - to use the powerful tools that Yoga offers us to illicit positive lasting changes within you, and in your life. Really, "the point" is to take your power back and realize that you are in fact, waaaay  more in control of your well-being than you realize. Yoga practice can be extremely transformative. That's why we asked each of The Challengers to be very mindful with their thoughts over the course of the month. As well - we had each person choose for themselves a Sankalpa - much like a "personal mantra" this short, powerful, positive statement was repeated (silently) at the beginning, and throughout, the classes. Participants were encouraged also to bring their attention to their Sankalpa throughout the day as well.

The result: Over 20 brave souls signed up to take part in this 30 Day Challenge.

 Many of them were brand new to Yoga. And almost all of them surprised and delighted me. I was inspired by their dedication. It was remarkably palpable how much more alive and vibrant the studio felt! And - I was witness to multiple incredible transformations.

There is something very powerful about stepping out of the rat race, if even for an hour each day, and connecting with yourself in a way that is kind and positive. Or, at the very least, if you can't seem to muster any"kindness & positivity" on certain days...at least you've made the effort to do something healthy for yourself to redirect some energy instead of pulling a 6 hour shift at the local pub.

There's also something amazing about choosing this mantra or a "power statement" and continually making an effort to re-focus your mind on that. Imagine - if the majority of society took time each day to focus on a steady breath as they moved their body, with awareness, through a series of sequences designed to build stamina, grounding, heart opening and flexibility. Or - to simply move mindfully throughout their daily tasks.  Just the act of being with yourself, honestly, every single day...without running away from the anxieties in your head, or numbing yourself out to the horrible self image you have.....just showing up...every day...to listen to, take care of, and re-align yourself.... is powerful beyond measure.

What really struck me was how light people seemed to get. I mean, you could see it on their faces; hear it in the tone of their voices. An obvious lightness of being. Several people actually shared with me that their Sankalpa - the personal mantra they chose - seemed to be actually changing things in their life. One woman's mantra had to do with her anxiety and incessant worrying which causes a host of anxiety and fear-related problems for her. Her Sankalpa was something to the effect of: 'I now relax and trust the process of life.' Interestingly, about half way through The Challenge this woman told me about a situation she found herself in whereby she was in public at a function with a lot of people and actually was able to see, feel and know that SOMETHING was changing within her. After a potentially embarrassing fall on a slippery floor she was immediately able to see the symbolism in the 'lesson' and not completely crumble in devastation. Instead the incident became part of her reflections and her meditation. She was able to gain great insight and tremendous personal power from something that, in the past, would have sent her reeling for weeks.

But the most amazing part of The Challenge, for me, came at the end.

There were, of course, prizes offered for people who accumulated 30 or more classes throughout the month. Each person's name was entered into a draw for the grand prize of a 60 min massage (@ Advanced Health Massage Therapy here in Fonthill) a 25 class pass ($275. value) & a handmade candle.
The draw was done randomly by one of our instructors. I was so happy to see that the woman who won was one of the people who were incredibly committed and actually attended far more than 30 classes in those 30 days.

Ironically, this woman first came to The Village Yogi with some trepidation. She had been injured in another yoga class by an aggressive adjustment she received by another teacher. So she was a little nervous about her ongoing injury. As well - this woman was the same woman who nearly had a panic attack in her first Yoga Nidra (meditation) class. I have never seen ANYONE ever flee a yoga class as quickly as she did after that one. It stressed her out SO MUCH. She actually told me later that the more I asked the students to "relax" the more intensely stressed she felt...to the point where she could barely stand it. I thought for sure after that night I would never see that woman ever again. It happens. Sometimes people just aren't ready for what they find within their own stillness.

However, much to my surprise, this woman started coming every single week to that meditation class. Hardly missed a session! That, in itself, was pretty remarkable. But when she started bringing her husband I was even more surprised!! She approached it like a Challenge...something she was really curious about. In fact, she was quite honest about it saying things such as "I don't know why I found it so difficult. But I am determined to master this." I giggle to myself.. As this is similar to how I was when I first started to practice Yoga & Meditation. Plus - it says a lot about this woman. She didn't run, or hide, or flee. Instead - she came back, again and again. She kept exploring, kept experimenting. And isn't THAT what life is supposed to be about?!

Well I was just thrilled when she won the grand prize of The Challenge. Thrilled because she is truly someone who has worked so hard and who embodies so much of what Yoga truly is about. As if to prove that, yet again, she showed up to retrieve her prize but instead reached into the bag and took out the 25 class pass and handed it back to me! She said - "I want to Thank You. This was really amazing for me. I've gotten so much out of this and I'm so proud of myself! I want you to give these passes to someone else - give them to someone who can't afford to come here. " Then she handed me a cheque, for her and her husband's next 3 month membership. Paid in full.

Unbelievable.....Truly.


That kind of truthful generosity does not happen very often. I was floored. And have actually been deeply inspired by her gesture every since. I am going to donate the class passes to something or someone who really needs or wants it and may not otherwise be able to afford it. As per her request...I will pay it forward.

Aaaaaaaannnndddddd.....my faith in humanity is once again restored. Thank You Lynn.

Savasana...Heaven or Hell?!

I like to think of Savasana, that final posture of relaxation that finishes a yoga practice, as a sweet treat. Like a dessert that follows a great meal. It's the only posture in yoga where there is nothing to do; nothing expected of you, no complicated instructions or expectations. And yet, despite all this, Savasana seems to be one of the hardest postures for people to master. It's almost like the concept of just being - perfectly still, totally surrendered, is completely foreign to some of us. We've been conditioned to "keep busy" and somehow trained to believe that the more we do, the more we have, and the worthier that makes us. Our society doesn't really place much importance on the idea of just Being.

I've noticed at times my "busyness" is nothing more than an extension of my anxiety. The more I rush and charge around, the more I cram my schedule with more and more things to do - the less i have to feel. And the less i have to face my own emotions. The "busier" I am, the less time I have to think, or to really acknowledge what's happening within me.

But lately, I've been practicing just BE-ing with whatever is happening. Settling into savasana at the end of my yoga practice has become quite an adventure these days. Sometimes it's the only time of absolute stillness in my day. Sometimes, once I stop and just allow myself to settle down, the tears come rushing out - often without notice or warning. Part of me finds this so humourous. Especially because most of the time i don't even know what it is I'm crying about! It's just all the unexpressed grief and worry. All the sadness and fear that I haven't really allowed myself to feel, or created space for, in my life.

Other times - I settle into Savasana and I'm nearly crawling out of my skin. I fight the urge to jump up and flee from the room. It's as if all of a sudden, the stillness of simply laying there on the floor, brings me right into the heart of all my tension...everything I've been avoiding. Lately I have been finding this humourous as well. How interesting, how funny.

Through it all I am rediscovering my relationship to the Present Moment. My practice lately is one of releasing resistance. There has been much happening that I simply do not like. So much that is just so NOT comfortable, or positive at all. And yet, when I allow myself to just BE....still, observing, breathing....beyond all the stress and the anxiety and the judgemet is this place of emptiness. Once I let all those intense energies course through me without needing to change them, or deny them, or hide them, or numb them - all that's left is just this sweet sweet...emptiness. And somehow in that emptiness I know, I just KNOW, that All Will Be Well. It has to be. All Will Be Well.

The Winter Begins - Solstice Reflections

The Winter Solstice on the 21^st of December marks the shortest day of the year and the official starting of winter.  Symbolically, the solstice represents the returning of light as the days gradually get longer. From a yogic perspective this is a time to go inward, set intentions that will foster and grow, and to prepare for the winter ahead. Winter is, in Canada at least, a time of reflection & stillness….a time of going inward….just as nature does outside with the return of the cold and snow. 

Although beautiful in many ways, winter has never really been my favorite season; especially here in Southern Ontario. It’s cold, it’s dark and a little barren as most of the trees lose their leaves and the sky is almost always a dull shade of gray.

 This winter seems darker than most after the unexpected passing of my beloved father, and friend, on Dec. 10^th at the (too young) age of 64.  He died just 3 days after his sister’s funeral, my Aunt Alice, who finally finished her journey with cancer. My family is deeply affected by the loss of these two people that we loved dearly.

From a yogic perspective I am trying to see the natural beauty in my father’s transition. I am trying to honor him and his life respectfully and be thankful for the incredible father I was so blessed to have. I know that Energy cannot be created, or destroyed, and that it simply changes form. Physics teaches us that. I know that although he is no longer in his body, he is still with us. But the daughter in me is heartbroken and frightened of a world without my Dad. He was a good man, a wonderful man. He was one of the most thoughtful and giving people I have ever met; an amazing example of a devoted father, a good friend and a source of endless unconditional love.  He was the “go-to” guy for everything. He always seemed to have the answers…

My father had beautiful ideals about many things. Even after 42 years of marriage he still brought my mother flowers, still enjoyed surprising all of us with gifts that he would secretly shop for – that would always be so delightful and so thoughtful I would wonder “How does he DO that?!”. He was the type of man who was happiest when his family was happy. Now that he is gone, and we are slowly trying to get over the shock, we have begun to organize and prepare for life without him. This has not been easy. We have uncovered many things including the absence of life insurance and remnants of a man who was deeply overwhelmed. Like most men, I think it was difficult for him to admit that he was overwhelmed. Or to ask for help. So – he suffered silently. Until finally his heart could no longer take it.

As my family and I gently pick up the pieces and try to re-arrange our lives around the hole that his absence has made, I am sad and my heart is heavy. And I am reminded once again what an incredibly deep emotion sadness is. It seems almost infinite. I guess that’s why it can be so easy to lose yourself to the abyss if not careful. My sadness is for my own loss, and also for my mother and sister. My sadness is also for my niece Nika, whom my father loved and adored. He wanted so much for her and they were very close. He absolutely loved children and loved being a Grampa. And also – my sadness is for my father. Whom I truly believe was hurting for awhile but refused to stop working, or let anyone in, for fear of disappointing his beloved family.  He wanted us to have all that our hearts desire and it was my dad who taught me not to succumb to my limitations. He helped me to become the person that I am. Without him, I don’t think I would have made it this far. 

It’s interesting to begin to return to teaching classes and to my normal routine(s) now that things are starting to settle. It’s similar to walking through a dream where everything feels strange and surreal. At times, my anxiety definitely gets the best of me and I find myself frozen in fear of what the future might bring. But at those times I take a deep breath and remind myself that ‘All is well’. In this moment, it’s ok. I’ve started telling myself over and over that ‘out of this situation, only good will come.’ I think I’m starting to believe it. So mixed with my sadness there is also this hope. My intention is to make him proud. He would have wanted us to move forward, to thrive and continue to grow and flourish. 

I Love you Dad. You were the most wonderful man in my life. Thank you, infinitely, for all you've done. For all of us.