Tag

heart yoga

READ: Heart Space Yoga ~ Living Your Yoga by Krista Bromfield

written by Krista

There is a lot of talk this time of year about New Year’s Resolutions and making changes in our lives – maybe you are working with a Sankalpa (a Sanskrit word meaning ‘determination’ or ‘will’) which is a ‘yogic intention’ of sorts. This year I have decided to put my heart into ‘Living My Yoga’. Early on my yoga path I learned that if I fight with my husband, swear at ten people from my car while driving and rush in frustration on my way to yoga class that the positive effects of my post savasana bliss are pretty much cancelled out. On the mat we practice ahimsa (non-harming) and steady our breath and mind – but if we don’t practice these things off the mat we are missing out on how yoga can truly change our lives for the better.
Want to try ‘Living Your Yoga’ but not sure where to start? Revisit or explore the Yoga Sutra’s of Patanjali. There are many editions and translations to choose from. For a heart centered translation intended for women – check out “The Secret Power of Yoga” by Nischala Joy Devi. It is beautiful and fresh take on the Sutra’s that will help you embrace and live your yoga every day!
Here is an excerpt from her book – a lovely story about a man learning to live his yoga. It is a lesson for all of us who are searching for the true beauty in all beings and ourselves!

The Wise Woman’s Stone by Nischala Joy Devi
A wise woman, who was travelling in the mountains, found a
precious stone in a stream.
She reverently placed the gem in her bag.
The next day, she met another traveler, who was hungry.
The woman opened her bag to share her food. The hungry
traveler saw the precious stone in the wise woman’s bag,
admired it, and asked the wise woman to give it to him.
The wise woman did so without hesitation.
The traveler left, rejoicing in his good fortune.
He knew the jewel was worth enough to give him security for
the rest of his life.
But a few days later he came back, searching for the wise
woman.
When he found her, he returned the stone and said,
“I have been thinking. I know how valuable the stone is, but
I would like to exchange it in the hope that you can give me
something much more precious. If you can, teach me the
secrets about the power you have within you, the power that
enabled you to, without hesitation, give me this precious
stone”.

This story speaks to the first limb on the 8 limbed yoga path which is ‘yama’ (or restraint/ethical standards). The fifth yama or restraint is ‘Aparigraha’ (non possessiveness). In simpler terms it means not wanting or taking what we don’t need. This can be a tough one when the yoga culture is a multibillion dollar industry! From yoga props to lululemon pants, malas to music, meditation cushions to Sanskrit tattoos – we often think we NEED many things to practice yoga. In truth, we can practice anytime/anywhere with very little.

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL! ENJOY LIVING YOUR YOGA IN 2012! Practice Yoga, Be Kind, Love Yourself, Love Others, Be Truthful and Meditate!
RELAX AND RENEW – JOIN KRISTA AND OUR AMAZING RMT’S FOR YOGAHHH! This fusion class of gentle, flow and restorative yoga with hands on massage by certified massage therapists will leave you blissfully rejuvinated. Pre register now – these classes sell out quickly!

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.

Read more from VividLife.me Bloggers:

The Magical Power of Giving Blessings by Sharon Gannon

No matter how many good deeds you do or the many profound and intelligent thoughts you have or words you may say, what people will remember most about you is how you made them feel. If you really want to be loved by others, it is helpful to learn ways to make others feel good…

Why Your Intellect Is An Obstacle to Yoga by Ed and Deb Shapiro

Although it has its roots in Hinduism, yoga transcends the limitations of religion; it stands alone. Yoga means union; it is waking up to the beauty both within ourselves and realizing the sacredness of all life. And it is the expression of love: loving yourself and others, which frees us from a chaotic mind, negativity and neurosis…

January 9, 2012 0 comment

Family & Relationships

READ: Mindful Living ~ Celebrating with Mindfulness by Jacquelyn O’Brien

written by Jacquelyn

This is a time of year for celebration and togetherness, a time to remember that we are all one. A time of gathering in, of spending time with loved ones and staying warm. Whether you are celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Winter Solstice, Hogmanay or something else, hopefully you are with people that you love.

It’s also a time of ritual; some religious, some social. For example, most of us will be enjoying at least one special meal with family and friends. Eating together is a core part of our society and it’s also an opportunity for mindfulness.

Many traditions encourage us to eat mindfully but I’d like to share with you five food contemplations for families from Thich Nhat Hanh’s Engaged Buddhism tradition. This is something we read before each family meal.

This food is the gift of the whole universe: the earth, the sky, the rain and the sun.
We thank the people who have made this food, especially the farmers, the people at the market and the cooks.
We only put on our plate as much food as we can eat.
We want to chew the food slowly so that we can enjoy it.
We want to eat in a way that nurtures our compassion, protects other species and the environment and reverses global warming.
This food gives us energy to practice being more loving and understanding.
We eat this food in order to be healthy and happy and to love each other as a family.

Thich Nhat Hanh

You might like to try reading this before enjoying your meal. Eat each bite slowly and mindfully and try to be fully present to those who are sharing the meal. Just for fun, here’s a video of my own ‘little Buddha’ reading the contemplations.

The Five Family Food Contemplations

Thank you for reading. Wishing you a wonderful holiday season filled with joy and connection.

Namaste,

jacquelyn

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

Read more from VividLife.me bloggers:

10 Tips for Showing Your Love by Iyanla Vanzant

Some say love is an emotion. Others say it is a state of mind. For some it is an addiction. For others, love is a mechanism of control. Studies have shown that enough love will save your life. Or, the absence of it determines a life not worth living. Love, they say, is what we make it. What we make it is a function of what we know and believe about it. Many of us are convinced that we know exactly what love is. Others readily admit we have no clue! Operating from either place is probably not the best way to find what we know, need, desire or…

How to Chill When Times Get Stressed by Ed and Deb Shapiro

India is an extraordinary country where you get to meet all sorts of unusual people. On a recent visit we had tea with Mary and Don, a fascinating couple, who were born-again Christians from Texas. For over twenty-five years they had been running a clinic for disabled and handicapped children, caring for the poorest of the poor in Chennai, South India. We found their sincerity and commitment to the suffering that surrounded them powerfully moving.

December 31, 2011 0 comment

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READ: Mindful Living – How to Live Like (a) Prince

written by Jacquelyn

I was lucky enough to see Prince in concert last weekend and the experience has profoundly affected my practice. So what has the Prince of Purple got to do with yoga, meditation and mindful living?

Let me start by saying that I am fortunate enough to know my purpose in life. It was one of the insights I uncovered during my 500 hour yoga teacher training with the help of Shasta Townsend. Through yoga and meditation my delight and passion is to help other people to stand in their own light. Aspiration: I am a powerful channel of Divine Light – fearless, intuitive and compassionate.

I am so convinced of this that I had it tattooed on my arm as a constant reminder. (On the other arm is my dharma name, Radiant Joy of the Heart.) Both of these tattoos represent aspirations and reminders for me to be the best possible version of myself.

My purpose is to get out of my own way and let my light shine in order to help others do the same. Whatever gifts I am fortunate enough to have shouldn’t be hidden behind fear of rejection or failure or any of the thousand other excuses that I have used throughout my life. By being brave enough to live like this I aspire to help others do the same.

As Marianne Williamson says,

‘…as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.’

Where does Prince come into this? He is without doubt allowing his light to shine. Apparently a shy young man he made a decision to get over his shyness in order to let his talent shine, and wow he has a lot of talent. Whether you are a fan of his music or not I’d be surprised if you could see him perform live without being caught up in his energy. He is like a bright light, fearless and unafraid letting the gifts he has shine out without fear or apology.

This was a powerful reminder for me to let my own gifts come forth. I may not have glamorous talents like Prince but I can try to live my life as fearlessly as he does. Imagine a world where we all did the same.

What are your talents? What is your passion? What activities do you lose yourself in? That moment when your small self disappears and you are able to transcend ego, fear and limitations and just be in the moment.

It might be a creative pursuit, it might be teaching, it might be yoga, if you’re really lucky it might be your job. It is the thing that you love, paid or unpaid it brings you happiness and joy. My advice to you and to myself is to do more of that. The benefits will creep into the rest of your life and your relationships. Be who you were meant to be, the you that is truly you without fear, without barriers. The you that no one else can be, whoever that is. Try this…

Sit or lie comfortably in a quiet place where you will not be interrupted.
Spend some time contemplating the question ‘what is my passion?’ or ‘what is my unique gift?’ or even ‘what is my purpose?’
Ask yourself the question over and over finding deeper and deeper layers of answers.
Once you find your purpose, make an intention to spend more time doing the thing you love without fear or guilt.

Why not set some reminders? A reminder on the fridge or on your computer or perhaps in your diary or phone. Good luck, let your light shine.

Thank you for reading. Wishing you presence, peace and joy in every moment.

Namaste,

jacquelyn

CLICK VividLife.me for more inspiration for living you ultimate life!!!

Join me at our Uxbridge studio for ‘Presence and Presents’ on Friday, December 16 from 7:30 – 9.00 PM

The most wonderful time of the year? Perhaps. The most stressful time of the year? Probably. We all love our families but with sky high expectations, crowded malls and lumpy gravy the holidays can turn out to be more of a test of fortitude than a feast of fun. Prepare yourself with a yoga practice designed to help you stay true to the warm and loving person you are despite all the stress and provocation. With calming mindfulness techniques we’ll each leave with a set of tools to help us not only survive but enjoy the holidays and our families. $25 + HST

http://www.balancedlifeyoga.ca/home-pages/retreats/uxbridge-workshops/

www.balancedlifeyoga.ca

November 30, 2011 0 comment

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READ: Mindful Living – Beware of the Velociraptors

written by Jacquelyn

I was half-way through writing a blog about dealing mindfully with anger, and how it’s important to keep perspective and compassion at the front of our minds, when I got a phone call that put everything in perspective. Isn’t the Universe clever?

It reminded me of Dr Grant talking about the velociraptors in Jurassic Park,

‘And that’s when the attack comes. Not from the front, but from the side.’

A little levity is a good way to regain perspective in these situations, don’t you find?

I had been writing about how anger is a very real and unpleasant sensation. About how we’ve all been there and how we usually have very clear views about who is to blame.

Sometimes our anger is small and easy to deal with but sometimes there are more ‘hooks’ as Pema Chödrön calls them. This stronger anger gets it’s claws into us and sets of a chain reaction ingrained over years of practice.

How about this for a hook? The protectiveness you feel for your child or loved one? The phone call today called into question the safety and happiness of one of my children. In seconds a chain reaction began and there was a danger that I would become the velociraptor.

This is just another chapter in an ongoing situation where people are doing their best with the resources they have but unfortunately the problem is not going away.

It would be easy to blame the adults involved or even to blame the other child but the truth is much more complex than the black, white and red that anger allows us to see.

Of course, my first priority is the safety of my child, as it should be. That’s deep programming, that’s nature doing it’s job and me doing mine. But, does this mean that I have to lose my temper? Does this mean that I need to blame someone who is so clearly suffering? Will it help anyone if I shout at people who are doing their best in difficult circumstances?

No!

I need to support my child and keep him safe. The best way I can do that is with good common sense and my feet firmly on the ground. This I will try to do. That is my job right now.

The other issue, the source of my original anger, seems so petty and trivial now. Thank you Universe for reminding me, for giving me perspective. Thank you for not making the reminder more painful as it could so easily have been devastating.

Belly breathing is one practice I use to ground myself when life and situations seem to be taking flight. If you are experiencing strong emotions like anger, I hope you will find it as useful as I do.

Lie down flat or with a pillow under your knees.
Slow down your breath and begin to relax your body.
Bring your hands onto your belly and feel it rise and fall as you breathe.
With each breath soften your body and let go of any tension or holding.
Let the earth support you as you relax.
Visualize roots growing out of your back body, reaching down into the earth.
Continue peacefully here, enjoying the sensation of your belly rising and falling until you feel calm, supported and grounded.

Thank you for reading. Wishing you presence, peace and joy in every moment.

Namaste,

jacquelyn

Join me at our Uxbridge studio for ‘Step Into Your Light’…

Step into Your Light – Friday, November 4 from 7:30– 9:00 PM

‘Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.’ – Marianne Williamson.

Reveal your true beauty, radiance and light with this practice designed around Marianne Williamson’s incredible quote. Too often we shrink from stepping into our light because of a fear of rejection or of making others uncomfortable. You deserve to shine as brightly as you can. Cast aside your fears and step into your light, make your talents and gifts an offering to the world.

A flowing practice designed for everyone. $25 plus HST

http://www.balancedlifeyoga.ca/home-pages/retreats/uxbridge-workshops/

www.balancedlifeyoga.ca

November 2, 2011 0 comment

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READ: Thanksgiving Yoga Style

written by Jacquelyn

Remind yourself to be grateful and see your day from a whole different perspective. See how this shift in thinking can help you to be happier and to attract more positive experiences into your life.

Thanksgiving is just around the corner so this is a great time of year to check our attitude and see how grateful we are for all the gifts and graces that we enjoy every day.

I’ve talked before about happiness being available in each and every moment and I believe that the same is true of gratitude. Not only that but I believe that they go hand in hand. The more grateful we are, the more things there are to be grateful for and the happier we are.

I believe that this is an innate skill but that we sometimes lose touch with it. Look around you and it’s easy to see why. I spend an afternoon in a mall recently. To put this in context: if there is such a thing as hell and if it’s true that we each have our own personal hell, a la Bill and Ted, then mine will look exactly like a mall. Let’s just say it’s not my natural environment.

One of the things I noticed there was that all of the advertising started with the words, ‘I want…’. Most were funny and designed to promote services on offer to visitors but what made me laugh was that the posters just said what the energy of the whole place was screaming. I want!

I realize that this might sound judgmental but I don’t mean it to be. I’m no more immune from ‘I want’ than anyone else. I suppose it was just interesting to me that the signs were, in a way, so honest. It is the attitude that we have been taught by our culture, to want, want, want. To notice the lack rather than the abundance. To see the things we don’t have and take for granted those that we do.

That day was challenging for me and I know that it would have been easy to be resentful and unhappy but that would only have made me unhappier. It would also have made it hard for those with me to have a good time. Instead, I tried to focus on being grateful, looking for things to water the seed of gratitude in me. I was…

grateful that I had a healthy and strong body that I could enjoy walking around the mall.
grateful that I was with people I loved.
grateful that they were enjoying themselves.
grateful to enjoy the beautiful eyes and smile of a young woman who helped us.
grateful that I gave and received smiles as I walked around.

There are a lot of quotations on this subject but here’s one of my favorites.

It is better to light one small candle than to curse the darkness. – Confucius

This captures the attitude that I’m trying to foster. Just like everyone else I don’t always succeed but it’s my aspiration to see the positive, or to create a positive, rather than dwelling on the negative. Every day provides joyous opportunities to practice, don’t you find?

So when you are next facing challenges, large or small, try to see the things to be grateful for and notice how this shifts your attitude and your day.

Thank you for reading. Wishing you gratitude in each and every moment.

Namaste,

jacquelyn

Join me at the Balanced Life Yoga studio in Uxbridge for a ‘Yogic Thanksgiving’…

Thanksgiving and Gratitude, Friday 14th October. (7.30 pm – 9.00 pm)

Celebrate Thanksgiving with your yoga family! A joyful gratitude practice designed to connect you to a sense of gratitude for all the gifts and graces in your life. Living from a place of gratitude allows us to drop our ‘victim’ story lines and rejoice in our good fortune. Connect to your Higher Self and the best in all those around you with this gentle flowing practice open to all. $25 plus 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, Yoga for Women, Beginners Yoga, Seniors Yoga, Power Yoga, Learn to Meditate and a variety of workshops.

www.balancedlifeyoga.ca

October 7, 2011 0 comment

•-Feature

Flamboyant Change

written by Jacquelyn

Or…Why I Cut Off All My Hair

Is there a longing for change within you? Has it already happened? Have you told the world yet?

One of my colleagues posted this great quote on our facebook page today,

To change one’s life; Start immediately. Do it flamboyantly. No exceptions.

– William James

There isn’t a big enough ‘like’ button in the world for me to express how much I adore this notion. This story expresses what it means to me.

Last month I was fortunate enough to attend a week long retreat in Vancouver with Thich Nhat Hanh, the Zen Buddhist Master. Eight hundred of us experienced this amazing man’s teachings of peace and mindfulness and I was profoundly changed by the experience.

Thay (‘teacher’ in his native Vietnamese) shares his message of inner peace through mindfulness all over the world and has done so since the 1960’s. Over the course of the retreat I found myself truly slowing down, being comfortable with my own company and becoming present to each moment.

These are aspects of myself that I’ve been working on for the last few years but this perfect ‘mindfulness hot house’ enabled me to sustain these states for longer than I have ever experienced before.

I’m still processing the shifts that took place in me that week. I’m slowly learning to apply the techniques to my home and work life and I have a feeling that it is the work of a lifetime.

One change that I made as soon as I got back was to cut off all of my hair and I do mean all of it. My hair was mid-way down my back and now it is 3/8 of an inch long. So what the flip was that about? (As just about everyone has asked me.)

There are a few reasons: Firstly, the retreat was run by the most beautiful people I have ever met, monks and nuns who practice mindfulness all day, every day. They are shining beacons of peace, compassion and kindness and none of them have any hair. What better role models could I have?

Two, I was very clear that I wanted to be forever changed by this experience, I didn’t want to slip back into old habits and patterns. I wanted to draw a line for myself and others to see, a line that said, ‘as of now everything is different’. Now I have a reminder of those changes every time I touch my head or catch a glimpse of myself in a mirror.

Finally, I wanted to prove to myself that big changes are possible. After all, I am not my hairjust as I am not my thoughts and I am not my past. Sometimes we feel the weight of the past too heavily on us and we think we can’t change. Only when we bravely make a change do we see that it wasn’t that radical after all.

I wanted to start immediately, I wanted to be flamboyant and I didn’t want there to be any exceptions.

I can promise you that there’s something very freeing about cutting off all of your hair but I know it’s not for everyone. This was my way of expressing inner change. I invite you look deeply and see what changes you are ready to make then, honor them in your own way. Write them down, even if it’s only for you to see. Get rid of clutter that you don’t need. Wear a colour the old you would never wear.

Live mindfully, aware of the choices you are making. Whether they serve you well or not, make them consciously.

And your reminder doesn’t need to be your hair, why not return to your breath every time you hear a bell? Your phone, the doorbell, your inbox. Each time they ‘ring’ come home to your breath and remind yourself to be present and mindful. It is as simple and as difficult as that.

Wishing you joy in each and every moment.

Namaste,

jacquelyn

Join me at our Uxbridge studio for our Day of Mindfulness – Still Water retreat on Sunday 18th September. (11.00 am – 5.00 pm)

Immerse yourself in mindfulness practice for a day of yoga, meditation and sangha (community). Cultivate your natural ability to be present to each moment through seated breath meditation, yoga practice, discussion, walking meditation, mindful eating and noble silence. During this mini-retreat, based on the teachings of the Venerable Thich Nhat Hanh, we will practice, eat and walk together to find the true peace, joy and happiness in each moment. $65 plus 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, Yoga for Women, Beginners Yoga, Seniors Yoga, Power Yoga, Learn to Meditate and a variety of workshops.

www.balancedlifeyoga.ca

September 10, 2011 0 comment

Spirituality

Heart Space Yoga – Love. Devotion. Friendship.

written by Krista

Hanuman is also known as the ‘Monkey God’. You may have heard his name mentioned in yoga class when you practice (…or watch in awe as someone else practices) ‘the splits’. There are actually three poses associated with Hanuman: Virasana (Hero Pose), Anjaneyasana (Low Lunge), and Hanumanasana (the Splits). More important than the poses themselves are the qualities that the Monkey God possessed.

In one of his many adventures, Hanuman leaped across the ocean (hence being know for ‘the splits’) to save his friend Lord Rama’s wife Sita. Because of this leap and circumstances leading up to and after that – Hanuman is a symbol of love, devotion and true friendship.

Every so often I lead a class dedicated to the Monkey God. The physical asana’s mentioned above are great to weave into a vinyasa flow. This practice enables you to embody the spirit of the Monkey God, but it is even more important to embody his qualities off the mat and see them in your everyday life!

Consider the love, devotion and friendship that surround you to truly live in the spirit of Hanuman! Here are some of the ways I see the Monkey God’s energy manifest in my world:

I have had the honor of spending the last 16 months with a beautiful group of Yoga Mamma’s and Tiny Born Yogi’s. We meet weekly at ‘Stroller Fit’ or ‘Mom and Baby Yoga’ for some exercise, connection and bonding time with our friends and babies. The group changes a bit every eight weeks, but one thing stays the same – I am always blown away by the love, compassion and strength I see in their hearts. Although many of the women have just met, there has been an unsaid commitment to support, lean on and care for each other that is very touching. I am blessed to call them true friends.

When I think of devotion – my heart and mind goes right to my family. This last year has been a painful one. We lost my dad in April and as I reflect on our year together leading up to his death – I hold close the times we stuck by each other and dedicated our hearts, prayers and love to him. Tonight we all went to the golf course that is home to a plaque honoring his life and favorite pass time. The picture at right is of our family – devoted to our father (husband and papa) that was taken away too soon.

It may sound cliche – but although times can be tough and there is always ‘bad stuff’ going on – I FEEL THE LOVE! I feel it from my family, in my yoga community, even from my new friend at a local coffee chain (that will I will not name) who often surprises me with a free coffee at the drive through! If you focus on all the ‘good stuff’ going on – it is hard NOT to FEEL THE LOVE.

Make a list of the love, devotion and friendship that seeps its way into your life! Think consciously about how you can embody these qualities yourself and spread the spirit of Hanuman!

To hear a hip hop tale of Hanuman by MC Yogi – download ‘Rock on Hanuman’ from itunes! A great track to accompany your practice or groove to in your car!

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

LEARN TO TEACH THE YOGA OF CONNECTEDNESS AND LAUGHTER!

Join me for 2UNITE Partner Yoga Teaching Training at Balanced Life Yoga Ajax

Saturday, October 29th from 10:00 – 5:00

CLICK HERE for more info or to register!

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Krista Bromfield

August 18, 2011 0 comment

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Trading Harshness for Acceptance

written by Jacquelyn

Are you your harshest critic? Are you constantly scolding yourself? Do you see only your shortcomings and miss your unique and fabulous talents? If so, this is the meditation for you.

This month I wanted to offer something different so I’ve recorded a guided meditation which you can use at any time. It’s about 7 minutes long and it’s designed to banish those judgmental inner voices and replace them with patient, accepting and loving encouragement.

Lie back and allow it to wash over you, restoring your balance and self worth. I hope that you find this practice helpful and restorative. Simply click the link below to begin.

Loving kindness meditation

Offered with love,

jacquelyn

Join me at our Uxbridge studio on Friday 19th August for Elephant Power – Remover of Obstacles. (7.30 – 9.00 pm)

Ganesh the elephant headed Hindu deity is known around the world as the remover of obstacles. In this practice we will invoke Ganesh’s power to remove the obstacles in our own lives. If you feel ready to move past some of your perceived obstacles, join us for an inspiring evening. Leave feeling grounded and strong, ready to take your practice off the mat and into the real world. All welcome. $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 teaches Gentle Yoga, Flow Yoga, Yoga for Women, Beginners Yoga, Seniors Yoga, Learn to Meditate and a variety of workshops.

www.balancedlifeyoga.ca

August 13, 2011 0 comment

•-Feature

The Joy at the Bottom of the Laundry Basket

written by Jacquelyn

Do you start each day with a to do list? It might not be written down but the chances are that there are some things on that list that you like doing, some things you don’t like doing and some things you positively hate doing.

Most of us put off our biggest dislikes for as long as possible. They prey on our minds, gnawing away at our happiness even when we’re doing the things we do enjoy. They lurk just out of sight reminding us that we’ll have get round to them in the end.

For me it’s housework. I see the value of a clean house, I know that I’d enjoy living in a clean house but it’s getting to that point that’s the challenge.

I tried procrastination but the mess was always there, right in front of me, reminding me that I’d have to deal with it. When I did get round to it, I’d resent it. I’d be sullen and unhappy, thinking about all the other things I could be doing.

Then, during yet another re-watching of the movie of Gandhi’s life, I had a revelation. In one scene a rare flare up occurs between Gandhi and his wife over her refusal to take her turn cleaning the ashram latrines. Under duress she agrees to do it but as she turns to leave Gandhi stops her and shouts, ‘do it with joy or not at all’.

This has become a mantra in our house. Even the children are asked to do chores with a smile. Well we’re trying anyway. I’m not sure if the movie uses a direct quote but I do know that Gandhi said,

‘Service which is rendered without joy helps neither the servant nor the served. But all other pleasures and possessions pale into nothingness before service which is rendered in a spirit of joy.’

Now that’s a way to live! Each day I try to live with this in mind. Rather than putting off the jobs I dislike, I make them an offering. It might be an offering to the Universe, to a loved one (maybe the loved one who made the mess) or an offering of gratitude for a grace received.

This immediately changes how I approach what I’m doing. Instead of being a resented burden, the task has a meaningful purpose.

Here’s a simple way to try this…

When you are about to begin a task you dislike, sit quietly and breathe.
Relax your body and mind.
Think about the upcoming task and set an intention or dedication. For example, ‘I do this with love for my son’ or ‘I do this as an offering of gratitude for the blessing of good health’.
When you’re ready, begin the task and work with dedication and focus, keeping your intention in mind.
Once complete, sit quietly again and thank yourself for making this offering.

I hope that you find this practice helpful when dealing with your to do list today.

Wishing you a joyful life in each and every moment.

Namaste,

jacquelyn

Join me at our Uxbridge studio on Friday 22nd July for Heart Joy Yoga. (7.30 – 9.00 pm)

A heart opening and joyous practice for all. This workshop will focus on unleashing the pure joy at our core as we connect to the infinite source of energy. This beautiful and joyful community experience will include gentle yoga postures, meditation and other ancient tools designed to open and expand your heart. Leave with a smile on your face and joy in your heart. All welcome. $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 teaches Gentle Yoga, Flow Yoga, Yoga for Women, Beginners Yoga, Seniors Yoga, Learn to Meditate and a variety of workshops.

www.balancedlifeyoga.ca

July 14, 2011 0 comment

Health & Well-being

Heart Space Yoga – A Parable of Immortality

written by Krista

In honour of my dad and Father’s Day – I love you and miss you!

There is a beautiful quote by Helen Keller that goes like this – “What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.”

It is in the quiet moments of Balasana (Child’s Pose) and in the tiny smile on my little boy’s face just before he drifts off to sleep, that I truly feel my Dad’s presence. These are the times that I know he is with me and a part of me, always.

For anyone out there who’s heart is aching from the loss of a loved one, I hope this poem brings you peace. My mom wrote it down a long time ago, and asked my husband to read it at my Father’s service. It warms my heart, and I keep it by my bed and read it often before I go to sleep.

A Parable of Immortality

Author: Henry Van Dyke

I am standing upon the seashore.
A ship at my side spreads her white sails to the morning breeze
and starts for the blue ocean.
She is an object of beauty and strength,
and I stand and watch until at last she hangs
like a speck of white cloud
just where the sea and sky come down to mingle with each other.
Then someone at my side says,
” There she goes! ”
Gone where?
Gone from my sight . . . that is all.
She is just as large in mast and hull and spar
as she was when she left my side
and just as able to bear her load of living freight
to the place of destination.
Her diminished size is in me, not in her.
And just at the moment
when someone at my side says,
” There she goes! ”
there are other eyes watching her coming . . .
and other voices ready to take up the glad shout . . .
” Here she comes! “

Krista Bromfield

Krista Bromfield is a senior teacher at Balancd 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.

June 23, 2011 0 comment

•-Feature

Live a Life of Abundance

written by Jacquelyn

Are you living an abundant life? Does everything you need flow to you with ease and almost magical timing? Or do you feel that you have to fight for every scrap, every resource, every little bit of recognition? Here’s my own simple way to connect to the flow and live a life of easeful abundance.

First let’s think about what an abundant life would look like. Abundance means plentifulness and implies that there’s enough for everyone. Enough of whatever you want; love, success, happiness, wealth, peace, joy and anything else you dream of. So how do we manifest this abundance in our own lives?

Wayne Dyer tells us that

‘Abundance is not something we acquire. It is something we tune into.’

If that’s the case, how do we tune in to this flow of abundance? I believe that one of the main obstacles to living a life of abundance is fear. It could be fear of taking a risk, fear of success or even fear that we don’t deserve abundance and happiness.

These limiting beliefs trap us in a restricted perception of what our lives could or should be. If we can learn to act with courage despite our fears, we line up with the flow of our lives and the Universe will sweep in to help.

I have lived most of my life with crippling ideas about my own smallness. It was only when I began to work with yoga in depth that I realized that I deserved so much more.

I learned to rein in my fears by focussing on each moment one at a time. I learned that if I gave my best in this moment then the next moment and the thousands after it would take care of themselves. This was so freeing. No longer did I have to play a crazy chess game strategizing for every eventuality and worry.

This is not to say that I always manage to stay on my path but I have learned to recognize when I stray through fear or laziness. I also don’t waste my energy by being in competition with other people. I trust that there’s plenty to go around and that their success doesn’t mean that I can’t be successful too.

To do this sit quietly and focus on the task at hand, give it your wholehearted attention and your best effort. Let go of the past and the future and just focus on now. Stay with your breath in the present moment creating space for yourself without the distraction of worry. In time, this practice will bring you clarity and calm; helping you to stay on your path and in the flow of abundance.

This mindful approach to each moment in life gives a sense of purpose and ease to your activities. You will be amazed how quickly the Universe jumps in to aid you and help you on your way. All the wishing and worrying you did before seems small in comparison to the opportunities and resources that open up to you when you make room for them in your life. You deserve it.

Wishing you an abundant life.

Namaste,

jacquelyn

Join me at our Uxbridge studio on Friday 24th June for Universal Abundance. (7.30 – 9.00 pm)

Learn to trust in the abundance of the universe. – Embrace the concept of abundance and feel confident that the Universe has enough for everyone. Let go of your limiting beliefs and refocus your energy, releasing negative thoughts as you trust in universal abundance. Be open to giving and receiving love, compassion, financial success and all the things you seek. A gentle flowing practice which includes breath work and meditation. All welcome. $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 teaches Gentle Yoga, Flow Yoga, Yoga for Women, Beginners Yoga, Seniors Yoga, Learn to Meditate and a variety of workshops.

www.balancedlifeyoga.ca

June 18, 2011 0 comment

Health & Well-being

Heart Space Yoga – Prenatal Happiness Meditation

written by Krista

My very good friend and fellow prenatal yoga teacher Amy Beth, introduced me to a simply beautiful happiness meditation when I was in her prenatal yoga class. After all the prenatal mamma’s sat down and got settled, she instructed us to ‘think a happy thought’ for five minutes. She advised us that if more than one happy thought came to mind, that was ok. I have to admit, my mind strayed a bit but I tried very hard to keep coming back to my happy thought. (I envisioned my nieces laughing which instantly brings me joy and makes my heart smile!)

After the meditation we opened our eyes, and Amy gave us some scientific background on why this meditation is not only great for Mamma’s-to-be, but also great for baby!

In Dawson Church’s book, “Communicating with the Spirit of your Unborn Child”, he outlines a landmark study on the effects of spending five minutes a day concentrating on a powerful positive memory. In the study, they measured the body’s output of immunoglobulin-A, a factor associated with immune system functioning. People whose immune systems are functioning at peak levels have more Immunoglobulin-A in their bloodstreams than those whose immune systems are suppressed.”

The results of the study were amazing! The happy thinkers had a big spike in levels of Immunoglobulin-A after their five minute meditation. (The control group’s Immunoglobulin-A stayed flat and did not change). Also amongst the happy thinkers, the levels of Immunoglobulin-A stayed elevated for up to eight hours! “Just five minutes a day of positive contemplation produced an entire workday’s worth of boosted immune system function!”

What does this mean for Mamma’s-to-be? Well, a good healthy dose of feel good endorphins for mom and baby to start! Church says, “ When the mother is happy, the biochemistry of bliss is flowing through her veins, and into her baby’s developing body. The fetus develops in a biochemical stew determined largely by the mother’s emotional and mental state. The fetal cells are literally bathing in this mix as they grow. And the combination of hormones brewed by the mother becomes the imprint of what feels ‘normal’ to each cell of the fetus”.

Spending just five minutes a day on a happy thought or two can actually create a ‘happy and healthy’ baseline for what feels ‘normal’ to your baby. And post partum, a simple happiness meditation can boost your immunity and release feel good endorphins at a time when sleepless nights can wear on your immune system.

This is also a great practice for new and seasoned meditators who are not pregnant. It is short and does not require any specific technique – just a happy thought! Try it, and see how you feel afterwards!

Happiness Meditation

Find a quiet space free of distraction
Sit comfortably on a pillow or bolster
Set a timer for five minutes
Inhale to lengthen your spine and root your pelvis towards the earth
Exhale to release your shoulders down and back, and soften your face
Continue to breathe in and out a few more times, until you feel your mind and body relax
Think a happy thought
If your mind wanders, gently guide it back to your happy thought
When the time is up open your eyes and pause for a moment to feel the effects of the meditation

Krista Bromfield

May 30, 2011 0 comment

Uncategorized

Smile for Health and Wealth

written by Jacquelyn

How do you measure success? How do you measure a day? How will you measure your life? We often seem to measure success by financial wealth but there are other ways.

For example, what if we were to measure a day by the number of smiles we send and receive?

Am I really the only person who makes involuntary facial expressions when writing an email? The person I’m talking to can’t see me but here I sit smiling, looking concerned, frowning, showing whatever I’m feeling on my face.

So what if we reverse this, what if we use our facial expressions to change how we feel? What if we smile to lift us up out of the doldrums until we actually feel like smiling. If nothing else we’ll brighten the days of those around us. As I said in my last blog a smile is generally met with a smile, maybe a slightly confused one, but a smile nonetheless. You add to someone else’s day and they add to yours. Perhaps even on a ‘bad day’ these reflected smiles will help you to really feel like smiling.

There’s now scientific evidence that smiling can extend your life. Please enjoy this wonderful and short TED Talk from Ron Gutman called The Hidden Power of Smiling. I promise you it will give you food for thought, it might even change your day.

This meditation is from Thich Nhat Hanh’s wonderful book ‘Peace is Every Step’. Recite this short poem to bring a smile to your face and calm to your body.

Sit comfortably with an upright spine and gradually slow your breath. As you breath mindfully in and out say these words to yourself.

‘Breathing in, I calm my body.

Breathing out, I smile.

Dwelling in the present moment.

I know this is a wonderful moment.’

I hope that this practice will bring more smiles to your face and to the faces of those around you. As Gandhi said, ‘Be the change you want to see in the world.’

Wishing you joy, love and an easeful life.

Namaste,

jacquelyn (smiling)

Jacquelyn is a 500 hour RYT and Reiki Level Two practitioner teaching at Balanced Life Yoga in Uxbridge. 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 teaches Gentle Yoga, Flow Yoga, Beginners Yoga, Seniors Yoga, Learn to Meditate and a variety of workshops.

www.balancedlifeyoga.ca

May 27, 2011 0 comment

Uncategorized

Heart Space Yoga – A Tale of Enlightenment

written by Krista

I attended an asana class recently and was touched by a traditional yoga story that my teacher shared with us at the end of practice.

It went something like this:

There was once a woman searching for enlightenment. She sought the advice of many spiritual teachers and went through the proper channels but had no success. Finally, she came upon a wise teacher who asked her an all important question: “Who in your life do you love with all your heart and envision as the embodiment of the divine?” The woman thought about it for a moment and knew her answer – it was her nephew. The wise teacher advised her to worship her nephew as she would a deity (god or goddess) – as if he was the purest embodiment of the divine in human form. She was to present him with nice goodies, dedicate her yoga practice to him and love him unconditionally with all her heart and soul. The woman did as she was instructed (how nice it would be to be her nephew!) and of course, became enlightened!

This story touched me on a day I was feeling quite conflicted. As I left my house, husband and one year old behind to head to yoga, I felt guilty. It didn’t help that my son was watching me pull out of the driveway from the door. I felt that maybe I should stay home, go for a walk with my family (the sun was just coming out!) and not leave them to go practice yoga by myself.
As soon as I arrived at class I reaffirmed to myself that I need this time. I need it to nourish my body and soul – and to get clarity. My focus on the mat makes me a better mom, wife and friend off the mat – after all, it’s all about balance!

I also realized that my own little deity – my son, is a major part of my own path to enlightenment. I truly envision him as the purest form of light and love on earth and it made me smile to think that he is actually part of my path to bliss.

Ask yourself the question of the wise spiritual teacher – “Who in your life do you love with all your heart and envision as the embodiment of the divine?” Once you have your answer you can follow her advice – present them with goodies, dedicate your yoga practice to them and love them unconditionally with all your heart and soul!

If we all did this just imagine how wonderfully we would all be treating each other! And if the wise teacher’s advice holds true – we would all be one step closer to divinity!

Krista Bromfield

May 3, 2011 0 comment

Uncategorized

Lead with Your Heart

written by Jacquelyn

Does your heart light your path through life? Here’s a practical example of how yoga and meditation can radically change your outlook and your experience of today.

Although many of us are initially drawn to yoga as a physical exercise, most of us find that there are many other life enhancing benefits of maintaining a practice. For me it’s all about connection. Connection to self, connection to others and connection to source.

Practice on the yoga mat or meditation cushion prepares us to bring yoga into the rest of our lives. When we take these ideals of compassion, patience and equanimity into our day, how does our reality change?

Last week I had a technical problem with a large company and I was dealing with a support person via email. He was trying to help me but we weren’t getting far. I could have expressed frustration and anger but instead I thanked him for trying to help and left it with him, trusting that it would work out. As I often do, I signed off my email with the word ‘namaste’. I got an immediate and excited response.

‘Namaste, namaste, namaste. Thank you for your kind words.’

I’m sure we both enjoyed that simple human connection and it reminded me that each day is shaped by our attitude. When we smile at people they will usually smile back, the same is true for frowning.

Leading with our hearts gives us an opportunity to connect. Our openness encourages the same response from others. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe said,

‘What is uttered from the heart alone, will win the hearts of others to your own.’

I invite you to try this today; smile at strangers, be quick with a kind word. Find space for you and for the people around you. Don’t react, pause to smile and remember that they are just like you, then respond. Be compassion and kindness, lead with your heart.

To cultivate an open hearted approach to life try this technique:

Sit comfortably with an upright spine and gradually slow your breath.
Breathe into your heart, imagining a green light in the centre of your chest that glows brighter with each breath.
See that light getting bigger until your whole body is filled with compassion and love.
Allow that compassion and love to radiate out into the world.

I hope that this practice will assist you in your interactions and perhaps even begin a quiet revolution in your life.

Wishing you joy, love and an easeful life.

Namaste,

jacquelyn

Join me at Balanced Life Yoga in Uxbridge on Friday 6th May for Heart Centred Meditation. (7.30 – 9.00 pm)

In this special workshop we will come together as a community to explore the fundamentals of breath meditation, a practic which leads us to stillness, peace and calm. Participants will leave with the knowledge required to begin a daily, home meditation practice. We will also work with meditation techniques designed to open the heart and harness it’s transformative power, making possible dramatic shifts in our responses to real life situations. All welcome. $25 plus HST

http://www.balancedlifeyoga.ca/home-pages/retreats/uxbridge-workshops/

Jacquelyn is a 500 hour RYT 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 teaches Gentle Yoga, Flow Yoga, Beginners Yoga, Seniors Yoga, Learn to Meditate and a variety of workshops.

www.balancedlifeyoga.ca

April 22, 2011 0 comment

•-Feature

Don’t Worry, Be Happy- Let Yoga show you how

written by Susan D

For as long as I can remember I have been what you may call a “worry wort”.

Although I remember worrying as a child, my habitual worrying didn’t seem to become constant until until High School. The pressures of growing up caused me to worry about friendships, having the right clothes, getting good grades, speaking in public and of course boys. I am sure there were many other things that I worried about but these were the ones that seemed to top my list. It was during this time of my life that I started experiencing anxiety, although at the time I had no idea there was a name for what I was I going through.

I remember whenever I had to do a presentation or speak in class how my heart would beat a mile a minute, my hands would shake and become clammy, my face would go bright red, and sometimes I felt so light headed that I think I may have left my body for a minute or two.

As I moved from High School to College my anxiety progressed to having panic attacks and I just accepted that this would be something that I would have to deal with for the rest of my life.

As the years have gone by my worry habits have changed. As an adult I worry about my family, my children, my health, the health of my family and friends, money, being a good friend, wife, daughter and of course being a good mother.

When my journey lead me to yoga a few years ago for physical reasons, the last thing on my mind was how yoga may help with my anxiety and panic attacks.

Within the first few months of my yoga practice my family and friends began to notice how much more calm and relaxed I had become.

I was a little harder on myself and although I began to notice certain changes, I seemed to be waiting for the worry wort to strike again!

I am happy to say that since my yoga journey began, I hardly worry anymore. It hasn’t disappeared completely but yoga has taught me to become aware of the “worry wort” in me and I now realize that I have the ability to choose what needs my attention to worry about.

That is the amazing part about yoga, it makes you aware! In yoga we become aware of our body, our poses, our breath, and our thoughts.

Meditation

1. Lie on your back and support your body in anyway that allows you to feel comfortable. Maybe a pillow under your knees, a blanket or towel under your head and an eye pillow or facecloth over your eyes to allow yourself to connect inwards.
2. With your eyes closed, place your right hand on your heart and then place your left hand over top of your right, so that both hands are resting at the heart centre, the Heart Chakra.
3. Begin to breathe through your nose and allow the breath to soften, lengthen out and become deep.
4. Let your attention rest on your heart centre and imagine a green colour. As you continue to breathe imagine that the colour is getting brighter and creating warmth in heart. Allow your hands to feel that heat coming right out of your chest and warming up your hands.
5. Think of something that makes you happy and allow that feeling to rest in your body. Maybe even find something loving to say to yourself. Tell yourself how much you love yourself, your smile, your generous nature or anything that resonates with you.
6. Allow yourself to feel joy and love and acceptance for who you are.
7. Stay here for as long as you like.

So the next time you find yourself worrying try this meditation and allow yourself a few minutes of “worry free” time! As Bobby McFerrin said in his 1988 hit “Don’t Worry, Be Happy”.

Susan Di Ilio is a 500 RYT Yoga Alliance Certified Yoga Instructor. She has worked as a Correctional Officer and brings her love of working with people to her therapeutic yoga teachings. Susan teaches Gentle Yoga, Yoga for Fertility, Restorative Yoga and Deep Tension Therapeutic Yoga.

April 14, 2011 0 comment

Uncategorized

PartyingYOGA

written by DuncanYoga

Grab the BOOZE, crank the music, let’s get crazy and have an amazing night!

Sometimes it seems that drinking and partying go against the physical health and spiritual well being promoted by Yoga. Well I would like to argue that Yoga actually promotes partying (to a CERTAIN extent).

Yoga is meant to celebrate and be aware and connected with the perfection, bliss, power, happiness and peace in this present moment. Have you ever had that night out where you just notice how great everything feels: the music, your friends, the conversation, dancing, and laughing?

Yoga is not about letting everything fly out the window: its not about drinking until you throw up or lose control, or sleeping with every person in the bar or going crazy because we are unhappy with our work/love lives or being rude and starting fights. Yoga is not about just going to the bars cause thats just what we do, or because it is a habit.

Yoga is about being aware of how we TRULY want to experience the night and our lives. Yoga is taking responsibility of how we TRULY want to LIVE, LAUGH and LOVE.

“Know the deeper reason behind what you want, try to do everything in moderation, party to love ‘life’ and not escape it, respect your body and who you are. Party as if you were the buddha: a party of love, compassion, meaning, happiness, laughter, self-respect and bliss.”

Here is my affirmation/intention for partying night- feel free to make up your own- it can drastically change how you experience the night!

Yogic intention/affirmation for going out: “Tonight I am partying to celebrate the greatness of my life, my friends, to have fun, laugh, converse, dance and show gratitude for what I do have. I respect and love my body.”

April 17, 2011 1 comment

Uncategorized

Finding Balance with Child’s Pose

written by Susan D

We live in a society where it is accepted and often encouraged to live a fast paced lifestyle, spending most of the day attached to our cell phones and computers.

Before I came to yoga I was unaware of how I stood, walked or breathed. I didn’t pay much attention to my body even when it was screaming out in pain that it needed to rest. I was just too busy living my life to realize that my body needed to slow down.

When we live our lives this way, our body and mind often pay the ultimate price. The breath becomes shallow, our posture becomes slouched, and our mind seems to be on a never ending roller coaster of a “to do” list.

We all experience stress at some point our lives and lets face it, some stress is good! Without the adrenaline rush that pumps through our body every morning we wouldn’t get out of bed! Although we may not be able to eliminate all stress from our life, yoga can help us to find the tools to manage stress in a more positive way.

A posture that I find most helpful at times when I need to find balance or re-centre myself is Balasana/Child’s Pose. This posture helps to calm the mind as you begin to take your attention inwards. Balasana also helps you to release tension through the upper back, neck and jaw which is where we hold most of our tension and stress. Balasana can be practiced with arms at your side or extended out in front of you to help align the spine. As you move into this posture, try resting your tongue at the bottom of your mouth to help the muscles in your jaw, neck and throat relax. Enjoy practicing this pose and allow your body and mind to re-connect.

Susan Di Ilio is a 500hr RYT certified Yoga Alliance Instructor. She has worked as a Correctional Officer and brings her love of working with people to her therapeutic yoga teachings. Susan teaches Gentle Yoga, Restorative Yoga, Yoga for Fertility and Deep Tension Release Therapeutic Yoga.

March 2, 2011 0 comment

Health & Well-being Spirituality

Heart Yoga

written by VividLife Editorial

Heart Yoga, which is formally called Yoga of the Heart, works the mind, heart, and emotions, corollary stimulating the physical, mental, and spiritual levels. This results to a strong body, sound mind, and a healthy heart.

Heart Yoga

Aside from these benefits, Heart Yoga also builds up relationships, keeps connections, nurtures mindfulness, and fulfills emotional needs. One of the gentlest Styles of Yoga, Heart Yoga is comprised basically of activeMeditation, Yoga Postures, and breathing practices.

Heart Yoga focuses on the inner workings of the body, particularly the heart, and the application of essential Buddhism principles. Heart Yoga is based on Tibetan Buddhist texts written thousands of years ago by yogis to serve as a guide for a progressive practice.

Heart Yoga started when yogis in India used Hatha Yoga to achieve spiritual enlightenment. Eventually, the yogis shifted to gentler Yoga practices. Yamas and Niyamas became the rules of conduct. Later on, Yoga practices were kept, but many of these geared towards Meditation.

Yoga branched into two approaches led by Tibetan Buddhists and yogis, but both still followed Patanjali’s 8 limbs. Heart Yoga brings back the two approaches together among modern-day Yoga practitioners. Regardless of age, physical condition, or ability level, anyone can do Heart Yoga.

Heart Yoga puts emphasis on energy forces called vayus or inner winds, which fashion the thoughts of a person, and are affected by the breath. The inner winds flow all throughout the body, especially through the two channels called ida and pangala, which represent the female and male side, respectively.

Aside from the inner winds, ethics are also given prime emphasis by Heart yogis. Six times a day, many Heart yogis pause to reflect. They check whether they follow the ten vows that are comparable to the yamas and nayamas. In this sense, Heart yogis look over their sense of morality.

Heart Yoga also upholds the practice of giving. The elements of karma and emptiness are employed in this Yoga practice. Among Heart Yogis, their Yoga practice is offered to others rather than to themselves. So when Heart Yogis are looking for love or compassion, they have to direct it first to someone else.

Source: http://www.abc-of-yoga.com/info/heart-yoga.asp

January 6, 2010 0 comment