Tag

retreat

Let go, surrender as we take you into Ontario’s much loved Muskoka. Be prepared to be transformed… experience the beauty and magic of this destination as it transitions through the seasons.

The breath-taking beauty of Muskoka discovered first by the Ojibwa First Nations People, then by the creative types (including the Group of Seven), long inspired by the flora and fauna that abounds here; now the playground of millionaires and movie stars. Muskoka is not just a place, it’s a feeling of escape, renewal and tranquillity. Come discover Muskoka Reimagined and Unveiled, Divine Destination Collection style: steeped in comfort and luxury.

Discover something new about yourself and something new about Muskoka. Something unknown about yourself and something unknown about Muskoka.

This is Muskoka Unveiled. Experience the luxury of the JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa, the serenity of the lakeside in autumn and a program that will wine you, dine you and reveal the mystery and magic of this region.

Relax during this luxurious 3 night getaway Take time for you… learn more, gain more insight into who you are and what is truly important to you. It’s not all about inward looking! Opportunities abound for outdoor pursuits, meet the artist gallery tours and of course (our personal favourite) sumptuous gourmet dinners prepared with local food and outstanding wine.

Fall away with us as we explore elements of ourselves and of the destination that were perhaps not as familiar.

September 3, 2013 0 comment

•-Feature Arts & Entertainment Spirituality

EXPERIENCE: A THREE DAY SPIRITUAL SURVIVAL RETREAT

written by VividLife Editorial

We would like to personally invite you to a 3 day Spiritual Awakening retreat like no other at the Award Winning Grail Springs Retreat Centre

Everyone has a story, a journey and an inner truth. Join myself ~ Shayne Traviss and Sharon Quirt as we present an inspirational weekend of workshop which could catalyze a personal awakening like no other…

A three day journey in Surviving the human experience as a spiritual being with the inspirational Shayne Traviss, Yogi and creator of VividLife.me and Spiritual Coach, Hay House Author and radio host Sharon Quirt!January 27th to 29th 2012

We look forward to meeting you,

Shayne Traviss & Sharon Quirt

CLICK HERE NOW FOR MORE INFO OR TO REGISTER!!!

Spiritual Survival

A journey to surviving the human experience as a spiritual being

Experience this three day journey into surviving the human experience as a spiritual being at the award winning Grail Springs Retreat Centre in the mineral capital of the world ~ Bancroft, Ontario

Using the three R’s of Spiritual Survival, best-selling Hay House author and Spiritual Counselor, Sharon Quirt and Yoga Instructor and founder of VividLife.me , Shayne Traviss will guide you on a journey of Revisiting , Reframing and Redesigning your life so that you can live a life with true Spiritual Happiness.

Spiritual Survival is about learning to use the three R’s in recycling in a new way. You will learn to Revisit, Reframe and Redesign your life, to step out of the darkness of your story and into the light of your spiritual truth. Using the lessons learned you will be able to redesign a life filled with spiritual happiness.

All of us have a story, a journey and an inner truth. This retreat will provide you with the keys to true healing and offer you the wisdom to learn from your story and redesign the life you were born to live!

RETREAT PACKAGES STARTING AT JUST $485 A SAVINGS OF 25%

INCLUDES…

Entrance to Spiritual Survival Workshops PLUS

2~nights accommodation
luxurious robe & slippers provided
Austrian Moor room amenities
Himalayan bath salts (one pp)
complimentary wi-fi
guest computer available
Friday 5:30pm tour & orientation
organic meal plan or juice fast plan
Grail detox elixir, Master Cleanse, herbal teas

Spa Included:

$100 spa credit pp towards your choice of therapies

Classes & Activities:

Grail Morning Mantra tradition
yoga
candlelight yoga (winter)
meditation & breath work
hikes to crystal outcrop
snowshoeing
equine wisdom meet & greet
horseback riding (book in advance)
inspirational films & documentaries

Facilities:

outdoor hot mineral salt tub
cold-plunge salt pool
dry Finnish sauna
steam sauna
infrared sauna
sacred Labyrinth
hundred of acres of hiking trails

CLICK HERE NOW FOR MORE INFO OR TO REGISTER!!!

Retreat ItineraryFriday

3-5pm arrival, spa, fitness and fun in and around the property
5:30pm tour and orientation
6pm dinner
7pm Spiritual Survival Workshop

Saturday

8:15am breakfast
Grail Morning Mantra
9-11am yoga and hike
11am-12:30pm spa time time (guided horseback riding available with Richard Capener)
12:30 lunch
nature hike
‘Equine Wisdom’ with Richard Capener
spa and leisure time
6pm dinner
7pm Spiritual Survival Workshop

Sunday

8:15am breakfast
Grail Morning Mantra
9am Spiritual Survival Conclusion
10am hiking, spa therapy time, visit to the Grotto, guided horseback riding, yoga
11am check out of rooms
12:30 lunch (optional)
Participants are invited to continue to enjoy the facilities, fitness classes and spa treatments. Lockers available upon request.

CLICK HERE NOW FOR MORE INFO OR TO REGISTER!!!

November 26, 2011 0 comment

•-Feature Health & Well-being Spirituality

READ: My Secret Power Play – Love

written by Shasta

We are living in an amazing time.

We are transitioning from one world age to another as we move toward the marker of December 21, 2012. For some this date feels scary and for others it brings great hope. Regardless we are in transition. Just look around your world and life to see that things are in an evolution right now. Systems are breaking down and this can be scary as we are often afraid of change. We are in a time when WE can choose and create new systems bases on values of the heart. Wow. This is power.

Many say we are in a crisis. I think we are in an opportunity so profound and so full of potential that this time really is a gift for us all. We are all here for a profound and meaningful reason – to finally access the most powerful force in the universe – love. Scientists have shown that the Earth and humankind moves through 5,000 year cycles and we are at the end of a 5,000 year cycle that began August 11, 3114 BC. The last 5,000 years have been frought with war, weapons and destruction. The era that is dawning is one of love, peace and prosperity – if we choose it. It is the day to day actions that we all take that bring about global evolution.

The most powerful force in the universe is the human heart. And moment to moment you can choose to express love or fear. These daily choices will determine your own life as well as the life of those around you and at a bigger scale the life of our society and even planet. Sometimes we think love is for that hippie guy or maybe just the very few people in your life who you call your friends and family. Love, I have come to realize can be the powerful force of connection, awareness and right action in every moment if I choose. It is also the most powerful force in my life and the universe. It can be yours too.

Little BIG Ways to Choose Love:

* The next time you are in line at Starbucks or the grocery store make an effort to actually make eye contact and maybe even smile at the person serving you. Put down the cell phone and actually be present to someone with openness and appreciation. This is love in action.

* When you are in traffic which is usually a stressful experience take a moment to smile at someone passing or imagine all the people in the cars receiving a moment of light and love from you as you wish them well on their way. This is love in action.

* Next time you have an argument with someone you love. Let it go. Let them be right and tell them you love them. This is love in action.

What’s your love in action power play?

Everyday we are faced with a choice: love or fear? What will you choose? These choices are the basis for our new world dawning. Let’s make it amazing together.

This video by Shawn Gallaway is powerful…Check it out.

Namaste

Shasta

————————————————
Choose Joy and Experience Love in One of the Most Amazing Places on Earth – Costa Rica

Join Shasta for an experience of delicious renewal and bliss at the Prana-liscious Yoga and Nature Retreat December 4-10, 2011 at the Blue Osa Retreat Centre in beautiful in Osa Peninsula Costa Rica. Enjoy lush jungle, first rate accommodations and inspiring practice that will enliven every cell and leave your heart singing. Limited capacity. LEARN MORE

And remember to tune into Shasta’s Vivid Life Radio Show Possibility 101 every Wednesday at 4:00 pm eastern standard time on www.vividlife.me.

Shasta Townsend

A celebrated transformational leader and a leading pioneer in embodied spirituality and Yoga, Shasta has inspired hundreds of people through her breakthrough methods for awakening and empowering your inner voice and divine power. Director, founder and senior teacher with Balanced Life Yoga, she delivers public talks, seminars and trainings on evolution and empowerment. She draws on a wide variety of techniques including Yoga, Shamanism, meditation, energy healing, coaching and the Law of Attraction. She is especially appreciated for her passionate way of allowing individuals to make sense of their world and embodied, holistic means to become the change they wish to see.

As early as in her teenage years, Shasta embarked on her journey as a spiritual explorer which led her to India, where she studied yoga, meditation and energy healing. She has studied with many remarkable mentors and she has undergone thousands of hour’s intense practice of meditation and spiritual studies. Shasta has taken every opportunity to become adept in her field through her own practice as well as through extensive training in yoga, group dynamics, meditation and spiritual counseling.

www.balancedlifeyoga.ca

October 27, 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/

www.balancedlifeyoga.ca

September 10, 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

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Enjoy a Prana-licious Retreat in Costa Rica

written by VividLife Editorial

Prana-licious Costa Rica: A Yoga & Nature Retreat in Paradise …with VividLife Radio host and Yogini Shasta Townsend!

Feel the true power of radiance, connection and Prana in one of the most beautiful place in the world. Experience a week of pure ecstasy as you soak up the juiciness of untouched rainforest in Costa Rica and the magical teachings of Shasta Townsend.

Experience empowering Vinyasa Flow practice in the morning, days of soaking up sun, prowling the jungles, learning to surf or just relaxing at the spa and an evening meditative or Restorative Yoga practice. All this set amongst the most beautiful land in the world, great food and fabulous people.

Click here for more information – http://www.balancedlifeyoga.ca/home-pages/retreats/prana-liscious-a-yoga-nature-retreat-in-paradise/

This 7-day and 7-night retreat will feature daily flowing practice and empowering meditations to enliven you to your very cells – all set amidst the most beautiful and untouched jungle beaches in the entire world. Shasta will guide you through twice daily practices to feed your body, mind and spirit. You will have time to relax and unwind at the wonderful spa and pool facilities on-site or experience the magical surround of the paradise that is the Osa Peninsuala – one of the last untouched rain forests in the world.

Click here for more information – http://www.balancedlifeyoga.ca/home-pages/retreats/prana-liscious-a-yoga-nature-retreat-in-paradise/

Delicious meals, fabulous accommodation and great Yoga classes with Shasta are all included in your fees.

Shasta’s husband, Ian will act as the concierge to ensure all your day to day needs and questions are met. You are in good hands with Shasta and Ian.

Click here for more information – http://www.balancedlifeyoga.ca/home-pages/retreats/prana-liscious-a-yoga-nature-retreat-in-paradise/

July 21, 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

•-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

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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

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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