November 16, 2019

SPEAKING UP

Whether it be a seemingly small and insignificant issue or a very big issue, speaking up can be difficult for some. Why don’t we speak up? Is it because we are afraid of offending others; afraid of looking foolish; afraid of getting hurt or think it is not our place? Do we believe it is …

May 25, 2018

Getting older? Get ready to work harder! a.k.a. Life is an endurance test. Train for it!

As we get older, we have to work harder to stay in good shape. We all notice changes in our body as we age. There is much that we can’t change when it comes ageing. But, there is much we can do. With correct exercise, diet and self-care, we can drink daily from the “Fountain of Youthfulness”! …

February 13, 2018

12 Things to give up, to find peace.

Yoga practice is about finding peace. In yoga, all our practices, such as our physical practice, meditation and mindful breathing, ask that we be mindful. When we are mindful of what we are doing in the present moment, instead of being caught up in negative self-talk, criticizing others or being caught-up in our fears, we …

June 28, 2013

Yoga and Satya (Truthfulness)

‘Yamas’ are ethical values that involve self-restraint, self-control and discipline. They are the foundation of yoga practice. In my last blog I talked about Ahimsa (non-harming) the first yama.

The second yama is Satya or truthfulness; lack of falsehood; to others and to oneself. You might first think of the obvious…outright lying. You are right. When you tell a lie you are robbing another of the truth. When you lie you also rob yourself of the opportunity to express your truth. This may feel like the easiest route but in the long run will cause problems for you and the other person involved. If you cannot tell the truth then you will never feel the freedom to be you…unedited. If you cannot tell the truth to another; the other will never have the opportunity to learn and grow from your insights and your truths. A no win situation.

April 29, 2013

Yoga & Ahimsa Non-Harming

In religion you go to church to help find your connection to God but also to be reminded of the importance of taking care of moral and ethical values.

In yoga and other spiritual practices, it is no different.
At the very foundation level of the ‘yoga pyramid’ are the yamas and niyamas; a set of moral disciplines that give us guidelines for ethical living. These are much like the morals upheld in religious practices….such as the 10 Commandments.
The ‘Yamas’ include practices of non-harming, truthfulness, non-stealing, greedlessness and directing our energy to the higher good.

March 20, 2013

Fear and Faith Living in the Dis-Comfort Zone

Sigh….if only our lives could be simple, easy and predictable.

If only we could have everything we needed and wanted. If only we were always successful at everything we did or tried. If only everyone could live long healthy lives. Even if we have everything we want or need, we never know what “surprise” is around the corner. Often these surprises involve changes or losses or health concerns and may fill us with fear. Fear is something we all experience; it is inevitable. It is a natural reaction to something that is challenging or threatening to us. How can we keep moving forward in our lives and not be paralyzed by our fear?

April 15, 2012

Yoga and Weight Loss

Weight loss…here is a topic that many grapple with.

I would love to see the focus change from ‘weight loss’ to ‘well being’!
I am an advocate of healthy lifestyle, healthy eating and exercise of all kinds!
I encourage everyone to engage in the physical activities that most appeal to them.
We don’t have to stick to just one…the more the better.
All will help with a sense of well being and weight loss.

March 15, 2012

Yoga and the ‘Blahs’!

Depending on the weather we may be suffering from seasonal ‘blahs’. One reason for this is that we tend to spend a lot of time indoors during the colder, wetter months. We have to give ourselves a ‘boot out the door’ to maintain our physical and mental health… Yes, even on those dismal days. When you are feeling a little depressed or overwhelmed you might not feel like doing physical activity but it is important to get energy moving in your body.