events

I.BE TRANSFORMATIONAL RETREAT: FIND YOUR OWN FLOW

I.BE TRANSFORMATIONAL RETREAT: FIND YOUR OWN FLOW

Sarah Jamieson / Events, Meditation, News, Thoughts / , / 0 Comment

“Our passion is to move you to live yours”

Local Yoginis Christie Baumgartner and Erin Tetarenko are hosting an upcoming retreat themed ‘Find Your Flow’.” This January spend an enlivening 7 Days and 7 Nights on Nicaragua’s gorgeous north coast; where the tranquil ocean side paradise will capture your heart and ignite your soul.

What can you expect?

“You are only limited by your own creativity!”

The list is truly endless; volunteer and cultural experiences, daily yoga, meditation, life coaching and yoga workshops, music (by local music sensation; Vibra Positiva, http://vibrapositiva.beepworld.it/)  hammock time, surf and other outdoor adventures. Where you are encouraged to create the experience that serves you best and that empower you to reach your full potential and transform your life.

What’s unique about this retreat is that a large part of it is focused on working with the Nica community. This is the second year of this annual retreat where people from all over flock to take part in this transformational experience.

“I think one of the most unique aspects is the combination of body and mind transformation with coaching, yoga, nature and connection to the Nica community.” Erin

 

In a recent blog post at Erin and Christie’s website I.BE. (Inspire. Believe. Embrace), finding your flow is exactly what this retreat embodies.

What does it mean to ‘find flow’? 

Csíkszentmihályi (cheek-sent-me-hi) describesflow as a state in which it feels like time does not exist. We are totally immersed in our experience coupled with feelings of spontaneous joy. It is an experience of energized focus, enjoyment in the process, and immersion in the moment.

“Flow involves effortless, letting-be of the process and the graceful, integrated nature of being present to an experience.” – G Privette

Flow can be experienced within any activity; although, it is most likely to occur when a person is genuinely intrinsically motivated. This is motivation in which we are driven by internal reasons such as interest or enjoyment in an activity rather than for external rewards or external pressures.

Other ways of describing ‘flow’ include effortlessness of performance, fluid continuity, and the ability to progress with ease.

Why is ‘finding flow’ important?

 

Finding flow in our lives can have incredible positive effects on our performance in life and our well-being. Incorporating more flow experiences regularly invites us to choose authentically, be more present, and experience life more fully.

6 ways to increase ‘flow’ in your life

1 – Get to know YOU and what you’re passionate about. Ask yourself the powerful questions and discover what is really important to you. What do you love to do? What activities have meaning and heart for you? What do you value most in life?

2 – Be Autonomous in your Choices. ‘Let go’ of needing approval. Intrinsically motivated activities are those which you do because YOU enjoy them, not those activities done for approval from others. Let go of seeking approval and start doing more of what you love.

3 – Set Goals. Flow experiences involve clear set short term goals. This helps you create a balance between opportunity and capacity as well as prioritizes activities in your life that provide you with optimal challenge and enjoyment.

4 – Cultivate Mindfulness. Being mindful allows you to fully experience the activities you enjoy. Characteristics of mindfulness include present moment awareness and an attitude of open-mindedness, acceptance, and non-judgement. There are many ways to incorporate mindful presence into your daily routine. I suggest deep breathing, meditation, and/or yoga. Even, try being more present while doing your daily activities such as cooking, washing dishes, walking or driving.

5 – Embrace Change. Flow involves being being able to let go of the past so you allow yourself to be open to what’s available in the moment. ‘Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes’ – Lao-Tzu

6 – Integrate Flow into various aspects of your Life. Since flow can be experienced in any activity, create ways to experience flow in various life areas including: career, contribution, family life, personal experiences, health-related activities, personal growth or education, hobbies and social interactions.

 

 

Details on “Find Your Own Flow”

 

SAVE $100 when you register with a friend before January 1, 2013.

 

Enjoy bringing more flow into your life!

Nada Nidra: The Adventure of a Lifetime

Nada Nidra: The Adventure of a Lifetime

annejones / Events, Meditation, Reviews / , , , , , , , , , , , , , / 0 Comment

One rarely expects to go to a yoga class and not move at all. But during Yoga Nidra, that is almost exactly what happens.

One Yoga for the People hosted Nada Nidra: The Adventure of a Lifetime Friday night.

At first read, “The adventure of a lifetime” sounds a bit dramatic, but after experiencing Nada and Nidra yogic techniques, one really feels as though they have been on an internal adventure. Yoga Nidra is an empowering practice that guides you towards living in the moment. Heather Eschuk led the ancient Nidra practice, which was complimented by Mike Nichols’ chimes, crystal and Tibetan singing bowls.

The practice began with a beautiful sea of Oms. In a hot room full of so many voices, it was a lovely sound and a nice opportunity to explore the sound of your own Om without judgment. Before class began, Mike advised students that some people can find the sound of the bowls a bit intense; and that participants are welcome to cover their ears or lie on their side. He and Heather also mentioned that students are welcome to move during the Yoga Nidra if they feel the need, which was nice to know.

Mike began the class with a few Yin poses – Caterpillar, pigeon, a little self-jaw-massage, some supported bridge pose and gentle twists – to the sound of the bowls, which helped to bring the attention deep into the body. After this, Heather began to pilot us through the Yoga Nidra experience, which took about 50 minutes. Everybody spent most of the Yoga Nidra in a physical Savasana. Towards the end, as students became more awake and restless, we were encouraged to practice some gentle postures.

Towards the end of the practice, Heather summed up the experience of Yoga Nidra perfectly by calling it: “presence in your own innate wellbeing.”

Check out Heather’s website: www.heathereschuk.com. Mike teaches at Shine Yoga in Vancouver.

Lila! with Clara Roberts-Oss this Sunday!

Lila! with Clara Roberts-Oss this Sunday!

amyh / Events, Teachers / , , , / 0 Comment

Clara Roberts-Oss is brilliant. Her classes are wonderful. She loves yoga to explore, play and move. Don’t miss the chance to take a special event class with her this weekend.

This Sunday, March 11, join Clara for her class “Lila!” which occurs only once a month at Semperviva, City Studio!

Join Clara Roberts-Oss each month for a session of Lila/Cosmic Play, exploring various asana.

These informative workshops address groups of poses that require more explanation or time to investigate. Each workshop will address alignment of more challenging poses, and how these poses manifest in our bodies. Class will begin with a vinyasa flow to warm the body, then move to the workshop aspect of the class. Questions and active participation are encouraged!

Sunday, March 11, 2012, 12:30-3pm

Semperviva City Studio, Vancouver

$15+hst for members, $25+hst for non-members

Contact info@semperviva.com or 604-739-2009

 

Upcoming Events Hosted by Yoga Outreach

Upcoming Events Hosted by Yoga Outreach

amyh / Events, News / , , / 0 Comment

Last week, I was invited to attend a workshop with Yoga Outreach, a Vancouver-based registered charity whose mission is to “identify, develop, and deliver healing and life-affirming yoga programs to people who can not directly access these resources.”

The Trauma Sensitive Yoga workshop that I attended was informative in all the right ways. The session leaders, Yoga Outreach Coordinator Sarah Holmes de Castro and Curriculum Developer, Nicole Marcia, were knowledgeable, insightful and supportive teachers. They truly espouse the values Yoga Outreach is offering to its teachers and students.

Yoga Outreach is putting on a few events in the coming months. If these events are anything like the one I just attended, you will find them inspiring, insightful and well worth signing up for!

All proceeds support Yoga Outreach and its programs, so come for the yoga, learn more about yourself and others while supporting this amazing organisation!

Visit Yoga Outreach’s events page to read event descriptions and to register your spot.

Mark your calendars:

Revitalize & Restore: A Chakra Yoga Workshop with Shivani Wells

March 4th ~ 4 – 6pm

Part lecture, part practice, you will come away from this workshop with a greater understanding of the psychology of the chakras, insight into your own excessive or deficient energetic patterns, and practices to awaken and balance the seven chakras that you can use for a lifetime. Cost: $35 ~ Pre-registration is required. All proceeds support the work of Yoga Outreach in Correctional settings. Fee includes 1 Detoxifying Juice from The Juice Truck.

Making Yoga Relevant for Youth with Ella Cooper

March 15th ~ 5 -9pm

A 4 hour workshop for yoga teachers interested in learning tools for making yoga relevant and empowering for youth. Cost: $75 ~ Pre-registration is required.

 

Clear Boundaries, No Limits: Energy in action and the phenomenon of form. A Yoga Workshop with Christine Price Clark

March 25th ~ 10:30 – 12:30pm

Join us for this very special opportunity to practice yoga amongst inspiring artworks! This workshop is offered in partnership with the Contemporary Art Gallery. During this playful practice, we will unearth the generative capacity of your human form- literally your energy body’s potential to manifest unlimited, creative expression. Cost: $35 ~ Pre-registration is required.

Also…  the bi-annual Yoga Outreach Core Training (April 13-15) is upcoming. See website for full details! Tuition: $288. Limited work-study scholarships are available. To register: Visit www.yogaoutreach.com/training. For more information: please contact Sarah at  training@yogaoutreach.com.

 

 

Food As Medicine with Todd Caldecott

Food As Medicine with Todd Caldecott

amyh / Events, Food / , , , / 0 Comment

I met Todd Caldecott in the summer. Practitioner of Ayurveda, author and influential speaker, his talks changed how I think about food, how I cook, and how I eat. Implementing just a few of his many tips for a more sustainable, happy and healthful life, I feel better and have more energy. Come for this unique opportunity to hear Todd speak for an incredibly low price! This event is not to be missed.

Food As Medicine with Todd Caldecott

  • February 25th (Saturday)
  • 1pm – 4pm Kushala Yoga at Suter Brook
  • $10 + HST

Confused About Diet?

Come join Todd Caldecott author of the new book Food As Medicine: The Theory and Practice of Food, on an exploration of food, what it is and how it impacts your health. Using the framework of Ayurveda, learn how to develop a healthy diet for your unique needs, how to eat strategically for the different seasons, and what herbs and foods can be incorporated into your diet to treat common health issues. In this workshop you will learn about the basic elements of food preparation, cookware, detoxification, and therapeutic diets

 

Source: http://www.kushalayoga.com/food-as-medicine-with-todd-caldecott/

Todd Caldecott

Medical Herbalist Practioner of Ayurveda Registered Profession Member

American Herbalists Guild, RH (AHG)

Author of Ayurveda: The Divine Science of Life

Editor of Ayurveda in Nepal

www.foodasmedicine.ca

www.toddcaldecott.com

Get Cosy and Hip with Partner Yoga and Tragically Hips!

Get Cosy and Hip with Partner Yoga and Tragically Hips!

amyh / Events, Teachers, Thoughts / , , , / 0 Comment

While I don’t normally tout the praises of my own classes, this week I’m going to without compunction! I’m so excited about two of my upcoming special events and cannot help but share in hopes of meeting and teaching Vancouver Yoga Review’s loyal readers.

This Friday, I’m teaming up with a fantastic fellow teacher, Sean O’Leary (of Jungle Love and Bhakti Dub fame) for a Friday night, pre-Cupid, Partner Yoga session. Partner Yoga is a very sweet and connected practice – if you haven’t tried to before, it’s a real treat.

On Friday, Feb 10, from 8-9:30pm, join Sean and myself for Partner Yoga at Hari Om Yoga in Langley.  There will be therapeutic techniques, sweet adjustments, lots of fun, and even time for a little massage at the end! Don’t worry if your partner is absolutely new to yoga – this class is for all levels.

Bring a friend, spouse, co-worker, sibling, parent or child and prepare to feel good and have lots of fun! For only $25+hst per couple, it’s cheaper and sweeter than going to the movies!

I’ll be following this special class with a repeat, back-by-popular-demand, event – again at Hari Om Yoga – called Tragically Hips next Friday, Feb 17, from 8-9:30pm ($10+hst). Love (or hate) hip-openers? Get hip with this entertaining Friday night class to the tunes of the classic Canadian band. Bring your friends and expect to laugh and move your way to a fun Friday night!

For either or both of these Friday night events, call now (604-539-0566) or visit Hari Om Yoga in person (20230 64th ave, Langley) to register your spot.

Share my excitement for these entertaining special event yoga classes! I look forward to seeing you there!

Join me for Partner Yoga and Tragically Hips! See you there!!!

The (Me)ntal (Heal)th of Yoga

The (Me)ntal (Heal)th of Yoga

Sarah Jamieson / Events, Meditation, News, Teachers, Thoughts, Tips, Yogis / , , , , , , / 0 Comment

Most of us recognize that when we breath and move, we feel better.  Slowing down and taking time to de stress, relaxes our body and mind, isn’t just a “buzz phrase.” There are physiological, as well as psychological proven benefits that extend well beyond the mat when you practice yoga and deeply affects your mental health.

Thursday night I held a salon conversation connecting youth with the positive platform of mental health and at risk youth. Yoga came up frequently,  from all the speakers, as one of the best forms of exercise that can be implemented into schools to help promote self confidence, discipline, and balance.

Lets dig deeper and answer these questions…

Can yoga help them do more than just feel a little bit better?

Can it heal their mental illness?

Yoga has long been seen as a tool for improving mental health, although concepts of what that entails have shifted over time and are distinct in different cultures. Not to mention mental health statistics vary globally.

Mental illness affects 1 in every 3 Canadians, and what most of us do not realize is that suicide is the second largest killer of young adults between the ages of 15-24. The annual National Survey on Drug Use and Health, states about 20 percent of adults suffer some sort of mental illness each year, and about 5 percent experience a serious disorder that disrupts work, family or social life. In Canada, one 1 out of every 6 children or youth has access to mental health resources. These are staggering numbers.

There are several schools of yoga that focus specifically on the intersections between asana practice and emotional health, and a growing body of studies indicates that yoga is often an excellent tool to treat the troubled mind.

My personal opinion on style is through experience with populations who have or are at risk for mental illness, and what I have found works for clients with mood disorders and especially my work with vets in the Canadian Armed Forces, injured in combat, a Yin style or light Vinyasa seem to have the largest affect. Both involve breath work and slow, controlled movement.

To date, the most persuasive evidence of the benefits of hatha yoga, and in particular pranayama, stems from research conducted by the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuroscience  in India. New studies have shown a high success rate—up to 73 percent—for treating depression with breathing. .” It involves breathing naturally through the nose, mouth closed, in three distinct rhythms.

Yoga has been integrated into many high stress service careers; such as police departments and the Canadian Armed Forces. People who suffer from operational stress injuries or jobs that are high stress physically, as well as mentally are at greater risk, and Yoga can help combat high stress levels. Stress is one of the key factors in the onset of depression and anxiety.

Other benefits of yoga on our mental can include; improved ability to sleep, better moods, increased feelings of self-control, and better concentration and focus.

 

 

Sources:

Check out the full report in The Washington Post : http://wapo.st/wzYeST

Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA): http://vancouver-burnaby.cmha.bc.ca/

 

Bhakti Dub and Jungle Love – Yoga, Bliss and Reggae with Sean O’Leary

Bhakti Dub and Jungle Love – Yoga, Bliss and Reggae with Sean O’Leary

amyh / Events, News, Studios, Teachers / , , , , , / 1 Comment

Source: http://www.kushalayoga.com/about/our-instructors/sean-oleary/

This Friday and next Saturday, make plans to spend a heart-felt, spiritually-uniting, jamming practice with Sean O’Leary!

Sean will be sharing two joyous yoga sessions in the upcoming weeks: Jungle Love at Hari Om Yoga in Langley on Friday (Jan 20) and Bhakti Dub next Saturday (Jan 28) ay Kushala Yoga in Suter Brook, Port Moody.

 If you haven’t taken a class with Sean before, you’ll love him. His warmth and enthusiasm will brighten even the snowiest day, and the practice he leads always leaves you feeling buoyant and sweet. And yes, he is always that happy. Don’t miss out on these unique classes!

From Kushala Yoga:

My brother from another mother, my sister from a different mister, let us unite! Come for an afternoon of bliss (ananda), with me (Sean), and embrace the art of Bhakti. This all levels asana class will focus on building community, friendship, and unconditional love for your neighbor. The twist will be the funky rhythms of reggae and dub filling the room with good vibrations.

Visionaries like Bob Marley and Peter Tosh had a heartfelt belief that all hate, inequality, and racism in the world could be cured through music. This one love mentality will be magnified through a series of group asana (poses) and partner assists. Everyone has an inborn natural desire to love, embrace and radiate happiness. So come groove, laugh, connect, share, and amplify your love for all people in the universe.

Join Sean for the sweetness of a loving practice to warm the soul:

Jungle Love at Hari Om Yoga in Langley

Friday, Jan 20, 8pm-9:30pm, $10+hst drop-in

Bhakti Dub at Kushala Yoga at Suter Brook, Port Moody

Saturday, Jan 28, 3pm – 4:30pm
By donation to Hungry For Life International

“Beyond Addiction: The Possible Self”: An event with Dr. Gabor Maté

“Beyond Addiction: The Possible Self”: An event with Dr. Gabor Maté

amyh / Events, Teachers / , , / 0 Comment

Source: banyen.com/events.htm

On Monday, Jan 9 at 7pm, Banyen Books is hosting “Beyond Addiction: The Possible Self,” a public talk and book signing with Dr. Gabor Maté! This is going to be an exciting event!

Dr Maté is a Vancouver physician, author and public speaker who specializes in the study and treatment of addiction and mind/body health. He has authored the best-selling In the Realm of the Hungry Ghosts: Close Encounters with Addiction, Hold on to Your Kids, When the Body Says No and Scattered Minds: A New Look at the Origins and Healing of Attention Deficit Disorder.  Full event details can be found on the Banyen Books website. The talk will cover:

Addictions of all kinds consume us, and take us away from our true nature. We are only free and independent when we release all identifications from the past that have coalesced to form a false identity. Dr Maté, author of In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts will discuss the mindset and practices required to support a commitment to our authentic self. A great way to begin the new year!

Dr Maté will be joined by Sat Dharam Kaur ND, creator of Beyond Addiction: The Yogic Path to Recovery; Satwinder Kaur, program graduate and Julia Wilson, yoga researcher. Sat Dharam Kaur

Sat Dharam Kaur ND is an award-winning naturopathic doctor who has been practicing and teaching Kundalini Yoga for 35 years. She is the author of The Complete Natural Medicine Guide to Women’s Health and The Complete Natural Medicine Guide to Breast Cancer and is completing a book that addresses yogic and naturopathic treatment of addiction.

Julia Wilson has been workingJulia Wilsonwithin the addictions field since 2006. She is currently an addictions counselor with experience in group and individual therapy as well as workshops and lecture style education sessions. Julia has worked as a primary researcher on projects in Vancouver’s downtown eastside in collaboration with Vancouver Area Network of Drug Users (VANDU) and W2 Community Media Arts. Julia is also a Yoga Alliance registered yoga teacher and teaches at various yoga studios and addiction treatment centers throughout Greater Vancouver.

Satwinder Kaur lives in Satwinder KaurVancouver, and is a certified Kundalini Yoga teacher who completed the Beyond Addiction program in Toronto in 2011. She currently leads workshops and teaches the program, and is motivated to help create a healing space in Vancouver for people to recover from addiction.

The event will take place on Mon, Jan 9 at 7pm at the Unitarian Church (949 W49 Ave, Vancouver). Tickets are $11 (available for purchase through Banyen Books either by phone or in person, 604-737-8858).

Free Yoga, Great Deals, Fun Times – A Perfect Day of Yoga!

amyh / Deals, Events, Studios, Teachers / , , , , , , , , / 0 Comment

Source: http://www.hardtailforever.com/yoga2009b.htm#

Thanks to Taya for mentioning this week the Fall Open House this Saturday, Oct 22 at Hari Om Yoga in Langley!

As the store manager and someone who has attended the open house many times, I can vouch for what a great day of yoga and yoga community this will be. Not only are the classes free all day (yay!), but Hari Om will be placing much of its yoga wear on special at 15% off! 20 and 50 class cards will be reduced by 10% on Saturday as well.

Hari Om stocks some of your favourite brands in yoga wear, featuring new shipments of Be Present and Hard Tail Forever, two unique brands made in North America.

Come and join a fun day of yoga with us! We will have food and snacks, as well as a great line-up of classes to try – whether you’re new to yoga and want to see what it’s about, or maybe you already know and love the yoga practice and just want to come for the fun of it! Classes are first-come, first-served, so arrive early to reserve your spot!

I’ll be there all day (and teaching Tragically Hips at 3pm!) so drop by and say hello!

Hari Om Yoga is located at #102 – 20230 64 Ave, Langley. For questions, call 604-539-5066 or email info@hariomyoga.com. See you there!

Class schedule:

9-10am – Yin/Yang

10:30-11:30am – Hot

12:00-1:00pm – Luna

1:30-2:30pm – Yoga for Beginners

3:00-4:00pm – Tragically Hips

4:30-5:30 – Relax Deeply

Sound Journey with Matthew Kocel

amyh / Events, Meditation, Reflections, Reviews, Teachers, Thoughts / , , , , , , / 1 Comment

This week was brilliant. I finished the second part of my 3-stage yoga teacher training certification. The highlight? After 8 straight days in class, our teacher Dan Clement arranged to have the Vancouver-based sound healer, throat singer and energy worker, Matthew Kocel, spend an afternoon with us before our 2-day break.

It was marvelous.

After a short intro about his journey and his work, Matthew explained that all matter is composed of dense vibrating energy. Combining the pure sounds of a harmonium, crystal and Tibetan singing bowls, conch shells, throat singing and mantra, Matthew creates sound that resonates in our bodies at a very tangible, energetic level.

He then invited us all to lie down on our mats and “go on a sound journey” with him.

Words seem so deficient for explaining the depth of experience we all felt. Without attempting to explain and thus limit the range of sensations my peers and I encountered, it was clear that something wonderful was happening. I was being moved by sound, my whole body was light and vibrating.

Matthew’s website is www.omshaman.com I strongly recommend attending one of his sound journeys – you will be amazed by the effects of sound on your body, mind and spirit.

Matthew trained as a massage therapist and attained his Reiki Master Level while in Colorado. He has delved into other energetic healing practices (see his website for more details, as well as music and events). He performs sound journeys routinely in the Vancouver area, as well as one-on-one healing sessions which combine all of his healing arts.

Matthew Kocel, www.omshaman.com Source: http://omshaman.com/fr_musicforawakening.cfm

Fundraiser: Yoga Outreach Retreat

Taya / Events / , , , / 0 Comment

A unique yoga retreat fundraiser will be held for Vancouver-based charity Yoga Outreach! Come celebrate the diversity of Yoga — all proceeds will go to Yoga Outreach — a charity that shares the life-affirming gifts of Yoga with underserved lower mainland adults & youth facing challenges in their lives.

Enjoy a peaceful riverside setting, fresh mountain air, exquisite healthy food, top teachers from the Lower Mainland & beyond and the richness of practicing in community. This unique event sees 19 amazing teachers from many lineages including Anusara, Dru, Sivananda, Jivamukti, Insight Meditation and Vijnana come together to share their time in support of Yoga Outreach, investigating this year’s theme of Compassion & breathing it to life in their classes & workshops.

When: May 27 – 29, 2011

Where: North Vancouver Outdoor School Paradise Valley (near Squamish). For more information, including registration details, visit the Yoga Outreach website here.

Whistler Yoga Conference

Taya / Events, Teachers / , , , / 2 Comments

Attention Yogis in British Columbia!

You will all be very interested in the upcoming Whistler Yoga Conference, which will be held for 3 days from June 4 – 6, 2010.

Open to all levels, so come deepen your knowledge as a practitioner, or try different styles of yoga as a beginner.

With over 20 experienced yoga teachers from across Canada and over 40 seminars and workshops to choose from, it is guaranteed to be an awesome event in beautiful Whistler BC.

Vancouver Yoga Review reviewed the Vancouver Yoga Conference back in October 2009, which was a great conference with amazing teachers.

Will you be attending the Whistler Conference?

Namaste!

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