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Movember by Donation Classes in White Rock

Movember by Donation Classes in White Rock

Jeff, Live Yoga, White Rock

By donation Hatha Yoga classes this weekend in support of Movember Canada. All proceeds to this very good cause.  Classes taking place at Live Yoga in White Rock-  www.liveyoga.ca

Help Jeff raise funds for a worthy cause. He’s growing his ‘stache in support of Movember Canada and raising money for prostate cancer research, a cause dear to his heart.

Bring your Mo brothers and Mo sisters for a by donation MO YOGA MOVEMBER Hatha class.

Two Mo-mentous classes to choose from — come for one or both and bring your friends!

Saturday, Movember 24
Sunday, Movember 25

4:30-5:45pm both classes

By Cash Donation – pay what you can, or what you want (suggested donation $10).

All proceeds go to Movember Canada’s fundraiser for men’s health issues, specifically prostate cancer research.

Live Yoga
www.liveyoga.ca
778-545-9918
15186 Buena Vista Avenue
White Rock, BC
V4B 1Y3

Vancouver Yoga Teacher Profile: Kat Wong

Vancouver Yoga Teacher Profile: Kat Wong

Kat Wong has been instructing Flow, Hot & Core Yoga classes since 2008. Her students love her energy, her voice, and the experience she gives them. She keeps her students challenged with new ideas, engaging them with music, props & visualizations. They explore movements of strength while keeping the mind calm and centered. Students leave her class refreshed and ready to embrace life’s challenges.

With a strong passion in health and fitness, she found yoga as the perfect adjunct to balance her busy lifestyle.  Kat found she could connect with her inner self by coming to her place of solitude, her mat.  She has learned to understand the power of the breath as a tool to calm the mind and relax the body.  As a Nutritionist and Personal Trainer, she feels that an individual’s health is vital to enjoy life to the fullest.

Man sacrifices his health in order to make money.
Then he sacrifices money to recuperate his health.
And then he is so anxious about the future that he does not enjoy the present;
the result being that he does not live in the present or the future;
he lives as if he is never going to die,
and then dies having never really lived”
~ Dalai Lama

She hopes that her students’ journey in health and fitness will not just be for self-improvement and discovery, but will also offer them a tool for self-creation.

Email Kat Wong at trinityfitnesswithkat@gmail.com and catch a class with her at:

Sarah Crawford Russell

Sarah Crawford Russell

There’s nothing like strolling into a room and catching the sound of a nice full laugh. With Sarah you’ll frequently get that in and out of class. Light and breezy, her classes can feel rather muted in their difficulty yet never in their energy. From hatha to yin, you’ll be able to get everything you want out of yoga through her. Though I don’t sweat in her power classes like I do in others, mental and physical strengthening from her are just as potent and noticeable after the practice.

It wouldn’t be a long shot to say you can be thrown off by her approach to each class. With a bright and sunny disposition she’ll wander about the room and ask, very literally, everyone on their energy level of the day and whether or not they have any injuries. After her rounds she adjusts her class to fit the class average to great affect. I say this because I’ve noticed that classes with a few more advanced practitioners will feel that much more challenging than a class with a handful of beginners.

Some teachers will hold their line, unchanging in their itinerary, but Sarah always takes care to strike a balance. Her hatha classes see the most changes, as it’s the most accessible style of yoga, and yin and power change the least. I can’t really think of a more gentle and/or relaxing teacher to help someone wind down a day or a week. Her genuine cheeriness is a pleasure to be around, and we would all do a bit better with a brightness such as hers. She also has an amazing hairdo. Just sayin’.

She teaches, to my knowledge, at Spirit YogaUnity Yoga, and YYoga.

I Heart Handstanders: Dice and Bri

I Heart Handstanders: Dice and Bri

Dice Iida-Klein and Briohny Smyth are amazing yogis and teachers in their own rights, but together they are outstanding!

Hailing from California, they both teach out of their home studio, Black Dog Yoga in Sherman Oaks, CA. You can catch Dice’s classes on Yoga Glo, while Bri was most recently known for her Equinox yoga video fame, as well as her classes on Yogis Anonymous. They form the duo of Handstanders.com.

Check them out in this inspiring handstanding/partner yoga demonstration from last month. Get inspired!

Watch the YouTube video:

Lila! with Clara Roberts-Oss this Sunday!

Lila! with Clara Roberts-Oss this Sunday!

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

 

Get Cosy and Hip with Partner Yoga and Tragically Hips!

Get Cosy and Hip with Partner Yoga and Tragically Hips!

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

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

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

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).

Transformation at Kushala Yoga

The yoga studio formally known as Kula Yoga has recently changed their name to Kushala (Kushala is Sanskrit for well-being). This change is perfect timing as they are celebrating the expansion and grand opening of their new Port Moody location in Suter Brook Village.

Along with an amazing view and masterful instructors, the new location has two studio spaces, a retail shop full of yoga goodies, a tea lounge and a wellness center! There are also rumors that another location will be opening in early 2012!

What I love about Kushala is that they offer a wide variety of classes, so there is definitely something to meet everyone’s needs. Some of their more unique offerings include: Sunrise Hatha at 6am, Wild Thing Wednesdays (a class designed for more advanced yogis), Yoga 101 (for the beginner yogi) and Pre-Natal Yoga.

Kushala Yoga also specializes in teaching the philosophical side of yoga with courses such as: Prana 101 (students learn meditation and breathing techniques) and the Dharma Series that takes a closer look at Eastern philosophies.

What I enjoy most about Kushala is the extremely warm and inviting atmosphere that only a great yoga studio can provide!

For more about Kushala, please visit:

http://www.kushalayoga.com/

 


Restorative Yoga and Therapy Teacher Training Starting January!

Dan Clement, source: http://www.indigo yoga.ca/yoga-instructors.html

Love yoga? Want to share your practice with others? Have a special interest in restorative yoga and therapeutic techniques?

A specialized training program with Open Source Yoga (Registered Yoga School with the Yoga Alliance) will begin in January. This part-time weekdays evening course will focus on
empowering teachers to work with private clients and small groups in a home yoga studio setting.

Teachers in training will employ holistic biomechanics to work structurally to heal common injuries to the shoulders, hips, knees, wrists and neck. The balance of the course will cover all areas of yoga alliance certification standards at the 200 hour level, with components of restorative yoga for stress and illness, Ayurvedic diet, as well as Thai Massage and development of a home business plan.

Dan Clement and Carol Wray will be leading the training from a working home yoga studio. They are both very experienced teachers with extensive training in structural therapy, restorative and yin yoga, as well as micro-business development.

200 hour Therapy and Restorative Training
Dates: Jan 10- April 19 2012
Weekday evenings (Tues, Wed,  Thurs 6pm – 10pm) part-time @ Panorama Ridge, Surrey B.C.
Course cost: $2700, includes texts.

To Register: Please contact Dan Clement at Dan@IndigoYoga.ca or http://www.opensourceyoga.ca/ and an application will be sent to you.

Jennifer – Steveston Village Yoga

If you are looking for a change from your chain yoga studios?  Try Steveston Village Yoga.  Tucked behind Alegria Cafe in the heart of Steveston Village is this lovely, quaint yoga studio.

I go for Jennifer’s Tuesday 7pm Yin class.  I am greeted with a warm and inviting atmosphere.  The space has a real Zen feel.  I take my spot on a mat provided, which is decked out with all the props:  eye shade, 2 blocks, bolster, etc.  The candles are lit and the class begins.

Jennifer has a soothing voice that lulls you deeper and deeper into the poses.  I feel completely relaxed, even in the final moments of a 5 minute posture.  She is a natural Yin teacher, who exudes a friendly, nuruturing energy.  She is very personable and attentive.  I like the one on one instruction.

I highly recommend this class.  Just what is needed after a long, stressful day.  You will sleep like a baby afterward.

Namaste.

For Sharon

blurtit.com - Sharon loved hummingbirds

I recently lost someone dear to me. My boyfriend’s mother, Sharon, passed away from a severe case of adenocarcinoma. In other words, stage 4 lung cancer which had spread throughout her body and into her brain and there was just no stopping it.

I’ve thought and wrote a lot about being grateful and living presently, but never before have I truly felt I understood it until now.

Each moment, breath, day is a blessing. This is reiterated to us all the time in yoga. But do we actually believe it? I don’t think I did until I saw how quickly someone’s life can change for the worse.

Is this why so many good people go sooner than others? To be our teachers, our reminder? To fully take in all we can, enjoy the ride and the bumps that come with it because we never really know when it will end. Be out of reach.

Sharon’s family is doing remarkably well considering they’ve lost a mother, wife, auntie, sister. I don’t know if I’d be so positive. Where does this optimism come from? Seeing the good in this sudden loss which should bring negativity, pity, remorse. And that’s just it. There is no remorse felt by my boyfriend Steve or his family. There wasn’t anything they wished they told her. No more I love you’s or words of appreciation and encouragement. No regret of not seeing, calling, emailing her enough. No grudges left unforgiven. No torturous wondering of how she felt about them. Nothing.

In all the sadness and heartache. Questions of why and confusion. Sharon’s family came out of this sadness with peace.

So I’d like to use this as my reminder and anyone else’s who may need it. To take those silent peaceful moments in yoga or throughout the day and really use them for what they’re meant for. Thanking ourselves, thanking the ones we love, and truly acknowledging how much we have to be grateful for. Finding even a bit of light in a heavy situation because at least we are having an experience and most likely learning something.

Even in the loss of Sharon, her loved ones take the good out of the situation with them. She didn’t suffer for long. Memories of her being herself rather than a sick person are dominant. Now she can always be with us, no location separates us.

Now, I know every time someone passes away, endless kind things are shared. Nothing bad. In Sharon’s case (and I am not being biased) she truly was a delight. A warm, loving, open hearted person. Her family’s gracious handling of her passing proves all the admiration to be genuine.

So now it’s time for a thank you, to Sharon. In this hard time, I learned something sacred. I hope you as readers have, too.

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