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The Food For All Summit

The Food For All Summit

Amanda / Events, Food, Thoughts / , , / 0 Comment

With the holiday season fast approaching.  It is a time for us to reflect and be grateful for all that we have.  Not only are we lucky enough to be able to practice yoga.  We are fortunate enough to have access to an abundance of food.  This is not the case for billions of people around the world.  On November 30th, join me for a free one-day virtual event empowering you with practical tools and inspiration to make a difference and create a world where all are fed.  Please register at foodforallsummit.com.

 

How To Make Your Own Natural Sunscreen

Taya / Tips / , , , , , / 2 Comments

If you’ve been practicing a lot of yoga outdoors recently, either on sandy beaches or on lush green fields, then you’ve been most likely layering on the sunscreen. The problem with store bought sunscreen is it can get expensive, and depending on the brand, its additives and chemicals could be unwanted ingredients soaking into your body’s largest organ.

The solution? Make your own natural sunblock! It’s cheap, easy to make, waterproof, high SPF, and you know exactly what ingredients (buy organic, if available) you’re slathering on your skin.

You will need:

– tea tree oil (or your favourite essential oil…almond oil’s good for calming itchy skin)

– coconut oil (soothes and conditions skin)

– zinc oxide (sunblocking agent)

– bee’s oil/ bee’s wax (waterproofing agent)

– empty can

– pot of boiling water

Watch the following video to see how’s it’s created:

Stretching Into New Possibilities

Leeann / Reflections, Reviews, Studios, Styles, Teachers, Thoughts, Tips / , , , , , , , , , / 0 Comment

When it comes right down to it Yoga is basically a form of stretching.

From stretching your ability to breathe; lengthening your inhales and exhales to stretching your mind’s capacity to quiet down, to become silent for longer and longer periods of time. To go further into the practice where it becomes not so much about the asana (postures) as it is about the ability to let go of desire, to allow for the spirit to move into the space you have created.

But really in the beginning, for me, it was all about the stretch, the movement into silence came later.

So sometimes I am surprised when people say: “Yoga?!! Oh, I could never do that”.

I try to ease them into it by saying: “Well, have you ever done any stretching after going for a walk, a run or any type of physical activity”. Actually most people have done some type of stretching in their lives. I ask them to start there; allow yourself the space to just stretch into yoga.

The asana are really a specific type of stretch; especially Yin Yoga where you stay closer to the ground and hold the stretches for a longer period of time.

As I am in my third week of recovery from an operation, I decided to try a Yin Yoga class at Yyoga Flow Wellness on Burrard Street.

The instructor, Megan Johnson, put everyone at ease by stating that as with all yoga, the length of the stretch is all up to the individual. I talked to Megan before class about my concerns and she was very reassuring by stating that although Yin can be very intense, I should allow my body to decide and just be very gentle.

I was game for that.

We started in Sukasana (easy cross legged), opening with Pranayama to settle into the space and relax into our bodies.

She then guided us slowly into little stretches of the neck where we allowed our head to drop to each of the shoulders, increasing the stretch by allowing one arm to lengthen to the floor.

Megan told us to deepen into the stretch, come to your edge and then breathe and settle in. But only go so far as to touch your edge; always bring it back if you feel any pain. Yin is about becoming comfortable in the stretch and then holding it for a specific length of time.

For the next 8 poses we stayed close to the ground, deepening our breath and allowing the body to relax.

What is interesting about Yin is that it is not about moving fast from one pose to the other, it is all about lengthening, stretching, breathing and relaxing into the pose, letting go and finally settle for awhile.

Yin does specific things that complements other types of yoga. It allows for a deepening of the stretch which in turns strengthens your muscles by creating little tears that the body repairs. Stretching into the deep connective tissues: the fascia. This is how the body keeps supple. That old saying: “use it or lose it” really does hold true for the body. To keep your body young and flexible, you need to actually use/move it. Yin is a gentle way of moving it.

Megan took us gently into this type of stretching, which is exactly what I needed after a few weeks off from yoga. Her voice is very calm and reassuring. She asks nothing of you except your willingness to try.

If you would like to give Yin Yoga a try, I can easily say it is something anyone can step into if you have done some stretching in your life. Remember that the length and depth of the stretch is always up to you, only go as far as your body allows and try to be kind to yourself. Yin only gets intense if you push yourself further than your body is willing to go. Remember to keep that ego in check.

You might notice that as you stretch further into your body, you might find yourself stretching into a yoga practice that is perfect for you.

(source: theyogafitnessguide.com)

Getting Into The Flow

Leeann / Reflections, Reviews, Studios, Teachers, Thoughts / , , , , , , , , , / 0 Comment

I am currently going through a phase where I really like Flow Yoga.

With all the different types of yoga out there you might be wondering what exactly is Flow Yoga. According to About.com Flow yoga would be classified under the broad umbrella of Vinyasa Yoga. A breath synchronized class where poses or postures are strung together smoothly. Following your instructor’s lead you are asked to match your inhales and exhales to a specific posture, flowing from one pose to another creating a very rhythmic meditative dance.

Some instructors are very good at creating this illusion of a dance; their choice in poses is well thought out, they synchronize smoothly, the inhale & exhale comes naturally and their choice in music complements the overall feel of the class.

I have run into all different types of Flow classes. That is the beauty of Vinyasa Yoga; it allows for so much diversity in teaching styles that you would never get bored. It does require you to come with an open mind as you might find it can take a few tries to get the teacher you like.

One instructor’s choice in music was not to my liking, but I learned a lot about Plank pose, and Chaturanga. I have found that even if I don’t like everything in a class, there is always something I have learned that I can take from the class.

This past week I was lucky enough to catch a Yyoga flow class with Christie Baumgartner.  She is a wonderful instructor. A beautiful soul packaged in a tiny dancer’s body; playful yet welling with good informational tips on posture and proper alignment.

Her arrangement of postures seems to flow naturally, allowing for maximum breath and ease of motion. Without even thinking, your inhales and exhales seem to flow naturally with each pose she suggests.

This is where the dance begins. She varies her Sun Salutations with enough freshness that it never seems to get dull. She builds each pose upon the previous so that the muscles slowly warm up, yet you do not feel fatigued. From beginning to end I feel as if I have been skilfully guided to achieve what I set out to do; experience my body in all its beauty of movement, to breathe with fullness and to awaken to a new sense of calm.

You can tell that Christie is very passionate about yoga, her enthusiasm is contagious. She makes you want to strive higher, not for her, but for you. To push yourself just a little more in order not to miss a step in the dance she is sharing with you.

She makes yoga fun! She laughs through-out her class and truthfully I appreciate that. Why not have fun?

I have yet to disagree with her choice in music. I literally caught myself singing along.

Even though you will sweat through-out her class, you will be so engaged that you’ll hardly notice until the end; at which time you will be very grateful for those Yyoga showers.

If you get the chance try out one of Christie’s Flow classes at Yyoga Flow Wellness on Burrard Street; I highly recommend it. She just might make you fall in love with yoga all over again.

(Source: jameswvinner.com)

3 Ways to Pamper Your Soul!

Alison Boons / Reflections, Thoughts, Tips / , , , , , , / 0 Comment

{Source: http://www.portalmico.com/?p=244}

Who doesn’t love a relaxing massage or a stroll on a beautiful spring sunny day, but how can we continuously pamper our soul? How do we make the time to make our soul and or our heart feel good? We may get these feelings from the above, but generally they are only temporary solutions.

Our lives are made up of a bunch of moments, and while every moment may not be the best experience it makes an impact on our soul and our subconscious.

Here’s 3 Ways for Long Term Soul Pampering;

  • KARMA
    Seems to be pretty self explanatory, especially with the old adages “what goes around comes around” or “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”Derived from the Sanskrit word “kri,” karma literally means “to do.” Then if we take the meaning of yoga as “union”; karma yoga translates to the path of union through action. In some philosophies the word karmanot only means action but the effects that your actions have and can be further described as a way of acting, thinking and willing by which someone acts in accordance to their dharma (one’s duty) without personal self-centred desires, like or dislikes.In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna says:

Therefore, without being attached to the fruits of activities, one should act as a matter of duty, for by working without attachment one attains the Supreme.

           Take into consideration how your actions influence life around you and your life.

  • SEVA
    Otherwise known as Selfless Service, Seva is the action of giving back, it is a sincere sharing of wealth (money, talents, service).  Our community is nurtured through voluntary gatherings, where teachers and students can connect with each other while, at the same time, doing something that makes the world a better place.Swami Niranjan, a modern master of yoga, explains the word Seva is made up of two words, ‘saha’ (with that) and ‘eva’ (to). Therefore, the word Seva means ‘together with’ and is describing actions that is an expression of compassion, of the desire to uplift and assist people and can be a strong practice for self-purification.How do you do this? Start small, maybe helping a senior citizen with their groceries or offering to run an errand for a friend. Or take a look at www.govolunteer.ca which lists countless of opportunities to volunteer from bringing your dog to visit the local care home or teaching yoga.

Only those who have learned the power of sincere and selfless contribution experience life’s deepest joy: true fulfillment.
Anthony Robbins

  • DHARMA
    Buddhists believe in the Law of “Dharma,” which means, the purpose in life. This law says that we have taken manifestation in physical form to fulfill a purpose. You have a unique talent and a unique way of expressing it meaning there is something that you can do better than anyone else in the world. By understanding your purpose and special qualities, you will be able to reach your goals and get closer to your dreams.Is what you are doing in life your dharma, are you not sure? Write down all your biggest hopes and desires and work to live by them!

Souls have different journeys. The best thing to know is, not what everybody else does, but what you do. Self-discovery essentially is finding your own dharma, your own rhythm.
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While all of these items are life skills and or lifelong ways of interacting with the world, they can lead to healthier, happier you and a pampered soul!

Enlighten Up – A Review

Enlighten Up – A Review

Alison Boons / News, Reviews, Teachers / , , , / 2 Comments

I have recently become fascinated with documentaries, while I never really seemed to have the attention span before to concentrate on a 2 hour documentary, I find these days I cannot get enough.

I recently watched, Enlighten Up! “A Skeptic’s Journey into the World of Yoga.” The goal? Kate Churchill, the filmmaker, is determined to prove that yoga can transform ANYBODY. She selects Nick Rosen, a newbie to the yoga world and follows him on his journey throughout California, Hawaii, New York and India over the course of six months.

The movie lets you see first hand Nick’s comments, feelings and interpretations about the practice along the way and his skepticism and curiosity with all things yoga. He meets with the likes of BKS Iyengar and Pattabhi Jois as well as many other teachers and styles from Bikrams to Kundalini in order to find the practice that will help to transform him, included in the film are lots of other interviews with “famous yogis” like Baron Baptiste, Gurmukh Khalsa.

The interviews and information is uniquely pieced together to play up the contradictions and information that is throughout the different styles of yoga. Whether you get a sense of the filmmakers goal that everybody can transform from yoga, it is a fun and amusing ride and makes me remember my first days of yoga and my personal skepticism on what I could accomplish or what may happen along the journey, maybe Nick Rosen needs more than six months to find out?

Here is a clip, if you haven’t checked it out I highly recommend it for a light, humuorous view at the different paths of yoga. Below is a video clip from the film, it is available on YouTube divided into parts as well as on NetFlix and at your local video store;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0dJbsA6ycU

Part II: Where the heck did my motivation go?

Tanya Lee Markul / Reflections, Tips / , , , , , , , , / 2 Comments

Motivation stops when we become distracted and overwhelmed by obstacles.

Stop telling yourself that you need that one last chocolate glazed donut, cigarette or cocktail beverage in order to ‘move on’ or that you’ll start ‘being good’ tomorrow. You’re wasting time. You can convince yourself for YEARS that you need to go through a period of suffering, habitual toxic behavior and inner turmoil in order to move forward. Well, the secret is out: you don’t. You’re worth more than all your bad habits combined. You have potential, so why not take a chance and see where some good, positive change can take you. Come on.

Hopefully you’ve read Part I of this little spiel regarding the predictable obstacles that could arise while on whatever path you are on and the consequences that could result from basking, running circles and hiding within those obstacles (depression, anxiety, frustration, weight gain, etc). Either way, I hope these can tips can be helpful for avoiding distractions, overcoming obstacles, finding motivation and moving forward on or off the yoga mat.

1. Observe yourself. Be your own detective. Pay attention to your body language, sensations, thoughts and moods. This identification will help to understand what is happening on a more subtle level. Perhaps the understanding won’t happen all at once, but it will happen. Sooner or later you will not be able to deny what you are observing and you will have to deal with it and when that time comes, you WILL be able to deal with it: you WILL move forward.

2. Don’t doubt. You can do it. You don’t need this or that to get started or to overcome obstacles. You just have to want it and believe that you can. Keep the faith in every single breath and every single movement you make.

3. Stay positive. Avoid becoming impatient, disenchanted, angry, depressed, egotistical or judgmental. Don’t attach more than an observation to negative emotions and don’t let anything get you down. See the light in everyone and everything, most importantly yourself.

4. Stay focused. Do not get distracted and fight the urge to be lazy. Don’t put things off! Devote and dedicate yourself to being and becoming the best you can be physically and mentally. Develop a routine, set goals and stick to them.

5. Constantly check yourself. Know where your head is at all times, keep two feet on the ground, live in the present and make sure you are awake! Creating harmony in one’s life creates clarity. Don’t allow yourself to be led astray.

6. Be willing to sacrifice what does not serve you. Walking away from bad habits, negative thoughts, unsympathetic behavior and actions can be hard at first, but you can do it. Take your time with it, practice every second. Eventually the negatives will be replaced by positives.

7. Moderation and diet. There are no answers at the bottom of any bottle or Cheeto’s bag. Learn how to consume and listen to what your body needs to run optimally and to be energized. You’ll be amazed what a healthy diet can do.

8. Will power. Accept the fact that you will have to put forth some serious effort. This may not come easy at first, but the fruits are worth every ounce of the effort.

9. Reward yourself. And, I don’t mean with a pepperoni pizza, I mean with love. Look in the mirror, accept yourself, encourage yourself and love yourself. You are the most important person.

Ultimately you are the biggest obstacle to yourself. You are the only one who can cultivate the inner strength to keep going. No more hiding. It’s time to bust out, believe it, want it and live it. You can do it.

Enjoy your time on this Earth as best you can.

Namaste.

DIY: How To Make A Natural Yoga Mat Cleaner

Taya / Tips / , , , , / 1 Comment

If you practice yoga on a regular basis in Vancouver you’ve probably invested in some expensive mat cleaners to break up sweat, dirt and odors, and prevent bacterial and fungal growth. Why not make your own natural cleaner that costs much less and is free of harsh chemicals?

If your mat is super soiled, you can toss it in into your washing machines. Just make sure it’s on the cold and gentle cycle, and don’t put it in the dryer as heat will breakdown your mat.

Alternatively, you can give it a good washing in your bathtub. Use a very mild soap, and hand wash in a tub filled with a couple inches of water. Gently scrub with a brush as necessary to remove dirt and stains. Rinse with clean water and hang to dry.

To speed the drying process, wrap your yoga mat around a dry towel to soak up excess moisture. Just unroll and separate from the towel before hanging to dry. Your mat can take a day to fully dry after the submerging treatment.


To create your own natural, cost effective cleaner you’ll first need a small spray bottle and a soft cloth or sponge. Then, you have a few options depending on what you currently have in your pantry:

  • 1 cup water
  • 1/3 cup white vinegar OR baking soda OR witch hazel
  • 8 drops tea tree oil
  • Optional: 6 drops of other essential oils (lavender, lemongrass, rosemary, peppermint, whatever your like)

Don’t like the smell of vinegar? Once your mat is dry, it won’t smell overly vinegary. Also the essential oil will be the predominant scent, so choose your favorite aroma.

Happy cleaning!

How to Start Yoga

Taya / Studios, Styles / , , , / 0 Comment

Confused with all the different types of yoga? Don’t know where to start? Fret not, Vancouver Yoga Review is here to explain it all!

1. Decide which type of yoga you want to try first: If you can’t decide, most beginners start with Hatha, as it is a slower paced yoga.

2. Find a class: Most studios offer ‘Intro to Hatha’ classes for beginners. Check out Semperviva or Open Door for their schedules, as they offer great beginners classes.

3. What to bring: comfortable, breathable clothes so you can stretch easily. Most studios in Vancouver provide mats, blocks, bolsters etc, so you don’t need to worry about them.  Do bring a water bottle and a light jacket, in case it’s chilly in the studio.

4. What to expect from you first class: Usually, students place their mat facing the teacher’s mat at the front of the room.  Make sure you leave a bit of space around your mat so that your neighbors have room. You can sit cross-legged waiting for class to start. Your teacher will take you through varies poses and will usually go around the room adjusting students’ alignment.

Anytime you feel dizzy or lightheaded, you can take child’s pose: drop to your knees, spread your knees as wide as the mat, keeping the big toes touching, bring your forehead to the mat, and stretch your hands out in front.

Your teacher will finish by saying ‘namaste’, which literally means “bow me you” or “I bow to you.”

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