Giving and Receiving

Anne posted on Facebook that she was looking for a few good yoginis.

Was there anyone out there that would be able to give an hour of their time for a Yin and Yoga Nidra practice, to help her promote her studio?  She’d have Erika take photos of this event and use them to update her website for Freedom Yoga Studio.

Four of us responded to her request.  It ended up that all three “seasons” from Dianne’s yoga teacher training school were being represented.  Me, from the first year.  Anne and Erika from the second year.  Three yogini grads from the most recent class.  It was amazing to think about how we had all come together – through our interactions at the studio, via social media and finally our mutual love of yoga.  I find myself in awe when my worlds swirl together like that.

I finished my Saturday morning appointments at the clinic and then headed on over to her home studio.  Got there early, without rushing around.  Anne offered her hospitality and a cup of tea.

Eventually, we stepped into Anne’s home studio…and I could feel the serenity right away.  The four of us settled onto our mats while Anne started guiding us through a slow Yin flow.  Erika snapped pics but after awhile, I don’t think I even noticed.  Especially when we moved into the restful Nidra practice.  I’m pretty sure that I was awake for all of it but I was suprised about how I lost track of time as I listened to Anne’s hypnotic voice.

When the practice finally came to a close, we all had to take a pause.  What a wonderful experience!  Although I’m speaking for others, I sensed that the four of us felt that we had received something very special in our time on the mat.  It was truly an hour of surrender or ishvara pranidhana.

And to top it all off, Anne fed us with appetizers and more tea afterwards!  She said her grandma had drilled in her the need to feed guests.  Kudos to her grannie.

This was a gathering that left a positive impression.  There was a real sense of community.  An honest and free offering of help.  An exchange of goodwill (is that the tea and appetizers talking to me?) from the teacher to the students.  I’m so fortunate to have met these ladies and share my love of yoga with them!  It is in this practice and by working together that we can transcend and become more than just the one.

 

 

I’m hooked on the Firepole Marketing Scavenger Hunt

If you’re following me on Facebook or Twitter this past week, you’re probably wondering if someone hacked my account.  All’s good.  It happens that I’m participating in the first ever Firepole Marketing On-line Scavenger Hunt.

What’s that, you say?

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My 100 word story

Inspired by the Kobo & Jeffrey Archer “Want your 100 Words” contest

I noticed the blood on the wall, as soon as I walked back into the room.

How was I going to explain this one?

I opened the window to let in some fresh air and give myself time to think.  There was too much evidence to hide.  The blunt, shiny, handheld instrument.  The signs of struggle.  The sad eyes from the body that lay still and unmoving on the bed.  My husband would be here any minute.

From that moment onwards, I promised myself that I would never trim my dog’s nails at home again.

 

 

The Fearless Heart – A Workshop with Michelle Marchildon

Witty, former journalist.  Soccer Mom.  Yogini.

You can add eloquent and insightful to the list of words that describe Michelle Marchildon.

She’s the author of “Finding More on the Mat: How I Grew Better, Wiser and Stronger through Yoga“.

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Eastside Yoga Teacher Training – Season 3

Is it that time already?  You betcha!

Another crop of eager yogis started at shala this past Sunday.  This is the third season that Dianne is taking students for training at the studio.  I’m glad to be an assistant again, along with two other teachers at ESY.

It was fun to watch the yogis (10 female and 1 male, so I’ll use that term generically) interact during the first Sunday afternoon.  I got to experience it through their beginner’s eyes.  We had a 30 minute practice on the mat, talked about the yamas and niyamas (the first 2 out of the 8 limbs of yoga), and generally got to know a little more about each other.

How will the next 6 months come to shape them?  It’ll be interesting to see.

May they enjoy the journey!

 

September – a time for new beginnings

For many, the day after Labour Day has come to represent the unofficial start of a New Year.

Students go back to school. Parents and teachers have to get ready. I should include students of all ages, since several of our summer clinic staff are going back to college or university this week. You should have been with me at Staples yesterday. I went shopping for pen refills (I’m very particular about my writing implements), out of morbid curiousity. It was a mad house!

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