Releasing Our Grip on What Should Be

I had an epiphany the other night while practicing a yin class. I was holding a long hip opener—low lunge on forearms—and the instructor cued us to lessen the gripping sensation and just allow the body to naturally go where it needed to. I realized then that I was holding the pose with quite a bit of tension—with this awareness I was able to release the gripping sensation in my body and find some softness and space in the surrender. It was a great reminder and the idea stuck with me and later transformed to my asking, "what else in my life am I gripping on to?"


Although I do believe that setting goals and having aspirations is a wise thing to do—you need to let the universe know what you want—I do feel we get caught up in the how it should happen. The practice of going with the flow comes from us checking in every now and again and bringing some awareness to the bigger picture and maybe reassess what it is we are holding on to—whether it is where we think we should be in our career, our relationships or financially. We need to loosen the grip on the how, 'cause sh*t is going to happen that is not part of the plan.


So, while you work out your goals for 2012, keep an open mind to how you will be able to achieve these things in your life. Ask yourself why you want these things and be open to how they might manifest in your life. Most of all remember to breath when things don't go according to plan—it's a reminder that we need to loosen our grip and just go with the flow.

Blessings and peace for a wonderful holiday season and see you in 2012!

Image: Natarajasana (Dancer's Pose) Yoga Art by Nancy Van Kanegan

Mindful Smacks

Every week Elena Brower, founder and co-owner of Virayoga in NYC, posts a video on her blog the Art of Attention. Her posts—creatively called: Mindful Smacks—are great reminders of how to live a more conscious, loving and healthy life. I frequently integrate these messages into my teachings and find it a valuable resource. This 'smack' is about being with people where they are.

I really love her honesty and no-nonense approach—getting right to the heart of the matter. Listen to more of Elena's Mindful Smacks here.

Wandering Yoginis

Have you heard about the Wandering Yoginis? They are two yoga instructors from Vancouver who are touring around India on motorcycles. How sexy is that? You can check out their blog where they are documenting their trip with video diaries.

In an attempt to define their life's purpose, they question if finding purpose is just being satisfied with where they are right now. “If I let go of trying to know where I’m going or what’s going to happen, then something magical always happens.” Meghan Currie, Wandering Yogini. Below is a time-lapse video of Meghan practicing outside a temple in India.

What a beautiful practice. I look forward to following the Wandering Yoginis as they motorcycle across India and hearing about their adventures along the way.

Namaste.

Traveling Mat: Interview with Brent MacKay

Brent playing on the rocks in Bakasana (Crow pose)

Yogi: Brent MacKay, Anusara-Inspired™ Yoga Teacher

Current Location: Palma De Mallorca, Spain

Why did you choose to live in Palma De Mallorca?

I lived here in a past life and when I visited here last May, the place chose me.

Where are you teaching?

Zunray Studio, in the centre of Palma.

What is the yoga kula like in your area?

As our good friend Chris Chavez says, yoga in Vancouver is like nowhere else in the world. The culture here is very different and definitely laid back. Hardly anybody has a daily practice. There are some dedicated souls who seem to like the west coast flavour!

What other differences have you noticed in students and teachers compared to Vancouver?

Besides the fact that there are fewer of both, I don't think there is much difference. The level of practice in Vancouver is much higher but the students here come to class for the same reasons. Most of the teachers here are very well trained with lots of experience.

How do you keep the stoke or stay inspired as a teacher?

At first I thought I couldn't, but then I started a daily home practice, charting out my next class. I also read texts, meditate by the sea and wander around this enchanting, inspiring town.

What teachers would you like to thank for where you are today?

Chris Chavez was the first person to think I could be a teacher. Earlier on this path, Paige Faraci and Steve Merkley inspired me in every class I took with them—and the stellar Anusara teachers shining all over Vancouver!

What projects are you currently working on?

I am very excited about the possibility of hosting yoga retreats in Mallorca. The island is magic and has such a high vibration of light that I think yogis from all over the world will be gobsmacked!

What is your favourite thing to eat, drink and do in Palma De Mallorca?

Besides yoga on the beach, on the rocks or at the studio, I have been seen partaking in a variety of yum-cious tapas. There are sweet little bars and restaurants down narrow streets that occasionally open into a small plaza full of tables and chairs. There is one such place right near me that features an amazing flamenco guitarist playing for spare change. I hardly ever have a plan when I walk out my front door. The sights and sounds have a way of leading you to where you are supposed to be.

You know you’re not living in Vancouver when…

I was just thinking about that today when I was in the bank. No one lines up for the teller, as there are seats all around. Each time someone new walks in they ask “who is the last in line?” so that they know when there turn is. It’s kind of old fashioned and neighbourly—like the fact that shops and stores close on Sundays. Also, it's not unusual to see a pair of cops standing around with a cell phone and a smoke, and of course everyone knows that Spaniards love to burn the midnight oil. It's 11:00p.m. right now and the bars are just starting to get busy.

You recently went on a trek in India, if you could choose one moment that stood out on your trip, what would that be?

Definitely the landslide 8 hours north of Rishikesh, it closed the road for a week and ended any notions of trekking in the Himalayas.

Anything else interesting that you would like to share? Maybe a piece of advise to traveling yogis in Spain?

There is a very strong and identifiable culture here with deep historical roots. The Spaniards have their way of doing things, which may challenge patience and acceptance. Everyone's experience will be different. The people are open and friendly, so if possible, get off the beaten path and learn some Spanish.

Thank you Brent for taking the time to share your adventures. Keep shining bright!

The Best of J-Bo

It's my birthday today and I thought I would share some of my favourite images and posts for anyone stopping by and maybe looking for a little inspiration or entertainment. Enjoy!

Here is my best impression of Kate Winslet in Titanic, sans Leo, of course.

Flying in a wind tunnel outside of San Francisco. An experience to remember. 

Hungry? Here's my grilled cheese sandwich post, with explicit instructions to achieve the heart-shape.

Go back in time and check out this Mad Men Wedding. 

The crazy ducks that swim in the pool outside my office building.

Cat love. 

Yoga, Yoga, Yoga. 

Teacher Training—a day in the life

Handstands—to boost energy

Backbends—the extra effort

Forward Folds—that require patience

Love, Love, Love.

Thanks for stopping by and have a creative day!

Corporate Yoga, To Om Or Not To Om

One of my first teaching opportunities came through a friend from my teacher training course. She asked if I would sub for her, to teach a class that she had been leading for the past few weeks for a corporate group downtown. I jumped at the opportunity to teach.

I went right to work, putting together a sequence that would include options to suit all levels of experience, as the group was a mix of new students and a few advanced practitioners. The weekend before the class I rehearsed my plan, from how I would start with a theme about power coming from within, followed by three Oms then a warm-up.

The day before class my friend called to see how my preparation was going. She mentioned that I would have the option to play music during the session, and that the students seemed to enjoy having  something a bit mellow playing in the background. That night while scanning the songs on my iPod a slight panic came over me. I tried to rationalize that Neil Young's Harvest album would be an appropriate selection. I frantically searched for serene and calming music on iTunes, slightly ironic, I know. Eventually I came up with my first 'yoga tunes' playlist.

Confident with my plan, I went to teach the group, certain that I would enlighten them with my yogic teachings and tunes. The group was friendly, and I introduced myself to all the students as they came in. It was a great start, my music was playing in the background, I set up my mat at the front of the space and mentally reviewed my class plan as I waited for everyone to get settled.

When it was time to start I asked everyone to take a comfortable seat on their mats. One of the students, an older gentleman, told me he was fine to start the class standing. I urged him to take a seat. Reluctantly, he did. I welcomed the group and started into my theme—blank looks stared back at me—I continued on and asked that everyone close their eyes and bring their hands together in front of their chests.

Then I put it out there: "We will chant three Oms together… Inhale to Om."

I took a deep breath and started the first Om. Maybe two out of the 12 voices chimed in. I fought the urge to open my eyes, to peek out at the group, to see what was up. Time stopped as I recalled that I had, in fact, said I would chant three times. I took a deep breath in and chanted the last two Oms, my voice the only sound in the room.

I shook off the awkward start, turned up the music and started the warm-up. After the first sun salutation, the older gentlemen told me he could not hear me over the music. Gah! I turned the music down and pressed on with my sequence. Remembering what my teacher told me during our training, I found the most enthusiastic student and locked my eyes on her: her smile giving me the positive boost I needed. I walked around the room and offered encouragement to the new students and then challenged the advanced yogis. Apart from getting my lefts and rights confused in the forward folds and twists, I finished the class unscathed.

Now that I have had more experience teaching, I try to take the group dynamics into account. More importantly, I feel that we need to stay true to our authentic self. If this means you want to share some insights or have the group connect at the beginning with an Om, then do so. You may be pleasantly surprised. That said, when teaching a new group, I usually start with a single Om!

Namaste!


Photos: by fatherrazz

Have a Fabulous Weekend

I hope your weekend is filled with good things—like taking a walk in the woods with a good friend and a good dog or just relaxing with a good read and good eats.

I will be attending a workshop with Christine Price Clark, Certified Anusara Instructor, on Saturday morning. The focus is on Hand Balancings, Inversions and Transitions—so I plan to feel revived and refreshed, the way turning upside down can do.

Photo (my own): Throwing rocks for Rocky.

Northern Dwelling

Check out this house in Big Lake, Alaska. The owner is a professional dog musher and a four-time champion of the Iditarod, a 1,161-mile sled dog race from Anchorage to Nome.

The exterior is made up of charred wood siding—chosen for its low-maintenance qualities as well as a reference to the area’s frequent wildfires. Yikes!

The house was designed so that each room would have a view of nearby Mt. McKinley—the highest peak in North America. I can understand why.

Would you ever consider living in such a remote area?

Have a fun-filled weekend.

Photos via archrecord.

Look for the Good

This past weekend I attended a teacher development workshop on how to integrate therapeutic techniques into our teaching with Leanne Kitteridge, certified Anusara® yoga teacher. It was a great refresher on how to use the principles to work on foundation, spinal curve and hyper-extension, to better serve our students. 

During the workshop Leanne reminded us how we need to look for the good in our students first before we try and assist them. This is one of the main teachings I walked away with—that and "when in doubt, stick it out!" Yes, I'm talking about your butt!

The idea of looking for the good is something we can all be doing a little more of in our lives. When we look at our relationships with others and especially ourselves—start with the good. You might find that you'll begin to see good things pop up all around you.

Photo: Heart-shaped straw on a step

The Moments in Between

It's been a while since my last post, what can I say? It's been nice here and I have been trying to savour each moment. I have been using the instagram app on my phone and love how it filters pictures to give a different look and feel. Here are a few of my favourite images.

Office reflections.

Lunch break escape.

Just beachy.

Driving through the mountains.

Alfa Romeo. Meow!

Swim to the beach.

Evening light on rapids.

Highway home.

Perfecto pizza!

I hope you all have enjoyed your summer. Fall is coming soon, a great time for reflection and new projects. I'm excited to see what's in store.

Much love,

J-Bo

When you're Green with Envy

I currently have Care of the Soul, by Thomas Moore on my nightstand—a book that my mentor had read and quoted in one of her classes. Curious, I picked it up and have read a couple of the chapters that have peaked my interest. One such chapter talks about dealing with feelings of jealousy and envy. I would like to think that I am capable of controlling such feelings and that they don't really affect me but, alas, I know that is not true.

The author explains that when such feelings surface it is usually due to a conflict with our values and beliefs, basically stirring the pot within us. The only way out of jealousy is through it. Uncomfortable feelings are formed in part from opening up to unexplored territory—all of a sudden you need to look at yourself and what you think and believe to be right or wrong. 

Instead of trying to identify with these feelings, the author suggest that we let go and let the feelings work themselves out—it's not about suppressing or ignoring—but simply, allowing ourselves to just feel. Eventually these feelings dissipate and in essence, the conflict within has worked itself out. 

I brought this idea up in one of my yoga classes this week, relating to the feelings that come up when we hold a pose for a longer period of time. Our mind races and we try to stipple any feelings of discomfort. If we can find a way to breath through those initial feelings, we can come to find a place of calm and ease. Like a student explained at the end of class—it's like diving under a wave in the ocean and letting the feelings wash over you. 

Photo: Just breath, Care of the Soul series by Tracy Evans.

A Window to the Soul

What does the soul look like, I wonder? Is it like a kaleidoscope—a colourful pattern of shapes or is it more likely to be something that is beyond any description? 

Could it be that we are seeing a reflection or window to our soul when we take in a beautiful sunset, share an intimate moment with a loved one or even when we enjoy really good food?

Soulful moments that bring us happiness, connection to each other and the beauty that surrounds us—this is something I am pondering today as I think back to the wonderful 10 days I spent with family and friends in the Ottawa Valley.

Pictured above are some of the views from the cottage I stayed at for a few days. I would like to think there is a part of my soul in this place or vice versa.

Hometown Bound

I am heading back east in search of summer. I am excited to visit with family and friends and feel the heat of summer. Vancouver's summer has been a bit finicky but last night held promise of beautiful summer evenings and sunsets like the one pictured above. 

Au revoir and see you soon!

Photo: Kits beach at dusk.

Leave no Room for Doubt

I've recently started teaching yoga. It's been quite the ride so far. My first few classes I felt a mix of fear and excitement taking the seat of the teacher. Well, actually, more like a mild case of nausea. 

Having taught over a dozen classes, the nausea has faded and has been replaced, in part, with feelings of doubt. In a mixed-level class, it's hard to know if you are serving each student. Is the pace too fast or too slow? Am I holding the poses for too long or not long enough? Are the cues helping enhance their experience or is it just complicating things? 

I have received heart-warming feedback after some of my classes but sometimes I cross my fingers that students had a good experience. It was disheartening to say the least, when I had my first student walk out about three-quarters of the way through a class last week. 

I could tell this student was a bit frustrated during some of the hip opening poses, he mentioned in a previous class that he had some knee issues. Although he did try alternative poses that were less taxing on his knee, he must have reached his limit and left his mat.

I kept teaching and finished the class. I drove home and reviewed the class plan in my head. I thought, was there something I could have done differently to help this student? Doubt. 

I know this is not the first time a student has ever called it quits during a class. I can recall feeling that way myself, mostly because of things that were going on with me, not because of the teacher. My dear friends and fellow teachers have shared similar stories and told me not to take it personally. 

As I prepare for my next class, I will try to instill in myself the same teachings I share with my students: breath through any feelings of inadequacy, fill up with brightness and leave no room for doubt.

Freedom of the Heart

There is a beautiful quote by Rumi that I feel would fit so well with a yoga class dedicated to opening the heart:

"Your task is not to seek for love, but merely to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you have built against it."

What a wonderful pearl of wisdom to instill in students while working on beautiful heart opening poses like: Bhujangasana (Cobra), Ustrasana (Camel) and Urdhva Dhanurasana (Wheel).

We could all use a lift in our hearts and experience freedom from the thoughts and feelings that weigh us down. A simple adjustment you can do right now is to hug your shoulder blades on your back—instantly you shine a little brighter.

Have a wonderful, heart-lifting weekend!

xo J-Bo

Picture: A playful Andee Fraser expresses her own variation of a heart opening pose. Photo by Brent MacKay.

Cat Love

Turco and I have a daily after work ritual. He greets me at the door when I get in from work, tail curled forward in a gesture to say, "Hello friend". I give him a pat on the head and then he ushers me out to the balcony. I grab my old round bristle brush, now meshed with cat fur, and take a seat in one of the fold out chairs. The purring commences as Turco rubs himself against the bristles. He is in cat heaven. 

This ritual gives me a few moments to decompress from my work day and breath some fresh air before I think about what to make for dinner—a kind of sitting meditation, if you will.

Picture: Turco + Brush = Cat Bliss

Theme Weaver

Weaved into Garudasana

My favourite yoga classes are instructed by teachers who skillfully weave a heart-centered theme throughout the class. They drop a pearl of wisdom that can touch your soul and inspire you to give your all in that moment. It is, I feel, what makes a class memorable.

As a new teacher, I find weaving a theme into my class can be tricky. My main priority is to get students into the general form—safely—then add some refinement cues. My theme is usually introduced at the beginning of the class and again as a reminder to students while they lie in Savasana. 

My mentor* recently talked about how to approach theming at one of our meetings. Her advice will transform how you teach: Before class set an intention of how you want your students to feel. Then embody this intention. The heart-centered theme will naturally flow through you, expressed in the tone of your voice and the way you look at and assist your students. 

The results are quite powerful and align so well with the Anusara philosophy of teaching—expressing ourselves from the inside out. To the spark that lies within each of us, Namaste.

*Christine Price Clark, pictured above, is a Certified Anusara Yoga Teacher living in Vancouver. You can find her current class schedule here. 

Patience for the Opening

Baddha Konasana 

When I first started yoga I was easily frustrated when instructed into a bind or a seated forward-fold. My body just did not want to cooperate and I would sit in a 'slight' bend—as far as my hamstrings would allow—and watch as the yogi beside me slowly lowered their forehead towards their mat for an intimate moment. The possibility that I would ever be capable of getting that deep in a pose seemed unachievable. 

My teacher would ease the frustration with reminders to use my breath and breathe into the areas that were tight. The need to go deep in the pose vanished as I focused on my breath and found ease and enjoyment in the process of finding more of an opening in my body. "Be patient for the opening," my teacher would say, "don't force it."

From cane reeds, sugar.

From a worm's cocoon, silk.

Be patient if you can, and from sour

grapes will come something sweet.~Rumi

Whether it's deepening your experience in a pose or inviting good things into your life—by creating more space in your life, you become happier and more open to new opportunities. Here's to sweet openings and realizing we are capable of reaching seemingly unachievable goals!