Facing Grief as a Yogi

Death, it's never easy, but it is something everyone is apart of at some point.  And funny enough it is also one of those things that many people have a really hard time facing.

Different cultures celebrate it differently or even their way they mourn.  There is no right way nor any wrong way. So how as a yoga student can we be helped in facing this elephant?

This topic is something that has been staring at me for close to a week now, someone I actually don't even know, but seem to have a profound enough connection that I find myself mourning for her, even dedicating my energies for her and the people who surround her this week.

As a yoga student, like in life, you will find that there is a plethora of ways that you can work through your grief.  Each is individual and yet beautiful.

For me, there are days that rolling out my mat, is all that I can do.  Sometimes, that is all the therapy I can manage.  But, I do find that the healthiest and most helpful exercise is meditation.  It not only calms that mind, it slows the breathing and even helps you sort some of those emotions, the memories, and all of the balls of energy rolling around inside.

A Simple, Loving Meditation

Taking a seat on your mat, find a comfortable, but stable seat.  Feeling your own connection to the earth, yet noticing the light lift through the crown of your head, feeling the polar ends of your body. Resting your hands on your knees, hands facing up, to allow for openness.  Close your eyes and breathe.  Focus on your inhales and your exhales.  

Breathe.  

Keeping your focus centred and internal.  As we all do, you will notice yourself "thinking", your inner thoughts running rampant, maybe even cry.  

That's okay.  And notice that. 

Tell yourself that you recognize your thoughts and you see them, and say okay.  And then, return to the breath.  Each time you feel your mind wander away repeat this southing and accepting practice, and feel it each time, notice how you might feel a little taller, a little lighter.  Maybe only ever so slightly. 

But again, that is okay.

You might find you can only muster a minute or two and that minute might actually feel like ten.  and that my friend, is normal.  Ask yourself to practice, to just take a minute to sit down on a chair or on your mat, or perhaps behind a closed door.  That minute will help you manage the following 10.

Just always remember to say, okay.  This is all okay. 

New Class

It was such an honour to co-teach with my classmate, Annilee today.
We are co teaching over the next few weeks the students of the Explore Program at Langara College. These are both young and older adults who are in or finishing a post secondary degree but would like to improve their English.  (There is also a program for English speaking students who would like to improve their french if you are interested!)
It was so much fun to assist Annilee and to help the students go deeper into their postures as they explored the movements within the class.  I can't wait for next week!  It will be my turn to lead the class.

Yoga Class at MEC BikeFest 2011

Come one Come All!

I will be teaching 2 short 20 minute class Sessions at the Plaza in the Village along False Creek. These classes will focused around key areas for those avid cyclists that just need to spruce up their training to balance the single direction of movement.

A Life Lesson

A grandfather tells his grandson, "I have two wolves that are living in my heart. One is short tempered, vengeful and violent. The other is gentle, patient and compassionate...and they are at war in my heart." 
"Which one of them will win the war in your heart?" asks the boy. 
The old man answers "The one that I feed."

Food for Thought