Do we need a daily yoga and meditation practice?

Imagine your life without a yoga practice. Looking back at 2009, it has been a great year but also a very challenging one on so many levels. How challenging would this year be without yoga? Without a daily practice to recharge and realign?

From creating good habits to eliminating bad habits, its all about what we do only a daily, consistent basis that matters most. We become our habits and routines. "This practice becomes firmly rooted when it is cultivated skillfully and continuously for a long time." - The Yoga Sutra of Patanjali 1:14. We practice in order to become our practice and only then can we share our practice.

Interestingly enough I talk to lots of yoga teachers who don't have a daily practice who don't have the time to create for themselves what I call 'the foundation' to draw from. I know how difficult it is, to create the time, to make it a priority. It is only this year that I have moved my practice to the mornings -- and for those Kundalini yoga practioners out there, no not to 4 o'clock in the morning, just earlier than work. When I do miss a day, I feel it -- and so does everyone else. My practice is essential for a sense of ease, presence and peace throughout the day regardless of what is going on or how busy I am. As Martin Luther King Jr. would say the busier you are the more time you need to spend in prayer and meditation.
It seems these are the times when we need it most, not only for ourselves but to share it with others. Here are some tips I have gathered along the way to create a daily morning practice:

- Turn the clock back slowly - start with getting up 10-15 minutes earlier for the first month and grow from there
- Set yourself up for success before you go to bed - have your music, clothes, meditation ready to go, waiting for you in the a.m
- Find the same time everyday to practice - your body and mind will move more easily into the space.
- Create a beautiful space in your room for just you and your practice
- Create a support group at work, at your studio or community centre to keep yourself and others motivated
- Be gentle with yourself - if you miss a day, no problem just start again tomorrow

What tips do you have for a daily practice? Please share them here.

Warm regards,

Simone
Simone Riml

Yoga for Fertility

Yoga for Fertility
By: Sue Dumais

Statistics show about 1 in every 6 couples is struggling to conceive. Chances are some of your clients or participants are currently dealing with fertility issues. As is the trend in much of health care, many couples experiencing challenges with fertility are also turning to alternative measures to improve their chances of a pregnancy. While the research is yet to be 100% conclusive, many studies are pointing to the positive effects Yoga can have on fertility.
In one study conducted by Dr. Alice Domar, researcher at the Harvard Medical School, it was found that participants that included Yoga and meditation had an increase in pregnancy rates and as well as reduction in psychological distress. Acute stress is a very real part of most women’s experience with fertility challenges. Dr. Domar’s research also shows that for many women dealing with fertility issues is as distressing as being diagnosed with cancer, HIV or heart disease.
The practice of yoga is designed to create physical, emotional, mental and spiritual balance. Although yoga is an ancient practice, modern science is discovering its power to reduce stress and increase well being. Yoga for fertility focuses on the centers of the body or “chakras” associated with fertility and reproduction. It includes specially designed yoga poses that open the pelvis and stimulate the second chakra located just below the naval. This vital centre has long been associated with fertility and creativity. But more than just improving blood flow to the reproductive organs, yoga for fertility helps reduce stress and anxiety. Women learn to relax the body and restore physical and emotional balance.
Meditation and self reflection is another important aspect of Yoga for Fertility. Many women struggle with feelings of helplessness, doubt and fear. They often believe their body has let them down or they are being punished for something in their past. As women learn to let go of negative thoughts and limiting beliefs associated with their fertility, they experience a renewed sense of control. In addition, the class provides a safe space for women to come out of isolation. In coming together to share their stories, wisdom, experiences, laughter and tears, they discover a profound healing power in the company of others.

If you have a client or participant that is struggling with fertility here are some yoga poses you can recommend to them or incorporate into your class or session.

Leg-Up-The-Wall Pose
This pose increases the blood supply to the pelvic area, calms the mind, and relieves tired legs and feet. Concentrate on expanding the breath to help soften the muscles of the vaginal wall and pelvic area. Imagine softness in the uterus and ovaries allowing the flow of blood and energy. During the pose repeat an affirmation such as “I am fertile” or “I am calm”.

Stay in this pose for 5-15 minutes. Option: place a bolster or blanket under the pelvis to lift the pelvis approximately 2-3 inches depending on your level of comfort. *DO NOT use a bolster with this pose during menstruation. To come out of the pose gently bend your knees and roll over on to your side for 10-15 breaths.

Inner Reflection: Focus on your desire to have a baby. Begin to invite your baby to come into your life. Change your perspective: you are no longer “waiting” or “trying”, from now on you are “open to conceive” or “inviting your baby”.

Child’s Pose
This pose calms the nervous system and helps reduce blood pressure and balance the endocrine system. It is a resting pose that relaxes and calms the mind and body while lengthening your spine and reducing tension in your back and neck. In relation to fertility, I recommend performing child’s pose with the knees apart; this allows space for the belly to drop toward the floor with each inhale. Imagine softness in the uterus and ovaries allowing the flow of blood and energy without restriction or tension.


Inner Reflection: Bring your awareness to your thoughts about yourself and your body. Notice whether your thoughts are positive or negative. Accept the thoughts and imagine them floating away with feeling attached to them. Begin to invite more positive thoughts and perhaps repeat one the following affirmations: “I love my body and trust it’s wisdom” “I am whole and complete” “I accept my body” “I forgive myself” “I am fertile”

Conclusion
The journey through fertility doesn’t need to feel so isolating and all consuming. Using mind body techniques such as yoga and meditation can help your clients learn to listen to their own inner wisdom and guidance. As they begin to make choices from their heart they will find a renewed sense of control and connection to self. I believe every woman can be a Mother! As they follow the voice of their heart they will find the path that will help them bring their baby home into their arms.


Sue Dumais is an author of the Yoga for Fertility Handbook and A Strong Core for Life. She has over 17 years experience in the fitness & wellness industry specializing in fertility and pre/post natal health. Sue has created a Yoga for Fertility Instructor Training program and a Fitness Fertility Specialist Certification course to help reach women struggling with fertility all across Canada. To learn more about Yoga for Fertility visit www.familypassages.ca or call 604-266-6470.

Fee to Teach Yoga Outside

Hi Everyone,

We wanted to make sure everyone knows about the new fees and licence requirement for teaching yoga in Vancouver parks. Here is a link to the CBC news article, "New fees squeeze Vancouver's outdoor fitness operators," outlining the new requirements. A decision by the Parks Board now requires yoga teachers to apply for a licence and pay a $13 hour fee to teach yoga in Vancouver parks. "The Park Board is launching its own outdoor workout programs this summer, but insisted the licences aren't meant to stifle the competition." Rather it is a decision made because the parks are being taken over by outdoor fitness programs.

I talk to lots of yoga teachers and know teaching in the park is either an option to offer free classes (like teaching a group of friends) or as an extension of their class and studio experiences. For the majority of teachers this licence and fee will mean no longer being able to offer outdoor classes. I wonder if the Parks Board knows that?

What do you think about this as a yoga teacher? What about as a practitioner?

Post your comments here and/or forward the article to yoga friends.

Look forward to hearing from you,

Simone

A Code of Ethics for Yoga Teachers

Awhile back I had a discussion with a teacher about a Code of Ethics for yoga teachers. He raised the point that there was no need to sign a Code because of his strong commitment to his yoga tradition demonstrated by daily practice and adherence to the Yamas and Niyamas which in fact provide a ‘higher code’ for him. This got me thinking, “is a code of ethics redundant for yoga teachers?”

As YogaBC, the yoga association of British Columbia, moves to adopt its first Code of Ethics the AGM, June 13th, 2009, I pondered further and realized a code of ethics is not just for teachers; but perhaps more importantly, it is for the public. A code of ethics, code of conduct, teacher registry programs – all of the stuff that makes up a professional association – is put in place for the people we serve. I would suggest that a professional association which consists of these public safety structures is even more essential for the yoga community than in many other professional communities. Yoga practitioners must take a leap of faith as they put their body, mind and spirit into the hands and intentions of their yoga teachers. In fact the number one question we get at the association from the public, “what yoga should I practice, and from whom?” let's us know the public wants some guidance and reassurance.

So I have come to think of signing a code of ethics as the least I can do as a teacher to best serve the public and allow me to share the teachings I deeply believe in. Surely this may seem one sided coming from the yoga association’s community relations manager. I would love to hear your opinions, especially those who disagree and/or can add further insight. In the meantime here is a one question anonymous poll to see what your fellow yogis think.

Regards,
Simone

Simone Riml

Community Relations Manager

Is This Economy Good for Yoga?

I've been talking to yoga teachers, studio owners and teacher trainers and it seems that as our hopes for a speedy recovery of the economy fade, participation in yoga classes, training, and workshops rise. Why? Some would guess that the first place to cut back would be luxuries like yoga classes and training.

Perhaps our yoga studios are the gyms of the early 80’s that experienced record membership numbers during a time of particularly high unemployment. In terms of training to become a teacher, I recently read, people who are being laid-off or think they may be soon, are taking the time to ‘pursue their passion,’ as either another career or to supplement their income, or simply have the time to explore the teachings of yoga more deeply.

Perhaps more to the point, we are all craving the experience of 'going inside' and connecting with that state of peace and well-being that resides in all of us that is not attached to any ‘thing.’ Yoga and meditation is a way to cultivate this unwavering connection. And it is nice to know, as yoga practioners we have the ability to connect and as teachers and trainers, we can share the tools yoga offers to relieve a little stress in our communities. To be continued…

Simone

Community Relations Manager

YogaBC

(image with permission from yogadork.com a blog)

Inside the Yoga Studio - Meet Sue!

Hi Everyone! Meet Susan Horning, YogaBC Board member and owner and operator of Unity Yoga Teahouse. These are her answers to the 10 questions made famous on Inside the Actors Studio:

1. What is your favourite word?

Treasure. I treasure each day in each moment as a gift and treasure the people around me. I delight starting each day as I am, enjoying the treasures I find along the way.

2. What is your least favourite word?

My least favourite word is abuse. Imagine what kind of world it would be without the abuse of power, abuse of property, abuse of language, or abuse of respect!

3. What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally?

The idea that there is something greater that we all strive toward inspires me. The mystery of the universe and its creative connections that are weaved into everything around us is inspiring even in something as simple as a traffic jam –imagine the bigger picture that surrounds it and its just another cosmic contraction or expansion.

4. What turns you off creatively, spiritually or emotionally?

People who are not creative, spiritual, or emotional.

5. What sound or noise do you love?

The sound of Techno, loud, with my high def earplugs in.

6. What sound or noise do you hate?

The sound of death.

7. What is your favourite curse word?

Mreow.

8. What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?


I’d love to be a Politician – sort of. Maybe not a Politician, but a Spiritual Leader.

9. What profession would you not like to do?

I don’t think I’d like to be a Miner working deep underground.

10. If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?

“Want to do it again?”

Feel free to add a couple of your answers to these questions, in the comments section below,
thanks,
Simone

Inside the Yoga Studio

First YogaBC blog posting!


In order to get to know Yoga BC members, I have asked them the ten questions made famous by 'Inside the Actors Studio'. Today, get to know Erin Senior, Yoga BC Board member with her answers to these life altering questions:


1. What is your favourite word? Animate & Facilitate



2. What is your least favourite word? Boring



3. What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally? Creatively: Groups or individuals pushing the perceived boundaries of culture and our understanding or experience of “creativity” in unique or unusual spaces. Spiritually: Kundilini Yoga, Canadian poets and writers who uncover the precise words that capture and exclaim the human experience ( Patrick Lane, Tia Mcleanan, Margaret Atwood, Robert Kroetsch, Alister McLeod) Emotionally: Transparency, honesty and my family.



4. What turns you off creatively, spiritually or emotionally? Creatively: Small limited and conventional thoughts, limited funding Spiritually: Withholding, manipulation and isolation Emotionally: Arrogance and finality



5. What sound or noise do you love? the sound of the piano being played in a large hall after the crowed has left.



6. What sound or noise do you hate? the sound of sires that disrupt the night



7. What is your favorite curse word? I like traditional old school east coast or french curse words- “For the Love of Christ” “Marde”



8. What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? if I had to pick a new one : Working as a Marine Biologist



9. What profession would you not like to do? a cashier at Ikea



10.If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?

I have this image of God standing at the gates jumping up a down,very excitedly flinging his/her/it’s arms shouting “You made it, you made it!” We would laugh out side the gates as God gives me a hug and says, “Just kidding” and then goes to close the gates and then laughs out loud and says “NAW.. I got you! Come on in!” God is a bit of a joker and likes to kid around in my books, always keeping me on my toes.