As I write this, the anticipation is building about the birthing process of my first child. Time and again I remind students about the power of our breath and all that it holds. What a great reminder for myself! Our hearts pump oxygen from the breath through the blood in our bodies, but along with this movement of oxygen to each and every cell, comes the flow of Prana. All science aside, Prana is a yogic vital source of energy that is life-sustaining, much like chi or ki from other traditions. Prana is the Sanskrit term for Life Force Energy and I like to consider the conscious use of it as a spiritual way to energize oneself.
Living ‘one day at a time’ is a great way to cope when life feels complicated or overwhelming. However better yet, living ‘one breath at a time’ helps us stay truly in the moment and gets us through things that are seemingly impossible! Let’s all remember the power of our breath more often, and draw in the valuable life force energy that comes with each cycle. When we are born into this world, the first thing we do is ‘inhale’. When we expire and exit into the next world, the last thing we do is ‘exhale’.
Be with the life force and do this with me, BREATHE.
OM Shanti
Lori Charko
Congratulations Lorraine Bennett ! Especially over this past year, Lorraine has been a blessing to the studio with her helpful hints and great networking ability. What she says about us, “When I first walked in the door at Body Harmony three years ago, my situation was urgent. In my mid-50s, I was a “former runner”, stressed, out of shape, desperate for a means to recover lost strength and flexibility and a path to peace of mind. In the early days, so poor was my condition that I couldn’t hold my core body up in a seated position for more than a few seconds and the tension in my back prevented me from relaxing my back flat to the floor!
I’m happy to say that today I’m a devotee of yoga! It has restored much needed strength and flexibility, calmed my mind and body. It has given me skills directly applicable in other personal domains like scuba-diving – a sport I’ve come to late in mid-life. Yoga has given me the combined focus, relaxation and efficient breathing necessary to dive safely and comfortably.
I’m hugely grateful to Lori for her spiritual goodness and her technical skill, for creating an oasis of truly mindful yoga, and to the instructors and all the participants in the Body Harmony community for sharing ‘the peace’. Namaste.”
V-day is not just a time to give and receive chocolates wrapped in shiny red and pink foil. It can also be a time to share feelings of love and appreciation for those who make our lives as wonderful as they are. Do you know what else is wonderful?
A 2-for-1 Special on a 10 Class Flexi Pass. Enjoy the benefits of a yoga practice, the company of a friend, and some extra cash in your wallet (perhaps go for a post yoga tea?).
Get your V-day special before Feb 15th and share the love…
2 NEW Students receive a 10 Class Flexi Pass for $150 or $75 plus hst each – Contact us today!
Yoga for the Upper Body with Jen Jordan
A two hour class focusing on the neck, shoulders, chest, arms and wrist. In this class we will release deep held tension that is stored into our upper body when we have stress. Come and enjoy this stress relieving afternoon.
Sunday February 6
12:30 – 2:30pm
$20 plus hst – Preregister Now
Developing Your Home Yoga Practice with Lori Charko
This class is great for students who have some yoga experience, and feel comfortable with basic yoga postures. We will have fun creating a yoga flow incorporating your favorite postures and personal needs. Learn how to build a safe and balanced combination of postures for your own yoga practice at home, while vacationing or when working on the road using your hand written notes. Practicing yoga is a life long venture that can be done anytime, and virtually anywhere! Maximum 10 students. Please come prepared to practice your new flow.
Sunday February 20
12:30 – 2:30pm
$20 plus hst – Preregister Now
Phoenix Rising Therapy 7 Week Program with Jenn Owens
Jenn’s 7 week pilot program: “Awareness, Your Key to Change.” Experience a class that combines yoga, mindfulness and dialogue. Each week move through a different theme of awareness. Get to know your whole self through your body and have a safe and supportive circle to share in.
Awareness, Your Key to Change
Saturdays February 5 – March 19
12:15 – 2:30pm
Includes 1 Day Retreat Sunday Feb 27th (another location)
$230 plus hst – Preregister Now
The next time you’re at home enjoying a movie or your favourite TV show, skip the chips and reach for a bowl of Edamame instead. Eda-wha?
Edamame, which means “beans on branches” are little pods full of tasty goodness. It’s an excellent low-calorie source of protein – including all 9 essential amino acids that the body cannot produce itself. It’s high in fibre, which keeps you feeling full longer and aids in digestion. The isoflavones supports a healthy heart and helps to maintain bone-density. Did I mention it’s full of folate and vitamin K as well? Both help to keep the heart healthy. Yes, there are some who caution against consuming too many soy-based products, however, as with all foods, moderation is key to a balanced diet – snacks included.
Edamame beans are delicious simply steamed, or you can get creative and sprinkle a little sea salt, pepper, cayenne??? If you have a fabulous recipe that incorporates edamame, let us know – post it either on Facebook or the BHYS blog.
Edamame beans are a great alternative to that TV, mid-day or even late-night snack. Bon appetit!