This week, I had the infinite pleasure of meeting Nicole Taylor, who is trained as a Yoga Warrior instructor, a yoga practice that is designed specifically to assist soldiers in coping with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder as well as the daily and specific stresses that military members are exposed to. The classes are also open to those who are first responders, such as paramedics and firefighters, who also witness emotionally difficult experiences. Each class is designed to relieve many of the common symptoms of PTSD, including jumpiness, feelings of agitation and anxiety. The concept of Yoga Warriors is especially close to my heart since I was a forth-generation soldier, having served almost a decade after my dad served for thirty-five years before me. This is a photo of me, just a year ago, proudly donning my air force uniform.

Nicole Taylor is the only Canadian to be a trained Yoga Warrior instructor, as Yoga Warriors started in the United States. If you would like to read more about Nicole, please click here, to read a local news article from the Barrie Examiner Newspaper. If I could paint a picture for readers as to the perfect person to lead this kind of practice, Nicole would be the model upon which I would base my drawing. When I walked into the studio (located in Barrie, ON, at Ann Green Bliss Yoga Studio), she was warm and inviting, non-judgemental and informative, kind and compassionate. She was quick to answer all of my questions and was more than willing to share about this innovative method, even when answering the questions from my dad, the ultimate skeptic. As a yoga virgin, he was a little more than nervous to be “getting all touchy-feely,” which is how he (and many other soldiers) describes anything that relates to any sort of emotional experience. But donned in our yoga gear and entering the studio with open minds, we settled into our mats and prepared ourselves for the Yoga Warrior experience.

The class was very much a Hatha style, with great meditation both before and after the session with a small group of just six people. There was specific focus on mindfulness, allowing ourselves to remain in the present and be aware of our surroundings. The largest difference between other Hatha classes I’ve taken was in the approach and words that were used. It has been my experience that sometimes, the terminology used in classes can be off-putting to those trained to be “tough” and business-minded. To say the very least, we aren’t really a crowd accustomed to “getting in touch with ourselves” or picturing grassy meadows and saying words like Namaste. Nicole used words that were accessible and realistic, which is key to reaching those who aren’t familiar with this type of practice.

Working a yoga class around groups of soldiers can be no easy task. Serving in the Forces is a job that demands a certain kind of detachment from oneself, when working conditions and traumatic experiences get the better of us. Especially for those soldiers who have deployed and been put in harms way, the response, upon returning home, can often be to detach from both yourself and the people who love you as a means of coping. We soldiers are trained to respond logically and use our training in each and every situation we encounter, which usually doesn’t leave much room for emotional response. We are taught to “soldier on,” which means we are to continue on no matter the pain, be it physical or mental. Sometimes, this mentality is necessary to survive and sometimes, it only teaches us to retreat into ourselves, never to come out again. This is where Yoga Warriors comes in, and in my opinion, this innovative practice is about the spread like wildfire across Canada and hopefully, across the world. Nicole also teaches classes on several military bases, with many commanders getting on board, acknowledging that their troops need methods to cope with the stress of their work and experiences.

My dad still isn’t sure how he feels about yoga, but we’re headed back to Yoga Warriors this coming Wednesday. For the lovely Nicole Taylor, full of positivity and energy and dedication to her work with our soldiers and veterans, I am in awe of the work you do and the passion you bring to the studio. Thank you for sharing your gift and expanding the minds of our soldiers and their leaders.

In the meantime, you’ve created a new Yoga Warrior who both salutes and stretches, all in one day.

Kelly

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photo credit: david_shankbone

Well, it’s already that time of year! From 4-6 November, Vancouver is holding the annual Yoga Conference and Show. Toronto will hold its version of the event from March 29-1 April, 2012.

The event is held at the Vancouver Convention & Exhibition Centre with over 120 exhibits and thirty-nine classes! You’ll find everything from yoga product salespeople to classes to concerts, all wrapped into three days that lead the way to delving deeper into your yoga practice.

This event is great for all yogis, or soon-to-be yogis. Teachers will learn as much as though brand new to their practice, and it’s an all around great opportunity to get into the yoga culture and surround yourself with others who are there to learn, stretch, and have fun. I encourage anyone who wants to expand their knowledge, or anyone who just wants to have some fun with some like-minded folk, to head to the conference this weekend.

Registration is free online, and once you register, you can then sign up for particular classes and sessions that are run over the course of the weekend.

A short post this week, but sometimes, life just gets right to the point!

Kelly

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I remember a world where doors were never locked
and your neighbour was your friend.
Where war was something we swore
never, ever again.
I remember young men and women
able to grow old.
And no need for sombre standing
in Death’s bitter cold.

I remember that war makes no heroes
under God’s infinite skies.
And no victor is there in battle
to widely open eyes.
I remember the children crying
upon hearing such sad news.
When a father or mother in dying
renders pointless win or lose.

I remember those who have fought and died
and those who still live on.
I remember a sense of freedom
rising with the dawn.
I remember now, that little thing
I really wanted to say:
Pray for peace, if you truly want to honor
this Remembrance Day.

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photo credit: bernardoh

Well, Canada has arrived!  Another year gone by since the last, full of days that seemed to last forever, weekends that seemed too short…yet here we are again, all too soon. The long days of summer have arrived, flowers bloom and fruit already lays heavy on trees.

What binds us to this piece of land on planet Earth we call Canada?  Is this chunk of land what Canada is?  Is it the people, the places, the varied culture?  What do we celebrate?

Composed by Eric Robertson and Steve Hyde, I had always hoped this would become our national anthem – Canada Is, sung by Roger Whittaker

Canada Is…

Canada is the Rocky Mountains, Canada is Prince Edward Island
Canada is a country made for love.  Canada is La Belle Provence
Canada is the Yukon Mine, Canada is a country full of love.

We have love for our neighbour, Of whatever creed or colour
We have love for our cities, And our valleys and our plains
We have a voice that is calling, Telling all the world we’re willing
To welcome them to this great land, For that’s what Canada is.

Canada is the Rocky Mountains, Canada is Prince Edward Island
Canada is a country made for love, Canada is La Belle Provence
Canada is the Yukon Mine, Canada is a country full of faith.

We have faith in our future, We’re ready for tomorrow
We have faith in our children, For our future’s in their hands
We have a voice that is calling, Telling us to keep on hoping
For time will make this wild land great, And that’s what Canada is.

Canada is the Rocky Mountains, Canada is Prince Edward Island
Canada is a country made for love, Canada is La Belle Provence
Canada is the Yukon Mine, Canada is a country loving peace.

We have peace in our valleys, We’re happy and contented
We have peace in our cities, And our boundaries have no chains
We have a voice that is calling, Telling all free men we’re willing
To show them how to live in peace, For that’s what Canada is.

Canada is the Rocky Mountains, Canada is Prince Edward Island
Canada is a country made for love.  Canada is La Belle Provence
Canada is the Yukon Mine, Canada is a country full of love.

Let us celebrate our achievements together in working to make our world a better place this Canada day, but also take time to remind ourselves of the work ahead.  Do we have love for our neighbour, of whatever creed or color?  Do we all live in peace, happy and contented?

As we make plans to go to fireworks displays, special events, carnivals, parades…celebrate Canada day by inviting along someone you know cannot afford it, buy a “Canada day meal” for one of the over one million homeless who live on the streets in Canada.  Perhaps you know a single mother who cannot take her child or children out for a day of fun…

On a personal note – Canada is a concept, an ideal if you will that we all hold in our heads – each as real for every one of us.  When our viewpoint relies on a concept or idea, especially one heavily supported by media and government, we tend to stay blind to the deeper truths behind the concept.  Ask yourself what it is about Canada day that you relate to, and then find out if it is truth or concept.

I have found that in habitually celebrating “days” set aside during the year, whether birthdays, Christmas, etc…I missed the point.  Over the last few years, I instead celebrate the smiles and laughter, the camaraderie amongst people and the playing of children.  I see the best of us coming to the surface – and refuse to ‘revert’ once the day is over.  Perhaps whatever you relate to on Canada day doesn’t have to end at dusk with the holiday…

Namaste – and happy Canada Day!

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The Wisdom of Yoga: A Seeker’s Guide to Extraordinary Living By: Stephen Cope (2007) ISBN 978-0553380545

With the crisis in Haiti still at the center of our attention, we are going to take another one of this author’s notorious segues off the beaten trail before discussing this beautiful book by Stephen Cope.  With your kind patience, I would invite you to our supper table last night…

We have three girls, of whom two are young teenagers and the third is doing her best to catch up with her sisters. Our middle child had missed the bus; quite an inconvenience given the one hour return trip into town to retrieve her. As usual, I had the late afternoon supper activities planned in advance with my wife and well under way when the call came.  Her reason for missing the bus; sitting with a friend in the office so she would have company while her friend waited for the phone.  I admit I was angry, and arrived at the table steaming when supper was finally ready.  Our whole family participates in a Buddhist tradition of not eating past five o’clock – it was now five-thirty and we had just begun.  Grrrrr!

The Yoga of offering food

Thankfully, my wife quietly reminded me that speaking in anger would not accomplish anything, and I should eat a little first and relax a bit before speaking.  That is her code for “stop being such a baby,” and I deserved it, I know. I sat down and growled to our daughter that I would have words with her later regarding the bus incident and commenced to eat. My first bite reminded me of another Buddhist practice which became the discussion point of our meal and ties in with not only Haiti but the real topic of this article, the book review.

There is a practice known as The Mahayana way, the Yoga of giving food.  In the Mahayana tradition, we mindfully are thankful for each bite, and with awareness make charity of our food to all of humanity, past, present and future.  In our family discussion, we talked about the people who had died in the Haiti earthquake, as well as those still struggling to survive.  When we see hunger and starvation, or a lack of anything we take for granted so easily, we need to be mindful of how fortunate we are and generate compassion for those suffering.

Compassion for others

Our middle daughter (the one who missed the bus) asked if we were going to do anything to help those in Haiti.  My reply was yes, but we were already beginning to do something to help simply by bringing compassion for others into our daily activities, including eating.  In learning to make a conscious offering of any activity that brings physical, mental or spiritual fulfillment, we move our awareness away from being self-centered and become centered on all of humanity.  These thoughts and intents generate actions that not only you will take, but actions that others will participate in as well.

My daughter’s response absolved her completely in regards to the bus:  She said that caring for others shouldn’t be only when we see it on TV and in the news, but should be a daily commitment with herself – her mind was not in the right place when she went to the office with her friend, but her friend did not want to be alone and she acted from the heart in staying with her…  My daughter then added it was wrong to do and would accept whatever punishment was coming to her.

What could I say?  The student surpasses the teacher, it appears.  What she did was not wrong, but the embodiment of a lesson we have always strived to teach our children.  In our adult lives of modern chaos, careers, relationships, family dynamics, global upheaval – awakening to simple wisdom with childlike wonder is more relevant than ever before…and the subject of The Wisdom of Yoga.

Yoga Sutras of Patanjali

Using the real life daily problems of a group of yoga students and friends, Stephen Cope brings to life the teachings of the Yoga Sutra; a text revered for nearly two thousand years as containing the complete body of the wisdom of Yoga.  The Wisdom of Yoga reveals the teachings of this difficult and enigmatic Sutra through the life stories of close friends and Yoga students, showing the principles at work in their daily struggles.

There are many whose definition of yoga is seen as a rejuvenating and invigorating series of Asanas and breathing exercises, but these physical practices are only the tip of the iceberg of an immeasurable body of wisdom and ancient spiritual science.  In Patanjali’s own words, the first two Sutras of the Yoga Sutra read: “Now the teachings of Yoga.  Yoga is to still the patterning of consciousness.” Raj Yoga (or the wisdom tradition) is brought to life in The Wisdom of Yoga as an effective tool for diagnosing and repairing the inner workings of Mind, Body and Spirit.

Eight limbs

Through Stephen Copes personal stories, readers will be able to identify similar core struggles in their own lives.  The eight limbs of Yoga (behavior, discipline, posture, breathing, sense cessation, concentration, mediation and finally enlightenment) are used to artfully demonstrate their effects in uncovering the roots of our own fears, illusions and self-deception through the lives and actions of Copes characters.  By interweaving their daily predicaments with insights from religion, philosophy, neuroscience and modern psychology, The Wisdom of Yoga. demonstrates the suitability and practicality of the Yoga Sutra and its teachings of awakening.

Stillness

One of the profound lessons of  The Wisdom of Yoga is found in the Sanskrit word Nirodha, used in the original second verse of the Yoga Sutra.  This is defined as ‘cessation’ or ‘to make still’ and is both the goal and path of Yoga practice.  Through cultivating this stillness of consciousness, we are able to see the world around us more clearly and with deeper insight, intuiting the answers to our needs and the needs of those around us.

Through The Wisdom of Yoga, a step-by-step path exists, laid out in ancient antiquity for awakening mankind to a greater reality and Truth.  This is not a path where you will be told what truth is, however.  It is a map pointing to waypoints of reference along your own path to the realization of your true existence and human potential.  In short, it gives the tools to find the answers for yourself.

The Wisdom of Yoga rates and is a must read in today’s modern society.  If you enjoy the physical aspects of Yoga, you have only begun to expose the tip of the depth and breadth that is Yoga.  Dive deeper and enjoy the journey.

I dedicate this offering to the people of Haiti and all of those who suffer in this world.  May your plight realize compassion in all humanity and not go on in vain.  By diminishing our number by one, we diminish the whole of ourselves.  May we all realize true wisdom and compassion for each other and all of nature’s beauty in all our activities…

Namaste

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Pictures often say things no words can truly describe.  This image-article is dedicated to those who lost their lives as well as those struggling to survive in one of the Earth’s poorest nations…

On January 12^th, 2010, Haiti was struck by a powerful earthquake measuring 7.0 on the Richter scale.  This was followed by fourteen aftershocks – earthquakes in their own right – ranging between magnitudes 5.0 and 5.9.

Our hearts go out to those suffering from the aftermath of this terrible tragedy.  Nearly three million people have been displaced or affected, with a death toll expected to exceed 100,000 souls…

Picture courtesy of Telegraph.co.uk

Most of the hospitals and the one paved  road  in Haiti are in ruins.  People are sleeping in the streets, some injured, some lost, and some too young to know anything except their parents are gone…some still in shock at having everything they knew destroyed…

Picture courtesy of Nj.com Star-Ledger Continuous News Desk

When the earthquake struck, there was nowhere to run, no large back yard to stay in, no big open spaces where you could watch for falling debris…no safe haven…

Picture courtesy of Examiner.com

And yet still, many survived.  Thousands may still be alive, buried under tons of concrete and collapsed rubble…waiting, praying, alone and afraid.

Picture courtesy of Spiegel Online International

When I volunteered to write this brief article, I thought I would have too much to say to contain within a reasonable space, and yet I find myself at a loss for words.  The tears that stream down my face as I finish this aren’t visible from where you read this, but perhaps we share those too…

I am ashamed at how easy it is to forget the suffering of others as I go about my daily existence, sometimes cursing my lot in life as I struggle with what now seem to be so petty and inconsequential.

I am ashamed that there is a small part of me that looks at the children in the picture and thanks The Creator that this was not my children, even as my heart breaks…

No matter what your faith, color, creed, or religion – we are all people of Earth, born into one universe on the one planet we know sustains life.  Pray, meditate, bring these people of Haiti into your hearts and practices….we are all God’s children.

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I came across a really interesting video today on the Autisable blog. The video is about a school that is teaching yoga to kids with autism. Sometimes physical activity can be a challenge for these kids but yoga is an activity that they really seem to enjoy. The instructor uses lots of visual cues and even cards with pictures on them to guide the class.

Other ways in which the kids have benefited include: better focus throughout the day, increased physical fitness and using yoga breathing techniques as a way to calm and center themselves.

Seems like a great idea to me – all kids are natural yogis!

Click here to view the embedded video.

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Are you feeling a little guilty about not spending enough time with Fido but desperately want to go to your yoga class? Well, why not combine the two, and complete a yoga class with your dog.

Yoga for dogs or commonly known as doga was a class that was originally developed by Susan Teitelman for Crunch Fitness. She began this practice because she noticed the natural curiosity that her dog displayed when she completed a yoga routine in front of her dog. According to Teitelman, it appeared that her dog wanted to participate so she developed a program which could incorporate both the human and canine needs.

Since the launch of Doga in New York, similar classes have popped up across North America, Japan and the United Kingdom. In addition, Teitelman has now developed a DVD so that if there aren’t in classes in your area, you can practice doga at home.

The Value of Pet Therapy

Pet therapists recognize the significant positive results that occur from simply connecting a person with an animal. Animals have been used to aid people with overcoming loneliness, depression, cancer and abuse. Developing a connection with animals helps us to relax, increase our positive moods, decreases blood pressure and can actually help alleviate pain.

By participating in yoga with your dog, you will obtain the benefits of yoga paired with the benefits of connecting with your pet. According to participants in doga, by the end of the session even the most active canines and owners will feel more relaxed.

Benefits for the dog

• Calming effect
• Strengthens bond with owner
• Reduces anxiety (helps with separation anxiety)
• Increased flexibility
• Aids digestion
• Increases circulation
• Helps with socialization

I have a beautiful German shepherd, however; he suffers from an undiagnosed form of ADD when there are other canines around. So I wonder how do these classes incorporate active pets such as my puppy? According to what I’ve read, dogs such as my Max, would be the perfect candidate for these classes. All doga classes begin with a relaxation session, which helps strengthen the bond between the canine and their human partner.

Similar to other partner yoga classes: part of the principle behind a doga class is to build a strong connection between partners. The focus of the class is not on the movement itself but on connecting and communicating with your pet. The positive attention that the dog receives from their owner helps relax and focus even the most active participants.

How does it work?

The initial relaxation session helps strengthen the bond between the dog and their owner. The class’s main focus is on working through the movements of the postures together. The human participant aids their dog through each posture, gently moving their dog’s bodies through the stretches. This helps increase both the dog’s and their owner’s flexibility as you are jointly stretching together.

In addition, a large portion of the class focuses on pressure points and massage helping the dog to relax, connect with their owner, and aids with their digestion. It is all about paying attention to your dog and their needs, which quite honestly, is often all we both want: a bit of love, relaxation and attention.

Click here to view the embedded video.

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What could the world be like if no one had to suffer the long-term emotional and mental consequences of violence and war? If people had a way to shield themselves from the anguish, terror and loss that results from war, would they eventually have the ability to prevent the next war from ever beginning?

The Peace Project, born from The Heart of Yoga Foundation, is all about trying to do just that. Founded after a heartfelt conversation between two yoga instructors, one from Tel Aviv and one from Lebanon, The Peace Project is on a mission to use the healing and restorative power of yoga to bring peace and hope to people living in areas torn apart by conflict and war.

Because yoga helps people remain grounded and steady, it can be extremely beneficial to people who live in areas of the world torn apart by violence and conflict. The Peace Project ventures into these devastated communities and teaches people yoga and meditation to empower them to rise above the conflict and remain grounded and in control of their serenity and sanity.

The yoga instructors involved in this transformational program teach people living in these terrible circumstances how to find their inner beauty and natural ways to heal themselves from the scars of their surroundings.

In addition to leaning basic yoga poses, participants also learn breathing techniques that prepare and strengthen the body and meditation techniques and mental exercises to train the mind to focus and relax. Breathing and meditative training are a natural part of yoga, but in these circumstances they provide the additional benefits of teaching a coping mechanism to the students living in the chaos of their lives.

Other benefits come from yoga concepts as well, including increased patience and determination, the ability to be non-reactive when facing conflict and the ability to begin to see past cultural superficial differences.

Students learn haw to communicate in a non-violent way and to carry on dialog regardless of cultural differences. These life tools are important for everyone to learn, but they are critical when living in the horrors of a war zone.

It’s amazing when you consider that a practice many people think of as simply stretching can have such profound effects on people’s lives. It serves as evidence, however, that one can use the principles of yoga in whatever level they choose. If you want to use it simply as a means of toning your body, it works wonders for lengthening and strengthening your muscles. If you’re looking for a tool to help you rise above the stress and chaos of everyday life, it is an excellent method of meditation and relaxation. If you are looking for a method of survival in the midst of sheer terror and insanity, well, yoga just might be the answer for that as well. What ever your reasons, it seems clear that adding yoga to your lifestyle can reap untold benefits.

What benefits does yoga bring to your life? Drop a comment and let me know!

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One of the things I love about yoga is you can practice it in a variety of ways. You can create an at-home yoga routine of your favorite poses and sequences, drop in a yoga DVD and follow along or join a local group at a gym, wellness center or community education facility. While yoga is truly a solitary process, participating in a class offers you the chance to perfect your techniques, learn some new ones and meet like-minded people.
One thing that must be present for any effective yoga session is a serene environment that allows you to relax completely. The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, GA offers a whole new concept of a relaxing, serene environment for your yoga routine.

Some of the top yoga instructors from the Atlanta area have partnered together for "Be Well Atlanta" program. "Be Well Atlanta" is a community wide effort to bring wellness opportunities to both adults and children in the Atlanta area. The Georgia Aquarium is pleased to join this effort by offering the Oceans Ballroom at the Aquarium for classes. The Oceans Ballroom offers views of thousands of sea animals including sharks, beluga whales and the only manta ray in the United States.

It’s easy to imagine how being surrounded by water and incredible sea life could enhance your yoga experience. Seeing the beauty of some of the most powerful creatures of the world gliding gracefully and silently through the endless gallons of water is a perfect analogy of the combination of strength and peacefulness yoga can bring to your life.

Finding creative ways to incorporate your yoga routine allows you to tap into its restorative benefits more often. If your only experience with yoga is your personal class at the gym and you travel out of town, you aren’t likely to find a way to fit your routine into your day. If you’ve experimented with different locations and situations, you’re much more likely to keep up with your practice. As you get more comfortable with moving through your postures in different environments, you’ll soon find a new kind of freedom. Imagine the power of this kind of self-confidence! I’ve always wanted to be one those gorgeous skinny chicks that stand on the beach in front of the ocean gracefully flowing through some awesome yoga routine. I admit, I’m not quite ready for that (and really, neither is anyone else on said beach!) but if I lived in Atlanta, you wouldn’t have to ask me twice to join the class at the aquarium. After all, doing yoga with a creature that actually IS the size of a beluga whale is BOUND to make anyone feel thin and sleek!

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