7/11/14 7/11/14

Foundation Friday: Savasana

This post is the first in a new series that delves into the basics of yoga—looking at its postures (asana), breath (pranayama), philosophy, and all the other essentials—giving you the foundations upon which to build a solid practice. First off, we’ll be taking a look at the quintessential yoga asana, or pose—savasana.

Asana

Corpse Pose, or “Savasana”

(sava=corpse, asana=pose)

sha-vass-a-na

Savasana is the most important—and perhaps, the most difficult—pose in yoga. While it may appear that someone in savasana is simply setting up for a nap, the goal is not actually to fall asleep—rather, savasana intends to mimic the restful effects of sleep by rejuvenating the body, mind, and spirit while the practitioner remains conscious. Since we are not distracted by sensory sensation in this restful position, we are perfectly prepared to lie in quiet awareness of our breath, of our mind, and our humble presence. Without attaching any judgment on to our pattern of breath or to any thoughts that may arise, we may simply be conscious of them.

Why do we practice savasana?

Savasana is a perfect place to pause and find some peace before yoga, to settle our minds and bodies, to get ourselves into a quiet space, setting the tone for our practice. After asana practice, it is so important to take savasana—savanasa is where our bodies make sense of everything that happened throughout practice. This is the time that we can integrate any new sensory information throughout our bodies—where we can soak up all the goodness of practice and let it sink in. It is also an exercise in calming the nervous system, and just like any muscle in our body, the more we can train our brains to find quiet—to slow down and simply notice things the way they are—the stronger our brains and nervous systems will be at mimicking the same quiet, stillness, and calm throughout the rest of our lives.

Savasana may help…

• Decrease your heart rate • Lower your blood pressure • Alleviate muscle tension • Lessen anxiety • Heighten your ability to concentrate or focus • Increase your energy levels

How do I get there?

First, lie on your back. Lay your feet outstretched from your body about hip-width distance apart, with your arms outstretched a few inches away from your side body, palms face up.
Let your toes relax to the sides (your feet may rotate outwards slightly).
Slightly tuck your tailbone under to lengthen your spine.
Tuck your shoulder blades underneath your body to open across your chest.
Slightly tuck your chin in to keep the back of your neck long.
Close your eyes.
Relax and soften everywhere that you can in your body.
Release any breathing technique you may have been using in class—breathe naturally.

***Note: comfort is essential in savasana—find whichever variation of savasana is the most relaxing to you, so that it will be easier for you to avoid distractions.

If this position is uncomfortable, you can:

Keep your upper body the same, but bring the soles of your feet together and let your knees fall wide
Place the soles of your feet mat-width distance apart and rest your knees together (helps if you are experiencing lower back discomfort)
Place a bolster under your knees (also helps with lower back discomfort)

We hope this helps you better understand the concept of savasana. Please feel free to comment with any further questions. And let us know if you have something you would like to see featured in Foundation Friday!

7/1/14 7/1/14

Seize Summer... All Things FESTIVAL!

Let's get ready to FESTIVAL!

Let's be honest, our beautiful YEG thrives in the summer. With such a colourful festival line-up, it's hard to choose where to be! We are excited to create a hub of festival pre- and reviews as we seize summer in style. Watch for our favourite festival highlights, Yogalife instructors in the field, and epic musical musings as we share all things FESTIVAL.

Here's a complete festival/celebrations list for Edmonton as told by Mastermaq, a site definitely worth checking out if you're into YEG action.

http://blog.mastermaq.ca/2014/06/05/your-guide-to-summer-festivals-events-in-edmonton-2014-edition/

Beyond the array of Edmonton cultural offerings, we'll be taking a look at some of the best out-of-city festivals around. Astral Harvest, Wanderlust, Burning Man... ahhh, summer dreaming!

Join our Facebook Group and stay connected throughout the summer! We love to hear from you!

6/30/14 6/30/14

YEG Highlight: South Common Farmer’s Market

YEG Highlight: South Common Farmer’s Market

Surely you’ve seen all the signs on your commute to and from our south studio—our neighbours over at the South Common Farmer’s Market are so close, you can almost smell the fresh summer berries as you step out of our studio doors!

Featuring sunshine, fresh local goodies, and friendly faces, the outdoor market is home to some lovely vendors sharing everything from handmade coconut milk soap to Alberta beef jerky. Bring your pre- or post-class appetite—food trucks and stalls offer ready-to-munch goodies like fresh fish tacos, sweet and juicy lemonade, and gluten-free perogies smothered in all the toppings.

Feel free to simply browse and enjoy the community, and feel good about any purchase—not only are you supporting local farms and businesses, but the South Common Farmer’s Market also gives back to various charities, like Hope Mission, The Center for Arts and Music, and plenty of youth sports teams.

The South Common Farmer’s Market runs every Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Servus parking lot just southeast of Yogalife South (this year, it runs until October 19^th). There’s plenty of parking, and ETS route #74 stops right at the curb.

Hope to see you southies there!

6/26/14 6/26/14

Guest Teacher Lisa Cohen

Yogalife Studios South is excited to welcome guest teacher Lisa Cohen, joining us from Arizona.

Lisa will be leading Melissa's Ashtanga class this Sunday June 29th at 12:30pm.

A little bit from Lisa:

Yoga came into my life when my father and sister took me to their Ashtanga yoga teacher, Anthony "Prem" Carlisi, in 1998. I did Primary series, all of Primary series in my first class. I couldn’t move after class or the week after. I was humbled. I knew that I would practice yoga for the rest of my life. I didn’t know that I would teach, but Prem passed the torch to me when he moved away. After 15 years on the mat, I am still a lifelong student, still humbled and still in-love with the Practice.

Yoga opened me up to many ways of seeing and learning, communicating and growing. Yoga is opening, loving and evolving. Yoga is an ego corrective experience. Finding yoga has helped me practice gratitude everyday in every way.

My class is appropriate for all students willing to try something new and step out of what they might think is possible, ordinary or routine. With guidance and love I try to challenge each student while nourishing the body with breath and awareness and clarity of alignment.

To learn more about Lisa visit her site www.flowinwithcohen.com See you Sunday!

6/25/14 6/25/14

Warriors Of Change

Brandon Jacobs, Warriors of Change facilitator, speaks about his upcoming offerings at Yogalife Studios:

I have reworked my Warriors of Change series to bring you two different workshops - Awareness & Transformation. This is a humble offering, in hopes that I can be of service to help anyone in any way I can to move through your physical practice and to embrace and move within your emotional and subtle body, in pursuit of your highest self. I have attached the poster here, so please pass this along to anyone you feel could benefit from it. I feel workshops such as these are greatly needed in the yoga community so I am very proud to be offering this.

Through a lot of reading and research on unhealed trauma, Brandon has been newly inspired to evolve this workshop into a program to help people find empowerment and awareness from their past experiences, struggles and wounds. We are not victims, and we are not alone. Brandon is passionate about creating an extremely safe space and environment to allow people to move through whatever they may need. Small or big steps, we are all here together in support of one another. Brandon published an article in Elephant Journal, in April of 2014 as a way to open up the lines of communication. The hope is that everyone will have read the article before we begin the first session.

We often try to overcome many societal issues (perfectionism, eating disorders, self-worth, body image, etc.) individually. This workshop will provide a safe place for people to emote, deal, and realize the power of hearing someone say, “me too.”

This workshop is the very core of Brandon's work, and he is truly committed to helping people work through, or at least become aware of what is holding them back. We have already received an overwhelming response from the previous Warriors of Change workshops, and we hope to continue to help people become their truest and most authentic selves. This is a needed workshop, not just at Yogalife, but in our community as a whole.

Warriors of Change // Awareness // July 5 // 2:30-5:30pm

Yogalife Studios North

register here

In this workshop we will be discovering ways to heal traumas, and work through many common societal issues, by means of asana, or the practicing of yoga postures, svadhyaya, or the practice of self-study, journaling, meditation, and mantra. This is all in pursuit of moving towards a higher version of yourself. Through the POWER of asana, we create a deep sense of self-awareness, so that we can progress and grow. We learn to truly see ourselves, forgive ourselves, and love ourselves. By becoming AWARE and working through what is holding us back, we move away from distraction, and find what is at the core of us as individuals. Through this acceptance, transformation becomes possible.

Warriors of Change // Transformation // August 9 // 2:30-5:30pm

Yogalife Studios North

Throughout the course of this workshop, we will dive deeper into the concepts of self-acceptance and self-worth. We will immerse ourselves in our yoga practice, and move mindfully as we breathe, and chant together. After we practice and forgive, there will be a very cleansing guided meditation, followed by a ceremony, where there will be an opportunity for others to share in their experiences, as we bring our community even closer together. Always coming back to the reminder that we are not a victim of circumstance, but a powerful being with choice.

*please bring a journal & something to write with $30/$35 at the door for one session, or $55 for both

6/23/14 6/23/14

Featured Yogi Of The Month: Neil Haggard

This month we caught up with Neil Haggard, Yogalife's resident adventure yogi who has been with us right from the start! When Neil's not travelling, you can find him leading classes and workshops or riding his bike. What a perfect ambassador for Bike Month! Neil is an active cyclist, hiker and climber and is inspired by how Yoga builds strength and flexibility to support and enhance so many outdoor activities.

Neil shares a bit about his upcoming Yoga for Summer Athletes workshop, Sunday, June 29 3:30-5pm:

Click here to register!

I am excited to offer this fun yoga workshop to active summer yogis! Runners, recreational cyclists, walkers and hikers will benefit from an invigorating Yoga Asana practice to build flexibility for hips, hamstrings and develop a strong core! This workshop will be fun and challenging, for anyone active in summer activities who wish to enhance their fitness, strength, flexibility and knowledge of anatomy! We will work with breath techniques, experience stress relief and learn ways to develop a deeper sense of health and well-being! Come and join with other like minded yogis, as you deepen your practice, and give your body the support it needs to continue with the outdoor activities that you love!

How did you get your yogic start? Who brought you to your first class, what was that like, and where was it? My start in yoga was 17 years ago as a runner with tight hips, hamstrings and a sore back. I found yoga helpful in stretching my body and savasana was so helpful in dealing. I learned to breathe, started cycling and found it really helped me when I was racing road bikes and doing time trials. I had a wonderful Korean senior teacher (Julie Jeong) at the YMCA who inspired me to continue and eventually join the Yoga Association of Alberta where I became a certified YAA teacher. I have been teaching for 11 years and enjoy teaching Hatha, Yin, hot and warm flow, and core to all levels and abilities. I am now an intermediate teacher with the YAA and was one of the original yogis who started with Yogalife a few months before we opened the South studio! I teach morning Hatha on Mondays and 7 pm Foundations and 8:30pm Warm Flow on Thursday evenings as well as various workshops throughout the year (Tibetan Singing bowl meditations, Yoga for Cyclists, Anatomy for Yoga, etc) I am excited to offer a workshop for Summer Athletes on Sunday, June 29 3:30-5pm - a strong, fun practice to enhance all summer activities!!

Share a favourite quote, lesson, or teaching that inspires you.

There is do, or not do...there is no try - Yoda

What's your favourite music to practice to (or do you prefer silence?)

Karunesh (~compassion) has some amazing music to practice with, and I use their music while teaching. Gandalf also has some incredible music for asana and meditation!

Your favourite books, yogi-inspired or fiction.

Light on Yoga by BKS Iyengar and Judith Lasater's Living Your Yoga are two favorites

Tell us about your first teacher training.

A River Lodge yoga retreat with the Yoga Association of Alberta where we each had to teach 2-3 poses to other teachers. It was incredible how much we learned from each other and the senior teachers.

Where's your favourite vacation spot?

Nepal - I lead Yoga & Culture tours and treks to Nepal each year and when I return this October, it will be my 13th time there! I keep a Nepal blog - www.neilinnepal.blogspot.com. I have just returned from nearly a month cycling in Norway (my 4th time there so I guess it is also a fave)

What is your favourite meal to make and share with friends?

Seafood and a nice California or Australian wine!

What's your favourite pose/sequence/area of the body to work on?

I actually have 2 favourite asanas - Kapotasana - my piriformus always needs a stretch and Warrior II for strength

Who inspires you?

Gandhi and Iyengar

Share your favourite self-healing practice.

I breathe, meditate, enjoy stillness and nature while cycling solo Jasper to Lake Louise, which I do for 3-4 days each year! Very restorative. I climb rock, XC ski and Ice climb as well as do some mountaineering which I find meditational to be in the mountains and notice the stillness, clear my mind and enjoy this amazing earth!

Where's the next place you want to travel?

Central and South America are waiting - Patagonia, Machhu Pichhu, Ecuador!

Share one of your life goals.

A life goal would be to move to a country in Asia to live, steep in the culture and become fluent in the language. I plan to fly around the world in 2-3

years!

Namaste Neil! Thank you for sharing.

6/20/14 6/20/14

Big Love For Prairie Yogi

photos by Jenn Crebas Photography

Ahhh, sunshine, music, friends, and yoga. What more could you want out of life?! Last week, the elusive Edmonton sun beamed out its welcoming warmth and rays— a wonderful way to greet Prairie Yogi as they stopped over in our city. After reading and loving the online magazine and community they’ve created, we finally had the pleasure of meeting Rachelle and Monique (a.k.a. Prairie Yogi) in-person at Louise McKinney Riverfront Park.

Together, we saluted the beaming sun as Noah Krol of Peg City Yoga guided us through an open-air karma practice, the river and pyramids our drishti. Post-savasana popsicles from our friends at Lululemon made the whole afternoon feel a treat as we sat in the grass to chat.

And as if the daytime yoga wasn’t enough bliss, we stepped into Latitude 53—an art gallery repurposed as practice space—for the official PY YEG Launch Party, the tone set with soft incense and some sweet, funky musical stylings from Robhindra Muse-ic. Our heart-opening practice was guided with the warm hands of Edmonton’s own, with gracious adjustments from Myrah Penaloza and Teresa Byer, as Andrew Misle led us through a strong back body sequence.

We loved practicing alongside familiar faces, and some we haven’t seen before—it was incredible to share space and so much good-hearted energy with all kinds of YEG yogis! Edmonton’s yogis are truly rockin’ their practices—and this whole day of yoga immersion with the community served as such a sweet reminder of all the good vibes floating across our city, within and without our studio walls.

We hope you felt the love too, Prairie Yogi—please come back and hang anytime!

Prairie Yogi toured Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta to promote their upcoming Prairie Love festival which takes place in Winnipeg this September. Check it out!

Stay Connected! Join our Facebook Group.

Yogalife Team 6/19/14 Yogalife Team 6/19/14

Virya Yoga Challenge

Virya means diligence, effort and enthusiasm

Join us for the next 3 months to build a more balanced and consistent yoga practice in your life this summer.

Yoga is an inward journey for all of us so allow yourself the time and space to develop your own personal practice.

THE DETAILS

A minimum of 3 practices per week from March 1st until May 31st.

There are a total of 13 weeks plus 4 days in that time.

You will receive a journal upon registration to keep track of your weeks and practices as well as marking your weeks in-studio.

This challenge is meant to help build consistency in your week to week, month to month lifestyle. To commit to yourself to practice every week, three times per week means to consistently build discipline in your practice. Extra classes in one week will not count towards the next. This practice is about consistency and how you can maintain a healthy happy body each week.

If you can’t make it to the studio or you plan to go on vacation, bring us with you!

Show us how you’ve kept up with your practice during that week. Here is an option:

Tag us @yogalifestudios and Hashtag #YogalifeViryaPractice with your preferred social media to let us know your progress, or let us know in your own creative way how you’ve been keeping up with your practice.

Join our Facebook Group to be motivated and to motivate others during the challenge.

6/18/14 6/18/14

108 Sun Salutations

What is 108?

It is an auspicious number that has so many meanings, but the one that resonates the most with this workshop, is that there are 108 energy lines that converge on the heart chakra (Anahata). Interesting that this is a place of love and peaceful sharing.

The vision is to share a room full of caring yogis, fill that room with breath, prana, peace and let that resonate to the world this summer solstice. You will be guided through 108 sun salutations and a whole lot of fun on June 21st, in hopes to raise money for a charity dear to your guide, Melissa's heart called "Women for Afghan Women".

A while back, I was reading a National Geographic story called "Afghan Women". For the first time in a long time, I wept uncontrollably. We are so blessed to live in a place where we can express our freedom, can come and go as we please and travel the world on our own.

The women of Afghanistan can't even go to the market on their own, and generally are not allowed the opportunity to know anyone outside from their family. Abuse amongst many women is almost at 80% nationwide, which is an astonishing fact.

The stories out there are horrific, yet their fierce spirit has helped them persevere. Such amazing and inspiring souls. Women for Afghan Women has now built 7 women shelters in Afghanistan, and they help to remove women and children from life threatening situations, provide safe shelter and educate them in hopes of a better future.

This organization and the stories of the women they help struck a heart cord with me and I felt compelled to take part since I have been so grateful to have travelled the majority of the world, even to central Asia, and was met with whole hearted kindness where ever I went. It is now my turn in life to try and reciprocate.

I would love to have you all join me in this solstice for peace and blessings to the less fortunate. We are all trying to build a better future for the world! Click here to register!

-Melissa

108 Sun Salutations for Peace with Melissa Perret Saturday, June 21 // 2:30-5:00 pm Yogalife Studios South Minimum donation is $25

6/16/14 6/16/14

So Fresh And So Clean!

Although many yoga students learn asana practice first, the ocean of Yoga has many teachings to offer. Pantajali's classical Eightfold Path places yama and niyama before asana; more teachings are categorized within these limbs as well (yogi's love their lists!).

These offerings may not be a common theme in a typical yoga class, yet it is important to understand the information and apply it to our practice.

The niyamas include 5 observances: Saucha (cleanliness of thought, mind and body), Santosha (contentment), Tapas (spiritual effort), Svādhyāya (self-study), and Ishvarapranidhana (surrender to God). Today we will touch on the first niyama, Saucha.

As yogis we understand the importance of clean thoughts and intentions; our limiting words and judgements are a nasty byproduct of the ego. Committing to cleaning up your thoughts, words and actions cleans up your energy, your life. With less clutter we can flow through life with greater ease and clarity. With this cleanliness everything becomes easier.

Purity IS health! We can think of this quite literally, finding that perfect cleanse, keeping our homes clean, and caring for ourselves properly.

When we step onto our mats alongside perhaps 40 or 50 other sweaty yogis, saucha is incredibly important to maintain the respect and comfortability of the room. Honour yourself and your fellow yogi by keeping your props tidy, your mat lined up, and above all your personal hygiene tended to. Just as we expect a fragrance-free studio space, we ask that you come with an awareness of your personal saucha. Obviously things are going to get sweaty, that's the point!! But ensuring that you are coming in decently showered and such will keep the space enjoyable for all.

Friendly etiquette reminder and philosophy lesson wrapped into one! Thank you and namaste.

6/13/14 6/13/14

Essential Cyclist Asanas

This month we are joining along in the YEG celebration of cycling! As yogis, we know how incredibly essential it is to honour our bodies with the right movement, finding balance after rigorous activity. Yoga, in all its magnificence and splendour, is the perfect compliment to pretty much anything; give me a side of asana before and/or after a long ride and I am a happy camper!

Yogi and endurance athlete Josh Schrei shares the following:

Pedalling long hours astride the saddle with the neck up shortens the spine and causes tightness in the lower back, sacrum, and hips. The neck and jaw can lock up, too. Good posture and stretching will help diminish these after-effects of serious rides.

First, look at your posture in the saddle. Focus on lengthening the spine—be conscious of keeping space between the shoulders and neck. Also, lift the navel to engage the lower abdomen. This will keep the support in your core to protect your lower back.

Second, do these four yoga postures every day to stay loose and maximize your potential on the bike.

1. Cat/Cow

Cat/Cow brings length to the spine in both the forward- and back-bends, working out stored tension from cycling.

2. Downward Facing Dog

Downward dog will not only open the lower back, it will also strengthen it, giving you structural support when you’re on the bike.

3. Chair Pose Into Forward Bend

Like Downward Dog, this pose alternately strengthens and opens the low back and hips. It also lengthens the upper spine.

4. Plow

This pose will open up the whole spine, particularly the sacrum at the base of the spine.

adapted from outsideonline.com

What are you favourite post-cycle stretches? Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Happy riding!

6/9/14 6/9/14

Deepen Your Practice With Kristin Campbell

“I am in love with my life path as a Mama, Yoga Educator, Teacher Trainer, and Mentor for Teachers. My classes are a transformative and raw-come sweat and laugh with me! Ultimately, my work is about supporting yoga-practitioners and yoga-teachers in their journey to becoming the best possible version of themselves."

We are incredibly excited to welcome back Kristin Campbell for on June 13, 2014 for two sessions: Teacher Development & Hot Master Class.

Kristin currently teaches at YYoga in Vancouver and Shala Yoga in Squamish. She is Co-Head of YHot Programming, on faculty for YYoga Teacher's College, and Gaiatri teacher trainings. Kristin is the founder/director of Tapasya Hot Yoga, an alignment-based Hot Yoga program informed and inspired by her love of Baptiste Power Yoga, Bikram and Anusara Yoga. Tapasya Hot and Tapasya Power inspired classes are now offered throughout Europe and North America.

"Once we meet, you will come to know immediately that I am passionate about teaching yoga and teaching people how to teach yoga. I am easy to connect with, I keep it real, I make it playful and I am full of moxy. I will find a common thread for us to weave our story with from a place of total authenticity and love." - Kristin Campbell, http://www.kristincampbellyoga.com/

With depth, concision, compassionate Mama energy, a buoyant personality and a knack for holding space, Kristin teaches sustainable, alignment-based yoga: freeing the strong, and strengthening the free.

Click here to register for Kristin's upcoming sessions on June 13th at Yogalife South.

6/6/14 6/6/14

Wheat Kings and Prairie Things

“Big skies, big hearts”—that’s how Rachelle and Monique, known together for their work with Prairie Yogi, describe our wide community of practitioners and the great expanse of land—of grain and grit—upon which we move. Prairie Yogi is an online magazine devoted to building connections across the prairies, uniting yogis from Edmonton all the way to Winnipeg.

Often it may feel that we’re isolated here, far north and far away from an engaged, curious community of yogis—that’s why Rachelle and Monique wanted to create an open, online forum for prairie practitioners to share their experiences, their studios, and their love for the wide expanses we call home. The idea is that we can foster a family, we can cultivate a kind of Canadian kula—and feel connected, whether linked with words on their website, or when we travel between places.

This month, Prairie Yogi is traveling from their home base of Winnipeg to officially launch their project westward—and they’ll be stopping by Edmonton next week, on June 11th. We feel so honoured that they’ve hand-picked two of our very own instructors to lead through their launch—Yogalifer and Studio Director Lindsey Park will be guiding an outdoor practice during the day at Louise McKinney Park. And in the evening, our own Myrah Penaloza, alongside Andrew Misle and Teresa Byer, will be helping teach a 75-minute class at Latitude 53—an event that involves not just yoga, but also wine, food trucks, and beats by guest DJ Robindra. (You had us at yoga!)

We chatted with Prairie Yogi to get to know these lovely ladies a little better before their big YEG debut. Here’s what they had to say.

1) Tell us about Prairie Yogi—who are you, and what do you do?

R: Prairie Yogi was created first as a print Magazine to educate + inspire yogis across the Prairies, and it has evolved into such a beautiful community over the last 2.5 years. We believe story-telling, community, and experiences and these beliefs are expressed through our digital media property prairieyogi.com and our signature style of events. I am the founder of Prairie Yogi, the editor of the website, and the one who spearheads our events and marketing strategies.

M: Prairie Yogi began as a print magazine two and a half years ago. Now it's grown into something much larger and something very special. It's an inclusive community of passionate yogis (of all levels!). We host inspiring yoga events, workshops and this September we'll be hosting Prairie Love - the prairie's first yoga and wellness festival. I created the Prairie Yogi website and have my hands in all things creative: design, photography, video- creativity makes me bust with joy!

2) What do you love about the prairies?

R: I love the four seasons, life in the extremes and its effect on our people. We're friendly and can handle pretty much anything mother nature throws our way. I'm a gypsy at heart, I never thought I'd end up here. It took me years of travel across four continents and living on a tropical island to realize just how special the prairies are and be ready to call Winnipeg the place I choose to spend life.

M: My favourite thing about the prairies is the people. The prairies will always mean home, family and community to me. Regardless of the weather (we really do endure the extremes!) prairie people always seem to embrace the temperatures with resilience and make the most of the beautiful seasons we have.

3) Have you visited Edmonton before? If so, what stands out—do you have any Edmonton stories? What did you love?

R: My first love was from Edmonton. I spent some time in the summer there with him wildly (and naively) in love, the way you can only be when you're young. My memories of the city are fond and so special. The one that sicks out in my mind is seeing the Northern Lights for the first time during a backyard sleep out. I also am a big kid and love the water park at West Edmonton Mall :)

M: The last time I was in Edmonton I think I must have been 7 years old. So as you can imagine - West Ed water park better watch out! But in all seriousness, people often say that Edmonton is Winnipeg's sister city and I'm really looking forward to experiencing the city and community. I've noticed how vibrant the yoga community is in Edmonton and I really am looking forward to connecting and making new friendships.

4) What can we expect from your events during the #YEG launch on June 11th?

R: Community, fun, and inspiration all around. We like to laugh and play and we encourage participants to bring an element of fun and lightness into their practice and community. We always have a few surprises and goodies up our sleeves as well for participants. We're had such amazing feedback from our events in Winnipeg, and we cannot wait to spread the love out West!

M: Fun, smiles, treats, and a great sense of community. My favourite thing about Prairie Yogi events is the way people really feel the love, open arms and open hearts.

5) What makes someone a prairie yogi?

R: I think it means different things to everyone. We always ask that question to our prairie yogis of the month and the answers always vary. For me it means being resilient, celebrating where you’re from, and being connected. Connection allows you to let life flow, good and bad, like it does in the big skies of vast horizon of the prairies.

M: I think being a Prairie Yogi means that a) you embrace some aspect of yoga in your life and b) you've found a home in the prairies - whether you were born here, live here, or live elsewhere.

We’d love for you to join us on June 11th as we give Prairie Yogi an open-armed, open-hearted, warm warm welcome to our city. We know we’ll be there! Daytime event is free and drop-in, tickets for the evening event are available here.

6/4/14 6/4/14

Yoga and Bikes and Parks... OH MY!

Let's take our practice outside and live every month like it's Bike Month!

It IS Bike month—and with that in mind, this June at Yogalife we're focusing on all things environment and outdoors, like the beautiful spaces and places our beloved #YEG has to offer. We're focusing on our community and the beautiful humans who choose to thrive here, within and outside of our studio walls. On our blog, we'll get cozy with some inspiring local people and places—and we invite you to join us as we play outside at some awesome events!

Stay tuned to see what the Yogalifers are up to around our beautiful city and join in on the fun. In true Edmonton fashion, let's soak up this precious season and all it has to offer!

5/29/14 5/29/14

Thank You

“Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.”

William Arthur Ward

We want to send our deepest gratitude to you, our readers, friends and fellow yogis. We love writing for you, sharing our pictures and stories and hearing yours. We are thankful for the opportunity to speak from our hearts to our community.

As we've been discussing in the past weeks, gratitude is something to cultivate, practice and share. Adopting and embodying a new attitude or skill takes practice, so remind yourself to weave these tidbits into the fabric of your life.

Be voracious in your efforts!!

Stand up for that bursting feeling of love and thanks. Spread the word and follow up with those you share with. We truly believe that this attitude of gratitude will elevate our planet to greatness.

Remember, everything starts within; being incredibly kind and gentle with your thoughts and actions towards yourself allows you to shine outward.

Stay tuned to see what's coming up next on our blog.

Looking forward to sharing with you all summer long!

5/26/14 5/26/14

Poses to Inspire Gratitude

Lately we've been sharing how and why we feel thankful. Gratitude is indeed something to practice, just like the different facets of yoga. You can infuse thankfulness into every part of your practice, from meditation and breathwork to asana. Perhaps think of your next sun salutation as a burst of thanks for life or your next balancing pose as an homage to the steady, rooted earth.

The shapes we make with our bodies can reflect a deeper reverence; an offering.

Here's 5 poses you can incorporate on your next visit to your mat. Remember, although you may do these poses every time you practice, it's the intention behind them that creates the power.

1. Balasana/Child's Pose

Balasana is a beautiful pose to not only initiate practice but to continuously come back to throughout. With your forehead rooted into the earth and your arms stretched long, you feel grounded, safe and connected. You can pour your heart into your mat; your thoughts into stillness. Your body is ready to receive and you can allow gratitude to flow through you as you either create or reflect on your intention.

2. Adho Mukha Svanasana/Downward Facing Dog

Adho Mukha Svanasana may be thought of as your home-base posture, allowing you to connect between poses and re-establish your breath and intention. You simultaneously pour your heart down as you breathe into and illuminate your back body. With hands and feet rooted to the earth, you are stable and strong. As strength and serenity play off of each other, you can channel your energy towards gratitude.

3. Virabhadrasana II/Warrior II with Variations

Our warrior postures connect our strength and softness. Whether held for longer periods of time to define and articulate the alignment or used in a radiant, dynamic flow sequence to move energy and open the long lines of your body, warrior poses allow us to swell with gratitude in their nature of balance and beauty.

Acknowledging what you’re thankful for can lead to a happier, healthier life, just like a regular yoga practice can.

Play around with infusing the two and let us know how you feel!

5/21/14 5/21/14

The Attitude of Gratitude

Today, we’ll hear a more personal share on gratitude from one of our Yogalife bloggers, Kasandra Bracken. We’re all about authenticity here, and we sure ain’t perfect—so read on for some real talk.

This weekend, I was feeling some heavy FOMO (read: Fear Of Missing Out) for not going away for the long weekend, for not joining the rest of the world at the campgrounds in the May Long tradition. And though I had plenty of time to relax and kick back, I desperately felt the need to schedule my hours tightly, planning lots of activities so I could maximize my hours of fun and friends. I was fighting so hard to “relax” in an organized, concerted manner (which, if you’ve ever tried, is not relaxing at all) that I could hardly enjoy my time off.

I was even frustrated with my partner for wanting to stay in and, god forbid, just “hang out.” Ego grabbed a hold of me—“what if I don’t do anything fun, or interesting?” I thought. “I’ll have wasted my long weekend.” Or, “there aren’t enough hours—we can’t just sit here together—we need to DO something!”

I had a serious attitude of lack. Try as I did to make up for it with busyness, whatever I did would not have been enough to please me—I had already subconsciously decided, in my mind, that I was missing out on all the fun I could have been having by not going away for the weekend.

My boyfriend may be more gym rat than yogi, but he can still be pretty insightful. Given my poor attitude, he interjected—“Didn’t you just post about gratitude this weekend? What’s wrong with what’s happening right now?”

Why, yes. I had quite literally just posted on this exact same situation. I was feeling miserable, and failing miserably at putting my own advice into practice. But that’s just it—gratitude is a PRACTICE. Just like yoga or meditation.

You may not always wake up and feel excited to get on our mat, just as in the same way you may not naturally look around you and feel showered in blessings with each moment. But gratitude is a choice.

After feeling just a little more self-pity (hey, habits take time to change!), I took a second and turned my eyes to the window. The sun was shining, I had nothing that I had to do, and here was my partner in front of me, doling out advice and hoping only to spend some time together. There was absolutely nothing wrong in that exact moment—in fact, I had plenty to be thankful for.

Have you ever heard the phrase “attitude of gratitude”? It really is just that—a mindset, a way of thinking. Gratitude doesn’t mean you need to buy a new shirt, plan an extravagant vacation, or go to a yoga class so that you have something to be thankful for (although you can certainly be thankful for those things!)—gratitude simply means making the choice to take a look around and genuinely appreciate what’s already there.

No matter how much or what we have, we can always feel in a state of lack if we are constantly focusing on our needs and wants. Rather than feeling lack, or that you need something else to make any moment complete, accept what already is with gratitude.

And maybe, with this outlook, you’ll be better equipped to relax and enjoy exactly where you are at right now. Shifting your perception from “lack” to “abundance” is a powerful way to soften yourself into the present—just in the way I was eventually able to accept and enjoy my long weekend for what it was.

If you’re feeling a sense of lack in your life, or feeling unwilling to accept gratitude, try this affirmation:

“Gratitude turns what I have into enough.”

Look around, or close your eyes and think of five things you can be grateful for, right now. Often even this subtle exercise can make a significant shift in your outlook. Give it a try!

What makes it easy for you to feel gratitude? When is it tough? Let us know by sharing on our Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram!

5/19/14 5/19/14

YEG Highlight: Louise McKinney Riverfront Park

We've probably all been lapping up the sunshine in the past few weeks, and rightfully so! Whether it's a stroll in the river valley or a good stretch or book read in the park, Edmontonians get right to it when the opportunity presents. Over the summer on the Yogalife Studios blog we will be sharing our favourite outdoor hotspots. Patios, outdoor yoga spots, art and culture showcases and festivals - all things summer YEG!

Follow along and get involved outside the studio as we soak up our community all summer long.

All photos by Paul Swanson

http://www.paulswanson.me/

Louise McKinney Riverfront Park

As soon as the snow melts, it seems that this place is constantly buzzing with Edmontonians getting their outdoor fix. Revered as the gateway park to the rest of the park system, Louise McKinney Park is a hub to connect through our beautiful river valley. The amenities within the park are perfect. Loads of benches, stairs, and grass to read a book, stretch, conduct a bootcamp or acro yoga session. Maybe hula hooping is your thing! Or just tossing a frisbee after a picnic lunch.

The Chinese Garden is beautiful to walk through or maybe pose for some cool pictures! Hang out on the bridge, rub the stone lions, or meditate in the surrounding grass. It is a truly serene place, right near the water. The gazebo has power outlets and is available for event rentals. You can find dance and music events hosted here throughout the summer.

"This park is the front door to the river valley parks system and a gateway to trails throughout the city. It is a vibrant venue for special events and river-based activities."

- www.edmonton.ca

The promenade along the river hosts a floating dock for small boats and canoes and there is a cafe and activity-rental place to maximize adventures through the trails. You can find washrooms and water fountains down here as well.

Take your next free afternoon down to the heart of YEG at Louise McKinney Riverfront Park. We love hanging out down there and practicing yoga all over every bit this beautiful place has to offer! Learn more about the park on the City of Edmonton website and stay connected with us through the blog to see more updates on our city.

Share your outdoor yoga photos with us on Facebook and Instagram (yogalifestudios) and you could be featured on our blog! We love yoga photos and YOU!