The Relaxed Yogi Evening Guide
This pre-snooze routine is the perfect wind down to transition into dreamland.
Settling down in the evening can be a task, especially if the daytime was demanding and your internal pilot is stuck on GO! Often we will come home from a crazy day and make choices that may not be the most mindful; our evening 'routine' may look more like 'fall onto couch until I slink into bed' or 'let the wired-ness from my day spill all over my home time'. With a few simple steps, the evening can be one of the most sacred times for self-care. There's something very comforting about prepping your nest: consciously winding down and reflecting from your day, giving your body a few gentle reminders to soften and release the tensions of hours past and even adding a few gentle herbs to assist the regime.
It is true that our morning routine sets the tone for our day - but our evening sets the tone for our morning! Plus, a good sleep is unparalleled.
It is a common experience that a problem difficult at night is resolved in the morning after the committee of sleep has worked on it. – John Steinbeck
Step One: Forward Fold
This is the perfect place to hang out after any sort of day - to find space and quiet the mind. Ground your feet, pour your heart out and breathe. This shape allows your spine to decompress; it sinks you into the structure of your feet and automatically grounds you to the earth. Forward fold calms the mind and quells anxiety as the stress of your day drips off your back. Spend at least a minute here, adding some weight to the pose by grabbing opposite elbows and swaying gently through your spine. Find more details on modifications for this luxurious pose here.
Step Two: Supported Recline: Gentle Supine Heart Opener
It's not uncommon for us to spend the majority of our day favouring the frontline - a nice way of saying rounding forward or hunching. Freeing up our heartspace before bed is not only relaxing and restoring to the body but helps us land from our day mentally and emotionally as well. This is generally best achieved by using a firm bolster, but you can create the same effect with pillows or rolled up blankets if that's what is available. Place your prop at the base of your spine and lay back, resting your head at the top or even letting it drape off the end if your neck agrees. Drape your arms open in a T and relax your legs in a butterfly shape, extended straight or with props underneath your knees for extra support. Breath is your masseuse here - focus entirely on the rhythm of your inhale and exhale as a means to soften you entirely. Enjoy the gentle stretch of your inhale and the full release of your exhale, giving into the shape that your body melts to. Hold your shape for at least 3 minutes, staying anywhere up to 20 if you're loving it! Learn more about yin yoga postures here.
Step Three: Meditation
Our poses always prep us to sit quietly, and although these last two shapes are most certainly meditative, it is always nice to continue with the cultivated silence and seal off your day. With spine softened and heart opened, connected to breath and intention of relaxation set, sitting for even 5-10 minutes is a natural step in your evening routine. Remember, it's ok if your busy mind has followed you into your evening, you are simply taking the steps to wind down, whatever that means for you. Come back to the intntion of relaxation and continue to indulge in your breath for as long as you can. Check out our "Busy Person's Guide to Meditation" for more tips towards your seated practice.
Don't forget the tea!
Anything herbal will be soothing and relaxing to accompany your evening routine, but if you're looking for an extra (un)boost, try a blend with valerian root, passionflower herb and lemon balm leaf. Share your favourite evening routines with us! We'd love to hear what winds you down. Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, or never hesitate to say hello, caitlin@yogalifestudios.ca.
Namaste and sweet dreams! xo
Living Balanced, Living Fully
Living balanced is the key to living fully
At Yogalife Studios the question "what does living fully mean to you" comes up frequently in our discussions. When we boil down everything that we're passionate about - health, fitness, family, friends, art, creating, breathing, music, travel, career, reading, writing, cooking... - it all ties into the "live fully" lifestyle. There's a difference between living fully and burning yourself out though, the central theme in the following guest post from Allie White. We must live balanced to live fully.
Allie White, creator of Allie White Wellness, is a Transformational Holistic Health Coach and all-around wealth of knowledge in all things healthy and happy. Her mantra is clear: Helping fun-loving women experience a whole new level of energy, beauty, and confidence so they can create the body and life they love with ease. Read on!
Are you living a balanced lifestyle?
My goal is to help you create a more balanced lifestyle so that you can shine, not just in one area of your life, but in ALL areas of your life! But first, why am I talking about living a more balanced lifestyle?
We spend a lot of time compartmentalizing the various areas of our lives: relationships, career, money, exercise, health… but we all know that if one area is out of whack, our WHOLE life is affected. Imagine making tons of money AND being in a loving, happy marriage BUT you have no time to exercise. Pretty soon you will appreciate your flow of money and love less simply because your body is not getting the exercise it needs to feel alive and energized.
That’s why it’s so important to think of your life as one holistic pie and to make the decision to put your energy into making every piece of that pie as yummy as possible!
So what would creating a more balanced lifestyle look like? Great question! Creating a more balanced lifestyle would mean taking a really good look at all areas of your life: relationships, career, money, exercise, health, spirituality, creativity…and making decisions about what is and isn’t working in each area. In the area of health, balance might look like clean eating (I’m talking real, whole foods not dieting!), plenty of veggies, eating organic as much as possible, drinking clean water, getting outdoors, plenty of sleep, exercise, meditation, deep breathing, cleansing, smiling more, laughing, more yoga, self care, joy, and gratitude.
Sometimes the reason we stay stuck in unhealthy or unhappy areas of our lives is because it’s easier, in a way, to stay stuck in the familiarity than to find the creativity and energy to make the changes needed to improve our quality of life and move into the unknown.
Change can be scary!
But don’t worry, I am here to help you begin to IMAGINE what your life in balance would look and feel like…you are not alone! But first...
How will I know if my current lifestyle is unbalanced?
● Are you used to getting things done on your own, but could use a little support? ● Do you want to build a healthier relationship to food? ● Do you eat when you are bored, angry, sad, or stressed out? ● Do you want to develop a deeper connection to yourself and others? ● Do you want to be empowered to be your own health expert? ● Do you want to be inspired about healthy cooking? ● Do you want to discover optimal eating for your unique body? ● Do you want more confidence, energy, and self-acceptance? ● Do you want to be challenged in new ways? ● Do you want to be held accountable to show up for yourself?
What do I do now?
Dive deeper into the questions above instead of answering yes or no. Take out your journal and be as honest and detailed as possible. You may be surprised at what emerges that may have previously been unexpressed. Next, make a list of what is working and what is not working for you under each of the following categories: relationships, career, money, exercise, health, spirituality, joy, and creativity.
What does a balanced lifestyle mean to you? What will having more balance in these areas look like for you? How can you create this on your terms? Imagine your dream lifestyle. What does that look like? What would an ideal day look like to you? What do you want more of? How do you want to feel? What’s important about that? Where in life are you settling? What are you no longer willing to tolerate?
Honesty plays a big part here. Don’t be tempted to create a life based on what you think you should be doing or what other people in your life think you should be doing. What does YOUR dream life look like? Know the difference. Trust your inner wisdom.
The goal here is to feel more fulfilled in all areas of your life. Remember this isn’t about perfection based on expectations it’s about meaningful progress and creating a magnificent life on your terms. A life that allows you to express the best version of who you are.
If you are ready to embrace the best version of your life possible, I'd love to assist and support your journey. Click here to schedule a time to talk with me about the important steps to take to make changes in your lifestyle that will help you CREATE your DREAM life!
To your vibrant health! Allie
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So Fresh | Basil Strawberry Lemonade
Freshen up with this simple Basil Strawberry Lemonade
It's summer and fresh, tasty drinks are essential. What's fresher than lemon? Maybe lemon and strawberry. What's tastier than strawberry and lemon? Lemon, strawberry and basil, of course!
Making infused lemonade is what we like to call "easy fancy", especially when thrown in a wine glass. Even fancier? Sparkling water! For our variation we chose orange Perrier, which may have broken the fancy meter. Be careful, but DO try this at home.
Basil Strawberry Lemonade
Fresh Basil
Strawberries, sliced (ours were frozen for extra chill)
Fresh squeezed lemon
Water, sparkling or still
Variety is the spice of life; perhaps you add some agave syrup, coconut water, mint, blueberries... the possibilities are endless. Enjoy fresh, light drinks all summer long!
It's Better Together: a story of friendship
Yoga and Friendship
At a recent photo shoot for the upcoming quarter at Yogalife Studios, our photographer/writer/instructor, Caitlin Varrin, brought along her friend Tasha to the south studio to hang out and enjoy the afternoon - snap some photos, have some laughs. This was the place they met - Yogalife Studios South - both no strangers to hanging out together in that tea lounge. We got to talking about how their friendship grew from Yogalife and thought it would be a nice story to share! Please enjoy this write-up from our student Tasha Molly, Yogalifer and friend.
Yoga has changed my life in more ways than one. It's helped keep me sane; it's been an outlet for emotions I didn't even know I had; it's taught me to slow down and enjoy the little things in life - because if you blink, they'll pass you by without you even noticing.
Yes, yoga has taught me to wake up and smell the roses, but one of the most important things it has brought me is the most beautiful people: one of my nearest and dearest friends in the form of a pint-sized but also larger than life, dancing jumping bean with brown hair, glasses and huge beautiful eyes that see through all the junk. Caitlin. I wouldn't trade that friendship for anything - it's priceless.
Rewind 5 years ago. I had been going to Yogalife South for about 6 months. I walk into my regular 8:30 hot flow class, lay down on my mat and close my eyes. A few minutes later I hear this girl's voice - "wait a minute, that's not Graham!" (I always get a little wigged out when there's a sub for one of my favourite teachers because sometimes it's not quite the same.)
But to my surprise, this girl had THE most amazing taste in music and was always cracking jokes, laughing at herself if she stumbled over her sequence. It was just so so easy to be around her and to feel instantly comfortable. Our closing song in savasana was one of my all time favourites by Bon Iver, 'Skinny Love'. As it started to play, I laid there with a huge grin on my face; as soon as I got up, I knew I had to speak to this person. So without even going into the change room, I sprinted out to the tea lounge and there she was, looking like a drowned rat just like me, smiling.
One huge, sweaty hug later and we both knew that the person standing before us was one that we wanted to keep for life. We would hang out before class, after class and basically whenever we had a spare second. No matter how much we saw each other - or didn't see each other - it was always the same. We never skipped a beat.
The bond that her and I have is palpable - you can touch it, you can see it, you can feel it. We are always there for each other for a good laugh, cry and otherwise. When things aren't going right and neither of us can find the strength and energy to be positive, we are there to pick each other up, to listen, to learn, to grow. We allow the other room to be sad and angry, and then dust the other off to keep on going. There has never been a time where Caitlin hasn't been there to keep me honest and accountable; love me through all of my ups and downs - really high highs and really low lows.
I feel so grateful every single day that I have been blessed with such an amazing, grounding, hilarious, inspirational and real friend - a partner in crime. I really don't know what I would do without her!
Love you too, Tasha! xo
Get To Know Our Favourite Yoga Jams
Tunes to make you move
Sometimes there's nothing like an awesome playlist to sink you into your practice. Music can stir emotion, transporting you upward and inward. The style of yoga often reflects the style of music that accompanies; some practices are better left silent, some feel SO good with bangin' tunes. Whether you prefer "yoga" music - mantra inspired and calming - or something a little more unconventional, building your perfect playlist to take you through your practice can be a practice in itself! Here's a few suggestions to get you started. Follow us on Soundcloud as we continue to build our list of favourites!
If you practice at our studios regularly, you've probably heard this beautiful, soothing track floating around the room. We're still waiting for it to get old... we know it won't. Check out everything ever put out by Alina Baraz & Galimatias, you won't be disappointed!
When we heard "Could" last year, we immediately wanted to dance and stretch simultaneously. This is the mark of a good "yoga tune" - one that invokes playfulness and warmth.
Of course this list wouldn't be complete without a DJ Drez tune. Blending rich dub vibes and loving lyrics, any Drez track sounds good in a yoga room.
RY X's "Berlin" is hauntingly beautiful, the perfect addition to savasana or sprinkled into a softer practice. It speaks for itself.
We could go on for days; there's so much good music out there that makes us want to move (or be very, very still)! Are you a music junkie too? Send us your favourites! caitlin@yogalifestudios.ca
4 Poses to Embrace the Radiant Energy of the Full Moon
The full moon is a time to express, play, create and ignite! At this phase in the lunar cycle we can check in with intentions set at the new moon, summoning the full expansion and expression of these goals. We can stoke the fires of our potential and play with endless possibility. Everything is intensified during a full moon, so creating a calm internal landscape and feeling grounded in your space will help to channel this powerful energy. Today we are sharing 4 poses with variations to ground into your body and earth while embracing the radiance of Luna's sweet energy!
Downward Dog
A staple in most asana practices, Downward Dog brings us through our whole body. This shape connects us to the earth and the sky as we cultivate a full body stretch and awakening. In your full moon flow, think of grounding your hands through your mat and into the earth to anchor and stabilize you. Breathe into the back of your heart, feel a full expansion through your belly and torso and imagine the energy of the moon bathing over your back and absorbing into your spine.
Playful variations on downward dog can manifest as simple, gentle movement to lifting a leg and finding more space through your side body. Let this expression come from a place of sensation - moving because it feels good. You may choose to flip your dog over into wild thing if you're feeling spicy, shining your heart straight up to the full moon! Make sure you are warm before adding this back bend into the equation.
Bridge, Wheel or Standing Back Bend
Back bends create space in the front energy line of the body, opening us up to receive in our heart centre. As you come into your pose, feel a deep connection through your roots: the parts of you touching the earth. Again, any variations within this asana will create grounding, connection and expansion, so whether you are pressing into your hands and feet for wheel, your shoulders and feet for bridge, or simply your feet for a standing variation, visualize a strong connection earthward. From here you are drawing your heart towards the sky, absorbing the energy from above through your front body.
Back bends are energizing as it is, so take time to restore and sit with the sensations of the opening after each round in your practice. Breath is the key tool for expanding deeper within each variation, breathing into the back of your heart so soften and create buoyancy.
Warrior 3 with Half Moon Variation
Balancing poses allow us to liven up our entire system; we draw energy from the earth and connect with our core to stabilize, we find the meditative "sweet spot" as we gracefully suspend our bodies in space. Warrior 3 channels our visual awareness down into the earth, growing invisible roots from our eyes into the ground. We feel that same awareness radiating up through our back body as if the back of our heart was staring at the moon. It is from this pairing of deep connection both earthbound and to the sky that we can then expand and deepen into the pose.
With hips squared down to the earth we can play around with variations in our arms: arms in a T shape to expand beyond our mat; hands clasped behind our tailbone to bring space to the front of our heart and shoulders. Invite radiant breath to expand and micro adjust in your shape. To transition into half moon pose, reach a hand towards the earth to stabilize, steadying your gaze down first, then invite the opposite hip to stack, opening your pelvis to the long edge of your mat and bringing your arms, shoulders and ribs to stack as well. Gaze may follow towards the moon, continuing to receive the energy from above and within.
Child's Pose
With the electricity of full moon energy it is important to ground into yourself - to rest and relax. If you are creating a high energy full moon flow, you may choose to invite a nice long child's pose towards the end of your practice as you start to bring the energy down. If you are focusing on a more slow, steadying and grounding practice, you may come to this asana frequently throughout your practice. Feel your breath wash over your back body, ride the natural wave of your spine, and feel that space absorbing the radiant energy of the full moon!
What are your favourite full moon poses? Connect with us on Twitter and Facebook, or IRL at Yogalife Studios North or South!
VIRYA CHALLENGE
Virya means diligence, effort and enthusiasm
Yoga is an inward journey for all of us so allow yourself the time and space to develop your own personal practice.
VIRYA CHALLENGE
USE EXISTING MONTHLY PASS OR SIGN UP FOR $99 PER MONTH COMPLETION OF CHALLENGE GIVES YOU 15% OFF THE $99 MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP VALIANT EFFORT & PARTICIPATION GIVES YOU 10% OFF THE $99 MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP
FOR OUR ORIGINAL REGULAR MONTHLY MEMBERS WE HAVE PRIZES FOR YOU FOR COMPLETING THE CHALLENGE
WRAP UP PARTY SWAG FROM OUR AWESOME PARTNERS PRIZES TO DRAW
BUY MONTHLY PASS
You can sign up at the studio. Find the board and put your name on it. Start counting on July 1st.
Yoga Ed. Kids Yoga Teacher Training at Yogalife Studios
Yoga Ed. is an educational program dedicated to changing education through the practice of yoga. Their mission is to empower school communities with yoga to cultivate health and wellness in children and teens.
Through evidence-based Professional Institutes, Professional Development, and Educational Resources, Yoga Ed. equips educators with yoga tools to integrate yoga for children and teens into academic environments.
We are so excited to offer this amazing training to our community at Yogalife through the Yoga Ed. training program. To gain a little more insight on the benefits of kids yoga and the training itself, we caught up with yoga educator and Yoga Ed. trainer, Akiko McLeod. Akiko is facilitating the upcoming training at Yogalife Studios South on June 9-12.
Yogalife and Akiko McLeod: a conversation about Yoga Ed. and kids yoga.
My name is Akiko McLeod. I am a yoga educator, Yoga Ed. Trainer and a mother of two. I always wanted to do yoga with my own children so right after my first one was born, I researched kids yoga training and then I met Yoga Ed.. I started as an educator as I have been working closely with Yoga Ed. and decided to take this role to the next level to become a Trainer.
What's a notable experience or memorable situation you have seen in a classroom or with a child that has really stuck with you as a facilitator? One of my students told me, "Mrs. Akiko, I do ocean breath in bed before I go to sleep because this makes me feel calm and relaxed...I love it.". When children bring yoga into their daily life (outside of yoga classes), it makes this all worth while.
In your opinion, what are the best benefits for children in yoga? Self-awareness and self-regulation. Yoga supports children in observing their emotions and feelings. They use yoga tools to manage and shift their emotions and feelings.
Who is this training for and what can we expect? This training is for anybody who is eager to support children's health and wellness, whether you are a yoga instructor, a classroom teacher, a parent or a health practitioner. You will gain a deeper understanding of children physically, emotionally and developmentally with specific yoga techniques which will allow you to maximize support of your children. The Yoga Ed. program is evidence-based and also aligned with Alberta's PE standard.
If every 8 year old in the world is taught meditation, we will eliminate violence from the world within one generation. — Dalai Lama
Join us June 9-12 at Yogalife Studios South for this opportunity to learn to connect with children through yoga~
Your Edmonton Yoga Teacher Training Team is Coming from Far and Wide This Fall!
With Yogalife's most recent teacher training group freshly wrapped up we are more excited and inspired than ever to continue curating the best experiences possible.
Our next 200 hour Foundational Teacher Training is kicking off in September; get to know the faculty joining us from around the world behind your next step.
Sarah Zandbeek, Main Facilitator Edmonton, Alberta
Biography and Intention:
Maybe this sounds odd, but my hope is that people leave the program not ready to teach, but ready to Seek. I want people to graduate with an unrelenting curiosity for Life that is met with a deep contentment for the momentary reality. To not need more than what is available to them now, yet not to become comfortable in one way for too long, as this is the cause of stagnation, which is the cause of mostly all dis-ease.
I have learnt that my resistances (mind/body/emotional) come from my opinions of something being right or wrong, which means I have an absolute certainty about something that I have either learned or was programmed to believe as such. These resistances or opinions we hold of how things are “suppose” to be, limit us and create an unimaginable amount of tension in the mind, in the body, and in the heart.
So, yoga to me is about freedom and steadiness; it’s about finding the path that allows your self to widen or expand offering you a greater capacity to receive and meet life with.
Rumi says, “There are a 1000 ways to kneel and kiss the ground; there are a 1000 ways to go Home again.”
Yoga training is the start or continuation of finding your way home, back to your true Self.
In this training we utilize Traditional Hatha techniques: kriya, asana, pranayama, meditation, and yoga philosophy, anatomical and Anusara alignment, Traditional Chinese Medicine meridians, Ayurveda, group discussion and journaling as the tools to dive into Who we are. We will look at the main purpose of yoga asana and how to create sophisticated sequencing to harmonize the body and prevent illness. This is a foundational training, so you will learn all you need to know about how to observe bodies, hold space, and set clear intentions.
Our line up of guest teachers this year is out of this world.
Check it out…
Fall 2016 Guest Teachers list:
Stephen Thomas Zurich, Switzerland
Teaching: Technique and alignment, pranayama, mantra, kriya, and mudra
Stephen Thomas has been a dedicated student of yoga since 1998. He has practiced, taught and lived in Asia and Europe for the past decade studying various traditions, which he incorporates into a unique yoga practice influenced and made possible by the grace and support of his central teachers.
Stephen’s background includes studies in Buddhism, Ayruveda and traditional Hatha yoga in India. In Asia, he continues an in-depth study of traditional Pranayama and Kriya through his master, O.P.Tiwari, which he combines with his love for the Asana practices that stem from his experience with Krishnamacharya’s work and influence on the Ashtanga Vinyasa and Iyengar systems of yoga. He also brings in elements of the Chinese and Tibetan systems where appropriate.
Stephen is an avid reader and student Eastern philosophies and a lifelong lover of the arts and music. His ability to re-frame various viewpoints and to simplify things without sacrificing depth and integrity has helped him develop a unique, non-dogmatic but deeply rooted teaching style. His works spans Meditation, Pranayama, Asana and the commitment to seeing the practice off the mat. He uses these methods as tools for health and wellbeing and to support the spiritual pursuit of living life courageously and compassionately from one’s heart.
Stephen teaches classes from his base studio in Zurich, Switzerland as well as spending a part of each year traveling as a guest instructor and teaching retreats throughout the world. He also dedicates energy each year to directing Teacher Intensive Trainings and ongoing education and works one-on-one with many students and teachers in his community.
Sean Haleen San Francisco, California Teaching: Technique and alignment and Yoga therapeutics
Sean Haleen is a celebrated yoga teacher with two decades of consistent yoga practice and nearly a decade of full time teaching experience. His extensive background as a former Anusara teacher and devoted Iyengar student has equipped him to share his love for alignment with the yoga community worldwide. He's taught in over fifteen 200HR and 500HR teacher trainings specializing in therapeutic yoga and bio-mechanics.
Sean's love for teaching extends to different populations where he's taught queer youth groups, in recovery centers, high schools, and more. He is never shy to speak in gratitude about his main teachers whom he studies with regularly including Jack Kornfield, Brian Hogencamp, and Desiree Rumbaugh.
Neil Dalal Edmonton, Alberta Teaching: Philosophy
Neil Dalal is Associate Professor of South Asian Philosophy and Religious Thought at the University of Alberta. He holds an MA in East/West Psychology from the California Institute of Integral Studies, and a Ph.D. in Asian Cultures and Languages from the University of Texas at Austin where he specialized in Indian philosophy, the history of Indian religions, and Sanskrit. He has spent over four years in India studying Advaita Vedānta, the philosophy of non-duality, with traditional scholars and monks.
Neil’s primary research explores the meditative and contemplative practices in classical Yoga philosophies to understand how they employ textual knowledge, memory, and visualization to grasp pure consciousness. He regularly teaches courses on Yoga philosophy, asceticism, Hinduism, and India’s philosophical wisdom texts such as the Upaniṣads and Bhagavadgītā.
Neil is the co-editor of Asian Perspectives on Animal Ethics (Routledge Press), co-director of the documentary film Gurukulam (Matson Films), and currently writing a book analyzing the intersection of texts, contemplative practices, and religious experience in Advaita Vedānta.
https://uofa.ualberta.ca/integrative-health-institute/scholars/neil-dalal#sthash.I2XN7CKt.dpuf
Ian Hayward Edmonton, Alberta Teaching: Ayurveda
Ian's first introduction to Vedic knowledge was in 1984 on there commendation of a close friend. At that time he had duodenal ulcers from an unhealthy and stressful lifestyle and the Western health system could only offer medication with undesirable side effects, so he was open to alternatives.
Ian was initially instructed in the practice of Vedic mantra meditation and over the next ten years he attended countless Meditation Retreats and Vedic Science Courses at home and abroad. Eventually, in the summer of 1993, he emerged from the Maharishi Vedic University in Valkenburg, Holland (Deepak Chopra’s training was in the same lineage) fully trained as a Panchakarma therapist offering an extensive range of bodyworks and elimination therapies and as an Ayurvedic Wellness Consultant offering pulse diagnosis and lifestyle solutions.
After graduation in 1995 Ian spent the next two years in clinical practice applying these techniques under the supervision of medical doctors in London, England. He mainly treated very sick people and although he saw amazing results, he realized his passion was to prevent rather than cure illness; he also wanted to provide the Ayurvedic therapies in a more relaxing environment. So for the next three years, with the financial support of some client/investors, he developed the first residential Ayurvedic Centre in the UK, based in a Meditation Academy within a large stately home in a beautiful rural setting.
During this time, with the encouragement and guidance of his teachers, Ian adapted the presentation of Vedic knowledge to suit people living in a modern Western society and named this European Ayurveda. This made Vedic knowledge more accessible and self empowering with an emphasis on practical application in everyday life.
Brea Johnson Edmonton, Alberta Teaching: Integrative anatomy
Brea Johnson has been a yoga teacher and movement educator for well over a decade. With a love for learning and studying the human body she continues her on-going education in yoga, anatomy and biomechanics and is also a certified Restorative Exercise Specialist™ with biomechanic scientist, Katy Bowman. As a teacher and mentor, Brea leads numerous workshops, teacher trainings and retreats along with a private practice helping clients move and feel better. She is known for her warm and engaging teaching style providing a safe foundation of healthy movement while remaining focused in the heart of the yogic teachings. As the popularity of yoga increases along with yoga-related injuries, this approach has made her a much sought-after teacher in the wellness and yoga community.
Also joining us will be a few of our in studio teachers: Melissa Perret for Ashtanga and Adjustments, Emily McNichol for prenatal yoga, and Cole Williston.
For more information on the experience of a yoga teacher training, check out our blog Yoga Teacher Training: 11 Reasons To Dive In
Yin Yoga? Yes Please!
The motion of yin and yang generates all things in nature. MEH JIUZHANG & GUO LEI
Finding Balance with Yin Yoga
Balance is a byproduct of yoga, something we bring into our practice intentionally or a natural result of taking time away from busyness and distraction to move inward. We can look at the balance of how we practice, noticing what we are attracted to or shy away from within our yoga. Our body wants to be in a state of balance, both energetically and physically.
Balance involves two sides, the yin and the yang. When we are striving to achieve a balanced practice, we must consider both yin and yang yoga of importance. Yang yoga constitutes the majority of the physical practice that happens when we come to our mat. The act of "doing": igniting our fire and actively using our bones and muscles to move through our sequence. Activating our breath and bringing heat and focus to our movements. Yin yoga is the opposite, the "working soft", the gentle experience. With passive shapes and smooth, easy breath, this practice is intended to give all the work over to gravity.
Yin Yoga Explained
Yin yoga is a passive practice that incorporates long holds to soften, lengthen and cleanse the body. This practice targets the connective tissues of the body, the most abundant and widespread type of tissue in our systems. Its function is primarily to support, anchor and connect various parts of the body and includes ligaments, tendons, bones, cartilage and blood to name a few.
Often these connective tissues are referred to as "dry" tissues; yin yoga is intended to lubricate the body and ensure the cleansing and longterm health of the tissues. Everyone can and will benefit from this practice and it is the perfect compliment to any physical activity.
“Yin Yoga is simple, but simple does not mean easy.” ― Bernie Clark, The Complete Guide to Yin Yoga: The Philosophy and Practice of Yin Yoga
Along with the physical benefits of yin yoga, the mental and emotional bodies are influenced as well. This practice is one of decluttering the mind and cultivating stillness. Trauma and emotional "stickiness" that builds in the body over acute stresses or past issues begin to organically exit the body as these deep tissues begin to soften and relax. This practice may look easy on the outside, but often yin practitioners will learn that finding this stillness and fully, truly letting go may be the hardest part of yoga. Like any self-work, it takes practice. The body begins to naturally soften and open over time, with patience.
Learn more about Yogalife Studio's yin yoga classes available at north and south.
Chatting Ashtanga With Melissa Perret
Ashtanga, Floating and the Elusive Seated Jump Through
This week we caught up with Melissa Perret, avid Ashtanga practitioner and instructor at Yogalife Studios. You may know her from her challenging and rewarding classes at both Yogalife Studios south and north; she brings a passion and intensity that always leaves you happy you came. This weekend she is co-hosting "Ashtanga, Floating and the Elusive Seated Jump Through" alongside Ricky Brennan at Yogalife Studios North (full workshop details below).
Here's what Melissa shared with us about her relationship to the practice she holds so dearly and the little details that accompany the journey!
Ashtanga Yoga: A Quick History
Ashtanga yoga is one of the few practices we have that is based on a long lineage of tradition and is passed on through parampara...teacher student relationships. There are texts that cite it to be thousands of years old, and we faithful practitioners today try to keep this tradition alive and blossoming.
It is the one practice we have that requires a dedicated practice 6 days a week, which, as I know, can be quite challenging, but if you start to follow the method, as prescribed, come to your mat, breath deeply, used the bandhas and follow the vinyasa count, you will start to notice the most profound changes, not only physically, but mentally and emotionally as well.
Moving Through the Practice
Primary series is know as Yoga Cikitsa, which 'means cleanse of the body'. It is a purification through our breath and asanas. Once we are pure in the the body, it becomes easy to have pure thoughts and emotions!
The jump through... we do this a lot in Ashtanga. I mean a lot. And it is quite possibly one of the most challenging vinyasa to obtain. This is why it is elusive! But if you find the work in more simple postures, which we will talk about in our workshop, then it becomes a bit easier to catch each time you try.
As I stated earlier, when you stop cheating ...heehee, I use this a lot in my classes...in your regular practice and actually work really hard at seemingly easy movements, then the more challenging aspects that will come later are just that much easier because you have already established a solid foundation. For example, don't swing your leg when you are lunging, learn to use your core and your bandhas. Don't drink water when it is time to do core work in class! You are missing out on vital information, even though it isn't always the most fun.
This jump through took me a super long time. And even then I still can barely catch it through an entire practice, but I always try my best. That is all that really matters.
I learned many great techniques from my teacher, David Robson, and his system really helped me, but of course I did some nose dives along the way, went through an awkward time when it did not look pretty at all, but essentially, you let that all go and focus on the work and the process and have fun. And all of a sudden one day it is just happening. The fruits of your labour! Does it matter if you ever can do it? No, but I guarantee you that you can!
You have to have faith in everything you do. It may seemingly be impossible at first, just like anything that looks hard, but keep trying and it will come. Trust me, I am not naturally bendy or strong. I was yelled at in India for being a weak one...even given homework to get stronger! But I never gave up. All you have to do is work hard, forget the end product and enjoy the journey. All of a sudden you will forget about obtaining the asanas and realize that the true practice of yoga lies in the calmness in the breath in the face of our challenges. When this is obtained, beauty will start to spark within, and soon yoga is with you at all times:)
Join Ricky and Melissa as they guide you through the fundamentals of a strong, safe vinyasa method, with tools that can help you in all your asana practice. There will be an emphasis on floating, bandhas and the beautiful jump to seated. Their years of experience can help aid you in what work needs to be put in along the way and how much fun you can have in the meantime!
Leave expectations behind you and just come and have a lot of fun.
Ricky and Melissa are both devout followers of ashtanga yoga and diligently practice 6 days a week. They both know the trials and tribulations that go into just coming to your mat everyday, facing your fears, your weaknesses, your strengths, everything that is thrown at you.
"We have experienced nothing but pure joy from this system and have had barriers start to disappear. Through this workshop we hope that maybe your hurdles will start to fade as well!"
Ashtanga, Floating and the Elusive Seated Jump Through Saturday May 7, 2016 Yogalife Studios North 2:30-5:30pm
3 Ways to Connect With Nature on Earth Day
Happy Earth Day!
Founded in 1970 by Wisconsin Governor and US Congressman Gaylord Nelson, this day reminds us to respect our mother, the one and only Gaia. Throughout his career, Nelson gave thousands of inspiring speeches to encourage humanity into environmental and political action - to make a difference in our local communities and globally.
"Our goal is not just an environment of clean air and water and scenic beauty. The objective is an environment of decency, quality and mutual respect for all other human beings and all other living creatures." Gaylord Nelson
Our connection with nature inspires us to make these changes. When we bask in her beauty we understand how sacred and important it is to respect her. Perhaps surrounding ourselves with this beauty is the best reminder to make the little changes that lead to the big ones.
Today we're sharing three simple ways to feel connected with nature, to celebrate this amazing place we call home, and to inspire the respect and attention the planet deserves.
1. Get Outside and Be Present
This one seems pretty obvious but sometimes we forget to be present on our commute or outdoor exercise routine. When we consciously spend time in nature we feel the breeze, take in the textures, hear the offerings around us. Let this become a practice of gratitude and a reminder of just how beautiful it is out there. Take your yoga practice outside, dig in a garden, bring a sketchbook or camera on a walk and let Gaia be your muse.
2. Eat Raw
We are what we eat. One way to feel connected with nature is to ingest it! Enjoying an entirely raw meal allows us to soak in the full nutrients of our food without any interruption. Play around with the flavours and colours of nature in your dish and pour thanks into every bite.
3. Guided Earth-Focused Meditation
Going on an inward journey is a beautiful way to create a healing intention for something bigger. Try one of these guided meditations to reconnect with the planet, mindfully sending your love and energy out into it.
Enjoy Earth Day celebrations in your community and let the inspiration from this one day spill into the rest.
Mythos: A Springtime Fair
It's time to welcome back the sun and invite in the warmth of spring, together.
Spring has definitely arrived and the community is abuzz with amazing pop-up events and offerings. We are so excited for Mythos: A Springtime Fair, headed up by our own Keia Dreger. This FREE one-day event is taking place next Thursday, April 21 at Alberta Avenue Community League to celebrate the connection with our community through shared intentional space.
Check out the schedule below, including Yogalife instructors Caitlin Varrin and Graham Parsons.
View the Facebook Event for more details and updates!
MYTHOS: A SPRINGTIME FAIR
Music, Art, Local Vendor Village and All Day Workshops! Free All Ages Community Event! Prop Jam OutsidE (Weather Permitting)
SCHEDULE OF OFFERINGS
A Note From Keia: Please bring a yoga mat or something comfortable to sit on for the workshops, especially if you do plan to practice yoga! If you are going to join the drum circle, bring a drum or a rattle! There will be free tea and coffee as well. If you'd like some please make sure you BRING YOUR OWN MUG. We also encourage you to bring a journal so you can record everything you learned! And put on your Thursday best as Amber Cleasby will be taking beautiful photographs during the day as well as you may catch us filming for a compilation video of the day for us all to remember :) Spring themed costumes or tribal warrior attire is always acceptable!
Feat Local Edmonton Music:
Joel Ross: Yoga Set: Hand Pan Drum
Collectivision Collectivision has been getting wyrd. Inspired by the West Coast Bass Music scene, & blackened deathcore… Jeffrey likes to bring an eclectic experience to the dance floor. Being a member of the United Bass Kollective for over two years, performing at Astral Harvest for the past two years, & Zion Noiz last year have inspired Collectivision to hone in on music production. Keep your eyes peeled for his debut album :)
https://soundcloud.com/collectivision
BEFAIRE
Befaire (Brendan Fair) is a DJ/Producer originating from Edmonton ,AB with a real flavour for House & Techno music. Since 2012 the lad's been picking up steam in outré style, playing numerous events, parties & gatherings alike. Showing great promise in his own productions, expect to hear some deep groovy sonances arriving in the near future. His sound gathers influence from the likes of Frits Wentink, Fold, David August, Atjazz to name a few. He is genuinely stoked to share this experience with you & prepare to have your truffles ruffled. https://soundcloud.com/befairemusic
FastWolf
Downtempo delights produced by local talent Benoit! https://soundcloud.com/fastwolf
Looking forward to connecting with everyone in our lovely community next week.
Harness Your Intentions With the New Moon
We are connected to the moon
What is a new moon circle and how can we use it to manifest our intentions?
A new moon circle is a gathering a likeminded individuals with the intent to share and support one another in their goals and dreams. Here's how the one I gather with personally works:
Each month on the new moon (or the closest date that works for all of us) a group of close women gathers. We open the circle with a smudging ceremony, using this sage ritual to cleanse any sticky energy that may cloud the light of our circle. We then move onto a one word check-in along with our name (in case there's new faces around the room). We introduce a general theme that applies to the month, whether that ties in with astrology, numerology, or just the vibe of the group. We are never bound to a theme but it's nice to have a guide to get the ball rolling. We then work into an open discussion about our past month; roadblocks and successes, themes that have been pulling us, what has been making our hearts sing. Last month we discussed the different "positives in our toolbox" as a source of support and clarity. How do you listen to yourself? Are you in touch with your intuition? All conversations generally lead to your clear intention for the upcoming cycle. We take time to journal, turning inward to ponder the questions that arise with this sort of work.
Finally we share our intention/s for the next month, making them real by giving them a voice and sending them out into the universe to be supported by our tribe. After voicing our desires, we each light our own candle - a reminder that we can revisit throughout the month that is steady and true. The collective of women makes eye contact, a nod of support in affirmation of "I'm listening to you", and then we take a breath and finish with a guided meditation. It is a beautiful, important process that we look forward to every month.
If this sounds like something you'd like to get started in your tribe, feel free to reach out with any questions.
caitlin@yogalifestudios.ca
Life goes in waves and everything is connected; the more we feel and understand this, the more we can use it as a resource. We set goals in varying intervals to establish realistic and attainable benchmarks; what am I accomplishing this week, month, year, 3 years, 10 years? Intentions are the life we breathe into our goals, making them desirable in a way that keeps us motivated. When we put intentions behind our goals, it offers a creative romanticism that personalizes our wishes and tailors them to the current wave we’re in. We may work on the same goal our whole life, but it is the intention behind it that steers why we’re actually executing it. The moon waxes and wanes in a very clear, relatable cycle. As the lunar cycle comes to a close, we find the moon “empty”. The new moon is a wonderful time to set, revisit and realign intentions and goals. This may correlate with something we desire for the month or perhaps this month's goals lend to a longer, larger goal.
Everything you want is yours and your friends are there to help you get there. Happy New Moon! Namaste.
Finding Space With Forward Fold
Ground your feet, pour your heart out and breathe
Forward fold, or Uttanasana, is a simple and nourishing way to access space in the entire back line of the body. Back of the head, spine and surrounding muscles, hamstrings, calves and heels all get to soften and gently open, softening into how much you need in the moment.
As always, there is no rush to "get there"; forward fold is an amazing place to hang out and see where your body wants to go. Let yourself dangle, give yourself gentle movement, and maybe start to work deeper with the subtle activation of muscles or the help of your upper limbs. The explorative nature of a forward fold can bring you into the space your body is craving.
Contraindications and Cautions
If you have complications with your back, take forward fold with bent knees. Another option would be to take Ardha Uttanasana, half forward fold, with your hands on the wall, legs perpendicular to your torso, and arms parallel to the floor.
Modifications and Props
To get deeper into the backs of the legs, stand in the forward bend with the balls of your feet elevated an inch or more off the floor on a rolled up mat, blanket or thick book.
Deepen the Pose
To increase the stretch, lean slightly forward and lift up onto the balls of your feet, pulling your heels a half-inch or so away from the floor. Inner rotate and lift your thighs deep into the pelvis, and then lengthen your heels back to the floor.
Remember to honour where you're at always; respect how this shape changes depending on your needs and always remember to breathe!
21 Benefits of a Regular Practice
We are into the last week of the 30 day challenge and we couldn't be more proud of all you yogis that have shown up day in and day out to deepen your practice. Making time for your mat is a huge commitment with even huger payoffs, as you're probably starting to notice. And for our whole community that shows up when they can, remember that yoga isn't just being on your mat. In fact, you probably practice yoga every day in different ways that might not be in the forefront of your mind. Conscious breath while you prepare meals, a relaxing bath, reading a book or listening to your favourite tunes, being mindful and clear in conversations - these are all examples of a yogic life.
Never judge or compare on this journey. Practice practice and all is coming.
We encourage you to keep up your regular practice! Please enjoy this list of benefits and notice which ones land with you. Celebrate your successes, celebrate your areas of opportunity.
This list comes to us from by Rucha Tadwalkar at www.mindbodygreen.com. You can view the full article here!
21 Signs Your Regular Practice Is Working
1. Your happiness comes more from nurturing your mind, body, and spirit, rather than from other people or material objects.
2. You're able to express yourself without hurting others.
3. You view challenges as opportunities for growth.
4. You know the right thing to do, and you do it.
5. You feel compassion for others, including people, animals, and the earth.
6. You accept your current circumstance or situation, and either feel grateful for it or work toward improving it.
7. You begin to appreciate things that you once took for granted.
8. You focus on the solution, rather than the problem.
9. You try to maintain an ongoing positive attitude and recognize when you feel off-balance.
10. You love, appreciate, and respect yourself.
11. You listen to your intuition.
12. You not only genuinely feel happy for others’ successes, but also try to support them in the best way you can.
13. You think more about what will benefit the greater good, instead of what will benefit yourself.
14. A willingness to work through resentments, let go, and move forward.
15. You feel calmer in your daily interactions with others, as well as in situations that may have once caused anger.
16. You realize you aren’t perfect, and life is a series of lessons to help you continue progressing.
17. You start making time for the things you enjoy doing.
18. In a given situation you ask yourself, What is happening here, instead of, Why is this happening to me.
19. Others feel happy and positive just being around you.
20. You continue seeking and finding ways to feel inspired and motivated.
21. You make conscious efforts to bring your awareness back to the present moment.
We LOVE having you around, so keep up your regular practice! Share your challenge stories at info@yogalifestudios.ca for a chance to be featured on the blog!
A Heart Full of Green
Live in your heart
Our heart space is associated with joy, love and inner peace; a place we can drop into and actually live in as we become more attuned and open. As we strive to BE love, to let go and live more fully IN love, we see that the practice of opening our hearts can be a vulnerable one. The spaces of our mind, body and soul require patience and true listening as the permission and foundation to go deeper.
Anahata, the heart chakra
In tantric and yogic traditions, chakras are believed to be the energy centers of the body. They are connected to major organs and glands, governing the body as a whole. They associate with the mind, spirit and soul. There are 7 main energy centers that serve as junction points between the body and consciousness, matter and mind. Each chakra is linked with a colour, element, general "personality" and area of the body, to name a few.
Today we will focus on Anahata, the heart chakra. Anahata is governed by the colour green. It is located at the center of the chest and includes the heart, cardiac plexus, thymus gland, lungs, and breasts. Anahata deals with our ability to love; our joy and inner peace.
"When your heart chakra is open, you are flowing with love and compassion, you are quick to forgive, and you accept others and yourself. A closed heart chakra can give way to grief, anger, jealousy, fear of betrayal, and hatred toward yourself and others." - Michelle Fondin, The Chopra Center
Open with intention
Many of us hold incredible tension around the shoulders and neck, through the side body and into the midline of the spine. The energetic heart meridian runs from the chest, down the inner seam of the arm, and out the tip of the pinky finger; many movements and transitions we make with our arms in yoga can help to open up this space and move energy through this meridian. It is important that these openers be done with intention; create clarity around why you are moving or placing your body in this way, visualizing and breathing into the spaces you are softening and opening.
Going green
Working to harmonize and clear your heart center is a holistic process; how you carry yourself, your thoughts and actions, and the way you treat yourself and others all factor into the health of your relationship with Anahata.
The Chopra Center offers these easy tips to "give love to receive love"
- Smile at everyone you see daily, even if you don’t feel like smiling. It’s contagious.
- Forgive and move on. Life is too short to hold grudges.
- Give friends, family and co-workers positive affirmations and feedback.
- Try to go one day a week without criticizing anyone or anything, including yourself.
Nurture Your Mind: Yoga for Mental Health
Your yoga life
Yoga is a trilogy of mind, body and soul health. Our path to establishing and maintaining a flow between the three is unique and special. Humans strive to exist in a place of balance, fluctuating between light and dark, shadow and star. Our yoga practice offers up a safe space to journey through all aspects of self; it is when we enter the life laboratory we really get to test things out, try things on, and find the right path to healing and balance for our unique needs.
Seeking support and guidance on your journey is an amazing way to stock your toolbox. Often times we know we want to grow and heal, but we don't necessarily know where to start. It can seem daunting once you start to wake up to your true needs. How do I begin to meditate? What are these feelings of anxiety? What shapes can I make to stretch my heart that so badly needs freedom?
Wherever you are at in your practice, it is important to keep "trying things on". We can get comfortable in a flow of our physical practice and inadvertently disconnect from our soul's work. We forget to listen because we are craving the stretch. For some of us, stepping onto a yoga mat and doing the "work" is the most terrifying thing we can think of. For others, it's even just getting out of bed some days. The beautiful thing about joining a group to observe and heal all of your sides is that you are not alone. The support and understanding is right there for you, at your side, ready.
This month we are offering up these unique workshops to support your mind and soul, each rich in the foundation of taking care of your mental health.
Nurtured, Centered, and Relaxed: A Restorative Yoga and Meditation with Emily McNicoll
March 12 | 2:00-5:00 | Yogalife Studios South
A three hour exploration of nurturing restorative yoga, simple pranayama (breathing exercises,) and centering, guided meditation. Your body is sure to feel relaxed, your mind to feel at ease, and your whole being tenderly cared for.
Yoga Practice for depression, lethargy and to beat the blues with Michelle Chung
March 19 | 2:00-5:00 | Yogalife Studios South
This workshop is specifically designed to help those that suffer from depression and the blues. Using LifeForce Yoga ® principles and techniques, you will learn to move into a more balanced state and towards a positive emotional, mental, physical state of equanimity and self-awareness.
Relax and Rebalance with Essential Oils with Bianca Osbourne
March 20 | 3:00-4:00 | Yogalife Studios South | free for members, $5 for drop-in
Learn how to calm the body and renew the nervous system with essential oils.
Intro to Meditation with Kim Wilkinson
March 26 | 2:00-4:00 | Yogalife Studios South
Learn the basic Science, philosophy, and practice of meditation. Develop a solid personal practice, sit with ease, and bring balance, concentration, strength, and calm into your body and life.
Please reach out to us at info@yogalifestudios.ca if you have any questions on these offerings.
May we all feel supported on our journey.
Vitality Kitchen Workshop Series
Yogalife and Vitality Kitchen are teaming up to bring you healthy workshops
Yogalife Studios is known for offering you yoga (makes sense, we ARE a yoga studio!), but we believe that yoga is one fraction of a balanced, healthy lifestyle. We want to share more than asana, pranayama and meditation with you; we want to give you the tools to create the healthiest, happiest life! In an effort to keep you connected, we're teaming up with Bianca Osborne of Vitality Kitchen to bring you a series of hour-long workshops to inform and enlighten.
We want to help you create a lifestyle that suits YOU.
The first event is coming up this Saturday, March 5 at our south studio. 3:30-4:30 pm. $5
(yep, only $5)
Space is limited so be sure to pre-register HERE!
Vitality Health Workshop Series 1: Essential Oils for Digestive Health
One of the biggest health concerns affecting people is digestive distress from bloating, gas, indigestion, constipation, diarrhea and more. As essential oils and their benefits have grown in popularity, it’s time to to harness their healing benefits for your gut and promote abundant digestive health. This workshop we will cover the top essential oils for healthy digestion and how to use them safely.
I started using essential oils as a way to to make my home smell good without the use of chemicals often found in candles and air fresheners, which kickstarted my adventurous discovery into the best essential oils. Certified, pure, unadulterated and sensibly sourced reinforces that these really are the best essential oils and they have changed my life. I use them in cooking, in my home and as a part of my wellness routine- these AMAZING essential oils are life changing.
- Bianca Osborne
Follow Bianca and The Vitality Kitchen on Facebook and be sure to stay up to date with other events here and on her website, www.thevitalitykitchen.ca
Upcoming Vitality Kitchen workshops at Yogalife Studios:
Boost Your Immunity with Essential Oils, Yogalife Studios North, March 12, 3:30-4:30
How to use essential oils to support immunity all year round.
Relax and Rebalance with Essential Oils, Yogalife Studios South, March 20, 3:00-4:00
Learn how to calm the body and renew the nervous system with essential oils.
Total Body Cleanse with Essential Oils, Yogalife Studios North, March 26, 3:30-4:30
Learn how to support the detoxification process naturally with essential oils.
The Yogi Coffee Guide
Our coffee guide today comes from Allie White, Transformational Holistic Health Coach and all-around wealth of knowledge in all things healthy and happy. Her mantra is clear: Helping fun-loving women experience a whole new level of energy, beauty, and confidence so they can create the body and life they love with ease. Grab a quality cup of coffee and enjoy!
"How-To" Coffee Guide
Are you one of the many people wondering if coffee is healthy for you? There is so much conflicting information out there, it makes it difficult to know for sure if coffee is beneficial or detrimental to your health.
My answer is this: it depends on your unique individuality, your health struggles, and goals. (Not the answer you wanted, is it!?)
Depending on your situation, coffee can either be part of a healthy diet or really harmful, causing further health complications.
I’m sure you’ve heard about the many health benefits of coffee. Yes, they’re true! Coffee is loaded with antioxidants and full of magnesium; it can lower the risk of type II diabetes, help prevent Parkinson's disease, and lower the risk of liver cancer and disease. Sounds pretty good!
So if coffee is so healthy, then why aren’t you seeing the benefits?
There are two main reasons:
The quality of coffee
What you put in coffee
Quality: Pesticide Concerns!
Most coffee is very high in pesticides, which are linked to cancers, neurological disorders, and endocrine disorders (thyroid disorders, hormonal imbalances, adrenal fatigue, menstrual problems, and much more).
What We Put In Coffee: Chemicals, Creamers and Sugars….Oh My!
In addition to the pesticide concerns, there are two more components we put in coffee that keep us from experiencing its health benefits.
The first is sweeteners & artificial sweeteners:
Sweeteners: Putting poor-quality sweeteners in coffee adds unwanted chemicals AND calories. Case in point – Starbucks most popular blended coffee drinks rack up about 500-750 calories per 16 ounce serving. Most of that is sugar, which converts in the body to fat.
Artificial sweeteners: These sweeteners add to the chemical load of the body, convert into other more carcinogenic substances during the body’s own detoxification process, and increase the carbohydrate cravings. Yikes!
The second is poor quality dairy:
Most creamers or coffee lighteners that are sold as such are some of the lowest quality dairy products on the market. These may contain added hormones and/or antibiotics from dairy cows and chemical additives to replace the fat removed in low fat milk. If you think non-dairy creamers are a better choice, guess again. They contain hydrogenated oils (trans fats), casein, corn syrup solids, soybean, canola and/or sunflower oils, artificial flavours and colours, etc. (basically a storm of chemicals).
Here’s your three step magic coffee formula:
1. Choose high quality coffee - organic, fair trade, shade-grown.
2. Drink black or add: Teaspoon of organic unsalted grass-fed butter and/ or some coconut oil or MCT (medium chain triglyceride) oil. (I prefer organic, virgin, cold-pressed coconut oil.) * If you the blend coffee with butter or oil, it will get frothy and taste like a richer, healthier latte. Major yum! Sweeten with flavoured or plain stevia.
3. Do NOT drink on an empty stomach. Start your day with water, eat breakfast, and then enjoy your coffee. This will help prevent hormone and blood sugar imbalances that can lead to weight gain, insulin resistance, diabetes, and much more. Yes, this magic coffee formula is very helpful but it doesn’t solve every problem. Even if you follow this formula you still might experience harmful health effects from drinking coffee.
Should you quit drinking coffee?
While we’ve seen that coffee does have health benefits, the amount of caffeine that is present in coffee may be causing problems in your body.
If you have any of the following health challenges or concerns, you may want to consider reducing or eliminating coffee and caffeine.
You NEED coffee to function.
You have adrenal fatigue - you're exhausted all the time no matter how much you sleep, you never feel great and/or energized, exercise and other activities cause more fatigue. If you eat a highly processed, acidic diet including meat, dairy, alcohol, and sugar. Coffee is acidic and will further damage your liver and body leaving you more depleted. You have hormonal imbalances or blood sugar imbalances. Coffee gives you a JOLT of energy, followed by a crash, a headache, a stomach ache, and hunger.
If you said YES to any of these, you may want to reconsider your coffee habit. Switch to green tea for a while, unless you'd like to go cold turkey. Switching to tea not only cuts hard-to-digest, acidic dairy from your diet (if you drink latte’s), but also strengthens your immune system and gives a boost of antioxidants.
From there you can take it up a notch and give you body a complete break from all caffeine. Try going caffeine-free for a month to give your liver and body a break. After the month is up, do a coffee experiment. Have a small amount of black coffee after a meal and notice how your body reacts. Do you crash, get a headache, become irritable, and experience more cravings? If so, this is a sign you need to strengthen your liver and increase the mineral reserves in your body by eating a high amount alkaline foods (google "acid/alkaline food chart")
You may also want to consider the fact that coffee has a half life of about seven hours, meaning if you have a latte at 3pm the caffeine will still be in your system at 10pm when you'll want to be winding down for bed. Coffee after 12pm may prevent you from getting quality sleep. If you can, skip the coffee after noon and notice how if effects your sleep patterns. If you have insomnia or high stress, eliminating coffee can make a huge difference.
There you go! It’s time to get curious and tune in to what your unique body is telling you instead of looking outside of yourself and listening to a specific diet or what the “experts” are saying. Only you know what is right for your body. This can take time, so remember to be compassionate with yourself and have fun.
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