December 2023 – Welcome the light!

December 20, 2023 at 11:44 am (In My Backyard, In The Studio)
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As we enter a typical season of shorter daylight hours and earlier darkness with maybe an urge to hunker down and hibernate, I am instead inspired to welcome whatever light is present AND lighten up in heart, mind, body, and spirit! Christmas lights, candles, flashlights, moments of sunshine, and even the blue light of cell phones (but not right before bed…). Smiles, sweet treats, deep breaths, simplicity – all with the intention of lightening our loads during what can be a challenging busy season for many folks.

Down time and chill time is truly needed, yet sometimes we think it has to be given to us. Sometimes we get in our own way, believing we just don’t have time…so ask yourself, is there a way you can MAKE the time? Don’t just TRY to do it but really do it. Balance what must get done with what can wait; balance what is wanted with what is needed.

When I reflect back on my intentions at the beginning of this year, I recall exploring the theme of empowerment (Twenty Twenty-Three – EMPOWERMENT), and throughout the year, there were many moments of YESSSSS (confidence, faith, empowerment) and just as many moments (if not more) of NOOOOO (uncertainty, doubt, restriction). The process is still unfolding and within it there are those peripheral challenges along the way that not everyone, including myself, can easily adjust to or accept. So I think the intentions for 2024 might be the same – a “try again” experience in empowerment.

What would the wisdom of yoga suggest? Keep on moving, stop to breathe and BE, cultivate compassion and friendliness and joy and neutrality, not only towards others but towards oneself, adopting a personal thumbs up and green light where appropriate, and accepting a thumbs down and red light when we need to be reminded. Feel all the feels then let them go…that is the hard part! But we have to keep reminding ourselves that “we got this”…

As we move forward into a new year, may our intentions honour both the small steps in lightening up and the big picture perspective; may we be gentle and compassionate with one another and ourselves; may we have the wisdom to know when to step aside, when to step in, when to get up in the night and look outside, and when to just stay in bed and sleep; and may we bring more lightness into our BEING every step of the way. Happy Holidays to all and blessings for the New Year!

For yoga this winter, I am teaching online only, and registration is open until Dec. 31, 2023 for my super winter special – see About ANNE’S ONLINE YOGA CLASSES or email me directly to register. I plan to resume in-person classes again in the spring.

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seasonal transitions

August 24, 2023 at 3:17 pm (In My Backyard, In The Studio)
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Here we are coming to the end of summer 2023 and transitioning to another routine for September! I look forward to joining some of you once again on the mat or online for yoga, meditation, breath, mindful movement, stress relief…

If you are on my mailing list, you would have just received a new email with all the details of my autumn offerings. You can also see About ANNE’S ONLINE YOGA CLASSES, About ANNE’S IN-PERSON YOGA CLASSES, and About MY RETREATS.

Transitions in my life are happening as well – grandbabies growing and thriving, weddings and memorials, ups and downs, birthdays and celebrations, quiet times and busy times. Sometimes the transitions are bumpy and sometimes messy, but what helps to put challenges into better perspective for me is listening to the mid-1960’s song by The Byrds, “Turn, Turn, Turn”, and the words that say,

“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven…”

May we all transition to another season with peace, grounding, and mindfulness.

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Spring Mix

March 22, 2023 at 3:54 pm (In My Backyard, In The Studio)
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One doesn’t need to look at the calendar to FEEL the change that is in the air – cheers to the season of Spring! Birds singing, snow melting, sunshine shining, and nature unfolding as it does every year at this time. Time to shed the winter blahs and put a “spring” in your step!

The saying goes that “variety is the spice of life”, so an approach you can adopt this season might be to MIX things up a bit on all levels.

Physically – move or arrange your body in different ways every day to enhance circulation, lubrication, hydration, and prevent fixation and stagnation. Small movements (fingers and toes) to large full body movements. Experiment with pace, rhythm, duration. Try walking backwards or sideways or march around the table! Balance on one foot in the line up at the grocery store…You get the idea!

Energetically – try more brisk stimulating movements and breath work when you need to bump up your energy (think “Breath of Joy”), or slow flowing movements connected to breath when you need to ground your energy (think a slow “cat/cow”).

Mentally – whether you sit in stillness or mindfully move, focus all your attention on the task at hand – breathing, moving, feeling, watching with awareness.

Spiritually – wake up and give thanks and embody that gratitude throughout the day. The late Wayne Dyer wrote the following and it has always stuck with me:

“You have the choice each day to wake up and say, ‘Good morning, God’ or ‘Good God, morning!’…Any moments that you fill with thoughts of boredom and apathy will weaken you physically, emotionally, and spiritually…Those (thoughts) that weaken you are low/slow frequencies, and they can only be dissolved by bringing the higher/faster energies of Spirit to their presence.”

Dyer, Dr. Wayne – “10 Secrets for Success and Inner Peace” – 2001, Hay House Inc., Carlsbad, California

There are so many options to mix it up this season; you just have to be willing and curious and explore! As always, check out my FREE VIDEOS and/or GUIDED MEDITATIONS for inspiration; drop-in to a yoga class in person; or just get out for a walk around the block. Pick up something unique at the grocery store and try a new taste. Try laughing in the mirror without smiling and you’ll really be laughing in no time!

Happy Spring 2023!

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Workday Mind/Body Break

November 17, 2022 at 9:47 am (In My Backyard, In The Studio)
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Need a break during your workday? Then take it! Here is an option for a short breath awareness audio meditation you can do any time you need a time-out from the busy-ness of your day.

And for some physical movement, see this short (10 minutes) mindful yoga practice you can try when you need a stretch and/or time to de-stress – once a day, twice a day, or every hour if needed!

Workday Mind/Body Break

After the practices, notice how you feel, what you feel, and rate your productivity/creativity/reactivity. Improvements can often happen in the moment, or they may take some time and patience. Keep at it and have a good workday!

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Next Steps

October 12, 2022 at 12:43 pm (Beyond My Backyard, In My Backyard, In The Studio)
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As we wind down the autumn season and prep ourselves for winter, we come into yet another transition time. This change of season is particularly special for many of us. I, for one, love the cooler temps, the cozy sweaters, the hearty soups, and spicy chai tea. The colours of nature and the fresh perspective brought about after putting my garden to bed. This time of year brings back memories of many annual fall retreats where, as a group, we bundled up and meditated early in the morning – beside a shoreline, in the trees, under a blanket, or on a warm cushion. Even our yoga practices on the mat are likely to change at this time of year – from the sweaty strong movements fueled by summer sunshine to the earthy low-lying sock-wearing restorative poses. A natural going inward rather than outward.

If the flow of energy is more inward at this time of year, like me, you might feel more hesitant to get back “out there”. Like nature, the draw inward may feel a bit stronger right now. And then others might be raring to go and in need of more stimulation. Nature also shows us that this is a drier, windy, airy time (VATA influence from Ayurveda) that can whip our minds and hearts around, sometimes in motivating ways and other times in challenging ways. Whatever you need, it is important to LISTEN to the wisdom of your own signals. Then you can take the appropriate next steps that are right for YOU.

My next offerings for Nov – Dec 2022 continue to be some in-person classes in Osgoode and some online classes. If you want to know more about them, send me an email at yogaimby@gmail.com with your request and I’ll share the details.

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Anne’s classes on hold…but not forever

May 1, 2020 at 4:41 pm (In My Backyard, In The Studio)

Dear Yoga Friends, with talk of the gradual re-opening of various industry sectors over the next several weeks and months, we know it is important to REMAIN DILIGENT in our efforts to maintain health and safety in our homes, workplaces, and in the community. It will likely be a very different set up than before for yoga studios and in-person classes, with possible size restrictions, social distancing requirements, sanitation and disinfection protocols, and reduced schedules.

For my classes specifically, all group classes continue to be cancelled until further notice. My offerings to you have always been my passion, my joy, my dharma…and part of that joy is the interaction and face-to-face connection of teacher-to-student, yogi-to-yogi, friend-to-friend. While that may not be possible at this time, please know that I am looking forward to seeing you in the months ahead. Some of you have asked about online classes; while I am not set up to provide them at this time, at best I have been able to offer my GUIDED MEDITATIONS as ways to explore the inner self, calm the mind and body, and boost spirits. As it might feel like we are holding our collective breath, waiting for the next piece of good or bad news in this pandemic, I encourage you to EXHALE…and let’s just see what unfolds.

Before the pandemic, many of us complained about not having enough time to practice yoga or exercise daily, too much external stimulation, or putting our devices before our relationships. Now that we have that time, some of the complaints are at the other end of the spectrum…feeling boredom, more time on devices, too much time to think, etc. And in another few months, we will complain again, as it seems to be human nature to want something else. The teachings of yoga remind us of finding some degree of CONTENTMENT (Santosha), regardless of the circumstances, situation, and conditions. One day at a time…one moment at a time…knowing full well that things change and nothing is permanent. So can we let go of worry, anger, and judgment and replace them with faith, patience, and compassion? Can we go with the flow and use best practices while events play out? Sure we can. While I write a lot about these things, it may seem repetitive…but maybe we need these reminders OFTEN. I know I do…

“Just for today, I will be unafraid. Especially I will not be afraid to enjoy what is beautiful, and to believe that as I give to the world, so the world will give to me.” – a gift of wisdom from a friend…

NAMASTE

 

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Weathering COVID-19 with Self-Care

March 17, 2020 at 4:53 pm (In My Backyard, In The Studio)
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Friends and yoga lovers, this is a time when we ALL must heed the advice of not only our health officials and leaders but our own “inner gurus” for self-care. That may mean disconnecting from social media, news reports, and travel stories for a time so the fear and worry can lessen, if even for just a little while. A solitary walk in the winter sunshine followed by an afternoon savasana was just what was needed today to help slow my racing heart and calm my overthinking mind.

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All my yoga classes were cancelled for March break anyway, including Manotick classes and City of Ottawa classes…so to inform you that they CONTINUE TO BE CANCELLED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE likely comes as no surprise. Please take care during this challenging time with all the recommended precautions; keep up a home yoga practice for body and mind; and practice patience, compassion, and loving-kindness so we can all get through this.

Sending Reiki for protection, care, and safety…Shanti, Shanti, Shanti.

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Spring Yoga 2020 schedule…coming soon

March 4, 2020 at 4:52 pm (In My Backyard, In The Studio)

You know spring surely is coming soon when we switch to daylight savings time! Remember to put your clocks ahead an hour this weekend!

As we wind down the winter session of my yoga classes this month, this is a reminder there are NO CLASSES FROM MAR. 12 – 24 INCLUSIVE as I am away. The Spring Yoga schedule starts in April but until then, I hope to see you on the mat for a few regular classes after March break.

Registration for the Spring Session of Yoga-Pilates at NCAC opens tonight at 9 pm online, and tomorrow in person at any City of Ottawa client service centre. Register quickly as this class always fills up fast!

My new year “mantra” of “less struggle, more ease” and moving forward with clear vision seems to be coming to fruition. Whether in a yoga pose, in the line up at the bank, in traffic, or during a tough conversation…a conscious effort to follow the path of least resistance seems to be making a big difference. Stuff still happens and challenges present themselves, but rolling with it/through it/under it/over it with more acceptance seems to bring lightness to the body, mind, and soul and a clarity of vision. Good timing as we transition from the heaviness of winter to spring!

NAMASTE…and see you on the mat!

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Winter Yoga with Anne

January 8, 2020 at 3:34 pm (In My Backyard, In The Studio)

Yoga classes are now underway for this winter 2020! I hope to see you on the mat at one or more this season. CHECK HERE FOR YOGA CLASS INFO.

In addition, join me Sat. Jan. 18 from 4:00 – 6:00 pm at Empower Me Yoga Studio for a “Master Class: Journey Through the Koshas”. Beginning with a brief lecture and meditation, we will then flow through a sequence of poses three times, with each round promoting deeper awareness and insight. From the physical body to the energetic, mental, wisdom, and bliss layers, a “FIVE KOSHAS CLASS” is a truly holistic practice that helps to balance our WHOLE being, and encourages us to live gracefully and fully from each layer of Self.

REGISTER FOR THE KOSHAS CLASS ONLINE HERE: https://www.wellnessliving.com/rs/event/empowermeyoga?k_class=184582&k_class_tab=14994

See you on the mat!

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December Classes and Holiday Schedule 2019

November 28, 2019 at 4:26 pm (In My Backyard, In The Studio)
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This year, my plan is to gracefully, calmly, and joyfully navigate the month of December without getting all caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season. I am pleased to say that most of my Christmas gift shopping is DONE (thanks to an impromptu shopping afternoon and a great parking spot!). One way to stay grounded is to keep up a regular yoga practice. Mindful movement, focused breathing, embracing everyday moments of joy, and cultivating kindness is a huge antidote to what can be a very stressful time of the year. Come join me on the mat! Here is my schedule for December:

  • Regular Manotick classes continue until Sun. Dec. 22.
  • Yoga-Pilates at NCAC finishes Wed. Dec. 11. For those registered for the winter session, it begins Wed. Jan. 15, 2020.
  • HOLIDAY CLASSES at Denise Smith Dance Studio – 9:15 am – 10:15 am:
    • Tue. Dec. 24 – Christmas Eve Gentle Yoga
    • Fri. Dec. 27 – Candlelight Yin Yoga (bring your bolster and blanket!)
    • Tue. Dec. 31 – New Year’s Eve Hatha Yoga (UPDATE: Unfortunately, this class is cancelled due to poor weather…so sorry!)
      • Please note that pre-registration is required for the holiday classes to secure your spot. Send me an email to put your name on the list!
  • No classes on Thu. Dec. 26, Sun. Dec. 29 or Thu. Jan. 2.
  • January classes resume Sun. Jan. 5, 2020.
  • Throughout December, a portion of the proceeds from each Manotick yoga class will be donated to The Ottawa Food Bank on behalf of Yoga In My Backyard and our yoga community. Did you know that almost 40,000 clients use this service on a monthly basis? Additional donations will be happily accepted at the studio OR donate directly to The Ottawa Food Bank HERE.
  • Recently I had the pleasure of being part of a PODCAST, discussing the importance of slowing down and taking a breath on a daily basis. Listen to Episode 30 here.
  • “SOUL VIBRATIONS” – Inner Work Day Mini-Retreat at Vibration Studios, Osgoode, ON on Sat. Feb. 29, 2020, 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm. Registration is on NOW with an early-bird bonus if you register by Dec. 31, 2019. See MY RETREATS for full details.

Wishing you love, light, joy, and moments of awe this holiday season and beyond!

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