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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YOGA THIS FALL 2022 with Anne Stubbs

August 22, 2022 at 1:55 pm (In My Backyard)
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Hello and happy summer, dear Yoga Friends! Ready to try in-person classes again? Not quite ready to be out there, but okay with online practices? I’ve got you covered both ways, at least for a couple of months! These offerings take us to the end of October for now.

IN-PERSON CLASSES AT OSGOODE COMMUNITY CENTRE (5660 Osgoode Main St., Osgoode ON)

  • large spacious room on second floor; distancing encouraged; maximum 20 participants
  • in-person classes are NOT recorded
  • public washrooms on site; ample parking
  • mask-wearing encouraged until you get to your own mat for the safety of all participants
  • bring your own mat and yoga props
  • facility follows City of Ottawa cleaning and disinfection protocols; and abides by Ottawa Public Health recommendations
  • do not attend if you are unwell, have symptoms of Covid-19, or have been in close contact with someone who has Covid-19

Two programs available:

A) HATHA YOGA Tuesdays 9:15 am – 10:15 am Sept. 6 – Oct. 25 – 8 classes

COST = $120.00

B) YIN YOGA Fridays 9:15 am – 10:15 am Sept. 9 – Oct. 21 (no class on Oct. 7) – 6 classes

COST = $90

ONLINE via ZOOM

Two programs available:

A) MID-WEEK YOGA MIX Wednesdays 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm Sept. 7 – Oct. 26 – 8 classes

COST = $108

B) YIN YOGA Sundays 9:00 am – 10:00 am – Sept. 18 – Oct. 30 (no class on Oct. 9) – 6 classes

COST = $80

HOW TO REGISTER FOR ANY PROGRAM:

Send me an email (yogaimby@gmail.com) with your request and/or questions and I will reply with the waiver and more details. Register for online or in-person classes up to 3 days prior to the start date. Payment by e-transfer only to yogaimby@gmail.com. Fees for online classes are non-refundable.

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Savouring Sweetness on this Solstice day

June 21, 2022 at 10:49 am (In My Backyard)
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Today is the summer solstice of June 2022 with the longest daylight hours of the year. Not surprising then that my circadian rhythm responded to the morning light and I awoke early today. Maybe you woke up early, too. As I lay there quietly, I briefly contemplated the last two years of pandemic ups and downs leading right up to NOW. And then before I got caught up in the rehashing of the stress of it all, I got out of bed and into the day. I choose “sweetness” today, not heaviness or bitterness.

According to Ayurveda, the holistic system of health and wellness originating in India, the essence or “rasa” of sweet is more than just a sugary taste. It is a grounding combination of the qualities of earth and water; it is characteristically pleasurable, joyful, loving; and in balance, sweetness encompasses all those “sweet” things in life from puppies to pretty flowers, to preparing and tasting a fresh meal, to being in the company of friends. What better day than the summer solstice to savour the sweetness of life!

I met up with a friend this morning who gave me flowers fresh-picked from her garden, and we sat in the rain with our coffees, chatting and laughing and enjoying the exchange of energy. And we had a sugary cookie, too. Savouring sweetness isn’t just about taking the time…it is MAKING the time, as a priority for oneself, every day. Sweet is an essence we NEED in balance…along with the salty, pungent, astringent, bitter, and sour qualities of not just food but our lifestyles.

With today being the first day of summer, there is the promise of warm sunny days and lazy afternoons. A season where it feels easier to spread our wings and breathe in the light. And perhaps more space to MAKE that time to savour the sweetness!

Here is a short meditation to get you started. Enjoy and have a happy summer!

Summer Solstice Meditation

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Good Morning!

March 2, 2022 at 3:18 pm (In My Backyard)
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Ahhhh….a new day and a fresh start. A chance to do-over. An opportunity to make change, to forgive, to let go. A step forward. A time to rest or a time to produce. An open mind or a closed mind. Today I move forward with an open mind and this acronym in my thoughts – PBSP.

PAUSE, BREATHE, SMILE, PROCEED…

Check out this short (11 minutes) video for a Good Morning Mindful Movement Practice you can do to start your day. Have a good one…and even if it’s not so good, just PBSP and remember there is always tomorrow.

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Take A Seat…with Chair Yoga

January 26, 2022 at 9:58 am (In My Backyard)
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What started as a few stretches to relieve some tension around my shoulders and back after extended time sitting at my desk, inspired me further to experiment with my chair as a prop for my yoga practice. Check out this new video for a 43 minute chair yoga session! You might be surprised at how effective a simple chair can be as a tool for supporting deeper stretches, for promoting better posture, and for providing an accessible base on which to sit, lean, or balance.

I hope you will be inspired as well to come up with your own unique stretches and chair-supported yoga poses. Let your body guide you and have an open mind. At the very least, as you sit throughout the day, position yourself towards the edge of the chair with your feet flat on the floor and your hands gently in your lap; sit with a tall spine (more neutral and less slouchy to encourage good posture); close your eyes and take 10 full deep breaths. Try setting a timer to remind you to do this a few times a day!

Chair Yoga 1 with Anne

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A Gift of Simply Being – FREE 21-day Meditation Practice Dec. 1 – 21, 2021

November 18, 2021 at 2:10 pm (In My Backyard)
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Hello Yoga Friends! I’m excited to share that this December, I will once again be part of a FREE online daily guided meditation program hosted by Marla Ericksen through Empower Me Yoga.

“A GIFT OF SIMPLY BEING” – 21-Day Meditation Practice

Show up and just BE…as you are. Marla, and a gracious group of seasoned local teachers, invite you to share in our gift of 21 days of morning meditation as the holiday season approaches. Join this FREE online event, Dec. 1 – 21, 2021 each morning from 8:00 am – 8:15 am as we guide you in, then sit together in silence. BE ALL IN for whatever the moment brings! We finish each meditation with a grounding gesture to seal the practice. ALL ARE WELCOME!

TO REGISTER:

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/empowermeyogaott

Direct Booking: https://www.wellnessliving.com/rs/event/empowermeyoga?k_class=360262

For further booking info, please contact Marla at marla@empowermeyoga.com.

www.empowermeyoga.com

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20-Breath Practice

October 27, 2021 at 5:49 pm (In My Backyard)
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Balance…that beautiful internal place where effort and surrender are in harmony. When you feel on your game, peaceful and content, satisfied and fulfilled, energized yet calm, alert and well-rested, body systems are working well, and breath flows with ease – all within the circumstances and current conditions you are in (even if they are chaotic, uncertain, weird). A feeling where you need no more and no less; sometimes a brief momentary feeling and sometimes a blissfully extended period of time. For many of us, we have been living so far away from balance on a regular basis that even though we recognize the imbalance, it is SO HARD to return to a state of harmony. We wait for something external to bring us there, or we blame the imbalance on the external, or we fail to acknowledge the very things we are doing to ourselves that bring us out of balance. Balance is not an end-state, nor is it a permanent state, but more a fluid dance of yin and yang from moment to moment. We can be off kilter for a bit then back in the centre, then off again, and back again. How do we stay closer to the centre and less off balance for longer?

Paying attention and noticing how you FEEL is the key to finding your own state of balance. Observing patterns and impulses and tendencies while being open and compassionate and kind to yourself. Before you can let GO you have to notice and let BE…gently. The mantra that has been in the forefront of my mind lately is “Hold it lightly” thanks to the book, “Emotional Agility” by Susan David. Sometimes we attach ourselves to those things that we desperately want to let go of… so if we acknowledge what we are holding on to, then willingly loosen the grip and hold it all lightly, maybe we create space for those unwanted things to seemingly just float away. And then the scales tip so balance can be restored. That’s what I am noticing…

Here is a short slow-flow standing practice I’ve been experimenting with and it really seems to help balance me. Maybe it will be helpful for you, too! It is simple and basic; moves the spine in all directions; helps to stretch the whole body; is gentle enough to do in the evening when you are winding down; you can make it more active to be an energizing morning routine; it encourages you to breathe and move in sync; and you could even modify it to be done from a chair. Try it for a week or more…and see what you think. Returning to balance is a lifetime practice and individual to each of us. Each time you return to YOUR centre, SMILE!

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RINSE AND REPEAT

October 13, 2021 at 1:15 pm (In My Backyard)
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Well Yoga Friends, it’s been awhile since I’ve felt like writing or teaching or even rolling around on my yoga mat. Some days have been solely about breathing and BEING and feeling…oh God so much feeling. For many of us, it may have felt like our worlds have turned upside down and inside out over the last weeks, months, year, and perhaps continue to be challenging. Some things are so vivid in our short-term memory – happy memories from way back with a longing to return to “what we had”; or maybe haunting memories have resurfaced and now we have to deal with them or push them back down. Overthinking and underthinking and incorrect thinking. When is it OVER? But then again, is it really ever over? Keeping up with the ever-evolving, sometimes too fast or too slow pace of change has not been easy in this pandemic, for ANYONE.

Our stories may have different details, and the challenges vary from small, persistent daily stuff to really big scary experiences. What is common to all of us is that SHIT HAS HAPPENED and it is for certain that more shit will happen because that is the nature of life.

So what do you do when your life feels like it is soiled, messy, wrinkled, stepped on, etc.? How about going back to your life toolbox and pull out the practices that work: RINSE those toxins away in your heart/mind/body by finding a healthy way to get them out; move and breathe and feel and allow; acknowledge what IS by sitting with IT; accept that sadness, fear, loss, and anger are part of life as much as happiness, contentment, blessings, and calm; really ask yourself how you are contributing to your own misery and change it; reach out for a helping hand; slow down and clear your plate so you can HEAR your internal messages; get on your yoga mat and surrender (not resign); and so on and so on. Then REPEAT…over and over again.

Yoga is UNION…the uniting of opposites…the dance of clean and dirty. Relishing the yummy stuff, and navigating the yucky stuff without getting attached to either one. My current RINSE cycle includes lots of water and hydration, cleaning up my diet, moving every day, reaching out. And it is okay to go for a few days in the same yoga pants and stained hoodie and messy gone-grey hair because the rinse cycle will be REPEATED.

If you are willing to RINSE AND REPEAT with me on the yoga mat, I invite you to join my online yoga class called “MID-WEEK YOGA MIX” via ZOOM on Wednesdays, starting Oct. 20, 2021. This is an 8-week session from 7:30 – 8:30 pm with the intention of gently working out some kinks in the body and mind. We will breathe and move and meditate in different ways each week, and wind down the day together. COST for the 8-week session is $108 by e-transfer (non-refundable). Email me at yogaimby@gmail.com to register.

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