Cultivating BALANCE for the new year 2025

January 7, 2025 at 8:15 am (Beyond My Backyard, In My Backyard, In The Studio)
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Here we are starting a new year 2025 with another chance to reset, regroup, and recalibrate. Looking back is informative and explanatory but getting hooked there is not helpful, yet it often happens to all of us. In moving ahead with the knowledge of what WAS, we must balance it with what IS, and allow what WILL be to unfold, even in the midst of the challenges we face. One key to moving ahead is AWARENESS with self-compassion.

Balance can start with the physical – practice balancing in various ways to train your body. Not just standing on one foot but practice moving off centre, like sidestepping, backwards, diagonal, upside down. No wonder YOGA encourages so many different yoga poses and moving the body in all directions.

Balance includes the energetic – and that starts with the breath. Breathing in and out is automatic but when we pay more attention to the breath, we can explore its TENDENCIES (Do you hold your breath without realizing it? Do you breathe more through your mouth?) and its EFFECTS (What happens if you lengthen the exhale? What happens if you deepen the inhale? Where might you naturally hold your breath – top of the inhale? Bottom of the exhale? How does a deeper breath make you feel? How does a shallower breath make you feel?). So many things to observe with the breath!

Balance includes the mental – and possibly the hardest place of all within in which to create it. Balancing thoughts, feelings and emotions…one can say just let it all go…and one can get caught in the swirling of all of it…and one can be anywhere in between. Balancing what we have to DO to deal with life and with how to BE with life. The wisdom of YOGA has always offered an approach to keep coming back to balance in the mind through various ways – physical yoga postures, breath work, meditation. The approach varies at different stages of one’s life, different environments, different life experiences, different mindsets, etc. and doesn’t always “work” to the desires and expectations of ourselves and others (however, I choose to believe it does much of its work in the background). It is not a one-size-fits-all approach but meant to be a method unique to each person who choses to follow the path, and with different styles and paths to follow even within the YOGA approach, a person may wonder “which path is the right one for me?” A good starting place (like with any new endeavour) is to try it out and observe the effects, with the aim of cultivating more santosha and sattva (contentment and balance/lightness), sometimes feeling “something” instantly and other times experiencing more balance and lightness over time. The path of YOGA and of life is definitely not linear – oftentimes it is more like one step forward, two steps back, sideways, off the track, down a different road, backtracking, getting lost, feeling found and on the “right” track, etc. From my experience, it is more an ongoing work in progress!

Balance includes love and kindness, compassion (including self-compassion) and empathy…

Balance includes right speech, expression, saying or not saying…

Balance includes acceptance of what cannot be changed, letting go to allow and BE the change, and as the serenity prayer reminds us, “the wisdom to know the difference”…

If you want to explore balancing with me, check out my various options:

FREE yoga videos and guided audio meditations

Online winter promo package

And of course, there are many other options for YOGA out there, some for free and others for drop in. However one chooses to cultivate more balance in one’s life, I feel it is more necessary than ever to work on it, to be accountable for missteps and make amends, to observe and take note, to adjust and tweak and modify as required. Guidance may be needed initially but eventually, balance has to come from within.

Happy New Year to all of you and I am always grateful for those of you who support my work/play/life.

Namaste…

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Summer Schedule

June 12, 2024 at 10:30 am (In My Backyard, In The Studio)
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Last week of yoga classes before being “off” for the summer! Thanks to everyone who continues to practice with me, whether in person, online, or simply in heart and mind. I trust you will continue to practice in your own way over the next few months! I’ll be back to a regular schedule this fall and will email those of you on my mailing list with further details. Also, check out About ANNE’S ONLINE YOGA CLASSES and About ANNE’S IN-PERSON YOGA CLASSES for updates as well.

As I have heard from many of you and can relate to it myself, there seems to be a wave of fatigue in the sea of change (suffering = dukkha)…a “hitting the wall” so to speak. Feeling this ongoing imbalance has reminded me again that change is not necessarily linear; and certainly not always easy, not only for the person changing but also those around them. Change can also be amazing and wonderful and enlightening! So this summer’s personal schedule and theme for me is about returning to balance in the midst of all change. Bouncing to and fro, here and there, up and down, but constantly returning to balance in between. It is already in motion! How one returns to balance is unique and individual; however, I believe it is the process of returning daily that is the practice. This process requires introspection, wisdom, discernment, a wise voice, a balance of solitude and socializing, a balance of guidance and personal intuition, effort and patience…oh patience.

Progress along the way is key to motivation…and while one step forward might initially mean two steps back, we nevertheless have to keep moving forward. So on that note, in this moment, returning to balance means turning away from my computer, smiling while thinking of my granddaughters, having some fresh fruit, and drinking a glass of water! Cheers and may your summer schedule leave you feeling balanced and refreshed!

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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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Twenty Twenty-Three – EMPOWERMENT

January 10, 2023 at 3:23 pm (In My Backyard)
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A new year, a full moon, a multitude of challenges (aren’t there always in this life – just different incarnations), and at the same time, a wealth of silver linings (the half-full part of the glass). Lots to face, lots to be grateful for, lots to do, and lots to embrace. A year ending and new year beginning is an opportune time to reflect and reset and restore. But now I feel it’s time to get moving. So as I enter 2023, I commit to unsticking myself from some of the gooey-ness of life. Cultivating faith, trust, hope, joy even in the midst of uncertainty, helplessness, and sadness. How to do this? In the moment, BRFWA – breathe, relax, feel, watch, allow. Then move ahead with a calmer perspective; a positive perspective. Own your missteps and make amends. Find a positive mantra that relates best to your situation and THINK IT, AFFIRM IT, BELIEVE IT…every day and keep setting reminders. Move the body and say the words and walk the walk. Drink the water; eat the veggies; work on the mind; and better sleep will come. ACT, not REACT. Make the time…The checklist may seem long, but I believe one must advocate for oneself first – what is the minimum you can do/think/say for yourself that will empower you to ACT positively? One step at a time.

There is so much out there to help one get out of the gooey-ness – people, books, courses, programs. But ultimately, only YOU can get the ball rolling…so step 1 is show up…take the step, even if it is a baby step. DO IT and BE IT, whatever IT is for you; not just say you are going to do it. Sign up for the course, read the book, get off the couch, make the call, change your mind; and if rest is what you need, then stay on the couch. Do at least the minimum…and that could mean as simple as smiling a big toothy grin each day to stimulate some feel-good hormones while you lie on the couch. If you need help, please reach out to your network…or just one person. It may not be easy…but it is necessary. Patience, perseverance, at times forgiveness, and EMPOWERING YOURSELF to keep at it, giving time and space for transformation to happen. Okay it sounds exhausting…but it doesn’t have to be. The glass is half-full…

There will always be provisos and conditions and circumstances and excuses and justifications for the obstacles on the road…often we think it is time-related or other-person related. If you don’t make the time, how can you move forward? If you are stuck in blame, how can you move forward? I’m not denying there will be raw periods where it is SO HARD to move forward, full of trial and error, roadblocks and challenges, but forward we must go believing in goodness, contributing to that goodness, and trusting in the goodness…step by step and again with patience. The coming out of the dark into the light; resetting and recalibrating, again and again.

The tradition of yoga suggests a Sankalpa or “a resolve” in order to stay on track. A short statement made in real-time of how you want to BE. I have been guided by the same Sankalpa for a long time…it’s a four-part positive guideline to follow (“Joyful energetic body, loving compassionate heart, reflective alert mind, lightness of Being” – thanks to the Chopra Centre for this one). Every day, and throughout the day, I ask myself if what I am doing/thinking/saying is contributing to this resolve or going against it. Sometimes I ignore it, sometimes I challenge it, and sometimes I forget it…but my Sankalpa always resurfaces and quietly reminds me that it’s okay – just reset. For me, and maybe you, too, such is the power of the practice of yoga, over and over.

If you would like to move forward with me, try out one of my guided meditations or videos (see a newly uploaded Yin and Gentle Yoga video!); join my online classes; or simply send me an email and share with me how YOU are moving forward. And for a wider network, check out the Canadian government’s initiative for mental health – Wellness Together Canada.

And if staying put is the right thing for you at the moment, try this: 36 breaths lying on your left side, 36 breaths lying on your right side, and 36 breaths lying on your back propped up a bit. Total = 108 breaths.

Namaste and here’s to 2023.

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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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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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Welcoming Winter

December 9, 2021 at 9:17 pm (In My Backyard)
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“Tis the season to be jolly”, because what good is it to be anything else when it is cold and blustery and snowy; or when the snowplow goes by and leaves a pile at the end of your driveway; or when your new appliances won’t be delivered on time; or when the evening news reports new viral variants? There seem to be so many things that can bring a person down these days…if you let those things get to you. You can rant and rave and swear and fuss and get it all out, then change what you can, accept what you can’t, and let go of the negatives so they don’t bring you down. There are so many wonderful things (big or small) that can uplift a person if one INVITES them in, rather than blocks them out. Blocking out the uplifting energies can happen when we make incorrect judgments, use harsh words, react hastily instead of act mindfully, make incorrect assumptions, take things personally, think negative thoughts, or even rush around and load our plates, depleting our reserves. Recognize and acknowledge when you are blocking yourself, let those negative thoughts go, and make space to invite the positives to flow in. This season…especially NOW…I choose to welcome winter, and keep my eyes (and heart) wide open for those GOOD THINGS in life that sometimes, almost miraculously, come into being.

Like the infinite patterns of snowflakes. Like our new baby grand-daughter who, while far away and awaiting our meeting in person hopefully one day soon, is growing and thriving. Like my colourful orchids that are budding and ready to bloom in the afternoon sun. Like my neighbour who surprised me with homemade cookies. Like my hubby who makes me coffee every day. Like my father’s spirit who whispers to me from beyond when I need a nudge. Like fitting in to an old pair of jeans. And like taking a breath freely and deeply each day.

A regular yoga practice is an opportunity to formally practice breathing with awareness and movement on the mat. Check out my YOGA VIDEOS BY ANNE for options for a daily practice. A regular meditation practice invites you to formally practice breath awareness while sitting in stillness. Join a meditation group, learn about pranayama practices, or check out my GUIDED MEDITATIONS and try one each day this winter.

But the real breath work is really more informal…when we choose to breathe deeply even in the mundane every day activities. I shovelled a little bit of light snow in the sunshine today and took a deep breath of cool air; a few days ago I shovelled a LOT of heavy snow in the pouring rain, and took a deep breath of cool air. I took my pink mask off in the car after the grocery store, and took a deep breath of cool air. I will not take this breath for granted…

Try this right now: Sit tall, roll your shoulders back once and lightly soften them, prepare to close your eyes, and then take 5 slow deep breaths…

Welcome to winter and I wish you all an uplifting happy, safe, and peaceful holiday season!

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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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