From the science of pain, we then discussed the different aspects of a yoga practice and how to use yoga to positively support those in class who live with pain. This includes the breath, meditation and gentle, supportive movement.
Read moreOur HeartFelt Fear
So why do we live in fear?? What is the purpose of it?? I am still figuring that out. All I can do is pay attention to those moments when fear shows up and trying to understand what it’s purpose is in that moment. If I keep working at this, maybe one day I will be able to get a “No Fear” bumper sticker for my car!
Read moreooooommmmmm.....
Personally, I have a very strong connection to this sound. It is a such an uplifting experience to chant OM whether in a room by myself or in a room with 100+ other people. I feel the vibration of the sound so strongly, I feel lighter in my soul afterwards.
Read moreHeartFelt Gratitude
We affirm that there are good thing in the world, gifts and benefits we’ve received. This doesn’t mean that life is perfect; it doesn’t ignore complaints, burdens, and hassles. But when we look at life as a whole, gratitude encourages us to identify some amount of goodness in our life.
Read moreLet Me Help You Navigate a Yoga Schedule
What style of Yoga is right for me?
This is a very common question. If you feel unsure when you are looking at a class on a studio schedule, know that you are not alone. Yoga studios literally use a different language!
Read moreEngaging in Self-Study in a HeartFelt Way
Just as I have done in previous posts, I look to the beautiful translation provided by Nischala Joy Devi, in her book The Secret Power of Yoga. “Sacred study of the Divine through scripture, nature, and introspection (Svadhyaya) guides us to the Supreme Self” She goes on to say that this study is fine tuning our mental and intuitive aspects and through this we harmonize with the inspirations that they have to offer.
Read moreHolding HeartFelt Space
I believe as a wife, a mom, a daughter, a sister, a friend, a yoga instructor, a yoga therapist, a yoga studio owner and a human being- one of my main roles in life is to hold space.
Read moreHeartFelt Emotions
This week, I am inspired by a Rumi poem called “The Guest House”.
Read moreHeartFelt Truthfulness
What I like most about studying Satya or my truth, is that I take 100% ownership of who I am, what I say and how I meet others. I don’t blame others or accuse others for how I feel
Read moreFeel the HeartFelt difference!
Yoga has always humbled me! I still wonder, at times, if I know enough now to do yoga justice. It’s important for me to be authentic in my yoga. Which played a big part in my decision to open HeartFelt Yoga.
Read moreHave a HeartFelt 2020
Sankalpa (Sanskrit: सङ्कल्प) means an intention formed by the heart and mind -- a solemn vow, determination, or will. In practical terms a Sankalpa means a one-pointed resolve to focus both psychologically and philosophically on a specific goal. A sankalpa is a tool meant to refine the will, and to focus and harmonize mind and body.
Read moreHeartFelt Restorative Yoga
Miranda and I were having tea last week. Our conversations are always interesting (to us, anyway) and cover a multitude of topics. The one topic that pops up often, is restorative yoga. We both feel that restorative yoga is the most misunderstood style of yoga.
Read moreHeartFelt Calm
If you have attended a yoga class, you may have heard the instructor repeatedly remind you to breathe. Breathing is something we do all day, every day and most of the time, we are unaware that we are even doing it. When we are practicing yoga, we are take time to observe the flow of the breath. We may also practice different ways of controlling that breath. The sanskrit word for breath Pranayama.
Read moreHeartFelt Abundance
In Yoga, you may have heard about the yama Aparigraha. Aparigraha is usually translated as non attachment. Basically, asking us to let go of those attachments to that perfect, storybook Christmas
Read moreSandra's HeartFelt Musings!
Hi Friends,
It was suggested to me today to start this blog. I have been practicing yoga since the early 1990’s and teaching since 2008. I love talking about all things yoga, so it makes sense to share in this format.
On Monday evenings, I teach a class called “Sugar and Spice & Everything Nice”. It’s a class for women. This is a class I have wanted to teach for awhile. There are many different topics we can discuss in this class. I have decided to start with teaching about the chakra system and how they can effect us emotionally. Learning about the chakra system, is just another way to understand ourselves.
The first chakra we discussed was the sacral chakra or in Sanskrit, Svadhishtana chakra. The physical location of this chakra is below the belly button, in the very centre of your lower belly. It is associated with our emotional body, our sensuality and our creativity.
The sacral chakra develops when we are between the ages of 2-4. At a time in our lives when we begin to explore a little more on our own, when we start to test boundaries that have been set up for us and while we are learning to build our confidence. Emotionally, we develop our ability to relate to others during this time and express our emotions to those around us. Each Chakra has an element related to it. The element associated with Svadhishtana is the water element. Which means learning to be fluid or go with the flow is developed during this stage.
When it comes right down to it, we are learning how to relate to others in a healthy way. When this Chakra is in balance our relationship with ourselves and others, will be harmonious and nurturing. There are countless reasons why our chakras go out of balance. If we observe ourselves becoming dependent on others, feeling stuck in thoughts or patterns, and/or feeling out of touch with ourselves, this chakra may be out of balance.
So, what can we do to get in touch with this chakra? Being that this chakra’s element is water, find ways to be fluid- dance or go to a flowy yoga class. The colour associated with the sacral chakra is orange- maybe wear a touch of orange, eat some orange fruit or veggies, or put orange accents in your space, such as an orange flower or a pillow. Most importantly, feed your creative side in some way. There are so many workshops out there, that can offer those who struggle in this area, the opportunity to get into that creativity. Plus, these workshops are usually pretty fun! Easiest of all, close your eyes and imagine your breath moving down into that lower belly space.
I hope you enjoyed my first attempt at HeartFelt musings. I plan on adding to this on a weekly basis. If you have a topic or question you would like me to answer, please don’t hesitate to let me know.
Until Next time,
Sandra