Finding Your Centre

Stress is the number one contributor to disease in the western world.


We are what we repeatedly do, therefore if you wish to be calm and stress-free, you must practice calm and stress-free.

So, what have you been doing lately to reduce the stress level of your life? 

If you are like me, you may find yourself trying to keep up with the daily grind...

Doing what we are 'supposed' to be doing:

• being a "Super Mom" or "Super Dad"
• filling our family's days with commitment, activities, you name it 

Bogging our schedules down with no end in sight.

We hear it all the time as Yoga teachers trying to spread the joy of what we do to our friends and families... 

"I wish I had the time for yoga, but I'm just so busy." 

It's so true! We are all incredibly busy, and it's impossible to find the time...

This is why the only way you will make it to your mat (or to your rug) is if you make your own needs a priority in your life, and make the time.

Reserve a quiet moment on your mat, rug, or office chair and breathe, just breathe. Taking time everyday to slow down and centre.

Breathe deeply filling the space of your abdomen.  

Finding the stillness in your own body where you are content and at peace will leave you feeling happier and healthier. 

If you would like to come find your centre with me tonight, join us at 5:30PM at the West End Community Centre.

Yoga for Change is a Candle-lit Karma Yoga class held every Wednesday evening at 247 23rd Street in Brandon, where donations are collected for the charity of the month in lieu of a class fee. This is a drop-in only all levels class that is great for beginners or seasoned yogis alike.  

Looking forward to seeing you soon! 

Shawna 

10 Reasons You Should NEVER Start A Yoga Practice

Thinking of starting a Yoga Practice? Why not start tonight?

Yoga for Change: Donation based Karma Yoga Class Every Wednesday (5:30 PM-6:30 PM) @ The West End Community Centre 

Brandon City Yoga presents: Yoga for Change 

Ten Reasons to NEVER Start A Yoga Practice 

1. It Will Ruin Chili Cheese Fries

When you have a regular asana practice, you are going to notice the effects that the foods you eat have on your body on a whole new level. To the point that you may actually feel like giving up some of your oh-so-tasty but oh-so-stomachache-inducing foods. If you are a foodie, you may want to steer clear of the yoga mat.

2. It Will Put A Downer On Your Late Nights

Getting on your mat after a late night out, or a night filled with one or two too many Netflix episodes may become so unpleasant that you turn into an early bird – both in rising and in going to sleep. Your party days may be slightly numbered.

3. Love Drama? Skip Yoga

It is pretty difficult to maintain a life of drama when you have a dedicated yoga practice. In fact, you may become someone who so enjoys peace that other people stop wanting to talk to you, because you just don’t get sucked into their dramas anymore, let alone your own.

4. It Will Make You Have To Take Responsibility

The mat is generally a mirror for people, and this means you are going to notice all the places you are blaming other people for the things that are going on in your life – and you may discover that it is not really their fault at all.
You may even come to the conclusion that you have the power to stand up and make the changes in your life that will make you happier. If you really like blaming others, yoga may not be that great for you.

5. It Will Suck The Fun Out Of Judging People

Again, where pointing out the faults of others used to be kinda fun, now it just feels mean. You are most likely going to want to spend more of your time talking about all the amazing things the people in your life are doing – which may be a bummer for some of your friends out who still enjoy a gossip fest.

6. It Will Ruin Your Wardrobe

You used to have nice things. Now you just have 1,000 pairs of yoga pants. What happened to you?

7. It Will Make You Cry In Public

If you are not into public displays of emotion, then yoga is most likely not for you. You never know when the teacher is going to say just the right thing, or when you are going to go into just the right heart opener and the water works will be turned on.

8. It Will Make You Feel Your Feelings

Getting in touch with your body means you will get more in touch with your mind, which inevitably is going to lead to your emotions. If you are someone who wants to run from how you feel, you should most likely run from yoga.

9. It Will Open Your Hips, Your Shoulders And Your Heart

The softer your body becomes, the softer your heart is most likely to become. You will be opening the stiff parts of your body, along with the stiff parts of your deepest self. Yoga is steeped in tradition and spirituality – most hearts do not make it out still hardened.

10. It Will Ruin Your Relationship With Anything That Is Self-Destructive

And yes, this includes even the fun, self-destructive things. You are going to connect in with yourself, and start to notice how all your habits are affecting you. This may just ruin all your desires to drink, smoke, swear, stay up late, eat fast food and drive really fast. If you love your life the way it is now, then don’t take up yoga.

Hopefully, you can sense the jest of this post! Of course there are yoginis who still drink, smoke, swear and eat less than optimal food—they just tend to be a lot more mindful about it.In all truth, yoga can and most likely will change your life. However, you are still in the driver’s seat and can take it at a pace that works for you. Happy Bending!

Written by: Ali Washington, author of The Perception Diet, a book designed to help you create the life and body you desire through awareness and a deeper connection with yourself. Through her own struggles with body images issues, Ali used yoga, meditation, mindfulness and serious self love to heal. Now it is her mission to spread the tools she used to gain her wellness with the world.  

View Ali's profile »

Extracted Wednesday, March 18, 2015 from DoYouYoga.Com

Yoga for change - March 11th

Yoga for Change returns tonight at 5:30pm at the West End Community Centre (247 23rd Street).

Tonight's gentle flow yoga class is lead by Shawna Philpott.

Join us for an inspiring heartfelt flow designed to challenge your core and melt your heart.

This month's charity of the month is the Cerebral Palsy Society of Manitoba.

Yoga for Change - March 4th with Jamie Wlasiuk

Join us tonight, Wednesday March 4th for Yoga for Change, when we host guest teacher Jamie Wlasiuk while she guides us through a gentle flow series. 

Guest teacher Jamie Wlasiuk

We wanted to get to know Jamie a little bit better so we asked her a few questions.

How long have you been practicing yoga? 

Started practicing in 2008 at Moksha - found yoga really helped me with my work related aches and pains including sciatic issues (dental assistant) later found it was an amazing way to deal with stress and anxiety.

What do you love most about teaching? 

Guiding others through a practice that feels great and has so many benefits makes me feel amazingly energized and positive, I absolutely love that!

Is there anything on the horizon in terms of trainings or special plans for your practice you'd like to share? 

I did my first training July in Costa Rica and can't wait to do another but no plans as of yet.

What is your favorite pose? 

Favourite and least favourite pose is dancer! It illustrates my flexibility, focus, strength, and also my bodies inequalities! I continue to work at this one, it keeps me humble for sure!

What can we expect from you on Wednesday evening?

Wednesday will be a gentle flowing practice with some attention aimed at awakening our intuition by way of our third eye chakra!  

This one hour class begins at 5:30 and is held at the West End Community Centre, 247 23rd Street. In lieu of a class fee please bring your donation (suggested minimum donation $5) for the charity of the month.

Learn more about this month's charity, Cerebral Palsy Association of Manitoba.