Guest Teacher Alexandra Daum Dec. 9th

This Wednesday, December 9th @ 5:30pm, Yoga for Change continues at Brandon City Yoga!

 
We are excited to welcome this week's guest yoga teacher Alexandra Daum to lead us through a gentle flow yoga series.

*Remember to bring your donation in lieu of a class fee for a local family this holiday season (pay-as-you-can)*

To get to know Alexandra a little bit better we asked her a few questions: 

When did your yoga journey begin?
I started practicing yoga when I was around ten years old. My sister is older than me and got a couple of Gaiam videos, so I started doing them too, and just got really interested in it that way. I was running track and swimming competitively through my childhood and early teens, and needed something that was more gentle for the body. Exercise that isn’t about winning something is really valuable for children, I think. 

What do you love most about yoga?
I think the best thing is how it links mental and physical wellbeing. All exercise is healthy for the mind, but yoga actively seeks to create a connection. 

What inspired you to become a yoga teacher?
I struggled with depressing and anxiety from childhood, and found yoga to be extraordinarily helpful in improving my mental health. It’s gotten so much better in the past few years, and yoga has played a very important role in that. I wanted to become a teacher to help other people who are going through the same things.  

What keeps you coming back to your mat?
Whenever I stop practicing for a while, I don’t feel as well. It’s just become a normal part of my routine, like eating breakfast every day. It’s part of staying healthy for me. I also have old knee, back, and shoulder injuries that yoga has really helped in healing. Everything is easier if I’m practicing regularly.

What do you like to do in your down time (other than yoga)?
I run a healthy food blog, so cooking, baking, photography, and writing are big things for me. I also do a lot of pottery, read, and make things like soaps and candles. 

What is your favorite style of yoga?
Gentle Hatha, with lots of twists and balances. 

Which pose is your favorite?
Does child’s pose count? I love dancer, and tree, and pigeon. Every pose (maybe not camel) is my favourite. 

What can we expect from your class?
A gentler flow that focuses on balance. In asana, balances are great for building strength in both body and mind, and I find them so beneficial for overall health. This is especially important during the holiday season, which can be stressful for many of us! Expect a sweet class that’s a bit challenging, but will hopefully keep you smiling the whole time.

We can't wait for class Alexandra!

Class begins Wednesday at 5:30 pm (doors open at 5 pm). Remember to bring your donation in lieu of a class fee in support of a local family this holiday season!
West End Community Centre
247 23rd Street
Brandon, MB
www.brandoncityyoga.com for more details

Your Brain on Stress

Stress can be highly personal - for one person an unpleasant experience is to another an exhilarating adventure. A dose of stress can be good for memory and motivation, however, 70% of doctor visits and 80% of serious illnesses may be exacerbated or linked to stress.

Stress is causing us suffering, in our minds, in our bodies and in our wallets. 

Health Care associated with stress related illnesses is costing the Canadian economy an estimated $33 billion a year in lost productivity, as well as billions more in medical costs.

Why do we Stress? 

The mind is a powerful tool that sets humans apart from the rest of the animal kingdom. We have the ability to predict, plan and anticipate. With these abilities comes a whole briefcase full of negative side effects for our beautiful minds...

With the power to foresee, we fret- focused on the future, creates anxiety

With the power to revisit and remember, we dwell - living in the past leads to depression

Only in the present is there peace.

We are burdened with the constant bombardment of an over stimulated mind.

So what is the answer?

Self-Regulation

Mindfulness studies have seen drastic improvement to the psycho-physical well-being of study participants after only 5 days of practice.


They found that participants of the study reported:

• Reduced levels of cortisol – the stress hormone
• Improved blood flow and electrical activity in their brains
• Improved their quality of breathing
• Improved memory and cognitive ability
• Reduced levels of anxiety
• Reduced levels of depression
• Reduced levels of anger
• Reduced levels of fatigue, and 
• “created a state of ah, much like in the morning opening your eyes, looking outside the grass and sunshine, you feel relaxed, calm and refresh without any stress”

So what did this Mindfulness study involve?

It will come to no surprise to Yogis that the bulk of the Mindfulness plan revolved around the Eight Limbs of Yoga.

In Ashtanga Yoga ("Eight Limbs" Yoga) We are taught to allow Yoga to integrate into all aspects of our lives. Moving more towards the inner teachings of Yoga, beyond the physical expression that is Asana.

The Eight Limbs of Yoga are:

• Yama (non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, continence, and non-hoarding), 
• Niyama (cleanliness, contentment, spiritual purification, study of sacred texts, and devotion to one's higher power), 
• Asana (Physical Postures), 
• Pranayama (Breath Control), 
• Pratyahara (Withdraw of the 5 senses), 
• Dharana (Focus and Concentration), 
• Dhyana (Meditation), 
• Samadhi (Taping into the supreme state of consciousness - the goal of all yoga practice).

Yoga is for EVERYONE --You can practice Yoga absolutely anywhere regardless of your background, level of experience, body type, religion, or age.

• Taking a moment to focus on your breath-Stop and take 10 deep breaths 
• Recite a Mantra with a Mala - Try one of our small wrist Malas from Jala Mala for Japa Meditation.
• Attend an Asana Class - We have great beginner level classes as well as workshops to suite all yoga practitioners or for a private introduction to Yoga we love private classes and would be honoured to guide you through a tailored class just for you. 
• Yoga Nidra/Guided Meditation - Get your meditation practice started with one on one guided practice. 

Get started to happier, calmer and more chilled out version of yourself today. 

I would love to hear from you! Send us a message here http://www.brandoncityyoga.com/contact.html can't wait to discuss this blog post with you.

Simple ways to be Green

Today is the 45th annual celebration of Earth Day (April 22nd).

In honour of Mother Earth here are a few simple ways to:

1) Grow your own Food- We don't all have the space to have a full garden so why not dedicate a windowsill to a new herb garden?

Windowsill Herb Garden 

2) Choose a Fair Brew- If you are a coffee lover choose a fair trade roast or better yet a fair trade company. (If you don't know if your favourite coffee is fair trade take some time do find out!!)

3) Plant some native Wildflowers- We humans have been busy changing the landscape so much that our native bees and butterflies don't come across many of the native wildflowers that they've adapted to pollinate.

DIY Wildflower Seed Bombs

4) Plant a Tree - Help to offset your family's carbon footprint by sequestering some carbon of your own!

Check with your Rural Municipality office for free trees being given away in your area! 

5) Reduce your dependence on fossil fuels - by walking, biking, carpooling or taking public transport.

6) Reduce your consumption of plastic - Plastic does not decompose... therefore, if your plastic is not recycled, it will end up in our landfills or waterways and eventually into our oceans.

Plastic washed up on beaches in Hawaii 

7) Choose Green products - Every dollar you spend is a vote.
When you choose ethical companies, who are making products that help to make a change in the world -you are casting a vote for that company.
Consumer demands can and do drive serious change in the global market.

Vote carefully.

Summer of Yoga

Brandon City Yoga is pleased to announce a

The perfect start to your day

Join us for a captivating Flow Yoga class each and every Monday & Wednesday morning, 7-8AM - May 4th until August 31st.

Over 17 weeks you can expect to deepen your Yoga practice, strengthen and energize your entire body, calm your mind and cultivate a deeper understanding of yourself. 

This class is designed to challenge each student at their own level:

• providing you with alternative poses and modifications to support any old injuries with care. 
• laying the foundation for achieving various "challenge poses"
• inspiring you to push beyond the limits you had previously set for yourself. 

Visit www.BrandonCityYoga.com/summer-of-yoga to register online or contact us here if you would rather pay in person. 

Here's to your best summer yet. 

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.