Saturday, July 23, 2011

pose of the week: boat

Navasana 
How to do it:

1. Start sitting with your knees bent out in front of you.
2. Hold the back of your knees for support as you raise your feet off the ground, keeping your chest lifted and your back long.
3. If you feel stable, release your arms by your side parallel to the floor.
4. Keep the lower back lifting, as you start to straighten your legs, feet together and toes pointed.
5. Spread the shoulder blades across your back and reach strongly out through the fingers.

Hold for 10-20 breaths then slowly lower the legs coming back to seated.

Benefits:
  • Strengthens the abdomen, hip flexors and spine
  • Helps relieve stress
  • Improves digestion 


Thursday, July 21, 2011

proceed with care

Life is full of surprises. It can throw you a curve ball when you least expect it. Be happy with your life, it's like a winding road-appreciate the twist and turns that come about. These incidents happen for a reason and teach us a lesson. Be aware of everything around you: the time, the people, the place, and the environment. You have control over your life, and take action for what unfolds.

That is all.

Monday, July 11, 2011

pose of the week: four limbed staff pose

Chaturanga Dandasana 

How to do it:

1.Starting in plank pose, make sure your shoulders are directly over your wrists.
2. With your legs engaged, begin to shift your weight forward coming onto your tippy toes.
3. Bend your elbows, hugging them into your side body, creating a 90° in your arms (avoid splaying your elbows out to the side)
4. Keep your neck in line with your spine and breathe.

Hold for 5 breaths then drop your knees and rest either on your belly or in child’s pose. 

Benefits:
  • Strengthens upper body, arms and wrists
  • Invigorates the mind and body
  • Tones the abdomen 

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

summer of fun!

As much as the rain has brought us down the last few months, summer has been gearing up to be full of great activities. I'm making the most of these bright sunny days spending my time outdoors (even though my friends think I shouldn't!), basking in the sun, getting that sun-kissed glow! I started teaching kids yoga at summer camps, which is draining all my energy, but in the end it is so worth it, putting a smile on a child's face. Today a little girl said to me: "this is the best part of my day, I wish we can do yoga everyday!" I love teaching kids because they have no fear and no worry in the world. I've said it before, that I wish adults can be more like kids; embracing our inner child in everything that we do.

Toronto is a great city, and I have yet to explore all the fascinating places to go to. Take the time to visit your community, you'd be surprised what you'll find! Enjoy this weather, because we only really get 2-3 months of it, then fall hits: back to layered pieces and scarfs (which is so fashionable)!

Do you have any great places I can visit this summer in the city? I'd love to hear all your ideas.
Remember....protect yourself from the sun, smile and most importantly have fun!