the seven steps to happiness

apply this to life & yoga...

1. THINK LESS, FEEL MORE

2. FROWN LESS, SMILE MORE

3. TALK LESS, LISTEN MORE

4. JUDGE LESS, ACCEPT MORE

5. WATCH LESS, DO MORE

6. COMPLAIN LESS, APPRECIATE MORE

7. FEAR LESS, LOVE MORE

source: http://beyondtheopposites.com/2012/03/24/7-steps-to-happiness/

pose of the week: camel

Ustrasana 

How to do it:

1. Start kneeling on your mat with your knees hip width apart, and tops of your feet on the floor.

2. Bring your hands onto your lower back, fingers pointing down and elbows drawing in.

3. Take a deep breath in and as you exhale, start to lean back, open the chest, drawing your front thighs back. For beginners, stay here with your gaze up.

*To go deeper, reach back with your hands to hold your ankles, keeping your thighs perpendicular to the floor. If you feel any compression in your lower back, curl your toes under so your heels are elevated.  You may release the head back, but if there’s too much pressure in your neck keep your gaze forward.

Stay for 10-15 breaths then slowly bring your hands onto your lower back. Inhale and lift the head and torso up towards the floor. If your head is back, lead with your heart to come up, then slowly rest in child’s pose. 

Benefits:

• Stretches the entire front of the body
• Strengthens the back
• Stimulates the organs of the abdomen and neck 

home is where the heart is

Stratusphere Kids! 

It was that time of year again, when the Yoga Conference made its annual return to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.  Body, mind and spirit all united as one in a big way! For me, it was pure bliss walking the event floor, seeing familiar faces, and immersing myself in the many wonders of yoga. Laughter, joy and tears were all around me once again!

I had the pleasure this time to work with Tamika and Carolyn from Deva Tree in a special kids yoga training presented by HeartRise Yoga for Children. It was inspiring in so many ways! The tools I learned were endless and I can’t wait to share them with all the lovely children of this world! I had another ah-ha moment, just like my experience with Seane Corn last year. It gave me some new insight as to where I want to go in life and how the beauty of yoga can change the world to our little yogis and future role models.

From the moment I came to my mat to when it all ended, Tamika and Carolyn reinforced the beauty in each one of us: “Home is where the heart is” – our soul, our passion, our life.

Namaste.