Tag: be healthy

The Power of Savasana

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We are a very busy bunch.  We are so busy that we’ve almost forgotten how to relax; we’ve forgotten the importance of chilling out.  We are so busy, in fact, that many of us CANNOT allow ourselves to fully relax anymore, to just be still.  We carry constant tension in our bodies: moving from one place to the next, encountering stressful situations along the way. Even if we are not on the go, we stare at our phones, making ourselves ready for whatever text will come in next or whatever article pops up on social media, be it negative or positive.

For many of us, our brains have been wired to equate busyness with success, and ultimately a sense of self-worth.  Habits have been so deeply established that even when we try to find some peace and quiet, it is nearly impossible to still the mind, and we then convince ourselves it is a lost cause and give up.  How do I know this? A) Because I hear it from others all the time.  B) Because I have said it plenty myself.  The process of quieting the mind is essential, as it leads to relaxing the body. In a society that values productivity and haste, a relaxed body is hard to come by. Recall moments that you’re thinking of something stressful, your body’s response is to grip either in the shoulders, the jaw, the hands, or between your eyebrows.  Learning how to do nothing and think nothing helps you become more productive when you actually need to be.

The beauty of it is we CAN learn to tame the chatter in our brains, which is one of the main focuses of savasana. Even if it is for just one breath, focusing on the breath in and the breath out is so incredibly beneficial.  After you succeed in being silent in your mind for one breath, you can eventually learn how to be silent for five, and move on from there. It is a practice, just like the practice of asana itself.

The benefits received in savasana from finding peace in the mind and body are astounding; basically this pose helps to diminish any of the side effects of stress from everyday life.  During your yoga practice your body has just been stretched, strengthened, opened, and ready to let go.  After your yoga practice, to feel your whole body supported on the floor is simply magical.  The nervous energy we carry in our bodies feels as if it has been burned away in the hot room. It is time now to integrate the knowledge your body has just acquired from your practice, it is time now to allow your body to reap the benefits of your hard work; it is time to be still.

To get into this pose, which is arguably the most important of all yoga postures, is quite simple: lie on your mat and get as comfortable as you possibly can so you can fully unwind.  Scan the body for tension, and then allow the surrender to happen.  Have faith that your breath will guide you from moment to moment, enjoy the space between the thoughts, and know that eventually the space will become longer as you practice.

Love,  Anna

Listen to Your Teacher

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Have you ever taken a yoga class in which the teacher teaches something really new and fun – a different variation on a standard pose, for example – that fires you up and gets you excited, and you can’t wait to do it again the next class… But then the teacher doesn’t teach it?!?

So, you’re there, in the pose, waiting for that cue to get funky, but it doesn’t come. You think about just going ahead and doing it anyway, but you’re not sure about the etiquette in these situations… Allow me to clear that up for you!

Always, always, always listen to your teacher, even when you don’t want to. There are lots of good reasons why – here are just a few:

1) It’s a sign of respect. Back in the day, yoga teachers and students worked one-on-one, and the teacher was highly revered. The student was expected to do everything the teacher told him (yes, him – yoga was not traditionally practiced by women). Now, your teachers at MYH don’t fancy themselves to be gurus, but they are highly-trained professionals, and should be respected as such. It is simply a mark of respect to follow their guidance and do what they are asking you to do. Of course, if you need to modify for an injury, then go ahead, but it’s always a good idea to give a heads up before class so that the teacher understands why you’re doing your own thing.

2) It’s for the safety of the class. Again, all of your teachers at MYH are super well-trained, and they know what’s best for the class. They can gauge whether or not a variation is appropriate for a group, and they will teach to the ability of the class. Even if you feel you’re more advanced than other students and you feel you can safely do something different, well, see point number one! There is lots of time after class for you to work on other variations – and if you ask, your teacher will generally be more than happy to help you!

3) It helps to maintain the vibe. The best classes are the ones where everyone is in sync and feeding off one another’s energy – everyone is moving together and breathing together, and it just feels amazing… Until someone goes rogue and starts doing their own thing. Then suddenly everyone is distracted. They start looking around, wondering if they missed something, if they should try that too… And then they start comparing themselves, judging themselves and others, and then that beautiful, cohesive vibe is gone!

4) It keeps that pesky ego in check. This is probably the toughest one. Usually, when we want to do something different, it’s to do a “harder” variation. But who does that serve? No one really, except your ego. The Modo series is considered a beginner’s yoga series, and it should be practiced with what we call a “beginner’s mind.” So, while maybe you can bind your arms in triangle, or take wheel instead of bridge, it doesn’t mean you should. In fact, it is usually more challenging to hold back, to be humble, to respect what your teacher is saying, and to look for the learning opportunities that come from that. Hard, right? Yup, but worth it!

We guarantee it – you will learn more and get further in your practice by listening to your teacher, trusting in their expertise and checking your ego than you ever will by busting out into fancy yoga poses.

“Listening is an art that requires attention over talent, spirit over ego, others over self.” – Dean Jackson

by Joanna Thurlow of Modo Yoga Halifax

Modo Family- Student Spotlight-John

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We are pretty sure that we’ve met the most compassionate, sweet man on the planet. He has this uncanny way of getting anyone he meets to smile wide. When you’re near him you know that kindness is alive and well and that choosing to see the beauty in all experiences is the way to go. John has been one of our greatest teachers not just for the staff  but also for the community. Thank you John for being full of light. We love you!

What are you passionate about outside of yoga?

Dancing and music – the rhythm and beat move me; Sailing – respect for the awesome power of nature and the fine line one can reach when catching the wind with one pontoon on the catamaran precarious in the air and the other pontoon humming; and most of all Sharing – nothing more inspiring and warming than experiencing in silence or listening and sharing ones story.

What is your favorite posture?

The posture at the end of a session in savasana when ones core starts to quiver, eyes close tight and tears of joy flow from the creases.

What do you love about the Modo Series?

I only know the Modo series. From what I have observed I love people’s attitude of support – don’t sweat the small stuff, pardon the pun, but it is all small stuff and I sweat puddles.

What is the most important thing you have learned in a yoga class?

Gratitude, I am thankful for each moment.

What is one thing you can’t live without?

Never thought about that question. Other than the necessities of life, I believe I could live without anything – faith, hope and love are the things that come to mind. I believe we need faith that there is something more, hope that we can make a difference and love encompasses all.

What is your favorite thing about being a part of the Moksha community?

Sharing gratitude. Sharing a silent yoga session, a vigorous flow or yin session without speaking a word is sharing an experience. My favourite thing about sharing an experience is the gratitude it brings to me knowing there are many people who can’t share the same experience.

 

Make it a Modo Morning!

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Making it to your mat each day doesn’t have to be a chore.  If you prepare yourself the night before, by placing everything you need by the door, you won’t be looking around for items at the arse crack of dawn. You will be setting yourself up for SUCCESS! Have an idea of what you’re going to fuel yourself with after class, that way you’ll have no excuse to miss the 6:30 am class.

Pair your early morning yoga practice with this delicious simple green smoothie. Heck prep it the night before, cover, place in your fridge and grab when you get home from class.  We can’t wait to see you on your mat first thing, you’re going to feel GREAT! #cultivateconsistency

Simple GREEN Smoothie
by: Jacqueline HuardIngredients
1 mango
1 banana
2 bushels of kale
1/4 cup coconut milk
1/4 water( or coconut water)
2 TBSP  organic ground flax
1 tsp organic hemp protein ( or to taste)Directions:
Using a food processor or mixer ( like a magic bullet or similar) blend your mango banana and kale.  Blending these separate allows the kale to really get broken down.  Add a little water if you find it is not mixing well.  Add the rest of the ingredients ( coconut milk, water, organic ground flax and organic hemp protein) and blend until smooth!
Note: if you prefer your smoothie chilled out-once blended just add a few ice cubes and blend one last time.

Modo Student Spotlight- Jamie

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What are you passionate about outside of yoga?

Hmmm…. that is a loaded question!  I am passionate about anything to do with animals. I love almost anything with 4 legs! I have a big ol goofy 110lb Great Pyrenees named Maximus and a very loud and obnoxious 14 year old cat. (Whom I secretly also love dearly) I am also hugely passionate about working with people with intellectual and physical disabilities. I love advocating for others, assisting them achieve their goals and live out the best possible life they can dream for themselves.

What was your first yoga experience like?

My first yoga experience was almost 4 years ago now…. wow…. crazy how time flies! It was a Yin Class and I remember thinking to myself “how is humanely possible for people to move this slowly and stay still for so long? Haha! Little did I know at the time that Yin was the embodiment of what I needed most. I quickly learned that there are so many layers to this practice. I started to get to know myself physically  and mentally in ways that I never had before. I was hooked!

What do you love about the Modo Series?

This is an ever evolving question. My answer would have been different even a few short months ago. I love the familiarity of the sequence, but the fact that it never becomes stagnant or boring to me. Once I learned to drop my preconceptions about what I felt my practice should look like, a whole new experience opened up for me. New dimensions, new feelings, new depths. I have in turn discovered a more balanced side of myself.

What posture do you struggle with?

I would have said Camel Pose not too long ago, but I had a “light bulb” moment in practice that changed that for me.  Now I  embrace it!  Currently I would have to say I struggle with Prayer Twist the most. We have a love-hate relationship. I truly believe there is something in this pose that is working to reveal itself to me.  I just haven’t quite discovered what that is yet.  It will come with time, patience, and practice.  I am sure of that!