Tag: healthy habits

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

Hands-On Yoga Adjustments: Communicating Information through Touch

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What is the purpose of a hands-on adjustment in a Modo Class?

I once read in an article that through hands-on adjustment, the teacher’s goal is to transmit information to the student using their hands. Just like with a verbal adjustment, the teacher is attempting to tell you something about your body in relation to the posture you are performing. While practising yoga, we can’t always see what we’re doing in each pose, and until we develop body awareness, we may not even be able to feel what we’re doing. I can’t tell you how many times I thought my shoulders were relaxed, only to realize I had been tensing muscles when an instructor touched my shoulders and guided them an inch down my back. When an instructor physically touches you, the intention is always to create some sort of benefit for the student. The reason for the physical touch can vary:

• An attempt to adjust the student into a more efficient or beneficial version on the posture: Like I said before, we can’t always see what we are doing in the yoga room. Sure, there is a mirror, but depending on which posture you’re performing, you may not get the best angle to check your alignment. When a teacher approaches you in a posture and guides your torso or limbs into a certain position, they are trying to pass their knowledge on to you by showing how to do the pose in a more beneficial way. Sometimes that might make the pose easier, or it may challenge you to practice more muscular containment instead of collapsing in to the shape of the posture.

• To assist the student into a deeper expression of the pose: As the body becomes stronger and more knowledge is developed in regards to the postures, we tend to settle into habits of practising: only placing the body in the place that feels most comfortable. While the intention is never to feel pain in a yoga class, staying well inside your comfort zone inhibits growth. Sometimes, the skillfully placed hands of a teacher can guide your body deeper into a posture. They are simply helping to show you the space you already have or the expression you are capable of exploring . We often create limitations for ourselves and our bodies that are not truly reflective of our capabilities. You may be surprised at the strength and flexibility of your own body when you are encouraged to test your boundaries under trusted guidance.

• Sharing the power of touch: There is a powerful connection created through physical touch. When a teacher provides a hands-on adjustment, their intention is always to create a positive and beneficial experience. For some, simply being touched is a way to affirm that you are noticed in class; that your teacher sees your practice and wants to give you some special attention. If you are someone who has a hard time relaxing, touch can help bring attention to areas you unknowingly tense up, helping you to become more aware of your patterns of holding, and soften. And all self-consciousness aside, sometimes a foot rub just feels amazing!

At MYS we love hands-on adjustments, but we also want to create a safe and comfortable space for everyone. That is why we have implemented the Adjustment Chip system.  Please grab a chip on your way in to class even if you don’t intend to be touched, it will help to eliminate uncertainty.  If you are open to being adjusted or assisted in your postures, place the chip face up. It will give the teacher the green light to guide you in your postures with physical touch. If you would rather not, place the chip face down. Maybe what you need or prefer will change from day to day, and that’s okay! Teachers don`t need to know why, and would never be offended by a face down chip. The most important thing to your teacher is that you feel safe in our studio to move through your yoga practice and get the benefits you need.

with love,

Sarah

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.

 

Intention Setting-Elevate Your Practice

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Have you heard your instructor offer an intention at the beginning of your yoga class? Perhaps the instructor has given you a moment to set your own intention. What is intention setting and how can it enhance your yoga practice?

You may recall when you first began to practice yoga and the simple intention was just to make it through the class. This experience is widely shared: where participating in every posture or staying in the room for the entire class is cause to celebrate. But as your practice evolves, intention setting can become a useful tool to keep you inspired and showing up on your mat.

There are a few different ways of approaching this concept of ‘an intention’. The first could be a focus on a particular body part; drawing awareness to any areas that you feel need attention. For example, if you don’t feel connected to your core muscles, you could begin a class setting the intention to check in with the belly as you arrive in each posture. Maybe it’s trying to be more aware of grounding; paying attention to whatever area of your body is touching the ground to help you feel supported in your postures.

Beyond the physical, setting an intention is a good way to focus awareness inside and to be introspective about any unwanted thought patterns that arise during your practice. The simplest approach is to try and focus on the breath, being mindful and deliberate with each inhalation and each exhalation. Not as easy as it sounds, but with practice breath awareness becomes an amazing tool helping to cultivate presence in the moment.

The idea that you should be able to create a quiet mind through yoga, one that is totally free from all thoughts, can be discouraging. If you’ve ever tried it, you know it’s not only hard but damn-near impossible. I don’t know if it’s officially ‘yogi kosher’, but I’ve developed a little technique that helps me to stay focused while I practice. On those days when my brain won’t shut up, I shift my intention from quieting the thoughts to changing them. Whenever I notice a thought of judgment, comparison, or negative self-talk I flip it. I flood my mind with thoughts that make me happy; my personal go-to is puppies, but find what works for you. After any negativity is carried away with those happy thoughts I’m left with the quiet. I repeat every few breaths as necessary.

Another way to infuse your practice with meaning and focus is to dedicate your class to another person. I like to think of people in my life who need yoga, but would never go. Maybe you could choose someone who needs yoga, but might feel that they are unable to because of limitations. In this way, your practice can become an opportunity to cultivate good vibes and send them to the people you love! I think we have all had the experience where you call someone and the first thing they say is, “I was JUST thinking that I should call you!” Maybe it’s not so far-fetched that they could pick up on your intangible yoga love-bombs, too! 🙂

Remember, yoga is and always will be a practice. Some days you show up to your mat and set a beautiful intention but forget it within 10 minutes. But other days you can nurture your intention during your practice, and when you do it is such a beautiful reminder of what you’re capable of, both on and off the mat.

Stay inspired!

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 Family Student Spotlight- Brenda

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Our dear friend Brenda sat down with us and shared how her practice informs her day to day tasks, what she loves about the series and what fuels her outside of her yoga practice. We love you Brenda!

What are you passionate about outside of yoga?

I am passionate about spending time with my family We enjoy walks around the city, skiing, cooking together or just simply treating ourselves to a coffee and visiting.

What is your favourite posture?

I have a few fav’s but if I have to name one it would be Tree. This is the posture that reveals the most about me at that moment.

What do you love about the Modo Series?

What I love about the Modo series is that you can make it as challenging as you want. No matter how often I practice it there is often something new I get out of the practice.

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

The most important thing I have learned in a yoga class is to not take the practice too seriously. To accept what I am able to bring to my mat on that day.

What is your favourite animal, and why?

My favourite animal is a dog. I LOVE how compassionate they are and how they are always anxious to see you.  They want to snuggle and they are able to communicate with you through those snuggles. You know when they aren’t feeling well, you know when they are hungry, you know when they are excited.

What do you love to do with your family?

One of our favourite pastimes is to cook together. We all love and appreciate food and how it makes us feel when we are nourished.

What is your favourite thing about being a part of the Modo community?

Being part of the Modo community means the world to me. I love the fact that no matter how much it has grown from when I first started my yoga journey I feel just as welcomed as I did on my first day. I’m in “awe” that when we come in , everyone makes time to say hello. You truly feel appreciated for coming and sharing your practice, and your energy with everyone else there.

Why participate in a 30 day Challenge?

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1. What is a 30 Day Challenge?

A 30 Day Challenge is an event hosted by Modo Yoga studios.  Participants in a 30 Day Challenge dedicate themselves to practice yoga every day for 30 consecutive days.

2. Why Participate in the 30 day challenge?

There are many reasons to participate in the 30 Day Challenge!

The 30 Day Challenge provides participants with the support and motivation of community.  As a group, participants are united and driven by their common goal.

The studio provides an orientation, tips, and workshops to assist you. Teachers and staff are available to address concerns, advice, or simply listen.

Yoga has many benefits – physiological, mental and emotional.  By committing to a daily practice, those benefits unfold at a more rapid rate.

3. What are the benefits of a regular hot yoga practice?

Yoga involves stretching, strengthening, and elongating the spine for proper alignment of the vertebrae.  The breathing techniques and relaxation lower blood pressure, increase cardio-vascular health, increase lung capacity, release tension and stress, and teach us to relax and enjoy life.

Other benefits of yoga include:

  • Cardiovascular efficiency increases
  • Respiratory efficiency increases
  • Gastrointestinal function normalizes
  • Endocrine function normalizes
  • Musculoskeletal flexibility and joint range of motion increase
  • Posture improves
  • Strength and resiliency increase
  • Endurance increases
  • Energy level increases
  • Sleep improves
  • Immunity increases
  • Balance improves
  • Awareness increases
  • Mood improves and subjective well-being increases
  • Self-acceptance and self-actualization increase
  • Concentration improves

4. Is it healthy to practice hot yoga daily?

Traditionally, yoga was meant as a daily practice.  In taking on a daily practice safely, there are some key things to take note of:Listen to your body.

Respond to your body’s signals.  If you increase body awareness, and your ability to listen to that awareness, the 30 days will be a great success!

Pace yourself.

Ask teachers about adjustments for specific needs (injuries, using props, etc).

Take savasana before and after class for at least 5 minutes.

Stay hydrated.

Replenish your electrolytes.

Get lots of sleep.

Have fun! Let go of judgment or evaluation, and invite a sense of levity to your challenge.

5. I will be away during the 30 day challenge. What happens if I miss a class?

You have a number of options in the event that you miss a class.  You may double-up another day to make up for missed classes.  You can practice at another studio.  Or, being a personal challenge, you can accept the missed class and continue on.

6. Can participation in class at another studio count for the challenge?

The majority of the classes must be done at Modo Yoga Saskatoon.  However, classes done at other studios will count towards the challenge.

7. Can I do any class?

You may participate in any class on the schedule.

8. Should I set an intention?

It is best to set an intention for your challenge. Why are you doing it?  What is it that you want to come of the challenge?

Plan what classes fit into your regular schedule.  Identify possible obstacles, and pre-plan your strategy for overcoming these obstacles.

Tell your close friends and family about your challenge.  Get them on board to offer support and motivation.

9. How do I sign up for the challenge?

You can sign up online or in studio!  If you have any questions, please call us at 306.649.2424 or email @ info@modoyogasaskatoon.com.

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!

Benefits of a Daily Practice

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We all want more of the good stuff. Stuff in our life that makes us happy and leaves us feeling good. It only takes a few Moksha classes to fall in love with how you feel afterwards.  But committing to a daily practice; who has the time for that? But what DO you really  have time for? Think of the way you use your time in a day: you could be the busy business person or busy parent who can’t possibly imagine that they could make it to a 1 hour class. Perhaps you’re the opposite and you love your time to lounge around the house reading books or watching Netflix. But those who make time to show up on their mat don’t feel like it’s a time sucker, a chore, or an inconvenience. It’s an affirmation to yourself that you deserve to feel great, live fully, and be the best version of yourself. Dedicating yourself to a daily practice puts you in your best state of mind, and ready for  life off the mat.

Practicing every day means being more conscious of your body and making health a part of your routine. I think of it like a ripple effect: if you know that you are going to yoga later on you’ll drink lots of water all day to prepare yourself for class, and lots afterwards to replenish. You might even choose a lighter or more healthy breakfast or lunch because you want to avoid practicing on a full stomach. Being dedicated doesn’t mean being perfect. I have a serious soft spot for a blue cheese burger and a pint- shhh, our little secret-but it’s about finding balance in your life. Your practice will become your inspiration for that balance.

For me, the best part of committing to daily practice is how it connects me to a community of likeminded people.  You’ll notice it too: without even trying, connections are created with your fellow yogis because you are sharing a similar path. You start to know other student’s names and you’ll have the opportunity to get to know with them and your instructors too.  When you make daily practice a priority you’ll see a shift in the way you interact with people in your life. Maybe that means that you’ll be more patient with your family, become a better listener with your friends and even a more compassionate partner.

Are you ready to see what the most authentic and fully loved version of yourself looks like? Commit to a daily practice: you deserve it.

See you in the hot room!

 

Modo Ambassador- How it deepened my practice!

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Who wouldn’t be stoked to trade a little bit of their time for a lot of yoga? Becoming an ambassador for Modo started as a fantastic opportunity to deepen my practice, and quickly flourished into one of the most important relationships in my life. The studio itself is not simply where I go to practice, it is a root, and a home that I care for as if it were my own. I come to my mat to practice dropping everything away and be present with myself. I’ve really appreciated the added sense of ease and love for the physical space in which my mat is placed. 

More importantly, what really makes the studio great is the people. Being involved in the studio by working one shift a week and practicing more means becoming close with the community of this studio, and these people are simply the best. Whether I am sad, pissed off, or happy before I get to my mat, I always feel better just walking through the doors. 

My yoga practice is expanding now to teacher training. The opportunity to share what I love deeply is being overwhelmingly supported. I have a community that is excited for me, helping me, and cheering for me. A community that supports me as I stumble along this new path. I am proud to be an ambassador and I am definitely grateful. It is an incredible opportunity and one that I hope you try. It’s been so fun growing with the Modo family.

love, Chelsea