Tag: hot yoga

Transitions

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We’re coming to the tail-end of February and with that comes March. Ever since the weather started to get really cold, all I can think about are sunnier days in all their sun-kissed glory.  I don’t believe I’m the only one that has their sights set on the spring and summer to come. If summer is the goal, then the time that we are in now may, perhaps, be labelled as ‘transitionary.’

I’m not sure if it’s just the time or year, but lately I’ve found myself drawn to the idea of transitions and all that comes with it: ideas of growth, abundance and lessons. 

A transition is classically defined as the process or period of time that comes with the changing of a state or condition. Alternatively, if you were to use ‘transition’ as an action word, the procedure of changing states would be appropriate, too. 

It could also be appropriate to acknowledge that our entire lives are spent in transition; we grow daily. This is an undeniable fact. Being human is complex and living a human existence is perhaps the most complex thing we will ever do as people.  In this context, the transition is the evolution and the growth from one stage of your life to another.  Contrary to what we typically believe, growth is not a destination, nor a fixed state .  We do not arrive at a point where we have ever really finished growing.  Instead, it happens day by day, moment to moment.(like most things in my adult life, I’m starting to see, such as happiness, wealth, self-love and acceptance, success etc. are constantly in transition ).

I guess what I’m trying to share is that, to a certain degree, we all  live in a constant state of flux.  In reality, being in this constant state is what influences our perception of our own personal growth. Everything we do as people is one ginormous transition, and that’s just called life.

But Roooooose, what does that even mean?

Transitions don’t follow rules. They’re unique to each individual in the same way that each person is so incredibly constructed through a variation of biology and biography. As cliched as it sounds, we’re all on such individual journeys it’s so hard to apply a blanket statement on how ,or what, or why we do the things we do. Even if we really, really want to. Even when it’s really hard to not look over and compare.

Using the Yoga practice as illustration, I can make the analogy that when we move at our own pace, and although it’s so sweet to move as a community, our individual practice is cultivated through the work we do with our own bodies .  On any given day, we work with what we have at our disposal; we practice yoga with the body we live in.  The nourishment (or lack thereof), the sleep (or lack of sleep), the pain (or the good feelings), the long days (the short days) all affect how the body feels and the practice unfolds.  When we are on our mats, we can’t help but look around at all the uniqueness in the room and compare ourselves to the neighbours from time to time. It’s all the more important  to zero in on your own awareness, to acknowledge your needs, to know that how fast or whether you come into a shape matters less than the attempt that takes you there. 

 When you look back at your life, you’ll notice the big events and the memories that stick out. These landmark moments are ones that we tend to look forward to: the graduations, the celebrations, the ‘firsts’. We also recall the events that we may not be the happiest about: moments where we’re let down or disappointed, the ‘goodbyes,’ the ‘lasts.’ Riddled in between these moments are the living linkages that tie life together.  These moments are the behind-the-scene cuts that build the memories we hold on to. Life happens in the midst of these in between moments and it is these  moments, in particular, where we see the growth that brings us to our next evolution.  It’s also in these periods of change that we add value and richness to our lives, maybe not always rich in positivity, but valuable in how much we learn about life and also ourselves, even in the moments where we are not necessarily proud.

So savour the transition.

Even when you really don’t want to. 

Spring in itself is a time of transition.  It is that period of time between the bitterness of winter and the sweet promise of summer. But just like in our yoga practice, transitions in real life are important, too. 

 

xo Rose

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 Spotlight- Mallory

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The always lovely Mallory sits down with us and lets us know how her love of Moksha over the years has evolved, what she does to balance the work/life juggling act, her favourite book and shares a stunning example of how her practice created room for peace in her heart in moments of grief. We love you Mal.

1)How do you balance being a business owner, and still remain rooted and committed to your practice?

Practice! One of my teachers once said to me “balancing, never balance” this little phrase rang true to me then and still does today. To say that I am always balanced and rooted wouldn’t be honest, balance is something I am continuously learning about and re-evaluating as I grow and my life evolves. One tool I have been using for a few years is to give myself one day, the same day each week where I plan nothing, absolutely nothing for the whole day! Having this open space really allows me to jam pack my other days if need be, knowing that I will have that day where nothing is needed of me and I can do whatever it is that I feel I need in that moment.

2)You’ve been practicing at MYS since the doors opened, starting as an ambassador and then becoming an instructor, how has your practice evolved over the years?

I feel like I’ve gone through the whole spectrum of experience on my mat. When I first showed up at Modo I was living in a really uncomfortable body, full of pharmaceuticals and feeling depressed because of how they were affecting my life. As I continued to practice I began noticing myself change in areas off my mat, I started eating better, and as a result I felt more alive and more full of energy on my mat. While I was away at teacher training I made the decision to go off my meds, this was scary and empowering at the same time. Once I got home my practice took on a whole new layer of experience, I felt more accountable as I was practicing not only for myself but also for those who were coming to the classes. Over the years I have witnessed my practice create healing physically, mentally and emotionally. My practice has always been and continues to be a source of insight, a place to for me to reconnect to what matters most and gain clarity when I am faced with confusion or adversity.

What are you passionate about outside of yoga?

I absolutely love psychology, specifically the psychosomatic approach. It absolutely fascinates me that our thoughts have the ability to literally change our physiology and that by becoming more aware of the way we move that we have the ability to change the way we think about ourselves, the way we interact with others and the way we see the world.

What is your favorite book?

Oh man, I love all books! I love different books for different reasons. Right now and for the past couple years a book that I have come back to time and again is called The Shared Heart. It is such a special book to me, one that focuses on life transitions and celebrations from a spiritual perspective.

What was your ultimate traveling experience?

I would have to say my time spent in Brazil. I was gone for three months, one of which was spent in Modo training. We took a boat across a river then a 45min buggy ride through the jungle to our very remote location. The water was heated by the sun, the electricity generated through solar panels and if you showered too long or left your lights on then it meant your neighbor would go without hot water or the ability to read at night. The people of this community lived with little to no material possessions and were some of the happiest, most welcoming individuals I had ever met. I learned through my time spent in Brazil that happiness wasn’t something money could buy, or you could acquire through anything external, that it was truly an internal experience.

What do you love about the Modo Series?

I love that it is not rigid and there is nothing absolute about it. I love that it is accessible to all and that it continues to challenge me in new and dynamic ways. I used to get frustrated and bored by doing the same postures day in and day out, then I had this realization. If I am bored, if I am frustrated, or resisting what is being offered these reactions are no ones fault but my own. The Modo series is repetitive for this exact reason, to unveil the various layers of our experience to us. If I become mad/sad/bored/frustrated on my mat, then this is an opportunity to ask myself, where am I mad/sad/bored/frustrated in my life that I am not paying attention to? The Modo series is like one big reflection that can give me insight into all other areas of my life if I am willing to allow it.

What posture do you struggle with?

Prayer Twist for sure! My knees become vulnerable and my mind becomes very impatient, its always been a challenge for me to stay truly present in this posture.

What is your favorite thing about teaching yoga?

No two classes are the same, kind of like the snowflake thing. It doesn’t matter how much I practice, study or teach, each and every class is truly unique. I can walk into a class with a full plan of action and then once everyone starts moving and breathing its like the class takes on a life of its own and I get to be a part of this living work of art. I am blown away by the way I observe people showing up for themselves, by the courage, the strength, the vulnerability and the passion I witness in others as they move through the practice. It inspires me to keep digging deeper in my own life and in my own practice.

What is the greatest thing you have learned in your yoga practice?

My dad passed away this last November and I was fortunate enough to be with him in those last moments. I was really scared, I didn’t know if I could do it and even left for a moment to go to the bathroom secretly thinking maybe he would pass during my absence. No one else was there, just him and I and in those last moments and as he left his body I felt the deepest sense of peace and calm wash over me. I sat there for a while just suspended in time, feeling similar sensations to how I feel a lot of the time on my mat, especially in those really deep layers of Savasana. Learning that I can in no matter what situation I am in bring myself into a place of peace, a space of total calm, is the single greatest thing I have learned in my practice. No matter what experiences life brings, I am so incredibly comforted by the fact that I can at any moment stop, breathe and connect to that space of peace within.

What are your favorite things about Saskatoon?

I haven’t always loved Saskatoon. I moved to Vancouver for a year and it was during my time living in Van that I really started to appreciate Saskatoon living. I love that it seems to be the biggest small town you will ever live in. It seems like no matter where I go, I will more times than not bump into someone I know. I love that I can be in the grocery store line and chat with a stranger without feeling like a weirdo. I did that once in Vancouver and the person looked at me as if I was from another planet! I also love that there is this growing community of locally owned businesses supporting each other. I especially appreciate this now that I am a business owner myself, it feels really good spending my money supporting others that are working to make their dreams a reality.

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.

 

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 Hot Yoga Series

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Modo Yoga is a green, clean, hot yoga series that stretches, strengthens and tones the muscles while helping to detoxify the body and calm the mind.  While all classes are rooted in the Modo Yoga series, teachers are encouraged to bring their own unique knowledge and experience every time they enter the room to teach.

Savasana

Savasana, or corpse pose, is how we begin. Lying flat on the back with the palms turned up and the feet slightly separated, we start a challenging practice in relaxation, allowing our expectations to fall away and be replaced by the potential for a pure experience.

Intention Setting

In any activity, setting goals or intentions breeds accomplishment. Often a teacher will set a theme for a class – for example being more aware of your breath, or building the core muscles of the abdomen. Especially for those with a busy life, this brings the experience of a hot yoga class into focus.

The Standing Series

The standing series is a cardiovascular set of postures. The focus is on building strength, stability, balance and endurance through hot yoga postures done from a standing position. Postures are held anywhere from 10 seconds to a minute, allowing the skin to sweat and detoxify the body.

The Floor Series

The floor series works on strengthening the upper body, spine and abdominal muscles. Having thoroughly warmed the body in the standing series, we now begin to open the hips and focus on the health of the spine. The floor series can relieve tension, help treat lower back and knee pain, and improve posture.

Final Savasana

Final Savasana ends the class the way it began: lying flat on the back. The standing and floor series have warmed, strengthened and opened the body, and now we’re ready to relax. At the end of class students leave at their own pace, each with greatly reduced stress levels, a rejuvenated internal system and a little yoga twinkle in the eye (you’ll see!).

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