Tag: live to learn

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.

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!

Modo Family Spotlight- Maddy

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What are you passionate about outside of yoga?

I am passionate about health, wellness and the amazing ability our bodies have to heal themselves under the proper guidance.  I’m passionate about travel, getting outside your comfort zone and challenging myself to continue to grow and learn. I’m passionate about the oneness that encompasses all beings, that makes our earth a haven for us all to live and co-exist in.

What is your favorite book and why?

Ever since I read Wild, I can’t get that crazy woman’s words out of my head! Cheryl Strayed’s journey to find her purpose is not only inspiring but also unbelievably mirroring of the rut that many of us fall into living our lives. It can be easy to just coast the sails of life and not take a hold of your destiny, but HEY… when you get tired of that and you do take the reigns of your life, it can lead to amazing things you couldn’t have even imagined could be your reality.

What was your ultimate traveling experience and why?

I recently just took a month off of “real life” and spent a month in Costa Rica & Nicaragua! And what an amazing adventure it was! Spending a month dedicated to yoga, surfing, feeling, being and allowing myself to be fully present to all the healing nature around me made me feel so alive!

What do you love about the Modo Series?

What I love about the Modo series is that every single time you come to your mat, even if the postures are the same – there is something COMPLETELY different that either you need, is being offered or that you’re taking away with you. It’s in the daily routines, in our daily lives that we can find the light to illuminate our most destined path.

What posture do you struggle with?

I struggle physically with half locus; in the 60 minute Modo it is usually the one posture to get skipped, but in the 75 minute and 90 minute Modo’s it’s a pretty big staple. It’s a toughie for me because you can’t see your legs lift you can only do you best to feel them… sensation and visualization, key parts of a practice.

What is the one thing you can’t say no to?

Hmmm… Homebrewed Kombucha; if anyone has been to Hawaii, you know exactly what I’m talking about! Its everywhere and its so fresh and delicious and did I mention amazing for your belly and immune system?! UNREAL!

What is your favorite thing about teaching yoga?

My ultimate favourite moments when I’m teaching are made up of all the opportunities to see and hear and experience when cues, analogies, jokes or knowledge lands in someone else’s body. It’s like this visual and energetic AH-HA moment that is beyond priceless to experience as a teacher.

What are your favorite things about home, and also what are your favorite things about Saskatoon?

My favourite thing about HOME, Toronto – is a place called the Evergreen Brickworks; an old quarry that has been repurposed into walking trails, a Saturday market, quaint restaurant, brewery and amazing lookout point of my city. I love going here ALL times of year – but fall is the very best, when the leaves are colourful and the warm sun shines.

My favourite thing about HOME, Saskatoon – is the foodie/coffee scene! Its amazing here… Some great locally run places that have such authentic Saskatoon vibes. A few faves: Leyda’s, The Citizen Café, Thrive, Collective Coffee and the Night Oven, just to name a few.

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