Category: Uncategorised

November 2021

I think we might all agree covid has seemed like a long night and as we move to the shortest day of the year it feels like we are stepping further into darkness with the dark days still ahead into winter and covid still with us like a weighted blanket.

I have been pondering this feeling of dread of the upcoming months and then remember to be grateful for the vaccine we have the privilege of receiving and feel so much more hopeful than last year at this time.

Let’s face it we feel done with Covid, masks, prescreening, hand sanitizer, and these things are here to stay for quite a while but at least we now can visit family, go out to restaurants, go to yoga…so much gratitude for the new normal.

So as we move to the shortest day of the year I’m going to burning up all my journals of last year with some joy and reflect on all the learning from the past 20 months, pieces we are always going to have that help us thrive in the future. I’m going to take time and space on the Winter Solstice to just be still, feel deep into my heart and plan for the year of 2022 with hope and light.

 

If there’s anything that proves the effectiveness of yoga, it’s the contrast that can be felt in the simple act of not doing yoga.

As I’m sure was the reality for many of us this past December, the perfect storm of schedules that just didn’t mesh and the need for a post-challenge break, making it to the studio became a rare occurrence, and as we ended the year, rolling out my mat even rarer.

Like most things in life, we tend to go through the motion of cycles. If you found yourself getting off track from your “normal” or desired routine, know that downtime plays an important part in what we consider to be our concept of balance. Stepping back into the studio fresh from that holiday daze, a series of flows left me with that tired but feel-good feeling that comes from a sweaty practice (thanks Solange!). The energy pulsing through my entire body and the deep sleep that followed after my first practice of the year was enough to get me hooked and back on the mat as we kicked off another year. Once again, I found myself making time to show up for myself and for my practice.

That being said, I’m not writing this piece to convince you of any resolutions or new approaches to your practice. You need to do you.

Yoga is a very personal journey and your experience will be different from others. I invite you to take this moment in between challenges (the next one starts February 15th!)  to reflect on what motivated you to begin and what keeps you coming back for more? Know that this motivation will evolve throughout your commitment to your practice. Maybe it’s the calm it brings to your day or the physical and mental strength that builds through consistent practice. It may be the simple act of moving or giving yourself space. Whatever your intention or reason, take a moment to reflect on it and to understand why yoga feels good for you. Sometimes, we can get lost in what we think we should be doing, instead of what’s actually right for us. No one else’s reasons for sweating have any effect on your own, but if you’re curious as to why your fellow yogis sweat, have a read through last year’s biggest sweaters’ reasons for making yoga a priority.

With another challenge completed, I decided to ask some of our challengers to share their 30 day experience with our community. Read on to learn what the experience was like and how they worked through it.

Nikita Cava

Did you reach your challenge goal? 

Yes I reached my goal and then some! I filled my entire Bingo card!

Did you set an intention? If so, what was it? 

My intention was to stay dedicated to this process.

How did you keep yourself motivated throughout the challenge?

I kept myself motivated by reminding myself that if I couldn’t make it one day, that I would double up another day. I also found it easy to stay committed as I had taken a break from yoga and it was feeling really great to get back into it at Modo! The instructors helped me feel really comfortable and this made it even easier to stay committed.

What did you learn throughout this process?

I was reminded that yoga has a special place in my life and getting involved at Modo made it easier to practice every day. I learned that the time is now to focus my intention more fully into my day to day practice (and life!)

What did you find most challenging? How did you work through it?

What I found most challenging was that I experienced an injury during the challenge. It was after a couple of days where I definitely over did it. I took this as a sign that my body was telling me to pace myself. To get through it, I took more restorative/yin classes for a couple days and I was feeling as good as new by the end of the week!

Any words of advice or reflection for fellow challengers?

Stick with it! It feels really amazing to accomplish something like this. If you get the chance to do a BINGO card – try your best to achieve everything on it! I learned a lot about my daily habits simply from adding this exercise into the challenge!

Congrats to everyone who took part!

We have made it to the halfway point in the challenge which marks the ideal time to check in with your intention to keep moving forward. My intention for this 30 day challenge is discipline and I’m proud to report that I am currently at 13/15 days with plans to double up in the next couple of days. I am approaching discipline as a commitment to continuously show up to my mat, especially when I don’t really feel like it. This post is a reminder to revisit your personal intention and to tune in to this commitment to yourself, whatever that commitment may be.

So far, I have done five home practices, doubled up on two days, and completely missed two days due to cramps and a busy work day. I have really enjoyed my home practices because they really emphasize discipline for me and prove that I am sticking to my intention no matter what.

My main point in writing this halfway post is to get out of your head. Maybe you missed the first few days of the challenge or you haven’t been able to keep up with classes the way you thought you would. Maybe you need to hear this: yoga is not all or nothing. You can start your challenge now if that’s what you need. Don’t let a slow start prevent you from continuing and finishing. The challenge is a time to give yourself a goal and work with it. If you fell off track or are having trouble keeping up, get in touch with what’s getting in your way and then let that go. Don’t dwell on how it could have been and keep flowing with what is. Carry on yogis, we’re almost there!

Need some help and motivation? Here are a few tips to keep you going for the next 15 days:

• Download the Modo app and select your classes for the next few days or the rest of the week. With the initial planning done, all you have to do is show up.

• Try new classes. It will get you out of your regular yoga habit and keep things interesting.

• Get your yin on! I don’t typically go to yin since I prefer more powerful classes. That being said, you will always find me in several yin classes a week during a challenge. It’s the perfect compliment to a typically very sweaty practice.

• Pack your clothes and your meals ahead of time. This way, there will be fewer obstacles preventing you from getting to class.

• I would tell you to drink more water, but you already knew that 😉

If there’s anyone who knows how to balance the daily demands of life with yoga, it’s our Modo founder Debbie Zweep. As the first person to bring hot yoga to Thunder Bay, she knows a thing or two about not letting a little sweat get in the way of her day. 

As any of our yogis know, showing up to the hot room means you will most likely step out of class dripping in sweat. While this can seem a little inconvenient when you’re working or studying full time, there are some great tips and hacks to make sure you day runs smooth and dry, hot yoga included. 

We asked Debbie to share her tips and tricks for getting dressed for the day when you’ve got people to see and places to be. This is how she does it:

• Hair is important. You need barrettes or bobby pins, hair elastics, clips or a good headband in your belongings. You also need high quality dry hair shampoo to absorb all that sweat you will have after class. I recommend Batiste dry shampoo or LUSH No Drought dry shampoo.

• Add a wee bit of conditioner to the ends of your hair before class, especially if you have it coloured or highlighted. This prevents the dye from releasing.

• I always carry wipes. Yes, good old baby wipes or something similar. This way, if you don’t have time to jump into the shower for a quick rinse, you can wipe down all the sweatiest parts, add some good deodorant, and go.

• You will need a towel of course! A small absorbent hand towel works in the hot room and when you are wiping down after class.

• Once your face is wiped down and your hair is powdered, have a tinted moisturizer on hand to use as well as mascara, blush that is multipurpose so you can also add to your lips, and a light powder.

• Grab a pair of your favourite yoga tights in the morning. Lauryn Ball and I are crazy for the Lululemon Align tights. Add a panty liner. Then, when you are in the wiping down stage, remove the liner and carry on. If you are a heavy sweater, pack a second set of similar tights to throw on instead.

• Get yourself some easy skirts or dresses to pull over your tights (no zippers). Lululemon, Ice Breaker, and many other brands offer great options. Get a few to match your tights!

  Debbie at the office with her classic tights + skirt combo, ready to hit the mat once she gets to the studio.

• Get a good yoga bra or Lululemon’s Power Y/Flow Y or similar top with a sweater, jacket or similar overtop. I always have a tank top in my purse to change into after class. If I wear a sports bra and tank with a jacket, then I’ll change into a Power Y or similar and jacket afterwards. If you wear a bra and sweater, take the bra off and add a cami for the afternoon or evening. Layering is key along with keeping extra smaller items in your bag.

• Get matching socks to wear over or under your tights depending on whether you are wearing low or high boots. In the summer, it’s so much fun to just step back into your sandals after class.

• Choosing your purse/bag/tote is super important. Having it zippered with all the items I need in a day super important so I don’t do something like lose the studio keys! I suggest making sure it has a compartment for your wet stuff or adding your own bag to throw these items in. I also have a smaller purse within my bag for my essentials like keys, money, cards, and barrettes that helps me stay organized.

• You will always find me carrying sunscreen and portable chopsticks in my bag along with plenty of fun lip glosses. 

As you can see, Debbie is able to transition from yoga to the rest of her day with a few essential items and tips. Do you have a few tricks up your sleeve? Let us know how you do it! 

With the next 30 day challenge coming up on November 1st, we wanted to share insight and perspective from those who know the Modo challenges best. These are the women who continue to show up and challenge themselves throughout the year. As each challenge is launched, chances are that you’ll find their name up on the board followed by a series of stickers showing their progress throughout the month. Whether you are a regular ready to join their ranks or new to the challenge, we hope this interview provides you with encouragement and inspiration.

These are our challengers: Alyson MacKay (A.M), Alyson Carroll (A.C), Kathryn Sinden (K.S), and Sandra Willson (S.W).

What motivates you to join Modo challenges?

A.M: Aside from my competitive nature and loving any kind of challenge, the Modo one keeps me accountable for my practice. After having completed my first one a few years ago, I now know how good I feel when it’s over and that is major motivation.

A.C: My motivation to join challenges is to push myself past the regular amount of classes that I normally do. It holds me accountable in my head.

K.S: I’m always amazed at what my body is capable of doing and I’m the most comfortable when I’m pushing my body and my mind. I am learning however, that I need to listen better when it’s telling me that I’m at my limit or that I’ve done too much. The Modo challenges help me to listen to my body; push when I need to push and respect my body and my mind when I’m reaching capacity.

S.W: It’s a great way to challenge myself to improve, be healthy and have a goal. I also really like all the extra events that come with a challenge like speakers and the opportunity to try new things. My mat is the place where I can hit the ‘reset’ button, find calm and replenish my soul. During a challenge, I do that more often and more consistently, so I find I’m able to manage every part of my life better.

Tell us about your mindset during a challenge. How do you keep yourself in challenge mode?

A.M: I keep focused on growing my practice and the benefits it has for me. It’s about mind, body and soul.

A.C: I keep myself in challenge mode by trying to do more than the previous challenge. Self talk helps.

K.S: I focus on the overall goal of the challenge and on how I’m going to feel about myself and my body at the end of the challenge – that keeps me moving forward. I also like to think about being kind to my body – listening and giving it what it needs. For me, this may be a slightly longer mid-savasana or modified tree-pose or bridge pose and respecting that regardless of where I am in the challenge. I like to think about the ease and flow of the challenge and what I can learn about myself through that process.

S.W: For me, it’s about having a goal. A goal that I know I can achieve. It’s a positive mindset because the challenge, as with all Modo practices, helps me with balance in my life.

How do you push past the “I don’t feel like it today”?

A.M: I remember how good it feels to be in the room and how I feel when I leave. The stickers help keep me on track too!

A.C: I push past the “I don’t feel like it today” by reminding myself I get a sticker!

K.S: I go back to what Yoga is for me – which is a place to “find my home” to reconnect with my soul and heal what feels broken. Often, it’s not about the physicality of the practice – but a chance to spend time with myself. It’s not about what I “look like” – it’s about that re-connection with myself, which I bring forward during times that I am considering skipping a practice. I find that savasana provides an opportunity for this self-reflection and I often imagine myself in that pose or centred in tree pose and remember how amazing it’s going to feel! This is what always brings me back to my mat!

S.W: I picture the sticker board and envision myself putting up that one more sticker for the day, and seeing that I’m that much closer to my goal.

Do you have any rituals that you practice leading up to, during, or after the challenge?

A.M: I like to make another personal challenge at the same time as well. Sometimes it’s just more mindfulness in the morning or clean eating. It adds a little something to it.

A.C: No real rituals besides planning my after work schedule differently so I can fit in more classes.

K.S: None that come to mind – just ensure I’m drinking water and listening to the nutritional needs of my body.

S.W: No rituals, but I think I take better care of myself during a challenge. I drink more water and eat healthier.

Any tips for our Modo community and anyone planning on participating in the next challenge?

A.M: Just do it! Challenge yourself, it is so worth it. There is no shame in not hitting the 30 either, just do as much as you can and if you don’t get to 30 this time, maybe you will the next round.

A.C: I would suggest that everyone try at least one challenge to see what it does for them on their own level and where they are at.

K.S: I love the Modo challenges; my advice would be to reflect on why you are choosing to do it. Is the challenge for physical, spiritual, mental growth or well-being? Maybe all? Enjoy the process through this development acknowledging that it’s not always going to be easy and seek to find your peace in your practice. The challenge then becomes a wonderful journey towards learning more about yourself and your truth.

S.W: Have fun! Meet new people, try a new tea, try a different class. Go for it!

We’ve hit that magical time of year where the sun is shining at that perfect angle, the trees are putting on their annual autumn show and the air is oh so fresh. I recently moved to a new location in the city and have been taking advantage of my new home base by walking as much as I can. In fact, we have challenged ourselves to use our car as little as possible and track our progress by how many days we can go without needing to fuel up.

I am only a 20 minute walk from our Modo studio, an opportunity that allows me to extend my yoga practice beyond the mat. There’s something special that happens when you get out there and walk. Your mind calms down, your lungs are filled with fresh air and there is nothing else you can do in that moment but walk. The best part is that walking allows you to engage with your city in a completely different way. You may have driven on a street countless times, but when you opt to walk it, you notice details that often go unnoticed when you’re bound by the rules of the road. You engage with the street on a human scale and you start to understand why we have a need for people friendly spaces. In a continent where cities are built for cars, we must remind ourselves of the people behind the wheel.

We live in a city where, those who can, choose to drive to and from every single place they need to go. While I know it may not be feasible to get around otherwise (I’m looking at you, country living folk), I encourage you to make the most of these sunny and warm-ish days by hitting the pavement and walking as much as you can. My recent walks have got me thinking that there isn’t just one “type” of walk. I’m not going to emphasize the benefits of walking — we know it’s good for us. Instead, I’ve decided to put together a fun little typology and encourage you to try one out in the upcoming weeks before you need to pull out your winter boots and strap into your snowshoes.

The Ritual

This can be your fitness walk (hello Boulevard!), your morning or evening stroll around the block, your walk to/from work. This is your walk – the one you do the most and the one you don’t need to think about. It fuels your soul and keeps you coming back for more.

The Chore Walk

This walk has a purpose. Maybe you need some groceries or need to stop by the bank. Perhaps you are meeting a friend or need to make it to an appointment. This is a timed walk with the intent of being somewhere by a certain time. You’ll keep a brisk pace and feel energized once you reach your destination.

The Adventure

While you could make the case that this is simply a hike, this includes nature and urban environments. Go somewhere new, find a path and walk it. Turn down a different street. Walk in a new neighbourhood. The only condition is that it is a new experience for you.

Need motivation for your next walk? Join us this weekend for a walk/hike followed by yoga at Trowbridge with our Modo instructor Vik. No cost for members, $20 for non members. Email deb@modoyogathunderbay.com to sign up. See you there!