water and the 10k

Just wanted to let everyone know I am still alive post-10k. I might not exactly classify it as a "run" considering I ended up walking maybe 50-60% of the course. Oh well, at least I didn't end up on a stretcher or the side of the road like some people! Despite disappointing myself (amendment: disappointed I slacked on the training, I really didn't prepare properly at all!), I am still grateful at the distance my body carried itself. I am, however, more committed to training properly for the next run- my sister & I have made a pact to make it the half-marathon next year!! And I just happened to discover the clinic in my town is FREE this session, and starting Wednesday. It's a sign :)

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I got an interesting article in an email from YJ today. What timing after reading Yoga Gypsy's post on the importance of water not too long ago! The article talks about the myth of 8x8- 8 8oz glasses of water a day. Apparently caffeinated and alcholic beverages actually do contribute to your water intake, without causing dehydration (all in moderation, of course!) (UPDATE! Read this post on the importance of hydration and ignore what I just wrote about!) I would like to draw attention to the myth that bottled water is better than tap water. I recently heard a short clip of a news story on this, although unfortunately missed the actual story itself! But basically, more proof there is no need to families to buy and consume cases of bottled water!

Namaste, Callah

giveaway... links!

Since I'm not having a giveaway myself (yet, maybe in the future!) I'll use this post to share a few!
I found this amazing quote over at Young Yoga Masters, where Aruna is having a DVD giveaway! Head on over to check it out.

Saying you are too stiff to do yoga is like saying you are too dirty to take a shower.

- Eoin Finn

Also, It's All Yoga, Baby! is also having a Passport to Prana giveaway (sorry, Canadians only!)

My long-awaited 10k run in Ottawa is THIS SATURDAY! If I haven't blogged about my successful completion shortly thereafter, I have died. Have a fabulous weekend!

Namaste, Callah

moksha june videos

Thought I would start sharing the monthly Moksha posture videos and green tips videos. While the posture videos cover poses from the Moksha series, they are probably found in most other series as well!
Enjoy :)


(this video is a bit brand-heavy, but some good suggestions to be found!)

Namaste, Callah

yoga.. not just for humans.

I was browsing the yoga selection on Kobo (I've downloaded the iPhone version, I'm just not sure I can bring myself to buy a book to read on the tiny screen!) and found this gem.

Does Fluffy seem stiff and tense? Help him become the lithe and limber feline he was meant to be with Cat Yoga , a hands-on guide to the ancient practice of yoga . . . for cats.

Well, my cat DOES like to stretch out on my mat!
It's too bad they don't have yoga philosophy texts on the eReader, then I would be all over it! Talk about convenience.

Only 41 days til my training commences! My goal for June (after my 10k run next Saturday which I am completely unprepared for!) is 10 classes/ home practices a week. Doubles, here I come!

Have you jumped on the eReader bandwagon?

Namaste, Callah

Gita Talk

Bhagavad Gita: A New TranslationSo, I mentioned the Gita Talk discussion a few posts back. I'd like to mention once again how awesome this discussion has been! I have no previous "Gita experience", but even my comments and questions as a newbie has sparked some good discussion and debate! Check out the highlights here, and please join in!

Bhagavad Gita: A New Translation

In other news, I've been asked to be a bridesmaid for one of my best friends next year, so I'm quite happy about that. So long as her wedding is not the same week as my sisters!
Also, I just found out the local farmers market opens TOMORROW! AND, I got my Diva Cup (it's weird, I've never WANTED my cycle to start before!) and a few days later, an email offer for 15% off, gurr! Well if anyone needs to buy, Lunapads has a sale all May!
Namaste, Callah

acceptance, or not.

I'm just curious how many of you have a "fun" time dealing with people who don't accept your lifestyle choices- particularly vegetarianism, or diet choices based on eco-consciousness.

It's only been about 6 months since I stopped eating meat, and I feel like I'm constantly being questioned on why I make the choices that I do. The other night, someone put milk in my tea, and I had literally just decided to start making the switch to non-cows milk. I still drank it, but of course the question is asked, "well, why did you decide to stop drinking cow's milk?" When my lighthearted comment about soy beans not feeling pain like cows do wasn't good enough, I threw out the greenhouse gas debate. I was then told to "check my sources". No thanks, I'm not going to change my mind regardless of what you think. The thing is, I have multiple vegan/vegetarian friends. No one questions them, but I guess every time I take my diet one step furthur towards being animal or eco-friendly, I have to go through the process all over again!

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So, how many of you have to field irritating questions like this? How do you respond? I'd love some non-confrontational ways to brush off the topic! Should I just say I don't want to explain myself? Ask them why they eat meat? I'd love your input :)

Namaste, Callah

Living Your Yoga- a book review

First of all, happy mothers day to all the yogini mamas out there! After spending only a few short hours teaching kids this morning, I've just awoken from my ritual Sunday afternoon nap after a lovely lunch with my mom. They take a lot of out me, so i have utmost respect to moms!

Ok, now for the review. Living Your Yoga by Judith Lasater was the first book from my reading list I decided to tackle. It wasn't too long, had short, manageable chapters and lots of spaces between the words. Haha, I seriously love reading, but sometimes when it is "required", it can be intimidating. That's why I mention the above factors- it makes the book a lot more approachable, and a lot less "scary".

Living Your Yoga: Finding the Spiritual in Everyday Life

Well, I actually loved this book! It had a simple, easy to read layout, and really was the perfect book to read first and ease me into the field of yogic philosophy. The book was divided into three parts:
1. Awakening Awareness: Yoga Within Yourself
2. Widening the Circle: Yoga and Relationships
3. Embracing All Life: Yoga in the World.

Each secton was furthur divided into seven chapters, offering outlooks on different topics, suggestions of practices for each topic, and finally, some mantras to use throughout your day. One of my favourites was from the chapter "Connection". It is "just happening". For example, if someone cuts you off in traffic- they aren't specifically doing it to you, it is just happening. This is the one I've had the most opportunity to use- as there are a lot of bad drivers around here! It reminds me to stay calm, and not waste my energy getting worked up.

I'd say the best thing about this book overall is how well Lasater can relate to the readers. I would definitely recommend this. While perfect for yoga newbies, it could also be a great way for seasoned practitioners to take their yoga off the mat.

In other book news, if you haven't already I highly recommend joining the Gita Talk group on Facebook, and also over on Elephant Journal. It's great for a newcomer to yogic philosophy, such as myself. Lots of interesting opinions, and I can put my numerous questions out there to get some insight. It's the perfect time to read the Gita if you haven't, and are interested- we'll be reading about 1-2 chapters a week which is a perfectly reasonable pace :)

How did you celebrate your mom today? Read any good books lately?
Many more reviews to come!

Namaste, Callah

Everything is amazing, nobody's happy

Apologies for being a bad blogger. Usually I work part-time, but I've been lucky enough to get a solid month of work- perfect timing with my upcoming training this July!

Well, at my regular job I've been quite miserable, and growing more and more excited at the prospect of being a yoga instructor. Then, out of nowhere, a coincidental series of lessons on happiness.

My friend sent me this video. (Embedding is disabled so you'll have to click over to the youtube link!)
Isn't it so true? What we have nowadays is incredible. Sticky mats and sweat-wicking clothing included. The world has come to expect these amazing things, and yet still so many are unhappy. Just a few hours later, I was browsing through my Yoga Journal when I found this suggestion from Frank Jude Boccio to one of his students who was feeling empty in life: make a list of 5 things each evening that brought joy to your day.

I love this idea, and in fact have been practicing it (albeit off & on) for the past year or so. I actually discovered it as an iPhone app (called "Gratitude"). Sometimes the smallest things can be points of joy in your day, such as an interaction with a friend or even a yoga instructor, or something you've done to bring joy into someone else's day.

To top it all off, I just found this daily insight on the YJ website.

We've probably all had moments that have shown us that happiness has virtually nothing to do with the external circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the state of our minds and hearts.

Do you practice anything like this? If not- try it!

Namaste, Callah