spring has sprung... again

My blog was just a baby when i posted my spring blossom photo last year. I caught them even earlier this year :)





This spring and summer, I am committing myself to enjoy the outdoors and nature to it's fullest. (Not exactly easy last summer spending a month in training in a random basement and/or a hot studio!) I'm looking forward to my sister's destination wedding in Punta Cana for a daily practice on the beach! I'm going to make it happen!

Namaste,
Callah
article and personal photos copyright of Callah at callahyoga.blogspot.com

yoga for life

I have to admit, I was nervous at the thought of tonight's volunteer teaching - a gym full of people at a (semi) local University's Relay for Life.

Of course, once I got there and in teaching mode all my nervousness left me. It was so casual, some people still wearing their shoes (although I can't blame them, who knows with gym floors!) and no yoga mats. I took them through a modified Moksha class, kept it simple and light, and had to have a second go at the "Namaste" at the end of class to get any responses! I snapped this photo after I guided them through final Savasana.

It was a really cool event. Another gym was set up as the "campsite" with tents, but I couldn't figure out how to get to the outdoor track to check it out. It was a lot of fun, and a nice way to bring the yoga experience to some people who might not have tried it out otherwise!

Have you ever taught or practiced in an unconventional setting?

Namaste,
Callah
article and personal photos copyright of Callah at callahyoga.blogspot.com

snowstorm - in photos

I feel like the 2011 mantra for many yoga bloggers is "blog less". I know I've been living up to that one for sure!

Anyways, I thought I would share some snaps I took last week. We had a predicted "snowmaggedon" (seriously, that's what the media was calling it) and the expected 30mm was only 15mm of snow. Enough for a snow day for all! I ended up teaching a triple for another teacher in the evening (after a double practice in the a.m.) so this photo walk ended up being a nice break in a day literally full of yoga.

This guy actually made the front page news in my town... it's just down the street from my house. He is slowly slumping forward... and about 10 feet tall!

I tied the snow into my classes that evening... suggesting of taking the cue for intentions from the roads outside and slowing down the movements for practice.

Does the weather affect your state of mind during a practice?

Namaste,

Callah

article and personal photos copyright of Callah at callahyoga.blogspot.com

try

I definitely have new appreciation for daily bloggers. Even with the topics being given to me, I just don't have the time to write every single day! A lot has been going on with the holidays (and my new mala-making hobby :) ) and I'm content to post every few days. It's much more realistic. Also, while I've reflected on a few, they aren't posted as I feel they're pretty personal to be putting out there in the blogging world... not quite ready for that yet!

________________________________________

December 18 – Try What do you want to try next year? Is there something you wanted to try in 2010? What happened when you did / didn’t go for it? (Author: Kaileen Elise)

In 2010, I wanted to try to learn how to ride a bike. For realsies. For some reason I just didn't get around to it. What happened? Well, I didn't learn how to ride a bike! I also realized I can be pretty lazy sometimes. And sometimes, you need to prioritize other resolutions. Like running a half marathon.

For 2011... I want to try to learn how to bike-ride! Haha. Also, I'd like to keep up with this creative thing I have going on. I am really enjoying it. In addition to the malas I've been dabbling in medium format photography. It's so much fun! Check out my first roll on flickr!



Namaste,
Callah
article and personal photos copyright of Callah at callahyoga.blogspot.com

getting your meditation started

I know lulu can be controversial in the yoga world, but I love reading their blog posts- there are a lot of hidden gems to be found there. One of the bloggers recently posted about finding your inner space - including a lot of great tips on starting up a personal meditation practice. It seems perfect timing, given my recent goal to start a regular meditation. (This compounded by the fact that one of my projects for teacher training involves a 30-day "savasana challenge"). Here are the tips on how to get started on your own meditation practice.

• Commit yourself to 5 minutes a day for a week, adding on 5 minutes per week until you reach 20.
• Be patient with yourself. No one is able to run a marathon without training, and your brain is the most difficult part of your body to train.
• Start by sitting up straight.
• Some people like to have an icon to focus upon, with eyes closed or slightly open. Choose what works for you.
• Find a comfortable seat.
• While practicing, own it and commit to it.
• Fight the urge to get off your cushion or mat to check your phone or jot down ideas.

I'll add that I found journaling a great way for me to commit. It seemed more concrete when I jotted down a few struggles or successes at the end of each session. I also made myself a rose quartz rudraksha mala - it's so beautiful that I want to wear it, which in turn makes me want to meditate. I'm debating making a few to sell on etsy - what do you think?

Namaste,
Callah
article and personal photos copyright of Callah at callahyoga.blogspot.com

race recap- Niagara Falls Half Marathon

So, on Sunday Oct 24, 2010, I completed my first half marathon! I didn't take many snaps at all, so here are the few I did manage.

Spotted at the race expo- not sure how politically correct this is, but it made me chuckle.

What awaited us at the finish line! If you haven't been to Niagara Falls before, this is the view from Table Rock- the edge of the Horseshoe Falls, aka the "Canadian Falls".

I was a little upset that we were so rushed to leave (and find the girl that "ran" with me- aka ran nearly a full hour faster than me, wow!!) that I didn't even get a pic with my medal and the falls as the backdrop. I'm waiting for the professional photos and praying they aren't too horrible... I'll explain why below!

My (self personalized) bib & finishers medal! I wrote my name on because I know at a lot of bigger races people will cheer for you if they see your name- except in Niagara Falls, apparently, because no one else had their name written and no one said mine haha!

So, the race review. Keep in mind I'm slow, and ok with it! My goal was to run sub 3 hours (well, and finish!)

It was great because it was a 10am start time, so I woke up at 7am to have my plain bagel with PB. We hung around preparing for the race a bit before driving to the start where my sister dropped us off. We got there about 1/2 hour before race time, and were in line for the porta potty the whole time! I was actually still in line when the gun went off! But I figured the chip would do it's job- better to get the bathroom break out of the way before getting on the course and adding to the race time.

So, I ended up being one of the last people to cross the start line, behind all the walkers. it wasn't too bad though, just under 3000 people participating in the half, so it was fairly light weaving through people. (I usually run Ottawa each year, with 8,000-10,000 runners hence 3000 seeming "light").

I started off quite strong, my first 3km averaging just over 6m per km which is quite speedy for me. It was actually really warm, and within a few minutes had taken off my earwarmer and rolled up my sleeves. I reached 8k at about 58:30, shaving a minute and a half off my average time these past few months. I hit 10k at 1 (hour):15, which I was pleased with- in Ottawa, due to both poor pacing and lack of training, my 10k took 1:22. Big difference in 5 months! 11k was around 1:22- I was feeling good and thinking I might even be able to beat my secondary goal of 2:45.

Roll around to just before km 15- my sister was waiting for me at the water station to run the final 4 miles (roughly 6.5km). At this exact point I started experiencing extreme muscle cramping first in my calves, then my toes, and finally in my right inner quad.I'm suspecting sodium depletion. I would attempt running for about 50-100 metres and just seriously could not do it. I had to pause for a stretch out, and made the decision that the final 6kms had to be speed-walked - running was just not happening. I had been taking water and energy gels (Clif- 90% organic), but avoiding the sports drinks because I try to avoid artificial icky stuff. I was just losing more sodium than I was taking in. My sister jogged slowly beside me, since my walk is actually not much slower than my run (THAT's how slow I am, haha!). I kept checking my Nike+ sportsband to ensure I was on pace for my goal, and everything looked all good.

As we neared the last km, we could see the mist rising in the distance over the river from the falls- that's how I knew we were close! We rounded the last corner and could see the finish line. I gave my iPhone (slash music player!) to my sister, and she jumped off the course. I had about 150m to go and decided screw the pain, I am running! I started up again, tried to smile for the first photog through gritted teeth, and then i could taste it! There were 2 people ahead of me and I sprinted past them, pain with every step in every muscle of my legs, ignoring the finish line photographer and probably looking totally ridiculous for the final pictures, and crossed the finish line to the announcer shouting my name and cheers of random people! The clock read 3:00:30, but my chip time was 2:55:59. Yay for the final sprint getting me in just below!

After 20 minutes I finally found my friend, and we hopped in the car for the ride home (for a bridal shower my sister didn't even end up going to). I took an ice bath, which I definitely think saved me a lot of soreness! After a warm shower I did a few yin poses to stretch out. I feel it the most in my lower back, and a little bit in my calves, achilles, right quad, and hip flexors. I am looking forward to a 90m full body massage tomorrow. It is much needed :)

goofing around at the motel before the race - I really hope this is not my best picture!!

Namaste,
Callah
article and personal photos copyright of Callah at callahyoga.blogspot.com

inked

My newest addition. (If you want to see the rest, click here) Just got it this a.m.! Talk about an exercise in pranayama. If I hadn't been chatting with my sister the whole time I could see how it could be meditative. Or drive you insane.

If you can't tell, that's my right ribcage, few inches below my armpit. Ouchies- although not as bad as I was expecting. I think my laser hair removal yesterday was worse!

Definition: Om is a very simple chant with a complex meaning. Often chanted three times at the start and finish of a yoga session, om is the whole universe coalesed into a single sound and represents the union of mind, body, and spirit that is at the heart of yoga. When chanted, the sound of om is actually three syllables - a, u, and m.
Pronunciation: aaaaauuuuummmmm

The regular Moksha series does not incorporate the "Om" chant (level 2 classes do). Last night I attended a power yoga class as part of one of my projects and we opened and closed with the chant. I was so happy I thought I might explode. I remember that feeling the first time I chanted in a class, of my body vibrating, and feeling so connected with everyone in the room. So, this is why I chose this tattoo! I love love love my artist Steve, highly recommend.

Namaste,
Callah
article and personal photos copyright of Callah at callahyoga.blogspot.com

in pictures- Niagara Falls

Last week, I headed up to Niagara to bring one of my good friends from my YTT to see the beauty before she headed home to Singapore. We first stopped at Frogpond Farms, the only certified organic winery in Ontario. After a tasting and loading up on wine, we took a stroll on the short path around the vineyard.

grapes! so many, basking in the sunlight.

loved the cute little farmhouse.

I don't know what these are. 

We found sheep! This lovely guy (or gal?) came right up to the fence to visit us.

Action shot! I was laughing too much to get a decent photo.

This is one of my fave photos I took that day.

It was so amazing to introduce the falls to someone who has never seen them before. It's a rare opportunity!

I made her keep her eyes on the ground until we rounded the corner to view the Horseshoe Falls (i.e., the Canadian falls) in their full splendor. This is where my half marathon will be ending next month!

pure beauty.

We did the "Journey Behind the Falls". We are only 9m above the water level here, getting sprayed by the mist.

Double rainbow! What does it mean?!? I really hope you've seen the video- click the link if you haven't!!

A lame tree pose! Not easy in these jeans, let me tell you! She caught me with my eyes closed :)

Hope you enjoyed my first ever "in pictures"!

Namaste,
Callah
article and personal photos copyright of Callah at callahyoga.blogspot.com

thoughts on my intensive teacher training

Greetings!

So, I'm alive and officially able to teach moksha yoga :) (I am not fully certified, however, only having put in about 300 of the 500 hours required. The rest will follow in the next 11 months, with 8 projects and lots and lots of personal practice, feedback and continuing Ed.)

A quick note, I've extended the ultima contest for a few days. Due to bloggy inactivity, there are only a few entries and lots of ultima to go around! Find the contest here. A simple comment is all it takes to enter :)

I feel like I'll want to break down some of what I've learned in a few posts, but for an awesome nearly daily account of the training, check out my friend Sophies blog. What dedication, so many entries while I posted a mere 4 times! So, today I will just talk about feelings :) In a nutshell, this training one of the most transformative months of my life. I'll be honest, I wouldn't sum it up as the BEST month since I've been on many amazing journeys and travels, but definitely top 3. While I am super glad to be home and able to catch up on sleep and things which make me a normal person, like massage, chiropractic and sleep (not to mention family & friends, and kitties!) I am also a bit sad the training wasn't long enough to become super close will all 60 people. You know how it feels when you near the end of something only to realize you've got so much more to do, like getting closer with all the people you haven't had the opportunity to with yet? That's the one.

The ending of training was such an incredible finish. On Wednesday, we chose partners and headed wherever we wanted to take turns teaching (and practicing) 60 minute classes. Sophie (blogger linked above) had the amazing suggestion of the beach. So, we found a patch of sand with a gorgeous view of downtown Toronto- CN Tower included :) it was both my favourite teaching and practicing experiences in my yoga life, so far! Talk about idylic.

bliss on the beach.

Thursday after a final hot class together, we headed to a farm for a campout! There was a little bocce and a lot of sunbathing on my behalf, after a month of basement dwelling. Then it was time for the talent show which was truly talented. A couple songs around the campfire, it was after midnight and I was toast!

the barn was the perfect place for another photoshoot!

We also had our grad. Each us us received an "award", based on our intros, presentations, or general dispositions. I think I mentioned before, my topic was "Changing the world by changing yourself". I talked about the movie pay it forward, and like to think i sprinkled a few good deeds in during the month. My award was the "Pay It Forward Award for Selfless Service". So touching.

woohoo! I'm done!

Friday it was back to the city. Lunch with a few girls I had driven, a glorious nap and goodbye to the kitty I cat-sat for (appropriately named Kitty) and it was off to a post- training party for some last fun times as a group. Then, the grand finale of the month. I saw Robyn & Keane in concert, joined by one of the trainees (and a great opportunity to get to know one more person better!) We had the greatest surprise ever when I spotted someone handing out wristbands and I caught her eye with a big smile. We got upgraded to FLOOR seats at the molson amphitheater! Front and centre! Talk about amazing. The concert was incredible, I have wanted to see Robyn forever and the combo of the two bring back so many backpacking memories from Australia and New Zealand.

Today, we got our projects. The email aptly titled, the beginning of the rest of our lives.

Namaste, Callah

article and personal photos copyright of Callah at callahyoga.blogspot.com

week 3 update!

 So, I have made it past the halfway point! And I'm alive. Still loving every minute despite the seemingly never-ending exhaustion. I did stay at home last night, and I slept a solid 8 hours for the first time I can remember in a really long time!! It was glorious, too bad I woke up at 7:30am on my day off!

So, what's new. I've done a lot more practice teaching. We also have started splitting "real" classes- teaching half our group (so, 30 in each class) and splitting the session among 5-6 of us, doing a block of poses. I had my first "real" class teaching experience (and in the hot studio no less!) yesterday afternoon. I had just had some body work done on my bad knee/ quad before class, so I took Savasana nearly the whole time. Good thing, because my heart was already pounding out of my chest when it was my turn! Luckily it went smoothly (and no one seemed to notice too much that I forgot a pose- eep!) and I got some great feedback from a really experienced teacher.

We've just finished our anatomy sessions- we've learned sooo much. I will never be dehydrated again- I will post a load of information on how vitally important it is in the near future!! We also learned muscle (connective tissue) releases which is pretty cool. I have to say when I had my quad released by our Osteopath teacher of the anatomy, it was amazing. They say that fascia holds emotions (which is why some people get emotional in camel, etc) and when it releases they all come out. I can definitely vouch for that, since I both laughed and cried when the quad was released. (I injured my knee 3 years ago and it never healed. Interestingly, I feel more pain in yoga than running since it's specifically a 90 degree angle that causes pain).

Well, that's all! Keep your eyes open for a giveaway in the next few days :)
Namaste, Callah

happy half-year!

Firstly, I'd like to share an amazing post by Eco Yogini on "hot yoga done right" - moksha yoga! Thanks so much for the dedication Lisa, I am so excited to begin my training tomorrow (on Canada Day of all days!) and I've got LOTS to do to prepare for my move to the city for the month. I'm one of those people who works best under pressure (as long as i have a LIST!)

Seeing as some goal check-ins are going around the yoga blogosphere as today marks the end of the first half of the year, I thought I'd do a check in myself. On my "other" blog, I wrote up some goals (which I hesitate to call new years resolutions, because I like to think I'm working on bettering myself year-round). How they've stacked up so far:

Accomplished
-stopped using drive thrus (I've only gone through one, for a friend who REALLY wanted a late-night McFlurry... I was cringing on the inside the whole time)!
-my first 30 day yoga challenge
-varying up my workouts (ran a 10k and now training for a half-marathon)
-give up my grudges. Waste of energy! (I'd say I'm mostly on track with this- I get frustrated but I let it go pretty quickly.)


Not accomplished (yet!)
-Move. Anywhere. (this is more long-term... have to pay off my teacher training and start saving up!)
-make a painting (I'm going to as one of my post-training distance projects!)
-remember to take my vitamins (I'd say, maybe 25% of the time? I've got a horrid memory!)
-learn how to ride a bike (the shame! it will come!)

Bonus achievements
-Got a full-time dental hygiene job for a dentist I love working with, enabling me to leave the office I dread working at.
-Decided to take my Moksha Yoga teacher training and made it happen!

This has nothing to do with my post, but I am going to miss this guy during training!!

As for my personal challenge last month, it kind of tapered down. I actually worked 3 days last week (which sounds laughable, but I've been surviving the past 18 months working between 0-2 days a week on average, hence the still living at home!) and it really made it hard to find the time for yoga! I have a new appreciation for those who don't have loads of time on their hands, like I did. (Which is no more, with the training and then new jobs starting in August!). I don't feel disappointed in myself, though, because I gave it a really good effort and with my solid first two weeks of the challenge, don't feel quite so intimidated by the thought of 12 asana classes a week during my training. I also started my half-marathon training at the same time, and have done I think about 10-12 runs in the past month. So overall, while the 10 workouts a week might not have been all yoga, they got done in one way or another.

My studio had an unofficial 30-day challenge going on in July, and we celebrated last night with the lovely studio owners taking the small group of us out for dinner. It was also somewhat of a "going-away/ pretraining" celebration. I realized that in my excitement for training, I was pushing aside the thought of missing my wonderful yoga community and not to mention family & friends for the month of July. I'm sure the month will be over before I know it- and I will try to blog a little bit of my progress in the little spare time that I have.

Namaste, Callah

challenge week one wrap up!

So, today is the end of my first week of my crazy personal challenge!
After the doubles at the beginning of the week, I eased up on my practicing with one hot class per day, and on Thursday a home practice (which isn't the easiest with chatty family members around!). I actually haven't "properly" practiced yet today (I taught a kids class), as I'm totally exhausted. I usually am on Sundays, so I'm not quite sure if it's regular exhaustion or from a hot class overload! So, my total (so far- I will try and do a short, relaxing practice before bed!) for the week is 9 classes. Not bad!

Camel, a few weeks ago. It was odd actually seeing what I look like in camel pose! Especially since I used to hate it!

Tomorrow is a new day, and I'm hoping that today's rest day will rejuvenate me for tomorrow! I'm probably heading to Toronto on Tuesday to meet the woman whom I'll be house-sitting for during my training in July, and check out the house. I'm also hoping to check out Moksha Yoga Bloor West, which is where my training will take place. The plan is to take a level 2 Moksha class, which I'm really excited about since the regular Moksha series doesn't have many alterations from class to class- so it will be great to really deepen my practice and explore a few new postures hopefully! 

Don't forget to enter the chicobag giveaway! 

Namaste, Callah

a holiday Sunday, and a review

First, I'd like to thank The Joy of Yoga for featuring my running sequence yesterday! If you haven't been to her blog, check it out. A new sequence every day, perfect for the home practitioner!

I'll say Happy Easter, which can be loosely translated as, hope you are all having a fantastic long weekend with beautiful weather, no matter if the holiday is celebrated or not!

(photo taken by me in NYC last year)

I've been fiddling around with my Authentic Yoga app, which I found on Daily Cup of Yoga's blog. To be honest, I only purchased it at first because it was on sale- favouring hot yoga, I do most of my yoga in class form. However, I was excited when they provided an update, allowing you to form your own sequences. I've only just discovered the wonderful feeling of creativity and control in creating your own sequences these past few days. (And I look forward to it post- teacher training, when I am more experienced!) I had a lot of fun scrolling through the available poses to come up with my own variation of the Moksha sequence, that incorporates a few poses I like, and would like to work on, while keeping in with the Moksha focus of hip and spine openers. I'd give it a 4/5 for ease of use- my frustration was that when clicking on the 'balance' section, it didn't always work properly, and I'd have to click another section, and then back into it to see all the poses. My other frustration came when went to save, and then realized I forgot to add crane pose. I hit the back button, only to find it erased EVERYTHING. Since it was my first time playing around, I had spent a good deal of time creating my sequence! Gah.

All in all though, if you have an iPhone (or iTouch?) I would recommend this- even at full price, which is still only a few dollars- if you like home practice, and creating your own sequences. It is great because it allows your sequence (or Deepak & Tara Stile's sequences) to be played as a video, which helps you visualize and time the poses.

How to you prefer to do your yoga - videos, apps, classes, or going with your own flow? And, more importantly... is anyone else experiencing major chocolate overload?!

Namaste,
Callah

spring has sprung!

The first blooms of the season bring wonderful thoughts of outdoor yoga to mind! We'll see if I can't start my own little group of friends to join me. My town isn't large enough to have guerilla yoga... yet!

Namaste,
Callah