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Friday, March 18, 2011

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

Friday, February 25, 2011

enter one

I heard this beautiful song in savasana today and wanted to share it with you all. (the video is the same all the way through so no need to sit and watch... just enjoy!)


After a storm

I want to be brave
And keep you warm
And not fade away
As we float from the shore
Into the light
Into the unknown
Like thousands of lanterns
Glowing with grace
In glorious silence
Descending through space
To a friend
A sister in need
Who is not alone
And they are surrounding her
And they will enfold her outstretched hand
In our love

Into the light
It's hard to believe
It's always been ours to give
And to receive
I want to be shameless like the sun
Moving into you
Entering light

Welcome
Inshallah, Inshallah
Enter one amazing grace is pouring down
Fear not this light
We are of this light divine
So come
We move as one
Amazing grace is pouring down
Fear not this light
We are on this light divine
Welcome
Enter one

After a storm
I wanna let go
Of the things that I’ve done
Without any worry
I wanna come home
Into the light
Into the unknown
I want to be shameless
Like the sun
Moving into you
Enter light

Welcome
Inshallah, Inshallah
Enter one
Amazing grace is pouring down
Fear not this light
We are on this light divine
So come
We move as one
Amazing grace is pouring down
Fear not this light
We are on this light divine
Welcome
Enter one


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

Friday, February 11, 2011

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.

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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!

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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

Friday, January 21, 2011

smiling yogis

So, I've been so crazy busy these past few weeks, between my maid of honour duties (for my sister) and actually having somewhat of a social life, I have been internetting a lot less frequently. And I'm kind of loving it!

I took a class last week where the instructor (whom I know) kept making me smile. When I looked too serious, she would creep up behind me and make eye contact in the mirror- and I'd laugh. And I loved it!

So, yesterday I introduced the intention of having fun with the practice. A lot of students still retained the serious yoga face (and I'm totally guilty of that one, just check out the pictures on my banner!). When we got to the balancing series though, I noticed this one woman just beaming. After class, I commented on how much I loved her amazing smile in class. She said, "There is one woman who always practices with the most radiant smile. I made sure I always set up my mat right behind her. Then, one day, I realized I could just start smiling myself! Besides, it's the only way I can keep from getting mad at myself when I lose my balance in the 6am class".

(old, smiley dancer's pose)

I thought that was such an amazing story, and it truly made my morning! I'm going to commit to finding the joy - and the smiles! - in my yoga practice.

Are you a happy or a serious yogi/ni when you practice?

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

Saturday, January 1, 2011

a reverb wrap up

So, I really fell off the reverb10 bandwagon after starting off pretty strong. I personally felt like a lot of the prompts were getting pretty repetitive. I'm all for reliving and reflecting, but it was getting redundant as there were definitely a few common themes that kept popping up for me. It kind of felt like beating a dead horse to be honest, and a bit of a waste of time when December is such a busy time as is. Also, for the tagline being "reflect and manifest" I felt like there was very little manifesting to be done- I've been doing that on my own! That being said, I'll finish off with a few of the prompts that provoked some original thoughts and ideas.

December 24 – Everything’s OK What was the best moment that could serve as proof that everything is going to be alright? And how will you incorporate that discovery into the year ahead? (Author: Kate Inglis)
I had a lot of interviews and dead ends job wise. I decided to take YTT. A few weeks later, I got a permanent job, and they would allow me to start after the training was complete. It was like everything just finally clicked into place all at once. It solidified and made real the saying that "everything happens for a reason". i didn't get those jobs because this is what I was meant to be doing, and where i was meant to be.
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December 26 – Soul Food What did you eat this year that you will never forget? What went into your mouth & touched your soul? (Author: Elise Marie Collins) 
That BLT at Aux Vivres in Montreal. It was hands down the best meal I've ever had in my life. And it was vegan. I've read a LOT of books on veganism this year, and the absolute tastiness of this meal was a huge part in proving i can take the plunge. Over the next few weeks I am phasing out all the non-vegan food I have kicking around and going all the way. 
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December 28 – Achieve 
What’s the thing you most want to achieve next year? How do you imagine you’ll feel when you get it? Free? Happy? Complete? Blissful? Write that feeling down. Then, brainstorm 10 things you can do, or 10 new thoughts you can think, in order to experience that feeling today. 
(Author: Tara Sophia Mohr)

Home ownership. Moving to a different city (albeit one that's the next city over). I will feel responsible, adult and yes, definitely, FREE. Overjoyed. Accomplished. And freakin happy!! And as we speak, I am starting to get that feeling. My room has been an absolute mess for months and months. I just never put stuff away when I moved back into the big room after my sister moved out. I've started the process of finally, finally, getting everything organized and actually settling in. Including going through loads of photos, consolidating them in one place, and getting them printed off and actually framing them! I feel like the freedom is already starting. It's funny how being so organized can be so freeing. I feel like I'm floating from the accomplishment of it all. I might have a heart attack of joy when I buy my own place!

So, that's my take on #reverb10. If you participated, how did you feel about it? Redundant, a hassle? Or enlightening and a great way to reflect on the year past?

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

Thursday, December 30, 2010

moksha videos January

So, I've been both enjoying my holidays and madly busy, thus equalling a negligent blogger. I hope you've been enjoying the holidays too much to mind!

I'm back! Enjoy some Moksha vids to start off your new year. The ever challenging Savasana... I've got a 30-day savasana challenge coming up! One of our projects involves 30 days of a 20-minute savasana. It's not due quite yet but I'm a keener so I want to get it out of the way so I can focus on getting in my asana practice hours! My fellow Milton teacher Shan shows you how to get your body just right so you can focus on the challenging part... the monkey mind!



lots of great little tips for the green tips of the month! I never would have thought about all of the trees it takes to make chopsticks... time to invest in some to-go ware for my purse, i think!



Wishing you all the most fantastic new year.

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

Thursday, December 23, 2010

happy holidays... don't lose your shit!

This video is doing the rounds with my facebook yogi friends, and it definitely seems appropriate to share here. I won't lie, I've got a few gifts waiting for me under the tree (wrapped in re-used packing paper, though!). But, I've cut my gift-giving to a minimum, eliminated paper holiday cards, and hand-made gifts for my friends. I haven't forgot about the "giving" part of the season, either. All in moderation and balance, right?



I hope everyone has an amazingly wonderful holiday, whatever you celebrate (or don't). Enjoy any time off you may have, and like I said in one of my classes this morning... remember any calm energy you cultivate in your asana practice, and take it with you... whenever you are feeling stressed out, remember that feeling... and BREATHE!


Happy holidays :) 
Namaste,
Callah
article and personal photos copyright of Callah at callahyoga.blogspot.com