I had so much fun chatting with one of my favourite mentors and amazing teacher, Barrie Risman, last week. The purpose for our discussion was for her upcoming course, The Triumphant Heart - Lessons from the Bhagavad Gita on Yogic Living in Challenging Times, that she...

Open through the shoulders with these short practices with Darla and Nicole. Shoulder Halter with Strap with Nicole (3.5 min) Shoulder Mobility with a Strap with Darla (2.5 min) Shoulder Mobility with a Ball (1.5 minutes) Front Shoulder Stretch at a Wall with Darla (1...

Each week in our prenatal classes, Nicole introduces a different pregnancy and/or birth education topic and weaves the theme through the practice. One of these topics is baby positioning and this 13-minute prenatal yoga video includes floor-based postures and...

Enjoy more spaciousness and freedom in your chest, neck, shoulders, and spine with these chair-based upper body movements suitable for EVERY BODY. Also, check out this Lower Body Chair Yoga class to compliment this practice.  

Happy 2020! Thanks so much for choosing to be here. Even if you're not able to read every email or attend classes at our studio, I am deeply grateful for your presence in our community. For me, a new year feels fresh with so many possibilities. It's easy to be seduced...

​This breathing technique guides you towards gradually extending your exhale, which can slow your heart rate and calm your nervous system. It can require more practice if you are experiencing anxiety so be gentle with yourself and take it slow. First, you'll find your...

This breathing technique can help steady a wandering mind while fully aerating the lungs. It can soothe the nervous system, alleviate exhaustion, and leave you feeling replenished. Inhale slowly, quietly, deeply, and steadily, keeping your mind quiet as...

Physiologically, abdominal breathing is more effective than breathing shallowly into our chest, which is what many people do. Shallow breathing is a result of the stress response in the body. Additionally, in a culture that promotes a flat belly as desirable, some...

After you become comfortable with abdominal breathing, try this technique where you take slow, deep breaths through your nose to sequentially fill and empty the belly, ribs, and chest.

This breathing technique can help you attain better self-awareness of the body and mind. You can use it as a practice on its own, in preparation for yoga or meditation, or before Savasana (relaxation). Simply find a comfortable seat on the floor or in a chair and turn...

Here are some simple but effective neck and shoulder stretches that you can do from sitting or standing. Enjoy!

Sun Breaths are a great way to warm up the body in the morning or after prolonged sitting. This gentle flow connects movement with breath and can help you recenter and steady your mind in preparation for a longer practice. It's also easy to squeeze into your day on a...

Show your hands and wrists some love in this 4.5-minute video with Megan. It's great to do stretches such as these while working at a desk every half hour or so. If you are a knitter like Megan you'll appreciate these stretches after a session of working on your...

This simple mindfulness of breath practice is one of my favorite ways to reconnect when life is extra full. It teaches us to be more aware of the brief moments of stillness between the doing and to take these moments to reconnect and be present.  

This Chair Yoga practice brings yoga to those who have difficulty standing for a prolonged period or getting down to the floor and back up to standing. But it can be enjoyed by ALL bodies even if you have a regular mat practice. There may be days when you need a...

Discomfort in the shoulders, back, and neck is prevalent in our culture of sitting. Whether it is working at a desk or driving in a car, our sedentary lifestyles wreak havoc on our bodies. The mental demand of 'doing all the things' can also contribute to...

One of the most common things I hear from new yoga students who have tried yoga in the past that was supposed to be accessible to beginners is that it did not meet their needs. Many felt like they were striving and/or confused in class, while others wanted more of a...

This morning as I enjoyed my oatmeal and tea I pondered what inspiration I could share on my newsletter and blog. I had been thinking about it for a few days and everything seemed forced, not authentic. When I opened my Meditations from the Mat book for a morning...

I am always scouring the internet looking for inspiration for healthy meals and snacks. So I thought I would share some of my latest favourite finds! Healthy Banana Bread by Cookie + Kate - This 100% whole wheat banana bread is scrumptious and free of refined sugar. I...

As I sit and write this I am on day three of a pretty bad cold that has confined me to my house. Much of my time has been spent on the couch sleeping and binge-watching recorded shows of The Voice that I missed while I was in Uganda. I went through the typical guilt...

The energy this time of year is exciting and joyous, but can also be draining and heavy. Between wrapping gifts, baking cookies, and visiting loved ones it is easy to let your yoga practice slide. My plan is to keep things simple through doing no-fuss restorative yoga poses. Legs-Over-a-Chair does not require any fancy props; just somewhere to elevate your legs. It soothes the lower back and hips, refreshes the legs, and provides a gentle boost of circulation to the upper body. It is especially delicious after a long day on your feet, after a flight, or if you are generally fatigued.