Monday, February 28, 2011

Springtime Opening, Inner Blossoming

I have been invited to facilitate another workshop with
Lake of the Woods Yoga with Laurie Jo Lindroos.

Laurie Jo will gently lead an asana practice to reveal the body’s inherent radiance and I will share my knowledge of mudra (hand gestures), pranayama (breathing) and yoga nidra.

Spanda is a Sanskrit word meaning the creative pulsating radiance of the universe; the sacred vibration that exists within us.

Join us as we explore subtle aspects of yoga
to allow the heart’s radiance to blossom.

Sunday, March 27th, 10am - 1:30pm
Location: The Challenge Club at the North West Health Unit, Kenora
Workshop Fee: $45
All Levels & Abilities Welcome !
Bring blankets, a pillow, bolster and mat (if you have them)
For more information or to register:
Contact Laurie Jo at lakeofthewoodsyoga@yahoo.ca
me at yoganidra204@gmail.com

Hope to see you there!

Jake

Monday, February 21, 2011

Reflections on last weekend's workshop

Thank you to all those who attended the workshop, as well as those who worked so hard to make it happen (Laurie Jo and Sandy, I'm talking to you).

Twenty-two people attended last Saturday's iRest yoga nidra workshop. Thank you for making it a success. I felt so privileged to be invited to present to this vibrant yoga community. We explored many different practices: mudra (hand gesture), pranayama, iRest yoga nidra as well as some asana.

I would love to have some feedback on your experiences at the workshop.

Some mudras we explored were Vayu mudra and Prajna mudra.

Prajna mudra is engaged by bringing the tip of the index fingers to the base of the thumbs, the other fingers are softly extended, palms facing upward. Mudras can be subtle, so be quiet and curious about any changes in how the body feels, in the breath or energy body, as well as the quality of the mind and emotions. Does it have an impact on your awareness? This mudra is said to slow respiration, relax the mind and encourage witness consciousness to unfold. Each of us experiences it differently so stay with your experience rather than comparing it to what is suggested.

Vayu mudra: From Prajna mudra, let each thumb wrap over and rests on the top of each index. Notice if anything changes for you, physically, energetically, emotionally, mentally, as well as to your deeper awareness. This mudra corresponds with the element of air and to the flow of prana (energy). It is said to stimulate feelings of lightness and ease. Some say it's recommended for arthritis, but as I mentioned, what's primary in my opinion is deepening our awareness to increasingly subtle shifts. Ultimately, our awareness turns towards itself "who is aware of being aware?".

What was your experience of these mudras? Comment and share if you feel inclined that way.

Have fun!

Friday, February 18, 2011

Inward Journey- CD Completed

This week, I picked up 50 copies of the iRest yoga nidra CD I've been working on since November. It includes two yoga nidra meditation practices guided by yours truly.

The first practice is oriented towards setting intention, gaining body and breath awareness, welcoming feelings and emotions, as well as inquiring into simply Being.

The second session takes us a little deeper into the radiant body, exploring a heart-oriented breath, as well as exploring feelings, emotions and their opposites. This practice asks us to inquire, what is this awareness that holds all of these experiences? Who is aware of being aware?

"I am not my thoughts, emotions, sense perceptions, and experiences.
I am not the content of my life.
I am Life.
I am the space in which all things happen.
I am consciousness.
I am the Now.
I am"
~ Eckhart Tolle

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Take your yoga practice deeper ... within


Join me in Kenora, ON on February 19th for an iRest yoga nidra workshop.

Go inward and learn to welcome whatever is arising in each moment. iRest yoga nidra is a practice of deep relaxation and meditative inquiry that allows us to learn how to release negative emotions and thought patterns as well as calm the nervous system. We will be gaining tools in establishing equanimity: the capacity to meet all the circumstances we meet in life with peace and heartfelt acceptance. iRest yoga nidra is practiced in a relaxation pose. All levels and abilities welcome!

Time: 10 am - 1 pm
Location: The Challenge Club, Kenora ON
Bring a blanket, pillow, bolster and yoga mat (if you have them).
Workshop fee: $45
For more information, contact me at yoganidra204@gmail.com or
contact Laurie Jo at 807-468-9041 or at lakeofthewoodsyoga@yahoo.ca

Hope to see you there!

Jake