2 upcoming workshops for going deeper

Sunday, October 30th

1:30 - 4

Pranayama, Mudra & Yoga Nidra

Mudra is yoga for your hands, pranayama: for the breath.

Yoga nidra is a healing and relaxing practice of meditation.

Let your hands, breath and mind fall in love with yoga.

Sunday, November 13th

1:30-4

5 koshas: yoga and the self

The 5 koshas represent our physical, energetic, emotional, cognitive and personal qualities.

We will use asana, along with other yoga practices to explore this yogic model of the self.

Workshops will take place at Be Yoga at 474 St.Mary's Road.

Registration at www.beyoga.ca

I hope to see you there!

Jake

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

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!

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

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

Yoga nidra in the new year.

I hope winter is treating you all kindly.

The new year is a natural time for embracing something new, or committing ourselves to something that is important to us. Sankalpa is a Sanskrit word that means to imagine unifying that which might be fragmented. It is a yogic practice of intention, where we imagine our heartfelt desire as being actualized. It's the first step of the yoga nidra practice. Whether your hope is for health, peace or enlightenment, if it were true for you, how would it feel in your body if it were realized? What would life look like?

The new session will be starting on January 5th until February 23rd. It has been nearly a month since I taught and I am very much looking forward to resuming the classes.

What to expect?
We begin by centering ourselves, checking in and opening our senses. Then we will do some breathwork (pranayama) and mudra (hand gestures to stimulate subtle sensations). Part of the class is spent with the body in slow mindful movements, where we learn to welcome all the sensations and experiences we encounter. Participants will be in a comfortable relaxation position for the bulk of the class. You will be encouraged to move your attention throughout the body and to become attuned with the breath in its natural state. Feelings, emotions and beliefs will come and go, and an attitude of welcoming awareness is encouraged. Many people report experiencing a deep acceptance, relaxation and peace. By welcoming all that is changing, we can sometimes glimpse that in us that is unchanging.

Experience the power of truly subtle yoga with this meditative session. The focus is on intention and subtle sensation through the most gentle of movements and deep relaxation (yoga nidra). Your eyes will be closed for much of the class to draw your attention inward. Guests may find themselves profoundly attuned to the energies within their bodies after this class, combined with a powerful feeling of restfulness and heightened awareness.
You will find this class accessible no matter your range of movement and can even be practiced from a chair.
Contact Be Yoga for registration
474 St. Mary’s Road Winnipeg, MB R2M 3K6 | Tel: 204.415.6880

The value of holding postures (asana)

By encouraging longer holding of asana, I direct the student to welcome in (without clinging or resisting) whatever sensations, emotions, thoughts, judgments, beliefs..., and for them to recognize the coming and going of it all. I will suggest the sensations/experiences that are common while holding a particular asana, and encourage the student to be aware of what's present for them moment to moment. If they can cultivate Presence, an understanding of the impermanence of all experience and find a quality of ease in intense circumstances such as a longer holding of asana, those 'skills' might extend into their lives, so that they learn to meet, greet and welcome whatever arises in their lives, without resistance, without attachment, recognizing the ever changing nature of phenomena. I am guiding my students to be the welcoming awareness in which all phenomena arise, unfold and dissolve.

Chocolate Meditation

A meditation practice I taught today:
Drop every memory you have of chocolate (if you need to, imagine you've never tasted/seen/smelled it before like a young child again, or an alien visiting). Then hold a small piece of chocolate in your hand, feel its weight, its texture, let the scent enter your nose and body such that you cannot find where you end and the aroma begins. Then bring it to your mouth, hold it between your teeth, let your tongue barely touch it, and savour every moment, letting it melt and merge with your mouth, without reference to past/future or any thoughts you have about chocolate. PS- you can replace chocolate for any other food for this exercise. There are also a number of similar techniques for the other senses.

As the practice continues

I'm still teaching the Be at Ease class at Be Yoga on St. Mary's Road. It really has become my baby of sorts.

I am so thrilled to be able to share the iRest yoga nidra practice that has so enriched my own life. I've had students who've never meditated, never done yoga, who come out of the class, with a really deep understanding about themselves, or who have a profound healing experience, even out of body experiences. Of course, every student is different, every class is a little different.

But what is always offered is a sanctuary of sorts, where someone can come in and not have to do anything, where they can just be. There's always an inner excavation, unravelling and revealing the sensations, emotions, thoughts and beliefs that are constantly coming and going in our lives. What I most want to support, though, is for each student to glimpse at that mysterious something in them that is unchanging. That is at peace no matter what life is presenting. That's why I so love this practice.

October 27th will be the last class of an 8 week session. A 6 week session will be starting on November 3rd. We do need confirmed registration from a minimum of 4 participants in order to proceed.

For the time being, I am not teaching the 5:30pm Wednesday Be Yoga class (hatha flow). For information about Be Yoga, check out their site: www.beyoga.ca

Yoga Nidra workshop at Falcon Lake

Enrich your yoga practice!

During this day long workshop, we will explore iRest yoga nidra, mudra, subtle pranayama, and mantra, as well as gain a deeper understanding of the chakras. We will be exploring the subtler aspects of yoga, using asana as one of many practices, to uncover the ground of Being that underlies our physical, energetic, emotional, cognitive and personal qualities.

South Moon Studio will be hosting this event. Please email me at yoganidra204@gmail.com if you have any questions. Call Chrissy at 204-426-2367 to register.

Yoga Classes at Be Yoga Studio on Wednesday evenings

I am now teaching 2 Wednesday evening yoga classes at Be Yoga.

Be Yoga is located at 474 St. Mary's Road (2 doors South from Loona Rossa restaurant, at Morier). It is an elegant and intimate studio overlooking the river.

Your first class is $ 5 during February and March!

Here are the class descriptions:
Be Yoga Wednesday at 5:30pm

Be Yoga classes are subtly physical. You are invited to be present, be real and be at ease with who you are during this continuous flow. By placing a focus on breath and body link sequences throughout the practice, you’ll discover the pleasure of bringing the breath, body and mind into unison.

You’ll soon find that no two classes are the same, but each class brings you a little closer to inner peace. Perfection is not the goal. We won’t bend like pretzels or soak our mats with sweat. Physical fitness is only one part of the holistic wellness yoga can deliver.

Be Yoga classes are open to everyone.

Be At Ease Wednesday at 7pm

Experience the power of truly subtle yoga with this restorative session. The focus is on intention and subtle sensation through the most gentle of movements and deep relaxation. Your eyes will be closed for much of the class to draw your attention inward.

Guests may find themselves profoundly attuned to the energies within their bodies after this class, combined with a powerful feeling of restfulness.

You will find this class accessible no matter your range of movement and can even be practiced from a chair.



If you have further questions, contact Be Yoga.


Be Yoga 474 St. Mary’s Road Winnipeg, MB R2M 3K6 (204) 415-6880 info@beyoga.ca www.beyoga.ca

What do you wish to take your practice?

I teach a variety of yoga classes:

1. Holistic hatha yoga session: This practice includes centering, pranayama (breath and energy practices), asana (postures), relaxation (iRest yoga nidra) and meditation.

2. Beyond asana sessions: We incorporate the aspects of the basic asana class (see above) and incorporate mudra (hand gestures), mantra (chanting and sound), chakra awareness (psycho-emotional-energetic centres in the body). Often the eyes will be closed through much of the session to deepen awareness within the body and self.

3. Yoga Therapy sessions. This practice includes any/all of the above techniques to uncover harmony in the physical body, emotional body, beliefs. I will cater to the needs of the client to find the most appropriate asana, pranayama, mudra, mantra, meditation, iRest yoga nidra relaxation and guided imagery practices.

4. Guided iRest yoga nidra restoration sessions. iRest yoga nidra is practiced in a restful position. The practice includes setting your intention, sensing the body, exploring the breath, internal inquiry into physical, emotional or mental habits. As these aspects become integrated, the mind quiets, and we uncover an ease of being.

5. iRest yoga nidra interactive sessions. This is a practice where we body sensing (not movement) as a way to inquire within. It's a powerful and interactive practice for working with/through 'blocks' (physical (including pain), emotions, limiting beliefs to uncover a ground of being that is untouched by all of life's circumstances.

Each one-on-one session is $40 per person. The holistic hatha yoga, beyond asana, yoga therapy and guided iRest yoga nidra sessions can be taught to up to 4 people ($40 can be divided amongst participants).

Mornings and evenings (Monday or Tuesdays) are ideal for me, though I am willing to be creative to find a time that works for both of us.

I offer my classes at La Parfumerie in Wolseley (145 Evanson St).

Jake

Uncovering Ground of Being

This past September, I completed my Level 2 Integrative Restoration (iRest) yoga nidra training. It was in San Rafael, California. I came away with a lot, for my personal practice, as well as for private sessions. The focus on this training was more focused on one-on-one sessions, less-so on applying it to a group (like the level 1 training).

Since September, I have been taking a course at the Health Sciences called Spiritual Diversity. I'm learning how to offer spiritual care to patients who are dying, or going through major health issues, along with the spiritual and emotional questions that arise. And yes, I have been incorporating yoga nidra in my interactions with patients. I am constantly blown away by how powerful a practice it is. Simply by asking, 'where do you feel___ in your body?', so often, people are able to transform something that previously felt completely oppressive.

I'm always looking for new clients for the one-on-one yoga nidra sessions, so if you are interested, let me know. I also intend to host a workshop about yoga nidra and Body Sensing yoga in January, and offering weekly classes from that point.

Peace

Movements in Awareness yoga CD now available!

I spent most of November and December recording, mixing and designing this CD with ET Nada of Clear Light Sound. I'm very happy with how it has turned out. I hope that those who have purchased it so far are enjoying it too.

If interested, it is available at La Parfumerie and Prairie Sky Books for $20.

I will be posting workshop dates in the next few weeks.

-Namaste

Jake

Fall Yoga Classes

Jake's Hatha Yoga Teaching Style:
My practice and teaching style is inspired by the kosha model, a wholistic, multi-faceted perspective of the person. I also incorporate Ayurveda, and some subtler aspects of yoga from the tantric tradition (mudra, yoga nidra, subtle pranayama, chakras). I create each class starting with a theme (chakras, grounding, self, elements, strength...) and teach the class using the most relevant practices, and language for that theme. Each yoga class begins with body/self awareness, pranayama, warm ups, asanas, relaxation/yoga nidra and meditation. I am most interested in teaching the subtler aspects of yoga, using asana as one of many practices, to uncover the ground of Being that underlies our physical, energetic, emotional, cognitive, personal qualities.

Where:
Classes will be held at La Parfumerie (145 Evanson St), here in the heart of Wolseley.

When:
Classes will be at 6:30pm or 8pm Wednesday and Thursday. Let me know which days you prefer, since I have not finalized the schedule. I'm hoping to start classes on the 10th or 11th of September.

Fees:
$9 per 75 minute class, and a 10 week session is $75.

Private Classes:
I welcome private classes for you alone, or for a group of upto 4 of your friends. Fees are $36, per 75 minute class (divided amongst your private group). I am enthusiastic about catering to your needs, and interests, whether they be to emphasize specific parts of the body, or to incorporate more subtle aspects of yoga (mantra, mudra, subtle pranayama, chakras).

Yoga Therapy:
I have received certification from 2 schools of yoga therapy, and would love to cater a yoga practice for your physical, emotional or spiritual needs.

Yoga Nidra:
see June posts for more information about this practice.


Contact Information:
Jake
yoganidra204@gmail.com

Individual Yoga Nidra

The practice of individual yoga nidra differs somewhat to a group class. In some ways, it even resembles some styles of psychotherapy, though a very body centred form.

I will encourage you to settle your body, and we will scan through the body, sensing what is present, then would guide you to create an 'inner resource', or imagined sanctuary. Then we would follow whatever arises, whether it be a sensation, an emotion, a belief, an image, thought, or even the personality itself.

I would guide you to feel whatever arises, in your body, and to flesh out the details (sharp, soft, heavy, tingly, pulsing, colours, shapes, images, metaphors...). You can invite a specific issue, or be open to whatever arises in you.

Then I may guide you to step back and be aware of what's present, and to alternate feeling, and being the awareness in which it's arising. Other times, it may be more appropriate to locate the original perception's opposite (sadness-loneliness) and to move between those experiences.

Some sessions we will explore one item, other times 3 or 4.

Email me, or comment if this is something of interest to you.

For those attending the yoga nidra classes...

Notice any physical, emotional or spiritual issues, and any limiting beliefs that may be coming up for you,
so that you can inquire into those during yoga nidra.

Also, remember or imagine a sanctuary of sorts: a place where you feel completely secure and at ease, to be who you are.

For any others interested, there are a few places left for Tuesday's class.

Namaste

Jake

Openings for Tuesday evening's yoga nidra class

Hello everyone!

Wednesday's class is now full. There's room for some more people on Tuesday night's class.

Om Shanti Om peace

Jake

The sequence of a Yoga Nidra class

A typical yoga nidra class may linger a little longer on one layer, and therefore not touch on all the levels. 

1a.   Intention (what you wish to gain in this specific practice)

1b. Heartfelt Desire (health, happiness, enlightenment...)

1c. Inner Resource (a memory or imagined sanctuary where you would feel secure)

2. Physical Sensation (scanning through the body, sensing fully until your body radiates with awareness).

3.  Breath and Energy (sensing the breath, and energy in the body)

4.  Feelings and Emotions (hot, cold, anger, happiness...  And sensing it in the body itself)

5.  Cognition and Imagery (thoughts, memories, images, and locating it in body)

6.  Joy (pure uncaused joy)

7. Witness: I-Ness (who is aware, anyway?)

8.   Pure Being, Presence, Awareness (resting as Awaring Presence, Witnessing)

9.  Heartfelt Desire (repeat it again from this perspective)

10. Coming back to the body and to eyes open state, ideally with more awareness.

This is paraphrased from the Integrative Restoration textbook.