# 60 Yoga rooms are like a box of chocolates

Yesterday I went back to teaching one of my favorite classes after being off for a couple of weeks for the holiday break. I returned to find...an empty studio. What the @#$!?

Apparently without warning*, my class of 5+ years of which the last three had been taught in the same room had been switched locations. You can imagine the confusion: Students new and old were scattered around the large fitness facility. Half were waiting in the new room, half were aimlessly walking the halls like Lycra-clad zombies not knowing where to go. What an enlightened mess.

I fought the change tooth and nail while still trying to set a good example for my students . I wanted to do what every good yogi should do and go with the flow.

Because with yoga rooms as with your yoga practice, you never know what you're gonna get.

*To be fair, I had been told in advance about the change in a mass email sent prior to the holidays. I didn't read the fine print in the email, and thus didn't know of the change.

Photo credit: David Blaine of Voyager Photography taken at the beautiful Soul Connexion Studio in Calgary, AB.

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#59 You don't need to go to a studio to teach

In a perfect world my students would always attend my classes in person. Why wouldn't they? I'm such a charmer. Better yet, if money were no object all my students would receive one-on-one personalized classes in the comfort of their home. In the real world, time and money are reasons for why yogis can't always make it to the studio. But fret not, there's another choice.

In comes YogaVibes.com, online resource to high-quality yoga instructional videos and classes. I'm proud to announce I'm now part of the YogaVibes team. *insert applause here* Now I can harrass my students in the comfort of their livingrooms.

"Sit straight, shoulders back, lift your chest!" Yoga instruction with me will never be the same again.

Enjoy!

Lesson Learned: There's no excuse not to practice.

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My favorite things: Pets

I don't have kids so having pets is the closest opportunity I've had to parenting. The similarities between parenthood and pet ownership don't elude me though: the messes, the tantrums, the numerous dollars spent on weekend visits to the doctor, er, vet. Being responsible for other little beings is something not to be taken lightly.

Like parenthood, I wouldn't give it up for the world. My pets make me laugh and teach me important life lessons like unconditional love and acceptance. Plus there's the "Don't get attached to material things and cry over the seatbelts and headrest your dog just ate" lesson.

This Christmas I'm thankful for having my pets to keep me warm and fuzzy on the inside and out.

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My favorite things: A shiny ring

No, not THAT kind of ring. I'm talking about the gorgeous rings designed and hand-made by my good friend and Murano glass artisan Sofia Fuga of Vetro Fuga.

These decadent oversized cocktail rings are a colaboration between Vetro Fuga and Serafino. The 1 3/8" ring comes with a stone in black, herb with gold leaf, aqua, red, and clay. The only problem? Which one to choose...

Lesson learned: Large rings are strictly for après-yoga and are not conducive to practicing Sirsasana.

P.S. If you want one of this stunning rings, let me know. I know the designer.

(Note: You can't have one until I choose one for myself)

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My favorite things: Anything by Renata Morales

I don't consider myself a fashionista. On a good day I'm lucky to leave the house wearing yoga pants without dog hair. But I digress.

I discovered Renata Morales in the December 2010 issue of Elle Quebec. Excellent timing as I was looking for inspiration for my annual Christmas party threads. I then did what any normal girl would do: I searched her on Google.

I had no idea Renata was a fellow Montréalaise until visiting her site. It's no wonder I took to her clothes so quickly. Her Fall 2010 collection is truly something special. Modeled by the stunning dancer, Mistaya Hemingway, the clothes have a whimsical feel reminiscent of another of my Montréal-born favorites, Cirque du Soleil. Unfortunately, you can't buy pieces by this Montréal atelier in Calgary. I was assured when I emailed Mademoiselle Morales' Customer Relations rep she would make something for me to order. *wipes drool off her face*

Alas, this lonely yoga instructor can't afford her pieces...yet. But a girl can dream, yes?

Who is your favorite designer and why?

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My favorite things: Vanilla goodness

I was fortunate enough to have been taken to a swanky restaurant for my birthday last month. The last course of desert was offered with what I would said was the best thing to hit my lips in a long time: Navan Vanilla Cognac. I felt like I was being wrapped up in a warm blanket. Scrumptuous.

Maybe not the typical holiday gift request from a yogi but I can assure you you'll love it. All I can hope is that I've accumulated enough good karma points this year to have a glass of this delicious goodness offered to me this holiday season.

Lesson learned: Yogis especially this one can adore cognac.

What's your favorite sinful holiday drink?

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My favorite things: Preloved slippers

You can never have too many pairs of slippers especially ones which is made of recycled sweaters. Preloved make the cutest and most cozy slippers around and they're eco friendly. Because they have soft, flexible soles they're perfect for when you're parciticing restorative yoga, meditating, or while in Savasana. In Calgary you can find them at my favorite boutique Shisomiso.

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#58 There's no time to make a holiday list

Every Christmas I receive the same dreaded email from my boyfriend's family with the subject line "Time to send us your lists". Dreaded because I NEVER have a list ready nor am I ever close to having it ready. Every year I go through the same thought process: "I know they'll be wanting our lists soon so I had better get a jump start on mine so it's ready in time". It never makes a difference. My boyfriend and I are always the last of the family members to send out our lists. Luckily he's as big a procastinator as I am. It's a Christmas miracle we ever receive anything from his side of the family at all! I do rather appreciate their ability to send out their own lists early however as it makes it that much easier for me to get my holiday shoppping done on time. But I digress...

Partially I think it's a good thing I never have my list done. I'm usually so busy with teaching that I completely forget about writing up a list of my wants. There are more important things to do like helping the world have flexible hamstrings.

Then there's the flip side of the coin. I feel just a little bit selfish that I make my family wait to do their shopping. I know how inconvenient it can to brave the shopping mall at Christmas . I'm sure there's a positive correlation between shopping closer to the big day and the chance of you clubbing another shopper with your bag. I know for my family's sake I should get them my lists on time.

This year I thought why not share my list with you? In the days leading up to Christmas I'll post about my favorite things. Some of the things I already have and love, some I want, others I plan to give, and others still won't be 'things' at all. Check back soon to see my list.

I'd love to hear about the things you love to give and receive. Plus, I could really use your help with writing up my list.

Cartoon credit: toopthpastfordinner.com

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#55 Legwarmers are back

I bought my first pair of legwarmers a couple of days ago from Roots Canada while on a day trip to Banff, Alberta. They were calling my name and were 25% off. How could I afford not to buy them?! I wasn't old enough to appreciate the last time these babies were in style. Good thing too because I would never have worn the fluo-coloured, outrageously in your face versions of the 80's.

Fast forward to 2010. The modern version of the legwarmer is dare I say a little more sofisticated, a little less garish, and lot less in your face with their delivery. Mine are grey knit organic cotton. How can it get any better than that? Plus, I've found the perfect use for them: keeping my shins toasty while I give myself a winter at-home pedicure, or while going to and from yoga on a cold Calgary day.

Don't judge me.

Lesson learned: Certain things deserve a second chance including legwarmers.

Let's take a poll: Are legwarmers here to stay or should they be banned forever? Have your say by commenting below.

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#54 I remember

Today I remember with a heavy heart those who selflessly served and died for us.

Lest We Forget.



War is heavy, peace starts inside.

~ Eion Finn (Fellow Canadian Yoga Instructor)





Painting by Maggie Thompson.

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#53 Yogis can break

I first hurt my back pre-yoga when I was 21. Long story short I was told by my doc sans any form of physical, "Your back muscles are inflamed; take a Motrin", where she proceeded to give me a few samples hidden in her desk drawer. I've dealt with a lower back issue ever since.

Fastforward to yesterday. I decided to take advantage of the unseasonably good weather to do some much needed fall cleanup in the garden. My back was speaking to me from all the raking, bending, and lifting. I was however being careful to keep good gardening form. Apparently not good enough. I knelt over to pull a few weeds and when I stood back up again it happened: Crippling, shocking pain in my lower back. Ugh!

Picture me, a fit 30-something yogi grasping for support on anything I can so as not to stay frozen in my hunched over position for eternity, eventually making my way to the ground where I lay in the half-dark (*insert discussion over the drawbacks of Daylight Savings Time here*), unmoving like someone three times my age. I wondered if my neighbours would look out their window and think 1) Their neighbour is crazy, or 2) Do 'ya think we should bring her some dinner?

No light stretching, ice, heat pad, more ice, or bed rest has helped. Sitting is a chore. Moving is a choir. I literally may need to stay horizontal for the rest of my life.

Off to physio to get a proper diagnosis and then it's time to kick this back pain in the ass once and for all. I'll keep you posted on my prognosis.

Have a similar story? Share it below and let me how you nursed yourself back to health.

Cartoon credit: Sam's World

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#51 Face plants hurt

I knew it was going to end badly.

On this particular night I had already been practicing for a good hour when it happened. I pushed myself into the relm of the unknown, asking my body to do something it had never done before. What was I expecting, a miracle? Rarely does the first attempt at a new pose go well but I thought, "Why not, I'm going for it!" This was going to end badly.

BOOM.

Face plant into the shag carpet. I checked my nose. Seemed straight. No blood gushing out...yet. The first thing that came to mind: I KNEW that was going to happen. The second thing: I can't afford a nose job with my salary.

My other half must have thought we were under some military attack the way the upper floor shook from a 135-pound body crashing to the floor. This is it, head to the basement! Hope the emergency reserves get us through.

Lesson learned: If you think it's going to end badly, it probably will. Save your face; try a new pose another night.

Share your humbling yoga practice stories below. I'd love to hear them. Better yet: if you have pictures of the aftermath, share those too. (I once made a hole in the drywall. No pictures to prove it though.)

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#50 Pinot Blanc grapes are mutants.

Did you know the white wine grape Pinot Blanc is actually a mutation of the Pinot Noir variety? I didn't until this past weekend when I was told this nerdy wine fact while leading a yoga and fitness retreat. I've always loved a good Pinot Blanc and now I know why: they're made from something special.

I also discovered my new favorite bottle, a 2008 Vineyards Reserve Pinot Blanc by St. Hubertus Estate Vineyard in the Okanakan (see photo on the left). Crisp, fruity, and aromatic.

And so continues my education into wine.

Now time to go do more research, practical studies of course.

What's your favorite wine and why?

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#49 Salmon should be slow cooked

I just returned from co-hosting a weekend-long yoga and fitness retreat for a great group of women. The retreat was a custom designed to give some much needed R & R for the normally busy and over-worked corporate group. Without a doubt the menu and food served at the retreat stole the show all thanks to the wonderfully talented Mish Lee Hobbs, our Red Seal Chef extraordinaire. My know-how of food preparation and wine tasting skills improved ten-fold after the weekend. The photo on the right is a picture of the actual dish served. Yummm.

Greatest lesson-learned: slow cooked salmon is a little piece of heaven. Here's the recipe of the dish Mish preparred for the group one evening. Try it out yourself and let me know what you think. I'm guessing you're going to enjoy it as much as we did.

Slow Cooked Salmon with Red Wine Butter

Yield: 4 servings

1c. Red wine

2 Shallots (1 diced fine and 1 rough chopped)

8T. Butter (6T soft and 2T diced)

2T. Finely chopped parsley

1T. Julienne parsley

3 Leeks (discard dark green parts, wash and julienne)

1/2T Marjoram

1/2T Thyme

1t. Crushed fennel seed

1/3c. Dry Vermouth

2c. Heavy Cream

1T Fresh Lemon Juice

4 Salmon Fillets (Skinless)

3T Olive oil

1 Clove garlic, diced fine

Salt and Pepper

Method:

1. Combine wine and rough chopped shallots in a small sauce pan, bring to a boil and reduce liquid until 1 T. remains. Strain and discard shallots. Once the wine is cooled add soft butter, fine diced parsley and season with salt and pepper. Place butter mixture on a piece of saran wrap and roll into a log. Refrigerate.

2. Heat remaining butter in a medium sauce pan and add leeks, marjoram, thyme, fennel and salt. Cook for 2 minutes until leeks are wilted. Add vermouth and cook on medium heat for 8 minutes. Add cream and lemon juice and simmer for 25 minutes. Adjust seasonings and keep warm.

3. Heat oven to 275F. Combine fine shallots, oil and garlic and rub onto salmon filets and season with salt and pepper. Place fish on a baking sheet lined with tin foil. Roast in oven for 12 minutes to reach medium rare. Cut butter into 4 equal pieces and place on fish, let cook in oven 3 minutes more. Divide leeks into 4 plates or shallow bowls and top with fish and garnish with julienne parsley.

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#48. It's important to stretch in the morning

How do I know? Because Finnish brown bears do it. Here's proof:

Photos courtesy of guardian.co.uk.

Now, to all my fellow yoga nerds out there let's play the "Name the yoga asana, or yoga pose". I've numbered the photos below. Post your answers below under "Comments" and we'll see who'll take the title of "Biggest Yoga Nerd".

No. 1











No. 2











No. 3










No. 4








No. 5


Answers:
No. 1: Ubhaya Padangusthasana II (Both Big Toe Pose, wide-legged variation)
No. 2 & 3: Krounchasana (Heron pose variations)
No. 5: Upavistha Konasana (Wide-Angle Seated Forward Bend)

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#47 Childless Yoga Instructors Are More Successful

Another yoga-related article caught my eye today. The Coles Notes version is the author believes there's something behind the success of childless female yoga instructors. Her impression is when a woman teacher doesn't have children, she's better able to focus on her practice, further her spiritual development, and hence become a better teacher. Whether this choice to remain childless is by choice or circumstance is anyone's guess.

And what of the whole female-male discrepancy? The author mentions male teachers don't seem to have the same child-free lifestyle. How does it all fit together?

Here's one thought: Being female and a yoga teacher means to be a success you have to have less children than your male counterparts or no children at all. So by deduction, success means you can't be in a relationship of any kind or else it clouds you're focus. Maybe what we female yoga teachers need is a partner who is whiling to take on the supportive, parenting role in the relationship generally held by woman. Generally, men don't want this role solely and hence woman don't have the support they need to be exceptionally successful yoga teachers.

Or, you could argue people (aka men) prefer their limber, pretty yoga teachers to be single and available. Once they bring the kids and spouse to workshops, the fantasy is gone and interest wains.

What do you think? Let me know below.

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#46 There's politics in yoga (Part 2)

I read an article today that grabbed my attention. The post was written by the Editor in Chief of Yoga Journal, Kaitlin Quistgaard responding to concerns about her magazine allowing nude adversizing to sell yoga. This was the first I'd heard of the debate, one that has seemingly been a hot topic since last year. Frankly, I'm not sure what all the fuss is about.

The ToeSox advertizements Kaitlin refers to are tasteful and artistic. I've included a few examples here so you can be the judge. I have strong feelings about woman's rights, but I don't think this fire warrants any more fuel. In my opinion, the shots are strong depictions of a confident woman whose message is be proud of your body and all it can do for you. We're the ones who make nudity a sinful thing and perpetuate the ongoing loathing many woman for their bodies. "Cover up girls, no one wants to see those love handles".

I can also assure you the subject, yoga instructor Kathryn Budig wasn't forced to take the shots and in no way was exploited. Of course, not everyone looks like Kathryn but everyone should feel confident enough to take similar photograhs as she did for the ToeSox ads. I applaud Kathryn for posing for the shots.

Since starting my yoga practice over a decade ago, I've learned that our 'yogic philosophy' is often at odds with our 'personal philosophies'. On one hand we yogis preach oneness, quiet mind, serenity, ignore distractions, etc; on the other we get upset with nudity. So which is it?

The next time we want to debate the trials of woman, we should pick something trully exploitive, like FGM. A drastic comparision but one which makes my point that our energies could be better spent elsewhere.

Read Kaitlin's full response here: Yoga Journal Responds to “Nudity to Sell Yoga”

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#45 Hockey bags are heavy

I don't know how hockey players do it. I recently had to fill a hockey bag full of yoga mats to transport them to a special event. I consider myself a fit person but I'll admit I was dying of breath after only a few seconds of lugging the bag around (this is embarrasing). I almost resorted to dragging it - there's no one around to see me do it, right??

If I ever come back as a hockey player in another life, I'm being a goalie. Goalies use bags with wheels because of all their extra equipment. They're the only smart ones in my opinion. Dishing out rediculous amounts of money on gear and risking the potential of spending my entire career warming the bench sounds better to me then breaking my back somewhere between the car and the dressing room.

Lesson learned: Date a goalie, yogis!

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#44 Limits are only in my head

Who said yoga wasn't dangerous? Apparently it can be with a combination of props and a dose of bad luck.

On May 22nd on day 3 of the 2010 IYAC AGM and Conference, my teacher slipped on a wooden block and broke two bones in her foot. Even in obvious pain she handled herself with grace insisting the show must go on.

Less than two weeks later, some of the same people who had been at the conference were together again in our usual Tuesday night class. My teacher was there too, not as a spectator but in her usual role as teacher. The focus of the class was inversions. My teacher wanted to keep the usual flow and demo some of the poses. So there we were, watching my teacher demo Salamba Sirsasana and Pincha Mayurasana and listening to her joke about how the heavy air cast threw her balance off.

Others would have used the broken foot as an excuse not to do lesser things , let alone a headstand. My teacher wouldn't dream of it.

The lesson: Limits are only in my head. Oh, and keep your flippin' wooden blocks out of the way.

Did I mention the accident happened on my teacher's birthday? Her 69th.

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#43 CDs are so passé

I'm not fortunate enough to be able to teach at locations where I can use an iPod to play yoga tunes*. I still have to use good 'ol CD's at times. Problem is most of my CD's look like they were walked on by my cat for the past decade. The result is a never ending war against the CD player. I sometimes spend more time between secretly hoping the lost sections of music will miraculously turn up or having to FFWD or skip over lost-cause tracks. So I've made a decision: I'm buying a portable iPod dock. I no longer want to put my yoga music into the hands of a dead technology.

Here's where you come in: I need testimonials from real users to decide on which dock to buy. Please remember that although I've found success as a yoga instructor, my salary is not comparative to a successful stock broker. Budget matters. The dock must also be portable, light, and be useful in an average-sized room.

*When I first started teaching, I didn't play music during my classes. I find music can be a distraction (see war comment above). I often still don't play music during my workshops or private sessions. Quiet is bliss sometimes.

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