Yoga for Cancer Survivors DVD Series

The much anticipated Yoga for Cancer Survivors DVD series was recently released. The program is a collaboration between the University of Calgary and Tom Baker Cancer Centre in an effort to research the effects of yoga on cancer survivors. The DVD series was produced in an effort to reach those who may be unable to attend a yoga class.

The following is a brief article and video CTV Calgary presented on their news show Monday, November 17th:

http://calgary.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20081113/CGY_Yoga_DVD_081113/20081113?hub=CalgaryHome

To order a copy of the DVD series, go to the following link:

http://www.fitter1.com/Catalog/Items/DVYCS.aspx

All proceeds go to support the continued running of the program.

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Movember - Donate to End Prostate Cancer

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Trade Ego for Eco: Freecycling

I often have conversations with friends about the benefits and joys, and drawbacks, of frequenting garage sales. Treasure troves or collections of junk? Guilt-free shopping or waste of time? The opinions are polar opposites. But one thing can't easily be argued: garage sales are a great way to keep items out of landfills. Here is another option: freecycling. The Freecycle Network is a grassroots movement where people can offer and find items for free in their own cities. To take part all you need to do is become a member of your local group. The most important rule? You guessed it. Everything offered must be FREE. Search for your local group at: http://www.freecycle.org/

Oh, and one other word of advice: multi-familty or community garage sales give you the biggest bang for your buck. Time efficient and if you get there early, you can have the pick of the litter. If you're a seller, they are a nice way of earning some extra money on a sunny summer day. So go on. Ignore the urge to hit the shopping malls (again) then go meet your neighours while finding that perfect...something...with your name on it.

P.S. A special thanks to my friends Tara and Allison for introducing me to the wonderful world of garage sales.

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Calgary Yoga Day 2008

Attention all yoga students, instructors, and aspiring yogis: Join the Calgary yoga community on Saturday, June 21st for the First Annual Calgary Yoga Day.

Held from 10:30-2pm @ Mount Royal College, the day includes a choice of 4 yoga classes taught by local instructors for FREE. All that is required from you is a donation to the Calgary Inter-faith Food Bank. What a perfect opportunity to try yoga for the first time and to give back to a local charity. I'm looking forward to participating...as a student.

To register or for more information, please visit: http://www.yogadaycalgary.com/

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Trade Ego for Eco: An Introduction

I had an idea awhile back to combine my interests of yoga and environmental stewardship. The tag line "Trade Ego for Eco" was born. The idea is we should let go of the thigns we think we need to make us happy to make room for what really matters. Ego comes from wanting to be richer, more powerful, and own more and better stuff. Eco means getting back to basics. I'll be using these posts to share ideas on how we can do this collectively. My hope is to also further explore for myself the role yoga plays in letting go of the ego. I hope you're inspired by "Trade Ego for Eco" to ask your own questions and hopefully find some answers.

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Yoga and Running: Yin-Yang?

I am entered to run my first 10k race in a few weeks. A major feat for me considering I have never ran any distance of race before. A co-worker of mine is my inspiration. An avid runner, she recently ran a personal best of 48 min for her most recent 10k. Impressive to me seeing as my idea of a callenge is practicing Pratyahara (or withdrawl of the senses) while laying in Savasana. She will be by my side at the start and will run alongside me during the race, albeit not for long. We are taking part in the 2008 Footstock Race Weekend in Cochrane, AB on June 14th (http://www.footstock.ca/).

(N.B. I recently taught yoga to above said friend and her response to the class was an elimiination of her sciatica pain - thanks to Supta Padangustasana, or Reclining Hand to Big-toe Pose)

To add to my introduction into running, I work with another racer who is training for his first Ironman at the end of August and I have several yoga students who are members of the local running club. After teaching several workshops for the later, I was inspired to write this post. I'm posing the question: Do yoga and running compliment each other or are they polar opposites?

In my opinion, there couldn't be a better pair. An increase in mobility and flexibility, a reduction in the number of injuries, and a greater increase in lung capacity are some of the physical benefits of yoga to a runner. What is often overlooked are the mental benefits. Yoga can teach a runner to be present in the moment, to block out negative thoughts and mental noise, and to push past physical discomfort. The plus side is there are numerous yoga classes geared towards the runner. They are not, in my opinion, any different from the average yoga class. More of a marketing tool, really. There is one exception: a runners yoga class brings together people with the same interest. What better way to build a stronger feeling of community! It is time to bridge the gap between yoga and running, and yoga and any other sport for that matter. I thank some of my students for that.

Now, if there are any yogis at the race on Saturday, look for me. I'll be the one wearing yoga apparel for lack of better clothes. :)

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Therapeutic Yoga for Cancer Survivors

Since January 2008, I have been involved in the Therapeutic Yoga for Cancer Survivors research program offered by the Culos-Reed Health and Wellness Lab in the Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary. Headed by Dr. Nicole Culos-Reed, Associate Professior at the U of C, the program is aimed at survivors of all types of cancer and those who support them most. As an instructor trained under Susi Hately-Aldous, Therapeutic Yoga Instructor and Owner of Functional Synergy, I have been blessed with the ability to bring this wonderful yoga program to individuals coming back from cancer. It has only been a few months but already the feedback from students is that the yoga sessions have been life-altering. For more information or to register for the program, please visit the following website:

http://www.kin.ucalgary.ca/healthandwellnesslab/Site/Programs.html

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