Under Pressure
Posted by Brian on February 9, 2010
With the downturn in the economy, the strain affects most people financially. This translates into elevated levels of stress, which can often become a trigger for depression. Luckily– if you practice yoga, it can help mitigate the situation.
On a chemical level, any physical activity produces endorphins–endogenous opioid polypeptide compounds which are produced by the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus–also known as the “feel good” chemicals.
There’s also the renewed focus and direction by eliminating the existential vacuum of doing nothing, or ruminating on negative thoughts that comes with a daily practice. An article on the Mayo Clinic website confirms the benefits that practitioners have known about for years:
Yoga is considered a mind-body type of complementary and alternative medicine practice. Yoga brings together physical and mental disciplines to achieve peacefulness of body and mind, helping you relax and manage stress and anxiety. Traditional yoga philosophy requires that students adhere to this mission through behavior, diet and meditation. But if you’re just looking for better stress management — whether because of life’s daily hassles or a health problem you’re facing — and not an entire lifestyle change or way of life, yoga can still help.
Of course, we all have to face the inevitable headaches as they crop up, regardless of what area challenges come in. However, a regular and consistent practice is a good way to stay on track.
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Adaptation Charity Book Launch & Gala
Posted by Brian on January 4, 2010
SNAP’s downtown Toronto edition caught up with the creators of ADAPTION, a compilation photo-book featuring several instructors from the Yoga Sanctuary, at their November gala to celebrate the launch of the book:
On November 26th, the launch of Adaptation took place at The Richmond, 477 Richmond Street West. New Opportunities in Wellness (NOW) 4 Youth works with at-risk youth from shelters and programs across Toronto and the GTA, providing full funding for their educational advancement in various wellness disciplines, such as becoming certified yoga and pilates instructors. To raise funds for their 2010 Programs, NOW 4 Youth published a coffee-table book called Adaptation, featuring beautiful photos of yoga, pilates, circus acrobatics and Capoeira poses portrayed in an artistic and theatrical light. All proceeds from the sale of Adaptation will be used to fund NOW 4 Youth programs.
The gala was a great success for the charity which is dedicated to enriching the lives of those in our community that can use a helping hand! Thanks to Nina Singh Jass, NOW 4 Youth Vice President, for the invite and for putting together the fantastic evening. For more information and how you can assist or pick up a copy of Adaptation, please visit www.now4youth.org
For more photos, check the direct link to the article here.
The cover of the book features TYS instructor Jair Moreno, and is available for purchase at The Yoga Sanctuary, as well as several other locations listed on the Now 4 Youth website.
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A Decade of Struggle–and Success
Posted by Brian on November 9, 2009
Last Saturday marked the 10th Anniversary of The Yoga Sanctuary at the College location. From past managers to current teachers, friends and family, as well as the most important group of all–the students–the studio was packed for a killer party that lasted until 2:00 AM.
What blew me away wasn’t the fancy decor, the coat check, appetizers, the live band, DJ Richard medicineman, or even the cake. When it was announced that the studio had won “Best Yoga Studio In Toronto” as voted by Now Magazine’s readership for the second time in a row, that was an unexpected bonus. The amazing thing was that the studio owners, Kim and Cynthia, were the ones cleaning up in the early morning hours! Now that’s dedication.
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Spinal Tapestry
Posted by Brian on September 24, 2009
We all inherit certain things from the people around us who influence us, especially as we grow. Traditions, religion, even a social group or political leaning can be derived from our upbringing. So how do people jump tracks and learn new things? There has to be a “clue” that starts them down a different road, right? What gets people into new activities? In the case of yoga, it’s often sought out by people looking to improve an aspect of their lives.
A great teacher from The Yoga Sanctuary, Senem, had to search for a way to mitigate pain caused by surgery to correct her scoliosis, “A friend told me she was going to yoga, and because she looked so happy and peaceful, (she also told me it was a complete workout) I decided to give it a try.” The decision to visit the studio had immediate results, “I felt my first release and saw the possibility of relaxation. The stiffness was transformed in my first Savasana.”
Of course, most people are self-conscious about their performance in yoga and try to push hard to achieve an idealized version of poses. Senem tries to give students a comfortable, gentle experience, saying “I really am against the ‘no pain, no gain’ notion.” Modern sports psychologists agree with this philosophy, since it’s hard to keep up with activities if you burn yourself out.
Having attained a great understanding of yoga and scoliosis, Senem gives a lecture on the subject for the Yoga Teacher Training group at TYS every year. She shares her knowledge out of empathy for others who have had similar experiences.
As far as using yoga for self-transformation, Senem’s own story speaks volumes, “Last year, I went to visit the doctor who had done my surgery. He was so impressed with how I could just bend over so easily and touch my feet, with the range of movement I had achieved. He was also very proud that I had transformed this experience into becoming a yoga teacher. That was very rewarding.”
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Other Workouts
Posted by Brian on September 5, 2009
If I had to compare yoga to other workouts like lifting weights, running, or just about any other activity available in most gyms, I’d describe it like this: Yoga is the most rewarding activity you can do with the least amount of energy. You’re not grinding out reps or watching the clock. Instead, the class flows and leaves you feeling refreshed.
Most people abandon their resolve to maintain a regular workout schedule when their goals become harder to meet. Other commitments often take precedence over a gruelling session– and when the joy gets sucked out of an activity, the motivation to do it disappears.
Yoga might cause a little sweat or discomfort in the early going, but after a few classes, your body adjusts and it becomes easier. If you want a bigger challenge, other classes are available to provide it. So it’s a pretty good choice.
I am not promoting yoga as a replacement for all other hobbies and interests. I do other things (like running and lifting weights), but I think there’s a catchphrase about how “Yoga is for everyone” floating around Toronto.
It really is.
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Yoga Flix
Posted by Brian on September 1, 2009
Tomorrow will be the opening of Enlighten Up!, a documentary about a skeptical journalist entering the world of yoga in an attempt to cut through mysticism and find some sort of spiritual truths. Of course, the filmmaker starts with the thesis that yoga can transform her subject’s life and aims to make sure the evidence is there.
The ‘TomatoMeter’ at RottenTomatoes.com gives it a 58% rating, for what it’s worth. So while it might not be the most action-packed or exciting thriller, at least we can say that someone tried to make a movie about yoga (not much of a consolation prize, huh?).
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David Newman at TYS
Posted by Brian on August 5, 2009
TYS co-director Kim, David Newman and Zoe
David Newman drew a very large crowd to TYS for a kirtan on July 24th. As people in the yoga community know, Newman has found success by making albums that mix chanting with modern sounds. You can find a great article on Newman here on the Vividlife website.
(Thanks to Chris Oldcorn and his blog for the photos of the event)
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Kids Yoga Teacher Training Photos
Posted by Brian on July 22, 2009
Last month, there was a kids yoga teacher training weekend in Barrie and Toronto with Maalaa of The Yoga Tree. Here are some of the photos taken:
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Earthrise Yoga + Solstice Loft Party
Posted by Brian on July 17, 2009
On Saturday June 20th, TYS hosted a special yoga class taught by American Derek Beres. DJ Richard Martin, aka “medicineman,” supplied the beats to sync perfectly with the asanas. Participants described the class as an ”unbelievable experience.” As a bonus, everyone who showed up was given a free three track EP of “Daylight As Sunset” from Derek’s forthcoming album entitled “The Yoga Sessions.”
This was followed by a party themed to celebrate the summer solstice. A good crowd turned out to dance the night away, entertained by medicineman’s music in the comfort of the studio grounds. Guests enjoyed themselves until the early hours of the morning, enthralled by the beats played in a candle-lit venue.
EDIT: Here’s a video containing clips from the event! Hope you enjoy it :)
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Return of the Kirtan
Posted by Brian on June 8, 2009
Lila was back on May 29th to bring their magical music to our ears. The last time this intrepid group graced the studio was back in November. This time around was a great evening of song, chanting and the warm personalities of the Robertson sisters.
Safely suggesting that chanting goes back “over 2,000 years,” the types of rituals really helped foster a sense of community that seems to be lacking in the depersonalizing metropolis of Toronto. It’s the self-stated aim of the group to bring people closer together– something you could really feel at the end of their performance.
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