Yoga Whit

What is Trauma Sensitive Yoga? It's something that has always been of interest to me, something I have always wanted to explore, and learn more about, and eventually even teach. I am incredibly excited to find an online course for RYT's that provides 25 continuing education credits recognised by the Yoga Alliance, and comes with a certificate of completion - on the Core Training of Trauma sensitive Yoga. Offered through a fellow Canadian organisation called Yoga Outreach. Yoga Outreach has been giving back to the Vancouver, B.C. community for 20 years. So - back to the initial inquisition; What is trauma sensitive Yoga? A “trauma sensitive” yoga class is taught differently from the yoga class we are familiar with. A typical yoga class may not be comfortable or relaxing to a trauma survivor and in fact may feel dangerous and scary. A trauma survivor can be an adult survivor of childhood abuse, a domestic violence survivor, a survivor of sexual assault, someone who was

About six years ago, I was diagnosed with something called “Meniere’s Disease”. It all started one summer morning, I had come downstairs and sat down at the computer desk. I started to feel dizzy suddenly, and figured it was because it was late in the morning and I hadn’t eaten yet. I went into the kitchen, grabbed a bowl of Cheerios and started eating. A few minutes later, I was on the floor. Drenched in sweat, my head spinning with vertigo that I can only compare to twelve shots of tequila. I could barely move. Anytime I tried to stand up, I thought I was going to fall over. My ears were muffled, and I was home alone. I crawled up to my room to lie down, the sweating and spinning continued. I was able to contact my mother and brother who were two and a half hours up north at the cottage. In turn, they contacted my brothers best friend who lived in town - and he showed up to take me to the hospital. During the fifteen minute wait for my ride to arrive, I changed m

It’s a fucking liar. I do not want to count the opportunities I passed up, because of my fear of failing. Or the toxic relationships I subjected myself to, thinking that was what I deserved. Sure, as a Canadian in the GTA I have been up the C.N. Tower - and it basically paralyzed me with fear, but I didn’t fall. The floor didn’t give away, and I returned to my existence safely. Now, ask me to teach a yoga class and I’ll know that I am capable, but I will be sick with fear prior and count the minutes until it’s over. Why? What am I so afraid of really? The things we convince ourselves of, out of fear, are astounding. I ask you, be mindful today - and see how many times you go to a fearful/negative thought, or answer a question or invite with a response based on fear. We need to stop tormenting ourselves. I have had an incredibly challenging start to this year. It began with my life as I knew it, being pulled out from under me, moving, ending a relationship I thought would turn

“She is free in her wildness, she is a wanderess, a drop of free water. She knows nothing of borders and cares nothing for rules or customs. 'Time' for her isn’t something to fight against. Her life flows clean, with passion, like fresh water.”  ―  Roman Payne

I have always loved standing poses, and this pose is one of my most favorite and most fun to practice. Plus, let's be honest - it looks pretty cool too. Below I have outlined the steps to get into Dancer's Pose - Mermaid variation: Standing in Mountain Pose, bend your right leg at the knee, heel towards your outer thigh. With your right hand, reach back and place the top of your foot into the palm of your hand. Slide the top of your foot down into the crease of your elbow, and let it sit there. Raise your left arm up, and bend at the elbow and see if you can clasp your fingers together over your head. Breathe and take note of any back discomfort you may feel at this moment, if so, stop here. Press the top of your foot into the crease of your elbow, as you lift that leg higher. Lean forward to maintain your balance if you require it. At the same time, push down into your planted foot as you lengthen. Breathe and hold the posture here for 5-10 breaths, and then release c