French Yoga; Considering Minorities and Culture

Today was an 'immersed in my Acadian Heritage' day. I know I have spoken briefly about how I am Acadienne and currently I have been working hard with providing speech-language pathology services in French for the Francophone-Acadian population of the province. For those who have never experienced a minority language situation, services in your first language make the world of a difference. Especially in a country with two official languages (French and English) and a province with a significant Francophone-Acadian population.


In Halifax alone there are approximately 10,000 first language French speakers, which doesn't count bilingual speakers. It is estimated that there are 95 000 self identified French-Acadians in Nova Scotia. I have encountered so many families who struggle significantly in English, and as a result the Francophone-Acadian community is extremely isolated from the 'anglo' community.

Imagine trying to learn and grow in your practice while at the same time trying decipher what the h*ll the teacher is saying... It's not like a visual demonstration is ever enough (or we'd all just rent DVD's and watch them on mute). We're not always able to look up and watch- we rely heavily on verbal instruction. When you're trying your best to make it through a fast paced class, muddling through understanding what the teacher is actually saying doesn't make for an ideal learning environment. For those of us who have tried, it is mentally exhausting.

How wonderful to offer yoga classes for this significant population!

Unfortunately there are many considerations and marketing specifics in order to best let the community know about a French Yoga class.

When advertising a service that historically has never been available, a very important first step is to market and educate the target community. Making phone calls to local French community centres, contacting local French parent organizations etc. The next step would be to actually provide translated documents- posters, pamphlets or sections of the website. There are actually government funded programs that offer translation services for local organizations. 


It is extremely important to recognize that just because many Francophone speakers (at least here in NS) understand English, that stating there is a class offered in French, in written English, isn't extremely welcoming or inclusive. Why would a Francophone speaker go looking through an English website for information? In Halifax, the best way to inform the Francophone community is through word of mouth. Many individuals here are on the military base, not part of newsletters or Anglophone groups, new 'immigrants' and wouldn't have a clue where to look for this information. A fantastic strategy would be to approach the coordinator of Francophone services at the Military centre herself, and by word of mouth individuals will come.

Finally, the Acadian aspect. Here in Nova Scotia, Acadians (who settled here in the late 15 and early 1600's from France) have a long history of cultural repression and abuse. In 1755 'La déportation' occurred, where Acadians were herded and deported en masse, families separated, houses burned, women abused and raped. A mass forced exodus occurred, with only some tiny villages managing to keep their land from the British (my village was one of them). (Drapeau Acadien)

Fast foward 300 years or so of being told our French was sub-standard, that our culture and Heritage was "less" and you get an entire population of French speakers who do not recognize their right to services. Often we are intimidated by Québecois or France French, rather speaking in English to avoid explaining our 'accent' or archaic grammar-vocabulary. Despite being more comfortable in French, it depends on the speaker as to whether access is initiated (if you'd like specific research results on these statements, please email me, I have them at work). 


What this really would look like in a Yoga class: Say you indicate that you could help support someone in French during class if needed... but the class had other anglophone speakers. Also, say that your teacher is Francophone-Québecoise. Research would suggest that the Acadian student would be less likely to 'bother' the teacher with a special request just for her. She understands English, so even though French would be more comfortable, it would be considered rude to ask. Also, if the teacher is Qc French, it's likely the student will not feel comfortable even speaking in French to them. The result, the instructor and studio owner assumes there is no need and may potentially stop offering the service.



What does this have to do with Yoga in Halifax? Offering a French Yoga service in Halifax would be a wonderful and culturally sensitive addition to the Yoga community. It would allow a space for a huge proportion of Yogis who are English second language, to practice Yoga in an open and welcoming environment. It would be unique, it would be welcome...


If only the anglophone community recognized the cultural and linguistic needs. Just because I can understand English, does not mean that I wouldn't love a yoga class in French.


Many Blessings!
*article adjusted April 2nd 2010, please see comment below





article copyright of EcoYogini at ecoyogini.blogspot.com

Energy Exchange Update and a Chirping Concession

Another chilly day here in Halifax... My Coffee and Yoga group journey continues to forge forward despite how busy I have been with work 'parachutes' and professional presentation preparation (I'm presenting in French for government and medical officials!! ACK!).

With all that has been occurring trying to build this community, grassroots offering, I have decided that my energy exchange of cleaning the studio will soon come to a close. Working full time, practicing yoga at home and at the studios, planning a wedding, getting ready for Yoga in the Park AND organizing Coffee and Yoga is a lot... Thankfully, Sherry (owner of Breathing Space) already had a few other Yogis who were interested in an exchange! So, I am committed until the end of April, in case she needs time, but my days as the floor scrubbin' yogini are numbered.

Also, I have a few posts building up in my scattered brain, but they will both be guests posts of wonderful Yoginis shortly, so I will make sure to link up then! In the meantime, I also have news... 

I have caved and joined Twitter. Yep, me, the self-proclaimed Twitter-derisive-Yogini has a Twitter account (coffeeandyoga!). Helen Fong, a local Haligonian Yoga Teacher (she is wonderful to speak with!) provided a very convincing case as to why it would be helpful for the group. I guess lots of people use twitter as a means to find out latest events and news... who knew? So now, although I really don't think people care about what I'm doing every second, I'll be using twitter to send updates on blog posts, group news (including Yoga in the Park) and events.


Even though I'm the last person on the face of the Earth (except Andrew) who does not actually own a cell phone... 

On the group topic, a new post is up- 'Halifax Yoga on the Cheap', check it out!

Many Blessings and Happy Storm Full Moon!


article copyright of EcoYogini at ecoyogini.blogspot.com

Body Image and Yoga... Fun times!

This post is part of A Green Spell's The Coil, a fantastic supportive, moon-based blog party that explores everything spiritual and personal. Monday (29th) is the Storm Moon, which is aptly named for a rant post... Check out her honest and beautiful post on Yoga Shadows!

Body Image, Yoga and Feminism. Think these are worded in the wrong order of relationship? Unfortunately Western mainstream Yoga is very much influenced by the toxic, sexist body image ideals of our society.


First, just in case you're a skeptic, think that 'feminist crap' is behind us, a quick review. 


Women still only make 78 cents to the mans dollar. We make up a fraction of a percentage in the top 500 professional jobs and salaries as well as political positions. According to the Global Gender Gap Report for 2009 (yep, they still need to make these) Canada doesn't even register in the top ten Countries regarding gender equality, ranking 25th with the US ranking 31st.


Eating disorders affect approximately 10 million women in the United States alone. Disordered eating and body image affect girls as young as grade 5, and eating disorders remain the leading mental health cause of death, with 10 to 15% resulting in death. Think men and women suffer equally? 90% of all diagnoses of both Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia (both subtypes) consist of women, while only 10% of diagnosed cases are men (NEDA).


Disordered eating and body image are a complex issue resulting from psychological, social and physical (among other) stresses. Media that creates a cultural definition of 'beauty' has been shown to have a significant impact regarding the rise in eating disorders. The average US citizen is exposed to approximately 5000 ads per day, 1 out of 3.9 ads have some sort of 'message' regarding beauty, girls as young as 11 years old (prepubescent) have stated they were on a 'diet'.


The advertising industry is a billion dollar industry, for a reason. We are influenced by those 5000 ads that bombard our visual and mental space each day, whether we like to think we are or not. And women are disproportionately targeted with regards to an unrealistic body image ideal. Even ads such as Axe body spray, targeted for men, is a commentary regarding how to attain thin, big breasted beautiful women, regardless of the man's body shape or type. 


(did you know this was Victoria Beckham? check out About-Face.org for frank discussions of recent ads... and how we should stop and take a few extra minutes to consider what they're really saying).


The way yoga is portrayed in the media is also affected by our Western philosophy of body image (read, unrealistic and toxic). Strangely, despite being introduced by men to the western world, Yoga has historically (as much as we can use that word here) been portrayed as a 'female' endeavour, with articles and posts asking 'where are all the men yogis?'. 


Like other female-attributed sports and activities (think ballet, gymnastics, figure skating) yoga was been slotted into the societal expectations and framework. Unlike other sports that attempt to emulate acceptable male sports (like female hockey with their natural strong feminine role models), yoga has been flounced as being for limber, thin and nubile young, white female bodies. Companies like Lululemon were formed to accentuate the 'yogic butt' (see this lulu youtube vid) including products such as 'boob boosters' to wear UNDER your sports bra.


Top yogis in the western world tend to be men or of lesser yogic status beautiful, white, thin women. These yogic 'stars' are the yoga world's role models, and are thrust into this role by the media. Women such as Seane Corn, Shiva Rea, Rainbeau Mars, Tara Stiles, Sadie Nardini, Patricia Walden... I do not doubt that there are strong, non-white, non-stick thin female yoginis in our world (I know so many wonderful women who read this blog!), however the Big Yoginis, those that become our social representatives with the most media 'light' remain beautiful and skinny. What a powerful message.


Even funny, clever blogs such as Yoga Dork (whom I adore!) feature yoga in the media... and if your a reader you'll recognize the trend. For example (although there are many), the article on Chloe Sevigny, with the title that she practices for fitness reasons... but the picture is an extremely sexual, while maintaining the 'little girl' pose, mag spread. I get the emphasis Yoga Dork is trying to make, poke fun at these ridiculous media portrayals, but why not focus their attention on instances where it's done right? A blog post is another form of media. Just sayin'.


Roseanne at the clever Its all yoga, baby posted a few weeks ago about 'Naked Yoga' and mused whether it was a reclaiming of the 'natural' female body. From the clips and photos available and the extremely close ties to porn (whether a celebration of natural bodies or not) it's a bit too close to body objectification for my personal sensitivity. I'm a little sensitive to female bodies as something to be looked upon, as being the 'object' and thus 'an object' as opposed to a person. 

I am a proponent of nude yoga as art, though. I'm thinking Jasper Johal, The Body Temple type stuff (although it took a LOT of searching through muck online to find the photographer's name... which tells me something). Although I can't put them here (another 'something'), I especially love the pregnant belly yoga postures (full, beautiful with child nudity here).


All this to say... although the essence of true yoga is so far removed from all this, the reality of how yoga is portrayed in our western society definitely, sadly, sends mixed messages to our young (and experienced!) practitioners. Yoga fits into that paradigm of 'female activity rules'. Wouldn't it be nice to start speaking about non-gumby, non-white, non-skinny yoginis? Strong, mature and real yoginis that are worth looking up to. Worth admiring. I gotta say, I ADORE Linda-Samas photos of herself practicing. Aren't they gorgeous?


And that is my rant for the weekend. Maybe it was the snow returning....



article copyright of EcoYogini at ecoyogini.blogspot.com

Sharing some Link Love; Posts that Moved Me

So I am back in the city and settled in. On the three hour drive up, among other things (like upcoming posts!) I was thinking about some fantastic blog posts I've been reading lately. I thought maybe I would share a few with you, wonderful EcoYogi-nis. I love being referred to other sites I wouldn't have normally found, and I hope you find these posts as interesting as I have!


Warrior for an Expansive Heart, and Nonverbal Language of Yoga by Brooks at Yogic Muse.
We all know and hear the familiar descriptions of postures and eventually even the more esoteric fluffy stuff becomes familiar ('open your heart to the sky'). 
But these posts. Wow. I have never heard such an eloquent, moving and fiercely grounded description of a thought process while practicing. It spoke to me, it resonated with some non-formed, non-articulated thoughts that float through while I practice. Seriously two of my favourite yoga posts of all time.


Chakras & Glands: A Neural Network, by Michelle from The Devil Wears Prana
In my yoga, I've had some exposure to chakras, and have practiced one 'chakra yoga' class... but wasn't quite sure on specifics or whether my scientific brain could accept them. Michelle wrote such a simple, yet precise post on the connections between chakras and glands. For myself, it illustrated an alternative discourse on how to view our bodies. Meditating on your Pineal gland might not be helpful, but visualizing a spinning orb of energy between your eyes is easier.


Tough Stuff by BrendaP from Grounding Thru The Sit Bones
This is the post that resparked my interest in 'Feminism and Yoga'... which will result in another blog post in the next few weeks. Her observations as to why there isn't any 'normal' role models in the yoga-sphere for women suddenly made me realize the social structure that holds western yoga in place. 


Sutras While the Sun Sets (El Yogi Cynico en Costa Rica Parte Dos) by Dr. Jay from Yoga for Cynics (longest title ever lol)
Dr. Jay's accounts of his stay in Costa Rica were moving, hilarious and, well, pretty deep. This one was my favourite though. I love his 'yoga sutras' and how as well as poking fun at 'yoba' (as Bob would say), they also have some relevance (mostly). This post is more like something that would happen to me, getting lost, getting frustrated... and having it all resolved in the end.


I do not want to live on Little House on the Prairie by Vegan Burnout
VB always makes me laugh... and think at the same time. She writes the most thought provoking posts, tongue in cheek. Her thoughts here on the recent NY Times article 'Femnivore's Dilemma' perfectly articulated my general malaise with the entire subject. I KNEW there was a reason why I was uncomfortable with the term! Regardless of our choices, knowing the political and social currents that unconsciously guide our lives is essential.

How to Recycle Everything by Erin at The Conscious Shopper
Holy Poop, Erin really has listed a zillion ideas on how to recycle random items that usually stump so many of us. A fantastic resource for traditionally 'non recyclable' stuff! From drink pouches to non-cork wine stoppers... she has an answer. For those of us on our journey to reduction, this is an awesome resource.


Yoga Demystified, by Bob Weisenberg. 
I love that his e-book is downloadable, free and accessible to non-philosophical minded yogis. The joy that he has found through yoga is palpable in his writing, his chapters and his allegories. He really chips away to the root of what Yoga can bring, beyond the asana and physical. I also adored his post about his father practicing yoga at 87. It made me tear up. Thank you Bob for sharing your beautiful thoughts!


urdhva dhanurasana by Babs at Babs Babblings
I am currently working on wheel... along with so many other postures. Basically, I've given up on ever achieving many poses, my body just doesn't work that way. This post was inspiring. I loved reading about her journey, and how so many other postures will help strengthen and prepare us for those which may be interconnected. Although I have accepted (or am working on this) the fact that I do not have a gumby body, reading her journey to wheel gave me a seed of hope.


There are so many other posts that I loved, I wish I had more space here! Know that I love all the blogs I visit, our blog-munity is just so supportive. I love it :)


Many Blessings!


article copyright of EcoYogini at ecoyogini.blogspot.com

Trying something that scares me...

This is a special week, I'm on road trip mode! Currently I write to you in the (freezing) hotel room in Yarmouth Nova Scotia. As I'm down for a few days for work (consulting for the Acadian Francophone population) I get to stay in a hotel. Something weird, I am very much enjoying having a TV... it's been so long (almost 2 years...shh, don't tell Andrew that I enjoy it!).

Windmills off of Pubnico NS

Although not as exciting as going to a brand new place since I grew up about 30 minutes away, I am enjoying the adventure. Being familiar also allowed me to find some local yoga classes... and I decided to give Beloved Yoga a try!

Located in a local boat house, I knew it would be a bit nerve wracking. The Yoga community here is TINY, with three teachers and the students all know each other. After three hours of driving and a stressful morning, I was looking forward to yoga.

The room was beautiful, with original wood floors overlooking Lake Milo. The instructor was lovely, so open and honest. She introduced her class as being far from 'competitive' and I was nervous. I don't do well with slower classes, slowing my 'monkey mind' is difficult. Also, the yogis in this smaller community tend to prefer the more superficial, asana, lulu, aspect of yoga. *edit: let me be more specific... the yogis in this community traditionally have preferred... maybe some of you might remember my 'beer and yoga' post from a while back? * So although I cannot speak to small yoga communities in general, I can speak to this one and historically how it's been. Think driving three hours JUST so they can get to the lululemon and have 'the' clothes.



It was amazing. We practiced some slow, focused poses that I have been disregarding for a complete sun sal. Pranayam, neck and shoulders, chakras... and she introduced Tai Chi. 

I have never practiced Tai Chi, but I know Teresa from Ponderings practices regularly and I also know it resembles Kung Fu (I have friends who practice). Heather, the instructor, looked so graceful and intense. She led us through the 'earth sequence' which she informed us is grounding. 


I stumbled through, but felt amazed that I could actual feel the energy between my hands. Perhaps it's my practice while  connecting with the Goddess, and visualization of energy and cleansing, but it wasn't as foreign as I thought it might be. The best part? All the other ladies didn't seem that weirded out.

I am so glad that I decided to give such a beautiful practice a try (unknowingly). Tomorrow, I'll give yogaglo a try in the hotel room. I look forward to really putting 'yoga on the go' to the cold, cramped hotel test.


Have you tried something new and scary lately?


Blessings!
(also, check out my interview on Life Breathing, and check out her beautiful space as well! It's filled with wonderful, insightful posts- Thanks Em for the opportunity!)
 

article copyright of EcoYogini at ecoyogini.blogspot.com

First Yoga in the Park, Tidal Power and Food Waste!

Our first Yoga in the Park- to celebrate Ostara or Spring Equinox March 20th!

From Halifax? Check out Halifax Yoga Community for more details and Facebook Group Link!

This past week Andrew and I attended two talks on environmental topics with friends. The first; Tidal Power in Nova Scotia and the second Jay Ingram from The Daily Planet. Although these talks replaced a yoga class or two, I think it's so important to attend free events where we can continue to learn and grow. Especially with regards to environmental topics.


The talk on tidal power was interesting and disappointing at the same time. Nova Scotia has a monopoly on power; Nova Scotia Power, that owns and distributes power almost exclusively. Unlike other provinces, Nova Scotian's power sources come from 75% coal... and our carbon footprint is much larger as a result.


As of last summer, NSPower is required by law to reduce it's reliance on coal power by 25% (to 50% renewable energy sources) by 2020. As a result, they're investigating tidal power. Unfortunately, the entire presentation was pretty cheesy and obviously capitalistic in nature. Check out the cheesy video! The walk away message: each turbine costs 11 million (6 mil at best), would repel local marine life, may remove actual kinetic energy from the tides (lowering water levels) and would only generate a fraction on power compared to wind turbines, despite having the largest tides in the world. (100 billion tonnes of water daily)


I get 'NIMBY' (Not in my backyard) as being an issue currently in Nova Scotia for wind turbines... but this money could certainly be invested in alternative venues. 


Going to see Jay Ingram was by far more exciting (he's on TV!) and entertaining. His talk on food waste was extremely compelling. According to projections, by 2050 (a mere thirty years from now) we'll have to feed approximately 9 billion people, an increase in food production by almost 100%. 


How do we do this? He spoke briefly on genetically modified organisms (ugh...) but the most striking argument? Recently, numbers have revealed that Americans throw out 40% of their food... 40% of food entering landfills. Reasons given ranged from 'being in the fridge for too long' to 'leftovers on the plate'. 


We consume so much as a society, and just because my food gets composted does not mean I should treat it as an expendable resource. My food source, like water, is essential to my survival... and I should respect it as such. In that presentation, I had a moment of being so proud that I made croutons out of my homemade failed bread attempt, as opposed to composting it.


There are many resources out there on internet land on how to reduce food waste in your home. For myself, one of the best places to start was simply buying 'enough' perishable food items for the week. 


First, I had to figure out just how much lettuce-produce etc I would eat before it went bad. I was composting so many produce items that we just never ate in time. Planning your meals definitely helps with this, but we failed miserably at this. I simply try not to think of making a quick trip to the grocery store as an inconvenience midweek. It just means I'm eating *all* of the produce I buy.


Also, buying produce that doesn't go bad as quickly helps. For example, purple and green leaf lettuce will go bad much more quickly than say, romaine lettuce. Or, if local organic spinach is available, maybe I'll just plan on eating LOTS of salads in the next few days. I try to plan my meals around the produce instead of starch.


My last goal for helping with food waste... is growing my own! Last year we had our first attempt at being urban gardeners. It wasn't great, but it wasn't catastrophic. This year we'll try growing lettuce, beets, carrots, strawberries and bell peppers. We'll be ordering our seeds today and getting a few new planters soon! 


Happy Weekend and Blessed Ostara, Spring Equinox!


article and photograph copyright of EcoYogini at ecoyogini.blogspot.com

Being excited about 'Us'; our eco-wedding update

The countdown has commenced (many thanks to 'the knot's monthly reminders... why did I ever sign up for them anyway?), in less than 7 months Andrew and I will be official. Married (ack!). No really, I'm excited :)


As I alluded to briefly, I had some definite 'moments'... so for about three months I took a complete wedding break. No planning, no discussion, no excitement. Although I'm not still 100% back to being super excited, some eco-wedding bits are coming together!


Our wedding bands have had their first 'fitting'! Since my engagement ring is kinda a large opal that won't fit another band (Andrew's response was 'What, you need TWO rings??' haha), we decided to have a combo ring made. 


We found Rita from Seaglass designs, this lovely woman who makes beautiful jewellery from silver and seaglass by hand. Upon our visit to her studio to plan our rings and design, we saw the buckets of organized by colour sea glass that their family had gathered from our Nova Scotian shores. She doesn't tumble them or alter them, as that would defeat the purpose of ocean smoothed glass.


I chose a tiny aqua seaglass from the group her mother had collected from the shores of Cape Breton. It will sit right on top and function as a combo wedding band-engagement ring. Andrew requested a 'pass' on having a stone on his band... lol. Check out her beautiful blog, it's filled with her lovely creations :)


Next, our wedding website and electronic 'save-the-date' emails have been sent. Basically, our STD's (hahaha, seriously) were emails pointing people to our wedding website, which is simply a wordpress site with links, a few stories and pictures, maps and the details. So far, I'm really excited about being able to help people plan their trip and stay this way.


My dress has arrived for it's fitting (which actually was extremely anti-climatic) and looks beautiful. It's made in Canada by a Canadian designer with slightly more sustainable materials. I'm actually not that super excited about this part... I haven't quite figured out why yet... I'll probably be MORE excited when I find funky blue blue comfy flat shoes to wear. Or fun flip flops, haven't decided. :)


We've chosen our food- Andrew was in charge of the meal selection. We actually requested a 'black box local' menu, which the chef was completely pumped to do! Essentially, he will have a skeleton menu (veggie, starch etc). The week of the wedding he'll make a trip to the local farmer markets and create our menu from the produce available. How fantastic is that? 


My favourite part though, is desserts. We've decided on having home made apple and pumpkin pies instead of cake- one per table. This way friends and relatives (my mom makes a wicked apple pie) can make them with in season apples and pumpkins and freeze them super easy! Also, gourmet s'mores (handmade marshmellows, graham crackers etc) for the campfire fun after the reception- Yay! We'll serve apple cider in mugs while people grab a seat outside (October in Nova Scotia can be chilly!) and I'm hoping to score some blankets.


We've decided to donate to Cancer Research in memory of our family and loved ones who are survivors or who have passed instead of favours (who needs trinkets anyway?). We really haven't put much effort into a registry, and on our website we've strongly encouraged guests to donate to one of our three favourite charities (linked there) so that our wedding can actually bring Joy and Hope to others. I hope this works... and people actually follow the links :) 


I've basically given up on flowers and table decorations in general. It all seems pretty wasteful and a huge expenditure of energy... A few coworkers have offered to lend me a bunch of vases, and we'll probably go twig and flower hunting the day before (or I'll delegate to a few adventurous friends). 


Really, what I have begun to consider is that our wedding is so much more than simply this random large party. Table decorations, flower choices, colour schemes... really are non-essentials. Our wedding is about our marriage and public commitment to each other. Our celebration of our love and our families. Worrying about invitation designs seems silly in comparison.


I thought that after a wedding-break I'd return to this planning feeling the same excitement over table decorations as I did before... Instead, I think I grew somewhat. I'm more excited about practicing yoga with Andrew the morning of, seeing friends I haven't seen since our move from BC, listening to our vows and readings during our ceremony... you know. *that* stuff.


So, I have decided to stop worrying over the fact that I really don't seem to care about our invitations. Or our flowers. It will all come together. The important part is that I'm excited about US.



(Our first dance...)


Blessings!


article copyright of EcoYogini at ecoyogini.blogspot.com

The Coil; Moving Prayer

This post is part of 'The Coil' hosted by Greenspell every new and full moon- go check it out!

(please note, this post is a part of my personal journey. I feel all spiritual journeys are valid and beautiful as long as they are honest and healthy)
Spirituality. Funnily enough, it being 'THE' point of yoga, I don't talk much about it here. I think perhaps it has a lot to do with it being personal... and not really meshing with Yoga.


As an entry to 'The Coil', Greenspell has pointed out that New Moons equal New Beginnings, creativity and perhaps new adventures. I thought for this moon's entry I would share tidbits of a discussion I had last week regarding the 'point' of yoga.


I met with a local studio owner, Robert from The Yoga Loft. Robert is quite unique in that he has been a practitioner for over a decade and he has a PhD in Political Science, focus on Philosophy. His primary interest: the dichotomy between Eastern and Western Yogic Philosophy. This guy knows his stuff.


As Yoga begins to broaden, expand and take on a New Life in my world, this question of spirituality keeps popping into my brain.


Robert's take? Yoga is spiritual. It's our way to 'let-go' of all external and internal attachments, including our thoughts, so that we can connect with God. Everything else can easily become distraction or an attachment. For example, being attached to one discipline of yoga, one set sequence, one instructor etc. 


Seriously a wonderful conversation (over coffee!).


Most discourse around Yoga and spirituality is patriarchal in nature and often uses Hindu representations and allegories. God is always labeled in the masculine, represented in the masculine and goddesses, although present, are outnumbered by more prominent male gods. I can't relate. It feels fake.


Further, this concept of 'non-attachment', letting go of all in order to unite with the Divine, really doesn't fit with my view of spirituality. For myself, the Divine IS everything. My spiritual self doesn't exist as something 'other' or separate, but is a part of every thing and every one. It's how we make connections with our world, with our community and with our planet.


Truly, I have yet to attend or read a passage regarding spirituality and Yoga that easily fits into my view of the Goddess. 


Of course, this doesn't mean that Yoga is not spiritual for me. In fact, quite the opposite, Yoga has grown into how I communicate with my spiritual more. I like Seane Corn's explanation of 'moving prayer'. During class, this is dampened significantly as the language and discourse of traditional Yoga peaks in, but in my own practice... it takes on a new Light.


My sun salutations become experiences for grounding, for collecting and sending energy and for quiet introspection on all that I am grateful. Quiet musings to the Goddess during my practice, reconnecting with Nature outside my window.


This New Moon, I'd like to set aside these strange expectations of how I *must* mesh traditional Yoga spirituality and myself. Which I guess is a form of 'letting go'....


Blessings and happy New Moon!


article copyright of EcoYogini at ecoyogini.blogspot.com

Fessin' up; Boho Style

In honour of Boho Mom, being Honest and Open, I thought I'd share a peak into the non-eco part of EcoYogini and Andrew's lives... Because as she so aptly pointed out, we all like to blog about our awesome attempts at healthy living, but I'd be remiss if I were to pretend I was 'eco' 100% of the time. It's part of the journey. :)


So here's my share today:

• While cleaning the yoga studio today I used the non-eco spray to clean the gross toilet and sinks... along with WHITE WHITE paper towel since there *still* isn't a toilet bowl brush (ew!)
• During the cleaning process I really did not think about how wonderful an opportunity it was to be connecting and helping the studio. Instead I thought about how the instructors really had no idea how to sweep the studio, tidy up or actually clean the Black Mat they practiced on. Ick.
• Instead of walking downtown to check out the sights, Andrew and I drove... cuz we were lazy.
• We also drove all the way out to Bayer's Lake to go to the Ginormous Chapters.
• We bought starbucks in the PAPER cups, all the while I scorned their terrible recent attempts at greenwashing (ugh, renewable material cups? come on)
• I bought two brand new books. I really love new books. They are my achilles eco-heel...
• I had a moment of road rage and may have said some chosen words, perhaps a few gestures, to another driver.... Andrew was a little concerned lol.

A silly picture: Me and the 'test tube light' hanging during Nocturne this year

There you go! The two new books I bought today? Anatomy of Hatha Yoga by Dr. H. David Coulter and Organic Crops in Pots. I'm really excited about reading Dr. Coulter's book, mostly to see how my education in Anatomy and Physiology will mesh with his view of Yoga. I'm hoping I'll be able to apply what I know of physiology, as simply knowing the structures, without understanding how they work, is never enough. :)


How was your Sunday?


article and photographs copyright of EcoYogini at ecoyogini.blogspot.com

Smelling Pretty without Inhaling Plasticizers

Scents. We are all drawn to smells, adore them, think about them, describe them (cloying, fresh, intoxicating). To the point that the perfume-cologne industry is a billion dollar business. I used to love choosing what I was going to smell like that day, most scents coming from the Body Shop, Satsuma was my fav.


Our sense of smell is quite closely tied to memory, for obvious evolutionary reasons (bad smell=poison etc). The cerebral space scent is processed has for a neighbour our memory area. Throw in some hormonal effects released when we have pleasant memories linked to pleasant smells and we are good to go! It is not a stretch that aromatherapy actually works from a brain physiological perspective.


Inhaling that luscious scent doesn't just affect your brain... each inhale brings in hundreds of toxic airborne chemicals for your body to process via lungs, nasal and air passages and soaking through your skin. There's a reason so many public spaces are 'no scent' zones now (at least in Canada), chemical sensitivities apply to perfumes for a reason. On average there are 800 chemicals per bottle of store bought 'eau'. 


Such chemicals as synthetic musk (environmental and food chain contaminant and endocrine disruptor) and phthalates (hormone disruptors) are a few that we inhale with each spray. The reason store bought smells last so long? Plasticizers, aka phthalates, or that plastic ingredient that has been banned from baby bottles and children's toys.


Some companies have tried to reduce this nasty chemical, with varied success. Really it seems hit or miss whether to trust these companies- some passing the test and others like Aubrey's Organics and Aveda being caught claiming their perfumes were phthalate-free when in reality they tested high in levels (Ecoholic).


Not only our own personal health, but perfumes and colognes have also been blamed for adding to the environmental air pollution. Recently California fined Axe Body Spray for 1 million dollars for excessive air pollution. California has extremely tight Volatile organic compound laws for air quality and in February 2010, they found that Unilever (owning company) sold, supplied and offered 2.8 million cans of spray that failed to meet the state's clean air standard for aerosol (Environmental News).


So what is a scent loving EcoYogi-ni to do?


Honestly, working in the past four years in scent-free environments (clinics and hospitals) I've gotten used to not wearing perfume. Now when I smell my old perfumes the scent of CHEMICAL leaps out. Ugh, can't believe I smelled so fake!


One thing I have started doing is using essential oils, straight onto my wrist. Clary Sage has been extremely helpful in keeping my sense of balance and equilibrium during my increasingly hormonal 'moon time'. I also love clove and cacao extract. 


With essential oils you need to be extremely careful, in case you have sensitivities. Also, if you are 'with family' (en famille like we'd say in Acadian), essential oils may not be for you. Yancy at 5 Seeds is much more educated in the area of essential oils, for more resources and information please read her thoughts and recommendations.


Essential oils never tend to last as long though, and I'm not really a fan of keeping a little bottle with me in my purse. What if it spills?


Sankalpa Scents by 5 Seed
Another option that I'm very excited about is 5 Seeds Sankalpa Scents. A solid perfume tin, made from natural ingredients that allow for the scent to remain longer. A tin that I can use to refresh my scent? That is genius. Please hop over and read her explanation of the name Sankalpa, it's yogi-perfect. Check out her shop for more details and scent options :)  


Finally, there is always making your own scents using organic vodka and distilled water... it would be interesting to see how long this homemade perfume would last. Pioneer Thinking has some interesting recipes and ideas.


On that note, I am off today to try on 'The Dress' (Yay! Canadian made!) and have an organic eco-spa day with my mom :)


Blessings and happy sniffing!


article copyright of EcoYogini at ecoyogini.blogspot.com

Overshare... Natural Deodorant Failure

Sniffle Sniffle... yep the cold has taken over, my body's way of saying-STOP. Guess I've been pushing hard again, a lot of yoga, a lot of work, the funeral last week... stress on all sides. So, I punked out of yoga tonight and will opt for martini's with work friends tomorrow instead of an official class. Sometimes yoga asana really isn't what my body and mind need. Ever feel that way? 


On another topic, I thought I'd indulge in another Overshare, this one being an update. I've debated whether I should write about this, as I know some people who read my blog... but finally my sense of honesty, transparency and basically my belief in the importance of the 'Null Hypothesis' won out. This post is for all of you who have wished when you searched the interweb *someone* had written about what did not work...


The Crystal or Rock Deodorant... a (failed) update.


You may remember my overshare about how excited Andrew and I were about the salt rock deodorant stick. I wrote about how awesome it was, how it actually eliminated my sweat stink!! I was an immediate convert.


This lasted about two weeks. And then... they started to itch... and burn. 'Oh, it's nothing, probably just dry skin'. Uh huh. When my beautiful underarms were angry blotches of pink I sucked up my pride and paid a trip to the doctor. 


To my complete and utter humiliation (which I cannot believe I am sharing with the interweb world) she informed me that... it was... gulp.... fungus. Hide my head in embarrassment, crawl under a rock and squint my eyes shut. Cause? Too much sweat. Seriously.


Sadly, icky, chemical filled cream was prescribed and within a few weeks it was all cleared up. The damage was done though, I had switched back to aluminum, pore blocking deodorant. 'At least Andrew is still a Salt Rock Believer' I thought.


Until... his armpits turned red and stinky and blotchy. Great. 


Now we are both back on the anti-persperant. Honestly, I'm nervous to give it another go. However, it will definitely happen again...


Hopefully this completely embarrassing tale will help someone else out there who may have also experienced something similar.... Or I just officially classified myself as taking one for Team EcoYogini Blog.


article copyright of EcoYogini at ecoyogini.blogspot.com

Yoga Adventure Time!

Spring was IN the air today here in Halifax. The sun was shining, no biting cold wind... It was beautiful. With a high of 7 Celcius Andrew and I were able to go for a walk down to the Hydrostone without hats, mittens or winter coats!!


This tiny peak into spring has coaxed my winter lock-down into opening and made me start to wonder at the possibilities. Of Guerilla Yoga!


We're coming up to another season of Yoga in the Park here. I have pictorial evidence of practicing yoga outside in May last year, so only a few short months away. I cannot wait. 


Unlike a structured class in a closed in studio, with social rules and 'yogic' etiquette, Guerrilla Yoga is so much more open. The entire premise of meeting in a free public space, without any huge commitments or expectations, being surrounded by friends and yogi-nis practicing on the 'stay off' fort... was perfect. This is what yoga community is about: practicing yoga together... because we want to.


This year may bring some changes, teachers wanting to change Yoga in the Park into a 'By Donation' event with a rotational schedule... which is fine. It doesn't fit with our sense of what it represents, a bunch of yogis practicing together in a public space. Then, Life is Change and that is what makes it interesting. Change allows us to grow.


So, we'll most likely keep our Guerrilla Yoga as it is, perhaps changing the time and day in order to avoid conflict with the new Yoga in the Park by donation. More yoga will allow for more community, just another option on the Wheel.


In the following months I'd like to challenge You Yogi-nis who yearn for something new in your practice. For those of you who have that little bit of a rebel, or Punk Yogic attitude, adding a bit of Adventure is the way to go! Some ideas to get your Guerrilla Yogi going:


- Have a Yoga in the Park already? Choose a different park or venue to practice with friends for free!
- Approach a homeless shelter and offer regular classes for those in need.
- Practice in unconventional areas like a rooftop so you can see the city.
- Feel really bold? Stage a 'Yoga-in' in a parking lot, on the waterfront in front of Lululemon... (lol).
- practice on any flat surface outside- a rock outcropping, an old fort, a picnic table, a warf...


The spring peak has created a restless feeling for something NEW. I challenge You to join me in this Adventure. :)

Who's with me?

article and photos copyright of EcoYogini at ecoyogini.blogspot.com 

DIY: How to Eco-Clean your Yoga Mat

I've written about this topic before, but I thought it would be good to have a post specifically on how best to eco-clean your yoga mat, instead of looking all over different posts to piece it together.


After five years of trying different things and evaluating various options on mat cleansing, here are my favourites.


For those yogi-nis who are a little type A when it comes to 'germs', a regular spritz of vinegar+water+tea tree oil concoction after you practice is an easy way to keep bacteria levels down. The vinegar acts as an acidic substance that helps break down dirt and soil while the tea tree oil helps zap the bacteria. Just spray and give it a quick wipe with a face cloth or towel. 


Vinegar water spray recipe:
In an old spray bottle (I just keep ones after they run out) combine
1 part vinegar, 3 parts water and 10 drops of tea tree essential oil. You could also add some lavender or other essential oil that makes you happy. Just make sure that you a) aren't allergic to tea tree oil and b) aren't pregnant... essential oils can be sketchy for those with child.


You can totally keep this recipe for cleaning mirrors, sinks and faucets. Nothing leaves a streak-free shine other than vinegar and water.


Despite regular sprays (or if you're like me and totally lazy), regular mat cleanings should be essential. (note the key word *should*. I clean my mat about every three weeks... and it's gross).


What has worked best for my mat:
A bath.


1) Place your mat in the tub as best as it can fit and spray thoroughly with the vinegar and water mix. You could add lemon juice, but really the acidity is provided by the vinegar and it's SO much easier to have on hand than lemons. 


2) Plug the drain and add water. Scrub with a wash cloth or rag. Move the mat around and over, spraying and scrubbing until you feel you've covered most of the mat or the water has turned pretty brown and gross. Feel free to drain some of the water, re-plugging and rinsing. *Note* you do not require a lot of water here, so please don't be wasteful :)

3) When you feel that you've scrubbed enough (or are grossed out by the smell-sight of brown sweaty water) drain and carefully twist and rinse the mat as much as you can into the tub. This might require some help from a handy assistant (for me this is Andrew).

4) *KEY*: hang your mat to dry on a clothes rack dealy for at least 24 hours if not 48 hours. I have found that my mat needs two days of air drying to be back to it's regular sticky self. Anything less and I risk seriously slippage. Even if the mat looks and feels dry overnight, while practicing I'll start slipping all over the place. So if you can, either use a different mat the following day, or go sans yoga for a few days (gasp!).


That's it.


What is NOT eco-friendly or good for you mat:
Using the washer
Seriously, using the water and energy to run the washing machine JUST for your yoga mat is a huge waste of resources. It really only takes a an inch of water in your tub and human muscle energy. If you practice yoga than you can scrub your mat. Just sayin'.


Using Jo-sha Wipes
Ugh. These things are individually packaged in wasteful plastic-y material. Think about all the energy required to make and package those wipes... all to be thrown into the landfill adding to our planet's waste. Not only do they come in individually wrapped plastic wipes, but each bunch comes in a plastic bag. As plastic if forever, recycling isn't always an option (HRM only accepts #1, 2 plastics).
Also, their claim on biodegradability is sketchy. As we know, the term 'biodegradable' simply means 'to break down in smaller parts'. HRM does not accept soiled towelettes or face tissues that may contain bacteria in their compost system. I also wouldn't advise tossing the wipes in a regular compost bin- essential oils may be natural but aren't that great for your soil.


Finally, their ingredients consist of essential oils, a preservative and an emulsifier. Our vinegar+water spray contains... essential oils for scent and anti-bateria properties and vinegar to break down the dirt. So why would you pay money for a wasteful, individually packaged, not really biodegradable product?


Washing your mat with soap
I say this because I have tried it... and soap tends to soak into the mat. A friend of mine also recently tried this and the soap stayed there... for a few practices. She said not only was her mat slippery, but it seeped out making a white icky foam while she practiced! It has taken a few soaks in the tub to rinse it all out.


So there you have it! Instead of having icky, wasteful individual wipes in your studio, why not have a spray bottle filled with the same stuff and a few clean cloth rags for students to use to spray down the mats? That way you save money and the environment at the same time :)


Blessings!


article copyright of EcoYogini at ecoyogini.blogspot.com 

Coffee and Yoga; Halifax Student-Led Yoga Group

As I'm sitting from my parents computer, escaping Jessica Fletcher reruns, I thought I'd provide a quick update on my latest step in Personal Practice Adventure: the Community Yoga project.

I wrote earlier that I was really wanting to foster a sense of "student" specific yoga community in Halifax. I was (and am) a bit tired of attending and seeing all the events and groups being extremely teacher oriented and studio specific. Teachers in Halifax are generally attached to a studio, so instead of nurturing a yoga community, the meetings and group tend to promote the studio, becoming insular instead of open.

After I wrote that post I emailed a local Anusara teacher (ok, THE Anusara teacher in the city) and we met the following week to chat. It was an honest and open discussion of what the Haligonian yoga studio relationships and community were like. From this a few suggestions and an action plan was created. I knew that if I wanted a Halifax Student-Led support group, I would have to organize it myself. Although useful, teacher-led groups often reflect the studio and the teachers' interests... and not the students'. 
 
Thus, "Coffee and Yoga" was created. The following evening I wrote up a "Letter of Intention", outlining the mission and values of the group. Here's the pdf file of our letter (not so clear, but I'm not quite sure how to link a pdf...).

The basics of the group: a monthly opportunity for student yogi/nis to meet and chat in a safe, open and respectful environment about topics of interest. these topics could range from the different styles of yoga, the 8 limbs, pranayama, how to improve your home practice or specific asana questions. The only catch- all topics and themes must be student driven and open to all studios and yoga disciplines of the city.

When topics or questions arise that require further explanation, a local teacher will be approached to attend a meeting and help clarify concerns. 

In order to create a sense of openness and non-connection to one particular studio, we've decided to meet in local coffee shops. Not only do coffee shops provide a neutral and casual environment to encourage connection and community, but they are familiar. People have met and connected over coffee and tea for hundreds of years. Nevermind that I really like JustUs! fair trade organic mochaccinos.... :)

The next step after creating our "Letter of Intention" was to let the studios know. I really don't want this entire idea to become a random poster that studios put up on their "community boards". Call me idealistic, but I want this to become more than that. As a result, I have emailed a few studios and boutiques with the letter attached... and followed this up with a few pop in visits. 

So far the process has been interesting. I know a few studios will be a bit tricky to navigate, and am unsure as to how much they will support and promote this group to their clients. I have received some really nice support from a few wonderful yogi teachers (Leanne from Grow A Lotus Yoga and Krista from Bhavana Yoga Boutique). 


In order to encourage more meetings I've found myself directly asking for them... which is a bit awkward, but should be interesting. Next week my plan is to email the last half of the studios in the city, requesting meetings in order to discuss the group, go over the owners concerns, suggestions and insight. I hope to learn and grow from this experience as much as help teachers understand the importance and potential to create a more cohesive, complete Yoga community. A community that is not just created and supported by teachers, but includes all Yogi/nis in the city.


If you're a Haligonian, practice Yoga and would like to learn more about this group, please visit the website: HalifaxYogaCommunity.wordpress.com. You'll find info on Coffee and Yoga, Yoga in the Park and local studios and teachers. There's even a nifty POLL on what topics you'd like to discuss (COOL! I love polls!). The first meeting will be on March 8th (this Monday)... which might be extended depending on attendance... Family emergency and such has delayed my PR of the group a bit (hence the trip home...). The meeting's topic: What would YOU like to learn?


The second meeting will be April 5th, following this meetings will be every first Monday of the month and unless otherwise stated (see schedule here) at the JustUs! Cafe on Spring Garden Road. I think I'll have a little sign or something so people will know who to approach. We are super approachable anyways though... I mean I work with preschoolers, I am definitely not scary :)


Second meeting topic: How to Eco-fy your Yoga Practice (lol, of course!).


Honestly, this new step in my Personal Practice Adventure kinda scares the "poo" out of me... I know I really want this for my own practice, I really want to connect with other yogi/nis who aren't teachers and to connect and learn. Do others?


It should be an Adventure!


Blessings!


article and photo copyright of EcoYogini at ecoyogini.blogspot.com