Spring 2025 Yoga Session and More

How’s your spring going?

Even with the uncooperative weather (snow still covers the ground in Winnipeg), I’m excited to announce my Spring 2025 series of offerings.

The five-week session begins on Monday, May 5th.

Group Classes

Registration is open and can be conveniently completed online (credit card payment required).

You can also pay by e-transfer. Please get in touch with me regarding the classes you intend to attend, and I’ll process your registration. After that, you can send an e-transfer to studio71yoga@gmail.com.

Please visit my website (click here) to explore the wide range of offerings, which include morning and evening yoga, ashtanga-inspired yoga, chair yoga, and FREE guided meditation classes.

The Monday evening in-person group class is full, but plenty of space is available in the live-streamed virtual classes. If you haven’t tried these Zoom classes, this five-week session is the perfect opportunity!

Private Classes

Private yoga classes are also an option. If you’re considering improving your overall health and wellness, look no further than a personalized yoga practice. With individual attention and guidance, you can enjoy an accessible yoga experience that builds on your unique strengths and caters to your specific body and health status. Say goodbye to judgement and hello to a practice tailored to your needs. Click here for more information.

Guided Meditation—iRest Yoga Nidra

Created by psychologist and yogic expert Dr. Richard Miller, iRest Yoga Nidra is a research-based practice that equips participants with stress management methods, enhances sleep quality, and promotes overall wellbeing. FREE guided meditation classes are available on Tuesday mornings on Zoom.

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Special Events—Fall 2025

Some special events are already planned for this fall. Space is limited. Click here for details.

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Psst…

I’m taking an extended break for self-care and will return rejuvenated and refreshed, eager to support my beloved yoga community once again.

I look forward to seeing you in May!

With joy and gratitude,

Jeannine

Join us Tuesday for Loving-Kindness Meditation—It’s Free!

I hope you’re doing well despite the chaos and turbulence in Canada, the U.S., and worldwide. How are you handling the turmoil?

I must admit that I am somewhat anxious and worried—emotions that have been ebbing and flowing regularly during the past few weeks. At the same time, I frequently remind myself to focus on the present moment, which helps me stay grounded and optimistic about our human resolve.

I am following up on the blog/newsletter I wrote about a week ago. I appreciate all the responses and am excited to continue our conversation. Please let me know if you have any questions or additional thoughts.

In the meantime, I wanted to let you know that participants in my upcoming Tuesday morning iRest meditation class have agreed to shift their focus to Loving-Kindness Meditation (Metta Bhavana) as we wrap up the winter session with our last class. And you are invited to attend!

If you want to cultivate more compassion and generosity during this challenging time, please join us for a Loving-Kindness Meditation.

When: Tuesday, March 11, 2025
Time: 10-11 AM Central Daylight Time
Where: Live on Zoom

Cost: $0

We will spend an hour connecting, reflecting, and sharing as we build a supportive community that spreads love, kindness, and understanding.

Bring an open mind and a loving heart, and be prepared to sit comfortably on the floor or a chair. You don’t need any previous experience.

I hope you will join us.

Click here to register or email jeannine@studio71yoga.com.

Yours with gratitude, compassion, joy and equanimity,

Jeannine

Embracing Loving-Kindness: The Heart of Metta Bhavana

Hello, dear friends and fellow seekers of peace!

As a yoga teacher, I am constantly inspired by the many practices that guide us toward self-discovery, compassion, and connection. The Buddhist practice of Loving-Kindness, or metta bhavana, holds a special place in my heart. Today, I want to share the essence of this beautiful meditation practice and how it can transform our lives, both on and off the yoga mat.

“It is said that those who practice metta meditation will have their fears erased, their heart and mind calmed; they will sleep more peacefully, and can give and receive love more easily.”

— Gabrielle Harris, The Language of Yin

What is Metta Bhavana?

Metta, a Pali term which means unconditional love and goodwill, and bhavana, which means cultivation, perfectly encapsulate this practice. Metta bhavana translates to “the cultivation of loving-kindness.” It invites us to open our hearts and nurture our innate capacity for kindness toward ourselves and others.

We’re often taught as children that we should be kind and love others. While many of us may have been raised to practice compassion—the wish that others not suffer—metta bhavana encourages us to go further. It teaches not just to feel compassion but to actively cultivate love intentionally. Through this practice, we can foster a mindset of kindness, which ultimately contributes to our emotional wellbeing and the happiness of those around us.

The Practice of Loving-Kindness Meditation

This practice is often divided into five steps. It can be helpful to begin gently, focusing on self-compassion for some time (Step 1), and then gradually moving on to the other steps.

To prepare, get comfortable, whether sitting cross-legged on the floor, in a chair, with your feet flat on the ground, or on a surface that supports the soles of your feet. Then, close your eyes, take a few full breaths, and let your body soften.

1. Connect with Yourself. Start your practice by directing kindness toward yourself, focusing on feelings of peace, calm, and tranquillity. Picture yourself and your heart centre. Now place yourself into your heart centre and silently repeat phrases that resonate with you, such as:

“May I be happy.

May I be filled with loving-kindness.

May I be healthy and free from harm.

May I live in peace.”

As you repeat these phrases, allow yourself to truly feel the warmth and kindness of these wishes. Imagine filling your heart with love and acceptance.

2. Extend to Someone You Love. Next, visualize someone you care deeply for—someone you love. This could be a friend, family member, or even a pet. Place them into your heart and repeat the following phrases for them:

“May you be happy.

May you be filled with loving-kindness.

May you be healthy and free from harm.

May you live in peace.”

3. Broaden Your Circle. As your loving-kindness grows, expand your focus. Shift your attention to someone you neither like nor dislike, someone neutral—an acquaintance, a stranger, or someone who works at your grocery store—then place them into your heart and silently repeat the phrases above.

4. Include People You Dislike. If it feels right, think of someone you dislike—someone you are struggling with. Avoid becoming consumed by feelings of hatred; instead, focus on positive thoughts and explore the possibility of sending them your metta. If this feels overwhelming, revisit the first step and offer yourself loving-kindness. But if it feels okay—even though you have negative feelings toward this person—consider how they have suffered in their own life. Imagine, just like you, they desire love and affection. Now, place this person you dislike into your heart and repeat the phrases above.

5. Embrace All Beings. Imagine embracing all beings with loving thoughts, connecting to the shared human experience. Place all sentient, all aware beings into your heart and repeat the phrases above.

Finally, return your awareness to yourself and recall how it felt to wish yourself loving-kindness. Take a moment to express gratitude for this practice and the love that connects us all.

The Life-Altering Benefits of Metta

Incorporating metta bhavana into our lives offers a myriad of benefits, both personal and global:

• Enhanced Relationships. Cultivating kindness naturally strengthens our bonds with others. This practice allows us to respond to challenging situations with greater compassion and understanding.

• Emotional Resilience. Metta helps us manage negative emotions and reduce stress. When we nurture our hearts with loving kindness, we create a buffer against life’s challenges.

• Mindfulness. This practice encourages us to be present and compassionate, fostering a mind aware and appreciative of the simple joys of everyday life.

• Global Impact. By sharing our loving-kindness with the world, we contribute to creating a collective atmosphere of compassion and understanding.

Bringing Loving-Kindness to Your Yoga Practice

Integrating metta bhavana into your yoga practice can enrich your time on the mat. Consider dedicating a few moments at the beginning or end of your class to focus on loving-kindness, setting intentions that align with metta, and fostering a sense of community and support.

Our spiritual journey is filled with opportunities for growth and connection. Practicing metta bhavana nurtures not just our hearts but the hearts of everyone we encounter. I invite you to embark on this journey of cultivating loving-kindness and witness the beauty it brings into your life.

Yours with gratitude, compassion, joy and equanimity,

Jeannine

A Pathway to Resilence in Turbulent Times

In times of uncertainty and turmoil, the wisdom of yogic principles offers a pathway to resilience and stability, guiding us through daily challenges. By integrating practical strategies and transformative mindset shifts, we can navigate the storms of life with grace and fortitude.

The following approaches emphasize mindful living, personal empowerment, and community connection. They equip you with tools to cultivate calm in the face of chaos.

1. Stay Informed, but Limit Exposure. Keep abreast of developments that affect you, but set boundaries to avoid information overload. Schedule specific times to check news or updates and choose reliable sources.

2. Practice Mindfulness. Engage in mindfulness techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga. These can help reduce anxiety and keep you grounded during chaotic times.

3. Focus on What You Can Control. Identify aspects of your life or situation that you can influence and direct your energy there. Create actionable plans or set small, achievable goals to foster a sense of purpose and control.

4. Maintain Social Connections. Reach out to friends, family, or support groups the old-fashioned way. A support network beyond social media can help you build emotional resilience and offer different perspectives during challenging times.

5. Prioritize Self-Care. Ensure you are taking care of your physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. This can include regular exercise, healthy eating, adequate sleep, and engaging in activities that bring you joy.

6. Embrace Flexibility. Be open to adapting your plans as circumstances change. Flexibility can lead to new opportunities and help you manage stress more effectively.

7. Practice Gratitude. Take time each day to reflect on the positive aspects of your life, no matter how small. Gratitude can shift your mindset and promote resilience.

8. Learn and Adapt. Use turbulent times as learning opportunities. Reflect on what challenges teach you about yourself and develop skills that can help you in the future.

9. Seek Professional Help. Don’t hesitate to talk to your healthcare provider or contact a mental health professional if you feel overwhelmed. Therapy or counselling can provide additional strategies and support to help you navigate challenging times.

10. Participate in Community Support. Engage in initiatives or volunteer work that helps others. Helping your community can create a sense of belonging and purpose.

11. Resolve Conflicts through Effective Communication. Our feelings connect our observations with the underlying needs that motivate them. By recognizing and expressing our feelings through nonviolent communication, we can engage in more compassionate and effective dialogue, resulting in better understanding and healthier relationships.

12.  Love Yourself No Matter What. If your dependable self-care methods do not soothe your nervous system, silence your thoughts, or elevate your spirit, remember that you are inherently okay just as you are. This is a fundamental yogic truth, no matter how confused, untethered or disoriented you may feel. 

Embracing these principles empowers you to navigate turbulent times and fosters a deeper connection with yourself and those around you. By integrating these strategies into your daily routine, you can nurture resilience and cultivate a stable foundation, enabling you to face challenges with compassion and equanimity.

Remember, progress may be incremental. Allow yourself the grace to take it one day at a time, knowing that each small step contributes to a greater sense of wellbeing and peace.

Become the curator of your own ease and contentment.

With love and gratitude,

Jeannine

Transform Your Tuesday Mornings

Revitalize your Tuesday mornings by immersing yourself in iRest Yoga Nidra. Starting January 7th, join us from 10 to 11 a.m. (Central Time) for an enriching experience designed to boost your mental, emotional, and physical wellness.

This complimentary 10-week session (yes, free!) offers you a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in iRest Yoga Nidra, a powerful research-based practice that combines guided meditation and restorative relaxation techniques.

Each live-streamed class on Zoom will take you on a journey that helps reduce stress, alleviate anxiety, and promote deeper sleep. You’ll also learn transformative skills that empower you to manage life’s challenges effectively.

iRest Yoga Nidra is based on ancient yogic wisdom and is known for helping individuals achieve a profound state of restful awareness. During each session, you’ll be gently guided through various stages of awareness, inviting a sense of peace and connection that you can carry into your daily life. This guided meditation is suitable for all, no matter your yoga background or physical capacity. While it is generally done lying down, you may also practice in a chair.

Don’t miss this incredible free opportunity to invest in your health and wellbeing. In a supportive environment, reconnect with your body and mind and discover how iRest Yoga Nidra can transform your life.

There’s still time to register for these complimentary live-stream classes.

Space is limited, so sign up today for the first step towards a more balanced and fulfilling life.