Workshop: The Art and Science of Surrender in Savasana

Are you feeling anxious, stressed and overwhelmed?

Do you crave moments of stillness and relaxation?

Do you love Savasana at the end of your yoga class and wish it lasted longer?

Join us this Sunday, November 24th, from 1 to 3 p.m., for an enlightening in-person workshop on the profound practice of Savasana, the ultimate yoga pose for rest and quiescence. This workshop will guide participants through the stages of Savasana and illuminate the physiology and intention behind conscious rest.

What to Expect

• Understanding Savasana: Explore the three stages of Savasana and learn how each stage contributes to a deeper state of rest.

• Physiology of Rest: Learn about the bodily processes during conscious rest and how Savasana benefits the mind and body.

• Intention Setting: Learn to establish a clear intention for your practice, enhancing the quality of your surrender.

• Supportive Props: Discover how props (bolsters, blankets, blocks, eye pillows) can elevate your Savasana experience, providing support that encourages a greater sense of ease and comfort, creating an environment for health and healing.

• Restorative Yoga Poses: Experience three restorative yoga poses designed to facilitate deep relaxation and deep rest, preparing you for an enriching Savasana experience.

This workshop is suitable for all levels, whether you are a newcomer to yoga or an experienced practitioner looking to deepen your understanding of the art of surrender. Join us in this journey towards profound relaxation and find the beauty in true stillness.

There are a few spots left. Click on the link below to register.

Remembrance Day

Monday, November 11th, is Remembrance Day.

In my household, it is always a day of heartfelt, quiet reflection as we watch the televised ceremony in Ottawa, our nation’s capital. Across this country, it is a sombre day of reflection and gratitude in recognition of those who have lost all or part of themselves, forever changed by their courageous efforts.

My paternal grandmother’s immediate family, the Laverdières of Gravelbourg, Saskatchewan, has an impressive record of contributing to the Second World War effort. Six of the twelve siblings, which included seven boys, served in the armed forces:

• Pte. Sylvio Laverdière

• Som. Paul Laverdière

• Pte. Raymond Laverdièe

• Sgt. André Laverdière

• Bernard Laverdière, R.C.A.F., Canada

• Louis Laverdière, R.C.A.F., Overseas

Of note, my great-uncle André “donned the Khaki” in 1940 as a gunner in an Anti-aircraft Battery. Shortly after enlisting, he went overseas and was involved in intensive action during the dark days of the Battle of Britain, the first major military campaign fought entirely by air forces.

A few years later, with shocking suddenness, it was reported in the Gravebourg newspaper that Sgt. Major André Laverdière had been killed in action in Italy on Oct 7, 1944, during the Autumn Campaign at the age of 23.

André Charles Laverdière

L/10244, Lanark and Renfrew Scottish Regiment, R.C.I.C.

André Laverdière left to mourn his wife, mother, father, five sisters, and six brothers.

He is honoured at the Cesena War Cemetery in Italy—one of the smaller war cemeteries, containing 775 graves, 307 of which are Canadian, representing nearly every unit of the Canadian Corps. Most of those buried here fell in the nearby battlefields between late September and early December 1944, during the Allied advance from Rimini to Forli and beyond—an advance across one flooded river after another in atrocious, wintery autumn weather.

Because of this personal family connection, I continue to observe the solemnity of Remembrance Day year after year.

A few years ago, I learned that many younger veterans cannot participate in the Remembrance Day ceremonies. The painful memories and flashbacks of their time in service to Canada during wartime, military conflict, and peacekeeping are too fresh, too raw for them to endure. Many of them have PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), a relatively recent diagnosis involving a disorder that was previously recognized but not adequately described, understood, diagnosed, or treated.

This leads me to reflect on a journey I have embarked on: learning to practice and teach iRest Yoga Nidra. This secular practice is a research-informed adaptation of the ancient practice of yoga nidra, a meditation for deep relaxation and healing. The origins of iRest (Integrative Restoration) Yoga Nidra date back to 2003, when its founder, Richard Miller, PhD, was invited to consult on a research project at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C.

Due to the study’s successful results, wounded service members were invited to participate in iRest as part of their healing care plans. The Defense Centers of Excellence in the United States currently recognize iRest as a complementary and alternative medicine for treating PTSD. Based on research with iRest, the U.S. Army Surgeon General has listed Yoga Nidra as a Tier 1 approach for addressing pain management in military care. 

In the general population, iRest studies have also been shown to be effective in treating chronic pain, insomnia, and other sleep disturbances, as well as depression and anxiety. It is an effective set of resources for wellbeing.

I offer complimentary iRest classes on Tuesday mornings, which include guided meditations for health and healing. The last class is on November 12th, but we’ll resume early in the new year. Please feel free to join us. Click here to learn more.

Yours with loving remembrance,

Jeannine

Top 10 Innovative Decision-Making Techniques

Like their “to-do” lists, many individuals have personal decision-making approaches.

We often weigh the advantages and disadvantages, seek guidance from specialists, and consult our partners or mothers.

Here are ten additional and unconventional methods to explore. Which ones might you use?

1. Flip a coin. Then, notice your first reaction. You’ll feel disappointed if it lands on the “wrong” choice.

2. Role-play. Let each person or thing represent a different aspect of the decision. What does each perspective have to say?

3. Meditate. When you quiet your mind, the answer may bubble up quickly.

4. Drawing or collage. Consider each option pictorially. Your most attractive option may become apparent.

5. Use a dartboard. Notice how you feel when the dart hits its mark like flipping a coin. 

6. Sleep on it. It is still one of the most effective ways to find clarity.

7. Dream incubation. Write out the issue before going to bed. When you awake, consider any dream to be an answer to your query—or the question behind the question.

8. Dance each option. Which feels better in your body? Which flows through you more fluidly?

9. Sing. Make up a song about the decision. You may be surprised by what comes out of your mouth.

10. Try tarot cards or the I Ching. Consider these mysticism and divination tools for determining how you feel and think.

My next in-person workshop, Yoga and Osteoporosis, is on Tuesday, October 29. Because the first warning indicator of osteoporosis is frequently a fracture, it is often called the “silent thief” since it steals bone mass without any signs to indicate that this is happening until a fracture occurs.

Fragility or low-trauma fractures can sometimes happen spontaneously or easily from simple activities such as reaching, bending, twisting, coughing, or sneezing. These fractures can also occur following a minor injury, such as a fall from a standing height or less. If this has happened to you, join us to learn how to practice yoga safely.

A few spots are available, and there’s still time to register.

Have you made a decision yet about joining us? If you’re undecided, try one of the innovative techniques mentioned above, or trust your tried-and-true method.

I hope to see you in person at the workshop!

Click the button below to register.

With joy and gratitude,

Jeannine

Adapted from author’s content used under license, © Claire Communications

Upcoming Workshop: Yoga and Osteoporosis

Did you know that in Canada over 2.3 million Canadians are living with osteoporosis, and over 80% of all fractures in people 50+ are caused by the disease?

Did you know that most people can safely practice yoga even if diagnosed with osteoporosis?

If you are concerned about your existing yoga practice or wondering about starting a new one to become more active, join us on Tuesday, October 29, for a 2-hour “Yoga and Osteoporosis” workshop designed to provide a safe and beneficial yoga experience tailored for adults managing brittle bones.

This event welcomes new or experienced yoga enthusiasts who want to improve their understanding of bone health and learn safe yoga practices.

Using a BoneFit approach, you will learn:

• Osteoporosis fundamentals;

• Movements you should adapt/modify;

• Yoga poses you can continue practicing with proper guidance and instruction;

• Yoga postures you should avoid;

• Yoga poses you should continue to practice with appropriate guidance, instruction, and modification;

• How to work with yoga props;

• How to practice chair yoga.

Whether you’re currently managing osteoporosis or simply curious about spine-sparing movement techniques, this workshop offers valuable insights and practical strategies to enhance your overall wellbeing.

Don’t miss the opportunity to deepen your understanding of functional movement and bone health.

Space is limited. Secure your spot today and take the next step toward a safer, more supportive yoga practice.

Click on the link below to register.

With joy and gratitude,

Jeannine

Better Sleep Begins October 10th!

Are you ready to say goodbye to the frustration of restless nights?

Imagine waking up each morning feeling revitalized, energized, and ready to embrace the day ahead.

Introducing “No More Sleepless Nights,” my 6-week livestream online program for better sleep—designed to seamlessly blend yoga teachings and practices with the latest insights from sleep science.

This customizable journey goes beyond simple relaxation techniques; it is your path to unlocking the profound benefits of restorative sleep for your body, mind, and spirit.

“No More Sleepless Nights” incorporates Sleep Recovery™ methodology, which will help you:

• Enhance your physical health

• Reclaim your lost energy

• Improve your mental clarity

• Boost your emotional wellbeing

• Nurture your inner self

This is more than another self-help “better sleep” program. It is a transformative experience that empowers you to turn sleepless nights into serene slumber.

“I enjoyed finding reasons behind why falling asleep and staying asleep can be difficult, and ways to combat those reasons! I found the sleep sequence extremely helpful! My quality of sleep has increased a lot. I have found I am much more active during the day now, I have more energy throughout the day and go to sleep at an earlier time. The sleep recovery experience is wonderful knowledge to gain that will help you identify tools to regain positive sleep experiences!”

Rebecca M., Feb 2021

Uncover the restful sleep you’ve been yearning for and join our community for a transformative journey to better sleep. Together, we can say goodbye to sleepless nights. 

The program starts in seven days—on Thursday, October 10th—and only a few spots remain! Don’t spend another night tossing and turning.

I hope you’ll join us, whether you’re new to Sleep Recovery™ or would like a refresher. The course accommodates all levels of experience.

Click here for course details.

To register, email jeannine@studio71yoga.com or click on the button below.

Wishing you peaceful slumber,

Jeannine