Embracing Life’s Rhythms—Finding Joy Amidst Loss and Grief

Photo Credit: Sandy Millar (Unsplash)

Life is a beautiful journey filled with highs and lows, joys and sorrows.

Sometimes, as we navigate our path, we encounter loss and grief, which can test our resilience and strength.

Recently, I’ve experienced the departing of two beloved souls from my yoga community—Hélène Clément and Barbara Pavlich—as well as the loss of family members and acquaintances, reminding me of the profound truth that death and grieving are an integral part of life.

Today, I invite you to join me and delve into the transformative power of love, acceptance, and gratitude, discovering ways to uplift our spirits during times of loss.

  • Embrace Life’s Rhythms. Just as the ebb and flow of a yoga practice, life encompasses seasons of joy and sorrow. Embracing the natural rhythms of existence helps us recognize that even in moments of loss, there is an opportunity for growth and renewal. Allow yourself to grieve, but remember to celebrate the lives that graced your journey, cherishing their impact on your spiritual growth.

  • Cultivate a Supportive Community. During times of loss, surrounding yourself with loved ones and compassionate individuals can provide solace and comfort. Your yoga community is a powerful source of support and understanding. Lean on each other, share stories, and honour the memory of those who departed through collective practices or dedications. Together, we heal, uplift, and strengthen one another.

  • Focus on Gratitude. Gratitude can shift our perspective from loss to appreciation for the time, love, and experiences shared with those who have passed. Take a moment to reflect on the blessings they brought into your life each day. Recognize that their essence continues to inspire and guide your journey despite their absence.

  • Honour Their Legacy. Carry forward the lessons and values learned from those who have departed. Infuse their zest for life, love, and passion into your daily practices. Engaging in acts of kindness or dedicating your yoga practice to them can be powerful ways to keep their spirit alive within you.

  • Self-Care and Healing Rituals. During times of loss, prioritize self-care and honour the healing process. Engage in practices that nurture your mind, body, and soul. Incorporate gentle yoga, meditation, journaling, or mindful walks in nature. You can heal and find solace amidst the pain by devoting time to self-reflection and self-compassion.

  • Embrace Impermanence. Recognize that life is ever-changing and impermanent. Grief may linger, but it gradually softens with time. Embrace impermanence as a reminder to live fully, love deeply, and appreciate each moment. Let the memories of loved ones serve as inspiration to find joy and purpose in your journey.

Loss and grieving are experiences no one can escape—they are woven into the tapestry of life.

Yet, in the face of such heartache, we can find joy by embracing life’s rhythms, cultivating supportive communities, focusing on gratitude, honouring legacies, prioritizing self-care, and embracing impermanence.

As we stand united, sharing our joys and sorrows, we discover the strength to heal, grow, and honour those who have left footprints on our hearts.

Together, let’s cultivate resilience, celebrate life’s beauty, and find solace in the journey we all embark upon.

We are all part of each other’s story. I’m glad you’re part of mine.

With love, sorrow, joy and gratitude,

Jeannine

Self-Care as a Radical Act

A radical act is a courageous and transformative action that challenges established norms, systems, or power structures within society. Such acts usually arise from a profound dissatisfaction with current conditions and an understanding of the need for significant change.

I firmly believe that self-care is a radical act—often motivated by dissatisfaction with our present state of being.

At the start of the winter yoga session two weeks ago, several of you expressed your desire to focus on self-care throughout 2024. This bold step requires bravery, commitment, insight, and self-respect to change your circumstances.

Self-care can often take us out of our comfort zone as we delve into the root cause of our malaise, dis-ease and disease, and other issues. In this context, caring for our mind, body, and soul creates a solid foundation for personal growth, deeper connections, and improved wellbeing.

Let’s explore the transformative power of self-care and its potential to create positive change in our lives.

Defying societal norms. In a society that glorifies busyness, stress, and achievement, prioritizing self-care is an act of defiance. Society often dictates that success must come at the expense of our wellbeing and relationships. However, by consciously integrating self-care into our routine, we break free from these societal norms and strive for a more balanced and fulfilled life.

Cultivating a healthy relationship with oneself. Self-care goes beyond treating yourself to indulgences; it’s a practice that cultivates self-love, acceptance, and resilience. You establish a strong foundation rooted in self-worth and self-compassion by dedicating time to nourish your body with healthy meals, engaging in exercises that energize you, practices that ground you, and setting boundaries to protect your mental health.

Inspiring and empowering others. When we prioritize our wellbeing and actively engage in self-care practices, we become a living example for those around us. By caring for ourselves, we encourage others to do the same and pave the way for a collective shift towards a healthier, more balanced society. Our self-care choices ripple outwards, inspiring and empowering others to embrace their own self-care journeys.

Deepening connections. Practicing self-care allows us to show up fully present for ourselves and others. By nurturing our wellbeing, we bolster our emotional resilience and develop a greater capacity for empathy and compassion. This, in turn, strengthens our relationships, creating deeper connections and fostering a sense of community.

Enhancing personal growth. Self-care is not only crucial for our current wellbeing but also essential for our long-term personal growth. By providing ourselves with the necessary space and time to rest, reflect, and recharge, we create the conditions for self-discovery and self-awareness. This enables us to evolve into our authentic selves, embrace our strengths, and confront challenges that come our way with grace, resilience and equanimity.

Embracing self-care in an out-of-kilter, ultra-busy world is a radical act that promotes personal growth, deeper connections, and a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Winter yoga and meditation classes are still available if you want to get radical and prioritize self-care. Call or text me at 204-291-0439 if you’d like more information.

It’s not too late to join us! If your goal for 2024 is to take better care of yourself, I highly recommend this radical act of self-love.

With joy and gratitude,

Jeannine

Winter 2024 Yoga Starts this Saturday, January 6th!

I hope you’re doing well and are excited about 2024.

It’s hard to believe, but yoga classes start this Saturday, January 6th!

There are a variety of yoga sessions available for you to choose from. You can opt for energizing morning, gentle evening, chair, or Ashtanga-inspired yoga. All these sessions are conducted live and are interactive, so you receive feedback just like in person. The best part is that you can take these classes online from the comfort of your home.

You can also join me in person for Monday evening yoga (waitlist only).

Additionally, if you prefer a more tranquil experience, you can start your Tuesdays with guided meditation.

With so many options, there’s something for everyone. If you sign up for more than one weekly session, you

And don’t forget:

  • Enrolling in any of my Winter 2024 yoga programs gives you FREE access to 10 weeks of Tuesday morning guided yoga nidra meditation.

  • If you plan to sign up for two or more yoga sessions per week, please contact me by email before registering: jeannine@studio71yoga.com. You may be eligible for a wellness discount of up to 15% (terms and conditions apply).

If you’re having trouble sleeping, I want to tell you about two upcoming opportunities to help you restore your sleep naturally. Firstly, I’m offering an introductory workshop on January 11th (click here for details). Secondly, my six-week online interactive program begins on January 18th. Its holistic and unique methodology is designed to provide a life-changing experience that will leave you feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready to take on each day. To learn more about the program, please click here.

Remember to register for all classes/workshops/courses to secure your spot. Availability is limited, so if you haven’t already done so, sign up today!

For more information and to reserve your spot, please visit studio71yoga.com or click here. You can register online (credit card required) or pay by e-transfer to studio71yoga@gmail.com.

As always, feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

I wish you and your loved ones a joyful, healthy, and prosperous 2024 filled with quiet moments and contentment.

With love, joy, and gratitude,

Jeannine

Your New Year with Yoga, Meditation, and Better Sleep

With the start of a new year just around the corner, I’m writing to update you on upcoming offerings that will make you feel rejuvenated and ready to take on 2024 with renewed energy, balance, and mindfulness.

Live Interactive Online Yoga. My live interactive online group yoga classes are perfect for those of you who prefer the flexibility and comfort of practicing from home. These classes will begin again in the new year, offering diverse styles to cater to your individual needs. Whether you’re new to yoga or an experienced yogi, there’s something appropriate for everyone. Join me for an enriching online yoga experience from the comfort of your own living space.

In-Person Monday Evening Yoga. I’m pleased to share that my upcoming Monday evening yoga session has again reached full capacity. It’s incredible to see so many of you dedicated to prioritizing your self-care routines and finding balance in your busy lives. If you’ve already secured your spot, congratulations! If you missed out this time, fear not—stay tuned for future updates and openings. Let me know if you’d like to be added to the waitlist.

Tuesday Morning Guided Meditation. Join me every Tuesday morning for a guided meditation session. These yoga nidra sessions are designed to help you find inner peace and connect with your true self. What’s more, when you enroll in any of my Winter 2024 yoga programs, you can attend these classes for FREE (conditions apply). This is a great opportunity to deepen your meditation practice and improve your overall wellbeing.

No More Sleepless Nights. Are you tired of tossing and turning all night? Struggling with sleep disturbances and insomnia? Don’t worry, I’m here to help. Join me on a six-week online journey designed to revolutionize your sleep experience. Say goodbye to pills, potions, and gadgets. My signature course will help you restore your sleep naturally as you explore five essential aspects of a unique sleep recovery methodology. I’ll provide a comprehensive approach to understanding the various factors influencing your sleep, including the body, breath, mind, emotion, and soul. By addressing each of these elements, you’ll gain insight into how they affect your sleep and learn how to improve your sleep quality and quantity. But this course isn’t just a series of lessons. It’s a life-changing experience that will leave you feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready to take on the day. So why wait? Sign up for the course now and start your journey towards peaceful slumber. Don’t let sleepless nights hold you back any longer. To register, click here today!

Introducing Better Sleep. I invite you to join me for a live virtual workshop on January 11th. During this workshop, I’ll be giving an overview of my signature 6-week interactive online course, “No More Sleepless Nights,” which covers the five crucial aspects of sleep recovery: body, breath, mind, emotion, and soul. To learn more about the workshop, please click here.

As you know, pre-registration is required for all classes/workshops/courses to ensure each participant’s smooth and enjoyable experience.

My offerings begin on January 6th. If you haven’t already done so, sign up now and reserve your spot as availability is limited. For more information or to register, please visit studio71yoga.com. You can also click here if you’d like. Feel free to let me know if you have any questions.

As we wrap up another fantastic year together, I want to take a moment to extend my warmest wishes to you and your loved ones.

May 2024 be filled with good health, endless opportunities, joyful moments, and incredible achievements.

Here’s to a year brimming with growth, success, and contentment.

Happy New Year!

With love, joy and gratitude,

Jeannine

108 Sun Salutations and Lessons Learned

Photo Credit: Yoga Public (Facebook) Dec 2016

Last week, I introduced you to santosha and the 108 Sun Salutations challenge. If you didn’t have the chance to read my newsletter/blog, you can click on this link to access it.

Please keep reading if the topic caught your attention.

A “sun salutation” is a dynamic sequence of seven yoga postures (Surya namaskar A) combining specific breathing patterns with movement and mindfulness, honouring the sun and symbolizing vitality, warmth, and light in our lives. This sequence is usually repeated 3-5 times to prepare for other postures by warming up the body.

Performing 108 consecutive sun salutations, also known as a “108 Sun Salutations challenge,” honours transitions—such as solstices and equinoxes—or brings peace, respect and understanding during a tragedy. This intense, rigorous physical and mental endeavour requires focus, strength, stamina, and determination.

The First Challenge

During the spring of 2016, when I was in my late fifties, I attended a yoga session at Yoga Public in Winnipeg along with about 30 other yoga enthusiasts. This was my first time participating in a 108 Sun Salutations challenge, which was an unforgettable experience.

Standing in samasthiti (equal standing posture) at the top of my mat, I initially felt a mix of excitement and nervousness, knowing that I was about to embark on a demanding physical practice—and almost everyone in the room was much younger than I was.

As I started to breathe deeply and prepared for the first sun salutation, my body began to warm up, and I settled into the flow of the sequence. I coordinated my breath with the movements, inhaling and exhaling as instructed, to transition between poses. Initially, I found the flow smooth and effortless. However, as repetitions increased, I noticed my muscles working harder, and fatigue started setting in.

The teacher, Shivaun Berg, counted out the salutations in sets of ten, and after three sets, I noticed a change in my ujjayi breathing pattern. It became louder, more rhythmic and controlled, helping me find a meditative state. The physical intensity of the practice began to merge with the mental focus required to complete each repetition.

As I continued to do more sets of sun salutations, I started sweating, and my heartbeat increased. The tiredness became even more pronounced, and I began to doubt if I could complete all 108 sequences. This was a crucial moment where I had to keep my mind focused. By concentrating on ujjayi, I managed to push through the physical discomfort and turned into a human metronome.

Around the halfway mark, I experienced significant physical and mental exhaustion. Thoughts of giving up crept into my mind, but I drew on my inner strength and determination to continue. The mental battle became just as important as the physical one.

Approaching what I hoped was the final set of sun salutations, I was filled with a mix of relief, pride, and exhaustion. I dug deep within myself, finding a newfound sense of resilience and power through the remaining repetitions.

The sense of accomplishment and euphoria upon completing the 108th sun salutation was overwhelming. Yet, simultaneously, I experienced a profound, transformative sense of accomplishment and inner peace, knowing that I had pushed my boundaries and achieved something challenging and gratifying.  

The Third (and last) Challenge

My first and second challenges gave me a deep sense of inner strength, resilience, and peace. However, introspection washed over me during my third attempt at the 108 Sun Salutations in December 2016.

A few thoughts surfaced as I moved through the repetitive motions: Why am I doing this? When will enough be enough? Can I really do this now that I’m 59 years old? As these questions persisted, I realized the importance of finding contentment, santosha, in the face of adversity.

Santosha teaches us to find contentment in the present moment, to overcome challenges, and to enjoy the journey instead of focusing on the outcome or constantly striving for more.

With this renewed awareness, I shifted my perspective and focused on cultivating gratitude for my mind and body’s strength and resilience. I reminded myself that I was not taking on this challenge to prove anything to anyone but to deepen my connection with myself and my practice.

As I continued to flow through the sun salutations, I tapped into a wellspring of resolve and inner peace. The questioning and doubts that had initially arisen transformed into a quiet confidence that I was exactly where I needed to be at that moment.

With each repetition, I embraced the crushing discomfort, not as a sign of weakness but as an opportunity for growth. I no longer fixated on the number of sun salutations but relished the physical sensations and mental fortitude required to persevere.

As I neared the end of the challenge, a sense of serenity enveloped me. I recognized that my journey was not solely about reaching a specific physical goal but about unravelling the layers of my self-doubt and discovering the depths of my inner strength.

Finally, as I completed the 108th sun salutation, a surge of elation and fulfillment washed over me. Once again, I had pushed beyond my perceived limitations and found solace in embracing santosha along the way.

This experience taught me that the answer to “when is enough enough” lies within ourselves. It’s a personal journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance. By cultivating santosha, we can find contentment in the present moment, regardless of our external challenges.

Embracing Santosha

Reflecting on my three 108 Sun Salutations “wins,” I’m grateful for the lessons learned and the growth experienced. I carry the spirit of santosha, reminding myself to find joy in the journey and embrace contentment in my yoga practice and all aspects of my life.

I hope I’ve inspired you to find contentment in your own life.

Just as the principle of santosha encourages us to seek peace amidst chaos, the number 108 reminds us of the interconnectedness of all beings and our place in the cosmic dance of life.

Let’s all embrace the essence of santosha and find contentment within ourselves, living harmoniously with the world around us, supporting and uplifting one another every step of the way.

I look forward to seeing you at Studio 71 Yoga in 2024, where we will NOT be practicing 108 sun salutations. For the upcoming offerings, please click here.

In the meantime, I wish you and yours a peaceful, safe, and joyful holiday season and a mindful start to the new year.

With joy, gratitude and contentment,

Jeannine