Wine, Golf, Beaches, and…Yoga Begins Tomorrow

I recently spent ten days in Osoyoos, a serene and spiritual place in the Okanagan Valley region of British Columbia.

The spring landscape was stunning, and I unexpectedly felt a deep connection to the sacred indigenous land. It rejuvenated my spirit and helped prepare me for the Spring 2024 yoga session (which begins tomorrow, Monday, April 15th).

Osoyoos has something for everyone—wine enthusiasts, golfers (although I’m not one), beach lovers and avid walkers like me. The area boasts a fantastic abundance of wineries, providing the perfect opportunity to sample some of the finest wines in the region. The long stretch of beaches offers a tranquil setting for relaxation, reflection, and meditative walking.

For golfers, Osoyoos and the surrounding areas have much to offer. By the way…practicing a few essential yoga stretches can help you prepare for time on the course and is beneficial after finishing your golf round. The more frequently you practice, the more noticeable the results will be both on and off the course. You can click here for more details.

Osoyoos’ beauty and serenity are noteworthy, and I feel grateful to have had the opportunity to immerse myself in its tranquillity.

As the Spring 2024 yoga session begins Monday, April 15th, remember that if you don’t succeed at first, try again. In yoga, just like in life, there are moments when we stumble and fall. It’s not about avoiding failure but finding the strength and determination to try again.

Each time you step onto your mat, you have a chance to start fresh, to let go of past shortcomings, and to approach your practice with a renewed sense of commitment. Remember that progress is not always linear, and setbacks are a natural part of any journey.

So, if a pose feels out of reach or your mind is restless, take a deep breath, centre yourself, and try again (this works great on the golf course, too). Embrace the process, celebrate small victories, and trust your ability to grow and evolve with each attempt.

In the words of an unknown author, “Mistakes are proof that you are trying.”

Keep trying, keep learning, and keep growing. Your mat is waiting for you, ready to support you as you navigate the ups and downs of your practice. Try again, and see how far you can go.

There’s still time to register for classes.

  • A spot has become available for in-person Monday evening gentle yoga.

  • Join me on Tuesday mornings for free guided meditation classes.

  • If you prefer live interactive online yoga, check out my offerings at studio71yoga.com.

Please feel free to contact me if you would like more information.

I look forward to seeing you.

With joy and gratitude,

Jeannine

Complimentary Yoga Nidra Classes

In loving memory of Barbara Pavlich and Hélène Clément, cherished former members of my yoga community, please join me for a 9-week series of COMPLIMENTARY Yoga Nidra classes during Spring 2024.

Give yourself the gift of deep relaxation and self-care through yoga nidra guided meditations on Tuesday mornings while honouring the spirit of Barbara and Hélène, two beloved members of Studio 71 Yoga’s community. 

Classes begin on April 16th.

May this series of guided meditation classes serve as a gentle reminder of the importance of mindfulness, healing and connection.

Experience the Benefits of Live Online Yoga—Register Today!

Are you tired of rushing to your yoga studio after a long day at work? Or do you love to travel but would like to take advantage of your regular yoga classes? Well, worry no more.

In this modern age of technology, you can experience the transformational power of live, interactive yoga classes with me from the comfort and convenience of your home, office, or vacation property.

Imagine practicing yoga anywhere (wifi connection required) without any restrictions.

Experience the benefits of yoga without ever leaving your comfort zone.

CONVENIENCE

PERSONALIZED ATTENTION

COMMUNITY

FLEXIBILITY

NO NEED TO RUSH TO A STUDIO

PRACTICE FROM ANYWHERE WITH AN INTERNET CONNECTION

ARE YOU READY TO TAKE YOUR VIRTUAL YOGA EXPERIENCE TO THE NEXT LEVEL?

  • By participating in my live online interactive yoga sessions, you can escape the chaos of everyday life and focus solely on your well-being, creating a sacred space within your own environment for self-care and rejuvenation.

  • With the ability to control your environment, you can dim the lights, light candles and your aromatherapy diffuser, and customize the ambiance and room temperature to enhance your yoga practice, deepening your mind-body connection.

  • Not having to commute to and from the studio saves you time and money and reduces the stress of battling traffic trying to get to the yoga studio on time.

  • You can practice in comfortable, casual clothing with your kids and furry friends in the room, and there’s no worry about spreading germs to others if you’re feeling unwell.

  • With video cameras and microphones ‘on,’ my live online yoga also fosters a sense of community and connection, overcoming geographical boundaries.

  • Engaging in real-time interactions, exchanging experiences, and sharing your yoga journey with like-minded individuals is a powerful source of motivation and support.

  • Your virtual community becomes a nurturing and inclusive space where you and fellow yoga enthusiasts can explore together, regardless of experience or ability.

  • You receive individual attention with real-time feedback from me during live online classes, just like in-person classes.

There’s still time to register for Spring 2024!

Join my online yoga community today and experience the true power of yoga in the digital age.

Spring 2024 Offerings at Studio 71 Yoga

Yoga Class Series (UPDATES)

Despite the uncooperative weather (there’s still snow on the ground in Winnipeg), I’m thrilled to announce the Spring 2024 series of offerings at Studio 71 Yoga.

Classes begin on Monday, April 15th.

Registration is open and can be conveniently completed online (credit card payment required). If you prefer to pay by e-transfer, that option is also available—contact me about the classes you plan to attend, I’ll process your registration, and then you can send your e-transfer to studio71yoga@gmail.com.

Please visit my website (click here) to explore the wide range of offerings, which include gentle yoga, vigorous Ashtanga, chair yoga, events such as sound bath journeys, FREE guided meditation classes, and more.

There’s ONE SPACE available for the in-person Monday evening gentle yoga group classes. Reserve your spot now to avoid missing out!

Private classes are also an option. If you’re considering improving your overall health and wellbeing, look no further than a personalized yoga practice. With individual attention and guidance, you can experience an accessible yoga practice 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.

Guided Meditation Classes (NEW)

On Tuesday mornings, I’m offering FREE guided meditation classes—iRest Yoga Nidra—as a tribute to the memory of former yoga students Barbara Pavlich and Hélène Clément.

Developed by psychologist and yogic scholar Dr. Richard Miller, iRest is a research-based transformative meditation practice that provides tools for managing stress, improving sleep, and fostering a sense of wellbeing.

Give yourself the gift of deep relaxation and self-care on Tuesday mornings while honouring the spirit of two beloved members of Studio 71 Yoga’s community.

Sound Bath Journeys (SOLD OUT)

I’m delighted to see such enthusiasm for my upcoming Sound Bath Journeys with Rachel Nelson, an intuitive sound healing guide (April 30th and March 23rd.)

Thank you to everyone who secured their spot early. Rachel and I are truly grateful. Due to popular demand both events sold out before I had the chance to formally inform everyone about these offerings.

I have opened a waitlist for both dates. If there are any cancellations and you’re on the waitlist, I’ll be in touch to offer you the opportunity to join these blissful sessions.

If you missed out on the chance to experience the sound baths, email me your preferred date and contact information so I can add you to the waitlists. Please do this as soon as possible, as spots may become available and you will be contacted on a first-come, first-served basis.

I’m taking some time off and will return to my yoga classes refreshed and ready to serve again.

I look forward to seeing you in mid-April.

With joy and gratitude,

Jeannine



The Mystical Sound Om/AUM (pravana)

Three years ago, during a live yoga class on Zoom, one of my students asked me about the Om symbol in the centre of the lotus on the wall of my yoga/office space, as seen in the photo below. The student found the symbol complicated for something that seemed simple.

I explained that Om was a complex symbol and promised to discuss it in more detail someday.

Recently, another yoga student asked me about Om, and I briefly shared my thoughts.

I have decided to share my writing on this topic again.

The Yoga tradition and teachings originating in the subcontinent of India span over five millennia. The metaphysical complexities associated with the syllable Om are deeply layered, and many scholarly works expound on the richness and sophistication of this mantra (chant). Numerous academics have made this their life work. 

Below is my not-so-scholarly attempt at explaining the meaning of Om.

Om, both a sound and a symbol rich in meaning and depth, is often chanted at the beginning and end of a yoga class, sometimes three times, as a way of acknowledging associated triads, some of which are:

  • Time: past, present and future

  • Divinity: creation, preservation and transformation

  • Spirit: immortality, omniscience and joy

The Sanskrit syllable Om is said to be the origin of all sounds. Sound is a form of energy and vibration, and Om is thus considered the primordial vibration from which all else emerged. With roots in Hinduism, the widely recognized Om sound is also found in Buddhism, Sikhism, and Jainism. In Hinduism, Om refers to Atman (soul, self within) and Brahma (the Absolute, the nature of truth, ultimate reality, the entirety of the universe).

Reverend Jaganath Carrera, a longtime disciple of Sri Swami Satchidananda, states the following:

 “The identity of primordial sound with God as the creative force of the universe is not limited to Raja Yoga. It is a principle found in many spiritual traditions. The Bible declares, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God” (John 1.1). The Rig Veda, one of the most ancient scriptures in the world, contains a similar passage: “In the beginning was Brahman (God) and with Brahman was shabda (primordial sound) and shabda was truly the Supreme Brahman.”

The mystical sound Om, the oldest and one of the shortest Vedic mantras known to the ancient sages of India, is considered by many in the contemporary yoga world to be a sacred syllable, a sacred sound, a sacred single-syllable mantra. Sometimes, Om is chanted 108 times (see the YouTube video below).

What is perhaps less known among contemporary yoga practitioners is that the Om syllable contains three constituent parts/letters: A + U + M. When the A and U are combined, forming a long O sound, the chant typically sounds like, “Aaaaaaauuuuuummmmmm…”

As mentioned above, the three parts of AUM represent the past, the present, and the future. They also symbolize the conscious (waking) state, the dream state, and the dreamless state (deep sleep), amongst other representations such as the triad of Divinity: Brahma (the creator), Vishnu (the maintainer), and Shiva (the destroyer) of the universe. In addition, a silent echo at the end of Om/AUM is described in the Mandukya Upanishad as the cessation of the visible world, tranquil, auspicious, without a second.

The most common written representation of the Om symbol ॐ is a ligature in standard Devanagari form, an ancient, left-to-right pseudo-alphabet writing system of South Asia, combining ओ (au) and chandrabindu (ँ, ṃ). This symbol resembles the number three with a looping tail, with the addition of a large dot placed above an upturned crescent.

The symbol for Om should be treated with respect. Having it tattooed on the body or printed on clothing, mugs, or even a yoga mat where our feet might step on it is disrespectful to many Hindus, yoga practitioners, and others. It is also considered a form of cultural appropriation. Knowingly offending others in this way violates ahimsa or non-harming, the first of Patanjali’s yamas (moral observances).

Since Om is the basic sound of the universe, chanting Om acknowledges within us that we are symbolically and physically connected to nature, all living beings, and the universe. 

When we chant Om—Aaaaaaauuuuuummmmmm—the vibrations produced can calm the body and mind. This is because they help to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for our rest-and-digest response. As a result, we can experience a sense of focus, relaxation, and calmness.

I hope you enjoy the YouTube video “Om 108 Times - Music for Yoga & Meditation”.

With joy and gratitude,

Jeannine