Pacific Elements Yoga Blog

Tonight is the full moon of Guru Purnima, the full moon in July in which we honour the Guru, the teacher. I have just finished a weekend intensive with Certified Anusara Yoga teacher Noah Maze and am in my hotel room at the moment writing this blog, feeling very full (purna) from my experience. I always find the last day of a workshop or training to be emotional- the combo of physical and mental exhaustion due to radical expansion on multiple levels combined with the let down of having to shift back into "ordinary" time out of the focused and sacred time of learning with the teacher (guru) and the community (kula) is always a somewhat tricky transition for me. I am grateful that I have a long bus ride home tomorrow to allow me integration and digestion time before I jump back into to things. Because receiving the teachings is one thing- and putting them into everyday practice and living them in real time is another. These focused moments out of the normal routine are incredibly helpful in allowing for shifts in how I align myself in regards to my deepest intentions and without them I could easily forget the infinite nature of this work and the endless possiblities for expansion that it promises. The time that I spend as a student is so very precious to me, beyond words really...

In honour of this full moon of Guu Purnima I want to give thanks to all the amazing teachers who have inspired me on my path and to whom I owe a huge debt of gratitude. There is no greater gift that I know of than the one the teacher gives to the student when they inspire the student to uncover the potential within themselves. Lives can be changed in moments simply through that exchange....So tonight I offer all that is bright and joyful in my life today at the feet of my teachers because without them I would never have had the ability to appreciate it and recognize it.

Thank you Dionne, for your enthusiasm and delight. For showing me the path to the light.

Thank you Ifat, for changing the course of my life and teaching me the value of personal responsibility. I owe you everything.

Thank you Gloria, for your kindness and your love. Your friendship was a balm to my soul during such a difficult time in my life.

Thank you Fiona and Julian for teaching me the yogas of devotion and discipline, and helping me to find those qualities in myself.

Thank you Shiva for teaching me how to dance! Your freedom and absolute comfort  in your body continues to inspire me.

Thank you Mugs for introducing me to the wisdom of the yoga tradition found in it's sacred texts. You have sparked a desire for knowledge that will keep my busy for many lifetimes to come.

Thank you Lalitha for all your words of wisdom- you are often in my thoughts. Jai Guru!

Thank you Christina for your passion and your knowledge, and for encouraging me to dig a deep hole with the Anusara method- life has been an explosion of joy since my first class with you and I will forever be grateful to you for being my first teacher in this fabulous method.

Thank you Robin for nourishing me with your deep wisdom, authenticity, and integrity. I look forward to many more long hours learning at your feet.

Thank you Chris for all the LOVE! Your incredibly generous nature and joyful enthusiasm are a great gift to your students.  In a world that can be so cold and cynical you are the fire that warms the heart.

Thank you to all the teachers I have had the opportunity to study with for one class, a weekend, or longer- each and every one of you has gifted me something special and I hold all of you in my heart.

Om Namah Shivaye!

This past weekend we hosted the fabulous Robin Golt at Coastal Bliss Yoga Studio for an exploration of Anusara Yoga and Siva Sakti Tantra. We had a wonderful group of participants who all committed to the entire weekend which allowed us to create a mood of real focus. It was a deeply nourishing and inspirational weekend.

One of my favorite themes that Robin worked with over the weekend was the concept of slowing down time. Like many people I often find myself lamenting the fact that there isn't enough time in a day and despite my best intentions can end up running around flustered and frantic. Robin invited us to work slowly and consciously (and keep the thigh bones back!) while we made our way through a delicious forward bending and hip opening practice and for a while it seemed as if we truly were slowing down time and entering a state of timelessness.....

As time moves on and I am preparing to head into the busyness of a Tofino summer I am grateful that I had this chance to step back and enjoy sharing in yoga with my teacher and my local kula. I hope to bring the spaciousness and the steadiness that I was able to access this weekend past into the activity of the exciting months to come.

Heartfelt thanks to all of you who participated in the weekend- it truly was a delight to dive deep with all of you.

The third chakra is known as Manipura Chakra, or the City of Shining Jewels. Located in the area of the solar plexus it's essence is Personal Will and Manifestation. It is a masculine power center, ruled by the element of Fire and when it is in balance we feel confident, energetic, and generous. We have the energy we need and confidentce necessary to make manifest our personal vision. When this area is unbalanced (deficient) we may feel weak, shy, and fearful, lacking confidence. When this area is excessive we may struggle with our appetites or find ourselves in constant power struggles. On a physical level the Manipura Chakra rules the digestive system so imbalance may show up as chronic digestive concerns.

A regular practice of Hatha Yoga undertaken with the guidance of a supportive teacher is a great way to build self confidence. I will never forget the day I found myself doing an advanced posture with the help of my teacher, not 3 days after saying "I will never be able to do that pose"- in that moment I realized that there were probably many things I was capable of that I was unaware of and made a decision not to limit myself with statements like "I can't" anymore. I continue to surprise myself regularly now.

Below are some postures that help to strengthen will and focus, providing a good level of challenge for newer yoga students. All balance poses, core strengthening poses, and twists will help to stimulate Manipura Chakra. Because they are fiery postures I have included a seated forward bend at the end to encourage a harmonius flow of energy. If you are feeling tired and need a pick me up you can leave the forward bend out.

Virabhadrasana 2-Warrior 2

Virabhadrasana 3- Warrior 3

Parvrita Parsvakonasana- Revolved Side Angle Pose

Phalakasana- Plank Pose

Chaturanga Dandasana- Four Limbed Staff Pose

Navasana- Boat Pose

Table Top Pose

Paschimottanasana- West Facing Stretch