February is mindfulness month at Wavelengths Yoga.  In our classes, we're looking at various aspects of mindfulness and applying them to motion and stillness.  The wonderful thing about mindfulness practice is that it has the tendency to creep off the mat and into your life.  And before you know it, you're feeling more positive, able to be more focused, finding greater power over addictions and generally dealing better with everyday stresses.

What better month to be mindful in than February.  February, the month so dreary that the government had to add a holiday (Family Day, February 20) just to cheer us up during the shortest, grayest month of the year. Yes, our regular Monday classes will be running on Family day!

For some, Valentine's Day is a bright spark in the middle of the month, while for others, this day serves to highlight loneliness. Whether this time brings you joy, or sends you into a slump, practicing mindfulness is a wonderful way to ease through the month of February. 

Try this, right now:

Sit up straight with your feet flat on the floor.  Close your eyes and simply pay attention to your body.  Notice where you feel tension (without judging it!) or discomfort.  Are you able to relax those areas once you notice them?  Again, make no judgements, even if you find it difficult or impossible to relax.  Then, begin to notice the flow of energy in your body.  This is quite subtle.  You may feel your heart beat, or feel some heat/cold or tingling in various areas of your body.  The rhythm of your breath also indicates energy flow in the body, so you can place your awareness on your breath. Take another minute or two to observe this subtle flowing energy in your body, noticing when your mind wanders and gently bringing it back to your body and its subtle energy flow.

Read about the various programs we're offering this winter and spring to help you to cultivate the healing power of mindfulness more fully in your life! 

Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Program

Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is an 8 week program developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn, Ph.D. at the Center for Mindfulness in Massachusetts (US) in 1979. Since then, the program has been taught in hospitals, health care centres, yoga studios, private clinics and other places, all over the world.

Research continues to find links between mindfulness and happiness. Last Saturday, a CBC Radio program explored recent research on mindfulness, meditation and happiness.  

Simply put: people who practice mindfulness meditation, tend to be happier. You can follow a link to the CBC radio program and read more about the Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction program being offered at Wavelengths this spring at our website:  

 www.wavelengthsyoga.com/mindfulness.htm.

Dates: Tuesdays, March 20 - May 8, 7:00 - 9:30 p.m. and all day Sunday, April 22, 2012.

Cost:  $200 (sliding scale available)

Information session:

Please come to this information session to find out more about the MBSR program and meet the instructor.  You can also register at that time (cheque or cash).  Credit card payment is available at www.wavelengthsyoga.com/mindfulness.htm (prior approval from the instructor is required.  Details on the site.)

Date: Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Time: 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. 
Location: Wavelengths Yoga, 2351 County Rd. 45, Norwood 

 Thank You!

On Saturday, January 14, we held an open house at the studio. Thanks to those who came out to say hello, experience our warm floors, and enjoy some of the delicious food provided by Louise Racine of Thirteen Moons in Norwood.  

We had some distinguished guests, including (back row), Casey Beecroft, owner of Cat Sass; Tony Tavares, owner of Norwood Holistic Healing Centre; myself; and Mayor Doug Pearcy.  In the front row are Abby, Valerie and Eli Partington. 

Winter/Spring Workshops are filling fast

Meditation Classes with Tony Tavares: Tony brings many years of experience teaching and practicing various styles of meditation, and in this experiential workshop, he will guide you in these ancient healing practices. All levels are welcome.  This workshop is now full.  

Dates: Tuesday evenings in February, 6:30 - 7:45 p.m.
Cost: $40 +HST

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Bhagavad Gita: Study this important and fascinating ancient yoga text with Dolphi Wertenbaker from New York, senior teacher and student of TKV Desikachar.  Space is very limited and preference will be given to yoga teachers and those enrolled in a teacher training program.  This workshop is now full.  

Dates: Saturday, February 18, 2:30-5:30 
and Sunday, February 19, 9:30 - 5:30
Cost: $165 +HST (including lunch)

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Partner Yoga: Engage in a playful class, where we support one another to gain greater ease and stability in the postures.  Come alone or bring a friend.  Taught by Caroline Owen and Gord Langill. There is still space in this workshop.

Date: March 11, 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Cost: $39 +HST 

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Equestrian Yoga: Posture, breathing and stretches for a more comfortable, connected ride. Taught by Caroline Owen.  There are a few remaining spaces in this workshop.

Date: Friday, April 6 (Good Friday), 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Cost: $26 +HST 

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Workshop are updated regularly at:
www.wavelengthsyoga.com/workshops.html  

NEW - 200 hour teacher training starts September, 2012.  See www.wavelengthsyoga.com/teacher_training.htm or pick up a brochure at the studio.