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May, 2012

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Teacher Training
Laughter Yoga
New Posture Manual
Summer Programs
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 May, 2012


Dear

 

kelly mcgonigalHave you ever had a craving?  You knew you shouldn't but you really really wanted it, so you justified it somehow and gave in.  Later, you felt cheated because your short-term desire for pleasure had trumped your long-term goals...again.

Last month, at a workshop with Kelly McGonigal, author of "The Willpower Instinct," I learned why that happens and what can be done to strengthen the "willpower muscle".

I often hear from students...I'd love to practice yoga more regularly, but I can't seem to get to the mat between classes."  Or, they want to lose weight, but can't stop themselves from heading to the cupboard, fridge or freezer, when boredom sets in. They'd really like to quit smoking, but it seems impossible.

 

These are common stories.  The pleasure of immediate gratification gets in the way of our larger goals.  We forget what we really want in the face of what we want NOW.  Physiologically, a part of our brain (called the pre-frontal cortex) is our willpower centre.  The pre-frontal cortex (PFC) is quite sensitive to changes in physical energy; it gets tired and weak.  If you're stressed out, tired and running on reserve, research shows what we already know: you won't have much in the willpower department.  At that point the more primitive part of the brain kicks in, releasing a chemical (dopamine) that makes us think that what we want is critical to our survival.  That cupcake in the bakery window becomes a matter of life or death as far as our brains are concerned.

 

willpower instinctThere are tools we can use to help us overcome willpower challenges.  The two best ways that research has uncovered are: mindfulness meditation and physical exercise (even mild movement), two foundational aspects of yoga.

 

Other helpful things: getting enough sleep; eating a mostly plant-based diet of whole foods, and having self-compassion.  There are also several exercises offered in her book, "The Willpower Instinct" to help strengthen your "willpower muscle".  

 

Whether you have a specific willpower goal, or not, practicing mindful yoga helps to build your willpower stamina in all aspects of your life.  Studies have also shown that mindful yoga increases happiness, reduces stress and builds self-compassion, qualities that have also been shown to improve willpower.  

 

Spring Yoga Classes - there's still space

There is still room in classes that begin this week, though space in some is very limited.  You can join anytime in the session, provided there's space.  You only pay for the remaining classes.
 
The spring session runs for 8 weeks from April 30 - June 22.  You can view the schedule here:  www.wavelengthsyoga.com/current_schedule.htm.  You can register for classes online here:  www.wavelengthsyoga.com/register_online.htm.  

Student Teachers

Please welcome students from our Teacher Training Program who will be observing classes during the spring session.  They will be taking notes and watching the classes as a way of learning more about the art of teaching yoga.  

New Date: Yoga Teacher Training Program Information Session

Date: Friday, May 25, 2012

Time: 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Location: Wavelengths Yoga, 2351 County Rd. 45, Norwood
Cost: Free, please drop us an email at wavelengths@gmail.com to let us know you're coming.

 

Our new 2012-2013 Information Package is available at: www.wavelengthsyoga.com/teacher_training.htm.  

You'll also find the dates and application form on the same page. 

 

The 200 hour course runs from September, 2012 - June, 2013.  
The application DEADLINE is June 1, 2012.

 

The next 300 hour course will be offered from September 2013 - December 2014.  The next 200 hour course will be offered beginning in September, 2015.  

 

teaching circle

 

We offer both 200 hour and 300 hour programs, which can be combined to receive a 500 hour certification, the highest level of certification recognized by Yoga Alliance. For those who have graduated from the 200 hour program, consider taking the additional 300 hours starting in September, 2013. Graduates from other schools' 200 hour courses may be required to complete an integration course to be considered for the 500 hour certification program.

Laughter Yoga 

Love to laugh? Laughter is pure medicine.  It connects us to other, ourselves, and the present moment through joyful vibration.  Laughter brings energy, clarity and connection to oneself and others.

 

In this training, the participants will learn the theory, practice, and facilitation skills to share laughter yoga with others.  You do not have to be a yoga instructor to take part in this workshop.  All who are willing to laugh for the joy of it and want to share that joy with others are welcome

 

Please join us.

 

Dates: Friday, June 1 - Sunday, June 3

Times: Friday 7 - 8:30, Saturday and Sunday - 8:00 - 5:00

Cost: $295 plus HST ($250 before May 1, 2012)

Instructor: Simeon Darwick

 

To register or learn more: www.wavelengthsyoga.com/workshops.html  

 

New Manual of Yoga Postures Coming Soon

  

I have just ordered a number of copies of this fabulous new book on Asana (yoga postures) compiled by my teacher, Kausthub Desikachar, with Sangeetha Kannan (my Internship Supervisor at the KYM in India).

 

This reference book catalogues over 250 yoga postures, including the origin, classification, and sequencing (vinyasa krama) for each.

 

It is an invaluable resource for the yoga teacher as well as student of yoga.  

  

 

 

You can pre-order your copy of this hard-cover, 560 page manual now.  The cost is $50, plus HST ($56.50) total).  

 

If you are interested in the history and philosophy of yoga, there are two wonderful books by TKV Desikachar, available through Amazon.  

 

 

and 

 

Health, Healing and BeyondGo to Amazon.ca to view a description.

Summer Programs

  

northern edge yoga

Join me for a 4 day retreat just outside Algonquin park.  The Northern Edge is a charming eco-retreat located on the west side of the park.  This retreat is for women only, and will be an opportunity to relax and renew, connect with nature, yourself, others and your inherent joy and happiness.  


To learn more about this, and the other trips I'm leading this summer 
(Canoeing on NWT's Nahanni River, and a Wild Yoga Retreat in remote Bella Coola, BC), visit our website.

 

Dates: August 23 - 26, 2012

Please email wavelengths@gmail.com for full trip description and pricing.

 

Best wishes,

Caroline