60 Minute Yoga Flo Podcast

A 60 minute Yoga Flo sequence.
Thanks Jason Kent for the music & to Tim for figuring out how to post it.

http://centredeyoga.netfirms.com/Podcast/60minPODCAST.mp3

Luna Yoga Teacher Training

After much thought, encouragement, and a little bit of pushing... we've finally decided to offer a Luna Yoga Teacher Training! Although I was a little reluctant at first, now that we're in the full swing of planning, I'm super excited!

At first 200 hours seemed like so much time to fill, but after having met with all the participating teachers and hearing their thoughts & proposals, it's a challenge to fit in all the amazing ideas. We've got such a good group together, and everyone is super enthusiastic about their topics. I feel super lucky to be working with such a great team, and am excited about the material we've put together.

We just posted up the training info on our web site last week and already we have 3 registrations! The response has been amazing! We've decided to cap it at 20 people max... if you're interested let us know asap.

Starts May 20th, 2011
Info & registration: http://www.centrelunayoga.com/training.htm

Detox Flo Yoga Workshop Playlist

I couldn't figure out how to properly post a playlist (with links to iTunes, etc), so I've written out the track titles with the artists name. If anyone knows a better way, please share!

Detox Flo Yoga Workshop (Jan 30th, 2011)
Warrior Dub by Alex Theory
Jaia Ganesha by Dum Dum Project
Rock on Hanuman by MC Yogi
Tribute to Ms. Lonely by Milkman
A Little Bit of Riddim by Michael Franti & Spearhead
Jive Talkin' by Bee Gees
Krishna Love by MC Yogi
Everybody Ona Move by Michael Franti & Spearhead
Stayin' Alive by Bee Gees
Twin Soul by Kaya Project
Wicked Are Good by Wade Imre Morissette
Rap Music Is Beneath Me by Milkman
Axel F by Harold Faltermeyer
U.K. Girls (lets get physical mix) by Goldfrapp
Chakra Beatbox by MC Yogi
Second Hand News by Fleetwood Mac
Son of Shiva by MC Yogi
Om Namah Shivaya by Wade Imre Morisette
Zebra by Beach House
Love is Real by Jason Kent (written by John Lennon)
Shiva Invocation by Benjy Wertheimer
Mega OM by Frank Natale

Yoga Teacher Trainings...

People often ask me when I am going to give a teacher training... Although we don't have anything set in stone yet, we are starting to think about it, and hoping to plan one for 2011. In the meantime, here's my advice on choosing a teacher training...

Before you commit to one training, it's definitely a good idea to check out your options. I recommend going and taking classes with the teacher who will be giving the training, and chatting with them after class to get a feel for the focus of the training, and to see if you connect with them (if you don't like the teacher, it's going to be a long and painful training). Make sure you check out several different teachers/styles before settling.

Before you get to the training part, make sure you have a committed practice, build it up to 3-5 times a week. Most trainings require at least one year of regular practice. Also, attend workshops/retreats, these are a great way to deepen your practice before jumping into a full on training.

A big question to ask yourself is "Am I taking this training to deepen my own practice?" or "Am I taking this training to learn how to teach?". Some trainings are geared more on the philosophy and practice, and some are more focused on teaching how to teach. It depends what you are looking for. If you're looking to deepen your own practice, you might want to focus on workshops/retreats and reading books/scriptures at your own pace...

To help us with the planning of our training, let us know what you'd like to learn more about.

Here's a list of some of the trainings in Montreal:
http://ashtangamontreal.com/community/?cat=9
http://www.lynestroch.com/fr/cours/formation.php
http://www.mokshayogamontreal.com/English/index.htm
http://www.naada.ca/teacher-training/
http://www.sattvayogashala.com/workshops.html
http://www.sivananda.org/montreal/English/TTC.htm
http://www.unitedyogamontreal.com/training.html
http://www.yoga-sangha.com/FormationProfessorale/Programme.aspx
http://www.yogamontreal.com/pages/teacher_trainings.php

Outside Montreal:
http://www.blissology.com/offerings/blissology-teacher-training/
http://www.jivamuktiyoga.com/fms/index.html
http://www.tranquilspace.com/teacher-training/level-1.html

Keep in mind there are hundreds of trainings, these are just a few I have heard about. Please feel free to add others to the list. I (obviously) have not done all these trainings (except for the Jivamukti one, which I loved), so I can't say which ones I would or wouldn't recommend, but at least this gives everyone a place to start...

Yoga Teacher... Accountant

Over the years I've come to realize that to have a successful yoga studio, you need to have more than good yoga teachers, you also need to have some entrepreneurial skills. So with that in mind I've been working on honing some of my business skills. Today I did an 8 hour class in "Simply Accounting". If it really was 'simple' I don't think they'd need a whole days course on how to use the program.

I got up early, packed a lunch, drove (with the rest of the 9-5ers) out to Cote de Liesse, sat in a conference room in the basement of the Holiday Inn, used all my might to stay focused on the large screen and accounting jargon, while sipping tea and trying to stay warm. Although the room was dry, dark, and somewhat smokey, Alan Cohen (the teacher) was warm and funny. He was super concise and patient. I learnt that I do actually know more about accounting than I thought I did, and that I need to do some serious reorganizing in our data entry... sigh.

Doing the 'drive at 5' on my way home, I sat in traffic with the masses, (realizing how lucky I am to be able to bike or walk to work) thinking I love getting out of my comfort zone, it gives me a glimpse into the lives of others, and also allows me to appreciate some of my routines. There's always that balance of trying new things challenging ourselves, and at the same time enjoying simplicity.

Back to the studio tomorrow, with a hint more of accounting in my back pocket...

Jivamukti with Dechen Thurman

Exhausted and inspired from a weekend of Jivamukti with Dechen Thurman. Since there aren't very many Jivamukti teachers in Montreal, I don't often get to take a Jivamukti class. It was so nice to practice my favorite style and to get to know a new teacher.

Dechen is filled with knowledge and insight, so it was great to have him at the studio. We hadn't met before last weekend, until he showed up at our doorstep at 7am on Saturday morning! It was a whirlwind of a weekend. We made sure to take him to 2 our favorite restaurants (Olive & Gourmando, and Aux Vivres), walked around the Old Port, drove past the mountain (busy yogis), made some of our favorite recipes (Jae Steele's Spaghetti Squash with tomato sauce, Love Soup & Cowgrrrl Cookies) and he even squeezed in Saturday mornings class with Bram.

The workshops were both amazing; fun music, new sequences, crazy adjustments, mantras, meditation, insights, and some hilarious shorts that left everyone giggling.

It's always a bit of craziness when we have a guest teacher, but soooooo worth it! I'm very grateful to Dechen for taking the time out of his busy schedule, and making the effort to come to Luna to share his teachings.

"All major religious traditions carry basically the same message, that is love, compassion and forgiveness the important thing is they should be part of our daily lives."
Dalai Lama

Hitting Refresh

My parents used to take us to Maine almost every summer. I have fond memories of Kennebunkport and Goose Rocks Beach. I hadn't been back in years, and always wanted to take Jason there, so for my Dad's 70th birthday we all rented a cottage and headed down for the long weekend.

Besides some more shops and a bit of development, it hadn't changed too much. The beach was still gorgeous, and the town adorable (the toy store even carried much of the same inventory). We spent our time taking long beach walks, picnicking, swimming, playing scrabble, and eating out. We even found an amazing restaurant with plenty of veggie and organic options; Bandaloop (reservations needed... this place is popular!).

Every morning I practiced yoga on our back patio facing a marshy, bird sanctuary. As I watched the tide go out, the focus of my practice shifted to the deep connection of all things, and to the awe of nature. The postures suddenly became less important, and instead I felt like I was soaking up all the incredible energy around me.

The ocean, the sea air, the stars, everything shared a feeling of peace.

Going away is like a really good yoga class, or like hitting the 'refresh' button. It always leaves me feeling more calm and, for lack of a better word... refreshed.

If you haven't taken the time for a vacation lately, take some time off, even if it's just one day. Go for a walk in the woods, get a massage, or read a good book. Life is short, enjoy it.