the practice of yoga
When we practice yoga we train the muscles to strengthen and lengthen, the joints to be stable yet mobile, and the mind to be present and at ease. By repeating a movement pattern in sequence, we enhance the body’s capacity to truly hear what it’s being asked to do. Understanding movement is a journey. The journey begins from a rudimentary level of awareness, then slowly delving into subtly of mind/body. This natural progression unfolds in it’s own rhythm, teaching patience, honesty and wisdom. During the process we discover how to embody mindfulness. The process requires individuals to move within their own abilities. It is not the pose that makes a successful yoga practice, but how we practice. This integrity of muscular training through mindful attention results in rebalancing movement patterns, gaining body awareness. The continual interweaving of motion, breath, alignment, and awareness becomes deeply rooted in the body. As a result, we can achieve poses that are grounded in a well-informed and unified system.
THE BENEFITS OF YOGA
The benefit of continual practice is a body that is stronger, with improved flexibility, and a mind that is steady and calmer. Yoga is more than aligned, challenging poses. Over time yoga becomes your lifestyle – it is not only what you do on the mat that counts, it is who you are in the world that truly matters. Yoga becomes who we are, not what we do. It is how we live and what we value. We learn to live from a state of evenness and wonderment as life unfolds with mystery and unavoidable difficulties.
Pilates movement is based on deliberate breathing, deep core connection, and spinal integration. Joseph Pilates created the Pilates Method in the early 20th century with a goal of achieving Whole Body Health. The method uses specific exercises to strengthen, train, and rejuvenate the body. Core muscles are the foundation of this method. From this foundation, alignment of the spine is created.
The exercises challenge balance, coordination, endurance, and control. The breath is used for energy, rhythm, and connection during each exercise. Combining all of these factors in the class enables the body and the mind to experience increased vitality and joy. Pilates Matwork takes the body out of gravity. It re-trains and addresses postural habits in order for the body to be stronger while working against gravity in daily life.
Pilates is available for any body! The class progresses from preliminary to more complex exercises. This natural progression of movement trains the body to be optimally aligned, and the mind centred yet responsive. Pilates trains functional and intelligent movement patterns for both our body and mind integrating - Whole Body Health.
what you’re looking for...is already here
- adapted from Wei Wu Wei
When an artist looks at a slab of marble, he doesn’t see what needs to be created as much as what needs to be revealed. He chips away carefully, with technique and mastery, removing what doesn’t belong. Finally, with painstaking determination, he discovers the inherent beauty within the marble: An Exquisite Masterpiece.
This is an ancient spiritual tale that I’ve held close to my heart for many years. It reminds me that the meditative journey is about uncovering the beauty that lies within the heart and mind. For me, this practice is about truly finding our way to acceptance, understanding and compassion. Recognize and Allow Everything: the inevitable pain and aging of the body, the behavioural habits in your mind that you believe to be true, the repetitive feelings that may cause you to act out in addiction or spiteful words, and stories entangled with memories, emotions and reactivity. If we can attend to these arenas of mind with clarity, honesty and kindness they lose their power. Then, gradually, we discover our true nature and live from an open and gentle heart.
What is mindfulness meditation?
Mindfulness meditation is defined as moment-to-moment awareness of what is happening, with non-judgmental attention.
We train to see the truth of each changing moment. Life is in constant flow or flux, and it is the same with our minds— shifting, creating, from one moment to the next. Using the breath as an anchor, mindfulness meditation helps the mind to settle and collect, eventually leading to the development of concentration or stability of mind. When the mind is relaxed and stable, there is a maturing of receptivity, or seeing clearly; from this relaxed and open state, mindfulness is born. Mindfulness is an attitude of settling back into our experience of what is happening and observing it from a new perspective. When we are able to notice what is happening and not be so identified with what our present thoughts/ideas/emotions are, there is an opportunity to understand what is truly going on. Wisdom becomes available for us to see clearly the reality in each changing moment. It is from wisdom that deep understanding and transformation are cultivated, where compassion grows and letting go occurs.
This style of practice requires curiosity and energy, as we need to be constantly aware of the thoughts, beliefs, and stories in the mind. It requires us to not believe the contents of our minds but rather trust in mindfulness. Mindfulness has the capacity to remove the overlay of inner monologue, resting in natural spaciousness and reflection. It is a conscious presence to experience life as it is, inclining the heart and the mind to equanimity.
movement as healing
When there is dysfunction in the body, there is also a feeling of unease, discomfort, and malaise. Therapeutic Movement tries to remedy this by restoring ideal function in the body. It does so by augmenting intelligent movement patterns, starting from a pain free range of motion. Teaching the body how to move with ease and efficiency, reconditions movement patterns and postural holding. Therapeutic Movement improves strength, mobility, stability, as well as replenishing the nervous system. It also eases discomfort and reclaims overall health and wellness. What makes Therapeutic Movement unique is the adaptation of Yoga as a healing practice. Therapeutic Movement classes are designed to give bodies the opportunity to restore, repair, and recover. Smaller class sizes allow for increased one-on-one adjustments and attention. The class format presents relaxation as an essential component for the implementation of exercises. Breath work is taught to calm both body and mind.
In these classes, we adopt an attitude of ‘less is more. We learn simple yet specific poses that require effort and gentleness to elevate body awareness. These exercises assist in rehabilitating and nourishing the body and mind. We learn to become more comfortable with our condition, adjust our attitude towards pain, and become self-invested in healing.
It is a class where you come as you are, start from where you are, and slowly find your way back to well-being, and inner poise
Therapeutic Movement classes can help alleviate these symptoms:
Arthritis
Back pain
Frozen Shoulder, Shoulder pain
Chronic Rotator Cuff Injury
Herniated Discs
Sciatica
Repetitive Strain Injury
Neck pain
Sacro-Iliac Joint Dysfunction
Iliotibial Band Syndrome
Post Hip Replacement, Post Knee Replacement
Plantar Fasciitis
Tension Headaches
Motor Vehicle Accident
Pelvic Floor Stabilization
Scoliosis
Fibromyalgia/Chronic Fatigue