Week of April 9th to 13th

Regretfully, at this time, there is no drop-in availability.

Cost of DROP-in is 22$.

Winter Session at DOWNdog!

Mike Dynie is back for the Winter Session for the Monday evening Hatha Yoga class. He teaches an All Levels class. Mike always offers his students a relaxing yet challenging practice. His classes are creative, heartwarming and filtered with humour and positivity. I love the way he breaks into a warm chuckle to carry the students along and help them relax. He is considered one of the TOP teachers in the Ottawa Region.

Wednesday evenings is Hatha Flow evening. Danielle Lyrette. DOWNdog will hopefully be offering this class for the Spring Session. Stay tuned!

Wednesday mornings, Jocelyne Campbell teaches a Gentle Hatha class. Students are encouraged students to do their own individual practice; in other words, to move INSIDE into their own comfortable space. The classes invite stillness at the beginning, during and at the end, stillness being the most important part of a practice. Some yoga wisdom/philosophy is always added to help students deepen their practice and bring it off the mat.

Stay tuned for new Spring Schedule (starts July 25th). The schedule will be posted March 31st.

Gratitude changes the way you see the world.

My friend Suzanne was visiting yesterday and she mentioned how, during COVID, people shut down.  Started communicating less. Would stop texting, emailing as often.  
I, myself, who always gladly sent out a Good morning! How are you?  stopped doing this as often during COVD.  
I became isolated.   The lack of social contact depleted my energy.   It was like I got tired of running in the race because there was no one at the finish line any more.  Everyone had to stay home.
But come September, it was time.  Time to replenish and so… I took the leap and had a reopening celebration.  It was an emotional day.  I looked around at the people who came and I knew of the struggle and challenges many had faced. I was grateful that they had had the courage to pull through.

I remembered the help of friends and neighbours.

And then I remember, my thoughts for some reason went back to Christmas Day.

Christmas out on the front porch, next to an outdoor Christmas tree, having cinnamon buns and hot chocolate with my daughter instead of turkey and all the trimmings. Christmas carolling door-to-door delivering hot chocolate and cookies instead of opening presents by the Christmas tree.

I looked over to my 6-month-old oh-so-beautiful granddaughter.  An angel in my eyes and in my heart.  I remembered the moment she was born. Getting the news. A miracle. I remembered how relieved and grateful to God I was at that moment.

It was time for the welcoming speech. It went something like this.
“Thank you to each and every one  who came to the celebration today. And to those who were not able to come, I know your energy is present. The beautiful connection we all share today is indeed very special.  The opening day of the studio four years ago to the day, was very exciting. But today, the celebration is even more significant. More special. All of us have faced some challenges during the past 20 months. … ”

Today I reflect on that day and I would have to say that it was more like coming together at a finish line of a race.  

This post is an expression of gratitude to each and everyone one of you who continue to support my venture from close or from afar.  It is an expression of gratitude for your friendship.
I count you among my blessings today on this Thanksgiving Day. 
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

First, some business news.
Belated thanksI would like to thank everyone who came out to the Wine and Nibbles Party on September 18th.  It was wonderful to see you.  I just wanted you to know how very much your support meant to me.  Thank you.
There will be no class Monday, October 11, Thanksgiving.  Michael Dynie, guest teacher comes to DOWNdog on Monday, October 25th.  Not to be misse

Drop-in/try-out availability this week:

(New students are welcome to come for a try-out class. This first practice is free.)

Monday evening All Levels Hatha (7h-8h15) 2 spaces

Tuesday morning: Beginner/Gentle Hatha (10h-11h15) 1 space

Wednesday evening Hatha Flow (7h-8h15) full 
(Studio opens 15 minutes before class.)

“Your Sunday Morning DOWNdog Post!”

 At this time of the year, when the days get shorter and the sunshine hours decrease, it is challenging to find the motivation to go to our mat.  Resistance, as mentioned in last week’s DOWNdog Post, beckons. 
For example.
Prior to the change in seasons, I used to do an evening practice. Lately,  I have found myself drawn to the Tube for yet another episode of “Dr. House!” 
Dr. House. What an interesting character. Excellent episode last night!  The series has finally given me food for thought, food for this morning’s DOWNdog Yoga Post!
Let me give you a little background info about the Netflix series.
Dr. Cameron, a principal character and excellent doctor, is fed up with Mr. Tough Guy who keeps debasing his fellow doctors. Fed up with his uncaring, flippant attitude. She quits.  (She likes him which complicates matters.)
In last night’s episode, Dr. House asks her to come back.  She does so on one condition: A Real Date.  Reluctantly, he  accepts.  
During this same episode,  there is an incident that brings forth the importance of vulnerability. 
A friend comes to visit a patient.  During the visit, she says, in the presence of Dr. House, “When we allow ourselves to be completely vulnerable in a relationship, things change.”  (I imagine, “To be vulnerable or not to be,” for Dr. House, will become central to forthcoming episodes.)
And now let’s connect with yoga…
In yoga philosophy, the most important yama, or guiding principle for a happy life is self love, self compassion. In other words, allowing ourselves to be vulnerable. To be open to whatever is going on with us can change us.  Can help us move forward with more positive energy.  
In a nutshell, letting go.  Yoga is amazing in so many ways.  But it takes time and over time, things can and do change.  

Serious DOWNdog Post this week! But sometimes being serious is the best way to find more lightness, more laughter. To find Savasana!

Namaste my dear students and friends,

Looking very much forward to our practice this week!

This morning I have been pondering what to write in the DOWNdog POST that would inspire you.  Motivate you.  Give you that kick start needed to get going with your work or your day today.  Or to getting going with that at-home yoga practice you have been meaning to start.  
A kick start is especially needed sometimes on a cloudy, rainy Monday morning! 

I have been reading Steven Pressfield’s “The WAR of ART”. In his book he talks about our  war against Resistance.  “We are wrong if we think we are the only ones who experience resistance.”    Fear, double guessing, self-doubt, procrastination, opting for immediate gratification or comfort,.. are all forms of resistance. 
“The more resistance you feel,  the more important a choice or action is, and the more gratification you will feel when you have done it,” he writes.  It is a book that I go to whenever I feel Resistance. 
Going to your yoga mat today is the hardest part.  “We just need to begin,” as mentioned in the first DOWNdog POST. Once that choice has been made, the rest is easy as pie.
Every yoga practice promises to leave you feeling more positive, confident, grounded. Stronger in body, mind and spirit.   More ready to fight resistance!

“Now where did I put that yoga mat!” 
Cheers my dear students!

Wishing you a Happy Monday and a Great Week!Till we meet again on or off the mat.

WOW! It has been such a LONG time since I wrote the last POST!  It was precisely December 12, 2019. 

And now, once again,  I sit at the kitchen table on a Sunday morning with my morning coffee to write to you.
This morning does not bode well… I am just back from a cottage and realise I have forgotten my europress at the cottage!!  Hold on….I need to go next door for a shot of espresso to make my much needed cafe latte. Off I go in my pj’s. 

OK

I am back!  My neighbour made me an espresso.  His hospitality warmed my heart and gave me some much needed energy to write!  

What to write about? It scares me. I am afraid that I will not find the inspiration to write again…that I won’t be able to teach like I used to.  I am being honest here. Maybe I have forgotten how or have lost the flow!  It is hard to muster up the energy to believe in one’s self sometimes… let alone get out of bed and get moving!

Will I be able to write again?  Will I be able to teach? How do I climb the ladder? 
I need to get REwired. REmotivated. REnewed.  RE….The list goes on… (I am laughing here as I write this.)

No worries! I have your back!

Some wise person (my son Harlan) once told me, “Just start… Begin. It will happen.” And so…
l will go to my mat and do just that!

Begin the first practice with you…

There will be no expectations, no judgments on the mat.  Just observation.   Just hospitality. Just being. Being in the moment and savouring the positive energy and the calm that comes from the healing energy of the breath.  A healing energy very much akin to the healing energy of a good friend,.. of a neighbour. 

I will end this post with some famous words of wisdom from my assistant, Dr. Jake!

 “Savasana! It’s the only way to travel”

We are looking very much forward to seeing you again soon!

Namaste!

Please note:  The grand reopening party is set for September 18th!  Classes resume September 20th.  More info will be sent your way soon!

I try to bring laughter into my post sometimes.  Something original.  I try to say something that most readers of The Sunday Morning DOWNdog Post can relate to. And of course, there needs to be some connection to yoga.  This  post is about yoga. Yoga off the mat I call it. 

It is quite the challenge to pique your interest every week…especially now when there is nothing I can find on Netflix to ignite my creativity.  Remember “Suits” .  It had plenty of yoga material for me! I am waiting for your suggestions…  Anyone?

OK well, I am watching Dr. House.  Not great…  No inspiration there for me. Let me see…. What to write about?

Earlier this week, when I was walking Jake along Mckay Lake, I saw a man walking barefoot on the path.   He was actually running, barefoot.  Yesterday, I saw a woman walking barefoot on the same path!  She was just ahead of us and so I decided to strike up a conversation.  I was curious.

It went as follows:

I said “You are walking barefoot. Aren’t you afraid of maybe hurting yourself?”. 

“Life,” she said, “is a risky business.”  She spoke with conviction.

I said, “You are grounding, earthing?”

She said, “Yes. That’s right.” She then added, “The fact that something is risky should not stop you from doing something.” Those were her exact words.

We talked a little. It was nice. There was a brief but special connection. 

Since COVID we have experienced isolation to varying degrees for nearly two years. We have faced challenges.  People are now wanting and needing to connect.  I know that this is true. I see it every day in the people I meet. At the Metro yesterday, a man was waiting to talk to the baker. We started talking about the weather.  Small chit chat. I mentione I was having a party.  His entire face lit up. He was so happy for me.  He said, “That’s wonderful.”  The baker arrived and  I moved on to do my shopping. I wanted to go back and invite him to the party.  Sorry I didn’t.  I need more men in the yoga classes. 

A good friend said to me recently, “We will never be the same.  COVID has changed us.” There was a mixture of sadness and hope in how he expressed it.  I think we need to hang on to hope. The hope that people will be more willing to reach out, to take risks, to be more inclusive,.. to spark up a conversation with a stranger.  The hope for a  better world.  A more compassionate world.

Yoga is very much about opening up. Connecting.  According to the poster that is posted on my fridge “The Lessons I Learned from my Dog”  we should…  Greet everyone enthusiastically!  

Namaste! my dear friends and students,

Till we meet again on or…off the mat!

Classes start September 21st!

A message for you this morning from DOWNdog home studio! 

In the last couple months, I’ve been busy cooking up something new at DOWNdog! For those of you who are not familiar with the studio, DOWNdog is  a home yoga studio in the heart of Manor Park at 8 Bedford.  It is going into its 4th year.

And now for the BIG news!…

DOWNdog will be welcoming pure and beautiful energy in the person of Danielle Lyrette.  Danielle is a young and vibrant mom and an insanely inspiring yoga teacher.  She has been practicing yoga for over 20 years.  Her aim is to help motivate you and direct you towards a commitment to a home practice. She will be teaching an All Levels class Wednesday evenings 7-8h15.

And now for more BIG news!  

DOWNdog is thrilled to welcome Michael Dynie.  Michael is considered to be one of the top yoga teachers in the Ottawa region. I was first introduced to Michael in 2008 when I took my Yoga Teacher Training course at Upward Dog.  He was amazing!  Without him I wouldn’t be here today writing to you.  He not only kept me motivated (when I wanted to give up) but he helped me LOVE yoga!  He will be a guest teacher for the All Levels class on Monday evenings 7-8h15. 

Finally, for those of you who are looking for something gentle  DOWNdog will be offering  a Gentle Hatha Yoga class Tuesday mornings 10-11h15

To register: Submit your name and specify the class your wish to register for by emailing jocelyne.campbell@gmail.com

Your registration is secured by sending an e-transfer for $170. to jocelyne.campbell@ gmail.com

For all enquiries: EMAIL or TEXT JOCELYNE:  613.748.7886

Yoga has taught me the importance of connection.  In our world of technology this connection has suffered immensely.   It has taken a world crisis to make us realise just how important connection is for our survival and our happiness.  What is happening in our world is worrisome and frightening. Upsetting and painful.  There is no one who knows what tomorrow will bring. 

This world crisis cannot help but make us aware at a more conscious level, how very precious life is. How important it is to help one another. How strongly we need to be connected
by forgiveness more than anger; by compassion more than hate; by strength more than weakness; by courage more than cowardice.

When this is all over, it will feel like a resurrection. We will have come from a shared isolation into the light of a new day.
With gratitude in my heart for this beautiful day and all the love that we share.

Till we meet again,

Namaste,

Jocelyne 

The series SUITS is drawing to an end… 😢

I know I mentioned in my last POST that one of the episodes I had watched the previous week was the best ever. But I dare to contradict myself. Because this week, there was one episode about compassion. IT was the BEST ever! 😉

In this episode, Louis Litt’s psychiatrist is being sued and risks losing his license. The psychiatrist accepts Louis as his lawyer. Louis and the psychiatrist share some personal life experiences as a result. After the lawsuit is dropped, the psychiatrist tells Louis that he can no longer continue to see him as a patient. Louis is very upset. He explains to his psychiatrist that it was the sharing of these life experiences that helped him understand a most important life lesson: compassion. It was also the reason they needed to continue.

(This reminds me of a scene from “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee. Atticus is a lawyer and the main character in the novel. He explains to Scout, his 9-year-old daughter, “You never really understand a person until you consider things from [their] point of view… until you climb into [their] skin and walk around in it”.) I mention it because it explains the meaning of compassion so accurately.

YOGA and SUITS are both about compassion. Connection. When we see the world with compassion it changes everything. It connects us and allows us to see beyond the surface. It allows us to hear what a person is not saying. Perhaps more important sometimes than what they say. We are all looking for the same thing. To be understood beyond the mere words we use, for they sometimes fail to reveal a deeper truth.

What to do now that SUITS is drawing to an end! Where will I find my inspiration!😢
Any ideas out there?

Cheers my dear friends and students!
Namaste!
Get set for the last practice of the Winter Session! The best ever!

Your SUNNY SUNDAY DOWNdog Post!

A touch of poetry for you this morning!😉

“Just trying to get by”
Every day he comes and sits on the sidewalk
no matter the weather
He comes to entertain those who pass by
in the hopes of
making enough money to get by
Just trying to get by

For those of you who walk by or frequent Bridgehead on Beechwood, you will undoubtedly have noticed the man in his mid-forties out front, strumming away at his guitar.

Yesterday, I stopped to buy a pound of Expresso. I then went over to give him a donation. He began to say something to me as I walked away. I didn’t hear what he said and so went back and asked if he could repeat. “I am going to pray for you,” he said. It wasn’t only what he said, but how he said it. He looked at me with such kindness. There was a special connection.

Yoga philosophy underlines the importance of recognizing and appreciating the noble qualities in others. In that instant, I saw not only his kindness but his sincerity, generosity, patience and courage.

As I write this morning’s post, I am reminded of a quotation from Tennessee Williams’ play, A Streetcar Named Desire. “The kindness of strangers makes the world go round.” I am grateful for his kindness. The next time I see him, I will let him know.

An awesome practice awaits you at DOWNdog this week! Week 8! Yoga to celebrate kindness!