I have been practicing yoga for many years and have been teaching for close to 6.  Some teachers give importance to the breath at the outset of the practice and at the end, in savasana.  Others, very little at all.  Among the best teachers, the breath is always given its importance throughout. It is the foundation of the practice.   During the practice, the breath is mentioned with phrases such as, “Breathe slow and steady,” “Stay with your breath,” “Take 2 more breaths,” “On your next inhale come back to centre.”

I know that students all have their own breathing rate, and sometimes, I hesitate to give as much direction as I do to the inhale and exhale.  (I give more directions than any teacher I have ever had.)  The reason is simple.  It is the connection to the breath and the benefits this connection has given me personally in my practice,  that has convinced me of the importance of helping my students stay connected.  Keeping the students safe and keeping them connected are the most important things about teaching yoga.

I give the cue inhale, exhale softly, throughout so that it is a guide for you.  If you happen to be following another rhythm, that is no problem at all of course.  But hearing the words, inhale and exhale in the background, I hope is helpful.

Breathing fully not only on the mat but off the mat, is a gift to your well-being and health.  It has taken me years to understand the importance of this statement.

Next week’s post…” Switch to the PNS with the breath for better health, balance and centredness.”

Any comments?

When I was reading about starting up my own yoga studio, it was strongly recommended that I have a brand.  Something that distinguishes my classes from others.

Classes at Downdog are not unlike other yoga classes in most ways.  Yoga classes are all designed to help you relax, gain better alignment, more mindfulness and increased flexibility. Ultimately, they aim to bring you to stillness in savasana.  So what distinguishes classes at Downdog from other yoga classes –besides being a home studio?
I would have to say the importance I give to empowerment.  I have given my brand a name: FARE YOGA

 Flexibility; Alignment; Relaxation; Empowerment.

Classes at Downdog are designed to help you restore flexibility, become more aware of your alignment, help you relax and also, very importantly, empower you.

I believe empowerment to be one of the most important benefits of yoga.

What exactly is empowerment?  It is having the fire-in-the-belly kind of feeling.  It’s having a strong and balanced Manipura chakra.  (The Manipura chakra is the third chakra or energy centre along the spine and is located near the navel.)

When outside events, people or circumstances add unwanted stress to your life, empowerment can help you remain more calm, more centered.  You have a stronger belief in your own power.  You have greater self-esteem.
Empowerment has nothing to do with ego.  It is the opposite.  When you are empowered,  you feel a strong connection with yourself, and it is this connection that draws you closer to people and to the world around you.

When we begin a practice, we chant the Ohm to remind us of the connection we have with all people and living things. Connection, being part of the whole, is an important part of the yoga philosophy.  It moves us away from the ego, which is at the source of our unhappiness.

Yoga has helped me feel more powerful,  both physically and mentally.  This empowerment has helped me handle life with greater  focus, calm, and confidence.   It is one of the reasons I am so passionate about yoga.   Empowerment is at the root of the passion I share with my students.

Poses such as Boat, Plank, One-Arm Plank, Low Plank,  Chair, High Lunge, Crescent Lunge, Crow, Fish, Shoulder Stand, Warrior 1, Warrior 2. 3 are empowering.  They strengthen your core, spine, torso, arms, shoulders, legs.  But they also strengthen your mind and your heart.  They are always an important  part of the sequences I create.

On a final note,  a feeling of empowerment gives you a greater sense of well-being.   You see life in a more positive light!

Namaste!
Jocelyne

Please note:

• There is a drop-in space available November 2nd. for the Thursday evening class that begins at 7h15.

• There are 2 spaces available for the Monday evening class October

Before I begin, some info…

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