Welcome to Yoga Valley

2011-05-19T17:50:00.001-07:00

I just received a gorgeous pedicure from the ladies at Granville Day Spa. Light purple with artistic flowers. Stunning.

My issue now is whether I not I attend Hot Yoga tonight. I risk the chance of my pretty toes being ruined! I'm challenging this month and would really like to finish the 30 Days necessary to complete it.

What to do? There are cons and pros to both scenarios. Going to class, feeling fantastic and checking another day off my challenge is a definite pro. Staying out of the steamy hot room to avoid ruining my lovely pampered feet is a con/pro. How long should/would/could I not enter the hot humid room in favour of my totsies? A day, two, three, a week?! If that's the case then my Challenge is over and uncompleted resulting in a big, nasty con. Of course feeling good and having cute feet is the ideal situation.

What to do, what to do? I'm tore between the two. I could possibly go back to the Spa tomorrow if my toes are wrecked and ask to get them fixed up?

I'm letting it go and giving it up. The solution will come and all will be well.

Until next time.

Ange

Ode to Olivia

2011-05-13T23:39:00.000-07:00

Black and White and oh so pretty
Olivia The Cat charming and witty.
She loved to suntan, chase birds and eat
Today she rests eternally
Nestled among Angels' feet.

As a kitten Olivia was wild
Bouncing off chairs, counter tops and backs
Finding refuge inside old sofa mats.

In her older years she grew soft, gentle and tender
Offering plenty of kisses and affection
To loved one and family members.

Olivia was my princess
The best cat to look after
We will love and miss her dearly
From this day forward forever after.

I love you Princess Olivia.
May you rest in peace. xoxoxoxox

This Too Shall Pass

2011-03-21T17:29:00.000-07:00

Feeling over loaded with emotions of self-doubt and worry can bring the soul down a path of anger, resentment, pity and isolation.

Letting go of the drivers seat and trusting that these times of confusion are part of growth and self-realization will shed light on any challenging situation.

Staying healthy, grounded and aware are most valuable aspects to follow. Seeking guidance from peers you trust and knowing you will be looked after is all you need to get through this slump.

Trust in your truth. It will always serve you right.

Falling Truth

2010-09-28T10:35:00.000-07:00

Falling forward. Reaching reckless.

Breath by breath. Breath by breath.

List of values.

Value the truth.

Wouldn't it be nice

2010-09-07T16:07:00.000-07:00

Wouldn't it be nice to turn off those feelings you REALLY didn't want to feel. With the flip of a switch, a snap of your fingers and presto.... those bad, mad, sad sensations are good and gone.
Fortunately, you can.
There are different forms of self-healing and self-improvement techniques to rid us of the human suffering. I'm sure you have heard of some of them things like tapping, healing hands, breathing techniques, and my favorite YOGA, are just a few tremendous tools to turn that frown upside :)

Angie Love

Moving Right Along

2010-08-27T19:51:00.000-07:00

Just as in yoga, one must strive to write, make music, dance, sing, draw or paint each day. If we lose touch with these gift of creation, we loose touch of our selves. We move further along the path pondering why things aren't going right. What has made our moods wonder from magnificent to mundane?

Create, even if you think your creation isn't "Perfect" or carries value. You never know who you might touch and help them along their celestial destiny. Seeing your creation may influence others to do something similar. Attempt something they always enjoy but never, "have the time to do".
If you really want to make a difference in your world and make a positive change in your attitude, then some personal sacrifices are expected. But the result is worth the inconvenience.

Get up fifteen minutes earlier to write a song. Instead of a coffee break at work, take a creative break. Take twenty minutes before bed to unwind and let the creativity flow. In a few weeks, you will be amazed at your new creative masterpieces.

Create and enjoy.

Love and be free.

Texas Purple

2010-08-13T11:02:00.000-07:00

Something tells me
We are all alike
Dreams, visions, emotions
Texas purple electric strike

Fear of the unknown
How we ought to be
Express yourself via colour
Embody life breath serenity

Rapture passions
Original delight
Absolute quintessential
Plasmic siren dynamite

Go Away Bear!

2010-08-11T16:07:00.000-07:00

While walking in the forest with Pooka the puppy yesterday afternoon, I heard news of a bear spotted up ahead along our path home.

A BEAR??????!!!!!

My heart skipped a beat.
Anticipating running into this almighty creature, my mind raced back to childhood days, growing up in the Yukon and what had been taught in school if we happened upon a bear.
Think Angie, think. What do I do?

Juvenile recollections surfaced.

Run away as fast as you can? No!
Climb a tree? Nope!
Jump in the water. Bears can't swim, right? No, of course they can!
Stop, drop and roll!!!! Yes!!!!! Wohoo, I figured it out!!
Wait a minute, no that's for fires!

Lord, why can't I remember!

My mind frantically scrambled for the answer as I continued along the path.

Out of nowhere, I chanced upon a First nation man and his two children. Hesitating, I asked if they had seen a bear along the way. No, the man replied and carried on towards the river.

Wishing I had contended for help, I second guessed my intuition of trouble and slowly move on towards my journey's end. Tears trickled down as I walked. Having left my belongings behind, reality set in. No cell phone, no money to make a call and no a clue of what to do. Panicking and imagining the worse case scenery, an Angie sandwich, I chose to turn around and not walk this path alone.

Miraculously, the Native man and I crossed paths again. This time he must of sensed my fear. Blond hair perfectly manicured, a fashionable summer dress, city shoes and small dog, didn't exactly give off the appearance of a women ready to face a giant beast of the forest. He asked if I would like him to accompany me.
With a great sense of relief I replied yes and we proceeded back down the path.

Still frightened, I made small talk to ease my nerves and asked the protocol for seeing a bear. He said to stop, make tons of noise and walk backwards creating the impression of a larger you.

Suddenly the man interrupted himself and shouted, "STOP! There is the BEAR!"

OOHHHHHHH MMMYYYYY GOOODDDDDDDDDDDDDD!!

Five feet ahead of us stood the bear, a yearling, heading towards the river. He was still young, about the size of a large dog but extremely powerful and unpredictable.

"GO AWAY BEAR!," the man shouted.
"GO AWAY BEAR!," clapping his hands with authority.
I stood petrified and in disbelief.

The bear sniffed the earth, looked our way then scooted up ahead into the bushes. He was gone. Completely shocked and unnerved we persisted towards my destination, silently praying for safety.

As we crossed the small wooden bridge the man howled again, "GO AWAY BEAR!"
The curious yearling had come back for a second gander. I had reached my maximum and was TOTALLY freaked out, almost hyperventilating, as the bear watched us watching him.

"GO AWAY BEAR!"
"GO AWAY BEAR!!"
"GO AWAY BEAR!!!"
With one final thunderous clap, the bear ran away. This time for good.

The man escorted me to the forest clearing and helped detangle Pookas' leash from the woodland bramble. Beaming with excitement and gratitude, I thanked the man, hugged him and exclaimed he was the hero of the day!

He smiled modestly, said you're welcome then left.

After this unforgettable experience, a wise friend advised me to research the meaning of bears in the Native community.

Here is brief explanation from the, "What's your sign" website.

"Native American Bear Meaning - A quick list of keywords summoned by the tribal mind:

* Protection
* Freedom
* Discernment
* Courage
* Power
* Unpredictable

Because the bear is cautious, it encourages discernment to humankind. Because of a fierce spirit, the bear signals bravery to those who require it. Because of its mass and physical power, the bear stands for confidence and victory. Because it prefers peace and tranquility (in spite of its size), Bear calls for harmony and balance."

Yesterday, I experienced my very first encounter with a black bear. Memorable, frightening and exhilarating today, I look at the episode as a blessing. What an honor to be in arms length with such a dynamic animal.
Seeing the bear was an omen. A way to teach me some important rarefied lessons.

Be prepared when walking alone in the forest.
Or the city for that matter. Bear mace is an excellent arm against humongous, furry fauna as well as hulking, dangerous thieves.

Accept help when it is offered in a kind and sincere manner.
Most people genuinely possess good intentions and do not wish harm or injury on others.

Trust your intuition.
Heart pumping, adrenaline racing, hands shaking and body sweating is a pretty good indication that danger lies ahead.

Happy trails to you!
xo

Turn It Around

2010-08-05T09:34:00.000-07:00

Bikram Yoga Comox Valley,
A blessing and a treat.
Learn, grow and evolve,
From head down to feet.

Students arrive daily,
Troubles, fears and stress.
Turn it around 90 min later,
Energized, free and happiness.

Conscious focus, dedication,
Hard work and drive.
Bodies and minds transform,
And finally feel
ALIVE!

Poem for Natasha, owner of Bikram Yoga Comox Valley

Spiritual Bandida

2010-08-01T22:22:00.000-07:00

I find myself in a challenging situation after loosing my job due to a building fire.
Being unemployed is looked down upon because you are a) not contributing to society b) not contributing to your family and c) making some people feel uneasy because you do not fit neatly into a category of employment.

Many people enjoy people placing then making their own assumptions and judgements based on your field of work. For example, as a whole, gangsters are considered law-breakers; policeman are thought of as law abiding; singers are classified as artists while sales people are said to be pushy and cut-throat.

People placing comes naturally to many an individual, an oddity passed on from parent to offspring, generation after the next. As children, we learn about different professions and are encouraged to follow the promising career path we chose after high school or post-secondary education.

For me however, this career path hasn't been as square-shooting as previously foreseen. Perhaps this is a result of my taking pleasure in trying new things, testing my limits and living life on a whim. Perhaps. Relishing in world of unbound, free and limitless actions has allotted plenty of time to roam and explore.

My typical stint with a job, place, and/or relationship would last no longer than twelve months. With little thought for the future, I would leave without any sad goodbyes or regrets. Like a sailor setting sail, a pirate pillaging loot, a bandit taking unfair advantage of others, or an outlaw who refuses to be governed by the established rules, I left. I thought only of yours truly and what I needed to be happy. I ran away from unhappiness and traumas in hopes of a new beginning. In spite of leaving, things stayed the same. My problems keep coming back. Wherever I went, I was there. One of my favorite Pharcyde songs lyrically epitomizes this situation, "Can't keep runnin' away.....Ya can't keep runnin' away....."

During the past year and a half of returning to the island where I grew up, one thing is for certain: I am maturing emotionally, mentally and most notably spiritually. My spirituality has been with me this entire time but I chose to ignore it. It was what I was afraid of facing and kept me runnin' away.

Today, my running shoes are retired and this Spiritual Bandida is taking a well deserved rest.

Keep on keepin' on xox

Purity of Spirit

2010-07-31T10:40:00.001-07:00

My affirmation this morning read, "I posses purity of spirit and clarity of mind." Very fitting as I have just finished a powerful 30 minute meditation clearing and cleansing the seven chakras of my body. For those of you who are unaware of the chakras, I will briefly lists and describe each one and include how they are related to our body's molecular system.

RED
1st Chakra: Base or Root Chakra.
Earth, survival, grounding, stillness.
Located at the base of the spine. It grounds us in the physical world.

ORANGE
2nd Chakra: Spleen or Navel Chakra.
Located just beneath the navel. Related to our sexual and reproductive capacity.
Blockage manifests as emotional problems or sexual guilt.

YELLOW
3rd Chakra: Solar Plexis Chakra.
Seat of Emotions. Gives us a sense of personal power in the world. Blockage manifests as anger or a sense of victimization.

GREEN
4th Chakra: Heart Chakra.
Where love and light emanate.
Blockage can manifest as immune system or heart problems, or a lack of compassion.

BLUE
5th Chakra: Throat Chakra.
Tied to creativity and communication. Feels pressure when you are not communicating your emotions properly.

INDIGO
6th Chakra: Third Eye Chakra.
Clairvoyance, psychic abilities, imagination, dreaming.
Related to the pineal gland. Often connected to the forehead. Is a physical eye at the base of the brain with the capabilities of looking upward.

PURPLE
7th Chakra: Crown Chakra.
Spiritual connection, understanding, knowing, bliss, God.
Connects you with messages from higher realms. Can be experienced as a pressure or tingling on the top of the head.

It is wise to note any vivid colours or emotions you feel during your meditation and reflect on those emotions in a journal. These maybe clues and guidance from your HP. Listen, feel, be patient and enjoy.

Much love,
Angela

Tune into YOU

2009-09-26T15:35:00.000-07:00

Has anyone else ever felt 'writers block'? Like the light has not been turned on in days, weeks even months? You feel completely and utter nothingness. Your paper or laptop screen are blank and empty. It's like your brains just won't turn on, connect and stay in-tuned to the task of writing. Tune into Tokyo. But how?
Once you unleash your fears, let go of your worries, and focus on writing from within your heart, the possibilities of what could be transitions into what is, in an instant. Voila! A paper, an essay, a journal, a thesis, a novel or a screen play is completed.
Connecting mind to brain and brain into motion. You can and you will. TUNE INTO YOU.
Much love and creation xox

Life Goes On

2009-07-10T18:34:00.000-07:00

Wow! It has felt like ages since my last blog update.
But like Shiva says, "life comes up." And like Tupac sings, "life goes on."
During the past few weeks, my life, like many of yours, has gone through some drastic changes. Times of change are similar to cleansing or detoxification of the mind, body and soul to make way for new more amazing knowledge and power. During times of transition it's wonderful to appreciate how yoga helps naturally purifie our life (tapas) of everything and anything that is no longer serving the growth of our higher consciousness. For example, unhealthy relationships are dissolved so we can have more time to invest our energy in strengthening ourselves and everyone around us. Look within yourself when seeking to awaken a positive change.
Have a great weekend!
A

A Journey Home

2009-05-22T08:16:00.000-07:00

A yoga practice is like a journey home. A teacher of mine once said, "Coming back to your yoga mat, is like coming back home."

As humans, we have grand inclinations to find 'Home' again. Many of us desire to create the warmth and security, love and affection we felt as babies, nestled in our mothers loving arms. For some of us that sense of security never came into our childhood days so we strive as adults to find the most important missing link in our lives - LOVE.

Like Sir Paul McCartney sang, " All we need is love."

Love lifts us when we are down. It pushes us to our next challenge. It brings nations together and helps create balance in our lives.
Love can be found anywhere and everywhere to those who are willing to give. Giving love to others automatically sets the stage for an abundance of love to return to our beings. Give love and receive love. A simple technique yet higly affective.

For myself, much love is created through yoga. Yoga is my true love. Yoga is my guide to clarity, wisdom and peace. Yoga is love. Love is yoga.

The next time you find yourself situated on your favorite yoga mat anticipating a glorious yoga class to commence, take a moment to ground your energy, and center your thoughts towards love and home. Home is an nostalgic word. The energy behind the word home will calm your mind and center you. Think of your yoga mat as home and your yoga practice as your journey home to comfort, love and joy.
Much love,
Angela

A Restful Slumber

2009-04-30T21:23:00.000-07:00

You missed yoga class today (WHAT...omg!) and are feeling like you can (should) fit in a yoga practice before bed? My suggestions: wait until the next morning.
Instead, try this easy relaxation exercise before bed to ensure you drift off into a restful slumber.

1. Lie on your back, close your eyes and begin to focus on your breathing. Empty your mind completely of thoughts and concerns.
2. Establish your energy centre just below your naval. Begin to breathe into this area.
3. Focus on gentle, full and deep breathing.
4. Begin to feel your entire body relaxing.
5. Count down from 10 to 1. As you count nears 1 your body becomes more and more relaxed.
6. Repeat, "I will have a restful sleep and wake up feeling energized."
7. Continue your gentle, unforced breath until you fall asleep.

Sweet Dreams,
Angela

Yoga for Athletes

2009-04-27T10:13:00.000-07:00

Eddie Goege, American Football Running Back

YOGA FOR ATHLETES
Many athletes are amazed at how difficult yoga is. In other words: yoga kicks your butt! While attending a yoga class, you find your body shaking and sweating in what appear to be even the simplest posture. This is because years of intense training in competitive sports has traumatized your body. Sports are one-dimensional. Their movements stress the same muscle groups, tendons, ligaments and bones in the same linear fashion over and over and over again.

The reason yoga is such an effective tool for improved athletic conditioning, is because it is multi-dimensional. Both mind and body are utilized. Yoga steers the physical body through every possible dimension and range of motion, while the mind remains present, absolute and composed.

With yoga, our thoughts come to a standstill while we listen to what our bodies say. We develop an open and wholehearted awareness to what our bodies tell us, creating a grounded, uniformed and balanced approach to health and fitness.

YOGA VERSUS SPORTS
Yoga and sports carry similarities and differences. Sports decimate and bulldoze your body, yoga exhilarate and bring new life to it. Sports arouse and propel the sympathetic nervous system, yoga animates the parasympathetic nervous system. Sports stiffen, contract and strain the muscles and tissues in your body, yoga unlocks and liberates your body's muscular system, developing expansion, elasticity and openness. Athletic breath is accelerated and external whereas, breath work in yoga is unhurried, bottomless and relaxed. The mentality of an athlete is overexcited and unsound, but the mentality of a yogi is quiet, tranquil, and at peace. Ultimately, sports deteriorate, while yoga invigorates.

Some tips for athletes before beginning yoga. First, expect results to come slowly. Progress in yoga takes time with many ups and downs. Second, seek the advice and training of a yoga teacher you trust and feel connected to. Lastly, relax, smile and enjoy the ride....
Namaste,
Angela
Ref. "Impact Magazine".05/09.

"To yoga or not to yoga,...."

2009-04-23T12:58:00.000-07:00

That is the question. For me, someone who has practiced yoga religiously for 9 years, the answer is quite simple......YES! For others, however, the decision to try yoga may not come so easily. Let me guide you through some benefits of yoga, and perhaps your "Maybe I will try yoga," will change to, "YES! I would LOVE to try YOGA!"

BENEFITS OF YOGA

*Increased Flexibility – Yoga uses postures to aid in the lengthening of various joints of the body including joints that are rally exercised on a day to day basis.

*Increased lubrication of joints, ligaments and tendons.

*Massaging of internal organs in the body – Yoga is one of the only activities which wholesomely stimulates and massages all internal glands and organs in the body including the liver, kidneys and spleen.

*Complete Detoxification – By stretching muscles and joints as well as massaging the various organs, yoga ensures optimum blood supply to various parts of the body. This internal action flushes out toxins from our system while providing nourishment and bliss. Yoga detoxification leads to: delayed aging, increased energy and a remarkable zest for life!

*Excellent toning of the muscles – Muscles that have become flaccid, weak or slow are stimulated repeatedly through yoga to shed excess flab and flaccidity.

Is that enough??? Say YES to YOGA today!
Have a beautiful day

Types of Yoga

2009-04-21T07:20:00.000-07:00

I have compriesed a list of 6 different types of yoga that have gained popularity and praise in the West over the past 30 years.

Bikram Yoga
A series of 26 postures conducted over 90 minutes in a heated room, beginning with one warming up breathing exercise, progressing through 24 asanas and finishing with one toxin eliminating breathing posture.

Ashtanga Yoga
Vigorous and fast-paced. Builds flexibility, strength, concentration and stamina. Move quickly through each series focusing o deep ujiya breathing.

Kundalini Yoga
Use of poses, deep breathing, various breathing techniques, chanting and meditation.

Iyengar Yoga
Precise poses using benches, ropes, mats, blocks, and chairs. Emphasis on holding the postures.

Power Yoga
Very fast form of yoga that improves flexibility and stamina by completing poses. Vigorous workout to purify and strengthen the body.

Yin Yoga
Holding poses (12-15 min) to open deep connective tissues and super ficial yang tissues of muscle and skin. Deep, dense and rarely touched areas are opened.

How do they DO that?

2009-04-20T12:53:00.000-07:00

Many people have heard of yoga through word of mouth, the media and advertising. They see beautiful beings gracefully holding their bodies in what seem like strange or sometimes awkward postures.

You may find yourself asking questions:

How do they do that?
Can my body do that?
How is this beneficial for me?

Questioning yoga is good. It means your mind is actively accessing the situation and associating your body to an image of a better you.

Investigation is a good start. Participating is better. Try yoga out. Drop in on a class. Enroll with a studio. Experiment with your body and experience yoga.

Yoga at Home

2009-04-19T08:42:00.000-07:00

If you feel your time is limited but desire to try yoga, why not buy a yoga dvd and check it out for yourself at home. You would be surprised at how many wonderful yoga dvds/cd are around. You can even take them out at your local library. Some of my favorites include:

"Bikram's Beginning Yoga Class," audio CD with Bikram Choudhury.*
"Yoga Journal's YOGA for Strength and Energy," with Rodney Yee.
"Vinyasa Flow Yoga. The Body and Beyond," with Seane Corn.
"Fluid Power Vinyasa Flow Yoga," with Shiva Rea.

These dvds/cd are intermediate, so I recommend finding a yoga teacher to help in your process of opening up and exploring your body's true potential through yoga.

Have a great day!

*Important to practise in a heated room.

3 books on the go...

2009-04-18T16:53:00.000-07:00

I am reading 3 books at the moment, fascinating and instrumental for personal growth, reflection and awareness.

"Warrior of The Light' A Manual", by Paulo Coelho.
"A New Earth. Awakening to Your Life's Purpose", by Eckhart Tolle.
"Emmanuuel's Book", Compiled by Pat Rodgegast and Judith Stanton.

Contemplation and examination of our world. How and where each of us fit in and create "aliveness" in our hearts and souls.

What are you reading?

Welcome to Yoga Valley!

2009-04-17T20:45:00.000-07:00

The time has arrived for all boys and girls of the world, young and old, rich and poor, big and small to explore what yoga can do for you!

Delicious surprises and sensations are at the door step of your life.

All you have to do is try and ENJOY!

Yoga Valley welcomes you.