Holding space for opposites

Is it time that your internal opposites faced each other? 

It's a good thing that I've learned a bit about duality/non-duality/unity through some Eastern philosophies. Otherwise, I might still be completely convinced ( I still am a little) that I was at least a tad nutters for all the ups and downs and opposites I would oscillate between. 

I've learned two main things. 

1) That's OK. You're Human. 

2) Congratulations, you have tools and toys for exploring what that means. 

Here are two of my favorite ways to explore dynamic duality. 

1) Alternate nostril breathing. 

A breath that flows in one side of your body, and out the other. A way to explore the right and left sides of your body, balance the hemispheres of your brain, and soothe your nervous system (among other benfits). After practicing I like to breath deeply exploring my body again as one whole. 

2) Two Part Dialogue 

A technique I learned as a part of Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy. In a nutshell, one witnesses two different sensations in their body. Give it a try.

 First, sense in to a part of your body where you notice sensation. Stay with it for a few breaths and get really familiar with it. 

Then, find another spot in your body with very different or opposite kinds of sensations. Stay here and explore. Keep noticing what's happening now as you go back and forth between the 2 kinds of sensations. Notice what it's like to hold space for both. 

Let me know what this was like for you, or if you'd like instructions for the Alternate Nostril breath by e-mailing me at jessicawynyoga@gmail.com

Have a balanced day. How are you going to play on the teeter totter today? 

"It's ok to have too much fun"-quote on the door at PRYT training center

Picture from http://thefoxesclub.yolasite.com/fox-chat.php

Summer Solstice

Namaste and Happy Solstice!

How are you welcoming Summer and honoring the shortening of days?

This morning I woke up early for a special Summer Solstice practice at the Yoga Shala (440 Don Ave.)

A grey cloud cover rippled overhead as my partner and I biked to the studio. There was an opening across the building streaked horizon where the morning's glow shone through. We had time to enjoy the songs of the birds by the river before heading inside. We were one of the first to arrive. I liked seeing the other yogis flow in, seeing who'd I'd be sharing this practice with. The studio filled up and we were led through a flowing Ashtanga practice by Jonathan Austman. Thelonious Monk said that talking about music is like dancing architecture. I sometimes feel the same about my personal practice. But here's this-the power of practicing in community with a skilled teacher with the intention to serve is like no home practice I can ever have.

If you're interested in the Mysore practice of Ashtanga, check out the Canada Day open house.

Create a delicious day

Life out of Balance? What is your self-care priority?

My friend's mom recently said that life doesn't have ups and downs. Life is ups and downs. 


How do we learn to roll fluidly with them, even with grace? 


Self-care needs to be a priority. How have you taken care of yourself today?


Budhha said- ‎"You can search throughout the entire universe for someone who is more deserving of your love and affection than you are yourself, and that person is not to be found anywhere. You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection."


I've been noticing myself getting out of balance lately. I was wondering why. I have been doing my yoga and kirtan daily. What was missing? The invigoration I felt this weekend was just the answer. Talking with people living an inspired life, fire play and dancing, being in nature were exactly what I was needing to fuel my spirits. 


Here's a great video by Sierra Sullivan of lifestylized.com talking about this. I always appreciate seeing other people learning the same lessons as I. It brings about a feeling of a wider community. 


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-6JX9G-RbRQ&feature=player_embedded#at=317


How do you take care of yourself and rejuvenate?