Happy February and here in Ontario, our dear groundhog mascot decided to let us know that we have 6 more weeks of winter. Really, I don’t expect spring to really arrive in full flow until April so my expectations did not meet with disappointment. I actually enjoy our seasons and though it has been a colder one so far, that tends to bring bright sunshine and I always feel more uplifted with that than when temperatures are warmer and it is overcast and dull.

One thing is clear and that’s the fact that we tend to spend more time indoors through the winter months and so I said this past December I said yes to a 30 Day Yoga Challenge offered by Shirlee Williams for the month of January. Each session was recorded so you could do it at your own time and each class was a lovely window of typically 25 – 40 minutes in length so I could usually find a time to fit them into my day or run a couple in a row on a catch-up day. Lol

I have practiced yoga for about 25 years but I have never had a daily practice outside of a retreat setting so I was not sure how it would feel. My typical week will see me get on my mat at a class 2-3 times and I absolutely love it. I noticed a significant difference by about day 8 or 9. Even though the classes were short, doing them every day made me feel stronger and more relaxed in my body. One of my favourite times to log in was after coming home from the office and before starting dinner. It became a lovely way to transition my day into the evening.

I had one week that was very busy and I did not get to any classes outside of my 2 in-person classes that I go to. The difference in my mood and body was noticeable. That was a great experience as it showed me a concrete difference. So, when the month was coming to an end and Shirlee shared her new offering that would continue for the rest of the year with 4 live/recorded classes a week plus extras, I was ready to jump on board. The library will be invaluable to support my practice and my well being.

One of my top values in life is to be healthy, fit and feel confident that I can enjoy an active life. It’s the small consistent steps that make the most long term impact so this fits right into my life goals.

Why being on my mat is one of my happy places.

• I give myself permission to be present and be guided along by an instructor. I let go.
• It allows me to release tension in my body with all the stretches.
• It brings me into awareness about how my body is feeling each day, which can vary greatly.
• I breath deeper and relax my nervous system.
• I feel stronger and more toned the more I practice.
• I tend to make better food choices when I stay consistent with my practice.
• It uplifts my mood.
• I am in a community of like minded people and feel a sense of belonging.

In my 30’s and 40’s I thought yoga was boring, easy and for people who didn’t like fitness. Haha – until I tried my first few classes and realized how much strength it took to do some of the postures. At the end of the day, there is a level of yoga for absolutely everyone no matter the fitness level and it can move with us along our life path. I couldn’t imagine not having it as an integral part of my life now. I realize there are other modalities that can provide many of these benefits and that’s the beauty of life – we have choice.

I give thanks to all my yoga teachers that have influenced me along the way and I give a shout out to those who are presently in my life,

Theresa Gagnon, Lisa Kerr, Shirlee Williams and Laura Foster. Whether in person or online, you add richness to my life.

What brings you into your happy place through the winter months? Let’s share in this space and learn what’s available.