A preview of the Yoga Loft’s annual yoga retreat in Mexico…sign, we love this place…. SATTVA Yoga in Tulum
February 7th, 2012
Counting down…
24 more days until we are moved into the new space – our SATTVA Yoga Urban Ashram. We are so excited for this new chapter in Yoga Loft history, can’t wait to share this space with you all.
Here’s a preview of Sage Ananda showing us just how it’s done as the finishing touches are being completed on the space….
February 7th, 2012
Yoga Loft Family Teachers Practice
Last December, the Yoga Loft family headed on a teachers’ retreat to Canmore for a relaxing weekend in the mountains to unplug, unwind, and reconnect with our practice and with each other. Each morning we shared a beautiful inspired practice together in the family room. With a gorgeous view in front of us, we spread out mat to mat and enjoyed the energy and synergy that comes from practicing together. Here’s a snippet from one of these mornings.
October 26th, 2011
Rameen Peyrow featured in Parlour Magazine
Rameen Peyrow, founder and director of the SATTVA School of Yoga and The Yoga Loft, was interviewed by local Edmonton magazine PARLOUR in August 2010.
I remember from a very young age watching adults around me live their lives. I was fascinated by how hard everyone worked to achieve a foothold in what they could call an accomplishment, and what they would do to receive some kind of acknowledgement and praise in the form of money or status. Working 14-hour days, taking work home, cancelling important family dinners, and putting friends to the side, I saw people trading their evenings and weekends for a crowded mind, thinking about what comes next, how to keep a hold on tiny amounts of elusive greatness. Sound familiar?
This crowded mind has become my life’s work. Not only in helping my own internal world, but also in helping those around find space in their lives and their overactive minds. I did not intentionally set foot down this path; however, my path of Yoga has led me here. If you’d asked me 10 years go what achieving greatness meant to me, my response would have been “living in a cave.” Therefore, at the age of 20, I set my intentions to go to India and find my cave.
Why the cave? Simply, I’d become disillusioned with the typical 10 to 12 hour workdays. I realized that my ife, or lifestyle, was much more important than material gains. I knew there was an experience inside that exceeded external wealth. This insight came from my father who taught me to meditate, at the age of five, ultimately setting me on the path of questioning, who am I? Why am I here?
Now, you’re probably asking the question, what does this have to do with achieving greatness? I’m getting there, but as my Guruji or Yoga teacher in India taught me – slowly, slowly all is coming…
In my late teens I began to see that it was not just the people close to me who were struggling to find the answer to the riddle of greatness, it was actually most human beings. I started to ask myself: why is it so important to achieve greatness, and what do we truly gain from the pursuit? Is greatness about accomplishing something within our lives that others recognize? Is it wealth? Is it our health? What about happiness and freedom? I started to wonder if it could be able simpler things, like being kind to everyone, being kind to the planet, being kind to OURSELVES. What a novel idea!
I decided to go to India…
I began to find insight to my questions when I arrived in India. Inundated with noise, poverty and chaos, I felt I had arrived home. On the surface, it seemed like typical hustle and bustle, but just beneath the surface was a rhythmic ease. India gave me an opportunity to see a new way of living, a way of life that did not revolve around the external gains that I may have perceived as accomplishments.
On my journey to find my cave, in between intense Yoga and meditation practice, I heard of a swamiji living in a cave not far from where I was staying. I made the pilgrimage up a small mountain where I found swamiji. There wasn’t even room to stand in his cave. Swamiji had left his life as a journalist in hopes of living a more simple, inspired life. One day he decided he could walk no further with shoes on his feet, and at that moment, he took them off. While walking across India barefoot, swamiji developed a new relationship with himself. He cleared his mind of clutter and set the intention to free himself, to liberate his mind, and to leave the rat race.
Still to this day, I remember the smell, the simplicity, his bed made of hard tile, and the mountain of money he showed me – yes, mountain of money – that people had given him out of respect, and in exchange for his wisdom and amazing stories. Here was a man who couldn’t care less about money and it was flowing like a river through his cave.
With my daily visits to see swamiji I realized that achieving greatness or “success” comes from the inside out. Once the mind becomes calm and relaxed, then life simply unfolds with ease, and it becomes easier to do what we are inspired to do.
I’m not suggesting you quit your job, remove your shoes and pray for the universe to pay your mortgage, but I am asking you the question – who are you, and why are you here? If you can contemplate these questions daily, the clutter in the mind will slowly make way to a space where you will be able to find your own expression of greatness…
October 24th, 2011
Why Am I Here?
I went to a yoga talk tonight put on by a mentor who means the world to me, Rameen Peyrow. The concepts I bring to you now are his, not mine, but they have sparked a very meaningful conversation in my head.
Why are you here? Was the first question he asked us tonight. The age old question that we all return to over and over. Why am I here? What is it that brings you to this place, in this moment? What is your life’s calling, your life’s work? In yoga terms that is called your Dharma ( I am probably not spelling that right, but you get the idea). Dharma is the vibration, the purest form of your intention. It is the deep motivating movement that comes up and then retreats when we are not quite brave enough to walk our path. It is connected to your Karma or your past life experiences and it carves out a particular path that you walk in this lifetime. It is the path of least resistance, although that does not mean it is the path without trials.
How is it we are supposed to connect with this particular path? To why we are actually here? The easiest way to understand is through your practice, committing to breathing, postures and meditation. These three things lead you deeper into why you are here and propel you on your life’s work. Your practice helps you weed out that which is ego driven and grounds you. What is the highest vibration that you hold? What picture comes into your mind when you find that place of elation? Is it a constant state for you? Can you hold it and find the consistency within this vibration in the body? How do we engage in relationship with this vibration? Can we do it as we do with other important relationships we have in life?
To find that consistency, to reach it in that place between thoughts and judgements until that highest vibration is the constant and we learn to acknowledge the rest and then simply let those thoughts move past us so we don’t get stuck in a loop that holds us back. The closer our relationship with that highest vibration or intention is, the more confidence we have in that relationship. The more confidence we have in that relationship, the more devotion we bring to life.The moments of struggle forge deeper connections in our relationships. Because it is based upon you, it is incredibly sensitive to your internal landscape. The more clear you are inside yourself, the easier it is to go through these struggles. You have a constant that stays pure below all of the thoughts we have in each moment. You have clarity of intention above all other things.
Why am I here? I am here to realize who I am. What else is there to do? Nothing. Your relationships are all about getting to know yourself better. We are always developing a deeper relationship with ourselves in every moment. We must learn to commit to ourselves in relationship. Hitting the bumps in the road, working through things, examining things, ultimately getting to understand self. External events are designed to lead you to internal understanding. That’s all! Life is the most patient teacher, and we all arrive there in our own divine time. Go deeper into that highest vibration, your purest intention and understand that this bad day is as perfect as that beautiful day you had yesterday. Consistency of that vibration exists below all the events in your life. As we refine our practice, the energy begins to flow through us and connect us with the deepest form of who we are. It is all about learning how to not hold back. Holding back leaves you stuck wherever you are. Stillness is constantly moving, creating, actively participating within the rhythm of life. We cannot stop searching until we understand that. Our minds will not allow it.
The underlying theme of life is simply this : The self experiencing self having an experience. It is not about other people. It is about what we experience and understand about ourselves through our relationships with them. Once we understand this, everything becomes easier. Disconnection creates confusion. Connection creates clarity. You become more comfortable in your own skin.
Someone in the audience asked about where hope fits in. The answer I heard in my head was deafening. Hope is the earliest stirring of faith. The beginning place of devotion. Hope allows for the possibility that we will not get what we want. That in that experience we may find ourselves hopeless. Faith is the understanding that we always get what we need in divine and perfect timing. Faith is surrender and allowing yourself to be nourished by your highest vibration in every moment.
Contributed by Kathryn Sandilands
October 23rd, 2011
How Yoga Improves My Life
For those who do yoga regularly I think this question is quite obvious… it is so apparent once you truly appreciate your yoga practice how it improves your life down any path you may take! Yoga creates a calm mind, open body, and means to live the happiest life you can imagine, allowing its practitioners to feel the benefits of its beauty on and off the mat!!! A simple and free lifestyle is craved once you taste the complete satisfaction of what can only be described as bliss after an inspiring yoga practice of movement with BREATH!!! However, yoga is not just a 90 minute practice here or there, it is a way of life, it is a beautiful, heart felt way in which we choose to live each and every moment for exactly what it is, moment to moment and breath to breath!!! The real practice of yoga, I believe, starts off your mat, really challenging yourself to stay calm and peaceful although everything around you seems to be so demanding and streeeeesssssed OUT!!! I have never really understood the concept of being stressed out (but then again again I DO YOGA), it always baffled me because through my yoga practice I realize that I control my feelings, my reactions, and my attitude towards life SO why on earth would I ever choose to be anything less then completely happy and loving towards everything and everyone!!! As human beings we want control, it is something we are programed to think we need but when it comes down to it the only true thing in this whole world we can 100% control is ourselves, our attitudes, our choices, and our outlook on life!!! So why is it so often we will try and control everything else around us and not just look into ourselves to create a bright light within us to then shine out to others….. well if you ask me it is because everyone needs to do more yoga… YOGA IMPROVES YOUR LIFE!!!!! May you have love, kindness, and compassion for ALL living things!!! Just a lovely quote from my yogi tea bag I wanted to share!!! That tea is just so wise!!! Open body, open mind, open heart!!! Peace!! Contributed by Angela McFaul, SATTVA School of Yoga Teacher Training graduate Edmonton, 2011
Contributed by Angela McFaul, SATTVA School of Yoga Teacher Training graduate Edmonton, 2011
October 23rd, 2011
Just Breathe….
Take a moment and STOP breathing, hold your breath … 1… 2…3… 4… 5… now inhale so deeply!!! Feel how your body craved that inhale, that beautiful, fulfilling inhale!!
We don’t think about it often because breathing occurs so naturally but without this beautiful gift of breath our physical body would not be able to carry on!! This is an extremely powerful force we all have right under our noses…SO IMAGINE IF we all used our breath to its full potential, I mean if this stuff keeps us alive there has got to be more to it then just weak inhales and exhales with no awareness of what is happening within the body!! So try it now, take a DEEP inhale and exhale, draw your awareness inward and follow the breath throughout the entire body!! Ok one more time now but this time like you mean it, like you truly appreciate this breath stuff because it gives you life!!! Don’t you feel just that much better, just that much more alive!! What a beautiful thing!! I challenge you to keep breathing deeply every chance you get, and the great thing is you have A LOT of chances, every single moment to be exact!!!
Without breath there would be no life….there would be no yoga (can you imagine no yogaaaaahhh? no thanks)!! For me yoga instantly showed me how valuable and powerful breath is, it can truly get you through anything no matter what the challenge is!! In yoga, breath draws your attention to the areas within ourselves that are calling for opening, it calms the mind with the wonderful flow of energy in, around, and out through our entire body!! Not only does your breath keep your heart beating and your face smiling but it allows for new incredible movement, opening, and awareness of our very own temples, the body!!!
Our breath is really one of the only things in this life time that will always be consistent and will always be there for us no matter where we turn!!! Let breath be your guide through the body, through your experiences, whether filled with happiness or sorrow, breath will lead you through!! Breath will be your most trustworthy and loyal friend if you allow it to be, if you give it the awareness and appreciation it sincerely deserves!! Give thanks to your breath every moment by appreciating the gift with every single inhale and exhale you take!!! Life is a gift, if you do not value your gift, nobody else will!! Another wise beyond words quote from my yogi tea bag that I thought I would leave you with!! I want to give a quick thanks to the Golden retreat and Rameen for being so undeniably inspiring and beautiful!!
Much peace and love!!
Contributed by Angela McFaul, SATTVA School of Yoga 2011 graduate
October 23rd, 2011
The Importance of Self Practice
“Why would I want to practice on my own when I have such a great time in class?” …
I imagine that a number of people respond to the idea of “self-practice’ in this way. This is understandable. We place a lot of trust into our teacher’s ability to create a safe, informed, and open space for us to begin our journey into yoga. Initially we have little idea of what is going on in the studio; we do our best to “keep up” and to master moving our body in new ways. With technique, adjustments and detailed instruction, the practice becomes more fluid. The friction and resistance falls away. With less distraction we can tap into the present moment, our ego relaxes and we see the calm that resides within. You become more aware of your mind state during your practice instead of the postures themselves.
We must be mindful of our intention and dependence upon an external source in achieving this awareness. If one is continually led through the asanas, capacity for growth will be restricted. SATTVA Yoga seeks to awaken the “Divine Intelligence within. This is our natural intelligence, our true guide to the source of all that we are and all that we wish to be”. It is with this guiding principal that we begin to realize how important our own role is on this journey.
If we wish to grow and transform our practice we must look inwards. Listening to our inner voice and exploring more deeply how our own body and mind work, you’re likely to notice a shift. Not only in your potential on the mat, but more importantly, in the body, breath and mind. As for teachers, through our own practice we get a solid understanding of the principles that we are working with. Then we can teach and express these ideas from our direct experience. This is an amazing opportunity to tap into the knowledge within. Try to think of self-practice as a way to research and explore what you have been taught. Find what is true for you and practice that. Practice your truth.
It takes a great effort to study our self (svadhyaya) and to intentionally practice positive change (tapas). Patanjali teaches of these niyamas in his sutras. Aphorism 2.1 “tapah-svadhyaya-ishvarapranidhanani Kriya-yogah” can be translated to mean “the yoga of active practice results in transformation, self-observation and honoring the divine inner teacher”. By taking on a self-practice we invite Kriya-yoga (practice in action) into our lives. The more effective we are in our ability to study ourselves, the more we understand our weaknesses and strengths, which ultimately lead to an increase in self-awareness. We take what we have learned about ourselves and make the changes necessary for transformation to occur, on and off the mat. Ishvara-pranidhana is to surrender and devote yourself to your TRUE SELF (divine intelligence, inner teacher, the source or Spirit).
Supervised self-led classes are an important step in the transition towards a self-practice. In September The Yoga Loft will offer a SATTVA Inspired class (Thursdays 7:15pm-9:00pm). This is an opportunity to integrate selfpractice
under the watchful eyes of highly skilled teachers. Rameen and Sarah will be present to adjust when needed, advise when necessary and advance when ready. Now is the time. Make the choice and be the change you want to see in yourself. Create time and space in your life to look inside and have fun! Get on your mat and play, be honest with yourself. Be creative and open.
Do what you should. You know what to do!
Contributed by Jessica Nickerson, SATTVA School of Yoga Teacher Training graduate, Edmonton 2011)
