Author: Katrina Ariel

Give Yourself a Fresh Start

Katrina ArielLeave a comment on Give Yourself a Fresh Start

How often have you held yourself back by clinging to an idea of who you are that is based on who you used to be?

Of course, your past has brought you to where you are now. It’s important not to belittle any of the experiences that have helped you become who you are, because there are gifts in even the most frustrating or difficult times.

They help you grow stronger and discover what you’re truly capable of doing.

However, the past does not define you.

Yoga reminds you to be present in the moment, which means letting go of the past and not being fixated on the future.

Who you have been is not necessarily who you are now. And it certainly doesn’t have to be who you are becoming. The feeling of wiping the slate clean is pretty amazing, so if you’re interested in giving yourself a fresh start, try this:

MINI-MEDITATION

Take a deep breath.

Sit up tall and feel your hips settle into the seat beneath you, and the earth below.

Allow your breath to deepen even more fully, flowing more freely.

Soften your face, letting tension go from your jaw, shoulders and neck.

With your next deep breath, exhale through your mouth with the intention of letting go of the past.

With the inhale, open up to the feeling of a completely fresh start.

Exhale, and say to yourself, “I completely let go of my attachment to what has come before.”

Inhale and say, “I allow myself to redefine who I am in this moment.”

You can repeat these affirmations, or make up your own for a few more deep breaths.

Allow yourself as much time as you can for this exercise, moving as fully as possible into the feeling of letting go of any clinging to the past.

As you do so, also feel as deeply as you can the freedom of opening effortlessly into the promise of choosing who you are in this moment, and who you are becoming as the future unfolds.

Finish with a smile, and thank yourself.

Here’s to a clean slate, and a fresh start in every moment!

Returning to Your Truth

Katrina ArielLeave a comment on Returning to Your Truth

“If it isn’t true, it has to go.”

Speaking with many of my friends who are actively living spiritual paths, this seems to be what’s going on at this time in our Earth’s evolution.

It’s about returning to the essence of who you are . . . Consciously making the effort to let go of the things that wrap you in forgetfulness or doubt or numbness or disbelief.

I’ve been doing a lot of reconsidering around the perspectives I hold, and if they are coming from my own intuitive knowing or if they have been picked up from outside sources.

Sometimes it can be tricky to know what is yours and what is not: what is conditioned from society and upbringing, or what you’ve taken as an idea of yourself that isn’t your own truth.

And yet it is vital, in order to live fully as your most realized self, to be able to differentiate between what is true for you and what is not.

Yoga tells you that you do not need to look outside yourself for answers.

It calls you back to your breath, your heart, your intuitive knowing–the source of who you are.

Coming home to your truth often means letting go of the things you’ve held onto that no longer fit, no longer support, and with which you no longer identify.

It means remembering that all of the “things to do” and the busy-ness of life are temporary–that the mistakes we make are such small things in the grand scheme of life.

Coming home to your truth is coming home to what really matters to you.

What is that for you? What is the most meaningful aspect of who you are? What are the things in life that make your heart sing?

When you come to your yoga mat, or sit for meditation, you give yourself the time and space to feel into your truth, and gently, gratefully and gracefully let go of anything that no longer serves.

Yoga says to you, “Let go of the grasping, the seeking of outside sources for fulfillment, because everything you need is within you.”

Quotes Inviting a Deeper Sense of Truth:

“When we awaken to our truth, we realize we are free.”
― Kristi Bowman

“Live your truth. Express your love. Share your enthusiasm. Take action towards your dreams. Walk your talk. Dance and sing to your music. Embrace your blessings. Make today worth remembering.”
― Steve Maraboli

The Path of Re-Awakening . . . What Yoga is All About

Katrina ArielLeave a comment on The Path of Re-Awakening . . . What Yoga is All About

We are each on our own path.

Your path looks different than mine, yet we are wandering this Earth together, as human beings–bright sparks of spirit who have voluntarily forgotten how incredibly amazing we are so that we can go through the adventure of remembering.

This, to me, is the re-awakening.

It is the realization, that comes in moments and songs and deep breaths and tears and dances, that who you truly are is Divine.

This is what yoga is all about–union, or really, it is RE-union, since we were never truly separate in the first place.

We’re in Mercury Retrograde now, which can make technology, communications, and things like that tricky. But what it does invite willingly is re-lease, re-newal, re-connection, and yes, re-union.

This month the theme I’ll be teaching in my Kamloops yoga classes is “Re-Awakening.”

Perhaps this is always my theme, simply spoken in different ways and woven into other angles of seeing.

The point of so many incredible teachings is to really get you to not just think of yourself as a Spark of Source–which is a challenge because the ego fights it–but to feel, at the heart, from the pure being-ness of who you are, that you truly are Divine.

Tricky, eh?

Yet you aren’t expected to just pick it up in a flash, it’s actually what the entire journey is about. That and enjoying all of the experiences along the way, including nature, loved ones, dance parties, sunsets, chocolate, and numerous detours that somehow point you back to yourself.

As you live, breathe, do, and be, when you practice yoga and when you’re caught up in the whirlwind of life, see how often you get flashes of this remembrance.

The more you tune in, the more you’ll notice those moments where you feel a knowing that goes beyond the mind to your heart–that, yes, you are this beautiful physical form, but you are also so much more, and that your essence is pure, flawless, and truly Divine.

A deep bow to the journey of Re-Awakeing!

Re-Awakening Quotes

“Life gives you exactly what you need to awaken.”
― T. Scott McLeod

“Jesus Christ knew he was God. So wake up and find out eventually who you really are. In our culture, of course, they’ll say you’re crazy and you’re blasphemous, and they’ll either put you in jail or in a nut house (which is pretty much the same thing). However if you wake up in India and tell your friends and relations, ‘My goodness, I’ve just discovered that I’m God,’ they’ll laugh and say, ‘Oh, congratulations, at last you found out.”
― Alan Wilson Watts

“WE ALREADY HAVE everything we need. There is no need for self-improvement. All these trips that we lay on ourselves–the heavy-duty fearing that we’re bad and hoping that we’re good, the identities that we so dearly cling to, the rage, the jealousy and the addictions of all kinds–never touch our basic wealth. They are like clouds that temporarily block the sun. But all the time our warmth and brilliance are right here. This is who we really are. We are one blink of an eye away from being fully awake.”
― Pema Chödrön

Finding Healing and Wholeness with Yoga

Katrina Ariel

Many traditions and modalities of healing have the approach that by healing, you are returning to your healed state.

This is something that already exists for you, this wholeness that is natural and inherant in all of us. It simply gets forgotten, scattered, twisted, cluttered, and otherwise messed with in ways that manifest as the variety of human pain and disease.

But there are ways to return to this healed state–to reaquaint yourself with the vibration of your true self.

One way I like to think of returning to the healed state of being is to let go of the vibrations that don’t feel good and focus on the ones that do.

Like when I’m in the peaceful presence of trees, I feel good. I naturally let go of stress and contraction, and return to my natural pulsation. That is a vibration of wholeness.

What about you, when and where do you naturally return to that pulsation of peace, joy, and pure being?

Yoga brings healing on many levels.

Read More “Finding Healing and Wholeness with Yoga”

Evening Yoga and Meditation Classes in Downtown Kamloops

Katrina Ariel

Our first session of Evening Yoga and Meditation classes have been so successful that they’re continuing. YAY!!!!

“Seva Soul Sessions”
Yoga and Meditation Classes at St. Andrews (Downtown Kamloops)

What you’ll experience:

  • A yoga practice designed to stretch out the tightness and release the stress of your day and week.
  • Each class will include a 15 – 20 minute guided group meditation with focuses such as Inner Peace, World Peace, Personal Healing, World Healing, Loving-Kindness, and more!
  • Both the yoga and meditation will help you feel a sense of wellbeing. Calm. Centered. Peaceful.
  • I will sing to you. (More on that below.)
  • ALL LEVELS are welcome. You can choose gentle modifications or intermediate variations as you wish. This isn’t a power class—it’s a perfect balance of strength, stretching, softness and surrender.


This is an exceptional opportunity to create a consistent yoga and meditation practice, with the countless benefits this brings to your life.

Details:

  • Next session is 6 weeks, Mar. 18 – Apr. 24 (and yes there WILL be class on Monday, April 1st). 
  • Mondays 6:00 – 7:15 PM
  • Wednesdays 5:15 – 6:30 PM (Please note there will be no class on Weds, April 17th)
  • Location is St. Andrews on the Square (2nd and Seymour, downtown)
  • All levels, women, men, and interested children welcome (kids must be able/willing to sit for 15-20 minutes quietly)

Evening Yoga and Meditation 6 Week Session and Drop-in Pricing:

  • Two classes per week at $10/per class = $110 ($123.20 with HST)
  • One class per week at $13/per class = $78 ($87.36 with HST)
  • DROP-INS WELCOME at $15 cash per class
  • If you know you’ll be away for a week, register and then email me for a pro-rated session price!

Thank you to all who pre-register for class. Your commitment makes it possible for me to hold these classes!

Click here to register for Evening Yoga and Meditation Classes.

What does Seva mean?

The Sanskrit word seva means

Read More “Evening Yoga and Meditation Classes in Downtown Kamloops”

Make Your Own 5 Minute Yoga Practice [Video]

Katrina Ariel

There are ways to give yourself the very needed time to cultivate self-love and support, even when it doesn’t feel like there is space in the day. You can create windows of time for your yoga practice that revive and re-inspire you on every level.

Even one deep breath can make all the difference.

When it comes to asana, the physical postures and practice of yoga, my body craves it every single day!

Yet, because life can be busy and time becomes a premium, I’ve found myself developing a home practice that fits into 5, 10, or 15 minutes.

In this video, I show you one possible 5 minute practice. (Okay, it’s only 4:27, but I did do Savasana at the end and you don’t see that bit.)

The singing in the background is me. A bluesy Om of sorts, with occasional accompaniment by my dog Riley.

 

5 Minute Yoga Practice Flow

 

So that’s an example of what my practice might look like if I had only 5 minutes to stretch everything that needed stretching, and open to a more full and free ME.

You very likely have experienced how much more freedom and ease you feel when you’ve taken time to strengthen and stretch your body, as well as connect to a deeper sense of self.

The increased clarity, circulation, and feeling of well-being is very noticeable!

So what does your yoga practice look like if you only have 5 or 10 minutes?

Your practice might not look like mine. It might look like a chair practice, a slow gentle sequence, a rock-star arm balance play session, or just 5 minutes of Legs Up the Wall pose followed by Savasana.

It’s about finding whatever is most appropriate for you, for your body and any needs it has, and for your energy or capability at any given moment. Day to day it changes.

Part of a home yoga practice is learning to trust yourself and feel what’s right for you.

Create Your Own Custom Yoga Practice

Here are some questions you can ask yourself, and examples of poses to get your creative juices going:

Read More “Make Your Own 5 Minute Yoga Practice [Video]”

Art of Alignment: Yoga Workshop ~ Mastering the Basics and Beyond

Katrina Ariel

Art of Alignment: Yoga Workshop – Mastering the Basics and Exploring Intermediate Variations

The last Art of Alignment workshop I offered sold out and was so well received, I’ve decided to create another workshop along a similar format, focusing on mindful alignment to receive enhanced benefits, comfort, and enjoyment so you can expand your yoga practice.

PLEASE NOTE, this workshop is designed for you if:

  • You want to understand how precise alignment can help you feel more comfortable in your body and in your yoga practice.
  • You want to really ‘get’ the basic poses in yoga. (These poses aren’t necessarily easy or simple, but they are the foundation of all other poses.)
  • You want to use the knowledge you gain through the alignment to take your personal yoga practice to the next level – whatever that is for you: whether it means finding relief from pain or playing in more advanced postures in yoga.

In fact, my yoga practice completely blossomed when I learned the techniques I’ll be teaching in these classes! AND I am able to apply this knowledge to the rest of my life.

This is what I want to share with you.

This workshop is currently full. If you’d like to be notified of future workshops and yoga classes, please subscribe to my Yoga from the Heart Newsletter.

Parsvakonasana can be a fabulous stretch for your hips, hip flexors, shoulders and side body. Plus, it often brings a profound opening in your breath that feels incredible!

This two day workshop helps you explore a new paradigm in therapeutic alignment, and gives you the tools to align optimally which leads to a more fulfilling yoga practice and inspired life.

Discover how to practice yoga safely and skillfully, address any areas where you currently experience pain, and feel more comfortable in your body.

Learn how to get the most benefit from basic poses which are the foundation for all levels of yoga practice, and how these poses translate into more intermediate versions OR modifications appropriate for your body.

This workshop is ideal for beginners and experienced practitioners alike.

Read More “Art of Alignment: Yoga Workshop ~ Mastering the Basics and Beyond”

The Yoga of Reciprocity: Brilliant Abundance (Ayni)

Katrina Ariel

There is a concept in Andean culture called “Ayni.”

Ayni is the exchange of reciprocity in every way. It tells us that all is interwoven, and is the central, root principle of the Andean culture.

One of the beautiful things about having this awareness of reciprocity as a foundation to all of life is that it encourages respect, kindness, knowledge, and the blessings that each person has to be shared. Through this sharing, there is not only enough for everyone, but an abundance of goodness and wealth in every sense.

Here’s a quote demostrating the same concept from a great yogi:

“Divine Abundance follows the law of service and generosity. Give and then receive. Give to the world the best you have and the best will come back to you.”  ~ Paramahansa Yoganada

We all want abundance and flow of goodness in our lives. And I know that you likely have this concept in your awareness in many ways.

However, I’d like to draw your attention to another perspective of Ayni or reciprocity that often draws less focus, but can create great abundance of health, happiness, and success in your life.

Perfection and Great Healing in Reciprocity

Just as giving to the world brings those gifts back to you, what you give yourself is what you receive.

Let’s look at this example: say you have an area in your body or life that you are unhappy with. Perhaps there is a physical discomfort or limitation, or perhaps there is a judgement you hold for yourself on some level, be it physical or otherwise.

If you extend feelings of judgment, anger, impatience, or dislike to yourself in any way, these heavy energies show up in what you receive from yourself and can manifest physically.

In contrast, if you practice giving yourself love, kindness, and complete acceptance–espeically those parts of you that have not been receiving these gifts–you will find a great healing occurs in the quality of what you feel and experience in your body and life.

When your focus is to give lovingkindness, joy, compassion, peace, and light to yourself and others, these elements are abundant in your experience.

And what is abundance, truly, if not the physical and energetic manifestations of goodness and freedom?

When you are in right relationship, or balanced reciprocity with the world and yourself, all that you desire comes forth. This includes health, wealth, and fulfillment on every level.

Bringing Yourself Back ~ Meditation for Wholeness and Harmony

Katrina Ariel
Photo by Nat Anfield

Often this is because we tend to spread ourselves out energetically, focusing on so many things at once or sending thoughts out to different places.

The good news is that this is pretty normal, and you can collect that scattered energy back into yourself.

One way is to simply take a deep breath and intend that any parts of your energy or awareness that have gone travelling please return now.

You can also extend this intention into a beautiful meditation…

Mini-Meditation for Wholeness and Harmony:

Take a beautiful seat.

Pelvis rooted, heart lifted brightly.

Allow your breath to naturally deepen as you turn your focus there.

With each exhale, allow anything that is not in the present moment to melt away.

With each inhale, draw your own energy and awareness into yourself, calling back any scattered thoughts or energy.

Feel yourself become more and more conscious of the movement of your breath and your mindful presence in the now.

Feel your energy become more full, more complete—returning to your natural state of wholeness and harmony.

Feel yourself shine like a star with all of that energy concentrated in one place, and naturally radiating light outwards without loosing any energy or potency.

Keep breathing slow and deep, allowing yourself as much time as you’d like for this meditation.

You’re beautiful. Truly. Allow yourself to acknowledge your own beauty and light.

You’re a shining star!

Kamloops Yoga Offerings, and Creating Peace at the Dawning of the Year 2013

Katrina Ariel

I like to think of yoga as a peace offering.

When you practice with this in mind, it brings a vibration of harmony and peace to every cell of your body, to your mind, and to your emotions.

And, of course, whatever vibration or state of being you create in yourself also ripples out to the world around you.

We are at the dawn of a new year.

It is time to find gratitude for all that 2012 brought, and let it go. With this release, there is space to welcome the gifts of the moment, and open to the limitless possibility of 2013.

What seeds of intention would you like to plant in this potent transition?

Whatever you choose, if you invite peace to be your companion then all of life flows more easily, and you contribute to creating a peaceful Earth. A very high practice indeed!

 

Weaving a Practice of Peace

Here are three examples of what a peaceful practice can look like:

1.) Sweet and Restful:

On Mondays at 9am I teach a Deep Healing Restorative Yoga class, which blends gentle yet active stretches with restful and completely supported poses. This class allows you to go deep, yet feel very safe and take it slow. The combination of active poses and restorative ones helps your body, heart and mind return to your own natural pulsation, which is immensely healing.

This class often includes meditative practices, and sometimes mantra. This means you are guided lovingly into a place where you connect with your own inner truth, and the sanctuary of your heart where peace resides.

2.) Flowing and Strong:

Both my Align and Flow yoga classes on Wednesdays at 9am and the Yoga Boot Camp program cultivate different levels of strength, playful challenge, and inner peace. I’ll speak to the latter in the next section, but let’s explore the benefits of the Align and Flow practice now.

When you find a challenging situation come up off-the-mat, you are able to call upon the qualities of yourself that get you through a tough yet satisfying yoga practice, and these aspects bring a deeper peace and flow to life, letting you live in a more aware and engaged way rather than feeling as if you’re just “getting through”.

Having a steady yoga practice that brings a balance by developing strength and sweetness at the same time helps you to find these contrary complements in other areas of your life, and embrace them with mindful kindness. It also brings immense health benefits, making the experience of being human more joyful indeed!

3.) Yoga Boot Camp a.k.a. Peaceful Warrior Training:

What does the concept of being a Peaceful Warrior bring to mind for you?

Personally, I envision being centered and strong, in fighting shape but with the wisdom to flow rather than fight.

This vision makes me think of myself as powerful yet kind, skillful in living life to its fullest as the highest expression of who I am. It’s an inspiring and motivating idea!

To me, Yoga Boot Camp is like Peaceful Warrior Training.

Typically a warrior would awake and train first thing in the morning. And because the guiding wisdom of yoga is present in all of our practices, there is a definite depth to this program that calls to your highest self.

Click here to learn more about Yoga Boot Camp!

Kamloops Yoga Boot Camp is a women’s only program with all ages and abilities present in a supportive, fun, and encouraging group. We combine the best of yoga and fitness to reap the benefits physically and on every other level.

Kamloops Yoga Offerings: Details

All of my classes are taught in Kamloops, BC. The Monday and Wednesday 9am yoga classes are at Let’s Move Studio.

Details for Yoga Boot Camp are found at www.KamloopsYogaBootCamp.com

Blessings of Peace in 2013

However you practice yoga, there are always common elements. Stillness, movement, waves of breath… Yoga speaks to the essence of who you are and allows your natural state of peaceful being to shine through.

The three purest vibrational feelings are these: Love, Joy, and Peace

All others come from these three, or are in contrast to them. And so, when you practice, as you naturally purify your body, mind, and heart, these feelings become more clear and accessable.

It is a great gift. For yourself, and for the world.

May we all bring this gift to ourselves, to each other, and to the world in 2013.