Thebackyardyogini

Healthy Thoughts, Healthier Body-Registered Series

For the month of February, I’m changing things up a little..

If we are catching ourselves having “unhelpful” thoughts, we might be creating dis-ease in our bodies in the form of aches and pains, among other things. On top of it all, one of the “not-so pleasant” symptoms women can experience during the perimenopause and menopause transition is increased feelings of anxiety. It is a scientific fact that these mood changes can be directly linked to drops in hormones as our bodies age. It can be extremely frustrating because it’s not the first thing we might think of as the cause of our discomfort. We start to wonder why, all of a sudden, we are feeling more anxious than usual, even though our real-life stressors haven’t changed enough to justify how we feel. I’ve experienced this firsthand. Luckily, I’ve received tremendous support from my family physician and have also found it helpful to apply strategies recommended by Lee Harris and Dr. Joe Dispenza.

For the hour and 25 minutes we are together, we will engage in stress-relief movement through a variety of asanas and also work towards creating healthier thought habits through various methods. I’m not promising to change your life, but I am promising to walk beside you as we take the first steps towards welcoming a healthier version of ourselves.

Thursdays in February ( 5th, (no class on the 12th), 19th, 26th) from 6:45 PM to 8 PM. This is a series that builds on itself, so it is best to register only if you can make all 3 classes.

Cost: $120 (etransfer [email protected])

The Little Red Barn of Joy, 25013 Township Rd. 254, Calgary AB T3R 1A2

link in bio or https://thebackyardyogini.com/yoga-classes/

Nidra Before Bed Sundays in November

I had the absolute honour to be taught the Yoga Nidra portion of my teacher certification by Tanis Fishman (www.schoolofsankalpa), now a dear friend. I have attended many Yoga Nidra offerings, and her teachings remain the most powerful for me, resonating deeply on a soul level. My classes will follow the structure Tanis has taught me.

Yoga Nidra is a form of guided meditation also known as “yogic sleep” or “effortless relaxation.” It’s usually practiced lying down with a yoga teacher guiding the session. The goal is for the body to be completely relaxed while the mind is awake and focused inward. During the course of Yoga Nidra, you learn to surf between the states of wakefulness and sleep, where your body finds its natural state of equilibrium (homeostasis) and the breath balances and becomes quiet. Practicing Yoga Nidra can improve sleep and memory, reduce stress and anxiety. (Beverly Davis-Baird, MA, e-RYT200/RYT 500, C-IAYT)

This practice isn’t just about relaxation; it’s a map of awakening. It guides you through the layers of your being and offers the opportunity to transcend unconscious patterns that may have been operating in the background of your life. You will be gently led into states of deep stillness, expanded consciousness, and inner peace—each time, returning to the clarity of your true essence. Yoga Nidra is a practice of remembering. (Tanis Fishman, Mystic Editor and Founder of The School of San Kalpa)

Every Sunday evening in November from 7 pm to 8 pm

Nov 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th

The Little Red Barn of Joy, 25013 Township Road 254, Calgary AB T3R 1A2

Price for the full 5 class series: $85

Drop-in at $25 -must reserve in advance to inquire about space [email protected]

It is with a fragile heart that I would like to share with you that my sweet Welsh Pony Chance (registered name, Here Comes the Sun), left this Earth for the big wide open field in the sky, this February, a day after my birthday. It took me this long to announce it because the loss has been so huge.

Unfortunately, Chance succumbed to complications from his progressive metabolic disorder, and there was nothing we could have done. He died peacefully surrounded by both his human and equine families, and literally left with a smile on his face, and love in his heart. I know it was his time, even though I wish he could’ve stayed with us forever. Now he’s joined his partner in crime, Gailen 🐴❤️

To have known Chance, is to have loved Chance. He had a full life and made an incredible difference in so many children’s lives. He was actually the horse who gently “alerted” us that my daughter was experiencing seizure activity. He played a paramount role in our lives. He was my family.

Chance also enjoyed entertaining my yoga clients during warm summer evenings as we practiced on the deck. His happy-go-lucky demeanour was always so delightful. Now, every time we see golden sun rays piercing through the trees when practice outside this summer, we will think of his beautiful blonde mane.

Chance has sent us many signs already, and the herd is now doing well. ❤️🐴

RIp little buddy. I still call out your name with the rest of the herd when I forget sometimes, and in the morning when I put out the grain, I always think of you xoxo