Spring 2024 Offerings at Studio 71 Yoga

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Yoga Class Series (UPDATES)

Despite the uncooperative weather (there’s still snow on the ground in Winnipeg), I’m thrilled to announce the Spring 2024 series of offerings at Studio 71 Yoga.

Classes begin on Monday, April 15th.

Registration is open and can be conveniently completed online (credit card payment required). If you prefer to pay by e-transfer, that option is also available—contact me about the classes you plan to attend, I’ll process your registration, and then you can send your e-transfer to studio71yoga@gmail.com.

Please visit my website (click here) to explore the wide range of offerings, which include gentle yoga, vigorous Ashtanga, chair yoga, events such as sound bath journeys, FREE guided meditation classes, and more.

There’s ONE SPACE available for the in-person Monday evening gentle yoga group classes. Reserve your spot now to avoid missing out!

Private classes are also an option. If you’re considering improving your overall health and wellbeing, look no further than a personalized yoga practice. With individual attention and guidance, you can experience an accessible yoga practice that builds on your unique strengths and caters to your specific body and health status. Say goodbye to judgement and hello to a practice tailored to your needs.

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Guided Meditation Classes (NEW)

On Tuesday mornings, I’m offering FREE guided meditation classes—iRest Yoga Nidra—as a tribute to the memory of former yoga students Barbara Pavlich and Hélène Clément.

Developed by psychologist and yogic scholar Dr. Richard Miller, iRest is a research-based transformative meditation practice that provides tools for managing stress, improving sleep, and fostering a sense of wellbeing.

Give yourself the gift of deep relaxation and self-care on Tuesday mornings while honouring the spirit of two beloved members of Studio 71 Yoga’s community.

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Sound Bath Journeys (SOLD OUT)

I’m delighted to see such enthusiasm for my upcoming Sound Bath Journeys with Rachel Nelson, an intuitive sound healing guide (April 30th and March 23rd.)

Thank you to everyone who secured their spot early. Rachel and I are truly grateful. Due to popular demand both events sold out before I had the chance to formally inform everyone about these offerings.

I have opened a waitlist for both dates. If there are any cancellations and you’re on the waitlist, I’ll be in touch to offer you the opportunity to join these blissful sessions.

If you missed out on the chance to experience the sound baths, email me your preferred date and contact information so I can add you to the waitlists. Please do this as soon as possible, as spots may become available and you will be contacted on a first-come, first-served basis.

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I’m taking some time off and will return to my yoga classes refreshed and ready to serve again.

I look forward to seeing you in mid-April.

With joy and gratitude,

Jeannine

The Mystical Sound Om/AUM (pravana)

Three years ago, during a live yoga class on Zoom, one of my students asked me about the Om symbol in the centre of the lotus on the wall of my yoga/office space, as seen in the photo below. The student found the symbol complicated for something that seemed simple.

I explained that Om was a complex symbol and promised to discuss it in more detail someday.

Recently, another yoga student asked me about Om, and I briefly shared my thoughts.

I have decided to share my writing on this topic again.

The Yoga tradition and teachings originating in the subcontinent of India span over five millennia. The metaphysical complexities associated with the syllable Om are deeply layered, and many scholarly works expound on the richness and sophistication of this mantra (chant). Numerous academics have made this their life work. 

Below is my not-so-scholarly attempt at explaining the meaning of Om.

Om, both a sound and a symbol rich in meaning and depth, is often chanted at the beginning and end of a yoga class, sometimes three times, as a way of acknowledging associated triads, some of which are:

• Time: past, present and future

• Divinity: creation, preservation and transformation

• Spirit: immortality, omniscience and joy

The Sanskrit syllable Om is said to be the origin of all sounds. Sound is a form of energy and vibration, and Om is thus considered the primordial vibration from which all else emerged. With roots in Hinduism, the widely recognized Om sound is also found in Buddhism, Sikhism, and Jainism. In Hinduism, Om refers to Atman (soul, self within) and Brahma (the Absolute, the nature of truth, ultimate reality, the entirety of the universe).

Reverend Jaganath Carrera, a longtime disciple of Sri Swami Satchidananda, states the following:

 “The identity of primordial sound with God as the creative force of the universe is not limited to Raja Yoga. It is a principle found in many spiritual traditions. The Bible declares, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God” (John 1.1). The Rig Veda, one of the most ancient scriptures in the world, contains a similar passage: “In the beginning was Brahman (God) and with Brahman was shabda (primordial sound) and shabda was truly the Supreme Brahman.”

The mystical sound Om, the oldest and one of the shortest Vedic mantras known to the ancient sages of India, is considered by many in the contemporary yoga world to be a sacred syllable, a sacred sound, a sacred single-syllable mantra. Sometimes, Om is chanted 108 times (see the YouTube video below).

What is perhaps less known among contemporary yoga practitioners is that the Om syllable contains three constituent parts/letters: A + U + M. When the A and U are combined, forming a long O sound, the chant typically sounds like, “Aaaaaaauuuuuummmmmm…”

As mentioned above, the three parts of AUM represent the past, the present, and the future. They also symbolize the conscious (waking) state, the dream state, and the dreamless state (deep sleep), amongst other representations such as the triad of Divinity: Brahma (the creator), Vishnu (the maintainer), and Shiva (the destroyer) of the universe. In addition, a silent echo at the end of Om/AUM is described in the Mandukya Upanishad as the cessation of the visible world, tranquil, auspicious, without a second.

The most common written representation of the Om symbol ॐ is a ligature in standard Devanagari form, an ancient, left-to-right pseudo-alphabet writing system of South Asia, combining ओ (au) and chandrabindu (ँ, ṃ). This symbol resembles the number three with a looping tail, with the addition of a large dot placed above an upturned crescent.

The symbol for Om should be treated with respect. Having it tattooed on the body or printed on clothing, mugs, or even a yoga mat where our feet might step on it is disrespectful to many Hindus, yoga practitioners, and others. It is also considered a form of cultural appropriation. Knowingly offending others in this way violates ahimsa or non-harming, the first of Patanjali’s yamas (moral observances).

Since Om is the basic sound of the universe, chanting Om acknowledges within us that we are symbolically and physically connected to nature, all living beings, and the universe. 

When we chant Om—Aaaaaaauuuuuummmmmm—the vibrations produced can calm the body and mind. This is because they help to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for our rest-and-digest response. As a result, we can experience a sense of focus, relaxation, and calmness.

I hope you enjoy the YouTube video “Om 108 Times - Music for Yoga & Meditation”.

With joy and gratitude,

Jeannine

One Spot Left—Yin, Yang and Restore

Explore the Benefits of Restorative Yoga

Finding moments of peace and relaxation can feel like an impossible task in a world where the pace never seems to slow down. This is why restorative yoga is more crucial now than ever before. It offers a sanctuary to release the day’s burdens while you immerse yourself in a profound sense of tranquillity.

Through the strategic use of props and accessories, restorative yoga cradles your body, creating a nurturing environment that facilitates deep relaxation of both body and mind. At my upcoming event—Yin, Yang and Restore—you’ll explore the profound benefits of restorative yoga.

Restorative yoga is about embracing the present moment and surrendering to pure ease and comfort. It’s a gentle yet powerful way to conclude your yoga session, leaving you feeling rejuvenated and at peace.

Are you caught in the whirlwind of a hectic schedule, grappling with overwhelming stress, or juggling multiple demands and priorities?

Taking time to connect with yourself through restorative yoga can be transformative. My upcoming Yin, Yang and Restore workshop offers a unique opportunity to delve into this practice.

With just one spot left, now is the perfect time to prioritize your wellbeing.

Join us and discover the profound benefits of embracing stillness in a world that never stops moving.

What to Expect:

• Dive into a dynamic flow to ignite heat and cultivate inner strength. (Yang)

• Embrace deep stretching to unravel tension and enhance flexibility. (Yin)

• Indulge in a supported heart-opening pose to unwind and revitalize your body and mind. (Restorative Yoga)

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When: Sunday, March 10, 2024 from 1:30 - 3:00 p.m.

Where: In person at Studio 71 Yoga

Investment: $35

Cancellation Policy: Full refund up to 2 days before the event. No refunds will be given after that time.

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Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or new to the practice, this workshop caters to everyone.

Nourish your body, quiet your mind. Feel refreshed and rejuvenated.

Embark on a journey of wellness and renewal.

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There’s only one spot left. I hope you’ll join us.

You can email jeannine@studio71yoga or register online by clicking the button below.

With joy and gratitude,

Jeannine

Yin, Yang & Restore

How’s your February going?

Are you anxious for spring? It’s not here yet, but in the meantime, maybe you’d like to join me for an in-person workshop that harmonizes the best elements of Yin, Yang, and Restorative yoga.

What to Expect:

• Dive into a dynamic flow to ignite heat and cultivate inner strength (Yang).

• Indulge in deep stretching to unravel tension and enhance flexibility (Yin).

• Conclude with a Restorative pose to unwind and revitalize your body and mind.

When: Sunday, March 10, 2024 from 1:30 - 3:00 p.m.

Where: In person at Studio 71 Yoga

Investment: $35

Cancellation Policy: Full refund up to 2 days before the event. No refunds will be given after that time.

Whether you are a seasoned yogi or new to the practice, this workshop caters to everyone.

Nourish your body, quiet your mind. Feel refreshed and rejuvenated. Embark on this journey of wellness and renewal.

Please mark your calendars and reserve your spot.

You can email jeannine@studio71yoga or register online by clicking the button below.

I look forward to seeing you there!

With joy and gratitude,

Jeannine

Embracing Life’s Rhythms—Finding Joy Amidst Loss and Grief

Photo Credit: Sandy Millar (Unsplash)

Life is a beautiful journey filled with highs and lows, joys and sorrows.

Sometimes, as we navigate our path, we encounter loss and grief, which can test our resilience and strength.

Recently, I’ve experienced the departing of two beloved souls from my yoga community—Hélène Clément and Barbara Pavlich—as well as the loss of family members and acquaintances, reminding me of the profound truth that death and grieving are an integral part of life.

Today, I invite you to join me and delve into the transformative power of love, acceptance, and gratitude, discovering ways to uplift our spirits during times of loss.

• Embrace Life’s Rhythms. Just as the ebb and flow of a yoga practice, life encompasses seasons of joy and sorrow. Embracing the natural rhythms of existence helps us recognize that even in moments of loss, there is an opportunity for growth and renewal. Allow yourself to grieve, but remember to celebrate the lives that graced your journey, cherishing their impact on your spiritual growth.

• Cultivate a Supportive Community. During times of loss, surrounding yourself with loved ones and compassionate individuals can provide solace and comfort. Your yoga community is a powerful source of support and understanding. Lean on each other, share stories, and honour the memory of those who departed through collective practices or dedications. Together, we heal, uplift, and strengthen one another.

• Focus on Gratitude. Gratitude can shift our perspective from loss to appreciation for the time, love, and experiences shared with those who have passed. Take a moment to reflect on the blessings they brought into your life each day. Recognize that their essence continues to inspire and guide your journey despite their absence.

• Honour Their Legacy. Carry forward the lessons and values learned from those who have departed. Infuse their zest for life, love, and passion into your daily practices. Engaging in acts of kindness or dedicating your yoga practice to them can be powerful ways to keep their spirit alive within you.

• Self-Care and Healing Rituals. During times of loss, prioritize self-care and honour the healing process. Engage in practices that nurture your mind, body, and soul. Incorporate gentle yoga, meditation, journaling, or mindful walks in nature. You can heal and find solace amidst the pain by devoting time to self-reflection and self-compassion.

• Embrace Impermanence. Recognize that life is ever-changing and impermanent. Grief may linger, but it gradually softens with time. Embrace impermanence as a reminder to live fully, love deeply, and appreciate each moment. Let the memories of loved ones serve as inspiration to find joy and purpose in your journey.

Loss and grieving are experiences no one can escape—they are woven into the tapestry of life.

Yet, in the face of such heartache, we can find joy by embracing life’s rhythms, cultivating supportive communities, focusing on gratitude, honouring legacies, prioritizing self-care, and embracing impermanence.

As we stand united, sharing our joys and sorrows, we discover the strength to heal, grow, and honour those who have left footprints on our hearts.

Together, let’s cultivate resilience, celebrate life’s beauty, and find solace in the journey we all embark upon.

We are all part of each other’s story. I’m glad you’re part of mine.

With love, sorrow, joy and gratitude,

Jeannine