Tengboche, Nepal, 2011

Limits exist only in our mind.

We have limitless potential as human beings. There isn't anything that you cannot accomplish if you set your intention on it and commit yourself to attaining it.

So why do we set limits for ourselves?

"I can't do headstands", or " I can't do backbends". It is not that you are physically unable to do these things, it is simply your mind telling your body not to do these things.

Our bodies are simply a physical representation of our mind. We must decide the limitations that we will have before we posses them. We fear the unknown, we fear change, and it is through fear that we set limitations for ourselves to protect ourselves from the fear we do not wish to feel. This is self defeating. How can we find our true potential, our most powerful selves it we hold ourselves back? By pushing through our self administered limits we may then find the true limitless potential that we have.

We must chose to let go of our limitations that hinder us to become the person that we are capable of being.

Never give up, always let go.

Bird of Paradise- Svarga Dvijasana

Shawna performs Bird of Paradise against a Prairie sunset.                     Photo credit: Nicole Richards

This challenging pose is a beautiful hip opener. It challenges your balance while strengthening both your extended and standing leg.

Although it's tempting to dive head first into this pose, it's best to be patient with your body and slowly allow the pose to unfold.

Here are a series of poses to prepare your body for Bird of Paradise Pose.

Step 1- Warrior II Pose- Virabhadrasana II

From standing in Tadasana step your right foot back 3-4ft. behind. Keep your left foot pointing forward, while rotating your right foot open to the right around 90°. Allow your hips to open to the side and swing your arms open at shoulder level.

Keep your weight over top your hips and evenly distributed on both feet.

Step 2- Extended Side Angle Pose- Utthita Parsvakonasana

 From Warrior II, bring your left elbow down to meet your left bend knee.

Reach your right arm up and over head, actively lengthening your right side.

Keep your chest open to the side.

Sink your hips down.

  Step 3- Bound Extended Side Angle Pose- Baddha Utthita Parsvakonasana

From Extended Side Angle Pose, bring the left arm down to the ground.

Drop your shoulder to the inside of your left leg, reaching your left arm under your leg and behind your back.

Reach behind your back with your right arm and grasp on to your left wrist, binding your leg.

Sink your hips down and keep your chest open by rolling your right shoulder back and down.

Step 4- Bound Triangle Pose- Baddha Trikonasna

From Bound Extended Side Angle Pose gently straighten your left leg. 

This step in the series leading to Bird of Paradise is very important as it allows you to open up the hip and the hamstring at the same time. 

Be patient and take your time at this step

Step 5- Bend knee Bird of Paradise 

From Bound Triangle Pose, gently bend your left knee and hop your left foot back around 2ft., bend your right knee and begin to transfer your body weight onto your right leg.

slowly find your balance and begin to lift your torso and left leg upright.

Keep your chest open and maintain your arm position.

Final Step- Bird of Paradise- Svarga Dvijasana

From Bend knee Bird of Paradise Pose, gently straighten your leg.

Repeat on both sides, and don't forget to SMILE!

Mehndi

Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India. 2011

Mehndi is the temporary tinting of the skin, by applying Henna. In India and around the world Henna is applied for special occasions including Hindu festivals and most elaborately for brides on their wedding day. It is traditionally applied to both the hands and the feet to awaken the wearer's "inner-light". 
Brides must be very patient with this process as the application of Henna can take several hours; after which they must remain still to ensure they do not smudge the detailed design.

When applying Henna, it is best to let it dry completely before removing; up to 8 hours. Mehndi will stain your skin a rich brown colour and will last a few days up until one week.


Insider's Tip: For best results you can apply a mixture of fresh lemon juice and granulated sugar to keep the henna from completely drying; then leave the Henna on the skin over night. By doing so you can have your Henna last up to twice as long. *Remember to cover your Mehndi with a plastic bag over night to ensure you don't ruin your sheets*

Saturday, December 31

Come de-stress before the ball drops
Shawna will be teaching a 1-hour Hatha Yoga class Saturday morning 9:15-10:15 AM @ Fitness Quest in the Town Centre, Brandon.
This class is perfect for all ages and levels of experience.
$7 drop-in

Free for members

Why not start that New Years Resolution early?

Finding YOUR Sadhana

  साधना Sadhana
Personal devotional practice. Self-enrichment.

 It is the realization of your true potential, allowing your best qualities to shine.



 Finding your Sadhana may be the meaning of life.

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” -Marianne Williamson

Let go of your fears and become the person you are truly meant to be. 

 My Sadhana is practicing yoga and sharing yoga with others. What is yours?

Natarajasana- Lord of the Dance- Lord Shiva Pose

Natarajasana named after Lord Shiva, whom in Hinduism is, the creator and destroyer of all the universe.
This pose is quite beautiful but also takes a considerable amount of strength and flexibility.

How to get into this pose
Standing in Tadasana (standing tall on both feet) transfer the weight onto the left foot, keeping the left leg locked.
Open your right palm to the front and draw the shoulder back. While bending at the right knee, swing your right arm back to meet your foot and catch the inside of the right ankle.
Lift your left arm up and lengthen your left side.
Find your balance by choosing a point of focus, a drishti, this is the base of the pose. Once you are ready you may begin to kick into your right hand using the strength of your leg to left your foot away from your glutes.
Try to maintain the pose for 20-30 seconds.


Benefits of this pose
Improves balance
Strengthens your standing leg and ankle
Stretches your thighs, groin and abdomen
Stretches your shoulders and chest