Yoga with Jas

09/21/2021

The difference between being a good yoga teacher and a great one is the simplicity within how the practice and concepts are taught.

In a world where we can complicate anything, true sophistication lies in our ability to simplify.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again. Yoga is NOT meant to be "hard" to practice or to understand.

I'm seeing a lot of restrictions pertaining to how we "should" practice yoga popping up on social media, and I'm not entirely on board. To me, these restrictions are what make yoga inaccessible and divisive.

So...cut the crap. In order to have a valid practice, you DO NOT need:

🙄 a mat
🙄 special yoga clothes
🙄 to be flexible
🙄 to be a calm or patient person
🙄 a membership to a studio or gym
🙄 super high amounts of energy
🙄 to have only the "healthiest" diet (waffles are healthy)
🙄 to be social
🙄 to chant in a language you are unfamiliar with**

**You do not need to do anything you're uncomfortable doing. If it feels inauthentic, uncomfortable, and not your vibe ...take the pressure off and don't partake in that part of a guided practice.

Simplify. We have enough in our lives to complicate, and our yoga practice doesn't need to be another thing on that list.

#yogateachertraining #yogawithjas #indianyogateacher #yogateacher #teachlearn#simplify #TheStruggleDoesntHaveToBeReal #AnythingButOrdinary #united #yogasutra #ChaiAndChat #Ottawayoga #AuthenticLearning #goodvsgreat #simplifyyourpractice

The difference between being a good yoga teacher and a great one is the simplicity within how the practice and concepts are taught.

In a world where we can complicate anything, true sophistication lies in our ability to simplify.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again. Yoga is NOT meant to be "hard" to practice or to understand.

I'm seeing a lot of restrictions pertaining to how we "should" practice yoga popping up on social media, and I'm not entirely on board. To me, these restrictions are what make yoga inaccessible and divisive.

So...cut the crap. In order to have a valid practice, you DO NOT need:

🙄 a mat
🙄 special yoga clothes
🙄 to be flexible
🙄 to be a calm or patient person
🙄 a membership to a studio or gym
🙄 super high amounts of energy
🙄 to have only the "healthiest" diet (waffles are healthy)
🙄 to be social
🙄 to chant in a language you are unfamiliar with**

**You do not need to do anything you're uncomfortable doing. If it feels inauthentic, uncomfortable, and not your vibe ...take the pressure off and don't partake in that part of a guided practice.

Simplify. We have enough in our lives to complicate, and our yoga practice doesn't need to be another thing on that list.

#yogateachertraining #yogawithjas #indianyogateacher #yogateacher #teachlearn#simplify #TheStruggleDoesntHaveToBeReal #AnythingButOrdinary #united #yogasutra #ChaiAndChat #Ottawayoga #AuthenticLearning #goodvsgreat #simplifyyourpractice

09/19/2021

Do you use mudhras as part of your practice?
It's been taught that mudhras are powerful and simple tools that you can use anywhere and anytime to change your emotional state and improve the flow of energy in your life.

The connection between the fingers and rest of the body send messages through the nervous system and direct the energies of your body. When you take pause and focus, it's been taught that the mudra will help to connect you to your higher self.

This is known as shuni mudhra, or the “seal of patience.” The middle finger represents courage to hold duty and responsibility. The thumb represents fire and divine nature. When the two fingers are placed together it is meant to symbolize and encourage patience, discernment, focus and discipline.

#yogawithjas #mudras
#shunimudra #learnwithme #ottawayoga #disciplineandfocus #sealofpatience #selfcaresunday #meditation #meditationtools #yogateachertraining

Do you use mudhras as part of your practice?
It's been taught that mudhras are powerful and simple tools that you can use anywhere and anytime to change your emotional state and improve the flow of energy in your life.

The connection between the fingers and rest of the body send messages through the nervous system and direct the energies of your body. When you take pause and focus, it's been taught that the mudra will help to connect you to your higher self.

This is known as shuni mudhra, or the “seal of patience.” The middle finger represents courage to hold duty and responsibility. The thumb represents fire and divine nature. When the two fingers are placed together it is meant to symbolize and encourage patience, discernment, focus and discipline.

#yogawithjas #mudras
#shunimudra #learnwithme #ottawayoga #disciplineandfocus #sealofpatience #selfcaresunday #meditation #meditationtools #yogateachertraining

09/16/2021

Ever notice how easy it is to tell someone else what they should do? It's so easy, right? Why, then, do we suck at taking our own advice?

It's hard to navigate chaos when we're in the middle of it. Add to it the emotional, mental, and physical toll that inevitably wears us down, and we're left with being one step away from a complete breakdown.

Literally (and figuratively) taking a step away, a step back, or a step up gives us a whole other perspective and the journey forward feels that much clearer.

Just because it feels like we "should" be at a specific place in our lives doesn't mean we burn ourselves out to get there. Calm your body, calm your mind, don't be afraid to take the scenic route. It's so much prettier ✨

#upintheair #hotairballoons
#sundance #nomoreburnout #scenicroute #yogawithjas #ottawayoga #teachertraining #giveandreceive #sunrise

Ever notice how easy it is to tell someone else what they should do? It's so easy, right? Why, then, do we suck at taking our own advice?

It's hard to navigate chaos when we're in the middle of it. Add to it the emotional, mental, and physical toll that inevitably wears us down, and we're left with being one step away from a complete breakdown.

Literally (and figuratively) taking a step away, a step back, or a step up gives us a whole other perspective and the journey forward feels that much clearer.

Just because it feels like we "should" be at a specific place in our lives doesn't mean we burn ourselves out to get there. Calm your body, calm your mind, don't be afraid to take the scenic route. It's so much prettier ✨

#upintheair #hotairballoons
#sundance #nomoreburnout #scenicroute #yogawithjas #ottawayoga #teachertraining #giveandreceive #sunrise

09/09/2021

I hate the word "hustle".
The connotations of the word in the business sense are actually negative.

To "hustle" someone means to cheat them. So then, why would anyone want to be known as a hustler?

The glorification of constantly working, constantly being "busy", and constantly racing against some imaginary clock has left most of this generation exhausted and running on fumes.

So what if we just stopped with the time-shaming? What if we reframed success?

If you need me, I'll be recharging my batteries.

#yogawithjas #f**khustleculture #recharge #align #notahustler

I hate the word "hustle".
The connotations of the word in the business sense are actually negative.

To "hustle" someone means to cheat them. So then, why would anyone want to be known as a hustler?

The glorification of constantly working, constantly being "busy", and constantly racing against some imaginary clock has left most of this generation exhausted and running on fumes.

So what if we just stopped with the time-shaming? What if we reframed success?

If you need me, I'll be recharging my batteries.

#yogawithjas #f**khustleculture #recharge #align #notahustler

09/06/2021

I really think that most dogs exemplify yogic principles. Here are a few more lessons we could learn from these lovable creatures:

🐾Forgive mistakes.
🐾Celebrate time together.
🐾Prioritize exercise.
🐾Embrace the power of silence.
🐾Show love in big and small ways.
🐾Be yourself. Quirks and all.
🐾Don't forget to have fun in the process!
🐾Treat your loved ones better than they deserve.
🐾Be loyal.
🐾Give each other some space.

What are some lessons you've learned from your pets?

#dogsofinstagram #puppycuddles #lessonsfromdogs #puppyyoga #adogslife #yogateacherinspiration #inspiredbynature #downwarddog #lessonslearned #wisdomearned

09/03/2021

Disclaimer: Not a doctor. Depression is real, and the intention is not to diminish it.

There was a quote I had read a loooong time ago that basically stated that before self diagnosing, we should evaluate the people we've surrounded ourselves with. It really stuck with me.

It's been a period of growth, reflection, and realization for so many. There are so many versions of ourselves that we've grown through...and it's important to recognize how far we've come.

Having people in our corner that support us, challenge us, and allow us to be our whole self are SO invaluable. So if you're feeling alienated, check your people. It may be time to let go and move forward.

What do you think? Can you relate?

#compassionfirst #neveralone #growthroughlife #yogawithjas

Disclaimer: Not a doctor. Depression is real, and the intention is not to diminish it.

There was a quote I had read a loooong time ago that basically stated that before self diagnosing, we should evaluate the people we've surrounded ourselves with. It really stuck with me.

It's been a period of growth, reflection, and realization for so many. There are so many versions of ourselves that we've grown through...and it's important to recognize how far we've come.

Having people in our corner that support us, challenge us, and allow us to be our whole self are SO invaluable. So if you're feeling alienated, check your people. It may be time to let go and move forward.

What do you think? Can you relate?

#compassionfirst #neveralone #growthroughlife #yogawithjas

08/25/2021

Contrary to what social media tends to portray, yoga was never meant to reduce stress, help us become more flexible, or enhance our acrobatic ability.

✨While it may be a tool for acheiving these goals, it's not the point of the practice.✨

The practice of yoga was created to help train the muscle of our minds; the mind that shapes our perceptions and from there, creates our reality. The combination of proper breath, poses, and intentionally linking the two is what makes yoga powerful.

This shapes a large part of the yoga teacher training I run - using yoga as a tool to train the mind. Registration for Spring 2022 is open, check it out!

#YogawithJas #whydoyouyoga #musclememory #breathe #namaste #dancerpose #wheelpose #cellphonephotography #unpopularopinions #practicewithme #ottawayoga #ytt #yogateachertraining

08/22/2021

Slow down and listen. Listen to what your body and mind are telling you. More often than not, we know the next steps to take, and hesitate because we've developed coping mechanisms that have helped us survive.

Meditation is a great tool for helping sift through the chaos and prioritizing our lives. It allows for a clearer perspective on how we view ourself and how we relate to other aspects of our existence. It takes us from anxious to grounded in a matter of minutes.

Unsure of where to start? Reach out. A conversation can change everything ✨

6-week meditation programs start again in September.

#yogawithjas #wellnessintheworkplace #OttawaYogi #trusttheprocess #BridgeTheGap #Meditation #LiveEmpowered #LiveInspired #Perspective #chaostocalm #slowdownlevelup

Slow down and listen. Listen to what your body and mind are telling you. More often than not, we know the next steps to take, and hesitate because we've developed coping mechanisms that have helped us survive.

Meditation is a great tool for helping sift through the chaos and prioritizing our lives. It allows for a clearer perspective on how we view ourself and how we relate to other aspects of our existence. It takes us from anxious to grounded in a matter of minutes.

Unsure of where to start? Reach out. A conversation can change everything ✨

6-week meditation programs start again in September.

#yogawithjas #wellnessintheworkplace #OttawaYogi #trusttheprocess #BridgeTheGap #Meditation #LiveEmpowered #LiveInspired #Perspective #chaostocalm #slowdownlevelup

08/18/2021

There is an abundance of information and as well as distractions all around us.

This is not necessarily a negative thing. Instead, it provides us with the opportunity to choose what is important to us.

We eventually come to learn that everything is energy. So here's are some things on which to stop wasting your energy and attention:

🌿Pointless Drama.
🌿Trying to Attain Perfection.
🌿Checking Your Phone or Email Constantly. Notifications off.
🌿Micromanaging Your Life and Others'.
🌿People Who Don't Value You. You deserve the love you so freely give.
🌿The Fear of Failure. It's exhausting.
🌿Complaining. Just stop.

A yoga practice on and off the mat teaches us to control our responses and let go of outcomes. Mind your mind. ❤️

There is an abundance of information and as well as distractions all around us.

This is not necessarily a negative thing. Instead, it provides us with the opportunity to choose what is important to us.

We eventually come to learn that everything is energy. So here's are some things on which to stop wasting your energy and attention:

🌿Pointless Drama.
🌿Trying to Attain Perfection.
🌿Checking Your Phone or Email Constantly. Notifications off.
🌿Micromanaging Your Life and Others'.
🌿People Who Don't Value You. You deserve the love you so freely give.
🌿The Fear of Failure. It's exhausting.
🌿Complaining. Just stop.

A yoga practice on and off the mat teaches us to control our responses and let go of outcomes. Mind your mind. ❤️

08/17/2021

Did you know that our hips energetically store:
👉🏾 Trauma
👉🏾 Anxiety
👉🏾 Heavy emotions

While this doesn't always necessarily manifest as tight hips, it feels good to stretch and support the muscles around them anyway.

Starting in September, I'm back to offering 2 weekly group sessions (virtually and in person). Hatha on Monday morning, and yin on Wednesday evening. The practices are designed to be accessible to all, regardless of experience.

Join me, and move from chaos to calm within your body. ☺️

Did you know that our hips energetically store:
👉🏾 Trauma
👉🏾 Anxiety
👉🏾 Heavy emotions

While this doesn't always necessarily manifest as tight hips, it feels good to stretch and support the muscles around them anyway.

Starting in September, I'm back to offering 2 weekly group sessions (virtually and in person). Hatha on Monday morning, and yin on Wednesday evening. The practices are designed to be accessible to all, regardless of experience.

Join me, and move from chaos to calm within your body. ☺️

08/15/2021

Looking back over the last year and a half, I'm filled with gratitude and pride.

These are the graduates from my unique yoga teacher training program, and I'm so proud of how they've been living their practice. Despite the rollercoaster, we made it! 🥰

Grateful to have been of your journey, and I can't wait to see the ripples you all put out into the world. ❤️

Registration for March 2022 is open to 5 people. If you're thinking about it, reach out. It will fill up!✨

#yogawithjas #ytt #ottawayoga #indianyogateacher #grads #liveyourpractice #slowdownlevelup #chaostocalm #bipoc #bipocteachers

08/12/2021

Yoga's not necessarily about the shape of our body, it's meant to let us take stock of the shape of our life.

Life is filled with uneven surfaces, unexpected bumps, and sometimes wonderful illusion. How we navigate these twists and turns is what shapes the story of our lives.

By creating a space in our body and mind to cultivate balance, inner strength, and trust in our abilities, we get better at navigating our outer world while maintaining our inner peace.

@rebeccarowe.ca, even though the rocks here are pointy, and the surface is uneven, you melted into this shape with such ease and confidence. You're such an inspiration to those around you, and truly showcase strength in every way. You #liveyourpractice every day. ❤️✨

#yogawithjas #yogaanywhere #beachplease #strongaf #strongwomenlifteachotherup #downwarddog #daybootytho #innerpeace #findyourpeace

Yoga's not necessarily about the shape of our body, it's meant to let us take stock of the shape of our life.

Life is filled with uneven surfaces, unexpected bumps, and sometimes wonderful illusion. How we navigate these twists and turns is what shapes the story of our lives.

By creating a space in our body and mind to cultivate balance, inner strength, and trust in our abilities, we get better at navigating our outer world while maintaining our inner peace.

@rebeccarowe.ca, even though the rocks here are pointy, and the surface is uneven, you melted into this shape with such ease and confidence. You're such an inspiration to those around you, and truly showcase strength in every way. You #liveyourpractice every day. ❤️✨

#yogawithjas #yogaanywhere #beachplease #strongaf #strongwomenlifteachotherup #downwarddog #daybootytho #innerpeace #findyourpeace