Author Archives: Michael

International Yoga Day
With Hemma Teachers
June 21st, 2019

Join us in celebrating International Yoga Day at Hemma. In 2014, the UN recognised June 21st as International Yoga Day and states “Yoga is an ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice that originated in India. The word ‘yoga’ derives from Sanskrit and means to join or to unite, symbolising the union of body and consciousness.”It is important, as yoga and its popularity grows, to acknowledge the origin and roots of yoga. It is an ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice that originated in India. We cannot lay claim to this ancient practice that has so generously been shared with us from the East. As we practice, we can honour the roots and practice by acknowledging where it began and the fact that it is not just a physical practice.  Yoga is not something you “do” it is a way we choose how to live our lives and live in this world. We would love to see you at Hemma and share our love for Yoga with you this June!

All day is “bring your friend for FREE”! If you have a valid class pass at Hemma,you can bring a friend or family member for free to all classes we have on Friday,June 21st.

FREE CLASS 12:00-1:00pm We are pleased to offer you an all level class from one of our wonderful Hemma teachers. The class is open to all and all you need to bring is your yoga mat!

Kirtan by donation finishes off this special day. Come to chant and meet your community with some Bhakti (devotional) yoga.

Over the years working in the clinic I have learned that regardless of a persons health concerns, one of the most important contributors to health and well-being is Rest – Deep Rest –for the mind, body, and spirit.  Rest is the state our bodies need to digest, repair, mend, and heal. Unfortunately for many of us, rest is an increasingly scarce experience, despite the notion that Summer is restful time of the year.

Deep Rest only happens when you consciously rest.  Different from sleep, deep rest can be cultivated with the help of acupuncture, meditation, lying in shavasana.  Acupuncture helps by inducing a deep state of relaxation, making it easier to rest and quiet the brain.

Resting doesn’t always come easy, there are often a million things rattling around in our brains at any given moment — the grocery list, the argument we had with our friend, the school assignment, work tasks, the news, etc.  Yet, when we take time out to Rest Deeply, our bodies and minds have a chance to catch-up, to heal.  As a result we feel better, we perform better, and we are just more fun to be around!  So remember to make rest a priority in your life this summer!
-Michael

Greta Thunberg is my hero. In a world filled with leaderless leaders, she stands out as someone who has somehow managed to grab hold of hearts and minds, in a way that seems to inspire action. This is a time where bold action is required if ever there was a time. Greta is my conscience, that part of me that knows I should be doing better to care for myself, my community, and my planet, even though I may excuse myself because I’m too busy, too tired, too depressed.

Back in March, we explored the discipline of practice though 30 days of yoga. This exploration reminded us of the importance of daily practice — of committing to an action even when/if we didn’t feel like it. Well, yoga doesn’t just take place on the mat. Practicing on the mat is merely a stepping stone for practicing in our daily lives.

The choices we make, the actions we take, have a profound impact on our lives and on everyone within our communities. Whether you’re riding your bike or walking to work, being kind to the person who is unkind toward you, offering a hand or hug to a person in need, the time to act is now. In our daily practice, in our daily actions, we all need to start moving our practices beyond the mat and out into our broader world, each and every day!

Thanks you Greta for reminding me . . . Be the change you wish to see in the world!

Michael