This Week's Little Life Notes From Me to You
Lately, 'nesting' the overwhelming urge to transform my living space into a more inviting space came over me. I'd been growing tired of its current appearance, dreaming of a cozier atmosphere that would foster deep conversations. Despite my yearning for change, I found myself at a loss, uncertain about the right pieces or how to arrange them effectively. It may seem trivial, but dissatisfaction with my surroundings tends to distract me and create a sense of unease.
Fortunately, I crossed paths with a talented home stager, Fatima, a woman whose warm smile and calm demeanor instantly put me at ease. She graciously guided me towards achieving the desired ambiance. What began as a quest for a new look turned into a delightful collaboration. Fatima admired my artwork and took it upon herself to help me rehang my collection, drawn to its modern aesthetic. Now, as I step into my living room for a cup of coffee or to lose myself in a good book, a smile lights my face. The space reflects my vision, creating a cozy sanctuary where I can concentrate on other aspects of my life.
In fact, I've grown so fond of my revitalized living room that I've decided to host a half-day retreat right here in my home. Keep an eye out for the upcoming announcement in next week's events!
Yoga: Your Step-by-Step Path To Better Calm And Harmony
by Frances Adamson
Yoga, a practice with roots dating back thousands of years, is often described as a "step-by-step" journey. This ancient philosophy, with its deep wisdom and time-tested techniques, offers valuable insights for navigating the complexities of life.
One of the most difficult times I experienced was the disintegration of my marriage, a period marked by grief and overwhelming emotions. While I had studied yoga for years, it was in a workshop led by Rosemary Antze, a former ballerina with flowing white hair and sparkling blue eyes, that I was introduced to a remarkable system of breathwork. This practice profoundly soothed my agitated nervous system.
It was Rosemary who gave a definition of yoga that resonated deeply within me – 'step-by-step.' This mantra became a guiding light through my life. Often, the progress felt imperceptible like a glacier's slow crawl. Yet, looking back, the immense transformation I had undergone became clear. I remain deeply grateful for Rosemary's enduring wisdom and her connection to the precious yoga tradition of Krishnamacharya and Desikachar.
Krishnamacharya, one of the most influential figures in modern yoga, famously proclaimed, "If you can breathe, you can do yoga." This simple yet profound statement underscores the foundational principle that yoga is accessible to everyone, regardless of age, fitness level, or background. It highlights the idea that yoga is a gradual, step-by-step process that begins with something as fundamental as the breath.
Desikachar, the son of Krishnamacharya, further elaborated on this notion, emphasizing the personalized nature of yoga. He believed that yoga should be adapted to suit the individual's unique needs and circumstances, drawing a parallel with the idea that life, too, is a journey best undertaken one step at a time, respecting one's own pace and abilities.
In both yoga and life, progress is made not by leaping ahead but by taking deliberate steps forward. Just as yoga postures are built step by step, with attention to alignment and breath, life unfolds as a series of experiences and lessons. Each step we take, each breath we inhale and exhale, is an opportunity for growth and self-discovery.
Yoga teaches us patience, resilience, and self-compassion, all of which are essential qualities for navigating life's twists and turns. It reminds us that it's okay to start small, to stumble, and to try again. Every step on the mat is a chance to learn and evolve, just as every step in life brings us closer to our goals and aspirations.
As we embrace the "step-by-step" philosophy of yoga within this sacred tradition, we recognize that it's not about reaching a destination but about savoring the journey itself. Each posture, each breath, and each moment of stillness is a step towards balance, harmony, and self-awareness.
So, whether you're rolling out your yoga mat or embarking on a new chapter in life, remember that the path is made one step at a time. Take a breath, find your balance, and step forward with intention. Just as in yoga, the journey of life unfolds, revealing its beauty and wisdom as you progress, step by step.
Favorite Resource:
"The Heart of Yoga: Developing a Personal Practice"
Dive into the profound teachings of yoga with "The Heart of Yoga" by T.K.V. Desikachar. This timeless book, cherished as my teacher training textbook and an essential resource on my journey, delves deep into the philosophy and practice of yoga. It offers invaluable insights into the art of developing a personalized yoga practice that resonates with your unique needs and aspirations.
Desikachar, a renowned yoga teacher and son of the legendary T. Krishnamacharya, provides a comprehensive guide that goes beyond physical postures. Explore the core principles of yoga, understand the significance of breath (pranayama), and learn how to align your practice with your innermost self.
Where to Find It: You can find "The Heart of Yoga: Developing a Personal Practice" by T.K.V. Desikachar at major bookstores, online retailers like Amazon, or your local library. It's a treasured resource for anyone passionate about yoga and self-discovery.
UPCOMING EVENTS
"Meet the Artist" in Toronto and LIVE on Facebook
Join us for a special "Meet the Artist" event on September 24th from 12 pm to 2 pm at Tranzac, located at 292 Brunswick Avenue, Toronto, ON M5S 2M7 (near Bloor and Bathurst). This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with the artist and immerse yourself in the world of art.
Can't make it in person? No worries! For those not local to the area, we'll be sharing the event highlights on a my Facebook page, ensuring you can still be a part of the experience. (Just click on my Facebook page under connect with me)
Throughout the entire month of September, my artwork will be on display at Tranzac, and all the pieces will be available for purchase at any time. So, save the date, bring your friends and family, and join us for this artistic journey. We look forward to seeing you there!
Lunch and Learn with Joy Core- Celebrating International Yoga Month
Mark your calendars for September 21st at noon, and join me LIVE from my garden!
In this interactive session, I'll be answering your burning questions about yoga, sharing insights, and providing valuable tips to enhance your practice. Whether you're a seasoned yogi or just starting your journey, this Lunch and Learn is the perfect opportunity to deepen your understanding of yoga and its profound benefits.
Don't miss out on this enlightening experience during National Yoga Month. Prepare your questions and get ready to dive into the world of yoga with us! (I corrected the link for you if you clicked and found it was not working)
Yes, I'm in!
CONNECT WITH ME
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/frances.adamson.9
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/francie-adamson-1686a41a/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joycoreconnection/
Blog: https://joycore.ca/yoga-wellness-blog/
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