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Month: January 2022

Private Sessions

Private sessions are an opportunity to participate in a yoga class that is tailored to fit your needs. If you have a specific condition or goal that you would like to work on, questions about your regular practice that you would like to clarify, or if you would like to get an overview of the basic poses before joining a regular class then this might be an option for you. Please contact Bobby@ShaktiYogaMethod.com to discuss specific details.

200 Hour Teacher Training

Hatha Yoga Private Session

Hatha Yoga private sessions are an ideal opportunity to ask questions and work on specific goals. Some prefer to join a private session for some time before joining group class sessions, others are looking for a specific style of class that requires more individualized attention. A private session is the best way to ensure your yoga practice is tailored to your specific needs.

Please contact Bobby@ShaktiYogaMethod.com for more information.

Prenatal Yoga Private Session

Prenatal private sessions are a great way to spend time connecting with baby. Classes can be planned to work with special conditions, or discuss birth plans and preparation. A semi-private with your partner can be a fun bonding experience as you prepare to support each other more effectively during your pregnancy and birthing time. 

Contact Bobby@ShaktiYogaMethod.com for more information.

Neurogenic (TRE) Private Session

Neurogenic private sessions allow for a more personal exchange. Because neurogenic yoga may sometimes trigger emotional responses (which is good!) some prefer to tremor in a private class setting. Others prefer to experience neurogenic tremors a few times before joining a class or beginning a home practice. It is recommended that you practice with an instructor 3-5 times before practicing on your own.

Please contact Bobby@ShaktiYogaMethod.com for more information.

  • The Yoga Sutras and the nature of the universe
  • Your Brain on Meditation
  • Yoga for the Immune system
  • Physiologically Aware Yoga
  • Playing with the Gunas: Ayurveda for Life
  • Swara Yoga: Tuning in to the Nadis
  • The Joy of Ayurvedic Living
  • Pelvic Floor Wellness for All
  • Instructing Postnatal Yoga Classes
  • Instructing Prenatal Partner Yoga Classes
Contact Bobby at: Bobby@ShaktiYogaMethod.com to discuss hosting one or more of these courses/workshops in your area.

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Host A Training

Shakti Yoga teacher trainings and workshops are taught in various locations within Canada, and internationally. Contact Bobby if you are interested in hosting one of these training programs in your area of residence and save the cost of travelling to learn. Contact Bobby@ShaktiYogaMethod.com to discuss specific details.

200 hr Yoga Teacher Training NL:

Shakti Yoga is a 200 Hour Yoga Alliance Registered School of Yoga with over a decade of experience training skilled and inspirational instructors of yoga.

Shakti Yoga prenatal yoga teacher training:

This training is either a 4.5 day training (40hr), or 9 day training (85). The latter qualifies yoga teachers to register with Yoga Alliance as a registered yoga instructor. The 40 hour training qualifies for CEUs for Yoga Alliance. Includes a comprehensive training manual. Appropriate for anyone who works with prenatal women, including yoga teachers, doulas, midwives, bodywork practioners, physicians, etc.

Shakti Yoga Nidra Teacher Training:

This a two day (18hr) training that includes training manual, sample scipts and MP3s. Appropriate for anyone interested in teaching this technique or bringing into into their personal practice.

Ayurvedic Yoga Teacher Training:

A 4 day teacher training (40hrs) that introduces the foundation of Ayurvedic theory and practice, and how to incorporate this ancient science into your class plans, and teaching cues. Gain an overall understanding of how ayurveda can transform your method of sharing yoga with your students. Also appropriate for non-teachers who simply want to learn how to incorporate ayurveda and yoga into their daily lives.

Suggest a Training/Workshop:

Any of the above trainings can be adjusted to meet the specific focus or scheduling needs of your organization. Contact Bobby@ShaktiYogaMethod.com to discuss possible training and workshop options.

Workshop Ideas

  • The Yoga Sutras and the nature of the universe
  • Your Brain on Meditation
  • Yoga for the Immune system
  • Physiologically Aware Yoga
  • Playing with the Gunas: Ayurveda for Life
  • Swara Yoga: Tuning in to the Nadis
  • The Joy of Ayurvedic Living
  • Pelvic Floor Wellness for All
  • Instructing Postnatal Yoga Classes
  • Instructing Prenatal Partner Yoga Classes
Contact Bobby at: Bobby@ShaktiYogaMethod.com to discuss hosting one or more of these courses/workshops in your area.

Continue reading

Welcoming the Tiger

Daruma doll used to bring good fortune. Paint in one eye with your wish. And the second once it has come to pass.

The Animal Zodiac and What it Means For You in 2022

2022 heralds the arrival of the year of the tiger. As each year-end nears in Japan, you begin to see images of one specific animal popping up in just about every setting imaginable; decorations, cards, advertisements. They vary from year to year and are always an animal of the Japanese zodiac. These animals are thought to be indicators of both individual personality and the nature of the year it represents. There are twelve animals, and they influence our world in twelve-year cycles. Your animal is determined by the year in which you are born. If you are in Japan and being asked what animal you are, that person is probably trying to learn more about your personality (of course, they could also be attempting to politely figure out your age without asking directly). The Japanese zodiac is Chinese in origin but has been fully adopted by the Japanese.

Maybe you don’t believe in horoscopes. That is ok because this is a just-for-fun-post. However, from a yogic perspective, there is value in anything that inspires us to pause and contemplate our personality and actions. This is the practice of swadhyaya, or turning inward to discover our true selves. And since this year’s horoscope animal is the tiger maybe it is appropriate to also mention that Shiva is often depicted sitting on a tiger skin symbolizing the victory of divine insight over the tendancy to be led by base instincts. 

Before I tell you what animal you are, here is a cute origin story of how the animals in this zodiac were chosen. There are a number of variations on this story. I will pass along the most common version that I have been told by my Japanese friends.

One day the most important god gathered all the animals and told them that he would hold a race the next day to choose twelve animals to make up the zodiac. The order that each animal arrived at this revered god’s home in the heavens would determine their place in this cycle.

The first sunrise of 2022 from Signal Hill. Watching the first sunrise of the year is called Hatsuhinode in Japanese. Doing so brings good luck for the year to come from the god Toshigami.

To get to the race destination, the animals had to cross a river. The cow knew this would be a challenging race. She was prudent, she planned ahead, and set out early. The rat was not a great swimmer, so asked to ride on the cow’s back (Some stories say the cat also rode on the cow but was pushed off by the rat. Other narratives have the rat lying to the cat about the day of the race causing him to miss it. Either way the cat did not make it into the zodiac because of the rat and this explains their continued rivalry to this day). Anyway, as the cow was approaching the finish line the rat jumped off his back and crossed the line first. This is how the rat became the first animal of the zodiac and the cow the second.

The tiger was the third to arrive. His early arrival was due to his great strength which enabled him to fight the currents of the river. The rabbit came in fourth, having made it across by hopping from stone to stone (and by some accounts with a little help from the dragon).

The dragon arrived in fifth place. This surprised the god who expected such a powerful creature to be first. The dragon explained that he had stopped to assist other race participants, as well as to help the people of the earth with their food and rain shortages.

The horse was the next animal to arrive, but was unaware that the snake had decided to hide in her hoof during the race. Just before reaching the finish line the snake jumped out of his hiding place and startled the horse. This gave the snake time to finish ahead of the horse and become the 6th animal of the zodiac, leaving the horse in 7th place.

The 8th, 9th, and 10th place were taken by the sheep, monkey, and rooster. They arrived together having worked together to build a raft to make it across the river safely.

The dog was next. His late arrival was also surprising as he was known to be an excellent swimmer. He explained that he had paused to enjoy bathing in the river, still landing himself in the 11th spot.

If you are a chicken you may be ambitious and goal oriented.

Finally, the wild boar/pig shows up. She had stopped for snacks and had then fallen asleep with a full belly. Upon waking up she rejoined the race and made it just in time for the 12th and final spot.

Each animal’s behaviour in the origin story expresses their nature to some degree. None are wholly good or bad. Each has the capacity for positive and negative expression of their characteristics. According to the Asian zodiac the personality of the animal that represents the year you were born will be reflected in your individual traits and patterns. Every twelve years your animal will come around again to influence the universal energy of that time. The energy of the animal also impacts the nature of the year we are moving into.

In order of their placement on the zodiac, there are some general characteristics of each animal and the years that they govern. Heads up, this post is a barely-researched and superficial presentation of an ancient system that traverses a number of cultures. Mostly, I am repeating things my friends have shared with me. More research is suggested if you want to truly understand the Asian zodiac. That said, let’s enjoy contemplating our place in the world through the lens of this beautiful horoscope.

Rat (2020, 2008, 1996, 1984, 1972, 1960, 1948 …) people are very ambitious, and will push themselves hard to meet their goals. They will work hard and are unafraid of challenge. They are charming and honest. They may easily anger but are skilled at projecting an outward show of control.

Cow/Ox (2021, 2009, 1997,1985,1973, 1961, 1949 …) people are patient and inspirational. They are stirring speakers who inspire confidence in others. Cows exhibit great mental clarity. In the origin story she literally carried the rat to greatness.

Tiger (2022, 1998, 1986, 1974, 1962, 1950 …) people have stubborn tendencies and can be regarded as selfish, cold, and unkind. Tigers are, however, sensitive underneath all of this. They are thoughtful and have great compassion for those they love. They are also known for their courage. This is much like the personality of Tigress, in Kung Fu Panda (if you haven’t seen this beautiful movie, stop reading and watch it now… seriously.)

Monkeys are intelligent and able to bring creative solutions to problems. This Japanese Macaque is soaking in an onsen near Nagano. That sounds like a smart idea to me!

Rabbit (1999, 1987, 1975, 1963, 1951, 1939…) people are good at talking their way into, and out of, things. They are known for being ambitious, virtuous, and reserved. They may have a taste for the finer things in life. Their reputation for being trustworthy means they are usually greatly admired.

Dragon (2000, 1988, 1976, 1964, 1952, 1940, …) people are easily excitable, short tempered, and can be stubborn. Despite their easily angered disposition, they are sensitive, and get their feelings hurt easily. They are also known to be honest, brave, and disciplined. Dragons inspire trust in people. Recall the dragon’s compassionate behavior in the origin story. A complex personality indeed.

Snake (2001, 1989, 1977, 1965, 1953, 1941, …) people are deep thinkers who often do well financially due to their determination in pursuing their dreams. They hate to fail, and will go to great lengths to avoid doing so (recall the origin story). Snakes are often people of few words.

Horse (2002, 1990, 1978, 1966, 1954, 1942, …) people are quick thinkers who are skilled at giving compliments. They tend to be successful in their endeavors, and have capacity to make wise financial decisions. They may talk too much, be impatient, or easy to anger.

Sheep (2003, 1991, 1979, 1967, 1955, 1943, …) people are noted for their quiet elegance. They are drawn to fine arts, and are passionate about the environment, as well as their spiritual endeavors. They may also sometimes be shy, lack will power, and unconsciously take a passive role in relationships.

Monkey (2004, 1992, 1980, 1968, 1956, 1944, …) people are seen as eccentric and highly intelligent. They are good at seeing the big picture and are lucrative in financial dealings. Their inventive, think-outside-the-box insights mean they can solve even complex problems with ease. Their behaviour is often both creative and erratic.

Rooster/bird (2005, 1981, 1969, 1957, 1945, …) people are devoted to their work and enjoy being busy. They push themselves to expand their skills, sometimes to the point of taking on more than they can handle. The rooster is ambitious and always looking to go further. Not achieving a goal is very upsetting for the rooster. They are known for speaking their mind. This is sometimes refreshing and other times may be seen as speaking out of turn.

Dog (2006, 1982, 1970, 1958, 1946, …) people are loyal, honest and work hard to create positive relationships. They inspire confidence in others and are known to be great at keeping secrets. Dogs are humble and easy going, so are considered to be good friend material.

Boar/pig ( 2007, 1983, 1971, 1959, 1947, …) people have an enormous inner strength that is difficult to unseat. They are honest, humble, very affectionate, and extremely kind to those they love. While they have short tempers, they do not enjoy arguments and try to avoid them. They are stubborn, often making it challenging to convince a boar to change their opinion. In the origin story, the boar is known to have rushed past the god at the finish line, and had to eventually turn back to join the group.

What does the Asian zodiac mean for the essence of 2022? I am excited to be entering the year of the Tiger. Yes, once again our year has started out looking a rough on the surface but hopefully like the Tiger it will turn out to be full of silver linings, propelling us to overcome, and discover the joy lurking beneath the turbulence of the superficial.

How accurate is the Japanese zodiac? That is something you will have to decide for yourself. It may well be a coincidence but I am a wild boar and my plan to have this post written two weeks ago was interrupted by a holiday of indulgences that included copious amounts of holiday napping and snacking (generally the same reasons that the boar came last in the origin story). I will also add that in true boar form, I regret nothing and it is unlikely you could change my mind about the value of my chosen course.

Wishing a Very Happy Year of the Tiger to all!