quote of the day.

This was the quote used at the end of my Bikram yoga class today! 7 days of yoga in a row, baby!

_____________


"People are often unreasonable and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.
If you are honest, people may cheat you. Be honest anyway.
If you find happiness, people may be jealous. Be happy anyway.
The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough. Give your best anyway.
For you see, in the end, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway."
— Mother Teresa

friend inspiration part 2: bloggin buddies

I met a beautiful girl named Kayla in February.

We became friends very quickly after discovering that we both are musical theatre girls, or should I say ladies.

We also share a strong love for yoga and good food.

This is Kayla's blog:

The Best Things Happen... happen while your dancing

I absolutely love reading about Kayla's 30 day challenge, new recipes and oh so inspiring quotes! 

I look forward to working with you, you beautiful girl!

8 Days A Week

At the yoga studio that I go to, it's the first 30 day challenge of the year! I decided to do a little mini challenge of my own. I am doing 8 days of hot yoga in a row!

Today was my 6th day - so far so good. To be honest I am getting tired, not to mention sore. Waking up for those "earlier" yoga classes is some times difficult, but oh, so worth it! 

The thing I really like about hot yoga is what it makes you do outside of class! You have to drink more water and eat better, because you don't want to eat a bacon cheddar burger before class - you just don't! And when you chow down on your homemade chocolate chip cookies, you don't feel guilty because:

 1. you deserve it and

 2. your just going to sweat it out tomorrow!

Hand In Hand

After rehearsal the other day I was reading Dance Magazine and came across a very interesting and relevant article!

Your Body: Taking the Heat by Jen Peters discusses the pros and cons of dancers that practice Bikram hot yoga (aka ME)!


In the article you hear from different Bikram dancers about their experiences.

 Kathryn Mowat Murphy "swears that it has injury-healing, emotion-strengthening, toxin-flushing, weight-managing, and career-extending effects." (Par. 1) So far in my practice I fully agree.
The article goes on to talk about Bikram Yoga's origin and how it has now become a "popular warm-up spot" (par. 3) for professional dancers. 
There are warnings, such as over stretching ligaments and dehydration. This article  gives you information on how to "sweat smartly" (par. 7).
I hope this encourages more dancers to try Bikram yoga. It has really helped me with my dancing, and also in my mental health. I find that yoga of any kind always leaves my body smiling! 

90 minutes of moving meditation for this cold blooded gal, is absolute bliss!  

Little Guy.

Today I woke 'early' and went to Bikram yoga!

And oh man, was it good! 
Today's class was the best class that I have had since I sprained my ankle! I think the little guy is back in action, or at least soon.
 How exciting!

Here are some cute yoga outfits from Shakti Activewear to inspire you to get your butt in a yoga class!

I want it!

Yup.

I need this in my life!

AND 

Some more motivation

Now go do some yoga! 

Black Swan - By Accident.

Today after doing hot yoga, I was giving myself a wee massage and accidentally slipped and cut myself, with myself.

Whoops.

After showing my room mate, he asked me if I was turning into the Black Swan... I laughed uncontrollably.

Not yet... at least.

I'm back.

After pulling an all nighter, I arrived in Edmonton this morning and found myself in the middle of a small blizzard- not exactly the best way to win someone back. 

5 things I will miss about Vancouver

1.  being able to wear what I want to wear

2. family and friends

3. moisture, ocean and mountains

4. the dance

5. the sushi

5 things I look forward to in Edmonton

1. rehearsal and volunteering 

2. eating better

3. getting back on top of physio exercises

4. hot yoga

5. quiet time

HOT YOGA: Don't be racist!

Hot yoga, my newest love.

Yoga and dance go together very well, so I have been trying studios all over the city, with just the West Moksha Yoga Edmonton to go!

I have discovered through talking to people (both theatre and normal people),  that there is some racism between Moksha and Bikram yogis. I get it- people have favourites and some just can't handle 90 minutes of hotness. But let us not be haters, if you are a strictly Bikram yoga goer, why not try Moksha and switch it up a bit!

I look at it this way. 

         -If you feel like knowing what you're getting yourself into, so you can focus on technique and what not - Bikram is your man!
         -If you feel like a challenge, enjoy surprises, and possibly want a shorter class - Go Moksha.

Don't be afraid to change it up!!!

Studios 
        #1: Bikram Yoga West Edmonton  Even though it isn't the closest to me, it is my #1 choice of hot yoga studios in Edmonton.
- The best smelling Bikram studio in the city!
- An amazingly friendly and supportive staff.
- Great smooth and solid floor.
- Fans
- A lovely frosted window.
- Only $20 for first timers-  8 days unlimited!

Fun Fact: This is where I took my first hot yoga class ever!

www.bikramyogawestedmonton.ca

       #2 Moksha Yoga Edmonton (South and West) I wish you were closer Moksha!!! Unfortunately it takes me an hour busing 1 way to get to either of these studios.

        South
- The most beautiful and spacious yoga studio I have ever been in.
- Amazing change rooms and showers
- Free natural mat disinfectant!
- Cork flooring
- Beautiful frosted windows
- Only $20 for first timers-  7 days unlimited!

Fun Fact: This is my best friend B's favourite studio!
www.mokshayogaedmonton.com

          #3: Birkam Yoga Edmonton - 124th Street  The down town hot yoga place.

- Great location

www.bikramyogaedmonton.com

        #4: Bikram Yoga Edmonton - Strathcona The Whyte Ave hot yoga place.

- Great location

Fun Fact: They used to have carpeted floors... figure that one out!

www.bikramyogaedmonton.com

Yoga!