What Is Yoga Nidra?
Yoga Nidra is often called “yogic sleep”…but that’s not quite it. You aren’t sleeping in Yoga Nidra. Yoga Nidra is also called “guided meditation”…but that’s also not true. While the practice is guided by an instructor, the effect of Yoga Nidra on the mind is different from meditation.The entire practice, which can be as short as […]
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Garden Recap 2021
My garden has been such a source of joy over the pandemic. When things were getting tense in the house during lockdown, I could slip on my shoes and take a five minute pause to look at my plants. You’ll always notice something new every time you look at your garden. Over the last few years […]
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Business Mistakes New Yoga Teachers Make
Most of us don’t begin a career as a yoga instructor for the income; we have a genuine love for the practice and hope to share it with others. But for an industry that claims it is filled with love and positive vibes, it can be a very competitive space where it is difficult to […]
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14 Minute Hip Release
Most of us have tight hips from the lifestyles that we live, mainly, lots of sitting. This can lead to back and knee pain. Here is a gentle sequence designed to help open those hips and make you more comfortable. Accessibility: This is a fairly gentle class done mostly on the back. There are two […]
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Box Breath for Anxiety
Today we’ll be moving through box breath, one of the most recommended breathing exercises for anxiety. In this breathing exercise (pranayama) we inhale, hold, exhale, hold all for for same count. Give it a try and let me know what you think. Hi, I’m Gillian.I’m obsessed with helping women live their best lives. Together we’ll […]
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How My Yoga Teaching Changed in 2020
It’s natural that an instructor’s teaching and practice change over the course of their career. And while there’s a lot of negative things that can be said about 2020, the turmoil of the last twelve months has led to what I feel is exponential growth in my teaching and in my yoga practice. I feel […]
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17 Minutes to Soften Your Neck, Shoulders and Back
So many of us carry tension in our shoulders, neck and upper back. It causes headaches, jaw problems and sleep issues. In this video we move through a simple seated sequence to open the chest, stretch the side body, and soften the shoulders. Accessibility: We will begin seated and then move onto hands and knees. […]
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Flow and Let Go in 15 Minutes
This is my favourite style of class! We will begin with a modified sun salutation to get the body moving and then settle onto the mat for some gentle stretching. Accessibility: There will be some getting on and off the mat. Props: I use two blocks, but two cushions or a bolster will also work. Hi, I’m Gillian.I’m […]
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Alternate Nostril Breathing: Yoga for Anxiety
Today we will be practicing nāḍī shodhana, or alternate nostril breathing. We will be breathing in and out of the nose, one nostril at a time, so it’s not a bad idea to blow the nose beforehand if you have any congestion.This is one of my favourite pranayamas, or breath control exercises, because it meets […]
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Self-Care Tips to Get Ready for Winter
“Self-care is how you take your power back”—Lalah DeliaWinters are hard for so many of us, and this year it will be especially true. We will all be spending more time at home and spending less time in close contact with our friends and family. If you are someone who puts yourself last or keeps […]
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