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Oct 03
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Community Feature : October 2019

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Author : Susan Wilvert

When I was asked to share my story, I was initially hesitant.  Being from a broken home and the events in my life that occurred because of this, I thought through the WHY of sharing my story. I realized that there may be someone else out there who needs to hear this, so I decided to bare my soul in hopes this may be the message that inspires one person from “I can’t” to “I will”. 

When I started practicing at PYC I had no idea it would help me to overcome my personal struggles with addiction and give me the strength to see it through.  A little bit about myself;  I come from an abusive childhood and alcoholism runs deep in the veins of my family. I never knew my father or grandfather but from what I understand they both passed of cirrhosis of the liver.

Yoga Community Feature - October 2019

 

I lost my brother, Ross, 3 years ago. He had been sober for 10 years with the help of AA but sadly passed due to a stroke at 52 years of age. Since my brother’s passing, my mother has moved in with us.  Although things have settled down now, initially the memories from my childhood weighed heavily on me and I was unwilling to forgive. Looking back, I can now see that I have actually survived the horrors, and with the help of this practice, I am gaining more and more courage, clarity and confidence. Power Yoga has been instrumental in giving me the strength I need to carry on mentally, emotionally and physically. It has also given me a sense of belonging, a sense of purpose and validates all that I wholeheartedly believe in.  

 

One of the most impressive ways in which the practice on my mat has reflected in my personal life has simply been, “letting go”. I am leaning into what is scary, uncomfortable and “hard” and practicing the art of surrender. This journey is one I am willing to take, due to the sense of empowerment, peace and spirituality I acquire in each and every class.

 

The physical practice, the asana of yoga, seems to calm my central nervous system and get rid of the residual angst I carry around with me. The sense of equilibrium it gives me is euphoric, unshakeable – really! I am also grateful for the relationships I am forming with some of my instructors, whose encouragement, love and support means the world me. 

 

I’ve recently become a part of the Energy Exchange program and aspire to teach one day, but for now I am enjoying getting to know the team and members of PYC in a more intimate way.  Like everyone, I am a work in progress and fully appreciate the guidance, support and positive reinforcement from PYC & the Leaside community. I will continue to pursue this incredible passion as long as I possibly can and will relish it for the gift that it truly is. I am eternally grateful for Power Yoga Canada. Thank you.

 

Aug 02
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Community Feature : August 2019

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Author : Gail Ramdeyall

I would like to begin with two words:

Life. Changing.

Before I joined Power Yoga Canada City Centre, my whole body was in pain. I also suffered from anxiety and migraine headaches. I tried looking for solutions everywhere; from Chiropractors to Massage Therapists, but nothing seemed to last.

August Community Feature 2019

Tuesday, April 30th, 2019  – I will always remember the date when my life changed. A very good friend of mine coaxed me out to a Hot Yoga class at PYC City Centre. I was hooked instantly. I signed up for 30 Days to Level Up workshop starting the next day, and I haven’t stopped since.

I work as a Medical Laboratory Technologist for Toronto General Hospital. My area of expertise is Multiple Organ Transplant, and my work means I am on shift as well as on-call. This work can be stressful and rewarding at the same time. PYC helped me cope better with this particular stress. I have to be accountable every day for my job, but yoga has helped make me accountable to myself as well. I have found the ultimate balance.

Four months later,  I have no body pain, no anxiety and no migraines. I am pain-free both mentally and physically.  I now have a wonderful PYC family and community to look forward to being apart of every day.

This community has changed my mindset in the most positive way. I have learned patience and understanding not only within myself but with others.  I cannot express how much PYC has changed my life and my outlook on everything. For this I will forever be grateful. My next Levelling Up will be Teacher Training. I am also very thankful to my husband and son for supporting me through this!! I found my “thing”!

Jul 01
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Community Feature : July 2019

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Author : Alycia Novak

Before I found PYC Leaside I was at my rock bottom. In February of 2018, I was in a car accident that left my brain and body broken. I was in pain. I was angry. I was lost.

The physiotherapy and doctors’ appointments were fixing my body, but I knew I needed to do something to reconnect with myself. Yoga has always been a part of my life, but I honestly don’t think I was ever doing it for the “right reason”

Community feature: july 2019I went yoga classes just to be able to say “I am going to yoga” but would always beat myself for not having a “yoga body”, or not being able to make the poses look “perfect”. Something was telling me to get back on my mat. My only goal for my first class was to just get on my mat. I did it and haven’t looked back!

PYC Leaside was such an integral part of healing my mind, body and soul. I learned that yoga is NOT a competition sport. It is so much more than just looking good in the poses; or the idea that your body needs to look, or be a certain way to be a yogi. I don’t know if there is a time when I feel sexier or stronger than when I am on my mat covered in sweat. It makes me feel like a badass.

I have reconnected with my body in a whole different way. I am truly grateful for every day that I get to move and sweat and honour my body + soul. I am grateful for my health and continued healing every second of every day.

Not only have I been giving the gift of my health and being a part of this beautiful community, but it has also giving me the opportunity to connect on an even deeper level with my soul sister Lauren.

The PYC Leaside community with their love and support gives me permission to show up exactly how I am. No mask. No pretending. To have a safe place to come and be who you are, where you are in life and work it out on your mat is a game changer.

And if finding my home at PYC was a game changer, I know participating in their summer Yoga Teacher Training Intensive is going to change the game. Thank you PYC Leaside!

Jun 01
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Community Feature : June 2019

By Community Feature

 

Community feature - June 2019

 

CONGRATULATIONS to our most recent 200 HR YTT Grads! We are so grateful for each and every one of you who participated in the program. The magic that occurs in each teacher training is hard to put into words, so we asked our grads to share about their  YTT experience for this month’s community feature.

“All my life, I sought recognition or praise for everything I did…from my kids, my husband, parents and friends. I had the best grades in school, became successful in my chosen career, determined to be the best wife and mother in the world. And YET, I felt discontent, like there was always something missing. PYC YTT has helped me see that when you operate from a place of lack, nothing is ever enough. PYC YTT has guided me to peel away all the lies and layers I’ve built over the years to recognize the truth inside of me. And when your new way of being comes from abundance, you operate from a place of love, true service, compassion and gratitude. And then suddenly, I was the miracle I was waiting for all along. I can tell you, everything is as it was, and yet they are not. And the only thing that has changed is ME – my perception, my thoughts, my emotions, my reactions. My yoga journey has been a wonderful transformation that I can powerfully share with everyone in my yoga classes! “- Lot

“I walked in to YTT from a place of fear, confusion, and imbalance. Through a lot of hard work and inquiry, I left the final weekend with abundance.  Abundance of love, clarity, community and total trust. I’ve peeled away all the layers that weren’t serving my purpose and am left with my true north and in complete ease of knowing exactly who I am. Thank you Power Yoga Canada!” -Matea

“[Teacher Training creates] the possibility to realize that you are everything that you thought you weren’t and couldn’t be. Forever opportunities, happiness, friendships and the anticipation of your next “what it”…becomes your reality in Yoga Teacher Training”  -Antonella

“[I learned] Self love and appreciation for who I am and who I am not. I learned that I matter in the world and that I can change. I learned that I can shine,  just by being myself” -Ula

Our Summer Intensive  200 HR Yoga Teacher Training begins July 5th.   If you want to awaken your spirit though yoga, meditation and self-inquiry that helps peel back layers that are not authentically you, apply online at: poweryogacanada.com/summer-200-hour-teacher-training/

May 01
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Community Feature : May 2019

By Uncategorized

Author : Larry Bartlett

I came to Power Yoga Canada Oshawa looking to expand my fledgling yoga practice of three months. I felt the “Forty Days to a Personal Revolution” workshop would be a great way to make that happen. The workshop asks you to commit to a daily yoga practice, meditation and some self-exploration through journalling on questions. I jumped right in and signed up not really knowing what was in store for me. I had previously spent no time on my emotional baggage – other then to store it and ignore it.   The 40 Days workshop blew my mind open. I found it extremely intense and reached deeply. At times I felt like a child for lacking the basic tools to deal with the issues brought up. I “stayed” and worked my way through the difficulties just as PYC encourages all of us to do in their practice. I’m glad I did.

Community Feature : May 2019 - Power yoga Canada

After completing the workshop I was more enthused than ever to deepen my practice. I took  a number of PYC workshops, maintained a 5 class or more weekly practice, tried my hand at giving hands-on assists in class, a brief stint doing Energy Exchange and am currently the A.M.D. (Awesome Maintenance Dude) for Power Yoga Canada Oshawa . I am thankful to have spent some time volunteering while the studio was being built and that will always be a fond memory.

 

When I occasionally feel my practice is not progressing,  I need only to remember where I started from to shake that thought. Touching my toes or even lying comfortably flat in savasana was not possible. I now find peace in my practice that I hope to work into all aspects of my life. I have better posture now than when I began and a greater mind/body connection. Calm breathing has become an automatic tool when I consciously recognized I feel stressed and it does help. My practice has now taken front and centre over my road cycling (although I strongly believe cycling will always have a place in my life).

 

The warmth I feel from the PYC community humbles me in receiving it. I thank you all for it and always hope to return it. I find inspiration from every single person practicing.

I want to be a “YES” for this community so when I was asked to share my story that is exactly what I said.

Apr 01
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Community Feature : April 2019

By Community Feature

Author : Beth Brens

I did my first yoga class ever at PYC on Family Day in 2013.  My girlfriend had done a few classes and was raving about how PYC was great.  At the time, I was a mom of two young children and was trying to establish my career as an accounting professional.  With both my husband and myself working full time and many kids activities, life was (and still is) chaotic and making time for myself was not a priority.  I was in a place where I felt like I was doing nothing well, life was flying by and I wasn’t keeping up.  Taking my girlfriend up on her invite was a first step in making my personal well-being a priority.

Power yoga canada community fetaures

Yoga has been much more than the physical aspect for me, with the mindfulness being the most impactful.  Through the instructors at PYC, I have learned to breathe more deeply, pay attention to how I am feeling, be more reflective, practice self love and think differently.  As I progress in my career, the stress level is also increasing.  I feel that using what I have learned in my yoga practice has been a key contributor to managing that the increased demands of my career.  Yoga has helped me think more clearly, keep an open mind, and be more aware of other people’s perspective.

 

I think differently now, and I am more in tune with who I am and how I am feeling.  I am able to keep an open mind when dealing with conflict, and I am more aware of and honest with my feelings.  This has allowed me to see things I wouldn’t have seen before and has allowed me to recognize when I need to slow down and breathe.  I truly feel that these skills have been key to the success I have experienced in my career.  Yoga has also taught me to be ok in the uncomfortable space, whether it is on the mat or working through a difficult situation at work.  Challenging myself to stay in the uncomfortable space at work and in some of my personal relationships, and not have to fix it right away or run away from it, has allowed me to grow and deal with obstacles in a different way.  I share this concept regularly at work, it has become a bit of a mantra for me.

 

Every time I come to class everyone is so friendly, whether it is a familiar face or someone new.   I have never felt judgment or insecurity walking into the studio.  I feel like in every class, I learn something new about myself and the time spent on my mat allows me to re-centre and to go back out into life with a renewed energy and positive outlook.

 

I love that the instructors will share how they are feeling and are open and vulnerable to the class.  By doing this, they have showed me that it is ok and more often than not we are all going through our own battles in life.  In a recent class, Jax shared the concept that you always have choice as to how you perceive something.  As an example, she could tell herself that everyone is not enjoying the class because no one is smiling, but instead she can choose to think of all the positive feedback she gets after class so knows that it is nothing personal.  This was such a simple concept but her words were so meaningful and impactful to me.

 

I have gained so much personally and professionally as a result of my time at PYC.  If someone is reading this and thinks that the class was pretty cool and that they might get something out of attending more classes I want to be able to influence and say come back again!

Mar 01
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Community Feature : March 2019

By Community Feature

Author : Ashley Burton

My name is Ashley Burton … and before PYC, I was someone who really didn’t realize who I actually was. I felt like what I did for a living, my culture, age and heritage – all these exterior attributes – made up WHO I WAS. At the time I was living a life for myself really and much less self-aware than I’ve become after diving into the culture of personal development and self inquiry.

PYC community feature March

Power Yoga Canada has profoundly changed my life. I recently lost my partner at the age of 33 who had an accidental death… which has been by far the most challenging time for me in this life. I didn’t know it all these years but the work I have put in previously has helped prepare me for today. The tools I have learned and my daily practice have enabled me to manage the rollercoaster rides that come my way. There are highs and lows; through self-inquiry work with PYC, when there are lows, I know what to do to work my way back to a place where I feel powerful and present again. I’m more compassionate with myself, more forgiving with my family and friends. I’ve learned how to really listen, not only to others but also myself. I remember being in traffic pre-PYC or at the lineup at the bank feeling anxiety and tension run through my body. Today I’ve learned how to calm down, how to really breathe especially during the challenging moments I experience.

I love being a part of the PYC family because I feel completely supported in every way. I believe in how lives are impacted because mine has been; and for that I will forever share PYC with everyone in hopes of their transformations as well. I want to share my story because of YOU. Yes, you reading this… that you know whatever it is you’re going through in your life, coming to this place is the best thing you can do for yourself. Show up and trust this process. I promise you will discover something beautiful along the way.

Ashley Burton is the founder of Yoga to You, a Power Yoga Canada Affiliate. They are a mobile yoga service specializing in bringing the yoga you love to corporate offices and creating customizable classes for any event. Learn more about Yoga to You at yogatoyou.ca

Feb 01
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Community Feature : February 2019

By Community Feature

Author: Patrick

My name is Patrick and I practice yoga out of Power Yoga Canada Etobicoke. It’s amazing to be writing this and to look back at the journey that brought me to where I am today physically, mentally and spiritually.

February Community Feature
Back in 2010, I was in a job I did not enjoy and each day was a struggle. I’ve always been a physically active person, but even that could not get me out of the rut I was in mentally. After much contemplation about various future career opportunities, I had a sudden awakening. After this realization,  I left that unfulfilling job and never returned. I pursued my love of animals and started my own Pet Services business. I own dogs and love them so very much; they bring me such joy and happiness, so it only made sense to try and surround myself with that energy on a daily basis to achieve true happiness and personal growth.

A few years into establishing my business,  I was extremely happy with my new path but something was missing. In 2013 a relative of mine who had been practising yoga suggested I take a class as it was something I had never tried before. Getting out of my comfort zone and trying a hot power yoga class was the best thing I ever did.  I have never looked back after that first class.  Yoga became such a huge part of changing my life and connecting me to what was missing.  A monumental shift happened spiritually and  I was able I apply my sense of calm to my job and the animal beings I work with.

After a bit of a personal speed bump, which interfered with my practice, I realized even more so how much I missed the practice and needed it in my life. I returned in April of last year and once again haven’t looked back. I practice 4-5 times a week and I cannot emphasize enough the personal growth and power my practice has instilled in me, spiritually, physically and mentally. Even in my personal life, I am at peace and happy and now only surround myself with likeminded spirits. I’m physically in the best shape of my life as well.

I cannot emphasize enough how much my yoga practice has added to, and changed my life for the better in so many ways. I am as healthy physically, spiritually, emotionally and mentally as I have ever been. For anyone looking to make a change in their life, I would definitely suggest taking a class and feel for yourself the difference.  It’s one of the best things I ever did.

Dec 31
Love1

Get a Real Job

By Uncategorized

Author: Aneta Pietruszko

 

“Get a real job” someone said. Get a real job

I have experienced this personally, but I have also heard it said to my fellow teachers. The conversation around teaching sometimes shows up like, “I teach 4 classes a week but my real job as a financial analyst.” If teaching yoga is a second job for some, why does it take the back seat in conversations? Most likely if it’s a second job, it’s because it fuels part of us that we don’t have access to at our full time job. Does it mean teaching yoga is not a real job? I think opposite.

I’d be lying if I said I never have stepped back and questioned what am I doing this all for. Maybe they are right? Maybe the corporate life I had before is THE way. Maybe I need to find my happy with money being the primary driver instead of my purpose? I start feeling doubt and anxiousness when I forget my feet are planted in right here and now. Building. Rebuilding. Connecting. Learning. Growing. Rome was not built in a day.

“Get a real job.” someone said.

No. I say.

This is my calling. If I build it, they will come. Landing a job that pays is easy. Landing a job that aligns with your passion, requires a thirst for action, a yes for patience and a whole lot of courage. Is all of THAT possible? I would have had a different answer a year ago. Today, I can confidently say YES IT’S POSSIBLE!

Get a real jobTo all my yoga teachers who impact lives, that is REAL. 

To all those who have rolled out their mats and have been left inspired, that is REAL. 

To our favorite teachers that really see their students and are of service to us, that is REAL. 

To the times when my mat was my saving grace, that is REAL. 

I teach yoga. I teach too many or to one. I know almost every single students’ name and if I don’t, I make sure I remember them after that day. You want to know why? Because it matters. Because connection is very REAL for me. It causes miracles and I am witness to it everywhere in my life.

Right now in my journey is looking at what I am and what I am not to find what’s real. And what I AM is ready to align my career to my higher calling with whatever it takes. No one else will have as much of an interest in living out YOUR dream but YOU. What are you waiting for? Make the higher call. You got this!

Dec 31
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COMMUNITY FEATURE: JANUARY 2019

By Community Feature

Author: Aneta Pietruszko

 

Before I ever stepped into yoga studio, I was someone who was constantly busy.  I worked two jobs while attending university, maintaining a jam packed schedule, living with 7 boys and in a toxic relationship.  Two years later I found the courage to leave the relationship, but I don’t even think I had time to pause and give myself the permission to shed the weight of my abusive relationship.   My MO was a very active and busy lifestyle, so I just kept going.

COMMUNITY FEATURE: JANUARY 2019

One day with my new partner at the CNE, I had a severe panic attack for the first time. It came out of nowhere and I didn’t know how to handle it! Thankfully he eased me out of it and I am grateful I was not alone. Attacks came periodically, so I went for medical tests – everything came back normal.  I was diagnosed with a minor anxiety disorder and was given two options: pills or yoga. I was resistant to both! I felt pills would mask the problem and yoga was too slow and boring for me…My entire life revolved around active sports and now I was supposed to sit on a mat and do some slow stretches? Thank you, next.

I went home to tell my parents and it just so happened that Power Yoga Canada had just opened up behind my Dad’s shop, Clarkson Fine Cars on Clarkson road. My dad bought me a pass and encouraged me to use it while my car was being fixed that day. I was resistant with every bone in my body but I decided to listen.

I met Kinndli and Pauline who right away made me feel like I was part of the PYC family. I don’t even think I had proper yoga gear that first day but their persistence made it difficult to say no to taking the next class. I took a spot in the back corner and had zero idea of what I was getting myself into. All I knew was that it was SO HOT and how the heck was I going to breathe?! I made it through the class not knowing a single pose and still left the studio feeling like a BADASS!

That night I had the BEST SLEEP EVER! I went back the second day wanting more of what I knew nothing about. I signed up for the 40 day to Personal Revolution and little did I know that decision would forever change my life. The anxiety vanished, I slept like a champion, I was more present in my body and with my family and friends. People kept telling me something changed in my energy but they couldn’t pinpoint what it was. I wanted more. In 2012 I joined PYC’s first intensive two week teacher training program. I started teaching at my corporate finance job twice a week and implemented yoga into my condo community in Toronto which were both successful! Two years later I moved to New York City and completed Level 1 & 2 training with the Baptiste Institute. I managed and taught at Lyons Den Power Yoga, Manhattan’s only Baptiste Power Yoga studio.

I have moved back to Oakville and have decided to leave the corporate world all together and devote my passion and energy into yoga full time. Although it is inspiring and fulfilling to do what I love, I took a big pay cut from what I was earning in finance. I have stayed positive throughout this process and trust that the abundance of money always comes from when passion and drive are in alignment with our work.

This is my calling. If I build it, they will come. Landing a job that pays is easy. Landing a job that aligns with your passion, requires a thirst for action, a yes for patience, and a whole lot of courage. Is all of THAT possible? I would have had a different answer a year ago. Today, I can confidently say YES IT’S POSSIBLE!