LIBERTY LIFE YOGA
  • About
    • Our Team
    • Testimonials
    • Partners
  • Classes
    • Online
    • Events
  • Private
  • Workplace
  • Blog

BLOG

Breathing in Italy, and Beyond...

7/24/2019

0 Comments

 
Picture
​The irony of frantically rushing to a yoga class to ‘chill out’, ‘get zen’, and start my day ‘right’ was never lost of me; yet I remained faithful to my 6:30AM classes. I figured at some point, everything I hoped to ‘get out’ of my yoga practice would be achieved (yup…I’m a former Type A personality). ​
​
​Enter Liberty Life Yoga (June 2018) who hosted a yoga retreat in Italy’s Amalfi Coast that I jumped on without hesitation. This was a beautifully curated retreat that brought us to the cozy seaside village of Positano, glamorous Capri (my Amal Clooney moment), limoncello tasting (Niagara-on-the-Lake x 10), and of course, daily yoga practice that over looked the Mediterranean Sea that left me in awe, EVERYDAY. 
Picture
​Within the first couple of days I found myself coming back from the morning practice, and stopping, virtually at the same spot that over looked the calm, crystal-blue sea with the mountains as a backdrop. I realized I was trying to figure out how to bottle up this feeling of peace and take it home with me. I needed to find a way to pack this calmness in a little vial so I could pop it open when things get a little hectic.
Picture
​Unfortunately, no such vial exists. What I was able to bring back with me from this retreat was a newfound relationship with my breath…yes MY breath. It was in these short, yet powerful, seven days that I began to understand why many refer to the breath as 'the life force'. Why in my frantic moments to get ‘zen and chill’, I needed to get out of my head and listen to my breath (it was an 'ah-ha' moment for sure). 
It was during our morning practices that I was guided to focus on my breath, to listen to my breath, be present, get out of my head, and move slowly; and I began to notice how beautifully this set the tone for me (inside) and my day. 
​
Naturally, I decided to bring this back with me to the T.dot, and every morning since returning, without fail, I begin my day with deep, deep breathing (right down to my belly). It has evolved to include a few rounds of sun salutations, a morning meditation, or perhaps a couple of squats and push-ups (for good luck 😊). No matter what form my morning routine takes, it starts and ends with listening to my breath, which has kept me present and off the hamster wheel ‘chasing calmness’.
A big thanks to Christine and Sarah for hosting a beautiful retreat that truly lives within me everyday.

Written by: Carmela Liggio
0 Comments

Teacher Feature: MANDY

7/15/2019

0 Comments

 
Picture
What's your name?
  • Mandy Vanderslot
What brought you to yoga? What keeps you coming back to yoga?
  • For someone with a busy mind, I first saw yoga as a way to focus and attain some inner equilibrium. My practice allowed me to withdraw all my senses and connect with my breath. This gave my mind permission to let go of wandering thoughts, and to focus solely on the connection of breath with physical movement.
  • I found the primary series encouraged this to happen for me. Following the same postures I found it easier to connect with my breath, this along with the physicality of class – you’re using your whole body – lead towards some amazing benefits.
  • Having an active lifestyle and playing a variety of sports, I also saw my practice lead to improved flexibility, strength and balance. It enhanced my joint and muscle pliancy, which translated to greater range of motion in activities such as squash. The various asanas also built strength in supportive muscles that I under utilized in these sports.
What pose(s) are you currently working with (favourite, challenged by etc.)?
  • One of my favourite poses is Trikonasana (Triangle Pose). It provides a deep stretch for so many areas of the body - hamstrings, groin, and hips as well as opening the chest and shoulders.
Why Liberty Life Yoga?
  • LLY has a strong community presence which was a draw for me. They provide everyone in the community the opportunity to take part in the practice of yoga. Classes cater to students of all skill level and being mobile offers accessibility to students that may not be able to attend traditional studios.
​​Words of Wisdom for someone thinking of trying (Liberty Life) Yoga?
  • The practice of yoga has tremendous health benefits. Practicing the postures, breathing exercises and meditation makes you healthier in body, mind and spirit. LLY classes provide all of this right at your doorstep so why not jump in!
0 Comments

Ready to Retreat with Christine?

7/2/2019

0 Comments

 
As you may have heard, Liberty Life Yoga is heading to Costa Rica next February! Our Return to Balance Retreat will be an opportunity to unplug from the outside world and cultivate space for you to connect to yourself; this is your time to reflect, renew, and replenish.

This retreat will be led by Christine and Emma. We've asked Christine a few questions about her passion for yoga and travel and why she is excited for this Costa Rica adventure!
Picture
What aspect(s) of travel do you enjoy the most?​ I really like to see the different customs and cultures when I travel somewhere. It's exciting to take in all the sights, sounds, tastes, smells, and learn more about the local way of life. 
Picture
What do you like about traveling to places where you are surrounded by nature? I like the opportunity to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It helps bring perspective to the bigger picture and makes some everyday stressors seem insignificant. I find it challenging to be worrying about everyday life tasks while taking in the vast beauty of the ocean or taking in the beauty of snow-capped glaciers.
Why do you think travel and yoga are the perfect complement to each other? Yoga helps us to be more aware; of ourselves and our surroundings. Therefore, when traveling, one can really use their yoga practice to help them to stay present and in the moment with all of the different things they are experiencing. 
Picture
What are you most excited to explore in Costa Rica? I would say I am most excited to explore the quiet beauty of the jungle and hush of the ocean waves. Like many of us, my day-to-day life is full and I am excited to unplug from it all and take in the natural beauty of Costa Rica. While I've only tried surfing a couple of times, I feel like I might jump all-in and give it another go!
If you would like to come and unplug with Christine in Costa Rica, you can save $200 until July 15th!

Complete details can be found with the link below, and you can always email us at info@libertylifeyoga.com.

Happy travels!
JOIN US FOR THIS ADVENTURE
0 Comments

    AUTHORS

    Liberty Life Yoga teachers, students & partners sharing on #livingthelibertylife


    ARCHIVES

    June 2020
    May 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    January 2017
    September 2016


    CATEGORIES

    All

    RSS Feed


Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
  • About
    • Our Team
    • Testimonials
    • Partners
  • Classes
    • Online
    • Events
  • Private
  • Workplace
  • Blog