September 19, 2016Welcome back CSY Community…
This morning the studio was buzzing with a “back to school” energy. As I smiled each time the door opened, I secretly marvelled how this is our 9th fall season! Wow. Time flies when you are having fun 😉 Most of the chatter this morning was about how quickly the summer flew by. But as I sit here now with the studio quiet, and having watched the sun patterns move across the studio floor; I am reflecting on not only how quickly the summer flew by but how rewarding these past 9 years have been!The CSY Community has been such an incredible by-product of a simple idea of teaching a few yoga classes. I would …
April 28, 2016Listening To The Whispers
Robyn Bowman practiced yoga long before it became trendy. Twenty three years ago yoga was not a noun and it did not have stores full of dedicated clothing, mats and props. There were no hot yoga studios or variations designed to keep the workout crowd happy. Back then, people did not wear yoga pants to the grocery store either and now you can buy them there! At first glance it would seem that Creating Space Yoga Studio in Southeast Oakville is another yoga studio in a crowded market. The deeper you look, the more you begin to understand why its …
December 30, 2015One Word
One Word This is the time of year where we hear the endless list of resolutions or intentions that many of us choose to set as we turn the calendar page into the new year. This year I am choosing to approach this idea a little differently. I will choose just one word that will be my guiding intention through the next year. It is simple. It is clear. It has no rules. Need some suggestions? Peace. Love. Exhale. Rest. Ask. Organize. Love. Happiness. Health. Save. Downsize. Explore. Make. Speak. Move. Laughter. Reach. Sit. Release. Be. Sit with a few …
November 24, 2015Yoga for Fibromyalgia
Many people have heard of fibromyalgia but may not be sure what it is. Fibromyalgia is a condition affecting 2-8% of the population, and it is characterized by chronic pain in tender spots, mainly in the neck, shoulders, and low back. Other symptoms may include sleep problems, joint pain and depression. The cause is not known. I became interested in fibromyalgia because I have had a number of students over the years with this painful condition. The students and I found ways to modify a more general class, but I have always been unhappy that I couldn’t offer something more, …
November 20, 2015The Power of PJ’s
It all started with my young children on Christmas Eve. We had a tradition that they were able to open one small gift on that special night. The gift was always a new pair of cozy PJ’s. Fast forward 7 years…my children are now teens. They are taller than me and they think they are smarter than me. But one thing hasn’t changed, they still enjoy opening a gift of PJ’s on Christmas Eve! It is hard to believe that this will be our 7th year collecting PJ’s for the Children’s Aid Foundation Halton. Usually every November I start organizing and …
- October 15, 2015
And then there was music…
Almost 10 years ago, I had a vision of a studio space that created opportunities for people to feel safe and supported as they looked inside and discovered different parts of themselves. Yoga was one doorway into the self that I knew well. It made sense to begin there. I am so proud of the yoga and the depth of practices that have been shaped and have evolved at Creating Space Yoga Studio. Mindfulness was another tool that was so important to bring to our community. It is essential part of a yoga practice but it also extends far beyond the mat …
- October 11, 2015
Gratitude
Why wait for this weekend to voice your gratitude? Why not celebrate a Thanksgiving each day as you take your first sip of coffee/tea, kiss your loved ones a good day, arrive safely to school or work and before you enjoy your evening meal. Most of us understand that we have so much to be thankful for…but how often do we speak it? How would it feel if we were to say thank you everyday to our spouse, children, colleagues, local farmers or neighbourhood baristas? How could it change a life if we sent a note of thanks to a …
September 7, 2015Summer’s End
The summer’s end creates space for the freshness of fall. I usually I have a hard time saying goodbye to the summer season. Summer is the season where I have more time for adventure and ease. As many of you know, I had an incredible adventure this summer hiking through the Sierra Nevada mountains and then my adventure took a spontaneous turn and we finished our adventure in the desert! I have so much to share and I will find some time over the next few weeks to write about my experience. And so as I say goodbye to summer this …
July 8, 2015“The Mountains are calling and I must go.”
“The Mountains are calling and I must go.” ~ John Muir Adventures usually start with an idea that either grows or dies. This time my crazy idea of thru-hiking the John Muir Trail (JMT), in the California Sierra Nevada Mountains has evolved and brought me to this exact moment. The week has finally arrived and my adventure is just ahead. For many, many months, I have been dreaming, planning, organizing and training for an adventure of a lifetime. With the months of research behind me, I am now appreciating the many “trail angels” who have helped me realize my dream. I …
October 1, 2014Note To A Beginning Student ~ Give Way To Softness and Space
Fifteen years ago I started practicing yoga as a new beginner. Consistently I have practiced over these years and have discovered I really am always a beginner – just as each day is a new beginning, so it is every time I step on my yoga mat. On my mat the chaotic energy of the day, of the week, begins to fade away. My mind slows down, my breathing becomes steadier, my body begins to settle, I am more still ~ I begin from where I am this day. Years of regular practice has allowed a “letting go” of the daily chaos and …
