A Time to be Thankful

Imagine your life as an altar, lit with beautiful candles, watched over by reverent guides and angels. Each item places carefully on your altar represents the lessons you have learned and the gifts that have been bestowed on you. Framed pictures of your loved ones, adorned with flower petals, cover your altar reminding you of the precious relationships in your life - the loved ones who have come and gone and have touched your life by their presence. 

A photo I took last week of an altar at Sat Nam Festival which I attended with my mom in Pennsylvania. Framed in the photo is Yogi Bhajan, founder of Kundalini yoga. The altar was in honour of a member of their community who had recently passed.

When you close your eyes, who and what have earned a place on your altar? Take a few moments to lovingly gaze at the bounty of blessings and experiences that have contributed to your journey and made you who you are.  

When you live in a space of gratitude, even the most difficult situations can be seen as a teaching and a blessing. A month ago, we lost a friend and staff member at the studio in a car accident. Although I wish more than anything she was still with us, I am grateful for the lessons surrounding love and life her sudden passing has for given me no choice but to learn.

 There have been other losses in my life this past month - a studio space that fell through, staff changes, a lost engagement ring, a broken down car - that I could choose to focus my energy on and lament, but because of my yoga practice, meditation and prayers I am genuinely able to see the silver lining in these perceived 'losses'.

The staff changes give me an opportunity to re-evaluate my work relationships and how I am showing up as a leader of this community; the loss of my engagement diamond reminds me I am so lucky to have a loving fiancee and that this is what is truly important. And so the lessons continue...I am just so grateful to be part of this wonderful game called LIFE!

Katie Mcclelland

Owner, Director-De La Sol Yoga

(905)540-3569  •  430 York Blvd  

Katiesolyoga@gmail.com

Cultivating Gratitude

September is already half over and the busy-ness of fall is well under way with work, school and hobbies filling up our schedules. As we try to micromanage our days we can find ourselves trapped in the chaotic smallness of our minds, with little room for enjoyment of the moment. As we move closer to October and Thanksgiving celebrations, we are invited  to pause, take a deep breath and experience gratitude for the many blessings we have in our lives. I came across this image recently that  heartbreakingly reminds us of how abundant our lives are: 

You hate your life while others dream of having your life.

I am as guilty as the next person of letting petty things like traffic, too many emails or a 'fat' day obstruct the beauty of my incredibly lucky life I’ve been granted.

Here are some practical ways for cultivating gratitude that I find instantly expand my heart and help me to feel more connected:

•  Notice your first thought or mood in the morning, before you even open your eyes. Is it one of dread, insecurity or hopelessness? This moment sets the tone for your day. Choose a positive thought which will support and enliven you.
•  Next time you are at a stoplight, for each finger you have, name something you are grateful for.
• Shrink the size of your own problems by volunteering even just a few moments of your day to assist someone who is struggling.
• Consider that the most difficult people in your life are there to teach you a valuable lesson about yourself, so that you can grow and evolve. Be thankful! These people and the lessons they bring, are gifts.
• Pray out loud, ideally in nature, to whomever or whatever you believe in. Saying 'thank you' out loud is a powerful experience!

Have a safe, warm and fulfilling Thanksgiving with your loved ones!

Namaste

Katie Mcclelland

 Owner, Director-De La Sol Yoga

(905)540-3569  •  430 York Blvd  •  Katiesolyoga@gmail.com

White Knuckled Grip

By: Katie McClelland

One of the fundamental principles of a yoga lifestyle is ‘aparigraha’ or ‘non-grasping’ or ‘non-coveting’.  Even those of us not on a spiritual path have heard about the trappings of the ego and how the pursuit of ‘non-attachment’ can lead to an existence free from the ups and downs triggered by fluctuations in our external environment. Someone living from a place of ego (most of us) will likely experience elation when we are complimented and devastation when we are betrayed. We may feel satisfied with ourselves when we complete a task…then when that wears off, we go looking for the next thing to validate us and make us feel whole. 

From a spiritual perspective, this constant seeking – or as the Vipassana Buddhists refer to as the endless cycle of ‘craving/aversion’ is what keeps us from being truly free. I try to practice ‘aparigraha’ as often as I can. I’m not very good at it, but  even when I find myself grasping terribly, it gives me an opportunity to see myself more clearly and to see where there is work that needs to be done.

The other morning I had an interesting occurrence that triggered a powerful surge of craving, aversion and beyond. My cat had just spent three days terribly ill, with many hours spent at the vet and the animal emergency hospital. Those of you who are pet lovers probably know that you can easily rack up hundreds, even thousands of dollars in trying to maintain the health of  your pet. 

While I was already in the throws of grasping at keeping Zane alive, I was also feeling the financial strain of his hospital bills. As I was driving the studio, listening to the radio, the dj announced a contest: Call in and if they pull your birth month from a hat, you win $1000.  If they then pull your actual birthdate, you win $10 000. I have never called in to a radio show, but somehow felt like today was my lucky day. The line was free and it rang! My heart started thumping as I  imagined what I would do with my winnings. Suddenly, I heard the dj greet someone on to the show. It wasn’t me..so I hung up. I listened.  After exchanging pleasantries, they pulled the month. April, My birth month. I instantly felt robbed of $1000! Next they pulled the date: the 20th. My jaw dropped. That is my birthday! I had just missed out on $10 000! It was fascinating for me to witness my reaction to this,

 My nervous system went haywire and feelings of incredulousness and injustice washed over me.  I marvelled at how it felt so real that I had just ‘lost’ something that essentially was never mine and never even existed!  I was the same person I was a few minutes earlier only now I somehow felt like I had less! Nothing is really ours. We certainly don’t get to take any of our possessions with us to the grave!  All we have is this moment and our breath. We are all abundant. We are all whole. Possessions come and go but they do not add or subtract from our essence, our inherent completeness.

I relayed this story to my Mom and she, ever the optimist, exclaimed delightedly ‘Do you know what this means?! This means you are this close to incredible luck and fortune! It’s just around the corner!’. And when I look within, it is in fact, already here.

        Katie McClelland, Owner, Director-De La Sol Yoga

(905)540-3569  •  430 York Blvd  •  Katiesolyoga@gmail.com

Show Off

The summer months remind me of the carefree days of being a child. Lemonade stands, hours of playing outside, sprinkler systems and barbecues; trips to the local variety store to buy popsicles and one cent candies; lazy days spent up north at the cottage. As I write this now I can hear the exuberant shrieks and giggles of children playing outside, long past their usual bedtime.  Reflecting on my own childhood, I realize how in so many ways, at age 37, I am exactly the same ‘me’ as I was then! After many years of yoga and meditation practice, transformational excursions, retreats, self-development courses and spiritual self help books, I’ve discovered that at a base level I still have the same strengths, weaknesses and tendencies I had as a child. Here’s a funny story to illustrate this;

By: Katie McClelland

A few years ago I was teaching yoga to a group of my old highschool friends. I would meet them at one of their workplaces in the evening and take them through a flow practice. A few weeks in, I noticed the girls were acting strangely and a little cold. One of them pulled me aside and said she needed to talk to me about something that was bothering the group. ‘We feel badly when you show us your handstands because we can’t do them. It feels like you are showing off. 

Do you think you could tone it down a bit?. I started laughing and replied ‘You have known me for 25 years-I have always been a show off! It’s who I am! Also, handstands are the one thing in my life I excel at and I intend to continue to celebrate that, just as I encourage each and every one of you to celebrate what you excel at. I can’t do a power point presentation, run a restaurant or cut hair like all of you but I can stand on my hands and I plan on doing so every chance I get!’

She started laughing and in that moment I realized how often we downplay our strengths and gifts in order not to shine. The flip side of this is that we can also get defensive when called out on our weaknesses. Wouldn’t it be refreshing to fully own, and take responsibility for all of who you are? I look back to when I was a child and I am still essentially the same person-I am outgoing, funny and like to lead; I’m also impatient, disorganized and have a tendency to splash water all over the bathroom. As a human being, I will never be perfect and will always be a mash-up of both good and not-so-good qualities. 

As time goes on, I find my weaknesses to be like old friends who come around every so often to remind me they are still here and that I am indeed, human. Rather then condemn myself for not being perfect, I like to imagine that up in the heavens, before my incarnation as ‘Katie’, my soul went shopping and carefully chose all of the ingredients that make up who I am. I like to believe that I am just the right combination of everything that is needed for me to learn, to love and to grow during this particular time on earth.

Happy summer and remember to celebrate your inner child who is always with you!

Namaste
Katie

        Katie McClelland, Owner, Director-De La Sol Yoga
(905)540-3569  •  430 York Blvd  •  Katiesolyoga@gmail.com

Mind Over Matter

By: Katie McClelland

Yoga practice asks that we look at the relationship between the mind and the body and invites us to question our self-imposed limitations or beliefs.

To illustrate the power of the mind, two stories come to mind. Last week while I was in yoga class, as we transitioned into Ardha Chandrasana (half moon pose), my usual inner dialogue started “This pose is easy on this leg, it’s the other side I have trouble with”.  

I felt strong and steady because I BELIEVED I was practicing on my ‘good’ side - this was in fact not the case. As soon as I realized I had mistaken which side we were on, I started to wobble, and eventually fell! I had to laugh at how my mind could so cunningly steer me toward different realities.

 

The other incident occurred last winter. I was getting over an illness and facing one of my busiest teaching days. My energy was depleted and I felt mounting anxiety in anticipation of the four classes I had yet to teach. “How am I going to get through this? I’m so exhausted I can barely move!” and so on.... The drama in my mind (which felt very real) continued to escalate. 

Then, all of a sudden, we were hit with a severe snowstorm. It became clear we would have to close the studio. I would not have to teach after all! Immediately my fatigue vanished and I felt full of energy! The exhaustion was completely created by my mind - exhaustion at the mere THOUGHT of future events that hadn’t even occurred yet! If I had been able to stay present, I would’ve realized I had all the energy I needed.

Spiritual teachings sometimes seem to imply we should shun the thinking mind (or ego). The mind, however, is a fascinating and marvelous tool. 

In fact, if we are able to realize that we are not the mind, but the observer watching the mind, we can use this tool in any way we desire - to solve problems, to express our creative potential and to persevere through difficult situations. Recognize that YOU are in charge, not your mind.

To tap in to the infinite possibility and limitless energy available only in the present moment, simply take a moment to close your eyes and tune in to the natural flow of your breath. 

Do not alter the breath but instead watch the breath breathe you. Breathe as if enjoying a blissful sleep. Watch the breath enter your body and feel your belly expand. Notice the peaceful pause at the top of the breath, full of potential and space, and then allow the breath to fall spontaneously, leaving your body without any effort on your part. 

Again, notice the pause at the bottom of the exhale, and the profound silence found here. As you watch the breath, be aware of your physical body and any sensations, noticing without judging. Just a minute or two of this simple meditation can help you completely relinquish your attachment to the past and the future – neither of which are real. 

After all, your past is your limited perception of events and the future hasn’t happened yet! So much energy is wasted when we spend time in these realms. Tuning into the breath and the body is the quickest and most effective way to drop the stories that are draining your energy, and to step  fully into the present moment.

 

Katie 

Katie McClelland, Owner, Director-De La Sol Yoga

(905)540-3569  •  430 York Blvd  •  Katiesolyoga@gmail.com

Myths and misconceptions on the spiritual path

By: Katie McClelland
       

Many of us first embark on a spiritual path with boundless enthusiasm and a vision of completely transforming ourselves through the practice of yoga and meditation. We feel confident that the tired, anxious face staring back at us in the mirror will be replaced by a soft, monk-like face, wise and knowing, unaffected by life’s challenges. Indeed, we experience breakthroughs in the beginning including the unraveling of physical and mental tensions, emotional releases and sometimes, profound insights into the truth of who we are. Along the way, however, we can start to feel discouraged if we buy into some of the spiritual myths commonly making the rounds on facebook and in spiritual self-help books. 

Below I have taken to task some common beliefs around spiritual practice. I’m sure there is a swami or two turning over in his grave at some of the following disputes, but I believe a spiritual practice must be alive, evolutionary and personal and it’s from this place that I share!

Myth 1:  I’m ‘doing’ Yoga!
Contrary to popular belief, yoga is not something you can ‘do’. It is a state of ‘being’. If you are walking your dog or washing your dishes with mindfulness and are truly present to the moment, you are practicing yoga. If you are having a conversation and are really listening to that person, while at the same time being aware of your own breath and body, you are practicing yoga. A yoga mat and studio simply provides you the opportunity to practice the art and skill of ‘being present’. Which leads to my next myth in question...

Myth 2: You have to be flexible to practice yoga!
Do you want to know how much flexibility has to do with yoga? NOTHING. Did you hear that? I know you don’t believe me, but the sooner you can realize this on a cellular-and not just intellectual-level, the sooner your practice will feel truly free and joyful. Flexibility is a by-product of regular practice, but is not the goal itself. Case in point: One student is a dancer and naturally flexible and can lay her body on her legs in a forward fold. She then proceeds to pick her toenail polish and look around the room. Another student is in a wheelchair and is gently reaching the crown of her head up towards the sky, aware of any tension in her body and breathing slow, mindful breaths. Who is the more advanced yogi? The woman in the wheelchair.

Myth 3: In order to meditate, you must empty the mind!
Quieting the mind completely is virtually impossible. If your mind were empty, you would be dead. Thinking is part of the human experience, and in fact, a new thought arises on average every six seconds! Do not fight the tendency to think. Rather, resist the tendency to be drawn into the drama and stories that your mind creates. Don’t identify with them as being ‘you’. The practice of meditation can create space between you and your thoughts, enabling you to be less reactive and free from the trappings of cravings and aversions.

Myth 4: The ego is evil!
Your poor ego. Always taking a lashing. Let me share with you some wisdom my mom bestowed on me: Your ego is like a small child who actually has your best interests at heart and wants to protect you. It just doesn’t always realize that you are ok without it.

 In a competitive, fast-paced and sometimes very mean world, your ego  
 is just trying to help you keep up.

Myth 5: ‘Yoga is the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind’ 
This is a verse from the yoga sutras and yes folks, I am attempting to rewrite this ancient text. From what I’ve learned and experienced, your mind will never stop fluctuating - that’s what a mind is designed to do! Through the practice of yoga you may experience longer periods of peace and spaciousness within, but your thoughts will not disappear. What can lessen is your attachment to - and identification with - the fluctuations of the mind. So, rather than being a slave to the drama of your thoughts, you are able to recognize them as meaningless noise and connect with your true self- the part of you that is unchanging and un-phased. From this place, you are able to witness the fluctuations of the mind with detached, amused compassion.

Myth 6: ‘Everything is perfect just as it is’: I would hear this in a yoga class and wonder, what exactly does that mean? Maintaining my zen-like facial expression, I would be screaming on the inside ‘Everything is NOT perfect! Nothing on my ‘vision board’ has manifested! I hate my thighs! My credit card is maxed! What are you talking about, ‘everything is perfect’??’. Now, I think I have a better understanding of this definition of ‘perfection’. ‘Perfection’ doesn’t mean everything is just as you want it to be but rather, wherever you are in your life, without exception, is exactly where you need to be to learn the lessons you need to learn. Your are also in a perfect position to receive the gifts and blessings that are being offered to you, if you choose to open your eyes and see them. This means this moment is absolutely perfect for facilitating your growth. I now take great comfort in knowing that at all times; I am right where I am supposed to be!

Myth 7: ‘Do it NOW’. Boy, what a pressure filled command! 
We see that phrase everywhere and it forms the backbone of many spiritual and self-help programs. Motivating yourself to act now is a wonderful thing, but problems arise when you don’t follow through on your intentions and end up judging yourself harshly for not manifesting ‘greatness’. This perpetuates a cycle of feeling badly about yourself and therefore undeserving of wonderful things. When I used to get really upset with myself for not following through on something, my mom would say: ‘It’s ok, honey! There is no rush. There is no finish line. You have all the time in the world! If not in this lifetime, the next one!’. I love this philosophy! And the paradox is, when you take the pressure off, you actually accomplish more.

Myth 8: ‘To hear answers to your questions, become silent and look inwards’. 
Or, ‘Don’t act until you have clarity’. I spent what felt like years frozen in indecisiveness, while I tried to meditate, read and reflect my way to answers to the big questions I had about my life. I have my dad to thank for helping me break free from chronic navel-gazing. He is a man of action and a strong believer that answers come through acting, not pondering. I have found that moving forward even while confused or uncertain has been the best way for me to find clarity in my own life.

        Katie McClelland, Owner, Director-De La Sol Yoga
(905)540-3569  •  430 York Blvd  •  Katiesolyoga@gmail.com