Yoga In Nature
Summer gets busy.
For many urbanites, including a large number of our corporate yoga clients, that means holidays away, time off work, and often, time away from your mat.
Luckily, summer also gets lovely. We have sun, sand, and sea, we hear the birds and the bees, and the mountains beckon us to come play. And because the days are longer and warmer, we can.
So as your life moves outdoors, what opportunities for learning exist?
Nature can be just as, if not more, valuable than any teacher you may have, provided you pause to notice. In yoga we explore the concepts of union, balance, and harmony, all of which have been perfected by nature. As we strive to unite body, mind, and spirit, we also cultivate a sense of connection to all that is around us. We are not only one with each other, but also with all that this world contains. And in removing perceived barriers between ourselves and nature, we can realize these qualities of balance, harmony, connectedness, and stillness are in fact inherent in us.
How do we do this? Sit on the earth and feel its support; touch a tree and sense its unwavering stillness despite the storms that pass by; go to the water and notice its essence remains the same through constant change; feel the wind and know you are strong in your foundation. Spend time in nature alone, get quiet, and tune in to what is going on around you. When you are fully engaged in the beauty your surroundings, there will be no more room for your mind, and then you will tap into the healing capacity of nature.
There’s wisdom up in them there hills – go find it!
Marie Simpson
Administrative Assistant
Innergy Corporate Yoga Inc.
NEW PROMOTION!
50% off your first Corporate Yoga session (up to 4 classes). Corporate Yoga classes take place right at your workplace.
Offer valid in Vancouver, Lower Mainland or Kamloops, BC. Offer valid for first time clients only. Certain restrictions may apply. Contact us for more information. Offer expires August 31, 2011.
THIS MONTH'S WORKPLACE RECIPE:
Healthy Gazpacho
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 700 g ripe tomatoes
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 large garlic clove, crushed
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp fresh oregano, chopped
- ¼ red pepper, finely chopped
- ¼ green pepper, finely chopped
- coarse sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Immerse the tomatoes in boiling water, then dunk them in cold water. Prick the skin with a sharp knife and peel.
- Place all the ingredients into a food processor or blender and liquidize until smooth and creamy.
- Chill in the fridge for at least an hour and serve sprinkled with some finely chopped red and green pepper. Season to taste.
Source: Healthy Cooking Recipes
CLIENT PROFILE OF THE MONTH:
CH2M Hill
Where: Burnaby, BC
Client for: 2 years
Classes: All Levels Hatha Yoga 1x/week
ICY: Why does your group do Corporate Yoga?
CH2M Hill: CH2M HILL encourages employees to focus on their own Health and Wellness, and supports employee initiatives to organize one-time or recurring activities for the office. Our office chose yoga as one of our ongoing activities because of its health and relaxation benefits!
ICY: What is your favourite part of our corporate yoga classes?
CH2M Hill: Because we hold the class right after work, I think everyone enjoys the relaxation before the classes start, and the final ‘corpse’ pose at the end!
ICY: What benefits do you notice from participating in these classes, both for the staff, as well as your organization?
CH2M Hill: We don’t have a large class, so I’m not sure there’s a large, noticeable benefit to the office as a whole. However, even though our class is small, the regular participants come from all different departments, so we have gotten to know each other a bit better, and that comes in handy when any of us has to get something inter-departmental done!
ICY: Would you recommend our programs to other businesses? Why?
CH2M Hill: Sure! The instructors we’ve had have been very good, and very accommodating to each person’s needs, so everybody enjoys the class. Organization of the class (e.g. picking dates, yoga style, etc.) is easy, and even with our small class size, the price is competitive with external yoga studios – with the added advantage that nobody has to drive anywhere to get to class!
AUGUST'S HEALTHY WORKPLACE POSE
Foot Stretch
BENEFITS
Releases tension and stiffness in feet and toes, improves circulation to legs and feet, improves posture, detoxifies internal organs and more.
INSTRUCTIONS
Step 1: Remove your socks and shoes if possible.
Step 2: Sit slightly forward in your chair, feet flat on the floor, legs at a 90 degree angle. Contract your abdominal muscles slightly, lift up through your chest and lengthen your spine. Drop your shoulders down your back.
Step 3: Extend your right leg straight forward and place your heel into the ground. Lift up your toes and press through the heel of your foot, as if pressing into an imaginary wall. Spread your toes apart. Inhale, and as you exhale, release the stretch and relax your foot.
Step 4: Repeat 3-5 times, then switch to the other foot.
NEWS & VIEWS
Is your company "good"? Read story
Your Garden can Teach you Yoga Read story
Unusual Workplace Yoga Poses Read story
Do you want to get healthy, lose weight or have more energy?
Nutritional Cleansing can help More info
For more information on how to bring the benefits of yoga to your Vancouver, Lower Mainland or Kamloops, British Columbia workplace, click here.
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