INNERGY CORPORATE YOGA NEWSLETTER - FEBRUARY 2010

INNERGY INSIGHT

                            TODAY'S OLYMPIC EVENT:  LOVE VS. FEAR


So we've all been watching the 2010 Winter Olympics, right?

They're exciting, lively and they showcase an amazing group of Canadian athletes, as well as athletes from various countries around the world. 

I don't know about you, but I've been truly blown away by the talent these people possess.  I feel honoured to have the Canadian athletes representing our nation, and proud that they worked so hard to get where they are.

But when you're watching the Olympics, have you ever noticed that some athletes just seem more FOCUSED than others?

I was watching someone on TV comment on what they thought was the MOST important decision an athlete can make before they compete, that could mean the difference between losing and winning.  It comes down to choosing between TWO THINGS . . .

1.  FEAR

2.  LOVE

Yes, that's all.  Two choices here.  Think about it for a moment.  Just about every single decision we make in life and every single action we take either comes from FEAR or LOVE.  This is especially true when it comes to competing in the Olympics.

Imagine the pressure an athlete must face when they are about to compete. Choosing between love and fear can make a huge difference in how they perform.

Let's explore what happens when we choose FEAR . . . So let's say we're a skier, competing in the Olympics, and we're about to push off the top of the run to race down the hill.  If we choose fear, we start to doubt ourselves.  We get "in our heads" too much and start over thinking what we are doing, worrying about how we will perform, perhaps even thinking about other athletes that are competing and how they are doing.  We move away from focusing on our breath and staying relaxing and our body begins to tighten up under the grip of fear.  Do you think we will win this event?  Probably not, but what is more important is that our performance will suffer.  We won't do our best and chances are, we'll be upset with ourselves, because on some level, we KNOW that we chose FEAR instead of LOVE.

Now, what happens when we choose LOVE? Same scenario as above.   We're about to push off.  If you're watching one of these athletes before they compete, you can usually tell when they are choosing love.  They appear to be completely relaxed, calm and almost have a serene expression on their face.  Their breath is relaxed and controlled, and their bodies are open to what is coming.  They know that deep down (beyond being human), winning is not everything, and they are simply going to offer themselves up to the Universe and their own higher powers, and do the very best they can.  And you can see it in their faces at the end of their event too - they are so happy to just be there, competing, because they LOVE what they are doing.

So how does this translate to us? Most of us are not Olympic athletes. Well, it's the same idea. EVERY decision you make in life and EVERY action you take will come from fear or love. Ponder that for a moment and consider the following scenarios . . .

SCENARIO #1:
You're sitting in traffic at a red light. Just as the light turns green someone in the next lane changes into your lane right in front of you, cutting you off. Choose fear and you're probably spouting some very unfriendly words toward this person, getting upset, maybe quickening your breath and tightening your chest. Choose love and you take a deep breath, recognize it's not the end of the world but rather part of the ebb and flow of life, and you maybe, just maybe, you even smile and send this person love. Perhaps that person needs love more than ever right now.

SCENARIO #2:

You are at home with your children. They start fighting over a toy and screaming at each other.  Maybe it even gets physical and they start hitting each other.  Choose fear and you start yelling back at them, maybe (hopefully not) you even begin getting physical back with your children.  (It does happen, but we hope not.)  This only makes things worse, and actually creates a surge of fear in your own children. Now they feel unsafe, unprotected and out of control.  Choose love instead, and show your children how to be patient, tolerant, and loving toward each other.  Add in some slow deep breathing and you've got the perfect recipe for unconditional love in your household.

What does YOGA have to do with all of this? When we do yoga we move toward love and away from fear. We learn how to breathe deeply and not become stuck with fear in a pose. We use our breath to gently create more space in our bodies, and we choose to love ourselves intensely by listening to our bodies inner cues - stopping before we hurt ourselves, pushing deeper when we are ready.  Yoga also makes us more aware of everything - physical sensations, limitations, our emotions and more.

Besides, if you don't have internal love for yourself, you won't be able to effectively extend it to others.  If your lamp isn't plugged in, you can't shine your light.

Many athletes do incorporate some kind of yoga into their weekly exercise routines. These are the ones who seem to be more focused and aware.  Yoga DOES make a difference.

See if you can find two instances today where you have the choice between love and fear.  They don't have to be anything huge - a crowded sidewalk, ordering a coffee, some interaction with your partner or children or someone at work . . . Which will you choose?  Fear? Or love?  When you do choose love, just notice what happens.

Did you try this?  Email us to tell us your story!

NEW!

Workplace Recipe of the Month:
Raw Chocolate Chip Cookies
Courtesy: Oh She Glows

Because Valentine's Day falls in February (okay, so it's already passed), why not make something completely different, yet healthy, this month? Something that is delicious, yet still healthy for your heart! 

These cookies are more like an energy ball. They are raw and are not baked in the oven. With ingredients like cashews (which are filled with healthy fats), oats (which lower cholesterol), and cocoa powder (which is high in antioxidants), they are a sensible snack, but still feel like a treat.

Make them at night and bring some to work with you to satisfy your sweet tooth, but don't be surprised if your co-workers are eyeing them up!

RECIPE:

Ingredients:

Cookie dough:

Raw chocolate chips:

Directions:

Dough: Grind up raw cashews and raw oats in a food processor or blender. Place all cookie dough ingredients into a food processor and blend until a dough forms and you can make a large ball. Refrigerate dough while you make the chocolate chips.

Chips: Mix all chocolate chip ingredients together in a medium sized bowl. Roll the dough out onto parchment paper and place in the freezer for about 30 minutes. Optional: Half way through at 15 mins., flip the chocolate sheet over for even freezing.

When chocolate is frozen, cut into chips.

Mix chips into dough and have fun!

Place in fridge (if you have any left that is) to harden for about 30 mins. They get real hard! Make sure to refrigerate them on parchment paper or they will stick to the plate.

Notes: If you don’t have carob powder you can substitute it for cocoa powder just as easily.

Also note, you can cut the recipe in half to make a smaller batch. Don’t be too worried about getting exact measurements here.

The best part is the total prep time (not including freezing and refrigerating) was 10 minutes! So quick and easy. These would be amazing to whip up before guests come over or for a quick birthday gift.

Got a recipe idea for us? Email us.

NEW!
CLIENT PROFILE OF THE MONTH:  

Client Profile of the Month:



Location:  Richmond, BC
Client for: 3+ years
Classes:  Hatha Yoga, 1x/week @ lunchtime


What They're Saying:

(1) Why does your group do corporate yoga?

Phase Technology, like most Vancouver business has physically active employees and yoga is a great way to get some fitness and relaxation into our workday.

(2) What is your favorite part of our corporate yoga classes?

Of course everyone enjoys the Savasana at the end of the class but I also enjoy all the hip opening poses, the hips are my sore spots from sitting at a computer all day.

(3) What benefits do you notice from participating in these classes, both for the staff, as well as your organization?

Everyone is a little more relaxed after our yoga sessions and more energized for the afternoon. It also gives us something to look forward to in our work day.

(4) Would you recommend our programs to other businesses?  Why?

Absolutely, it’s great that the class comes to you! With our busy schedules it’s nice to be able to incorporate some fitness into our work day instead of having to fight traffic and get to a studio on time after work.

Our teacher is great.  She gives us a new flow each week and challenges us to practice some of the more difficult poses. She has a nice soothing voice and provides the right amount of adjustment and help.

Coming soon . . .
(Please excuse us, we're a little behind . . .)

Our very first workshop: Yoga at Your Desk. ™  Watch for details of this program in our upcoming March newsletter.

februarY'S HEALTHY WORKPLACE POSE

Hand and Finger Stretch

BENEFITS
Facilitates better movement of hands and fingers, increases circulation to hands, fingers and arms and reduces tension and stiffness.

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1:
Sit on a chair or stand up. If sitting, place your feet flat on the floor, legs at a 90 degree angle, spine straight and tall, abdominal muscles firm.

Step 2:
Extend your right arm out to the side.  As you inhale, spread your fingers widely apart and stretch your hand and fingers in all directions.  As you exhale, curl your right hand into a tight fist.  Repeat 2-4 more times.

Step 3:
Switch sides: Extend your left arm out and repeat step 2.

Step 4:
Finish by shaking out both arms, taking a few deep breaths and rolling your shoulders a few times. Enjoy your new innergy!

NEWS & VIEWS

Four Yoga Moves to Stop Chronic Pain - Watch the video here

10 Yoga Poses Performed by Cats - Read the full article here

Minnie Driver loves Yoga - Read the full article here

Soothing Yoga Sequence for Sore Skiers - Read the full article here

Dakota Fanning's Afternoon Yoga - Read the full article here

The Women's Book of Yoga and Health - Read the full article here


Amazing Photo of the Month:

For more information on how to bring the benefits of yoga to your Vancouver, Lower Mainland or Kamloops, British Columbia workplace, click here.