Journey to Light

Maternal Love: Into the Arms of Feminine Divine.

2012-01-23T11:30:00.000-08:00

During my first trip to the big island of Hawaii, I had a powerful and mystical experience at the volcano. The Big Island has an active volcano, and is one of the few places on Earth where new land is being created moment to moment. I am often very sensitive to energies of land and people, and this place turned out to be one of the most magical places I have ever visited.

When we drove up to visit the volcano I decided to walk around by myself for a while, and within a few minutes I started to become very aware of the energy beneath my feet. It felt as though I were literally walking on the body of a goddess, the Earth Mother, and could deeply and palpably feel her presence with me. I could sense a deep feeling of love from Her to all of her children, which I consider every single thing alive on this earth.

The sensation became stronger and stronger, and finally I had to sit down and allow the energy to take me. As I did so, I felt this force pull me deep into the earth, further and further, until I could feel the lava flow beneath the ground, and the feeling of this Goddess birthing land. I could feel the precious infant earth right here and right now, being born.

All of a sudden, a strong vision flashed before me:

I was suddenly in the womb of Mother Earth, held by a loving energy completely beyond description. This message of love began to travel through all the cells of my body, and then made their way into my heart. For a while I felt like this energy would explode within me, and I felt like this love in the heart was just ‘too much.’ As I was coming back to the scene around me and the blue sky, I wondered to myself why this love felt like ‘too much.’ At once, the inspired thought hit me- Yes, of course this love is too much, it is way too big for one little body to hold. This love is too big and too powerful to ever be contained or owned, it has no other choice but to flow freely, always.

I left the experience feeling curious, though, as to why I would feel afraid or overwhelmed by a love that big. It was as if that love were so pure, so huge, that it somehow reached in and touched a pain in me. A pain so ancient and so buried that I didn’t know it was there until a force that great had reached it. I didn’t realize it at the time, but it would take me another three years to find an answer to that pondering.

Some time passed and I continued to grow and mature spiritually. Each year it seemed I would grow wiser, vaster, and reach further into the realms of Divine spaciousness. No matter how far and how big my spirit would expand, though, it would always seem to collapse back into the formless depths of feeling in the human heart.

Through my journey of spiritually growing, deepening and maturing, I began to discover a deep-seated fear within me. This fear haunted me over and over, relentlessly. It was the fear of loss, and specifically, the fear of losing love. After the sudden death of a dear friend, this realization had moved in front and center, and I was presented with an opportunity to dive into what this fear was really all about. I knew that avoiding the feelings of loss and grief were no longer an option, so I dove deeply into the heartbreak, sorrow and loss. This pain seemed never-ending; I delved deeper and deeper, unwilling to hide from it or shrink back from it, determined to see what was at the bottom. After what seemed like an eternity, I reached a place inside that I knew was actually beyond all time, all space, and prior to all form. It was a place of pure frequency; I was actually aligning to the frequency of original pain, the pain of separation.

In time I began to realize that by facing this fear of loss, by aligning to pain as a frequency, I was finally allowing it to really be felt and honored. I realized how much beauty there is in honoring pain as it is, instead of trying to push it away because of fear, resistance, or simply lack of understanding. I could now give pain the freedom to exist as it is, and to teach me its ancient knowledge.

This pain did indeed have a message of deep and ancient wisdom to share. Pain showed me how to hold sadness and grief like you would hold a beloved child. This practice of holding pain with love, led me to develop the strength and courage needed to let Divine Love reach new layers of the human heart. Like a cave of endless potential, my heart began to expand to levels I never before thought possible.

This ancient wisdom also showed me how to hold both love and pain, without containing it or owning it personally. This formless teacher demonstrated that if I tried to contain this love, and hold it as a personal possession, it would be like trying to force a powerful river stream to stop its flow, and to fit into a space that is simply too small. Likewise, this sense of owning love would also make the fear of losing it unbearable. I was shown how the attempt inside me to contain this love had been creating a fork in that powerful river, causing the flow to split into two directional pathways. I had developed a misunderstanding that love was flowing in two separate directions: ‘having it’ and ‘losing it.’ I had also misunderstood that taking love in, and giving love, were two different things.

Yesterday I was having a conversation with a dear friend, and I shared my feelings of spiritual growth being like an expansion and then contraction, and how it felt like I was always taking two steps forward and three steps back. My friend’s comment floored me: “Yes, it is two steps forward and three steps back. The backward step is to pick up the human parts and bring them along.” I was immediately taken back to my vision on the volcano, and being touched by that enormous maternal presence and love. Yes, that’s it, I thought, that’s totally it. This love is too great to leave anything behind, or to leave anything out. It will always come back for even our deepest, darkest and most hidden places of pain and fear; nothing could ever be left behind.

It is through compassion that this love reaches down into our deepest wounds, our deepest pain, in order to bring it forward and into the light of freedom. This maternal compassionate love will always go back for everyone and everything. Something in me came to rest in that moment, very deeply, in knowing this to be true. And I began to see that this force of love is not a two-way flow at all; it is a complete circle, one circle that flows always without a beginning or an end. Finally my message from that day on the volcano made complete sense. Divine Love encompasses and includes everything, it cannot be restricted or contained; and love freely given and love freely received are actually one and the same.

Beyond all borders, all boundaries, and even beyond all planets, is a feminine force of love so powerful, so huge, that it cannot possibly be contained or owned. It cannot be limited or labelled in any way by any religion or belief system, it’s simply too big for that. But most importantly, it has the power and the stamina to always go back, to find its way to any place, any depth, any level of darkness or pain, and return all children to the formless arms of love.

* photo by Jeffrey Main, click on the photo to view more of his brilliant works.

Yoga and Meditation Retreat in Magical Hawaii

2012-01-21T10:39:00.000-08:00

March 19 – 26th 2012

Enjoy a week of yoga and meditation in paradise

Yoga & meditation retreat includes

Morning gently invigorating yoga classes
Afternoon relaxing restorative yoga classes
Evening peaceful and enlightening meditations
3 delicious meals daily
7 day accommodation

Optional daily activities available

Encounters with wild spinner dolphins
Sea kayaking
Whale watch adventures
Day trips to world famous Snorkelling sites and other sacred sites.

The retreat location will be held at beautiful and secluded ocean house on the big island of Hawaii. Enjoy open air living on the ocean, in this comfortable, quiet and enchanted setting. This lovely facility is located on breathtaking ocean front property, just a one min walk from the beach. You are welcome to snorkel in crystalline waters with a rainbow of tropical reef fish; sea turtles and spinner dolphins also frequent the bay. There will be plenty of time to relax and read, or meditate in Hammocks beneath the rustling palms.

Cost for retreat

$1700 USD*

* Deposit of $500.00 upon registration reserves your place at the retreat.* Does not include airfare.

* Space is limited: Due to increasing popularity, single rooms may not be available unless reserved early. There is an additional $200 charge for reserving a single room. Single room deposit fee is $600. For further details contact Christine @ journeytolight@gmail.com or call 403-701-9567.

~~~~~~~Click here to view photos of the 2009 Hawaii Retreat~~~~~~~

~~~~~~~Click here to view photos of the 2011 Hawaii Retreat~~~~~~~

Testimonials from previous years.

“In the last 3 months I have visited almost every yoga studio in western Canada, you have them all beat by a country mile. Restorative Yoga gets results, it open the channels. This retreat is a game changing experience.” – Keith

“Magical retreat says it all, it was magical from start to finish. Every thing you could want was there. I will be back next year for the wonderful hospitality, yoga, meditation, beach, dolphins, meals and of course, Christine and the great group of people there.” -- Susan

“A retreat in Hawaii at Hali Kai with Christine ... is not to be missed! :)

If you love peaceful moments, great food, amazing spots for reflection or meditation, a hammock with an incredible view, yoga for all levels, swimming with spinner dolphins, or giving yourself the best gift you could ever receive .... go to Hawaii” – Kim

“The location is incredible, the food nourishing and yummy and the retreat itself transformational, sweet and fun.” – Vidura

“I work and travel a lot, yet don't get a lot of time to practice yoga or relax....so I was a bit reluctant to go on this retreat with a friend two years ago. It turned out to be one of the most amazing weeks of my life!!! - the unique energy of Hawaii, the restorative yoga and healing meditations, wonderful connection with new friends, the amazing and healthy food (who knew I could feel so good without meat!), and swimming with wild spinner dolphins! I have crossed a few items off my "bucket list" thanks to Christine's soulful retreat. Nothing has quite matched that experience, and I have wanted to do it all again since - so I am! For those that are unsure, you won't regret it, see you in March!” – Tracy

“The reason I have chosen to attend Christine’s Yoga Retreat again is because it is an opportunity for me to get in touch with myself. It’s a cleanse of sorts for me, i.e., beautiful movement, nature, sharing conversation (if I choose), nurturing food, meditation, and so much more. All the Guidance I need is there for me when I take the time to tap into it as the week unfolds. Last time, I felt incredibly high from my experience. My body felt better, my mind felt better and I just felt different on a deeper level. Christine’s mantra, “All is welcome here!” is one that stuck with me. She creates a lovely environment for whatever journey you’d like to take within yourself.” -- Nichole

“My experience on the Hawaii Yoga retreat, was nothing short of wonderful, especially because I was first time retreat participant. The experience changed me in ways beyond explanation, and deeper than the daily yoga and meditation. I knew upon booking my trip with Christine that I was already experiencing the the peace within my heart. It took some time to get my body to follow in the same pathway. :) A yoga beginner about to embark on a yoga retreat had me second guessing myself. During the retreat, and long after I returned home, I realized that even if you were to only to sit in the room with the other yoga participants, you would absorb the wonderful energy and peacefulness that the retreat centers around.

The food is beyond incredible, the rooms are beautiful and comfortable, the yoga and meditation is at any level you desire it to be, and the personal time seems endless. I am truly healed, and can hardly wait to go back again this year! :)” – Kim

The Freedom of Being: Tails of a Loving Dolphin Encounter.

2012-01-20T12:34:00.000-08:00

Ever since childhood I have dreamed of swimming with dolphins. During my first retreat on the Big Island in Hawaii, I had the chance to snorkel near them in a local bay. Seeing wild dolphins up close was a life long dream fulfilled.

On my first day of snorkelling, the dolphins arrived; having been previously advised by a few friends, I’d been told not to approach the dolphins, but to simply continue snorkelling and ‘mind your own business.’ They are often curious about humans, will quite frequently swim over and check you out.

I was normally terrified of swimming in the ocean, and phobic of sharks, but on this day I felt completely safe, as if the dolphins were saying ‘It’s OK, we will protect you.’ At some point when I was swimming I could hear the chirps and whistles under the water, and the feeling of safety and calm strengthened. I looked up and could see their fins off in the distance, and decided I was close enough. Not wanting to disturb their personal space, I just floated where I was, waiting. My friend had asked me to stay close by, as he wasn’t a very strong swimmer, so I was keeping my eye on him. At some point we decided to float and meditate, in hopes that the dolphins would get curious and come over to see what we were doing. I started to enter a meditative state, and let my inner heart open, as if sending a message to the dolphins that I was happy to see them, and could almost immediately feel a deep love and joy come back to me.

About ten minutes passed, and I was starting to feel cold; I thought to myself, ‘Maybe I will just swim back. I got to hear them, and feel their love; that is enough for me.’ I was secretly wishing for a really close encounter, though.

When I looked up, I realized my friend had drifted off somewhere, and I could no longer see him. I had a moment of worry that he was in trouble, and I started to look all around to find him. I had the thought, ‘How will I ever find him in this huge ocean?’ Almost as soon as the feeling of distress arose, I heard a loud dolphin whistle; I looked down in the water and saw a dolphin right below me. Immediately my heart opened, and I felt a joy rush through my body like I had never experienced before. As it came to the surface for a breath, the dolphin moved right beside me, and looked me in the eye. For a moment the entire world stopped, everything became still and calm. It was as if he were telling me, ‘it’s OK, it will be all right, I am here.’ Instinctively I followed the dolphin; it was moving very slowly, and I was surprised at how easily I could keep up with it.

After following for a while, I could hear more chirps and whistles in the distance, and before I knew it the dolphin I was following was joining up with an entire pod. I stopped swimming and just floated in one spot, watching them all circling under me. After a few minutes I looked up, and was happy to see my friend’s head bobbing in the distance. Swimming over to him I noticed that he had made a few friends, and was alright. I was so relieved that I hadn’t lost him to the vast expanse of the ocean, that I didn’t even realize that the dolphin had led me to him. I had a moment of second guessing, wondering if it was a happy coincidence or if that dolphin had really come to me because of my distress.

After some more time in the water and the wonderful experience of feeling this dolphin joy, I decided that I had had enough, and wanted to head back to shore. My friend reassured me that he was OK now, and so I headed back on my own. After a few moments of swimming, I looked up to the shore and realized just how far out I was. Again, a moment of panic entered my inner space, and I thought, ‘How am I ever going to make it back there?’ As if on cue, I heard that now familiar sound of a dolphin whistle in my ears. I looked down into the water and just ahead, saw the dolphin that had led me earlier to the pod. I felt such deep gratitude and joy to see him, and felt my heart open wide. He was swimming towards me, face to face, and as he came close I saw his mouth open as he said something to me. This time, instead of hearing the sound with my ears, I felt the sound vibration resonate through my body. Almost instantly, I had a sense of renewed strength and stamina, and I felt I could easily make it back to shore. About thirty seconds later I realized that he had actually turned around and was now swimming right below me. It was as he was my own personal escort, as he stayed with me for several hundred meters. Once I felt really comfortable with my distance to the shore, I silently thanked him, and gave him an inner hug. He turned then and headed back. This was the first of many beautiful dolphin encounters, and many more were also shared by my friends.

After some time, I realized just how beautiful and touching the experience had been for me, not only in fulfilling a lifelong dream, but experiencing first hand the simple and humble presence of such an amazing being. To see and feel the compassion and care of an entirely different species was very inspiring. What I took back with me was the realization that this love and compassion is always enough, in every moment. The dolphins own nothing, they are whole and complete just in and of themselves; having no possessions or sense of ownership, they simply exist in an inner freedom and peace that very few humans can relate to. I was deeply touched and inspired by this experience to realize the inner freedom of having nothing but the presence that you are. It was as if the dolphins wanted to teach me that; in truth, there is really nothing to own, and no possessions to acquire. To own something you would need a container to hold it in, and what really matters, what is all encompassing, has no walls, no limits and no end. The presence that we are can never be held in one place as it is free-flowing like a dolphin, and rests in vast open space like the ocean. In this space of free-flowing openness there is an ease and a trust that makes it clear this moment is enough, just as it is.

* After returning home from my retreat I wanted to make sure I found a way to give back what I was grateful for; 15% of the Hawaii retreat proceeds have been donated to the World Wildlife Federation, as well as the World Society for the Protection of Animals.

photo by Irene Kerr

Sponsor a Yogi Program

2012-01-11T10:10:00.000-08:00

Each month Journey to Light will sponsor one student to take a yoga or meditation class of their choice. This program has been put in place as a support system for those who feel they would really benefit from participating in yoga or meditation classes, but do not have the means to do so. If you would like to apply to receive sponsorship, please send your request to Christine at journeytolight@gmail.com . Include in your email why you would like to take yoga or meditation classes, and what you hope to absorb from this program.

A 6 week drop in pass is valued at $90 CAN funds. A full schedule of class possibilities can be viewed here.

If you feel inspired to sponsor a student at Journey to Light, click here to donate. If you would like to sponsor a yogi, but wish to donate a different amount, please feel free to help out with a partial donation, every little bit helps. Check the drop in pass price list here.

Email Christine at journeytolight@gmail.com for further details.

Healing Poses for the Abdominal Organs

2012-01-10T10:20:00.000-08:00

This sequence of poses is great for when you feel sluggish, run down, heavy, or are just needing some over all healing for the abdominal organs. If you have a serious medical condition, these poses may not be for you, when in doubt check with your doctor.

Reclining Bound Angle Pose

Lie on two or three staggered blankets, checking that your body is totally comfortable. Support your head with a blanket, and support your thighs with blocks or pillows. Breathe evenly and relax into the pose. Enjoy for 3 or more minutes, and then roll to your right side.

Find more in depth instructions for Reclining Bound Angle Pose here.

Double Leg Reclining Twist Pose

Lie on your back with some blankets and blocks near by. Hug your knees into your chest, let your back muscles relax, and then then roll to your right side. Shift the upper back to the floor, and rest your left arm on the floor or a blanket. For a more relaxing stretch, place a block or two in between your knees. Rest here for 2 or 3 minutes, or until you feel finished with the stretch, and then switch sides. Notice your breathing, and feel the nourishment in your breath massaging your abdominal organs.

Find more in depth instructions for Double Leg Reclining Twist Pose here.

Reclining Twist Pose

Lie on your back with some blankets and blocks near by. Roll to your right side, with your left knee bent, and your right leg straight. Rest your Left knee on a block or two, (or more as needed) so that the pose is now adjusted to the comfort level of your body. Shift the upper back to the floor, (or as close to the floor as you can) staying in your own comfort range. Rest your left arm on the floor, or a pile of blankets. Stay here for as long as you are comfortable, and then switch sides.

Find more in depth instructions for Reclining Twist Pose here.

Inverted Lake Pose

Bring one or two folded blankets to the wall as shown in picture. Sit on the edge of the blankets with one hip touching the wall, and then swivel around until your sit bones are touching with wall (or as close as you can get ) and then carefully lie down. Place your legs against the wall so they are resting. Make sure your shoulder blades are flat on the floor, so there is no strain on your neck. Stay here for 3 or more minutes, as long as you are comfortable. Notice the deep relaxation that happens naturally with restorative yoga poses, enjoy that deep rest, and nourishment.

For more in depth instructions for Inverted Lake Pose click here.

Supported Bridge Pose

Stack 2 or 3 folded blankets and place them a few feet away from a pile of blocks. Sit on the blankets, and lie down on your back so that your lower back is on the blankets, and your head neck and shoulders are resting on the floor. Place your heels on the blocks. For a more restful version of the pose, you can also set yourself up to have the soles of your feet resting into a wall. Stay here for 3 or more minutes, or as long as you are comfortable.

For more in depth instruction for Supported Bridge Pose, click here.

Forward Hero Pose

Stack 3 or more folded blankets and place them in front of you. Sit on your heels, and place your knees about shoulder width apart. Bring the blankets close to your body, in between your thighs. Keeping your sit bones down on your heels, (or close to the heels) bend forward from the waist, and bring your abdomen and chest onto the pile of blankets. Stay here for 3 or more minutes, enjoying the deep peace, rest and contentment. Let your body sink deeply into the pose, especially on your exhalations.

For more in depth instructions, as well as a few helpful modifications for Forward Hero Pose, click here.

Benefits of the Healing Poses for the Abdominal Organs Sequence: Each of these poses has one of three effects to healing and increased function of the abdominal organs. Twisting will squeeze, tone, and detoxify the organs. Gentle back bending will stretch and lengthen the organs, increasing blood flow to the organs of the abdomen. Supported forward bending will massage and nourish the abdominal muscles and organs. Restorative yoga poses are also very relaxing and often induce the well known ‘relaxation response’. This allows the body to rest more deeply and may speed healing and improve overall organ function. Restorative yoga poses are also deeply meditative, encouraging clarity of mind, inner peace, acceptance and a feeling of overall well being.

written and modeled by Christine Wushke, Photo's by Dianne Wushke.

Inverted Lake Pose

2012-01-09T10:25:00.000-08:00

This is an excellent pose for times when you need to rest deeply, but don’t have a lot of time. I find that 3 – 5 minutes in this pose can be equivalent to an afternoon nap.

* This pose is not recommended if your blood pressure is high, or if you are on your menstrual cycle.

1. Place 2 or 3 folded blankets against the wall. Sit on the edge of the blankets with one hip touching the wall, and then swivel around until your sit bones are touching with wall (or as close as you can get ) and then carefully lie down. Place your legs against the wall so they are resting. You may need to wiggle in a little closer to the wall to get your sit bones on the wall (or close to the wall) so that the legs are also able to rest against the wall. You should have the back of your pelvis on the blankets, and the shoulder blades on the ground. Check that there is no pressure on your neck at all.

2. Stay here for about 3 min (or longer if you are very comfortable) breathing softly and smoothly.

Benefits: Strengthens parasympathetic nervous system, increased relaxation, increases oxygenation of blood, improved mental clarity, uplifts mood, and improves quality of sleep, increases circulation in the thyroid gland, pineal and pituitary glands.

written and modeled by Christine Wushke, Photo's by Dianne Wushke.

Winter Classes 2012

2011-12-21T22:08:00.000-08:00

New Year Classes begin on January 10th

*24 pass -- $255

12 pass -- $160

6 pass -- $90

single class -- $20*

*** Passes do not expire. ***

Weekly Drop in Classes

Tuesday Night Gentle Yoga and Meditation

7:00 – 8:30 PM January 10th – March 6th

~ Gentle yoga poses, breathing techniques and meditation skills are simply taught to aid in deepening relaxation and inner peace. Learn the skills to improve your over all health and wellness.

Wednesday Night Gentle Yoga and Meditation

7:30 – 9:00 PM January 11th – March 7th

~ Gentle yoga poses, breathing techniques and meditation skills are simply taught to aid in deepening relaxation and inner peace. Learn the skills to improve your over all health and wellness.

Friday Morning Gentle Yoga and Meditation

10:00 – 11:30 AM January 13th – March 9th

~ Gentle yoga poses, breathing techniques and meditation skills are simply taught to aid in deepening relaxation and inner peace. Learn the skills to improve your over all health and wellness.

Sunday Night Meditation

7:30 – 9:00 PM January 15th – March 11th

~ This class will is perfect for those interested in joining a group of like minded people, strengthening your intuition, and meditating in a supported group setting.

*Drop in passes are valid for any and all yoga or meditation classes listed here. They can not be used for day or weekend retreats*

*** Passes do not expire. ***

Darkness and Light

2011-12-21T16:33:00.000-08:00

Being willing to sit honestly with yourself in the darkest of dark nights is a gift to the world. When we can sit in our own deepest pain with a willingness to accept it as it is, to forgive it, or even to just be with the experience; we begin to break down the cycle of authorship, projection and blame. A gateway begins to open, where we can hold that freedom and space for others. No longer resentful of our own inner demons, we cease being afraid of them in the world; we stop holding others responsible for what we don’t like to feel.

Being accepting of our inner darkness, means we give permission for others to be as they are, no matter what behaviors they are exhibiting. We see behaviors as forces that simply come and go, no different than the orbiting moon, and we can look deeper into who people are beyond them. We can then more easily embrace the inner courage to see who people are at their core, even when we do not agree with what they are saying, or how they are behaving. It is much easier to treat a person with love and respect when you are not afraid that your own inner pain will be touched, exposed or revealed.

The inner permission and respect to others opens a space of non judgemental freedom where miraculous transformation can occur. Resistance drops, the split between opposing forces closes, the two merge into one. Life is seen as it is, without the sticky film of personal resistances, fears, or longings overlaid on top. The beauty of embracing your fears is that life can then be taken in all the way and admired for the miracle that it is, exactly as it is. We can be open to both joy and sorrow, knowing that neither one lasts, but both can be enjoyed (or at least allowed) while it is here.

Ocean of Light Meditation

2011-12-20T22:23:00.000-08:00

Sit back, relax, and enjoy this 12 minute meditation.

The full Ocean of Light CD is also now available for download on itunes as well as Amazon.com.

The new “True Freedom” meditation CD is now available on itunes, click here to view it.

Threading the needle of fear.

2011-12-20T21:47:00.000-08:00

The deepest scariest place inside, the one that we want to run from screaming in terror, is the exact place to go to access your inherent freedom. The place that you want to run from is like the center point of life, surrounded by a wall of fighter planes. The fighter planes will go off to battle if anyone or anything gets close. But behind that wall of 'fight,' is the soft spot, the tender point that is waiting to be met by life.

It’s like threading a needle, to find the softest spot, and let it be openly touched by life. It moves us through into a freedom where there is no inside or outside. Where we can be open and undefended to receive the fullness of life, and then in the same breath give it back to everyone and everything we love.

This is the place where joy and love and sorrow and pain can all mingle together with the boundless strength and presence of the infinite. Vulnerability is not a weakness or something to avoid, and it isn’t something to run from or fix, it is simply the gateway to the greatest strength imaginable. Life is forever giving us exactly what we need in order to stand unguarded amidst the fullness of life. All that is ever required of you is to say simply say yes.

Diary of a Mystic Yogi: Life is Precious.

2011-12-14T23:34:00.000-08:00

Several years ago I was going through a really tough time. During this period of difficulty, I had a dream that I will never forget.

I remember going to bed feeling hopeless and drained one night, and falling asleep in a state of despair and exhaustion.

I had a dream that I was dead. In the dream there was someone beside me that I couldn’t see, but I could hear a voice and feel a loving presence. I remember feeling really sad and full of remorse that I had died, and wishing that I could go back to earth, if even for just two minutes.

The voice beside me offered to fulfill my wish, and sent me back for two minutes. In a blink I was dropped back down to earth in my familiar body, but surrounded by totally different circumstances. In this new scenario I had just found out that the love of my life was having an affair with another woman and I was feeling heartbroken and alone.

Elated with being back, I didn’t even care about the ‘scene’ going on around me, I felt relieved and grateful just to be back. Knowing my two minutes would be up soon I soaked in every precious second of heartbreak, sorrow, betrayal and loss.

After getting pulled out of this scene and back to the ‘dead’ state, I asked again if I could please please be allowed to go back for just two minutes more. The voice agreed and I was allowed to go back.

This time I was dropped into yet another totally different scenario. In this scene I was happily married but we were going bankrupt and losing everything. Knowing that the two minutes were very fleeting, I soaked in every second of financial distress, worry and uncertainty.

Once more I was pulled out, floating in deadness with the loving voice. Again I asked to go back, and again I was given that wish.

This time I became aware of an interesting time distortion, in the scene around me everything was falling apart, I was feeling the impossibility of ‘holding it together’. Knowing the two minutes would end soon I drank in ‘falling apart’ and the feeling of losing control. I noticed that what felt to me like two minutes was different than the time line playing out in the scene around me. Hours were racing by in the situation around me, while my two minutes were very slowly ticking by.

At some point I became aware that I was dreaming and a very lucid thought, ‘OK you have made your point’ shattered the dream. I found myself lying in bed starting at the ceiling. For a few minutes I drank in the sensation of being alive, really alive. I drank in what it means to be human, and the sweetness of all the things we experience here. Something about this dream had given me a glimpse of just how rare and precious it is to be human.

The memory of the dream has faded somewhat over the years, but the feeling of life being fleeting and precious has never really left. I am often reminded of this dream during times of overwhelm or strong emotional responses to situations. I am often reminded to take the time and drink in sorrow, overwhelm, or heartbreak; knowing that the whole thing is so very fleeting. Our humanity is truly a gift to be cherished.

Forward Hero Pose

2011-12-14T10:15:00.000-08:00

This pose is like the dessert of yoga. Ultimate relaxation and nourishment awaits you! If you don’t find this pose a taste of pure heaven, then try some of the various modifications listed below. There are also additional modifications demonstrated here. Keep stacking the blankets until you have found the right height for you, it is well worth the effort.

1. Sit on your heels with your big toes together, and your knees about shoulder width apart. If sitting on your heels is not comfortable, then sit on a few blocks as shown on the left. (Click on picture to enlarge.)

2. Stack a pile of 2 or more blankets and slide them toward your body so they are in line with your inner thighs.

3. Bend from your waist to bring your abdomen and chest onto your blanket pile. It should feel as though the blankets are holding you up. If it feels as if there is a strain to reach the blankets, then sit up, add another blanket and return to the forward bend. Continue adding blankets until it feels very comfortable, and the blankets are acting as a support for your chest and abdomen.

4. Turn your head to the side and let yourself settle into the pose comfortably. Let your arms sink into the floor, and your whole body sink into the pose.

5. If you are not comfortable with your head turned to one side, then fold the top blanket over and place a block or extra blanket under your forehead as shown on the left.

6. Hold the pose for at least 3 minutes breathing evenly. Notice especially your exhalations, allowing your body to relax deeply into the pose each time you exhale. As you inhale allow your body to receive nourishment. Continue to let yourself deepen in relaxation as you exhale, and drink in nourishment as you inhale.

Benefits: Strengthens parasympathetic nervous system, increased relaxation, improved mental clarity, improves quality of sleep, reduces stress, aids in reducing anxiety, strengthens the arches of the feet.

Bridge Pose

2011-12-14T10:12:00.000-08:00

This pose is recommended for continuing students or those who are comfortable with back bending poses. As this pose in a little more challenging, make sure to honor your body, moving mindfully, and listening to your intuition. It is advisable to learn this pose first under the supervision of a qualified yoga instructor before practicing it at home on your own. This pose should be practiced with caution if you have neck or upper spine problems.

1. Lie on your back with the soles of your feet flat on the ground. Move your feet about hip width apart and bring your feet close enough to your buttocks that your knees are directly above your heels.

2. Slowly lift your pelvis up off the ground moving your tailbone down towards your heels. Roll your shoulders under and lengthen your neck.

3. Pause here for a moment and check that your lower back and neck feel comfortable before going any further.

4. If you are still comfortable, lift your pelvis high enough to slide a yoga block underneath your sacrum. Check that you are using your abdominal muscles to lift your pelvis, and that there is not too much pressure on your neck. Once you have the yoga block securely placed drop your pelvis down and let a small amount of your body weight sink into the block.

5. Stay here for 30 seconds or longer; find the balance between using your abdominal muscles, and letting the yoga block support your pelvis. Breathe evenly, let your eyes and brain soften.

6. When you are ready to lift your pelvis; slide the block out, and lower your pelvis back to the floor. Straighten your legs and relax your shoulders. Rest on your back for a moment enjoying the benefits of the pose.

Benefits: Stretches the chest, neck, spine, and pelvic muscles. Calms the brain and nervous system. Stimulates abdominal organs, and strengthens abdominal muscles. Improves digestion, and stimulates the lungs and thyroid.

Wisdom inspired by the sea turtles.

2011-12-07T16:45:00.000-08:00

When you are content with what is, at peace within, and free to be exactly as you are, there is no motive to change anyone, or anything, at anytime.

Life moves you where it will, and everywhere you go, you are exactly where you should be.

We can let go when the waves are strong, and let the water take us where it will, but we can’t manage the waves. We can surf the waves as they are, and appreciate the natural forces at work, but we can’t make a big wave smaller or a small wave bigger. A wave will always be a wave.

When we seek for a better moment, or a different moment, or think that what is here should be something other than it is, we suffer, because we hold two things in opposition. What is, and what ‘should be’, are seen as two different and opposing forces.

When we have accepted what is fully, exactly as it is right now, there is only one thing present, in any and every moment. What is here now, is simply what is. The movement to achieve a better moment stops, and we begin to steep in the deep and true satisfaction of spirit.

When change is needed, it happens naturally on its own, like the caterpillar becoming a butterfly, or the summer leaves turning yellow and falling when the time is right. Change is natural intelligence at play in the world of form; natural, simple and effortless (though not necessarily painless); change happens when it’s ready, with a power and intelligence that is trustworthy.

*Thank you to Anton Quon for the beautiful turtle photo’s, to view more of Anton's work click here.

Diary of a Mystic Yogi: Freedom, Failure and Forgiveness.

2011-12-05T21:45:00.000-08:00

I have been noticing lately how much freedom there is in failure. I have noticed that letting myself fail, and then being OK with or forgiving my shortcomings, is far easier than trying to avoid failure in the first place. Trying to avoid something feels fear-based and limiting, and makes everything contract. Letting things be as they are opens the space for more alive living.

To me, this is the liberation—accepting myself and others just exactly as they are. Letting someone else be as they are, even when the perception is that they are attacking, treating someone unjustly, or criticizing, takes the judgment out of the equation, and lets me fall into the heart. When life is lived from the heart, there is an ease and a flow to each moment, even when difficult situations arise. When the difficult situations are seen without judgment or labels from past experience, a sense of wonder and curiosity can emerge. Accepting things as they are lets difficult situations unfold as a mystery, and can then reveal potential nuggets of wisdom, new understanding, and a deepening of peace.

Fall Classes 2011

2011-11-30T15:44:00.000-08:00

Fall Classes begin on September 13th

*24 pass -- $255

12 pass -- $160

6 pass -- $90

single class -- $20*

*** Passes do not expire. ***

Weekly Drop in Classes

Tuesday Night Gentle Yoga and Meditation

7:00 – 8:30 PM September 13 – December 13th

~ Gentle yoga poses, breathing techniques and meditation skills are simply taught to aid in deepening relaxation and inner peace. Learn the skills to improve your over all health and wellness.

Wednesday Night Gentle Yoga and Meditation

7:30 – 9:00 PM September 14th – December 14th

~ Gentle yoga poses, breathing techniques and meditation skills are simply taught to aid in deepening relaxation and inner peace. Learn the skills to improve your over all health and wellness.

Friday Morning Gentle Yoga and Meditation

10:00 – 11:30 AM September 16 – December 16th

~ Gentle yoga poses, breathing techniques and meditation skills are simply taught to aid in deepening relaxation and inner peace. Learn the skills to improve your over all health and wellness.

Sunday Night Meditation

7:30 – 9:00 PM September 18 – December 18th

~ This class will is perfect for those interested in joining a group of like minded people, strengthening your intuition, and meditating in a supported group setting.

Drop in Workshops

Restorative Yoga and Meditation Class

class canceled

~ Experience healing and deep relaxation with restorative yoga. Gentle enough for any body, and suitable for any fitness level. One hour of restorative yoga and yogic breathing techniques will be followed with a half hour of guided relaxation and meditation.

*Drop in passes are valid for any and all yoga or meditation classes listed here. They can not be used for day or weekend retreats*

*** Passes do not expire. ***

Surf’s Up.

2011-11-27T21:43:00.000-08:00

To a surfer, the big waves are golden treasures, moments of precious opportunity. To a person afraid of the ocean, big waves are a pretty big problem. I like to look at life like the ocean: it is pure potential, and it is unique in every moment. Like the surfer we can look at life as endless opportunities to surf when the waves are high and rest deeply when the water is calm.

I used to think that pain was a problem, and the deep feelings of being human something to be avoided or gotten rid of. When the surf was high, I became afraid and looked for ways to quickly swim to shore. With my back to the big waves (or my many movements to avoid them) I was crashed around and the big problems became bigger every time.

The big waves, the moments when emotion is running high, or pain is very intense, are fleeting. Eventually all waves subside, no matter the size or intensity. To a surfer, the big waves are opportunities, treasures to be seized and surfed, not problems to be fixed or avoided.

When we live life like a surfer, we can see the moments of pain or intensity as the greatest treasures. With focus running high moment to moment, there is no time to think, no time to find a way out or to avoid, because we are busy surfing that wave, letting it take us in, straight to the heart of the moment. When the big waves are taken moment by moment, breath by breath, we can appreciate their power and potential to take us to a placeless place beyond fear, into a timeless realm of the heart.

* Surfing image is of pro surfer Bethany Hamilton; check out her inspiring story at www.bethanyhamilton.com

Thought for the Day: You are always Beauty.

2011-11-16T22:01:00.000-08:00

I can’t assume that your growth, learning, unfolding, expansion or contemplative insights will ever look like mine. I can’t tell you how to think, feel, or tell you anything about how you should be. I can’t help you, fix you, or even summon up the notion that you need to change in any way.

The only thing I can really offer here is to trust you. I can trust that you are beautiful and perfect just as you are. I can see the light within you like an expanding rose and on any given day, and at any level of openness, I can trust your beauty to always be beautiful, just how it is.

*This beautiful Photo expression is by Jeffrey Main, click here to view more of Jeffrey’s beautiful photographic art.

Supported Bridge Pose

2011-10-04T22:53:00.000-07:00

This is a restorative version of the yoga pose called bridge pose. It is one of my favorite poses for when I am feeling low energy, as it is deeply relaxing and yet I leave the pose feeling rejuvenated and rested.

1. Stack 2 or 3 blankets, and place them about 2 feet from the wall. (or closer of your legs are shorter) Place 2 blocks, or a few book against the wall.

2. Sit in the center of the blankets, and place your feet on the blocks. Lie down so that your shoulder blades are on the floor, your heels are on the blocks, and the soles of your feet are on the wall. You may need to adjust the distance from the wall a few times to get yourself in the right position. The neck should feel very comfortable, with no pressure on it at all.

3. Stay here for about 3 min or longer (if you are very relaxed and comfortable) letting yourself relax deeply into the pose. Imagine that you are drawing nourishment into the body on your inhales, and letting the body sink deeply into the pose on your exhales. Let your brain soften, your eyes relax, and your breath move into a slow and even rhythm.

4. When you feel complete with the pose, roll to your right side and rest for a moment before sitting up.

Benefits: Strengthens parasympathetic nervous system, increased relaxation, increases oxygenation of blood, improved mental clarity, uplifts mood, and improves quality of sleep, increases circulation in the thyroid gland, aids in balancing hormones

Thought for the Day: Starving for affection.

2011-09-25T14:49:00.001-07:00

I think we are starving for authentic affection in our society. We long to be truly intimate on a level where we are seen, met and touched to the core. Yet if we are afraid to be revealed and exposed we close off to people, and that real meeting can’t happen.

It’s no wonder the advertising industries uses sex like a dangling carrot, to pull us in over and over. I don’t think its sex that people are really looking for though, underneath the ads of half naked picture perfect women, is a longing to be really met and seen and appreciated for who we are, on all levels.

Testimonials for Classes, Retreats, and Private sessions.

2011-09-19T15:48:00.000-07:00

Yoga Retreats

“A retreat in Hawaii at Hali Kai with Christine ... is not to be missed! :)

“I work and travel a lot, yet don't get a lot of time to practice yoga or relax....so I was a bit reluctant to go on this retreat with a friend two years ago. It turned out to be one of the most amazing weeks of my life!!! - the unique energy of Hawaii, the restorative yoga and healing meditations, wonderful connection with new friends, the amazing and healthy food (who knew I could feel so good without meat!), and swimming with wild spinner dolphins! I have crossed a few items off my "bucket list" thanks to Christine's soulful retreat. Nothing has quite matched that experience, and I have wanted to do it all again since - so I am! For those that are unsure... you won't regret it......see you in March!” -- Tracy

“The time we spent under your gentle and loving direction exceeded all I might have wished for. I don't think I've ever enjoyed a yoga class more - It was yoga for the soul. You created a loving, non-judgemental environment in which we were all allowed to just BE. I am deeply grateful for your commitment to your calling. Thank you!” -- Terri

"Christine's yoga is a nourishing blend of meditation, breath, gentle movement and stillness. Each & every class is a sacred journey home. Christine's presence creates a welcoming and loving space to experience "true" yoga. Your yoga brings me fully into the present moment and into stillness" -- Rose

Skype and Phone sessions

“They say that the universe conspires on our behalf, and i believe it does.

I have had many synchronicities, pieces fall into place lately, but one of the most powerful 'ones' was when we had a chat on Skype and you told me "to just stop". That seemed to be the start of a swell that has risen to tsunami levels within.
Of course i had heard that many times before, but that time it got through and the power of it has been reverberating since... like a cosmic trigger of sorts.
thank you for channelling Grace to me” – John

Private Sessions

“Christine’s sessions are life-enhancing. She creates a clear open space in which truth can be realized. Her inner light shines and illuminates what is not yet seen. Her wonderfully open heart embraces everything with love. You know the great Mother is holding you when you are with Christine.” – Karen McPhee

"A private Satsang session with Christine is a wonderful opportunity for one to explore their spiritual essence and steep within that. Christine is a remarkable being with a heart that is among the kindest and wisest I have known. It is truly a gift to be able to share in the timeless wisdom that she so skillfully embodies, and for that I am eternally grateful. I highly recommend that spiritual aspirants try a Satsang session with Christine to discover THIS for themselves." -- Ryan

“Christine is a gifted and open hearted channel of divine love and light. What I experience in a session with Christine is true purity. She enhances the connection with ones higher self and magnificently assist’s with your evolutionary path. Miracles and truth are forever unfolding. I feel blessed to have reconnected with Christine on my journey. She is truly walking her truth.” -- Susan

"You have a wonderful depth but carry your wisdom lightly." Harsh Luthar

Yoga Classes

“I have taken classes and training with Christine for the past couple of years in Reiki, meditation and yoga. I have definitely noticed a huge difference in my day-to-day life. I find that I am more in tune to myself and the world around me. I am thrilled to have added these elements to my life and look forward to continuing personal growth and spiritual development. I am so thrilled to have found you. Thank you Christine!” – Lynn

“Christine makes yoga yummy. Through her unique blend of the therapeutic and spiritual pillars of yoga, she seems to effortlessly organize asana movement, breath awareness and meditations so that one’s body moves into a state of relaxation rather than willfullness. Christine skilfully directs the student toward the conscious awareness of their physical experience she then guides us beyond our limitations and pain to a place of both healing and the release of tension as we journey home. Spirituality is based on actual, personal experience and effort - and for me, this is the strength of Christine’s yoga.” – Cindy

Karma Yoga Program

“Today I took part in Karma yoga. It was a wonderful experience. We meditated for a short time and went into Calgary to work for a couple of hours at the Mustard Seed. It was interesting to see how things that I meditated about and that had been on my mind became more clear and relevant while we were working at our assigned tasks. The discussion to and from in the car was so invigorating and inspiring. I liked it so much, that I asked Christine if we could go every week! For now - once a month - but hopefully in 2010 twice a month. Most of all it was good to help out at this amazing place - even in a very small way.” – Irene

Massage and Reiki Sessions

"Christine is full of love and light. She possesses an incredible ability to heal, and nurture self healing. I have benefited by her teaching and her intuition." – Nichole

“I was experiencing pain in my joints as a result, of arthritic problems. I began to work weekly with Christine first using massage and then a combination of massage and Reiki. I found the Reiki healing was the most beneficial. In a short time, my joint pains have subsided, and my mobility was improving. The Reiki sessions have not only healed my medical problems but have given me a sense of well being. I am very grateful for her assistance. Christine’s skillful ability to use Reiki in healing is an amazing gift.” – Esther

“I was first introduced to Christine through yoga classes at her studio. I then became very interested in Reiki and the benefits it had to offer so I started receiving Reiki treatments from Christine. Christine has truly been an inspiration in my life. She has helped lead me in a direction and journey in life that is truly amazing.” -- Jennifer

Christine is available for private sessions in person, by phone, or skype. Individual sessions are $70 per hour, or $40 per half hour. To book an appointment email journeytolight@gmail.com

Thought for the Day: Spiritual Intimacy

2011-09-07T11:41:00.001-07:00

When you look at someone in your life as if they are a total mystery, or a perfect stranger, then you can truly meet them. Being spiritually intimate with someone is like meeting them for the first time in every moment; meeting them like you would a stranger in each situation. When I practice meeting the people in my life as if I am meeting a stranger, I can watch them emerge fresh, all the time. As soon as I think I know something about them, there is no longer this level of deep intimacy, because I am only meeting my minds idea of them, and not the real thing.

Summer Classes 2011

2011-08-13T22:15:00.000-07:00

The Spring Classes Have ended for the season

and

The Summer Session will resume on July 13th.

*24 pass -- $255

12 pass -- $160

6 pass -- $90

single class -- $20*

*** Passes do not expire. ***

Weekly Classes

Wednesday Night Gentle Yoga and Meditation

7:30 – 9:00 PM July 13 – August 10

~ Gentle yoga poses, breathing techniques and meditation skills are simply taught to aid in deepening relaxation and inner peace. Learn the skills to improve your over all health and wellness.

Friday Morning Gentle Yoga and Meditation

10:00 – 11:30 AM July 15th – August 12

~ Gentle yoga poses, breathing techniques and meditation skills are simply taught to aid in deepening relaxation and inner peace. Learn the skills to improve your over all health and wellness.

Sunday Night Meditation

7:30 – 9:00 PM July 17 – ~~August 14~~ (class cancelled)

~ This class will is perfect for those interested in joining a group of like minded people, strengthening your intuition, and meditating in a supported group setting.

Summer Retreats and Workshops

Reiki Level 2: July 23 10:00 – 4:00

~ This workshop will be a continuation from level one. We will be deepening our understanding of the basic level one training, as well as learning how to do distance treatments for loved ones, pets and self treatments. Participants will receive a Reiki level 2 certificate and a training manual. (for those of you continuing on from level 1, please bring your level 1& 2 manual with you)

Silent Retreat August 5-7 2011

~ Please click the here for details on this retreat, or click the ‘retreat’ tab at the top of the page.

*Drop in passes are valid for any and all yoga or meditation classes listed here. They can not be used for day or weekend retreats*

*** Passes do not expire. ***

Thought for the Day: You are way too big to be defined.

2011-08-12T08:14:00.001-07:00

When looked at really closely, there is actually no clear line or division between a teacher and a student. Everyone is both teaching AND learning in every moment. I think the freedom is in being able to be EITHER a teacher OR a student in any given moment … but to not be locked, fixed or defined by either position. That way teaching, learning, evolving, deepening, becoming, and being are all free to come and go without any of it being a limitation, and we are free to just be as we are, and where we are right now.

Thought for the Day: The Simple Heart.

2011-06-17T18:50:00.001-07:00

The mind loves to complicate things; this is one of many reasons why it overlooks the obvious.

The heart is content with what is here, knowing that if change needs to happen, it will. The heart sees that even the mechanism that complicates things, is how it should be, and like everything else; has every right to exist. ♥

Love Doesn’t Mind.

2011-06-17T18:45:00.001-07:00

Love Doesn’t Mind.

Love is never offended

by your excuses …

It is simple

like the sun,

shining ceaselessly.

Love is never touched

by your rejection …

It is always

pure availability.

Love doesn’t know

anything about your reasons

for hiding in the shadows …

It just keeps on shining

every day.

Love doesn’t care

when you pretend

it's not right here …

It just waits for you

smiling tirelessly.

Love isn’t bothered

by the hardening

you invent …

It remains soft

and ready to flow

into any corner that’s free.

Love doesn’t mind

when you resist

its endless warmth …

It matches every ‘but’

with a simple

yes.

Broken Open.

2011-05-28T15:01:00.001-07:00

There is so much

beauty

in brokenness,

it is the broken

places

where infinite love

spills

into and permeates

the whole.

This is why

I want to become

fundamental brokenness,

so that I can be

bathed

in the light

of penetrating

love

forever.

*photo by Dianne Wushke

Spring Classes 2011

2011-05-13T15:16:00.000-07:00

The Spring Session will resume on April 10th.

*24 pass -- $255

12 pass -- $160

6 pass -- $90

single class -- $20*

*** Passes do not expire. ***

Weekly Classes

Wednesday Night Gentle Yoga and Meditation

7:30 – 9:00 PM April 13 – June 8

~ Gentle yoga poses, breathing techniques and meditation skills are simply taught to aid in deepening relaxation and inner peace. Learn the skills to improve your over all health and wellness.

Friday Morning Gentle Yoga and Meditation

10:00 – 11:30 AM April 15 – June 3

~ Gentle yoga poses, breathing techniques and meditation skills are simply taught to aid in deepening relaxation and inner peace. Learn the skills to improve your over all health and wellness.

Sunday Night Meditation

7:30 – 9:00 PM April 10 – June 5

~ This class will is perfect for those interested in joining a group of like minded people, strengthening your intuition, and meditating in a supported group setting.

Specialty Classes, offered once a Month

Weekend classes are finished for the summer months and will resume in September.

*Drop in passes are valid for any and all yoga or meditation classes listed here. They can not be used for day or weekend retreats*

*** Passes do not expire. ***

Thought for the Day: Language of the Heart.

2011-04-26T21:17:00.001-07:00

We all come from different backgrounds; a unique variety of moral, ethical, intellectual and spiritual upbringings and teachings. Yet even in all of our differences, we can still find a way to be with each other, and relate to each other.

When we can meet each other in the heart, there is no need for words, no need for a history or a future, or any criteria of life accomplishments. When we meet as the heart, we already know everything we need to know about each other, and we are free to sit, be, rest and enjoy the sense of familiarity in spirit.

Thought for the Day: The Beauty of Surrender.

2011-04-22T15:55:00.001-07:00

No matter what I may think I want in another moment, whatever wonderful things I dream up in my mind; it always pales in comparison to the breathtaking beauty I find in totally surrendering to what already is, here and now. ♥

Thought for the Day: Message from a humpback whale.

2011-04-14T10:11:00.001-07:00

One of the ways we express love for you (humans) is by holding a space that’s really big. When you feel the enormous presence that we hold, you are inspired to remember your own vastness. As we hold this space you begin to remember, and as you remember you begin to expand … we hold the field open for you so that you have all the room you need to expand your wings, and unfurl into your true greatness. ♥

Thought for the Day: At peace with what is.

2011-04-10T14:37:00.001-07:00

The more you deepen and steep in the satisfaction of spirit, the less you will find a need to reach outside yourself for fulfillment.

Being already fulfilled by the light of what you are, you are free to fully enjoy life unfolding as it will.

(Inspired by Dumbo the cat.) :-)

It’s Time.

2011-03-20T22:17:00.001-07:00

Once upon a time there was a sacred race of beings called angels. One day, in their travels through the Universe, the angels stumbled upon a very special planet called earth. Knowing this planet was a very special place, they became intrigued; wondering if this may be the right place to take the next step in their evolutionary progress. For millennia the angels had felt the push, knowing they were outgrowing their present stage of evolution, and were now ready to move forward into a new expression of form; into an expression called human. After studying this planet for a while, they became hopeful; Earth just may be the perfect place to take their next step.

A mission plan was made, and the angels decided to embark on this new adventure. They headed over to earth in their highly sophisticated inter-dimensional travel ships. Looking down on this blue beauty, they quickly realized that, while the planet was indeed perfect for them, the environment at present wasn't ready for their mission to begin. It was simply too dense and heavy for the lightness their present bodies needed to merge fully with the human form. They knew that in time it would lighten and be perfect for their mission, but the push to grow was so strong--they were ready NOW.

Not wanting to wait any longer, a meeting was called, and creative solutions were thrown back and forth for days and days. Finally it was decided: a group of angels would go in now, and begin to prepare the planet for their new mission. The angels would create the human form now, and the volunteers would merge with it. They had planned to create a high tech a space suit to wear on top, to offset the density, and wear it while they made their preparations. They would wear the suit until the planet, and the new bodies, were ready.

This space suit was made from the most sophisticated materials, with fancy high speed computer technology, clear glass for visibility, and light weight material for easy mobility.

The group of volunteers began the process of merging with the sacred human form, and then began getting dressed in the high tech space suit. When they were all set, they were propelled to earth in an instant, and once on the planet, the angels began to explore. After a while the group became enthralled with the sights, and each wandered in their own different direction.

Some time passed, and the space suits became cumbersome. The glass had become very foggy, and it was quite difficult to see things clearly. More time passed, and more and more. Soon the angels began to forget their mission; their vision had become clouded and they forgot where they were. More time passed, and the angels started to feel weighed down by the heavy atmosphere, not only forgetting where they were, they also began to forget who they were, and why they came. They became more and more disoriented, weighed down and forgetful by the day. As this confusion set in, the angels began to identify themselves with the space suits. They started believing that the reflection on the inside of the glass was the only thing happening at all.

More time passed, and the angels started feeling very, very, very tired. Separated from each other, and wandering alone on a strange planet became frightening so they sought to find ways to overcome their fears and to find ways to feel better. So much time had passed now, and the angles from above the planet on the inter-dimensional space ships were trying to get their attention. They tried many many ways to alert the angels that the time had come; earth was ready for their mission to begin. It was now time to transition from angel to human, to make their next sacred evolutionary jump.

The angels on earth had become so lost and heavy in their space suits that they didn’t notice the calls from above. More time passed, and the angels began feeling worse and worse. Nothing seemed to work to make them feel better in these heavy and cloudy suits.

Each angel began what seemed like a very long journey, a journey to feel more comfortable inside the heavy cloudy suit. They tried everything: They climbed mountains, sat on logs, wandered through forests, and made special shelters. After what seemed like an eternity, the angels started to feel desperate and exhausted.

One day, one of the angels slipped and fell into a clear lake. She managed to pull herself out of the water, but felt even heavier now, because the suit was so wet. Feeling totally defeated and drained, she was ready to just give up. Finding her last bit of strength, she managed to crawl over into a sunny spot and collapsed down in the grass. When she began to dry off in the sun, she realized suddenly that the space suit glass had become clear, she could see! Looking around in amazement, she slowly began to remember where she was. After some time of drinking in the sights, she realized how long she had been lost for, and knew that by now, earth would be ready for the mission to begin. Being able to clearly see and remember now, she found the dials inside to call up to the ship above.

Receiving the signal back that the time had long begun, she began to slowly remove the space suit. She began peeling off the protective layers one by one and started immediately feeling lighter. Looking down on her new human form in utter amazement she started to giggle with the thrill of feeling so light, and alive. She walked around on the new legs, and began reaching and touching the plant life, and the nearby water. The sights and sounds were totally awe-inspiring. She was so thrilled with the excitement of beginning her mission that she almost forgot her struggle only moments before. She had almost completely forgotten about her adventure in the space suit that had seemed like an eternity of difficulty. After remembering her journey she began to laugh. Just when she thought her journey was ending, she realized that it had only just begun. The time to be an angel was over, and the time to move forward, to be a human, had begun.

Thought for the Day: This is Freedom.

2011-03-09T20:27:00.001-08:00

This pain, this love, this sorrow, this joy; none of it was ever yours; it has never ever belonged to you. Yet all of it, every single moment of it, is what you are. Return everything to the one it all came from. In having nothing, you are free to see that in your freedom lies everything.

Winter Classes 2011

2011-03-08T15:55:00.000-08:00

The Winter Session comes to a close on March 20th.

The Spring Session will resume on April 10th.

*24 pass -- $255

12 pass -- $160

6 pass -- $90

single class -- $20*

*** Passes do not expire. ***

Weekly Classes

Wednesday Night Gentle Yoga and Meditation

7:30 – 9:00 PM January 12th – March 16th

~ Gentle yoga poses, breathing techniques and meditation skills are simply taught to aid in deepening relaxation and inner peace. Learn the skills to improve your over all health and wellness.

Friday Morning Gentle Yoga and Meditation

10:00 – 11:30 AM January 7th – March 18th

~ Gentle yoga poses, breathing techniques and meditation skills are simply taught to aid in deepening relaxation and inner peace. Learn the skills to improve your over all health and wellness.

Sunday Night Meditation

7:30 – 9:00 PM January 9th – March 20th (excluding March 13th)

~ This class will is perfect for those interested in joining a group of like minded people, strengthening your intuition, and meditating in a supported group setting.

Tuesday Night Gentle Yoga and Meditation

7:00 – 8:30 PM January 10th – March 15th

~ Gentle yoga poses, breathing techniques and meditation skills are simply taught to aid in deepening relaxation and inner peace. Learn the skills to improve your over all health and wellness.

Wednesday Lunch Gentle Yoga and Meditation NEW CLASS

12:00 – 1:30 PM January 26th – March 16th

~ Gentle yoga poses, breathing techniques and meditation skills are simply taught to aid in deepening relaxation and inner peace. Learn the skills to improve your over all health and wellness.

Specialty Classes, offered once a Month

*NEW CLASS

Saturday Morning intuitive movement yoga

Classes concluded for winter session and will resume in April.

~ Gentle, simple, meditative movements (similar to Tai Chi and Qigong) this meditative movement is simple and easy for any body or fitness level. 60 min of meditative movement will be followed by 30 min of guided relaxation and meditation. This class will is perfect for those interested in joining a group of like minded people, moving with awareness, strengthening your intuition, and meditating in a supported group setting.

Saturday Morning Restorative Yoga and Meditation Class

Classes concluded for winter session and will resume in April.

~ Experience healing and deep relaxation with restorative yoga. Gentle enough for any body, and suitable for any fitness level. One hour of restorative yoga and yogic breathing techniques will be followed with a half hour of guided relaxation and meditation.

* Intuitive Movement Yoga and Restorative Yoga will alternate every second Saturday starting on January 15th.

*Drop in passes are valid for any and all yoga or meditation classes listed here. They can not be used for day or weekend retreats*

*** Passes do not expire. ***

Innocence.

2011-02-19T08:02:00.001-08:00

I started out a child, knowing nothing, alone and afraid.

Over time I acquired knowledge and information, and in my excitement to share, grew into a teacher.

I gave my knowledge freely; I gave and gave until I was empty of knowing, and matured into a student.

Free to be in the world as an equal, I began to listen, and be.

Over time the words of others became garbled and lost their meaning.

I returned to the place I had started from, as a child knowing nothing.

No longer afraid, aloneness was silently treasured, recognized to be simply the gift of our original innocence.

The child is given everything, infinitely, and is full.

The child is holding nothing and is free.

Holiday Hours.

2011-02-16T17:34:00.001-08:00

Please note the schedule changes for the end of February.

Weekly Classes

Wednesday Night Gentle Yoga and Meditation

7:30 – 9:00 PM No class February 23rd ~ Class resumes March 2nd

~ Gentle yoga poses, breathing techniques and meditation skills are simply taught to aid in deepening relaxation and inner peace. Learn the skills to improve your over all health and wellness.

Friday Morning Gentle Yoga and Meditation

10:00 – 11:30 AM No class February 25rd ~ Class resumes March 4th

~ Gentle yoga poses, breathing techniques and meditation skills are simply taught to aid in deepening relaxation and inner peace. Learn the skills to improve your over all health and wellness.

Sunday Night Meditation

7:30 – 9:00 PM No class February 20th, or 27th ~ Class resumes March 6th

~ This class will is perfect for those interested in joining a group of like minded people, strengthening your intuition, and meditating in a supported group setting.

Tuesday Night Gentle Yoga and Meditation

7:00 – 8:30 PM No class February 22nd ~ Class resumes March 1st

~ Gentle yoga poses, breathing techniques and meditation skills are simply taught to aid in deepening relaxation and inner peace. Learn the skills to improve your over all health and wellness.

Wednesday Lunch Gentle Yoga and Meditation NEW CLASS

12:00 – 1:30 PM No class February 23rd ~ Class resumes March 2nd

~ Gentle yoga poses, breathing techniques and meditation skills are simply taught to aid in deepening relaxation and inner peace. Learn the skills to improve your over all health and wellness.

Specialty Classes, offered once a Month

Saturday Morning intuitive movement yoga

No class March 12th ~ Classes resume in April

~ Gentle, simple, meditative movements (similar to Tai Chi and Qigong) this meditative movement is simple and easy for any body or fitness level. 60 min of meditative movement will be followed by 30 min of guided relaxation and meditation. This class will is perfect for those interested in joining a group of like minded people, moving with awareness, strengthening your intuition, and meditating in a supported group setting.

Saturday Morning Restorative Yoga and Meditation Class

No class February 26th ~ Classes resume in April

Diary of a Mystic Yogi: Wormhole of Devotion.

2011-02-14T11:41:00.001-08:00

At some point the inner experience has become deeply satisfying and so richly fulfilling, that no book or manual on enlightenment could ever measure up. The inner experience in a sense has become the favorite manual to turn to, its aliveness and dynamism overrides all spiritual books; ‘spiritual seeking’ is falling away on its own.

Silence and the experience of deep inward listening has an organic, built-in call. There is no effort required to sit with this presence, it is in fact cherished and enjoyed so deeply, that it is only natural to feel pulled toward it often. There is also a natural pull toward it in response to difficult life situations, an almost instinctive knowing that the vast inner space contains all the strength, wisdom or compassion required to meet and respond to these experiences in a way that is inspired, fresh and intuitive. This has lead to a natural enjoyment of the outer world, and the peace felt within radiates outwardly with ease.

There is also a quality of devotion to this inner and very much alive space; a devotion to witnessing the unfolding of it, as well as a genuine curiosity as to how deep and far it all really goes. The destination is no longer important, and the longing to reach a destination feels as if it is being replaced with awe and wonder at what already is.

It feels a little bit like being pulled into a wormhole, there is a sense of subtle momentum amidst the stillness. I have no idea where the wormhole goes, and perhaps there is no end and no destination at all. The inside of the wormhole feels very smooth, satisfying and safe. There are no walls or pockets to hang onto and no feeling or desire to hang on to anything anyway. There is no solid place to land, yet this feeling of momentum within stillness is like a constant and sturdy place of rest.

I have no idea what is next, and where it all goes, but there is a newfound thrill in the journey itself. The ongoing unfolding of stillness is restful in and of itself, but there is also the strong inner pull to keep going. Though the ‘going’ is also recognized to be happening by itself, and not forced or willed. I have no idea what anything means anymore in a tangible or solid way, yet every single particle of my being instinctively knows that wormhole of life is completely trustworthy.

Thought for the Day: You are always Becoming.

2011-02-07T22:28:00.001-08:00

A master was at one time a student and always will be a student to someone. A student is always becoming a master. A mother is always somebody’s child and a daughter always has the potential of becoming a mother. A seed is always becoming a flower, and a flower is always making new seeds. Stop all linear time for a moment, and see the beauty of what you are becoming. There is no hurry; the life that you see around you is already flowering into an endless garden of beauty.

Diary of a Mystic Yogi: Ordinary Being.

2011-02-06T09:51:00.000-08:00

There is a huge difference between perfecting a spiritual personality, and being honest, authentic and real.

For years I tried to fit myself into the mold (like a ‘jello mold’) of what I thought it meant to be a spiritual person. I tried to shape myself, squeeze myself into this mold day after day, watching my reactions, controlling my responses, managing my feelings. I would sit and meditate for hours and achieve high spiritual states of unconditional love and bliss. Then I would go back into my day thinking that the mundane stuff was ‘less spiritual’ than the ‘high’ I had just experienced on my yoga mat.

Over time that spiritual mold I had so diligently squeezed myself into became too contained; it started feeling stifled and untrue. Slowly and gradually the mold started to decay, and the real me began to emerge as the true and authentic being that I have always been.

It was a scary and vulnerable time for me, to let the ideas of who I should be fall away, and let the real and natural me shine forth exactly as I am, without any fancy spiritual ideas sprinkled on top. After some time I began to see the true sacredness in being an ordinary human. I began to drink the world in just as it is, and to see the people around me exactly as they are.

Gradually it started to feel genuinely safe to sit with my flaws, quirks all the shortcomings of being a human being. As the old spiritual concepts fell one by one a new experience emerged naturally. The experience of a real, raw human; being vulnerable, open hearted and defenceless was surprisingly relaxed. The spiral of trying to ‘be something spiritual’ became tiring and undesirable. Being what I am has started to become the natural and only option left.

At this point I have discovered just how wonderful it is to be honest with emotions and the experience of being a human. There is so much freedom in being with what is, exactly as it is, inside and out. Life is seen an unfolding miracle, each and every moment a new discovery. And with each moment that goes by I see just what a sacred and precious gift it is to be fully, freely, and (most importantly) honestly human.

Thought for the Day: Natural Beauty.

2011-02-02T13:56:00.001-08:00

I can understand flowers, grow them in my yard year after year and even have a PhD in botany, but there is no way I am going to be able to germinate a seed, or burst open a bloom. The seed germinates by itself, and the flower blooms according to its own timing and intelligence. No amount of knowledge from a person is going to be able to do that. Nature will win every time. Sure we can influence it by putting it in the sun or putting it in a greenhouse, but we can’t actually do the growing, germinating or blossoming; that happens all by itself. From the spiralling of galaxies, to the sprouting of tiny seeds, nature is a whole and perfect mystery.

Flower image by Michele Harshenin, Mandala Reflections.

Things are not always as they appear.

2011-01-31T08:27:00.001-08:00

I had a dream the other night about an alien race coming to invade the earth. They were very scary looking, and were marching down to earth in such large numbers it looked like there was simply no hope for humanity; there were just too many to fight.

I remember it being really hard not to react from fear, I remember wanting to run, or hide, or attack. All of a sudden I realized that there was a totally new option available that wasn’t available to me before: I realized I could fly. The aliens were climbing up the side of a mountain, and suddenly I realized I could fly up to meet them.

When I reached the top of the mountain, I mustered all my courage and I went over to the alien at the front of the line. I said to him, ‘OK I am ready to see what you have to say now’.

He turned to me and spoke in perfect English; he had a voice of pure kindness and love. He told me that he had come to help, and everything was going to be OK.

I woke up feeling the significance of the dream, feeling like it was yet another reminder that things are not always as they appear. Reacting from fear is a hard habit to break, but with a little patience and courage, there are always new possibilities available.

Thought for the Day: Open Minded.

2011-01-26T08:00:00.001-08:00

Trying to fit a person into a single belief system is like trying to fit the ocean into a wine glass. What we are is simply too vast to be contained by a belief or an idea. A statement, an idea, or a belief stated by another person is like one snapshot in an infinite album, or a single pixel of light interwoven through a sizeless whole.

Thought for the Day: Be Yourself.

2011-01-14T15:13:00.001-08:00

The human experience can be painful. Life bites, it stings, difficulties arise, and sometimes we try to avoid or escape. We are human, it's a vulnerable and scary ride at times; and yet we have within us an inherent capacity for strength and courage beyond measure. Beyond all the thinking about it, or the philosophizing about it, do we dare to meet another in raw open honesty? Do we dare to just be human and real with the ones we love?

Thought for the Day: Unpredictable Beauty.

2011-01-02T10:40:00.001-08:00

Have you ever looked through a really cool kaleidoscope? Part of the thrill and joy of it is not knowing how things are going to shape up next. Each moment a new expression of beauty is revealed. Each moment a surprise of color explosions, shapes and patterns. A kaleidoscope is kind of like a microcosm of life, the truth is we really never know how things will shape up next, but that’s part of the joy and beauty of it. When all predictions of future moments are stripped away, what is left but the raw and humbling beauty of life as it is?

There is one thing I am certain: What you are can not be harmed. Everything else is a total crap shoot.

2010-12-20T17:16:00.001-08:00

Recently I have noticed a very fine line between fear and awe. Life is so uncertain; we never really know what is going to happen next. This can be experienced as awe, or fear, or maybe just a simple aversion to the unknown. But when the certainty of what you are is solid, you know that you are only ever looking at yourself, at the miracle and perfection of what you are. The uncertainty or unexpectedness of life becomes like a roller coaster ride in the dark. Exciting, fun and mysterious; the ride of the human experience is something to be enjoyed and appreciated, rather than something to be feared or avoided. The ride of life is full of unexpected twists and turns, but this is part of the awe-inspiring miracle that life is.

Thinking you can be harmed, leads to a desire to control the outcome of life’s events. Energy gets put into preventing pain and looking for certainty or safety in life situations. If the certainty in what you are wobbles, then life is experienced more from the fear end of the spectrum. The jump into the unknown is scary and uncertainty becomes something to fear or avoid.

The truth of what you are is something you can have faith in; unwavering faith. What you are can not be harmed. This is where uncertainty becomes a fun ride. Every turn a new arrival, an expected surprise; like Christmas morning for a 3 year old. What is there to fear, when you know what you are? There is nothing to avoid, turn away from or resist. You can trust life as it is, it may take a leap of faith at first, but it is well worth that jump, because what follows is freedom.

Thought for the Day: Beauty Unfolding.

2010-12-14T22:48:00.001-08:00

An obstacle can appear as a brick wall stopping you from going forward or a beautiful mosaic being displayed in front of you to be admired. Looking at the mosaic in awe, you become so inspired with its beauty moment to moment, that you don’t even notice it unfolding into a perfect and beautiful pathway before you until you are ready to take the next step. In this way the path is always open, and the walk is always beautiful.

Thought for the Day: Fearless Living.

2010-12-10T19:54:00.001-08:00

Be here as you are, let life come to you as it is, and say yes to it. No matter what shows up in life, remain vulnerable, real and honest. There is nothing to resist, nothing to avoid; trust the strength in you that is sizeless.

Tenderness

2010-12-09T14:03:00.001-08:00

The solid icy shield

of defensiveness

can be melted at any moment

with the warm waters

of compassion and tenderness.

Surrender

to the sea of infinite love.

Let any unsettled thoughts

be gently laid to rest

by the tender touch

of the boundless heart.

Thought for the Day: Let your Soul Sing.

2010-12-08T17:44:00.001-08:00

If there is a song in you, then let it rip, just sing it, be who you are, as you are. You are a perfectly unique and beautiful expression of Divinity. It would be a disservice to the masterpiece of life to let that song die in you because someone ‘out there’ didn’t like it.

Journey to Light meditation CD

2010-12-08T16:27:00.000-08:00

The journey to light meditation CD is available in digital download here … I hope you find it useful for your home practice!

Click here to listen to a sample.

"Christine's meditations are a wonderful tool in accessing your unlimited potential. These meditations invite you to ignite the power of positive change in your life."
~ Micael Ledwith

“Christine’s meditations are a delicious invitation into the depths of beingness.”
Karen McPhee

"Christine has a very, very sweet way of pointing towards the Subtle Field within. That ability (of pointing towards) is not common and is what makes her special as a Teacher. Christine is a beautiful expression of the Boundless. I am very happy for all the students that will bump into her on their own journey Home." ~ Claudio

"The second track is truly a work of genius,the more I listen to it, the deeper I fall, I managed to reach deep pools of stillness and quietude. This definitely is a great help." ~ Chris

"Knowing Christine through her helpful workshops and incorporating the CD into my life has helped me a tremendous amount. I am honestly amazed a person can get to such a peaceful place and forget all body aches and pains with simple breathing and meditation." ~Anna

“I have listened to countless Meditation CD’s from many sources and this is the first CD that is able to consistently awaken me to directly experience presence and stillness. Through the simple breathing techniques and guided instructions I am able to find stillness in the moment and lasting ease throughout the day. If you are new or experienced at meditating I am sure that you will benefit by practicing these beautiful meditations.” ~ Richard

“This CD is beautiful, very apt. I Really found your voice soothing like an anchor, and the music keeping the tone down in the gut, I felt a pranic tingling at the end. I am drawn to traditional yoga methods, this is honoring that rich tradition. It is a highly professional product.” ~ Chris

Thought for the Day: Freedom.

2010-12-07T08:58:00.001-08:00

Break out of the shackles of fear based thinking. Unfurl the sizeless magnitude of the pure untainted heart. Stand firm in limitless, uncontainable, unshakable peace. Flow freely with the simplicity of a human life, as life itself.

Thought for the Day: Life Is.

2010-12-05T21:24:00.001-08:00

Life will always be life. Feelings will always come and go. Sensation will always come and go, strong some days, weak other days. Difficulties will continue to show up in various forms, spin themselves out, and then resolve themselves in some way or another. Good times will always show up in various forms, live out their life span, and die. Life is fleeting, every moment precious; it is a whole beautiful miracle all by itself.

Thought for the Day: Willingness.

2010-12-04T12:16:00.001-08:00

Being willing to sit in your own shadow is a huge service to humanity. The more willing we are to accept our own darkness, forgive it and love it anyway; the more capacity we have to be tolerant and accepting of others. This way we can be fully available to the people in our life and have compassion for the full spectrum of behaviors that stem from the shadow side of humanity.

Thought for the Day: I love you.

2010-12-03T16:20:00.001-08:00

Assume that everyone in your life is a Divine messenger. See them as a Buddha, Jesus, Mukta, Guru, or Sacred Spirit (whatever word you use). Look deeper than the package their message is coming to you in, no matter how suspicious, and recognize the message at the core. No matter what the details, or information being delivered, the essence will always be the same, all anyone is ever saying, is I love you.

Thought for the Day: You are One.

2010-12-02T09:08:00.001-08:00

Trying to extract the parts of yourself you don’t like, is like the ocean trying to cut itself into pieces and move them around. Whatever is resisted will just come back over and over until it is allowed to be absorbed completely into the ocean of life that you are.

Thought for the Day: This moment is a Miracle.

2010-12-01T09:10:00.001-08:00

This moment is the miracle, whatever you find here, now; this is it. Joy, sorrow, peace, pain, love, grief, loss, thought, whatever is here, right now; it doesn’t belong to anyone, it just is, it’s free, and so are you.

Thought for Day: Phoenix Rising.

2010-11-30T09:48:00.001-08:00

The phoenix doesn’t rise from the ashes by running away from the fire; it gets burnt and rises again. There is nothing to resist; underneath every trauma, loss, or difficult experience is a field of love rising up to be realized.

Thought for the Day: Love beyond fear.

2010-11-29T11:11:00.001-08:00

If you shrink back from the pain of loss, you shield out the fullness of a love beyond description; taking in the pain of loss in its fullness reveals that love can truly never be lost.

Thought for the Day: Happiness is inside you.

2010-11-28T08:12:00.001-08:00

Trying to find happiness in the world is like looking into a mirror and trying to change the expression by washing the glass. If you want to find happiness, then notice where the expression originates. Look to the place in your own self where happiness never changes.

Thought for the Day: Trust Life.

2010-11-27T08:30:00.001-08:00

At some point you have to just let go and trust the river of life. The current will take you to the same place whether you fight and flail against it; or rest and coast, enjoying the ride. Every situation in your life, whether perceived as good or bad in this moment, is a part of that current, conspiring to take you home.

Thought for the Day: Be as you are, honestly as you are.

2010-11-26T07:14:00.001-08:00

Being as you are doesn’t mean forcing a smile, or invoking a positive attitude when that is not what is real for you in this moment. Being as you are means meeting this moment with total willingness to face, and be really honest about, what is naturally happening right now. If you are going through a tough time, and you feel sad, then just be sad. Let the sadness or grief have total permission to exist as it is. That way the sadness can be given room to be free. If changes do need to happen, then they will happen organically, and unravel according to a natural intelligence.

Ask a Yogi: Group and Private Sessions with Christine.

2010-11-25T16:42:00.000-08:00

Starting in December 2010 i will be offering group skype sessions for those of you interested in gathering together (via the internet) to explore the great mystery. This will be a wonderful opportunity to discuss or ask questions about the topics found in the ‘spirit’ and ‘mind’ section.

I will continue be be available for private sessions in person, by phone, or on skype to assist you on your journey. Click here to read some testimonials. For more information send an email to journeytolight@yahoo.ca or call 403-701-9567. Cost for private session is suggested at $70 per hour or $40 per half hour (sliding scale rates are available on request). Cost for group calls is suggested at $20 per call (sliding scale rates, or package rates are also available for group calls on request).

If you are interested in joining the on-line group discussions, add me to you skype contact list @ christine.wushke please be sure to add a personal message in the request mentioning the group calls or private sessions.

Thought for the Day: Everything is as it should be.

2010-11-25T12:42:00.001-08:00

The people who are in your life right now, are in your life to bring you to where you are supposed to be. The people who are leaving your life right now, are leaving your life to bring you to where you are supposed to be. Where you are right now is a result of all the people in your life who have brought you exactly what you needed in every moment of every day, to make sure you are always where you are supposed to be; and where you are right now is where you are supposed to be.

Contact Christine

2010-11-15T14:37:00.000-08:00

Christine is available for private sessions in person, by phone, or on skype. To set up an appointment

contact Christine by email at journeytolight@gmail.com or call 403-701-9567.

Follow on facebook click here.

Follow on Twitter click here.

*Classes are located at #28 Alcock Close in Okotoks Alberta click here for directions

(occasionally emails get lost in cyber space, if you do not hear back from an email request within 48 hours, please call or send a text message to 403-701-9567.)

Eternal Heart

2010-11-02T15:05:00.001-07:00

The people in your life are on a unique and sacred path; each and every one a work of art, a Divine mystery. We can’t always know why people do what they do, or why things are playing out the way they are. But we can always honor their path, respecting its uniqueness, and trust that it is the way it is for a reason. Everyone in your life right now, is in your life for a reason; each relationship here is an opportunity to soften our hearts, change our lives, and inspire us to grow.

When we honor each person’s sacred path, and let them be where they are, it automatically opens the heart. It gives permission to be truly touched by them and to learn from them. It gives permission for this moment to be full and for the fullness of this moment to be absorbed, to penetrate deeply, and to evolve in honesty.

This open heart space is the space of the sacred, where everything can be seen for what it is and allowed its freedom. In this space there is no loss, because there is no distance. There is no death because there is only the pure aliveness of what you are, and always will be. And it is in this space that love can simply glow eternally, for no reason, with a light that can illuminate even the darkest darkness, and never be extinguished.

Celebration of Light

2010-11-02T15:03:00.001-07:00

The inspiration that flows through us doesn’t belong to a lineage, tradition, or religion. It simply can’t be squeezed into a belief system; it’s too big for that. Expansive and free, pure creative genius effortlessly flows in all directions. It can be appreciated by any philosophical system, religion, tradition and any lineage.

In and of itself it is language-less, tradition-less, lineage-less and timeless. It can not be boxed, categorized, or stuffed into a formula. There is nothing to be gained by expressing it; it can never be owned or contained, and there is no way it can ever be lost. Creative genius is simply a celebration of your own light.

Welcome

2010-10-27T11:34:00.001-07:00

You are here,

there is nothing to get,

there is nothing you can add

to the magnificence of what you already are.

There is nothing to look for,

you ARE it,

this is it,

you are light;

so just shine,

in whatever way that looks for you right now,

in this moment,

just shine,

say yes to what you are right now,

say yes,

and just shine.

Pure

2010-10-27T11:30:00.001-07:00

There is a well spring

of light

in the heart of life

pure

untouched

by the clouds

and movement

in the word

pure

soft

gentle

ever-present

pure

indestructible

inextinguishable

indescribable

pure

fully available

right now

eternally

here

for

you

Holiday Hours and Other Schedule Changes for October 2010

2010-10-04T14:51:00.001-07:00

~ Please take note of the following schedule changes for October 2010 ~

Weekly Classes

Wednesday Night Gentle Yoga and Meditation

7:30 – 9:00 PM All Classes are running as usual

~ Gentle yoga poses, breathing techniques and meditation skills are simply taught to aid in deepening relaxation and inner peace. Learn the skills to improve your over all health and wellness.

Friday Morning Gentle Yoga and Meditation

10:00 – 11:30 AM No Class October 8 or 15th

~ Gentle yoga poses, breathing techniques and meditation skills are simply taught to aid in deepening relaxation and inner peace. Learn the skills to improve your over all health and wellness.

Sunday Night Meditation

7:30 – 9:00 AM No Class October 10 or 17th

~ A continuation from Friday night meditation for beginners, or the restorative yoga and meditation class (see below). For those wanting to deepen in their practice of meditation in a supported setting.

Tuesday Night Gentle Yoga and Meditation

7:00 – 8:30 PM All Classes are running as usual

~ Gentle yoga poses, breathing techniques and meditation skills are simply taught to aid in deepening relaxation and inner peace. Learn the skills to improve your over all health and wellness.

Wednesday Lunch Yoga For Continuing Students

12:00 – 1:30 PM No Class October 13th

~ For those wanting to dive deeper into all aspects of yoga. More challenging postures, breathing techniques, and meditations will be explored.

Every person in your life is a gift being offered to you.

2010-09-25T13:34:00.001-07:00

Every person in your life is a gift being offered to you. This is an easy thing to see with those who we love and hold dear; those who care about us unconditionally and hold us up when we feel low. It can be a challenge though, to see this gift with the people who annoy us, bully us, challenge us or exhibit abusive and unkind behaviors. But sometimes the greatest, most precious gifts come to us wrapped in the least pleasing wrapping paper.

When all is unwrapped, naked and revealed, it is seen that everything is really a reflection of the one thing, which is the true nature of YOU. If we stay focused only on the wrapping paper, or the behaviors of others that irritate us, we never get to look deeper inside ourselves; to enjoy the gift being offered in this moment.

If the words or behaviors of someone in your life activates a feeling in you, this is an opportunity to unwrap a gift. Everything and everyone you see is a reflection or variation of Divine Light (for lack of a better word); though sometimes it can be hard to see the Divinity in a person who is exhibiting a behavior that triggers us.

When you are willing to look inward, with honesty and acceptance to face whatever you feel inside, you begin to automatically unwrap the gift life is giving you in this moment. Sometimes we don’t like what we find when we start to look, but the deeper we dig inward, the more we see that at its core, everything is that same light. The Ultimate Divine Light that you are.

Allowing

2010-09-15T10:13:00.001-07:00

Stop right now, and just let the world be as it is, let everyone and everything happening right now be as it is. Let sadness just be sadness, let joy just be joy, let love just be love, let sorrow just be sorrow, let happiness just be happiness. Let people just be who they are, where they are, as they are.

Recognize that everyone and everything you see is a reflection of your own essence. Everything in front of you is Divine Grace in a perfectly unique human form and expression. Sometimes Divine Grace is bowing to you, honoring you, and loving with you. Sometimes it is asking you to just lay down the fight, and BE the true and magnificent greatness that you already are. Sometimes is winking at you, eyes twinkling, and silently laughing at the cosmic joke with you. Sometimes it is weeping with you, weeping for the suffering, sadness, and brokenness of the human experience. And sometimes it simply comes to a dead stop, overflowing with awe and gratitude for the profoundness, and mystery of it all.

The Gift of Ice Cream

2010-08-23T09:22:00.000-07:00

--- For Sam ---

Once upon a time there was a village in the desert, there wasn’t a lot of shade, and the sun was very very hot. One day a man rode into town while most of the villagers were away getting water from the well. The stranger had a container on the back of his camel, and some of the children grew curious, and walked over to see what it was. The stranger pulled something out of the container, and told them, “this is called ice cream, it is cold, refreshing, sweet, and delicious, but I don’t want to waste time in the hot sun telling you about it, or it will melt, please just taste some”.

So the children each took one taste and were amazed. “Wow!” they said, this IS the most amazing thing we have ever tasted! It is cold, sweet, delicious, and creamy”. The man smiled, handed the children the rest of the container, and rode away on his camel. The children decided it would be a great idea to share this amazing new discovery with the adults in the village, so they walked around, but no one could be found. Some of the children wanted to save the rest of the ice-cream until the grownups came back from the well, and others wanted to quickly eat it all before they returned. They decided to each take two more bites, and save the rest. Time past, and the sun grew hotter, and the ice cream began to melt.

The children noticed the ice cream melting and wondered what to do now. Just at that time a women walked toward them. “what have you there” ? She asked. The children told her of the stranger who came to town and described the ice cream. She said “well that sounds truly wonderful, may I have a taste”? So the children handed her the container. As she tasted it, her eyes grew wide, “wow” she said, “that IS amazing, so sweet, and full of flavour, but it is not cold like you said”. The children looked at each other and all had a quick taste. “hmmmm” said the eldest girl, the ice cream has melted, and now tastes different, it is no longer cold and refreshing, but it is still delicious.

A few more adults walked up and had a taste of the melted ice cream. The children tried to explain how wonderful this new discovery was, but they had trouble describing the coldness and refreshing qualities, as the ice cream was now hot, and runny. Soon the ice cream had been all eaten, and the rest of the villagers returned from their trip to the well. The children gathered around them and told them about the ice cream. The grown ups had trouble understanding what they were talking about, as they had never tasted anything so delicious, cold refreshing and satisfying as the children were describing the ice-cream as. The eldest girl decided to write a book about the ice cream, so as to help the adults understand. She wrote pages and pages all about the texture, the sweetness, the fluffy firm constancy, and of course the sensation of it melting on her tongue. Her book was beautiful and poetic, filled with lovely words of a delightful joy that is ice cream. Soon the book was passed around to all the village, and some people stood forward and decided that, even though they had not tasted the ice cream themselves, they understood completely what it was like. Copies of the book were made to educate the neighbouring villages on this wonderful treat they had discovered. Soon the message of this promise of ice cream had traveled across all the land. People had many ideas and stories of this wondrous joy.

One day a child from the first village had grown old enough to travel for herself. She rode into the neighbouring village and over heard some of the people talking about ice cream. She walked over and said “yes yes! I have tasted this, it is truly an amazing treat”. The adults laughed at her and said, “a women could not understand what we are discussing here my child, especially not someone of your age or class, please leave; no one wants to hear from you.”

“But you don’t understand, I have tasted this ice cream for myself, it is truly a delicious experience”

“Have you have read the most recent books on the subject? Can you quote the list of ingredients or can’t you?”

“I can not quote the book at all.” she replied “but I do know the taste, I have eaten it myself.”

“If you can not quote from the latest book, we will not talk with you; you don’t know what you are talking about at all”.

“Why don’t you try me?” she said “ask me a question about ice cream, and will tell you about it, from what I have tasted”.

The adults looked at each other and nodded. “OK then, if you are such an expert, then tell us, we have been arguing all day. Is ice cream warm or cold?” She smiled, remembering how the ice cream had melted in the warm sun that day.

“Well” she responded “the ice cream is cold; unless it sits out in the sun for awhile, then it melts, becomes runny, and warm. The taste is still delicious, but the warm runny ice cream is different than when it is cold”

Some of the adults were truly amazed by her knowledge of ice cream when she had never read the books about it.

“How can you know this? Have you been reading the books in secret?”

She explained to them once again that she had tasted it for herself, but they didn’t believe her. After some time passed, they resumed their arguing over whether ice cream is fluffy or runny, warm or cold.

The child walked away with her heart heavy, and sad. She continued to travel her way through the neighbouring villages. While she was enjoying her new found freedom to branch out on her own, she couldn’t shake the feeling of sadness about all the arguing in the village. Time passed, and in her exploration she discovered a covered tent off in the middle of the desert in between two towns. She was feeling much thirst and fatigue, and wondered if she could go inside and take a rest. Amazed and excited, as she looked inside, she let out a scream of delight to find it was the stranger who had visited her village all those years ago. Excited, and elated, she asked the man if he had any more ice cream. “Of course” he responded “Ice cream is what I do, I am an ice cream maker”. He told her he was so happy she came by, because he was looking to retire his business, and had hoped that one of the children form the village would come by and help out.

He told her that he needed to teach her how to make ice cream herself, and then she could have it as often as she wanted. “I have an even better idea” she said. “All of the children in the village have grown old enough to travel and explore on our own beyond the borders of our own village. Why don’t I go and ask them all to come and help. That way we can make lots and lots of ice cream, and deliver it to all of the other villages near by?”

The man agreed, and soon all the children were excitedly milling around the ice cream maker’s tent. Before long, they had all learnt how to make the delicious treat for themselves, and began traveling to the villages with containers of ice cream for the villagers to taste. Before long, the ice cream tent expanded, and grew. Time passed, and the villagers were so excited by the new discovery that they learnt how to make ice cream for themselves. To this day, you will find an ice cream tent found within each village, where there is always more than enough to go around. And of course; all of the arguing about the taste had vanished, for everyone knew, they could just go and taste it for themselves.

The end.

Diary of a Mystic Yogi: Divinely Human

2010-08-22T10:59:00.000-07:00

It’s been almost a year since the experience which I am calling ‘the void’, so much has changed inside, yet no real difference is discernable in my day-to-day life. This last year has been mostly beyond words, and beyond description; but the impulse is strong to keep a journal even though the words themselves can never come close to touching what is being directly experienced.

At some point after my stay in the mountains, I distinctly remember feeling ‘now I can really be here’. It was a sense of awe and wonder, and a feeling of arriving on this planet for the very first time. Everything seemed new to me, and this sense of awe was like a colorful hue that fell on everything i looked at for quite some time. I felt like a newly hatched chick, the new sense of openness was wonderfully freeing, but also a raw and vulnerable at the same time. It felt as if the soul was open and exposed in every moment, with no possibility of hiding or shrinking from view.

For several months there was the sensation of spiralling into the human experience, there was so much wonder in simply being here. The feeling of inhabiting a human body felt wonderfully blissful the majority of the time. Though the blissful feeling was not contained to the body itself, it was still felt as a buzzing beneath the feet, as it was first noticed that day in the mountains. The sensation can be described as a feeling of the earth being an extension of the human body.

At some point, and I can’t pin point exactly when, there was a slipping into a deep acceptance of things being as they are. The things that were happening in my life were seen without the old lens of a personal ‘story’, and fully allowed, because there wasn’t anything invested in an outcome. There was a sense of returning to the mundane and ordinary aspects of life, but approached with fresh eyes. A new appreciation for the basics of life, like motherhood, started settling in; and more and more I began feeling like i was simply melting into life, seeing it with fresh eyes, with more to see and appreciate every day.

This deep acceptance and peace remains today, and I am feeling it profoundly as a baseline throughout every moment of my days. What often surprises me is the full depth of the human experience that is felt. I am often surprised when an emotion arises, as it comes up like a volcanic eruption, with no warning. It penetrates fully, every fibre of my being, as if there are simply no walls to hide behind anymore. The full penetration of everything is also now accepted, and not a struggle like it was in the beginning. I have come to deeply appreciate the moments of sorrow, anger, or joy as sacred precious moments of the human experience.

There is an empathy here also like never before. If a friend is in distress, I am right there with her, feeling it all, no holding back. Sometimes I feel so deeply the pain of humanity, and cry for those who suffer. At other times I feel almost indifferent to the world situation, and simply forget that other beings here are suffering. I forget for many days at a time that there is even such a thing as suffering. Though it seems that inevitably, life will bring a person into my world who is experiencing deep emotional pain, and that reality is opened up once again, and I remember and deeply feel, what that is like.

At other times, there is simply the feeling like nothing at all is happening inside. Like a vast open canvas, with nothing at all on it. Maybe this is the space of pure potential, or maybe it is a hollow void, I can’t be sure. These moments seem to be increasing in their frequency lately. I have no words to define this space, and no way to really accurately express it. The closest thing I can come up with to describe it is ‘simple effortless beauty’. This blank canvas is comfort and satisfaction beyond what I have ever known, there is no need to understand it, to fill it with color, or even have it stay as it is. It quite simply, just IS.

I do feel that the unfolding of this journey is not over, and the unfolding may very well continue for all of eternity. There is such sacredness to the mystery of this unfolding. Not knowing what will happen next, but feeling that all is sacred, and all is precious. Every single moment.

The Ultimate Cosmic Tapestry

2010-08-08T11:44:00.001-07:00

This body is like a borrowed package of cosmic soup somehow holding itself together in time and space. This moment is precious and unique and will never come again. Sometimes the awe and wonder of how this all came to be feels almost overwhelming; and I feel so much gratitude for the experience we call “being human” that I want to just weep. Of course other times it feels like the trip is too long, and the game is too hard and I want to scream with frustration. But then, when it all comes around again, I am grateful especially for the moments of frustration, and every challenge is seen as a precious thread woven into the Ultimate cosmic tapestry. In those moments there is no doubt whatsoever, that every single thing in existence is indescribably precious.

Sculpting Formlessness into Form

2010-08-02T22:54:00.000-07:00

It has all been said, there is nothing to teach, nothing to acquire, nothing to gain. What more could you possibly add to the magnificence that you already are? Yet here I am, feeling the pull of life birth forth yet another expression of itself. It seems like there are always new, unfathomably unique expressions of life, pouring out of the limitless myriad of possible expressions of the one thing that’s always the same.

It is so beautiful, and yet so mind blowing, this mystery of simply being here as this. Nothing is new, and nothing ever changes, and yet the expression of the changeless, is infinite in its potential for something new and unique to form.

Unfettered

2010-07-28T09:27:00.001-07:00

Unfettered

resting here

this moment

new born

innocence

alive

dropping like a parachute

as joy

to experience this moment

just to be here

as this

uncontained

abiding as acceptance

here

as I am

languageless being

traditionless

systemless

simple being

resting

abiding

as contentment

contented

since before the earth was formed

this simple being is resting

the simple existence that radiates

I am

this simple open beingness has no need for defences

it knows itself as total safety

has no need for rules

has no need for formulas

or conditions to be met

being unconditioned

being uncontained

all encompassing

no inside or outside

beyond all words

beyond all rules

beyond all formulas

beyond all time

rest

simple being

is just here

beyond all boundaries

beyond anything I can conceive of

simply being here

just here

just this

radiating

existence

Bliss yoga

2010-07-27T17:29:00.000-07:00

This style of yoga was inspired by a tantric dance called the tan da va. When I was first introduced to this dance I was told that part of the dance training was to sit and watch a stick of incense burn. After a few hours of watching the smoke rise and spiral, one begins to get in touch with the intuitive flow or a natural instinctive movement. Bliss yoga is movement that comes from an inner naturalness. There is an ancient wisdom within your body waiting to unfold and flow like the rising smoke of lit incense. The inner bliss can not be created by you because it is already there within, waiting to be honoured and allowed. When it is given it space to flow it becomes a beautiful expression of your unique wisdom inherent within. Bliss yoga can be described as the poetry of yoga; rules are not important and expression is everything.

1. Sit on the floor with the legs crossed; (if you find this position to be uncomfortable, sit in an alternative position or in a chair)

2. Close your eyes and let your awareness move inward. Be aware of your sit bones in contact with the floor or chair.

3. Take a moment to inwardly honor the deep wisdom and intelligence inherent within the body

4. Imagine that just below your tailbone a stick of incense is burning and the smoke is rising up the spine. Let your imagination run wild, see the smoke spiralling, or moving straight up. There is no wrong way to do the practice; it is about allowing what is and making room for your intuition to take the lead.

5. Slowly allow your torso to move side to side, and forward and back. Allow the movement to come from the inside out, allow the inner wisdom to be the mover, not the mind. Get creative … stretch forward and back, side to side. Allow your movement to be intuitive.

5. Hold each stretch for as long as desired.

6. When you feel intuitively ready to finish moving, let the body slowly unwind and return to sitting quietly.

7. As the body come into stillness, notice if you can still feel the movement of prana (life force energy)

8. Enjoy the effects of heightened awareness for a few minuets or longer.

Benefits: Loosens and releases the sacrum. Relaxes the muscles of the pelvis, and lower back. Massages and oxygenates the back of the pelvis. Increases flexibility in the abductor, and adductor muscles in the thighs. Increases body awareness aiding in a healthier and more loving relationship with your body. Increases prana (energy) in the body. Deepens your spiritual practice.

* Bliss yoga E-Book is also now available, click here to purchase it, or here to read the intro.

Bliss Yoga

2010-07-27T11:21:00.000-07:00

This style of yoga was inspired by a tantric dance called the Tan Da Va. When I was first introduced to this dance I was told that part of the dance training was to sit and watch a stick of incense burn. After a few hours of watching the smoke rise and spiral, one begins to get in touch with the intuitive flow or a natural instinctive movement. Bliss yoga is movement that comes from an inner naturalness. There is an ancient wisdom within your body waiting to unfold and flow like the rising smoke of lit incense. When it is given space to flow it becomes a beautiful expression of your unique wisdom inherent within. Bliss yoga can be described as the poetry of yoga: rules are not important and expression is everything.

The Bliss Yoga E-Book is now available!

To purchase your copy of Bliss Yoga click here. You will receive your Bliss yoga E-Book in a pdf file within 24 hours.

“Bliss Yoga with Christine is a complete, well-rounded yoga practice. It nourishes body mind and spirit equally. The instruction is clear and well illustrated, ensuring a safe and effective experience. Although gentle, this practice can be taken to whatever level the participant desires, making it accessible to everyone. I highly recommend it.” – Karen McPhee

Remember who you are...

2010-07-25T11:02:00.000-07:00

Out of the velvety blackness, a twinkle catches my eye. I see a flash of brilliant blue light and I hear a soft call. I listen with full alertness. Something is trying to get my attention. There is a message in the light above.

"Remember who you are" ... echoes through the silence.

"Open your heart my child, I will take you home" ... I hear with listening ears.

I feel a love beckoning me, a love I have never felt before. I reach to my cosmic mother and I am pulled through a river of blue light. I merge with my home, my essence. Drinking in this feeling of holy union, I am expanded into the memory of what I am, where I come from, my cosmic resting place. I am surrounded by an ancient love, reaching back to the beginning of time.

Suddenly I notice from within my bliss, a circle of sparkling blue lights. I see a huge blue mass aglow, floating in the velvet black void.

"What is that?" I asked.

"That is earth, your temporary home" She answered.

"But this is my home." I say with sureness, and certainty of my belonging.

"Yes this is where you came from, and to us you will return, but earth is a profound experience. You will see the tremendous value of this opportunity, when your time there is complete"

"What are those sparkling blue lights?"

"Those are the ones in waiting"

"Waiting?" I reply

"Yes the ones waiting for the opportunity of this precious gift. So many souls want to have this experience, the wait becomes very long.

You as well waited and waited for this opportunity. It is now time for you to go back dear one, remember to take in each moment of this precious gift, and remember, I am giving it to you, because I love you."

Drop in Classes and Workshops Summer 2010

2010-07-22T20:44:00.000-07:00

*24 pass for $240, 12 pass for $150, 6 pass $85, or drop in for single class $20*

passes do not expire, drop in classes will resume after the labour day weekend

Friday Morning Gentle Yoga And meditation

May 28 – August 13 (excluding July 16)

10:00 - 11:30 ~ 12 pass for $150, 6 week pass $85.00, or drop in for single class $20.00

~ Gentle yoga poses, breathing techniques, and meditation skills are simply taught, to aid in deepening relaxation and inner peace. Learn the skills to improve your over all health and wellness.

Wednesday Night Gentle Yoga and Meditation

June 2 – August 11 (excluding July 14)

7:30 - 9:00 PM ~ 12 pass for $150, 6 week pass $85.00, or drop in for single class $20.00

~ Gentle yoga poses, breathing techniques, and meditation skills are simply taught, to aid in deepening relaxation and inner peace. Learn the skills to improve your over all health and wellness.

Sunday Night Meditation

May 30 – August 15 (Excluding July 18)

7:30 – 9:00 ~ 12 pass for $150, 6 week pass $85.00, or drop in for single class $20.00

~ A continuation from Friday night meditation for beginners, or the restorative yoga and meditation class. For those wanting to deepen in their practice of meditation in a supported setting.

Full Moon Meditation

Tuesday August 24 7:00 – 9:00 PM no charge

Okotoks Weekend Retreat with Christine Wushke & Karen McPhee

July 24 & 25, 2010
10:00 - 4:00
Journey to Light in Okotoks

Schedule:
Morning session 10:00-12:00: Experience the deep peace of your true nature through relaxation, meditation, and chanting. Stabilize the realization of true nature through satsang inquiry.
Potluck lunch 12:00 – 1:30: Please bring a vegetarian item to share.
Afternoon session 1:30 – 4:00: Awaken your inner aliveness with gentle moving meditation, followed by guided relaxation to nourish body, mind and spirit. Liberate remaining conditioning and investigate false concepts with satsang inquiry.

"Karen is an expression of clarity, grace and strength. Utterly real and playful, she artfully embodies the transmission of the True Heart and wisdom. I highly recommend her gatherings." -- Pamela Wilson

For further info email Christine at journeytolight@gmal.com

Christine Wushke on “Un-Yoga” with Richard Miller

2010-07-08T15:55:00.001-07:00

For a description of “un-Yoga” click here

What is the motive in movement? Listen to Christine discuss “natural intelligence” here

. . .

2010-07-04T08:01:00.001-07:00

How can the bliss of this love be known ?
No
it’s too beautiful for that …
sublime.
Bursting open
it can only dance
laughing in the face of knowing.
It’s erupting flames which devour all
leave no trace behind.
It’s such an exquisite sight
of indescribable beauty
that no word can describe it;

though a single tear of awe

can capture it’s beauty

for a moment
until that too
falls away.

Richard Miller interviews Christine for ‘Never not Here’

2010-07-03T12:13:00.000-07:00

Watch the interview here

Karma yoga

2010-06-22T16:30:00.000-07:00

Karma yoga

Karma yoga is the path of selfless service. I like to think of it as a way to give back for all that I am grateful for. Karma yoga can be practically applied by acting in the word without any thought of getting something in return. A wonderful example of karma yoga was beautifully portrayed in the popular movie “pay it forward”. The philosophy behind karma yoga, is that in serving others selflessly, you are really serving the Divine.

At Journey to Light Wellness we offer an opportunity to practice karma yoga one Sunday a month by volunteering at the Mustard Seed Homeless Shelter in Calgary Alberta. While we usually work in the kitchen, occasionally our assistance is needed in other places at the shelter. I really hope you can join us!

June 27 bag lunch 10:30 - 12:30

~ Meet at Journey to Light Wellness at 9:00 am. We will begin with a 15 min meditation to set the intention for our karma yoga practice. We will return to Journey to Light Wellness at approximately 2:00. Donations to the mustard seed are gratefully accepted. The following items are in urgent need at the shelter;

Toothbrushes
Men's and women's deodorant
Hand sanitizer
Kleenex

“Today I took part in Karma yoga. It was a wonderful experience. We meditated for a short time and went into Calgary to work for a couple of hours at the Mustard Seed. It was interesting to see how things that I meditated about and that had been on my mind became more clear and relevant while we were working at our assigned tasks. The discussion to and from in the car was so invigorating and inspiring. I liked it so much, that I asked Christine if we could go every week! For now - once a month - but hopefully in 2010 twice a month. Most of all it was good to help out at this amazing place - even in a very small way.” ~ Irene

Urban Guru Cafe Interview with Christine Wushke by: Gilbert Schultz

2010-06-21T15:53:00.001-07:00

To Listen to Christine’s latest interview, click here.

Hip Opening sequence

2010-06-19T20:55:00.000-07:00

Flexibility of the hips and pelvis is essential for lower back health. When the hip flexors are tight, the pelvis can be pulled in an unnatural position causing strain on the lower back. This is the first sequence of poses I do when the lower back is bothering me.

1. Lie on your back with your right leg bent, and your left leg straight.

2. Take a moment to relax the body. Let your breath slow down and lengthen.

3. Moving mindfully, slowly bring your right leg away from the center line of the body until you feel a stretch in your inner thigh.

4. Hold this position until you feel the stretch diminish. Imagine that you are drawing nourishment into your leg with your breath.

5. Moving mindfully again, bring the leg over to the left side of the body. Keep the back of your pelvis flat on the ground. (Your right knee should be facing your left shoulder. ) Keep moving until you feel a stretch in the outside of your thigh, and gluteus muscles.

6. Again hold the position until you feel the stretch diminish. Imagine that you are drawing nourishment into the outside of your thigh with your breath.

7. The last stretch of the sequence is called the window stretch.

8. Bend your right leg placing the sole of your foot on the ground. Place your left foot on your right thigh. You should feel a stretch in your left hip joint. Bring the right leg towards you, and move your left knee away form your chest. Move mindfully until you fee a stretch in the hip joint. Hold the position until you feel the stretch diminish. Imagine that you are drawing nourishment into the hip joint with your breath.

9. When you are finished this side, take a rest and the repeat on the other side.

10. Lie on your back and let your body relax. Notice the feeling in your hips and legs. Breathe consciously and with complete attention. Let your body relax completely.

Benefits ~ Loosens and releases the sacrum. Relaxes the muscles of the pelvis, and lower back. Massages and Oxygenates the back of the pelvis. Increases flexibility in the abductor, and adductor muscles in the thighs. Increases body awareness aiding in a healthier and more loving relationship with your body.

Triangle Pose For Pregnancy

2010-05-05T10:41:00.000-07:00

*These instructions are intended for one who is already attending a pre-natal class under the supervision of a qualified instructor. It is not advised to start an online pre-natal course unless recommended by a health professional, and done in conjunction with the supervision of a qualified yoga instructor.

You will need a chair for this pose.

1. Stand with your back to a wall, and a chair beside you to the left. Place your left foot under the chair, and rotate your left leg 90 degrees to the left.

2. Tilt your pelvis sideways to the left until you feel a stretch in the inner thigh.

3. Bring your left hand onto the chair, and rest your weight into your hand. Move the small of your back toward the wall, until you feel a stretch in the lower back.

4. Continue moving the small of your back toward the wall, and moving the pelvis sideways. Lengthen the spine sideways to the left. Pause here, and breathe evenly until the stretch starts to diminish.

5. When you are ready carefully move your chair to the other side and repeat steps 1 – 4 on the right side.

Benefits: Stretches and strengthens the Quadratus Lumborum Muscle, relieving and preventing backache. Stretches the hips, groins, hamstrings, calves, shoulders, chest, and spine. Strengthens the thighs, knees, ankles, and feet. Stimulates the abdominal organs, and improves digestion.

Diary of a Mystic Yogi

2010-04-30T09:27:00.000-07:00

This moment is enough:

I am not even sure if I can pin point when this happened, but at some point during the unfolding it hit me, that this moment is enough, just as it is. It just kind of hit me out of the blue, like a blanket of enoughness fell down around me. A light went on that said you can call of the search, this moment is enough, nothing else needs to be added to it, nothing at all. I could see in that moment how much energy had been going into searching, reaching, striving for more.

For a moment I saw thoughts in a different way, I saw all these thoughts and ideas about lack and loss as something foreign, instead of something personal. I could see how these thoughts were fluctuations in a field of consciousness (which was still and silent), and how this ‘me’ was attaching energy and attention onto them, calling them ‘my thoughts’ ‘my ideas’. I saw that I didn’t have to attach a personal story to them, but see them as they are; a fluctuation of energy that I really know nothing about. A mystery. In the mystery where nothing is known, everything just is what it is, beautiful and appreciated as it is; enough as it is.

A feeling of contentment settled down, or settled IN, like a healing balm, that cracked open inside and oozed throughout my entire being. From this settled-ness there is a freedom to really be here. Be present with what is, and give that presence to this life, not from a need to get, but from an impulse to serve. If there is no lack, nothing missing, a deep satisfaction that just rests. The fullness of that satisfaction expands, or so it seems, and spreads itself out into the world, not to accomplish any particular goal, but to love for no reason, to embrace all with the love that simply IS.

Innocence and the Inner Critic

2010-04-24T08:16:00.000-07:00

Interview with Christine Wushke: By Rafael Stoneman

Video number one in an ongoing series by Rafael Stoneman and Christine Wushke, on the nature of being, and selfless service.

Background music is called “Semblance of Remembering” from The Science of Peace series by Larry Seyer and David Wilcox. (can be purchased here http://divinecosmos.com/amember/signup.php )

The Welcoming Tree

2010-03-31T10:52:00.000-07:00

-- For John --

Aglow in a vast open field, in the fall, a welcoming tree sat welcoming all. Now this welcoming tree was a magical place lit up from within and glowing with grace. So enormous and sure and strong were its branches, which provided a nourishing shade that relaxes. One day while the sun was still high in the sky, a little girl named Emily skipped by. She glanced at the tree and stopped dead in her tracks, for when she looked at this tree, this tree had looked back. Something about this tree was like magic; its aliveness, and presence were truly magnetic. This tree had appealed to her heart mind and soul, with a deep silence that moved her right to the core. The branches were swaying in just such a way that the movement seemed to have something to say. Without any sound the branches, they spoke, and inside her heart, something awoke.

“What are you doing in this vast open field?” Her eyes wondered, a curiosity revealed.

“I am resting in peace and quiet and calm, allowing an ease with my welcoming song.” The branches spoke with a clear conviction, painting her mind with a lovely depiction. “They tell me I’m called a welcoming tree, my role is to welcome… soon you will see”

The words wrapped around her like a soft sweet blanket, speaking right to the heart, like a special secret.

"What is a welcoming tree?" she pondered, with a deep interest bubbling inside her.

“If you sit in my shade long enough you will see, that I am a mirror to your hearts capacity”

“I don’t understand” she spoke with confusion

“Just sit my dear child, let’s dispel this illusion”

So Emily skipped off to the great giant tree, and she settled underneath it quietly. The magic of the tree did slowly sweep through her, and soon a very restful cloud was around her. She rested this way with a soft little sigh, watching the leaves play with the sky.

Before long, out of the open sky did emerge a flock of eight large and glorious birds. Now these birds had been flying for a long long while; and their wings had grown tired, from flying for miles. "Hello dear birds" spoke the welcoming tree. ‘I see you have had a tremendous journey. Would you like a nice rest in my comfortable branches?’ The group looked at each other with nodding glances. The eight glorious birds swooped in for a rest in the comfortable branches and started to nest. As the birds nestled in, the warm cloud wrapped them too, comforting and nourishing, as that welcoming grew.

“Whoever you are, however you look, whatever you do, all is welcome here.” Spoke the branches “whoever you are, just as you are, come and rest so that everything relaxes. My branches and strong and sure in the wind, come now and rest you’re safe as my friend.”

A silent calm softly fell over this place, with everyone quiet and resting in peace. Truly this tree is a magical place, glowing alive in a mystical space.

Before long a shattering noise broke the quiet, when a group of loud birds flew by in a riot. They flew stiffly and coldly, each holding a grudge, but the peace of the welcoming tree did not budge. They were fighting and angry, and mad at each other, completely forgetting to love one another.

“Hello dear friends” said this great loving tree, sounds like what’s needed is space to just be. Reluctantly the birds swooped closer to see, surprised by the tree’s generosity.

“Even you’re anger and fighting is free, to be here inside this welcoming tree. Bring all your troubles and all your cares, all can be healed in this benevolent air.

Now this welcoming tree is magical you know, so that anything is possible to grow. From the strength, sureness and support of the branches; to the love, kindness, and knowing Divineness. This is the gift of the welcoming tree, that everything EVERTHING becomes free.

Emily was surprised how quickly they calmed and dropped their fighting and squawking loud songs. She smiled at the thought of how powerful it is, that to welcome and love can cures all our ills.

A little while later out of the grass came a scampering squirrel with a little squirrel class. The children were hungry and board of their learning. They just wanted to play, so they were loudly complaining.

“Hello my friends” Said the welcoming tree, inviting them in, so reassuringly.

“It seems like a moment is needed to rest, come enter my shade, where all things are blessed. You are welcome to play and scamper and screech all noises are welcome to enter my reach.”

The teacher was reluctant to let them go play, but the magic was sweeping through her to stay. So nice did it feel in this welcoming air, this warm strong embrace and cloud of deep care.

The children began to play innocently, the openness supported their creativity. The teacher was pleased with this innocent playing, happy to see their inner blossoming.

Emily was amazed at how much this tree was open to love unconditionally. Silently she came to understand, and the truth in her heart began to expand.

Just as this realization settled in, a crumpling in the leaves caught her attention.

Off in the distance she did see, a group of three boys playing near the tree.

One of them was crying and sad and sulking, the kids were saying he was funny looking.

The realization still fresh in her hear, in her capacity to love, she was doing her part. “There, there” she spoke; her voice filled with compassion “would you like to join me in this grassy safe haven? Sit for a while in this giant great tree; you don’t look at all funny to me.” Reluctantly the boy began to move close, the sad voice inside he was listening to most.

She welcomed him into her big tree like embrace, and he was instantly soothed by this magical place. As he looked up at the beautiful tree in the breeze, he was strikingly aware of its silent sure ease. Out of the branches emerged its soft song, so Emily joined in, singing along.

He looked at the girl, and she said like the tree, you are welcome to be friends with me. It doesn’t matter if we seem different to them, to the tree we are one, and seen as a gem.

Bring along your sadness and hurt, the tree’s love is much bigger I know this for sure. They looked up at the tree swaying so intentionally, an awareness emerged of their hearts capacity. To love and to welcome all that comes by, is the message the tree had wanted to guide.

This is the potential of the welcoming tree, to be a mirror to the hearts capacity. This magnificent heart we have is to love, to give freely, and fully, is simply what it does.

And now this wonderful tree was delighted, to have its branches filled with the friends it had sighted.

All these friends were resting so comfortably now, in these giant magical comforting boughs.

The end

Seated Side Bending Pose For Pregnancy

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1. Sit in a comfortable cross legged position. Close your eyes and draw your awareness inward. Practice breathing into your belly, drawing nourishment into your body with each breath.

2. Take time to connect to your baby, sending the baby feelings of warmth and comfort. Intend for this to be a sacred time with your body, as well as your baby. Take a few moments to sit quietly, enjoying your breath.

3. Bring your left arm up allowing it to follow the natural line of your body. Moving mindfully bend sideways to the left, stopping as soon as you feel a stretch in the your side of your rib cage and waist.

4. Hold the stretch and breathe consciously, drawing nourishment into your body with each breath. Continue Breathing evenly until you feel the stretch diminish.

5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 on the the right side.

Benefits: Increases mobility in the intercostal muscles of the rib cage. increases oxygen levels in the blood, boosting energy levels. Increases flexibility in the back and waist.

Bound Angle Pose

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* If you have a knee or groin injury practice this pose with extreme caution, and only with folded blankets under your thighs for extra support.

Part One: Bound Angle Pose For Beginners

1. Sit on one or two folded blankets. Bring the soles of your feet together sliding your heels as close to your body as you can.

*Optional: place a rolled up yoga mat under your heels so that your toes are lower than your heels. This is especially helpful if your hips and thighs are tight. It is also helpful to sit up on several blankets, continue to add blankets until you find a height that is comfortable for you.

2. Place your hands on your feet and sit up straight, lift and open your chest and move your knees toward the floor.

3. Hold the pose for as long as you are comfortable, breathing evenly.

*Another helpful modification is to place a folded blanket or block under each thigh bone, close to the hip joint. This will support the legs, and allow for a deeper stretch.

Part Two: Bound Angle Pose for Continuing Students.

4. Place your hands behind you, either on the floor or on a few blocks. Lengthen your spine, roll your shoulders back, and move your shoulder blades down your back (as if you are putting them in your back pocket).

5. Rotate your thighs upward and outward, lifting your inner thighs toward the ceiling and moving your outer thighs toward the floor. (Visualize your thigh bone externally rotating up and back in your hip socket.) Move your knees toward the floor.

6. Bring your arms in front of you and slide your torso forward. Keep the spine long as you move the chest toward the floor. If you find it helpful place a block or pile of folded blankets under your forehead. Rest here for as long as you are comfortable.

Benefits: Increases circulation to abdominal organs, ovaries and prostate gland, bladder, and kidneys. Opens the chest improving general circulation to the heart and lungs. Stretches the inner thighs, groins, and knees. Soothes menstrual discomfort and relieves the symptoms of menopause.

Passive Backbend Pose With Open Heart Meditation

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Once you are comfortable with restorative yoga poses, you can gradually begin holding them for longer and longer periods of time. The following practice is geared toward continuing students who are comfortable with back bend poses, and ready to stay with the pose for longer then 3 minutes. This pose naturally opens and expands the chest, making this pose an excellent opportunity to practice an open heart meditation. If at anytime during the practice of this meditation you are no longer comfortable in the pose, bend your knees, and roll onto your side and rest for a while. For the beginners version of this pose, click here.

1. Take one blanket and roll it into a tight roll. Take the second blanket and fold it, placing it on top of the rolled blanket (making a cross) Place a pillow or block on one end for your head.
2. Lay down on the blankets, placing the upper back along the rolled blanket (the roll should cross the spine, and the folded blanket runs lengthwise along the spine) Place the arms over your head and stretch

out the front of your body. If your arms do not reach the floor, place some blocks, blankets or pillows under the arms so they can relax.
3. Let your body sink into the pose, let your chest open and soften your breathing. Focus for a few moments on feeling the nourishment in your breath.

4. Imagine that you are floating in a cloud of pure love and nourishment. Use your intuition to guide you as you imagine this cloud fully embracing you. Intend that the nourishment from this cloud in being drawn into the body on each inhale.

5. Take a few moments now to relax further and connect to your sacred heart space, or on a feeling of unconditional love. Continue to connect to the nourishment being drawn into the body as well as the feeling of unconditional love in the heart space, and allow yourself to relax even more. Feel or intend that the love and nourishment is wrapping your body like an embrace. Allow yourself to continue to relax more and more into the heart space Let your intuition guide you with this meditation as you continue to rest in the heart space for a few more minutes.

Benefits: emotionally uplifting, opens the heart center, increases circulation to the heart & lungs, tones and lengthens the spine, releases tension in the shoulders & upper back.

Reclining Bound Angle Pose For Pregnancy

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This pose is wonderful for opening up the pelvis in preparation for labour and delivery. It is also a great pose for opening the heart, and improving circulation to the heart and lungs. The open heart aspect of the pose can also be used as a special time to connect to your baby. This pose is not recommended if your pregnancy is high risk, or if you are new to yoga.

You will need 5 blankets or pillows for this pose.

1. Take three folded blankets and stagger them in three steps, so they are graduated. (The idea is to be reclining back, and not lying flat on your back.)

Fold the top blanket under at the other end, to make a pillow.

2. Place two more blankets or pillows on either side of your folded blanket pile.

3. Sit in front of your staggered blankets and lie down on the blankets. Take a moment to lengthen your lower back and make sure you are comfortable before going any further.

4. Bring the soles of your feet together and slide your heels close to your body. Use the additional pillows or blankets to support your legs. Use as many blankets as needed so it feels like a very gentle opening, not an intense stretch.

5. Let your chest open and soften your breathing. Focus for a few moments on feeling the nourishment in your breath.

* Check that you are feeling very comfortable, if at any point you feel dizzy or uncomfortable, roll onto your side and rest.

5. Place one hand on your heart, and one hand on your belly. Take a few moments to relax and connect to your sacred heart space, or on a feeling of unconditional love. As you continue to connect to the nourishment in the breath, and the feeling in the heart space, take your attention now to your baby. Feel or intend that the love and nourishment wrap your baby like an embrace. Let your intuition guide you with this meditation and connect to your baby for a few minutes. When you feel complete with the pose, roll onto your side and rest for a few moments before sitting up.

Benefits: Strengthens parasympathetic nervous system, increases relaxation, and improves quality of sleep. Increases mental clarity, reduces stress, and aids in reducing anxiety. Opens hips, increases circulation to pelvis and aids in pre and early labour.

Blog Talk Radio Interview With Christine Wushke

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If this video is not available, click here

Awaken Your Sacred Spirit Within

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with Christine Wushke & Hali McQuillan
Saturday April 24, 2010 9am-12pm

A special workshop derived from much love and thought, by two special spirits who share from their hearts and teach for the love of yoga. You will reunite with your spirit, and unleash your light within.

“Teach only love, for that is what you are.”

This workshop includes:

•    Gentle Yoga
•    Meditation
•    Drumming
•    Journaling
•    Fire Ceremony (weather pending)

Class is held at Hali’s Yoga Studio
a beautiful country setting just outside of Okotoks.

Space is limited, workshop will fill! Register today.

For more information or to register, please call 403.899.6664 or email journeytolight@gmail.com

Yoga and Meditation Classes for Summer 2010

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*Summer Passes now available*

*12 pass for $150, 6 week pass $85.00, or drop in for single class $20.00 *

Friday Morning Gentle Yoga And meditation

May 28 – August 13 (excluding June 11 & June 18)

10:00 - 11:30 ~ 12 pass for $150, 6 week pass $85.00, or drop in for single class $20.00

~ Gentle yoga poses, breathing techniques, and meditation skills are simply taught, to aid in deepening relaxation and inner peace. Learn the skills to improve your over all health and wellness.

Wednesday Night Gentle Yoga and Meditation

June 2 – August 11 (excluding June 16)

7:30 - 9:00 PM ~ 12 pass for $150, 6 week pass $85.00, or drop in for single class $20.00

~ Gentle yoga poses, breathing techniques, and meditation skills are simply taught, to aid in deepening relaxation and inner peace. Learn the skills to improve your over all health and wellness.

Sunday Night Meditation

May 30 – August 8 (Excluding June 13)

7:30 – 9:00 ~ 12 pass for $150, 6 week pass $85.00, or drop in for single class $20.00

~ A continuation from Friday night meditation for beginners, or the restorative yoga and meditation class. For those wanting to deepen in their practice of meditation in a supported setting.

Day Retreat with Christine Wushke & Karen McPhee

June 5, 2010

10:00 - 4:00 $70.00
Schedule: Morning session 10:00-12:00: Enter the deep peace of your true nature through relaxation, meditation, and chanting. Stabilize the realization of true nature through satsang inquiry.
Potluck lunch 12:00 – 1:30: Please bring a vegetarian item to share.
Afternoon session 1:30 – 4:00: Awaken your inner aliveness with gentle moving meditation, followed by guided relaxation to nourish body, mind and spirit. Liberate remaining conditioning and investigate false concepts with satsang inquiry.

For inquires , contact Christine.

Everyday Guru’s

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A few years ago I felt a call to work with enlightened teachers as a way to deepen my own spiritual path. I decided to volunteer to organize a group called “Calgary Satsang” which contacted spiritual teachers from all over the world, to invite them to Calgary to give Satsang. Satsang is a Sanskrit word meaning “to gather in the presence of truth”. After years of reading books by these masters, I was now drawn to meet them and sit with them in person. This volunteer position often gave me the opportunity to host the teacher at my place of residence. What was most interesting to me through this experience was that I ended up learning more from these teachers in the day to day activities, then sitting with them while they were teaching. It was hanging out with them and sipping coffee, or gathering in the kitchen preparing meals, or the trips top Wal-Mart to get supplies, that the true learning took place.

It was in the living, the moment to moment, day to day menial tasks that de-mystified my idea of what it means to be ‘enlightened’. I realized that the point of a spiritual teaching is to live it. Taking the teaching out of the meditation room and right into Wal-Mart is where the real work is. Or sitting in a traffic jam knowing that you will be late for Satsang, and you are responsible for getting the teacher there on time. It was these moments that the integration of the higher teachings began to happen. I was being trained by life to bring the practice into every moment of my day. The practical application of love and acceptance in the world, and coming from an attitude of service without personal gain, were the real lessons for me.

I used to have a picture in my mind of how an enlightened master would spend his or her day. The picture I held seemed to have skipped over basic and ordinary living in day to day and moment to moment real life situations. This picture certainly didn’t include shopping at Wal-Mart, sitting in traffic jams, or catching up with family members on the phone and chatting about the weather. But after a few years of time spent with them, these are the places where I learned the most. My experiences were life changing and invaluable and lead to a shift in perception in what this whole business of enlightenment is really about. For me the concepts and ideas I had about enlightenment were getting re-wired in becoming real and direct moment to moment experiences.

The most valuable for me was in learning about motive and intention. The actions in the world may stay exactly the same but what starts to shift is that a different motive starts driving the car. Where at one time there were mostly self serving motives driving everything, a shift in awareness and perception takes place, and a higher picture starts to form. I started learning how to move from ‘what can I get’ to ‘how can I serve’ and gradually life was viewed more from the perspective of an opportunity to serve others out of love and compassion. This developed into willingness to be honest in each moment about where I am coming from, and present to the people in life I care about.

What I came to realize was that enlightenment isn’t an accomplishment, not something to acquire, as that would mean there is a personal motive driving the car. When you start to live by a more non personal nature, a selfless vehicle in the world, your motives change. Everything may look the same on the surface, but underneath there is something inside driving that has a whole different set of intentions and perspective. What I am learning now, is that enlightenment is more about service to humanity, participating in a greater plan of unifying people, rather than accomplishing a goal in your personal life. Enlightenment means that we are no longer propelled by a desire to be an ‘awakened person’ who is in some way more important or special, but instead to be in moment to moment stillness with an attitude of honesty, tenderness, and ‘how can I serve?’. This lead to a powerful teaching for me which was to monitor my own motives and check moment to moment if they are self serving or selfless, and to be grateful to be walking this earth in this moment, just how it is.

Drop in Classes Spring 2010

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Yoga for a better back

Saturday February 6 10:00 - 12:00 $20.00

Saturday April 6 10:00 - 12:00 $20.00

~Learn yoga poses to help balance, heal, and strengthen the back. Breathing techniques and meditation practices will be included.

Restorative Yoga and meditation

Saturday February 20 10:00 - 12:00 $20.00

Saturday March 13 10:00 - 12:00 $20.00

~ Experience healing and deep relaxation with restorative yoga. Gentle enough for any body, and suitable for any fitness level. One hour of restorative yoga and yogic breathing techniques will be followed with one hour of guided relaxation and meditation.

Introduction to Yoga

Saturday February 27 10:00 - 12:00 $20.00

Saturday March 27 10:00 - 12:00 $20.00

~ This class is perfect for the beginning student. Gentle yoga, an introduction to breathing techniques and meditation will be taught in a safe and supported setting.

Beginners meditation

Friday February 5 7:00 - 9:00 PM $20.00 *

Friday February 26 7:00 - 9:00 PM $20.00

Friday March 19 7:00 - 9:00 PM $20.00

~ These drop in workshops are an introduction to the benefits of meditation, they are suitable for all beginners, and also appropriate for meditators of all levels as well. Whether you are new to meditation, ort wanting to deepen your practice , these workshops will assist you to calm your mind, relax the body and bring spiritual fulfillment into everyday life.

Companion CD with instructional insert available for an additional $15

*This class is dedicated Haiti. Suggested donation amount is $20, 100% of proceeds will be donated to the Red Cross. Class format will be as follows: 30 min restorative yoga, 30 min guided meditation, 30 min Divine light invocation for the people of Haiti, 30 min questions and discussions. Please feel free to add your light, intentions, or prayers from home at 8:00 Friday night if you are unable to attend.