Category: blog

Posted on

TESTIOMIALS

“I have been practicing virtual yoga with Annette since the pandemic started. It is an activity I look forward to every week. The sessions bring calmness to a busy week and promote tranquility and a positive mind. It always feels good to devote an hour to yourself and refocus your mind. Annette is a very pleasant, calming and at the same time energized teacher. I learned so much from Annette and feel so beneficial after every session. Annette, you are the best!”
Gail 2020

“I have been taking yoga lessons with Annette for many years now, and through each session, I learn so much. Her knowledge of yoga practice is exceptionally insightful and creates an understanding I have not experienced anywhere else. After a stressful or busy week, her classes always promote relaxation and mindfulness. My flexibility has progressed immensely. Also, her energy is incredibly calming, and she exudes positivity.”
Sabrina 2020

“I have been blessed to have been practicing yoga with Annette for over 15 years! With the advent of Covid-19 we had to participate via Zoom and I never felt any disconnect…the classes became an even further grounding in my life. It even led me to explore more of Annette’s magic online, regularly practicing some of her specialty focused classes in the comforts of my home and my current fave is the “Yoga for Tight Hips”, it’s become an integral part of my bike-training regime!
Thank you for being YOU Annette! You are an essential part of my well-being!”
Lori 2020

“Annette is a splendid teacher – knowledgeable, creative, and thoughtful. Thanks to her wonderful teaching and attention to detail, my strength and flexibility are greatly enhanced, and I find myself spontaneously incorporating poses and improved posture and alignment into my daily life. She has also generously created a list of poses and stretches that I can use at work to alleviate mental and physical stress. I love yoga but have been put off by crowded group classes, so lessons with Annette have been a true gift. Namaste!Magal 2020
Annette is one of the best teachers, of any subject, I ever had. She is kind, attentive and knowledgeable. Being through several group Yoga classes, I came to her very skeptical of Yoga as a physical practice that can help improve my flexibility. Under her guidance, I am now able to stretch and flex better than I have dared dreaming; and through practice with Annette I also began to understand what mindfulness really means. Thank you Annette!”
Yuri 2020

“I have been with Annette for more than 8 years and the last 5 years have been in a private “family class” with my sister and my husband. She is the Best. We start our week with Annette on Monday evening. She soothes the toughness of Monday’s and puts us in a good space to face the rest of the week. As others have mentioned she tailors the class to our needs and injuries with concern, kindness, knowledge, and wisdom.
She also has a delightful sense of humor uplifting our class with laughter when appropriate. If possible, she will flex the schedule if we cannot make it on a Monday – none of us willingly give up a week of no Annette yoga! Annette is a focal point in the well-being of my life.”
Karen 2017

“Annette is an excellent Yoga Instructor as she is knowledgeable and passionate about the practice. She is very much about working with you and the goals you have. At the start of the class she wants to know what you want to work on that day and also doesn’t forget to hit on any other longer term goals you have. She is interested in you and is always concerned about your well-being. For example she will check in to see how your knee is doing during a stretch to ensure it is not hurting. In addition to ensuring you don’t get injured she helped restore my aching back. In a nutshell her happy, friendly and open personality makes her an excellent instructor and I would recommend her in a heartbeat.”
Damon 2017

“I came to Annette to provide me with the starting skills of yoga in a personal setting with no intimidation of group classes. I enjoyed her easy going, friendly, welcoming private sessions which catered each week to how I was feeling physically or mentally. Some weeks I needed mentally calmer sessions, some weeks I enjoyed more challenging physical sessions and when I hurt my knee from my horse riding, she also catered to that and provided sessions to stretch and heal the sore knee, which really helped! She informed and explained the background of every pose and the purpose behind it. I also appreciated her flexible schedule which suited my busy and ever-changing work lifestyle. It was fun to watch myself progress week by week, and I walked out of each session feeling fresh and relaxed! Looking forward to having some future session with her again soon! Thank you Annette.”
Anouchka 2017

“I have never been into large yoga classes and was subsequently turned off yoga all together by the throngs of sweaty people collectively grunting and OMing. That was until my girlfriend and I found Annette. We have been attending private couples yoga sessions with her for the better part of the last year and it has changed my entire perspective on yoga. The sessions have become much more than yoga for us, they have taught us new ways to relax, laugh, communicate, meditate, strengthen, heal, stretch, pose and have no doubt brought us closer as a couple.The setting in Annette’s home is private, warm and inviting, complete with fireplace, soothing music and calming aromas. Each session is different and tailored to your mood or preference that day. We have ranged from intensive flow to interactive couples stretching all in the same class. Annette has even worked with us through serious injury and helped with an amazing energy healing session in lieu of yoga. And then to my favourite part, each class ends with Annette leading a beautiful meditation by the fire, complete with soft blanket and roll pillow for under your knees. We can’t thank you enough Annette and we are very grateful to have discovered you.”
Bryan 2017

“All I can say is, thank you, thank you. Annette’s generous and compassionate spirit has given me the tools to rebuild my life. I have been doing the homework almost every day since our last session. Honestly, it is the only time I feel some real relief and results.
My MS symptoms fluctuates all throughout the day, which can be very stressful and frustrating, but as soon as do what Annette has taught me, I feel like I used to feel prior to my diagnosis, if not better. The power of the breathing techniques is truly astounding.”
Liza 2017

“I stumbled upon Annette when I was researching alternative forms of healing in Vancouver. Working with her has opened my mind and heart to a different side of myself. She has given me tools that I use in my daily life to remain grounded and balanced. I always look forward to my time with her and am very grateful for her special gift of intuition and knowing what I require before I sometimes even know.”
Sandy 2017

“My energy healing session with Annette was extremely beneficial, and her studio was the perfect place to feel calm and relaxed. We discussed the areas that I was feeling problems with and began the session with some meditation that helped melt away any stress I carried. At the end of my session we discussed what my experience was and what things I can do myself to help keep things on the up and up. Overall I highly recommend Annette’s services, she has an amazing energy about her and I will definitely come back for future energy healing sessions!”
Jeremy 2017

“Annette is truly a gifted and talented yoga instructor, and on top of that she is just an all-around fantastic person! Annette consistently designs a class that is responsive to my various aches and pains and I always leave feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. I also appreciate that she has taught me to be patient with my body and to value the process. I always look forward to our class and the calming space it provides. Thank you Annette for being so awesome!”
Kari 2016

“While Annette is the most amazing yoga teacher, I cannot imagine one could find better, she is so much more…Annette has supported me through some pretty grim times, our yoga sessions have been both healing and restorative with joy thrown in. For this I am eternally grateful.Wether you have been practicing yoga for years and are looking for a change, or new to it, you will not find a more caring and more competent individual to work with. Thank you Annette, I love you.”
Carol 2016

“I have had many instructors over my 20 year practice, and I always look forward to our special yoga lessons with Annette. I have known and practiced yoga with Annette for about 10 years now and her ability to design a yoga session, that flows and leaves us feeling refreshed, energized, and grounded, based on changing needs of a small group, never ceases to amaze me. Her insightful knowledge, genuine compassion, and intuitive and kind approach makes her an outstanding instructor. I have learned so much from Annette, and I am immensely grateful to have had her in my path.”
Caroline 2016

“I have been practicing yoga all over the world for over 20 years and Annette is by far the best teacher that I have ever had. She has an amazing ability to intuit what you and your body need and creates a bespoke lesson to make sure that you achieve your goals, whether you want to strengthen your core, achieve mindfulness, or improve your emotional health (to mention but a few). She is also a fantastic person who genuinely cares for and takes care of her clients. I no longer live full-time in Vancouver, but when I know I am going to be in town, she is the first person that I contact in order to set up practice sessions. If only I could get her to move to London so I could practice with her all of the time!”
Bianca 2016

“As a newcomer to yoga and being in my 40’s I’m so thankful to have found Annette.She’s so patient with me and has the best personal yet professional approach in our sessions. She’s accomodating and disciplined at the same time. I couldn’t ask for a better instructor or place to practice yoga in Vancouver period!Not only has she helped immensely with managing my stress levels, but she’s also helped improve my breathing and posture a great deal. Also, through meditation, relaxation techniques, and specifics poses she diagnosed the exact cause and fully treated (naturally) a serious recurring shoulder injury.I would encourage everyone to try yoga and start as young as possible.”
Kash 2016

“My time with Annette’s yoga over the past 10 years has been simply the best. In a town that is so filled with yoga it is amazing to practice with someone with her kind of experience and passion. She is both spiritual and calming but knows how to kick your butt if you’re in the mood for a good sweat! She was also amazing while I was pregnant!! She knows how to read her clients… I always leave Annette feeling calm yet revived all at the same time.”
Liza 2016

“I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your videos on YouTube. Here in London I have found it really difficult to find a yoga class that focuses on the calming and spiritual side of yoga rather than just the workout. I find your videos really helpful to use when I get home from work and want to practice on my own. I absolutely love your calming and grounding guided meditation too. So just wanted to say thanks for putting them out there!”
With very best wishes,
Ellen 2016

“I have been receiving healing sessions with Annette for almost 2 years. Balancing life, work, and home life can become a challenge and at times I feel intuitively out of balance. Monthly healing sessions have been my life saver. I feel much calmer, clear-minded, and more positive after each healing session. I look forward to my sessions with Annette and I am thankful for her continual wisdom and guidance.
Carrie 2016
Posted on

5 Things to Consider When Purchasing a Yoga Mat

Are you looking to buy your own yoga mat and don’t know where to start? There are so many different types to choose from that it can be hard to know which mat is best. Consider these top 5 qualities when purchasing your new yoga mat.

1. Traction – What style of yoga do you practice and what is your personal preference? A mat with traction is important but you also want to be comfortable when flowing through standing postures. Texture determines the traction and for some practices a rougher mat is ideal while other styles a smoother mat is preferred.

2. Eco-friendly – Eco-friendly mats are important for the environment and important for your health. Cheaper plastic mats are toxic and have a negative impact on the environment as well as our bodies.  Look for companies that offer a variety of eco-friendly yoga mats made out of renewable resources and natural fibres.

3.  Thickness – Thickness in a mat depends on your body type and the style of yoga you’re practicing. A thicker mat is ideal for students who practice yin yoga, restorative yoga, or have joint pain.  A thinner mat is ideal for flow and power yoga styles with lots of standing and balancing postures. A thin mat is also great for yoga on the go!

4.  Durability – You always want a high-quality mat that will last a long time.  While cheap plastic mats do last a long time because they are made with synthetic materials, a high-quality more expensive mat is worth the investment and will last for years.

5. Sticky vs. Slippery – Safety first! A stickier mat is preferred as it ensures your alignment is correct while protecting you from injuries.

In your search for a new yoga mat I hope you find one that suits you, will last for many years, and is safe for you and our precious planet. Share your go-to yoga mat in the comments, would love to hear your faves!

Posted on

5 Yoga Tips for Golf

As autumn approaches and your golf season wraps up it’s a perfect opportunity to cross-train.  Training in more than one discipline will improve fitness and performance, especially in the game of golf.  Practicing yoga and playing golf have many principles in common; they both require fluid movement and flexibility, rotation, focus and concentration, core-strength, and proper breathing.  Read on to learn how practicing yoga can improve your game next spring.

Fluid Movement + Flexibility

The golf swing requires your body and mind to work as a team. This movement demands twisting, rotating, and swinging in one smooth fluid sweep.  A perfect swing requires tightening and lengthening of your muscles at the same time, just in the same way as a yoga posture requires tightening and lengthening simultaneously to achieve balance, strength, and flexibility.   I call this lengthening and strengthening.  By training your body to stretch a muscle while engaging it you’ll have that much more control and range of motion in your swing.

Rotation

The range of motion needed to drive the ball is similar to yoga-twisting postures that require multiple muscles to activate simultaneously. By incorporating poses that work several different muscle groups, and encouraging the trunk of your body to move in this way, you’ll see an increase in your rotational range of motion.  More range of motion equals a stronger swing.   You’ll also be conditioning your muscle memory so that when it’s time to swing in the spring your body will remember the twist intuitively.

Focus + Concentration

When you’re in the present moment and your eyes are focused on the ball your swing will be a success. Yoga teaches us about pratyahara, or sense withdrawal, dharana, or concentration through meditation, and the drishti, or focused gaze.  When practicing these principles in yoga, all other distractions are cleared out and the focus is only on the gaze or focal point. Practicing over time trains the brain to develop focus and concentration on command so that when you’re ready to swing you can drop into that meditative state, focus on your drishti point (the ball), and drive it clear to the hole.

Transverse Abdominal Strength

By strengthening your transverse abdominals you’ll take your golf swing to the next level. These deep muscles are like a corset around your mid-line and are the closest muscles to your organs in the abdomen.  In yoga the technique uddiyana bandha is practiced to strengthen these deep muscles and it means ‘upward fly of the abdominals’.  This upward and inward pull is essential in challenging yoga postures as it supports your lower back and draws the pelvis into correct posture.  Through yoga you’ll have trained these deep muscles to contract and transfer that extra power into your drive.

Breathing

Executing a successful golf swing requires an inner calm and relaxed body. The breath is a vehicle to access and have control over the unconscious nervous system.  When your breathing is steady and controlled the nervous system is calm and function is heightened.  Breathing exercises are practiced in yoga to improve respiration and to control our inner state.  With practice you can use your breath to keep yourself calm and focused during your game.  When the breath is held during your swing it will result in a weak, rigid, unfocused drive.  If you take a deep inhale as you pull back and a strong exhale during your swing you’ll be stronger, smoother, and more explosive in your movements.

 

Contact Annette to set up your private yoga lesson to improve your game

Posted on

What Is Meditation All About Anyway?

Mindfulness and meditation are widely promoted for having healing powers and enhancing overall wellbeing, but how does one ‘empty’ the mind? What is the purpose and the benefits of meditating? And who has time to meditate? These are common questions I answer from curious students feeling overwhelmed about embarking on a meditation practice. With over-stimulated brains and fast-paced lifestyles taking the time and attention to sit and do ‘nothing’ seems like a daunting task. But it doesn’t have to be, read on to learn how.

Why practice meditation?
Meditating trains you to be in control of your inner state. With practice and diligence you can control your heart rate, breathing, thoughts, and energy flow. It’s all about creating more space for your brain to generate new thought forms and new brain waves to circulate. By quieting the monotonous chatter and focusing on your breath you are training the inner self (mind and nervous system) to be still and peaceful.

Meditation is filling the mind with focus and concentration
There is a common misunderstanding that meditation is about ‘emptying’ the mind or doing ‘nothing’ but it’s actually quite the opposite. Meditation is filling the mind with focus and concentration. When the mind is trained to focus and concentrate, the day to day emotional ups and downs are easy to navigate. When unexpected chaos ensues the inner self will be trained and ready to face it without activating the stress response. When we are in a place of calm and peace it is impossible to activate the fight/flight nervous system which is responsible for creating stress, disease, hyper tension, and anxiety. Meditation becomes an empowering and invaluable life tool. We cannot control a lot of things that happen around us, but we can control our inner state and our response to circumstances.

Meditation works by heightening the function of all your systems
Think of practicing meditation as putting your brain and energy system through boot camp. By training your mind to clear out the distractions, quiet the noise, and focus on the task at hand you’ll be activating your rest/digest nervous system (the parasympathetic nervous system) which is responsible for internal autonomic functions. By training your inner self you’ll be able to soar through difficult situations without activating your fight/flight system (sympathetic nervous system) which interferes with digestion, immunity, sleep, and reproduction. Meditation works by heightening the function of all your systems and therefore supporting a healthy whole person. Your brain’s health is similar to the health of all your other organs. When organs are abused with toxins, like processed foods and chemicals, the negative repercussions are disease and hypertension among other side effects. Similarly, when the brain is bogged down with unhealthy thought patterns such as worrying, negative self-talk, and repetitive thought patterns, the result is unnecessary stress, high blood pressure, anxiety, sleeplessness, and fatigue. By being proactive and giving your mind exercise and a break from the noise you can start to create a sanctuary of space and calm.

I don’t have time to meditate
A little goes a long way. You don’t have to sit under a tree in lotus pose for hours waiting for enlightenment in order to reap the benefits of meditation. Start with baby steps and think quality over quantity. Once a day set a timer for 3 minutes, turn off your devices or put them in a closed room, and lay down or sit and focus on your breath. Or try one of the meditations below. If sitting by yourself with no guidance is problematic there are free meditations out there, just search “3 minute meditations”. After a week try for 4 minutes…then 5 minutes, and so on. Eventually you’ll find the right length of time for you to feel refreshed and grounded.

Once the mind is trained it doesn’t take long to get to that calm and grounded place. Eventually you can take a deep breath, remember the feeling, and instil that feeling in your nervous system. When you get to this level it becomes who you are not just something that you do. For instance when you’re stuck in traffic and it’s really irritating, you can choose to sit relaxed and focus on your breathing rather than triggering your fight/flight system with toxic anger and road rage. You can use those everyday moments to teach and train your inner self rather than activating a stress response.

How do I start a meditation practice?
There are many styles of meditation and you have to find what works for you. Remember the key is to fill your mind with focus. Think about how you learn best; are you a visual person? Or are you better at feeling sensations such as the breath? Do you feel more relaxed sitting or laying down? Here are 3 basic meditations to get you started.

Meditation for the Visual Learner
Sit or lay down comfortably and visualize a sequence of colours. I like to use the chakra colours in order – red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, white. Or pick a colour scheme that works for you. Cycle through your colour scheme spending a few minutes focusing on the colour and feeling the vibration of that colour in your body. After you’ve cycled through your colours start to notice where your mind is and what you notice in your body. How do you feel? By focusing on the colour at hand you are clearing space in your brain by blocking out everything else that is usually running around in your head. The body and mind become one and eventually with practice the nervous system can drop into this state at your own will whenever you need to feel calm and peace. Here is a guided 12 minute colour meditation on youtube.

Meditation for the Feeling/Sensing Learner
Sit or lay down comfortably and observe your breath and how it is moving in and out.  Start to control the breath slowly and gently by directing the breath into your belly for a minute.  Then direct the breath into your ribcage for a minute, then into your head/brain for a minute.  Now try to breathe into all 3 parts simultaneously for a minute – belly, ribs, head.  Notice where your thoughts are and the stillness and grounding affects of this practice.  Build up to 5 minutes on each area for a 20 minute meditation.
Meditation for the Audible Learner
Sit or lay down comfortably and listen to classical music through headphones.  Tune into every note, every instrument, and every sound.  When the song is finished tune into your body and notice how peaceful and present you can be.  Notice the difference between being in the music and being in the silence.  Explore how relaxed you can become simply by tuning in and bringing all your attention to sound.  Here’s a sample of classical music appropriate for this meditation.
Posted on

FAQ’s – What To Expect In Your Session

Who can take private lessons?

Anyone!  Annette has taught all ages from 3 years to 85 years old.  The beauty of a private session is the class is catered to your age, gender, limitations, and goals. It’s a co-creative experience and together we come up with the best treatment plan for you.  Annette works with all levels 1-on-1, with couple’s, and with families.

What are the benefits of a private lesson?

-Working at your own pace makes for an injury-free practice.

-You’ll see results faster by focusing on what you need by creating a goal specific class.

-Convenient scheduling that fits your lifestyle.

-Having the security of a teacher supervising your alignment and technique.

-Respecting your beliefs by omitting any spiritual/religious references and focusing on the mind-body connection.

-The privacy of practicing yoga alone and not having the intimidation of a group mentality.

What is a private yoga lesson like?

The session is all about you.  We start with a debrief outlining our focus for the session.  Based on your needs we’ll begin with guided warm ups, tailored postures, and breathing techniques.  At the end of your session a guided meditation will bring you into a deep healing state (savasana) for 5-10 minutes.

What is an energy healing treatment like?

We initiate your body’s wisdom to heal by answering reflection questions before your session.  When you arrive to the studio we sit down, debrief your answers, and set the focus.  The session continues with a grounding meditation to open the flow of your energy body.  Then you’ll be reclined on a healing table (clothed) for the bio-field work.  In closing your feedback is discussed, homework is assigned, and an affirmation is chosen to take home with you.

You’ll receive an email follow up with a summary of your session and home work reminders.

What do I wear?

Yoga is traditionally done in bare feet, if you prefer to wear your socks that’s no problem.  Take off your jewellery/watch and wear comfortable clothing.  Athletic pants or long shorts and a longer shirt are most comfortable because they don’t ride up your back when moving.

For a healing treatment you can wear whatever you feel comfortable in.

What is the studio etiquette?

Don’t eat before your class, or try to have a light snack well before, and hydrate by having a glass of water a few hours before your session.  Refrain from wearing perfume, cologne, and hand/foot cream as it will interfere with your steadiness on the mat.  Take your shoes off at the door, you can wear socks or barefoot to practice.

How do I book a session?

Annette strives to accommodate your schedule, all bookings are done through email annette@annettebailey.ca

How can I pay?

Cash, check, or email transfer is accepted at the end of your session.  If you are having multiple sessions a month you will receive an invoice at the end of the month.  For session rates email annette@annettebailey.ca

What are Virtual Private Yoga lessons?

Enjoy a private yoga lesson anywhere!  All you need is FaceTime or Zoom, an internet connection, and a laptop, smart phone, or tablet.  The comfort of practicing yoga in your home, with your family and pets, is an amazing experience!

Posted on

Pain – Friend or Foe?

We all hate pain, but what if we approached pain differently by considering it as an old and knowledgeable friend?  Your body is your oldest companion, the one that knows you best and has been there through all the good times and the bad times.  If we treat our old pal like a sacred temple that we grow up in, then we would honor the messages it sends us. Pain is the messenger that signifies our nervous system that there is a problem.  These problems are energy disturbances and when we ignore messages our body screams even louder trying to get our attention.

So why do we ignore these signals? It’s natural to avoid something that doesn’t feel good. Naturally we follow the path of least resistance and pain is altogether uncomfortable and exhausting.  It’s just easier to not feel than to feel.  However when we ignore these cues and pain is left unattended to, it turns into chronic pain and chronic pain eventually turns into disease.  Dis-ease can be defined as lack of ease in the body or a disturbance in the energy flow.

In yoga this vital energy flow is called Prana and in Asian traditions it’s called Ch’i or Qi.  This life force is described as a flowing river and when rocks and debris get thrown into our river it gets clogged up. These clogs are referred to as energy blocks and energy depletion.  When our energy is blocked or depleted it cannot flow freely to nourish organs, bones, and tissue.  When our body does not get the oxygen and circulation it needs to maintain homeostasis, pain signals are sent out via the nervous system.

So where did the rocks and debris come from?  Body, mind, and spirit are intertwined and connected energetically and with that every single thing that has ever happened to you, positive or negative, shows up somewhere in your body.  If we ignore emotions and feelings and stuff them down in order not to feel, they inevitably fester into deep energetic wounds.

How do we keep our river free flowing?  For starters we need to listen and become aware of what we are experiencing in our body from moment to moment.  Acknowledging both positive and negative feelings brings awareness to energy disturbances before they become chronic.  By addressing the physical feelings we in turn process the emotions and thoughts that are intertwined within.  With awareness, patience, and loving kindness, we have the ability to clear the rocks and debris to maintain our free flowing river.

The next step is to take action on what you notice.  Ask yourself; am I tensing my body? If the answer is yes, then look at where and why you are tensing.  Is it in response to something you’re looking at?  Something you’re listening to?

Once you notice what you’re noticing you are empowered to break old habits and reverse the negative affects.  Self-care is key in this process; yoga, energy healing, a relaxing bath, walking in nature, are all positive self-care techniques to release and reverse the negative affects of stress and tension.

When you’ve changed the old patterns you can start to be proactive by not allowing them to resurface.  Pain signals become an old friend tapping you on the shoulder to remind you it’s time to pay attention.  Eventually you will notice the signal from your nervous system immediately and take proactive action before the pain arises.  Every case is unique and pain levels are varying, however if pain is approached as a friend that is signaling to you that something needs to be addressed you can lessen your pain and give the intelligence of your body the chance to heal on it’s own.

 

Posted on

Reconnect With Your Partner

Overall happiness and wellbeing can be measured at a physical and mental level, but what about at a soul level?  By soul level I am referring to the part of you that does not include physical, sexual, material, or intellectual aspects.  This metaphysical part of your higher self lives in your energetic body.

We exercise the physical body with activity and the mental brain with knowledge, but what about the soul?  Your spiritual self is exercised by connecting to higher states of consciousness and reconnecting to your inner supreme being.  The energetic self can be accessed through a variety of positive ways including; meditation, Yoga, music, deep relaxation, and Integrative Energy Healing.

Connecting with a person and sharing spiritual values in life is a sacred bond. Unfortunately relationships become blocked, depleted, and isolated when the stress of everyday life interferes.  Tolerance for one another may dwindle as your connection on a deeper level is compromised by distractions such as work, social life, and finances. Participating in something positive and healthy as a couple is the foundation to living a relaxed and content life with your partner.

In an Integrative Energy Healing session with your partner you both will experience connecting with one another in a new and positive way.  This connection is divine, mystical, and difficult to describe with the limitations of language.  To understand it you must experience it deeply.  Connection with your partner on a soul level will replenish and feed your relationship the nutrients it needs to continue to grow into the future.

What to expect in your session:

For the Integrative Energy Healing session with your partner we start with a meditation facing each other and seated in chairs.  By clearing and charging your own energy field first you’ll be ready to deeply connect with your partner.  Next you’ll learn how to connect with your partner on an energetic level by practicing giving and receiving energy.  After providing feedback to your partner and debriefing with each other on what you both experienced, you’ll be guided into a deep relaxation (Savasana) reclined on a yoga mat and tucked in together with cozy blankets.  You’ll leave the experience feeling connected and relaxed with tools to continue your soul level connection at home together.

For the Couples Yoga session you’ll practice the postures both on your own and together in a private setting.  Supporting each other in the yoga poses accesses a deeper connection physically, emotionally, and spiritually…and it’s a lot of fun!!

A couples yoga class is a healthy way to spend time together, practice yoga, and be with the one you love.

Beginners welcome!

Inquire about a couple’s session today!

 annette@annettebailey.ca | 778-227-6397 | Vancouver, Canada

Posted on

Why Private Yoga Lessons are Better for Men

Finding the appropriate practice that is right for you is key in starting an injury-free yoga practice.  One-to-one yoga lessons cater to the unique individual’s body type and provides a safe environment especially for the beginner male student.  In yoga some postures are going to work for some students while other postures will not and a private setting addresses which practice is appropriate for each student.

Traditionally yoga was always passed on from teacher to student in a private and confidential setting.  For example, the guru assigns a set of asanas (yoga postures) and pranayamas (breathing techniques) geared towards an individual’s needs.  The student goes home, practices, and returns for adjustments and more homework.  Just like a doctor prescribes a drug for an illness, the same is true with your yoga instructor prescribing postures specifically for you.

The contrary is true in today’s yoga classes where you’ll find crammed classes with sometimes up to 50 people of all different abilities and demographics.  Generally these group yoga classes have more women attending then men, and the teacher must sequence her class to fit a general population.  There is no such thing as a cookie-cutter yoga practice that fits everyone.  And therefore the newer yoga student is at risk for injury and may be practicing postures that are not appropriate.

This is where it gets tricky for a beginner to navigate and determine which postures are appropriate and which postures are not.  In a group setting it is easy to go beyond one’s limitations resulting in pain and injury.  If you don’t know what you’re doing, and you’re pushed by the group mentality to follow along, you can cause serious damage beyond repair.  Women and men have very different bodies and not all postures are appropriate for men, just as not all postures are appropriate for women.  For most men the deep hip openers that put pressure on the knees are usually the cause for injury.

The anatomical structure of a woman’s pelvis is much more wider and pliable then that of a man’s.  Deep hip openers are extremely beneficial for women but can cause serious injury for men.  The impact of these deeper stretches on the tighter and slimmer male pelvis results in pressurization through the knees.  When the hip joints are not able to comfortably and safely enter the pose the next joint down (the knee) takes the brunt of the pose. Once the knees are traumatized it’s difficult to fully recover.

Private yoga lessons provide the opportunity to address each student as an individual.  By honouring the uniqueness of different bodies one can develop their own personal practice that is suitable for their needs.  In a private yoga setting the instructor can tailor your practice to suit your body safely.

See the difference a private yoga lesson can make and book your introductory session with Annette.

Men's Yoga

Posted on

Special Events Yoga

Consider a private group class for your next special event.  Annette will compliment your special day with a relaxing yoga class catered to your friends or family’s needs and lead your group at your preferred venue creating a memorable yoga experience.

Prices vary, for full details email annette@annettebailey.ca

Posted on

Yoga through the seasons

When the seasons change so should your Yoga practice

Summer

In the summer we are generally more active and your yoga practice can counterpose strain on your body from cycling, running, and walking in flip flops.  Take advantage of the heat by doing less postures with longer holding time.  Seated wide angle or child pose can be held up to 5 minutes to encourage deeper muscles to release.  Going slow in your yoga practice prevents injuries by increasing flexibility, concentration, and mobility.

Autumn

From childhood the fall season always feels like a new year because the academic school year begins.  As adults this is an ideal time to start a new healthy routine.  As September approaches set new yoga goals and make yourself accountable to your new routine for 3 months.  Make the goals do-able like practicing for 5-10 minutes everyday in the morning and in the evening.  Chart your progress and record the benefits you notice.  You will greet the new year with a better you!

Winter

When the holidays roll around and viruses are rampant everyone falls out of their routine.  January is a good time to jump start your yoga practice and get back into focusing on you.  However, when the cold season hits it’s easier to cozy up and hibernate all winter.  The contrary is advised for maintaining overall health and wellness.  Your energy-body needs heat and movement to balance the cold and inertia.  Try pumping up your practice by adding more standing postures, sun salutations, and heat-building postures.  Even a simple pose held for several minutes can really build purifying inner heat that boosts immunity.  Try holding the chair pose for 2 minutes while breathing Ujjayi pranayama.

Spring

Spring time is about new beginnings and a time to learn and try new things.  Going on a yoga or meditation retreat is an excellent opportunity to try something new.  Retreats are all about retreating from your everyday life and connecting to the oneness within.  After immersing yourself in a self-care weekend you’ll return to your life feeling refreshed and balanced.  Or register for a course about something you’ve always wanted to learn about.  Even a 3 hour workshop can open your mind and your yoga practice to new heights.