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Russell Simmons on the spoils of spirituality Dr. Wayne Dyer
A Montreal manifestation
Prison Yoga
Locking down inner peace
Fitness Sandbagged
Don’t let the holidays sabotage your workout
Chef Mark McEwan Food Network star dishes on life in the chef lane
winter 2011 // VOL. 2 issue 1 // $4.95 WWW.SWEATEQUITYMAGAZINE.COM
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CONTENTS » winter 2011
22 The Sutra of success Music and fashion mogul Russell Simmons shares his philosophy of conscientious living and giving 35 best of 2012
michaelletterlough.com
Yoga Studios & Teachers, Spas, Retreats, Teacher Training, Fitness & Wellness Services
Join us on facebook and twitteR foR daily tips and giveaways!
Russell simmons on the spoils of spiRituality Dr. Wayne Dyer
A Montreal manifestation
Prison yoga
Locking down inner peace
Fitness sanDbaggeD
Photo: Michael Letterlough Jr /
Don’t let the holidays sabotage your workout
CheF Mark MCeWan Food Network star dishes on life in the chef lane
winter 2011 // VOL. 2 issue 1 // $4.95 WWW.SWEATEQUITYMAGAZINE.COM
IT. IT. NEEd WANT GET IT. GIvE IT. Our gift
ps guide kee
ng On givi
Cover Photo: Fadil Berisha special thanks to Rush Communications
winter 2011 | WWW.SWEATEQUITYMAGAZINE.COM
3
CONTENTS » winter 2011
in every issue 8 Publishers Note/ contributors 10 sweatequitymagazine.com 12 Community Sweat 14 om news Profile 15 om news 63 En-Lighten Up 64 sweat etiquette
breathe in 26 wayne’s world Here, we ‘re all worthy
vibrant health 18 soul man From taker to giver, one man discovers the reciprocal nature of healing
20 emotional rescue A gift you can give to yourself
Do yoga
Work Out
47 the prison yoga project
28 greed is not good
30 home for the holidays
Practicing gratitude on the mat
All snowed in? Bring your workout home.
33 MY PERFECT DAY OF FITNESS
How a journey of survival lead prisoners to inner peace
50 Asana Blissful Backbends
52 Nice Moves, Baby!
North Star Rising: Tattiawna Jones
Kiddy Yoga
LOVE LIFE
delicious living
42 Baby it’s cold outside 5 Winter skin woes, 5 easy, natural solutions
54 tastemakers Right on the Mark
43 sole soothing
57 Liquid Assets
Nourish your roots
That’s the Spirit!
44 fit travel
58 eating by the book
Spotlight: Riveria Maya, Mexico
59 the right stuff Chef Doug McNish
60 nutritious living Gut Feeling
61 fuel Cozy Carrot Cake in a Glass
62 raw ambition A Raw Winter - Chef Doug McNish 4
WWW.SWEATEQUITYMAGAZINE.COM | winter 2011
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Volume 2, Issue 1 PUBLISHER/CREATIVE DIRECTOR Fred Antwi fred@sweatequitymagazine.com Associate Editor/Food Director Signe Langford signe@sweatequitymagazine.com
Tap into yours
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR/PROMOTION MANAGER Debra Antwi debra@sweatequitymagazine.com
Intuition is a line of preventative products that offer a variety of health benefits. They are a special blend of medicinal herbal tinctures, juice concentrates and natural flavours delivered in a delicious add-to-water mix. Intuition has created a whole new category, the Natural Health Product liquid concentrate.
ASSISTANT EDITOR Mairead Walsh ART DIRECTION Erik Mohr/Bungalow (creativebungalow.com) PRODUCTION MANAGER/STAFF WRITER Sarah Lichtman production@sweatequitymagazine.com
natural health product
AVAILABLE IN HEALTH STORES ACROSS CANADA
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COMMUNITY CORRESPONDENT David Good CIRCULATION circulation@sweatequitymagazine.com
Traditionally used to calm the mind and relax the body
Traditionally used to increase & balance energy and reduce stress
hibiscus flower with lemon green tea & lychee burst
CONTRIBUTORS Stephanie Bonas, Bee Bosnak, Kristof B., Fadil Berisha, Tim Bermingham, Jeff Brown, Diane Bruni, William Michael Forbes, Sasha Gilvesy, Ella Isakov, Sara Elizabeth Ivanhoe, Jen Kirsch, Michael Letterlough Jr., Dr. Ray Long, Liana Louzon, Ryan Lyn, Kristen Ma, Joy McCarthy, Doug McNish, Erin Moraghan, , Dina Rich, Dominique Ritter, Candice Schreiber, Robert Sturman, Kat Tanock, Mairead Walsh, David Young-Wolff SALES ACCOUNT MANAGERS Boss Antwi, Beryl Wong sales@sweatequitymagazine.com
With pure pineapple Juice
Traditionally used to increase & balance energy and reduce stress
COPY EDITOR Alicia Skoons
Traditionally used to calm the mind and relax the body
hibiscus flower with lemon
While every effort has been made to ensure that advertisements and articles appear correctly, Sweat Equity Lifestyle Media Group cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage caused directly or indirectly by the contents of this publication. All material is intended for information purposes only. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of its publisher or editors. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without written permission from the publisher. Owned and published by Sweat Equity Lifestyle Media Group 6-1500 Upper Middle Road West, #118 Oakville, Ontario L6M 0C2 info@sweatequitymagazine.com Sweat Equity Magazine is published 4 times a year (February, May, August, November) For advertising/sales inquiries please contact: sales@sweatequitymagazine.com Printed in Canada on paper from a sustainable source using vegetable-based inks.
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CONTACT US Readers are invited to contribute comments, views and photos.Article submission and photography should be emailed to: editor@sweatequitymagazine.com MODEL/PROFILE SUBMISSION If you are interested in being considered for a model/ trainer/instructor profile please submit photos to: editor@sweatequitymagazine.com
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« publisher’s note
GOOD GIVING
Fred Antwi, Publisher
“We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” Winston Churchill It’s pretty easy to get caught up in the spirit of giving when the
Another motivational influence in this issue is best selling author Dr.
holidays come around. We are bombarded with commercial hype and
Wayne Dyer (pg. 26), whose new book, Wishes Fulfilled, is due out next
invited to festivities that encourage gift exchanges. Of course we’re happy
spring. Writer Dominique Ritter reports from Montreal on Dyer’s philoso-
to join in, after all, ‘tis the season of giving.
phy of using imagination in the art of manifestation.
At Sweat Equity we think that this should be a year-round tradition: a
Of course, ‘tis the holiday season and if you are looking for entertaining
way of life. Of course we’re not talking about handing out presents 365
essentials, crowd pleasers, ways to curb your cravings (pg. 60) or some
days a year—although our year ‘round swag does rock—but rather, consis-
succulent recipes, our food editor, Signe Langford, has it all covered! And to balance those treats, we offer you a great, no excuses, home
tently finding ways to give back, give to others, and give to oneself. In this issue we give thanks to you, our cherished readers, who have sup-
workout from Ryan Lyn (pg. 30). We’ve assembled a gift guide of savvy
ported us on this journey. We are grateful for the opportunity to provide a
items we think you’ll love to give and get! Yes, we are giving it all away!
venue for what’s important to you. We were honoured to have our assistant
We’ve also published our 1st annual ‘Best of 2012’ directory (pg. 35): yoga
editor Mairead Walsh, speak with Russell Simmons, (pg. 22). He offers up
studios, teachers, spas, retreats, teacher trainings, fitness and wellness
a prescription of conscientious living and giving while achieving spiritual
services – all of the best offerings right in your community. Wishing you happy holidays - and good giving!
enlightenment and true wealth.
« contributors
DOMINIQUE RITTER
JEFF BROWN
A former criminal lawyer and psychotherapist, Jeff Brown is the author of “Soulshaping: A Journey of Self-Creation,” recently published by North Atlantic Books. Endorsed by authors Elizabeth Lesser and Ram Dass, “Soulshaping” is Brown’s autobiography -- an inner travelogue of his journey from archetypal male warrior to a more surrendered path. He also writes inspirations for ABC’s ‘Good Morning America’ and has been seen on foxnews.com. soulshaping.com
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After ten years’ editing magazines, Dominique left her job and bought a one-way ticket to Europe. Her adventures included the expected cinematic clichés (eating a lot) and some things more charming in film than in real life (getting one’s bike nabbed by an Italian bicycle thief). Now back in Montreal, she does freelance writing and editing. And she rides Bixis.
WWW.SWEATEQUITYMAGAZINE.COM | winter 2011
SASHA GILVESY
is a yoga teacher and real estate agent at PSR. After living and teaching around the world Sasha has grounded herself in Toronto, teaching at various studios around the city and offering creative vinyasa, hot and kids yoga classes. sashagilvesy.blog.com
ROBERT STURMAN
A dedicated yogi, Sturman’s work has focused on capturing the timeless grace and mindfulness of asana. His portraits, whether set in the lively streets of Manhattan or the bleakness of San Quentin penitentiary, remind us that there is beauty everywhere. He quotes Rumi, ‘I can’t stop pointing to the beauty.’ RobertSturmanStudio. com
ELLA ISAKOV
is a yoga instructor, active humanitarian, freelance writer, and cat lover. She teaches a variety of classes in studios, gyms and schools. Ella left her career as a school teacher, and now combines her two loves of kids and yoga through teaching kids yoga classes. She can be found at the Downward Dog Centre in the Beaches. yoginipath.com
KAT TANcOCK
writes for various magazines/websites on health, fitness, nutrition and travel including Reader’s Digest, Best Health, SweetFit.ca and Where.ca. She recently completed her yoga teacher training at YogaSpace in Toronto and has ambitions of becoming a snowbird. kattancock.tumblr.com
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« SweatequitYmagazine.com
Hotlinks!
BEST OF 2012 Directory
Follow us Sweat Equity Magazine
@sweatequitymag
Looking for a yoga studio that fits your needs - or perhaps connect with an experienced teacher? Is one of your new’s years resolutions to take off some newly found love handles with a personal trainer or sign up for a teacher training course? How about indulging at a spa or using your vacation time to venture on a retreat? Find them all in this issue and on our website in our 1st annual Best of 2012 Directory!
discover south africa contest - WOW! We were amazed at the thousands of entries that came flooding in for our contest! This bucket list trip inspired more interest than Lotto 649 - we’re sure of it! After all, an all-inclusive fully paid and planned trip for 14 days to Cape Town and on Safari valued at $18,000 - made all of us think ‘Imagine the Freedom’! We held the draw in September at Go Touch Down Travel & Tours in Oakville -they were the generous folks to donate this trip of a lifetime. The random number selector chose Deborah Peniuk! We will be following up to bring you all of the amazing details of her adventure in an upcoming issue. Thanks to everyone for participating and congratulations to Deborah! Stay connected for more Sweat Equity Swag! WOW!
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« community
Community
Sweat
Upcoming special events
Canada’s Top Mover & Shaper Competition The mission: To shape up Canada. Are you Canada’s Top Mover? Are you Canada’s Top Shaper? Prove it and you could win an All-Inclusive Trip for Two to the Tropics and a profile feature in Sweat Equity Magazine or Fit City News. A Mover is someone looking to look & feel better by:
• Moving their body and exercising • Moving to a better body shape while reducing stress & increasing energy levels • Working out with a personal trainer, in a fitness class or on your own • Visiting a health practitioner like a physiotherapist, massage therapist, acupuncturist or chiropractor Are you a Shaper?
March 4, 2012
Power of Movement® is Canada’s LARGEST yoga fundraiser, raising funds for arthritis and autoimmune disease research. Join thousands of other Canadians on Sunday, March 4th, 2012 as they bend, stretch and move for a good cause. With more than 20 locations in Canada and a Virtual Challenge, there is no reason why you cannot participate. Go to powerofmovement.ca to learn more and REGISTER!
12
WWW.SWEATEQUITYMAGAZINE.COM | winter 2011
If you are a certified Personal Trainer, Fitness Group Leader, Health Practitioner or fitness advocate that leads or influences others, then you qualify. A Shaper is a positive force in body shaping and wellness via coaching, motivation, teaching and/or other influence. Shapers are also positive forces in shaping mind and soul via stress reduction, energy level gains and other benefits Do you think your training leadership; fitness instruction or health practitioner work has shaped others with the most positive impact out of anyone in the country? You could be Canada’s Top Shaper! Contest runs until March 30,2012. All Canadian residents (excluding Quebec) are eligible. Register, create your profile, collect votes, get expert advice and see the official rules at movershapers.com
community »
lululemon’s gift of yoga
All year long lululemon athletica offers the gift of yoga to communities across the country by hosting complimentary weekly classes in every location. It’s a meaningful way for lululemon staff to connect with the local community, sweat with their guests and introduce newcomers to yoga. For more information and class schedules, please visit the mini-website on lululemon.com/giftofyoga or the lululemon Facebook page for stores in your area.
December 10, 2011
ONE LOVE TORONTO
Yogis unite to practice 108 sun salutations led by 12 different teachers that are living their yoga off the mat and challenging students to do the same. Participants are challenged to raise at least $108 to honour each sun salutation. All the proceeds will go to the Global Seva Challenge for Haiti with “Off the Mat, Into the World” where yogis take action and raise funds for Haiti. Charlotte Singmin, Ella Isakov, and Erica Vella have taken the challenge and will go to Haiti in February 2012. The money raised will go to organizations in Haiti that will create and implement long term solutions to train and empower communities to become sustainable and self-sufficient. To find out more: offthematintotheworld.org onelovetoronto.org
February 25, 2012
Peace of Minds Yogathon
It’s time to roll out your mats for the 77h Annual Peace of Minds Yogathon for Schizophrenia. Help create Peace of Minds for the over 130,000 individuals in Ontario who are living with Schizophrenia by participating in a fun, yoga-filled day. Join us in raising funds and awareness for the Schizophrenia Society of Ontario’s Peace of Minds youth outreach and education programs. This year’s event is even bigger. Get involved in one of two signature events in Toronto and Oakville, or attend a class at a participating yoga studio. You can even host a Yogathon in your community or do yoga in your own home and make an online donation to the SSO. Make a real difference. Visit yogathon.ca for registration, location, studio and donation information! winter 2011 | WWW.SWEATEQUITYMAGAZINE.COM
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« om news | PROFILE
Marlene Mawhinney A National Treasure By Erin Moraghan
Millions of Canadians are inspired through their yoga practice, and these days classes can be found just about any place, from the local gym to the church basement to the office boardroom. Ever wonder who helped plant the seeds of yoga asana in our communities? Meet a yoga pioneer: Marlene Mawhinney. She’s one of Canada’s most senior yoga teachers and an inspiration and guiding light for many around the globe. She’s devoted much of her life to sharing the magic of yoga with thousands, changing lives for over 40 years. Marlene, President and Senior Teacher at Yoga Centre Toronto, has been studying with BKS Iyengar since 1985 and teaches the Iyengar method in the notfor-profit studio. “Our work is based on the teaching of BKS Iyengar and we stick strictly to that method. We teach classes at every level, along with teacher training.” Marlene’s practical, no-nonsense approach to teaching asana resonates with students, making the practice accessible and comprehensive. This commitment to accessibility is likely one of the main reasons that countless students with musculoskeletal, systemic, and chronic conditions find transformation and healing within the walls of the uptown Toronto studio. “We offer a balance of specially designed therapeutic classes for people with a variety of issues and conditions, from brain injury to pulmonary conditions, arthritis and spine issues,” Marlene shares. “A large number of our students in our specially designated classes are on bursaries. Often times their illnesses may not allow them to work and afford yoga.” Yoga Centre Toronto holds an annual fundraiser to help provide funding for these special needs programs. “When I first met Marlene Mawhinney I was in such pain from rheumatoid arthritis that moving, bending, or walking at all was difficult. Getting down on the floor was impossible,” says Jennifer Mason, who was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in her early 20s. An artist
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WWW.SWEATEQUITYMAGAZINE.COM | winter 2011
and musician, Jennifer was terrified to experience rapid deterioration of her joints, particularly in her hands which are such vital tools for her creative expression. Believing intuitively that yoga would help her, Jennifer searched for years for a teacher who could accommodate her needs. “I found what I was looking for in Marlene - a compassionate and generous expert with decades of experience adapting yoga for people with health challenges. For the first two years with her I did all my yoga sitting in a chair, and as my health gradually improved, Marlene designed new practices to support my medical treatment, including recovery from several [reconstructive] surgeries. Eventually I was able to join a regular yoga class. Marlene’s knowledge and kindness have made such a difference in my life that I will always be grateful. I think she is a national treasure.” Stories like Jennifer’s might seem miraculous, but these transformations are a big part of Marlene’s teaching and the overall approach at Yoga Centre Toronto, whether students have special needs or not. What’s more, doctors - once huge sceptics of yoga’s healing potential - are sitting up and paying attention. “I see a huge shift in the medical community,” Marlene explains. “I get many referrals from physicians, chiropractors and physiotherapists.” Marlene has collaborated on a published study examining the effects of Iyengar yoga on cardiac patients, and is currently involved in a new study on patients with pulmonary hypertension. When asked why she thinks doctors are finally embracing the potential of yoga, Marlene answers simply, “Yoga is effective. I see what we do as part of a healing regime for people with cancer, cardiac issues, arthritis, and many other conditions. It’s part of the picture.”
For more about Marlene Mawhinney visit yogacentretoronto.ca
om news »
Getting a Vegucation By Candice Schreiber During the festivities of the Vegetarian Food Fair in Toronto, the veg savvy documentary
Vegucated was premiering at the Toronto Independent Film Festival. The movie features three test subjects challenged to go Vegan for 6 weeks. The film was written and directed by Marisa Miller Wolfson, a passionate food activist. The opening scene is a comical and informative piece describing exactly what a vegan is and a bit about why Marisa went vegan. It then follows three test subjects from all different backgrounds; Ellen, a single mother of two, Tesla, a Honduran college student who loves her dad’s meaty meals, and Brian, a meat loving bachelor. The subjects are followed through their individual experience with going vegan. Their health is monitored by world renowned plant based enthusiast Dr. Joel Fuhrman. In addition, facts and figures are given regarding the effects of factory farming on the planet as well as how the overall health of westerners has declined in direct correlation to increased meat and dairy consumption, and movement away from a plant based diet. The documentary has an overall jovial tone but there are difficult scenes depicting the suffering and mistreatment of animals. The documentary is on par with Forks Over Knives for getting people to look at their food differently. Marisa feels that “Even if viewers don’t feel like they can go from zero to vegan right away, they can still be part of the solution by going more plant-based”. Her “hope is that there will be people who see this film, have a good time, learn a thing or two, be inspired, then share it with friends, family, and their community”. winter 2011 | WWW.SWEATEQUITYMAGAZINE.COM
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« gift guide
e k a t & e v i g
us! t u o h g wit n i p p o o sh g t ’ n o d
Put down the phone! Do not order that Absizer! With this season of giving, we’ve assembled some of the most awesome holiday gifts for you to get excited about - featuring skincare, electronics, kitchen gadgets, and even some bling – perfect for anyone on your list. …AND because this is our first holiday gift guide, we’re feeling particularly generous, so every gift we have listed is up for grabs!
Original Sterling Silver Om Ring by Jennifer Stock Designs Part of The God-dess Collection by Jennifer Stock Designs, this gorgeous piece is hand-made in New York. Its design represents the sacred sound of the universe - Ommm… Cast in pure sterling silver and just one inch high, it’s perfect for everyday wear and just might help to make every day perfect. Ring size 6 3/4 $130 USD | jenstock.com
Krups XL 2000 Milk Frother Turn cold, low-fat milk into a hot, rich, frothy reward in seconds – just add a dash of vanilla! This stylish, electric three-piece unit (jug, base and lid) heats and froths milk with just the touch of a button. Works just as well with soy or other non-dairy milks too. Perfect after an outdoor winter workout. $149.99 / krups.ca
16
Fabbrica by Mark McEwan Just in time for the holidays, celebrity chef Mark McEwan introduces Fabbrica, a collection of Italian recipes that offers something for everyone. Featuring many of the recipes developed at his newest restaurant, Fabbrica, as well as some Italian favourites from his other critically-acclaimed dining outlets, this cookbook is written with the home cook in mind offering great recipes made easy. From simple panini, pizza and pasta to wonderful salads, risottos, and authentic Italian fish, meat and poultry dishes, the range of recipes can be prepared in a flash with great flavour every time. Sold at bookstores everywhere $39 / amazon.ca
WWW.SWEATEQUITYMAGAZINE.COM | winter 2011
Yes!
we are it all agiving w Just ‘LIK E’ us on ay! an d Fac eb o o k follow u find out s on Twitter to how to win.
gift guide »
New Balance NewSKY Footwear for Him and Her
Good looking and good for the environment! These everyday shoes, designed to Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle, are made from recycled PET bottles – that’s the typical plastic water bottle. Like magic, each shoe contains about eight water bottles that have been recycled into a felt-like material. The barefoot-inspired design means using even less material than other athletic shoes while offering a lightweight, comfortable fit. Talk about leaving a light carbon footprint! $129.95 / newbalance.ca
Raw Essentials
Your skin is your body’s largest organ and with an absorption rate of up to 60%, it’s susceptible to environmental toxins. So if you’re trying to look fresh and fabulous, check out this delicious new skincare line developed by supermodel, author, actress and cancer survivor, Carol Alt. Inspired by the raw food diet, Raw Essentials products are made from all-natural, unadulterated ingredients, never heated above 46°C. Raw Essentials deliver an abundance of super-nutrients, vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, enzymes and proteins to help strengthen cell membranes and promote healthy skin. Product range $9.99 - $29.99 | shoppersdrugmart.ca
Timex Road Trainer & Health Tracker Watches Wear your commitment to fitness on your sleeve! These handsome timepieces are designed to take the guesswork out of your daily diet and exercise regimens. The Road Trainer Digital Heart Rate Monitor sets your target heart rate zones and monitors during and after workouts. The Health Tracker Walk Sensor & Diet Diary automatically records distance, steps taken and calories burned. Like a tiny trainer, it allows you to customize fitness goals, record calories consumed and best of all, stay motivated. More bells and whistles include customized activity programs, three alarms, two time zones, water resistance and INDIGLO night-light. $129.99 - $79.99 / Timex.ca
Yup DeLights
These graceful, eco-friendly, waterproof, unbreakable and rechargeable, diode enabled lights are made from recycled plastic. Using 50,000 hour, LED (Light Emitting Diodes) bulbs, the two models –The Glow and The Pebble – are an eco-chic way to set the mood. With nine colour options, remote control capabilities and three settings including a candlelight effect, these unique lights don’t stop giving! Perfect for any décor, outdoors to snazz up a patio setting and even great mood lighting for your yoga and meditation practice. P.S. We just know you’re wondering, so…a diode is a type of teeny tiny semiconductor. It controls the flow of energy (electricity) to one direction and some of them are light emitting. Great idea and a science lesson! $69.95 | yupinc.ca
winter 2011 | WWW.SWEATEQUITYMAGAZINE.COM
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« vibrant health
Soul Man
From taker to giver, one man discovers the reciprocal nature of healing By Jeff Brown After finally escaping my volatile family home at age 18, my first instinct was to be alone. I didn’t want to give or share anything. I just wanted to be left alone. I didn’t trust humanity, and I needed time to clear my emotional debris. And, like many who have grown up without healthy boundaries, I erected an emotional wall to keep me safe. The only skill I had acquired in my childhood was the ability to take. When I did make forays into relationships, it was primarily to take what I wanted. Trauma survivors tend to fall into two patterns: they either give but can’t receive, or they receive but can’t give. It depends on what makes them feel more vulnerable. I was a taker – protecting my heart by never really giving from it. I trolled for connections, looking for something to take and I attracted the same kind of woman time and again: a giver. She got to live out her selfless need to give, and I lived out my selfish need to take. A perfect nightmare. Spiritual teacher and author, Ram Dass, says, “You have to become something before you become nothing.” At some point, my desire to become something pushed me into the world, where I achieved many of my goals. I built a business, became a lawyer and completed three university degrees. Between achievements, I spent many years in psychotherapy, healing my heart and building my self-esteem so that I could move to the next level in my life. And although I was occasionally slowed by the traumas of my childhood, I was able to achieve everything that mattered to me. All but one. I still could not give
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my heart to another. Everything I was doing was about me. I was taking myself through the developmental stages that I hadn’t experienced in early life. I was building my ego. I was raising me, and there wasn’t room for anyone else. After many years, I felt done with the job of raising me. It wasn’t that I had it all worked out, but I had reached a stage where I could reach the next stage: giving. I considered how I could share my gifts with humanity and, when I walked past the homeless, I didn’t see other, I recognized our sameness. Tat Tvam Asi is Sandskrit for “I am that, too.” Well, I was that, too. Instead of seeing the gap, I saw the bridge between us. After so many years of me, I was now inspired by we, and I began to feel enormous gratitude for this rebirth. My blaming tendencies softened, to be replaced by feelings of benevolence. At the core of that gratitude, I felt a pressing need to bring my soul energy outward and inspire humanity. I wrote Soulshaping: A Journey of Self-Creation, to support others on their own journeys. Our acts of giving are not only for the benefit of those to whom we give. When I give to another, they are also giving back to me. By receiving my gift, they are allowing me to honour my calling to service. They are inviting me to connect; they are reminding me that I am not alone. Soulshaping is always reciprocal in nature and we expand in kindness together. So, in this, the season of giving, my wish is for us all to serve humanity in unison.
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Exhibiting at the Spring 2012 Toronto Yoga Show
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« vibrant health
Emotional Rescue A gift you can give to yourself By William Michael Forbes
It was two in the morning when the phone rang. “My name is Marcie. I’m going to kill myself. I can’t take it anymore – feeling trapped by these emotions and these damn drugs. I don’t know what to do with my life, there’s no hope!” “Hello Marcie,” I said, “I want you to take a slow, deep breath and listen to what I’m going to say.” I could hear her inhaling. “You are not your feelings. You are not your thoughts. You are love and you’ve called me because you know there is hope. Do you understand?” “Yes, but my life is crap. I don’t know what I’m supposed to do.” She was sobbing. “I want you to take another deep breath and notice what part of your body seems to relax most when you exhale.” “My chest and throat.” And with her attention shifting away from the stressful thoughts and onto the breath, she began to relax. “How do you feel now?” Her response was one of surprise. “I’m feeling better, more relaxed.” I told her to continue to take deep breaths – the more you breathe the deeper the relaxation. Once Marcie began listening she redirected her mind, stilling the thoughts and emotions that were like a raging sea when she first called, convinced she was going to end her life. I told her to try and separate herself from the negative thoughts and emotions. “I want you to consider the possibility that those negative thoughts are not really yours and that you are actually a manifestation of love.” 20
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Marcie is one of many who sometimes find themselves in a place where the soul, mind and emotions become confused. The ability to see the self as separate from our thoughts can be difficult, and for those who are suicidal, all but impossible, unless we can distinguish between thoughts, emotions and the self. For Marcie, the negative thoughts in her mind were the only truth. Over the next hour, through a series of exercises, she was able to experience herself as the creator of her own emotional states and by the end of our conversation she said she felt better than she had in years. After a few weeks of sessions, she was off her medication, and through coaching, she was able to develop a plan for her life that was in harmony with who she really is. Marcie learned something that I want to share with you: emotions alter biochemistry, biochemistry alters behaviour, but with focused awareness we can be the architects of our own realities. On that night, Marcie’s perception of the end was merely the edge of a new beginning.
For thirty years William Michael Forbes has been a trusted expert in the area of self-help. He is an inspirational speaker, writer, healer and personal development coach. His program, Navigating The Soul, has proven to be helpful in treating depression, anxiety, stress and relationship issues. navigatingthesoul.ca
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The
Sutraof Success Music and fashion mogul Russell Simmons shares his philosophy of conscientious living and giving
Photo: Fadil Berisha
By Mairead Walsh
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It’s pretty tricky to get Russell Simmons on the phone. He’s a busy guy with a very hectic schedule and even getting 15 minutes of his time is a tough sell. Makes perfect sense though. I doubt he built an empire worth hundreds of millions of dollars by sitting still. Yet, Simmons says that stillness is the goal – at least when it comes to his yoga practice. And for him, yoga is the key to true wealth as he outlines in his latest book, Super Rich: A Guide to Having it All. Co-founder of the groundbreaking Hip Hop recording label Def Jam and creator of fashion clothing lines Phat Farm, Argyle Culture and American Classics, Simmons has diversified his wealth and also successfully developed businesses in the jewellery, finance and television industries. Amassing a fortune currently estimated at $340 million, Simmons now heads up Rush Communications, a holding company for his financial, entertainment and fashion enterprises. Named one of the ‘Top 25 Most Influential People of the Past 25 Years,’ by USA Today, Simmons is recognized globally for his entrepreneurial approach to business. But don’t expect his new book to have chapters on how to raise capital, restructure finance or reveal innovative marketing strategies to grow your business. Instead, Super Rich is a guide to spiritual enlightenment and what it means to be truly rich. “Super Rich is about yoga,” he tells me. “It’s about getting to the state of needing nothing – a state of consciousness, taqwa, Nirvana. It’s what all the prophets promoted – operating from a state of acceptance and abundance, so there is a prosperity component, but that’s the fringe benefit.” Using many of the yogic techniques in the eight-step practice, Simmons navigates the sutras in simple terms to explain the benefits without getting into the complexities of each technique. “We define yoga in its second sutra as a state of needing nothing, a state of stillness. When we operate from this stillness, when the fluctuations of the mind stop, we are operating from this very basic knowledge in each one of us, but we need to dig to find it,” he says. “You don’t get muscles from one pushup. Spirit involves commitment. Connecting to it has a pace. It’s like scrubbing a wall to remove something. You can be scrubbing for a while before you see a change. Then one day, there is some movement and that’s 24
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encouraging, but you have to keep scrubbing. And I think this is how you scrub the soul too. You have to dig through the layers of what separates you from yourself. You have to do the work.” It’s a philosophy that has served Simmons well: he definitely walks the walk. Not a new convert to yoga, he’s been practicing for the last 20 years – every day, with meditation twice a day. “I’m still learning every day, every pose is different, every time I do the same pose it’s different. That keeps me going.” Ultimately, Simmons believes that everything we are looking for can be found from within. “Whatever is it that you are searching for on the surface, those desires, those needs, you can find inside yourself – the variant self fulfills those needs,” he says. “The journey to finding yourself depends on your effort. The effort is the prayer. You have control over the effort alone, but never the fruit, the work is what promotes happiness, stillness, being awake and in the moment.” When I challenge him on life’s obstacles, Simmons explains how the yamas and niyamas (the yogic code of conduct) are designed to help you resolve your personal issues. “Everyone has different issues and there are times when issues overlap but it’s a process, and consistent use of these ideas and practices reduces the amount of frustration, anxiety, self-doubt, and whatever pressures you feel. This book helps you dig for that deep-seeded knowledge as a way to promote a more still mind and wellbeing with the world.” This is where the prosperity comes in. Simmons defines affluence as a higher state of consciousness, but he also asserts that once you get to that level of consciousness prosperity will follow. “Giving without expectation is the greatest gift, but giving to promote wellbeing and happiness with the expectation that happiness will come back to you is still good giving,” he says enthusiastically.
matter who you are or what your circumstances are, have faith that you can take control of your consciousness. It will take courage and consistent practice, but when you do that, you will be able to transform your relationship with yourself and the world for the better. You will be able to have it all.”
Spiritual Riches
“Simmons provides readers with the tools to achieve not only success but an enlightened state of mind.” — DAILY NEWS (NEW YORK)
Russell Simmons challenges readers to move past their preconceived notions of success, and shares strategies on how to get past perceived obstacles and fill your life with friendship,compassion,laughter, love, a sense of fulfillment, and, yes, money. When you have the faith and courage to use your gifts and serve the world, the world will, in return, always reward you. Through sharing your talents without expectation, letting go of the results, operating out of a state of stillness and focusing on the work in front of you, it is possible to break free from a lifestyle that is holding you down and embrace one that lifts you to your highest heights. Through real-life examples and success stories from his life and work, Russell provides the concepts and tools needed to transform your relationship to yourself and the world for the better. Super Rich offers a road map to lasting, stable abundance that is rooted in something much deeper than wishful thinking or the stock market. It’s rooted in your consciousness. And once you tap into that consciousness and harness its power, then you’re going to have access to the greatest stimulus package of all time: your higher self.
“[Simmons’s] advice about practicing vairagya, or nonattachment, to achieve true contentment feels sincere and well earned. Simmons is more than willing to share the yogic wealth.” — YOGA JOURNAL
Cover design by Andres Alvarez/ FuerteGraphics.com Cover photograph of Russell Simmons by Amanda de Cadenet
ISBN 978-1-592-40618-0
GOTHAM BOOKS A member of Penguin Group (USA) Inc. 375 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10014 www.penguin.com
$15.00 U.S. $17.50 CAN.
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Self-Help/Motivational/Business Printed in U.S.A.
WITH CHRIS MORROW
“Russell Simmons’s latest book blends his spirituality with his business acumen.” —ALLHIPHOP.COM
RUSSELL SIMMONS
“The philosophy is sound—articulated in simple prose, but filled with anecdotes, humor, and raw language that are unmistakably Simmons’s.” — THE WASHINGTON POST
SUPER RICH
Photo: Michael Letterlough Jr / www.michaelletterlough.com
In Super Rich, Simmons claims spiritual evolution is a path to success in all areas of life, including material accumulation, which he sees as a bi-product of giving and living well. A devoted yogi, he also studies scripture religiously and believes in the collective. “It’s the idea of being one big body and being a servant within that body to achieve that blissful state.” This belief in servitude has inspired Simmons to pursue many philanthropic causes. Giving back is of primary importance to him in all aspects of life and as CEO of Rush Communications, he has consistently leveraged his influence in a range of industry sectors to give back. He also leads the non-profit division of his empire, Rush Community Affairs, and its ongoing commitment to empowering at-risk youth through education, the arts and social engagement. Social and political activism also plays a part in Simmons’ philosophy. He’s been a strict vegan since 1998 citing the first yamas of non-harming. “Eating less animals causes less harm, not just to the animals but less harm to yourself. It’s a simple choice,” he says. And social justice for the collective has inspired his recent involvement in the Occupy Wall Street protests. “In this discussion about democracy, the people are the ones who the politicians should be beholden to, not corporations or special interest groups. Any alternative motive that is not in the best interest of the people is unacceptable.” Undeniably, Simmons is an influential character and has always had his finger on the pulse of the people. From his early days on the cutting edge of music, fashion and urban culture to his evolution into a corporate force and caring philanthropist, Simmons has followed the mantra that spiritual richness is the key to true success. In Super Rich he explains how to drown out the noise, focus and find your life’s purpose. “All I ask of you is to understand that no
In Super Rich: A Guide to Having it All, Russell Simmons uses his rare blend of spiritual savvy and street-smart wisdom to offer a new definition of wealth. Simmons provides unforgettable true stories from his own road to riches, delving into the principles and practices that have kept him energized and focused. Whether we’re in the boardroom or in the yoga studio, Simmons says, we have to listen to our inner voices. Finding our unique potential, we can make the right moves, ruled not by money but by the joy of coned ograph scientious an aut Super Rich living and copFoylloowfus on Twditetteairls&. A G U I D E T O H AV I N G I T A L L ok for giving. Facebo THE INSPIRATIONAL NEW YORK TIMES
BESTSELLER
SUPER RICH
win
RUSSELL SIMMONS WITH
CHRIS MORROW
“Read this book and tap into the infinite supply of abundance in your own being.”
—DEEPAK CHOPRA
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« breathe in
Wayne’s World Here, we’re all worthy By Dominique Ritter It’s Friday night in downtown Montreal and I’m in a conference room with 1200 other people. Sitting in neat rows of straight-backed chairs, we all, as instructed, have our shoes off, our feet planted firmly on the ground, our hands resting on our thighs. The room is filled with an odour, vaguely reminiscent of gym locker and the strains of Ave Maria set to whale music. In what I can only assume is a spirit of openness, I start
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to consider that perhaps not all whale music is bad. If I’m to believe the man at the front of the room—and the wide array of scholarly, spiritual and poetical sources he draws upon—my presence here is a cosmic coincidence. But, according to Dr. Wayne Dyer—who has spent the past four decades motivating his audiences toward a higher state of being by means of self-help books (36 of them), TV specials
breathe in »
and lectures like this one—a coincidence is no mishap. “We’ve taken a word that means things that fit together perfectly and interpreted it to mean something that shows up accidentally. There’s nothing in this universe that is accidental.” Wayne Dyer is to motivational speaking what Oprah was to daytime TV. After Eckhart Tolle and the Dalai Lama, he was named the third most influential spiritual person in the world by Watkins Books—a fact he mentions no fewer than five times over the course of the evening. When he walks on stage, he receives a raucous welcome—hoots, autograph requests, flowers—that seems more rock star than spiritual leader, and, over the course of his three-hour lecture, he shares two recent personal anecdotes that involve women stalking him outside his Maui beachfront home. Still, at 71, wearing a black cap at a jaunty angle, beige cargo shorts and a long-sleeved black T-shirt, Dyer pulls off a relatively unpretentious air, even when he drops lines like, “Deepak and I used to talk about this.” The types of things Dyer and Deepak Chopra used to talk about had to do with manifesting your destiny, changing how you think in order to achieve your dearest wishes. His many books, including blockbuster best-seller Your Erroneous Zones, which has reportedly sold over 30 million copies, are all devoted to helping people become their highest selves. “Don’t die with your music still in you,” counsels Dyer. His upcoming book, Wishes Fulfilled is due out next spring and this lecture tour is a promotion in advance of its release. The focus of the new book is using imagination in the art of manifestation. “Into your imagination you place an ‘I am…perfect health’ and you forget about what the world tells you, what the numbers say, what all of the things on that Internet tell you, what your friends tell you, everything. You place into your imagination an ‘I am’ and you live from that place.” Recently, Dyer’s belief in self-healing was put to the test: two years ago, he was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, a form of cancer that leads to immune failure. Today, however, he stands before the audience and says, “I am perfect health”—a result he attributes to embracing Pam McDonald’s The Perfect Gene Diet and a long-distance “surgery” performed by Brazilian healer John of God. “This is the real deal. This is the possibility of change, of healing through spirit, that’s available when you’re open,” says Dyer. “My experience of that healing is going to change the lives of millions and millions of people. It might even transform the whole planet.” One of the uncomfortable limitations of Wayne’s theory is the focus on the future at the expense of the present. If you’re intent on manifesting a Mercedes in your driveway (one of the examples he uses), might you be less engaged with the pleasures that could already be available to you? If you’re investing all your energy in visualizing yourself to wellness, could you be overlooking a remedy that could provide physical relief? And, in a quest of positivity designed to defy death, is it possible that a person could leave himself emotionally and spiritually unprepared for the inevitable end that awaits us all? Ultimately, the messages and ideas espoused by Dyer can, by his own admission, be traced back to myriad other sources—the Bible, the Torah, Neville, Shakespeare, Elizabeth Kubler-Ross, among many others. What Dyer gives his acolytes is a Reader’s Digest version of profound and potentially life-changing ideas and he provides guidelines for applying those ideas in your daily life. Moreover, he does so with passion, conviction and, judging by the tens of millions of books he’s sold, resounding success. It’s hard to argue with the power of the man who had this cynic humming along to whale music.
Mastering Manifestation
In his upcoming book Wishes Fulfilled: Mastering the Art of Manifestation, which will be released in spring 2012, Dyer outlines five principles. They are: 1. Imagination. Inspired by William Blake’s quote “What is now proved was once only imagined,” Dyer believes that imagination is the most powerful tool in manifesting change. “If you want to be able to attract, to become the kind of person you would like to be, to move from ordinary to extraordinary, you must be able to imagine it,” says Dyer. He suggests you meditate on the mantra inspired by the self-definition of God (meaning love) “I am that” with “that” being the things you are seeking to attract into your life. 2. Living from the end Says Dyer, “You assume that what it is you would like to attract you already are and you don’t let anything take it away from you.” This thinking was inspired by Neville’s The Power of Awareness: “Disregard appearances, conditions, in fact all evidence of your senses that deny the fulfillment of your desire. Rest in the assumption that you are already what you want to be, for in that determined assumption you and your Infinite Being are merged in creative energy, and with your Infinite Being (God) all things are possible.” 3. Assume the feeling of the wish fulfilled To accomplish this, Dyer says you must go beyond intellectual understanding to achieve a spiritual understanding that comes from experience rather than contemplation or analysis. “You assume the feeling of the wish fulfilled, which means you go beyond the intellect and you feel in your body. You feel it as if it already were your reality,” he says. “Once I had this experience with John of God and I began writing about it, I began to feel perfect health. And I don’t care now what the numbers say. I have such a faith that when I feel something in my body it becomes my reality and nothing out there can detract me from it.” 4. Your attention, please Here Dyer asks that when the subject of your desires comes up in your daily life and you’re presented with a thought or evidence that is discouraging—in Dyer’s example, an acquaintance told him that their sister died of the same leukemia Dyer has—that you not waver in your belief. “This body that we’re all in has infinite wisdom. When you trust in yourself, you’re trusting in the very wisdom that created you. You’ve got to be able to say ‘I am well, I am content, I am fulfilled, I am prosperous’ and know that when you do that you connect to the universal sub-conscious.” 5. Now I lay me down to sleep… Every night, for the last five minutes before you fall asleep, Dyer advises you not to dwell on the day’s frustrations and disappointments. “When you are unconscious and in your sleep state you are marinating for eight hours in your subconscious mind. And in those eight hours, you are now aligning yourself with what it is you would like to attract or not attract,” he says. “You want to use your last five minutes to place into your imagination the ‘I am’ from the very first principle. The ‘I am well, I am content, I am happy.’”
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« vibrant health
Forget Gordon Gekko, Greed is not Good Practicing gratitude on the mat.
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Canada's Premier Centre for Yoga, Meditation, Well Being & Higher Learning. 245 Wyecroft Road, Unit 2 Oakville, ON L6K 3Y6 (905) 849-6868 I info@theclaritycentre.ca 28
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It’s curious: most of us come to yoga for a moment of peace, a
respite from the outside world, a hint of self-love and what do we end up with? Thoughts like: “When will my hamstrings ever open?” or, “I wish I could backbend like her.” even, “I will do every chaturanga if it kills me!” In an effort to be good students, we strive for perfection, but it often ends up being just another to-do list, another agenda, another form of greed. The Sanskrit word aparigraha, means non-grasping, non-hoarding, non-greediness. The practice of aparigraha is something that we, as yogis are supposed to have mastered as part of the yamas, restraints or ethical rules, before we embark on an asana or physical yoga practice. There is a reason for this. If greed is something that we struggle with, we will be faced with it everywhere and we will encounter it in our yoga. We are encouraged to master the practice of aparigraha so that we don’t bring our greediness onto our bodies – and our practice – and hurt ourselves. Greed gets us into trouble. I’ll never forget the moment when I glanced at a slim, flexible yogini on the mat next to me and thought ‘I want to be like her, I can do that too, I’m sure of it!’ But, as I pulled my poor body into a much too severe baddha konasana or bound angle pose, I popped my right sacro-iliac joint out of place. Bam! The spoils of greed. The inverse of greed is gratitude. Typically, this time of year reminds us to be grateful and give thanks, and it may be helpful to use the support of the community around you and the group intention, to set a
Photo: davidyoung-wolff.com
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Lotus Insure You new course for yourself. I invite you to practice gratitude on your mats. Set the intention at the beginning of your practice. Before you start jumping around, say something like “Today, in every move I make, I will be grateful for the body I have. Instead of wanting more out of each pose, I will be happy that I can do the pose at all.” Of course, be a good student and practice each asana with precision and passion, but see if you can follow through on your intention. In every downward dog, actually say to yourself “I’m so happy that I can do this just as I can.” In every warrior, instead of grasping for the ever-elusive ninety- degree angle, say “This pose is beautiful, just as it is.” Then notice what effect the practice of gratitude has on you. You may be surprised how good it feels. We, as people and as yogis, are achievement oriented and tend to establish our sense of self-worth based on our list of accomplishments. Instead of trying to hurry up and get to the next pose, this season, let’s practice with sincerity of intention. Let’s practice with aparigraha and gratitude.
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Alternative Health Care Practitioners 423 King St. North, Waterloo, ON N2H 2Z5
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ÂŤ Work Out
Home for the Holidays All snowed in? Bring your workout home.
By Ryan Lyn, BSc., CSCS
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work out »
It’s holiday time and many of us will have some extra time off from work, to spend time with family, shop for gifts, or even take a vacation. We are however, creatures of habit, and when we drop the work schedule our workouts may be forgotten too. This lack of activity, combined with turkey, stuffing and holiday sweets, will leave many of us struggling to do up our jeans come January. So, if you’re short on time and the thought of dusting snow off your car to get to the gym is just too much to bear, here is a 20-30 minute workout you can do with minimal equipment at home. You’ll need a sandbag, a kettlebell, a band, and an interval timer. If you don’t have a sandbag, you can improvise by using a durable bag of rice or even filling a duffel bag with 500ml bottles of water – your choice as to the weight. If you don’t have an interval timer, simply try completing 20 reps of each exercise, take 6 deep breaths to Exercise Work Rest recover, and move on (seconds) (seconds) 1. Sandbag Zercher Squat 40 20 to the next exercise. These exercises are all compound, multi-joint movements meant to elevate your heart rate and burn a ton of calories. Bottom line? This workout is more challenging than peddling an exercise bike or walking on the treadmill and you’ll get a lot more out of it.
2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Sandbag Bent Row
40
20
Band Squat Press
40
20
Kettlebell Swings
40
20
Plank Ups
40
20
Gorillas
40
20
Rest 90 seconds, and repeat 3-4X
Photo: Kristof / foto-studio.com
Exercise Descriptions
1. Sandbag Zercher Squat
2. Sandbag Bent Row
Hold the sandbag in the bend between your biceps and forearms. With your elbows pointed straight ahead and your chest held high, squat down until your thighs are at least parallel with the ground. To finish, maintain you upright posture, and drive up through your heels.
Bend your knees slightly and stick your hips back as you lean forward and pick up the bag. Keeping a flat back and your torso slightly above parallel, row the bag until your hands contact your lower chest.
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ÂŤ work out 3. Band Squat and Press Step on the band with both feet and pull it up to the level of your collarbone. With your hands close to your body and palms facing the ceiling, squat down to just above parallel. As you drive back up through your legs, push the band straight over your head.
4. Kettlebell Swings 5. Plank ups Begin in a standard plank, stacking your joints so that your elbows sit directly underneath your shoulders. Next, place your right palm on the ground and drive up into the top position of a pushup. Get back down to your forearms and repeat. Complete half of your reps driving with your right arm and then complete remainder driving with your left.
Hold the kettlebell it in front of your hips. Pull your hips back and then forcefully drive them forward. The bell should spring forward and then up. Throughout this movement, be sure to keep your back flat and shoulders retracted.
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6. Gorillas Begin in the top of a pushup position. Next, jump your feet forward so that the insides of your knees are just outside of your elbows. Jump your feet back out into the push up position and repeat.
Ryan Lyn is a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist and Personal Trainer rttrainingandnutrition.com
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My Perfect Day of Fitness »
North Star Rising
Tattiawna Jones has fitness bred in the bone
Photo: Darius Othello Jones
By Signe Langford
She’s just a baby, but at 26, she’s already got seven television series and one movie under her belt and made the trek from small town Ontario – a place called Manitouwadge – to Hollywood. It’s an Ojibway word meaning “cave of the Great Spirit” – seems Tattiawna Jones has taken some of that spirit along with her for the ride. And the girl is just as driven about fitness as she is about her acting career. “I started training when I was two!” Training? “My parents, G.G. and Othello Jones were competitive gymnastics trainers and phys. Ed. teachers, so fitness was something my brother and I were immersed in from day one.” Today, she’s at the gym six days a week, doing Pilates, boxing, yoga, dance and still she invites the trainers from G Force into her home for one on one sessions. “I’m an actor, and part of my job is being in great shape at all times. I don’t want to have to get in shape for a role, I want to be able to say, ‘OK, let’s go shoot this, I’m ready!’” She works nine to five every day: acting, studying, reading plays, doing theatre and staying fit. And she’s loving it. Still, she says, “Sometimes I feel like Cinderella: I wonder when I’m going to turn back into a pumpkin!” We asked the pretty, perpetual motion machine what she would do on her perfect day of fitness. The answer included shovelling horse poop. “This would have to be complete fantasy, because I’d have to be 33
WWW.SWEATEQUITYMAGAZINE.COM | FALL 2011
on another planet to get a day totally to myself. But if I did, it would start the night before, by getting a fabulous night’s sleep – at least eight hours. Maybe I’d sleep in until 10, then, when I woke up, I’d take my water outside, pluck a fresh mango or banana from a tree, visit the hens and get some fresh eggs.” Nice planet. “It would have to be somewhere where I could ride horses. I love riding! And I really enjoy stacking bales of hay and mucking out stalls – you know, shovelling manure. It’s a great upper body workout!” “I’d beam to L.A. for an indulgent afternoon of water therapies, a scrub down and massage at Olympic Spa in Koreatown, followed by sushi. Sushi on the West Coast is the best, to die for, and I love unagi!” From the West Coast she’d zip East, to Nova Scotia, home of her extended family, where she’d dance Zumba for hours on end with her cousins, stopping only long enough to gorge on piles of sweet, fresh lobster. “It’s so good out there, I don’t even want the butter.” Finishing this perfect day requires one more bout of teleporting, this time back home, to open a bottle of red, sit around a campfire with mom and dad and brother on the guitar. “After a glass or two, dad will get up and shimmy to his own rendition of ‘If I was a Rich Man’. It’s the best! I’ve got to get that on video!” For Jones, fitness is a total package: mind and body. Lifting weights is great, but she believes true fitness requires good food, family, horses, music and dancing. Lots and lots of dancing. winter 2011 | WWW.SWEATEQUITYMAGAZINE.COM
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Complimentary Consultation Offer expires March 31, 2012.
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WWW.SWEATEQUITYMAGAZINE.COM | winter 2011
BEST OF 2012 Yoga Studios & Teachers, Spas & Retreats, Teacher Training, Fitness & Wellness Services View the full directory on our website sweatequitymagazine.com
winter 2011 | WWW.SWEATEQUITYMAGAZINE.COM
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THE BEST
Yoga Studios & teachers
stretch. Each 90 minute class is considered a beginners skill level and offered in a supportive and non-judgemental environment. bikramyogaoakville.com
Centre of Gravity 180 Sudbury Street Toronto, ON M6J 3H2 @c_of_gravity
889 Yonge 889 Yonge Street Toronto, ON M4W 2H2 416.925.7206 alive@889yonge.com @889yonge Facebook:/889 Yonge
889 is a Yoga + Wellness Spa organization based in Toronto. The mission of 889 is to inspire happy, healthy lives. Today 889 has two locations: 889 Yonge in a former Victorian home in Rosedale and 889 at The Thompson Hotel in King West, as well as the inspiring + informative blog collective at 889yonge.com/blog. 889yonge.com
Ella Isakov 647.449.3552 @Yogini_Ella
300 hours teacher training with Downward Dog Centre; 20 hours Relax and Renew teacher training with Judith Lasater; Kids Yoga teacher training with Yoga4Kids and Rainbow Kids Yoga; Certified Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapist Ella Isakov is available to teach adults or children in group or private settings, and one-on-one Phoenix Rising yoga therapy sessions. yoginipath.com
instructors. Explore the mental benefits of meditation and health Qigong and introduce yourself to hot and aerial yoga by trying one of our foundation flow classes. hotyogawellness.com
Jock Yoga™ 416.618.396 michael@jockyoga.com
learning@centreofgravity.org
@jockyogaguy
Centre of Gravity is a non-profit organization in Toronto offering a highly accessible practice of yoga and meditation. Using mindfulness practices, retreats and study, we offer practical ways to integrate personal development with social engagement. Our weekly classes are by donation. Nobody is turned away for lack of funds. centreofgravity.org
Jock Yoga™, led by founder Michael DeCorte, is a highly publicized, contemporary and athletic vinyasa yoga style that has taken Toronto by storm. This challenging practice is perfect for men and women, yoganewbies, seasoned yogis, and just about anyone who wants to sweat! A Strong Practice. jockyoga.com
Downward Dog Yoga centre
facebook:/Jock Yoga
goodyoga David Good 416.668.9426 david@goodyoga.ca
goodyoga is an educated approach to yoga. Rich in alignment cues, therapeutics and a vigorous flow, the practice will leave you feeling like you learned something about your body, while nurturing yoursoul. Offering: private, corporate & group classes, restorative and therapeutic yoga, goodyoga labs/workshops and goodyoga Inspiring Events. goodyoga.ca
735 Queen Street W | Toronto 1977 Queen Street E | Beaches 416.703.8805
Bikram Yoga Oakville 177 Cross Avenue Oakville, On L6J 2W7 905.844.9642 @BikramOakville bikramyogaoakville@gmail.com Facebook:/Bikram Yoga Oakville
Bikram Yoga Oakville is about union and connection. The Bikram series of 26 Hatha postures is conducted in a heated room of 105°F with 40% humidiy to allow for a deep and safe
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info@downwarddog.com
MISFITSTUDIO
@downwarddogyoga
694 Queen Street West
facebook:/
(backalley)
downwarddogyogacentre
Toronto, ON M6J 1E7
Downward Dog Yoga Centre offers a diverse range of classes suitable to all levels. Many of Canada’s leading instructors have studied under the renowned guidance of Ron Reid and Diane Bruni, Toronto’s pioneer yoga practitioners, whose sought-after studio destination provides exceptional, comprehensive instruction to students from around the globe. downwarddog.com
MISFITSTUDIO is a unique studio in West Queen West. Blending elements of Pilates, Yoga and Dance, we focus on the experience of movement. Group classes vary from Cardio Pilates, FUSION, BROga and Restorative Yoga. Private sessions are individualized for each students needs. Joy and celebration of the body is encouraged ...come and get your sweat on! misfitstudio.com
WWW.SWEATEQUITYMAGAZINE.COM | winter 2011
Hot Yoga Wellness Toronto - Head Office & Studio Vaughan | Scarborough | Woodbridge Burlington | Buttonville | Brampton | Edmonton 905.660.8880 info@hotyogawellness.com
The Hot Yoga Wellness experience will leave positive changes in your body, mind, and spirit. Experience the detoxifying benefits of hot yoga with the guidance of our experienced
Moksha Yoga 250-537-0011 info@mokshayoga.ca @mokshayoga
philosophy of achieving wellness through balanced living. Offering 3 studios, a full product line & over 50 classes/week taught by the best instructors in the GTA – truly makes this your one-stop yoga shop. stratusphereyoga.com
The Yoga Sanctuary Toronto Central 416.928.3236 Toronto East 416.461.6161
YOGASPACE
facebook:/moksha yoga
Oakville 905.842.9642
We are a group of independent hot yoga studios committed to ethical, compassionate and environmentally conscious living, and believe that the benefits of yoga are limitless and accessible to all. It began in Toronto, Canada and has grown to more than 60 studios. mokshayoga.ca
Richmond Hill 905.508.9642
148 Ossington Avenue
@Yoga_Sanctuary
Toronto, On M6J 2Z5
info@theyogasanctuary.net
416.516.9940
The Yoga Sanctuary has been a part of the growing Yoga community in Toronto for over 12 years. All four locations hold classes suitable for all levels of practitioners, from beginners to advanced yogis alike. You can even drop by the Danforth or Oakville studios for select heated classes! theyogasanctuary.net
contact@yogaspace.net
The Clarity Centre 245 Wyecroft Road, Unit 2 Oakville, ON L6K 3Y6 905.849.6868 info@theclaritycentre.ca @claritycentre facebook:/the clarity centre
Soleil Vitality Clinic 842A Danforth Avenue Toronto, ON M4J 1L7 647.930.1831 yoga@soleilvitality.com
Experience the healthful synergy of yoga, physiotherapy and Shamanics. Soleil Vitality links conventional and alternative medicine with the restorative and therapeutic aspects of yoga. Soleil’s Yoga Assessments help define your needs and guide you toward achieving optimum practice. Offering Hatha, Yin, Restorative and Kriya styles… breathe, move and empower yourself. soleilvitality.com
Canada’s Premier Centre for Yoga, Meditation, Well Being & Higher Learning. Drop in classes in Hot Yoga, Yoga, Aerial Yoga, Spinning, Meditation, Pilates & Running. Event nights including Kirtan, movies, organic cooking & book clubs. Wellbeing Services, Accredited Training Programs and much more! Everyone loves Clarity! Move, Be Still, Learn, Nourish, Grow! TheClarityCentre.ca
The Flying Yogi 245 Carlaw Ave., Suite 007 Toronto, ON M4M 2S1 647.993.YOGI info@theflyingyogi.ca @theflyingyogi facebook:/the flying yogi
Stratusphere Yoga Studio 255 Bass Pro Mills Drive Vaughan, ON L4K 0A2 905.760.9642 @trishstratuscom Facebook:/ stratusphereyogastudio
Fitness icon Trish Stratus opened Canada’s largest yoga studio to help spread her personal
The Flying Yogi is a combination of suspension yoga studio and fitness play-center offering classes in anti-gravity suspension yoga, floating restorative and gravity core strength training as well as Teacher Training and unique workshops combining yoga with hula-hooping and pole dancing. All classes are designed to bring back the fun in fitness. theflyingyogi.ca
Long-established Yoga Centre in Toronto’s Queen West neighbourhood. Extensive Drop-in Class Schedule, Specialty Pre-Reg Workshops, Therapeutic Treatments, Yoga Retreats, Teacher Training. Excellent teaching team, 3 beautiful studios, supportive environment, friendly staff, warm and welcoming. Yoga for Everyone. Hatha, Vinyasa, Yin, Restorative. yogaspace.net
The Yoga Tree Thornhill: 905.882.8733 Richmond Hill: 905.882.9642 Downtown toronto:
YogaVision
416.603.9642
647.519.2245
yonge & eglington
salimah@yogavision.com
yoga@yogatree.ca
@YogaVision
@Yoga_Tree
Facebook:/YogaVision Studio
facebook:/loveyogatree
YogaVision specializes in large scale Kundalini & Laughter Yoga experiences, perfect for your media, corporate, community and fundraising events. Salimah Kassim-Lakha is a Yoga Therapist in training, offering one on one numerology, reflexology and manual therapy for healing and personal transformation. yogavision.com
As one of the largest studios in Toronto, Yoga Tree is dedicated to help improve your quality of life through physical and mental rejuvenation. A community for those seeking a healthier lifestyle, we thrive on building solid relationships to understand your needs. With over 150 yoga classes per week and 4 locations across the Greater Toronto Area, all classes are available in progressive levels and led by a high calibre of trained professionals. Set in an ecological oasis, Yoga Tree holds true to its green philosophy, bringing you a tranquil experience without compromising comfort, luxury and our environmental responsibilities. yogatree.ca
winter 2011 | WWW.SWEATEQUITYMAGAZINE.COM
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THE BEST
retreats & spas
Skype: Katewannan
Centre of Gravity 180 Sudbury Street Toronto, ON M6J 3H2 @c_of_gravity learning@centreofgravity.org
Allegra Organic Spa & Boutique Suite 6 - 181 Main Street East Milton, ON (Entrance & parking off Mill St.)
Centre of Gravity is a non-profit organization offering a highly accessible practice of yoga and meditation. We offer retreats both at our centre in Toronto and at beautiful retreat facilities just outside the city. Retreats are held primarily in silence and include yoga, meditation, chanting, and textual study. centreofgravity.org
Eco-librium’s innovative yoga and fitness adventures combine a peaceful retreat experience with sustainable tourism resulting in an unforgettable travel experience. These health and wellness retreats for all fitness levels, run across Latin America and incorporate a strong commitment to conserving our environment. We are registered with the Travel Industry Council of Ontario and members of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council. eco-libriumadventures.com
info@allegraspa.com Facebook:/Allegra Organic Spa & Boutique
allegraspa.com
body blitz spa 471 Adelaide St. West Toronto ON, M5V 1T1 416.364.0400
iRETREAT INC. 416.866.8594
Downward Dog Yoga Centre 735 Queen Street W., 2nd Fl Toronto, On M6J 1G1 416.703.8805 info@downwarddog.com
Downward Dog retreats take place throughout the year at idyllic locations that promote relaxation and rejuvenation. Over the course of each retreat, Ron Reid, Diane Bruni, Marla Joy and David Bruni lead asana classes, workshops and restorative/meditation sessions suitable for practitioners of all levels interested in escaping the everyday. downwarddog.com
fax: 416.866.2109 info@iretreat.ca TICO REG#: 50019258
iRETREAT skillfully plans and executes eco-conscious wellness retreats that remove people from their hectic surroundings and immerse them in supportive settings within unspoiled and healing environments. All retreat offerings facilitate renewal, health and joy in a holistic way. Choose your escape: yoga, surfing, scuba, bootcamp, nutrition, meditation, detox, family, healing. iretreat.ca
info@bodyblitzspa.com
Body blitz ~ health by water is a women’s only spa that puts a modern twist on ancient restorative water practices. Includes a Dead Sea salt pool, hot green tea pool, cold pool, steam, infrared sauna, scrub, mud and massage treatments. Our second Body Blitz east (Corktown) opens summer 2012! bodyblitzspa.com
Iyashi Bedrock Spa 2662 Yonge Street
Eco-librium Adventures
@iyashibedrckspa info@iyashibedrockspa.com
Canadian office: 7 Smith
Iyashi, the only Japanese Ganbanyoku Spa in North America is a truly unique experience. Sweat your stress, toxins and calories away on their heated Black Silica Stone beds which release far infrared
Brazilian office: Rua Pedro Longo, 350. Casa 2, Itacare , BA CEP 45530 000 Info@eco-libriumadventures.com
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Toronto, ON M4P 2J5 416.488.7625
Health & Wellness Retreats Place, Elliot Lake, On. P5A 1R5
WWW.SWEATEQUITYMAGAZINE.COM | winter 2011
Pure + Simple Yonge & Eglinton: 416.481.2081 Yorkville: 416.924.6555 King & Bathurst: 416.366.8558 Oakville: 905.844.4900 @pURE_AND_sIMPLE FACEBOOK:/Pure + simple
905.693.0057
An urban oasis of beautifying and soothing decadence. We offer spa and skin care products and services along with medesthetic services all adhering to the highest level of eco-accountability within the most luxurious setting. Conveniently located in ‘Downtown’ Milton with a fashion boutique and an impressive roster of talented professionals for your personal care needs. allegraspa.com
rays. Their Hot Yin Yoga feels amazing since the heat comes from the floor - “imagine being in a rainforest”. iyashibedrockspa.com
Pure + simple searches the world for authentic natural brands that promote skin health and beauty. The services and products developed offer safe and effective results to clients’ desires. Pure + simple offers professional quality makeup + skincare products with no petroleum or chemical fragrances, colours + preservatives. pureandsimple.ca
Yoga Space 416.516.9940 contact@yogaspace.net
January 22 - 29. COSTA RICA $1595 with Patricia White ERYT 500. Beautiful mountain retreat centre overlooking Pacific Ocean. Hatha Yoga. All Welcome. March 31 - April 7. MEXICO $950 with Kathryn Beet ERYT 500. Puerto Morelos. Vinyasa & Yin Yoga. White sand, turquoise water, gloriously warm, thoroughly relaxing. For Summer and Fall retreats see website. yogaspace.net
YYoga 604.736.6002
Hot Yoga Wellness
info@yyoga.ca
Toronto: 647.896.8001
@YYoga
China: 647.202.3339
Facebook:/YYoga
tt@hotyogawelleness.com
YYoga, voted Vancouver’s best yoga & pilates studio, offers retreats throughout the year lead by the industry’s best faculty. With retreats in Maya Tulum Mexico and Costa Rica and early bird special discounts of $200, there’s no better retreat offering to start your journey into this amazing experience. yyoga.ca/retreats
Learn foundations of our “East meets East in the West” concept by combining Yoga philosophy with teachings of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Gain hands on skills to blend Yin & Yang Yoga, Aerial Yoga, Qigong, anatomy, nutrition, and yoga therapy. Our intensive 250 hour teacher training is certified with Yoga Alliance and Canadian Yoga Alliance. hotyogawellness.com
1.866.504.4671
THE BEST
teacher training
Moksha Yoga 250.537.0011 INFO@MOKSHAYOGA.CA @mokshayoga facebook:/Moksha Yoga
Downward Dog Yoga Centre 735 Queen Street W., 2nd Fl Toronto, On M6J 1G1 416.703.8805 info@downwarddog.com
Downward Dog’s 500-hour Teacher Training program is designed to foster an unparalleled learning environment where aspiring instructors and those wishing to deepen their practice receive in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience from Toronto’s celebrated instructors, Ron Reid, Diane Bruni, Marla Joy and David Bruni. downwarddog.com
The Moksha Yoga program is an entirely unique hot yoga teacher training, comprised of a one-month hot yoga intensive and a 10-month correspondence course. Author of ‘Mindfulness Yoga’ and Zen monk Frank Jude Boccio says, “Without a doubt the most comprehensive and inspiring teacher training that I have been a part of.” mokshayoga.ca
hours of Yoga Teacher Training Courses and is recognized as a Private Educational Institute with the Federal Government. Aspiring Teachers can enrol in the 250 hour YTT while advanced teachers can choose the 300 hour AYTT! theyogasanctuary.net
CYKL
416.792.9492 | 1.855.607.YOGA
68 Bathurst Street
info@yogafitcanada.com
Toronto, ON M5V 2P5
@yogafitcanada
416.504.2955
facebook:/yfcanada
CYKL is Toronto’s premier indoor cycling studio, offering the best classes and programs, taught by inspiring and qualified coaches. CYKL is the only studio in Toronto to use the revolutionary RealRyder bikes. Experience CYKL and get Real Fit. Real Fast. cykl.ca
YogaFit™ is the leader in mind/ body fitness education and the preferred Yoga Teacher Training program of canfitpro. Offering 200 & 500 RYT with Yoga Alliance, including many specialty trainings: Seniors, PreNatal, Kids, YogaCore, YogaBack, YogaLean & YogaFit Sweat. YogaFit™ is Yoga for everybody and every body. yogafitcanada.com
Toronto Central, 1.866.903.9642 info@theyogasanctuary.net @Yoga_Sanctuary facebook:/ theyogasanctuarylive
Successfully training teachers for over 10 years, The Yoga Sanctuary offers up to 500
Eva Redpath eva@evaredpath.com YouTube.com/EvaRedpath @EvaRedpath
YOGASPACE contact@yogaspace.net
Toronto East and Oakville
fitness & wellness services
YogaFit Canada Inc.
416.516.9940
The Yoga Sanctuary
THE BEST
Long-established 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training Program in Toronto. Experienced teaching faculty, relaxed schedule, supportive environment. Hatha, Vinyasa, Therapeutic Yoga. Yoga Alliance registered School, Federal Government Private educational Institution, Tuition and textbook credit provided for income tax purposes. yogaspace.net
Eva Redpath’s BCBD classes offer a series of unique choreographed exercises that focus on strengthening and toning the body. BCBD is an ideal method for women who are interested in exercising, but are tired of traditional gyms and group fitness classes. evaredpath.com
Hellerwork Toronto 165 Avenue Rd, Suite 302 Toronto, ON M5R 3S4 416.271.7188 jeff@hellerworktoronto.com
Rolfing? Come see what it’s like to have structural integrity. Untwist your frame. Release your chronic patterns of tension. Learn about your body. Get Rolfed by the only Hellerworker
winter 2011 | WWW.SWEATEQUITYMAGAZINE.COM
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in Ontario. Improve your yoga. Have true balance. Loose the pain. Become friends with gravity because you are only getting older. hellerworktoronto.com
Kate Wannan, HBOR, BA, CEO Travel Consultant Canadian office: 7 Smith Place, Elliot Lake, On. P5A 1R5 Brazilian office: Rua Pedro
WILLIAM MICHAEL FORBES
Longo, 350. Casa 2, Itacare ,
647.784.3258
BA CEP 45530 000
WILLIAMFORBES@
kate@eco-libriumadven-
NAVIGATINGTHESOUL.CA
tures.com
Knowing how to navigate through the ups and downs of everyday life can take you to your dreams. From suicide to the fantastic, I’ve been there. Change fear into love, pain into growth, loss into gain. You have the power to believe in yourself. navigatingthesoul.ca
Skype: Katewannan
HIIT Fitness 416.738.7083 tara@hiitfitness.ca @HIITFitness Facebook:/HIIT Fitness
Lack of time is not an excuse anymore! Get a kickass workout in the time it takes most people to drive to and from the gym. At HIIT Fitness, our workouts are both intense and short (30mins), so you save yourself time while getting the benefits of functional strength training and cardio together. hiitfitness.ca
Joyous Health 416.566.458 Joy@joyoushealth.ca @joyoushealth Facebook:/Joyous Health Skype/phone/in-person sessions available
Want to sleep better, improve energy, banish digestive problems, beautify from the inside out and feel fabulous every day? You can have all this and more when you work with Holistic Nutritionist, Joy McCarthy. An all-encompassing approach to helping you reach your wellness goals through long-term sustainable change. Get empowered! joyoushealth.ca
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NAVIGATING THE SOUL
Want to run your own unique yoga or fitness adventure? Kate, CEO of Eco-librium Sustainable Adventures, has been travel consulting for 10 years. She organizes specialized retreats, holidays, or volunteer opportunities for companies, individuals, fitness and yoga studios. She is registered with the Travel Industry Council of Ontario and a member of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council. eco-libriumadventures.com
Quad Quad King Toronto 416.203.1811
Nathane Jackson
quad east toronto quad west oakville
nathane@nathanejackson.com
905.842.1812
WWW.SWEATEQUITYMAGAZINE.COM | winter 2011
664 Bloor St West 2nd Floor Toronto, ON M6G 1L2 416.234.0011 info@thaimassagetoronto.com
Thai Massage Toronto School & Massage Centre was founded in 1998 by Deanna Villa. Experience our comprehensive TMT method taught by Master Practitioner Teachers. Our premiere school features two fully-equipped teaching studio’s located in Toronto and Port Credit, Mississauga. Instructional DVD’s, CD’s, Mats and Props available on site. Toronto location features established Massage Centre. thaimassagetoronto.com
416.850.2799
@Nathane_Jackson
Nathane L Jackson is one of Canada’s leading Health, Wellness & Fitness authorities who specializes in holistic living through an in depth Mind, Body & Spirit approach. Nate manages an interactive online Health, Wellness & Fitness coaching program integrating functional exercise, plant based nutrition and emphasizing the importance of restoration practices through yoga & meditation. nathanejackson.com
Thai Massage Toronto School and Massage Centre
@quadspin facebook:/quad spinning
Quad opened in 2002 at 580 King West in Toronto, then quad west at 447 speers road in oakville in 2006, and finally in 2009, quad east at 672 queen east in toronto. we strive to make spinning important with great bikes and teachers, quadspin.com
Total Cleanse 647.230.3699 info@totalcleanse.ca @totalcleanseca
Total Cleanse is Canada’s premier juice cleanse delivery service, providing you with a unique variety of fresh, high quality cleanses designed to detoxify your body. Some benefits include increased energy, weight loss, feeling more relaxed, clearer skin and improved sleep. Have your Total Cleanse delivered directly to your door anywhere in Canada! totalcleanse.ca
learn more at
yyoga.ca/retreats book before Dec. 31, 2011 & save $200!
yoga retreat in Nosara, Costa Rica! April 7 – 14, 2012
Give the gift of healthy skin. Escape the cold effects of winter at Allegra Organic Spa & Boutique: Organic & Oxygen Facials Microdermabrasion Facial Photofacials Infrared Facial TrueBlood Facial
Looking your best at any age
905 693 0057 allegraspa.com Suite 6 - 181 Main Street E. Milton - Entrance & Parking Off Mill St
winter 2011 | WWW.SWEATEQUITYMAGAZINE.COM
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« love life
Join us on Facebook and Twitter for daily tips from our experts!
Baby it’s Cold Outside 5 winter skin woes, 5 easy, natural solutions By Kristen Ma, co-owner Pure + Simple Canadian winters exact a toll on our skin. According to Ayurveda, our environment greatly influences our physiology and between the harsh, dry, cold weather and the overzealous indoor heating, we can easily become dehydrated and depleted. The result: skin imbalances, edema (puffiness due to water retention) and eczema. For vibrant, glowing winter skin, follow these five, easy, natural, Ayurveda-inspired tips.
transporting oxygen to the cells and whisking away toxins and waste products. Poor circulation results in a dull complexion. To stimulate circulation use skincare products containing invigorating ingredients: ginseng, lemon oil, vitamin C and ginger are all excellent for encouraging circulation: incorporating them into your beauty regimen helps put the roses back in your cheeks! Bonus: good circulation promotes collagen production.
Dry Lips and Lip Balm Addiction
Cracked Cuticles and Heels
‘Tis the season. Those of us with dry, flaky kissers don’t leave the house without our trusty Chapstick. But constant application of lip balm can actually worsen the problem. If you use a lip product containing petroleum ingredients, it does not penetrate the skin’s surface so it simply sits on top and clogs the pores, sometimes leading to blackheads around the lip line. While petroleum-based lip balms offer temporary relief, they do not restore moisture and even inhibit moisture replenishment. Switch to a lip salve or lip oil made from natural butters, waxes or oils, which will actually be absorbed. For best results, start each morning with a gentle exfoliation using a damp washcloth to remove dead skin cells, then follow with the application of a natural lip balm.
Poor circulation not only leads to dull skin, but to dry skin, as well. Extremities are farthest from the heart and they are the last to receive fresh blood flow. This is why our hands and feet are first to become dry in winter. Combine poor circulation with dehydrating weather and the skin on our hands and feet is so depleted and under-nourished, it can become brittle and even cracked. To treat this, faithfully apply warming, circulation-stimulating oils to our hands and feet each night. Sesame oil is a widely available option that invigorates and moisturizes. For skin that’s not too sensitive, mustard seed oil is excellent: it’s so stimulating it may cause a tingling sensation. Winter Water Weight Gain
Congested sinuses in winter? Sure. How about congested pores? In winter, our skin is also prone to being clogged and congested. Most often considered the result of overly oily skin, it is actually caused by the opposite – dehydration. All of us, even dry skin types, secrete oil (sebum) from our pores, providing our skin’s surface with lubrication and protection. But when our skin is dehydrated, these oils dry out and become blackheads, whiteheads and milia (tiny, dry blemishes). The best solution is to oil your skin. This loosens dry, lodged sebum and restores the skins natural balance. Most importantly, choose a natural, vegetable-based oil, such as jojoba, almond or olive. Mineral oil, which is derived from petroleum, does not properly absorb and therefore further clogs pores.
Many of us complain about gaining extra weight in winter, especially post-holiday. But before you start planning a calorie-restricted diet, consider this: the sudden extra weight is usually not fat-gain, but rather, water-retention caused by dehydration. When our body lacks water, it holds on to the moisture it does have. Simply increasing your hydration will alleviate this, as well as replenish your tissues. Hydrating the body is achieved by drinking more water, eating water-rich fruits and veggies and avoiding dehydrating substances such as caffeine and alcohol. For an extra moisture boost, invest in a humidifier, for home and office.
Kristen Ma is an Ayurvedic practitioner and co-owner of Pure + Simple Inc., an independent chain of holistic spas in Toronto. She’s
Dull Complexion
the author of Beauty: Pure + Simple and writes the popular blog,
Because we are less active in winter and because cold constricts blood vessels, we may suffer from poor circulation. Blood feeds the skin by
holisticvanity.ca. There, she shares her thoughts and knowledge on
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WWW.SWEATEQUITYMAGAZINE.COM | winter 2011
Ayurveda and it’s beauty benefits. pureandsimple.ca
Photo: istockphoto.com
Congested Pores
love life »
Sole Soothing...
Nourish Your Roots
By Erin Moraghan
Our feet serve us all day long, supporting the weight of our whole body. They take us on long morning hikes, cross-country skiing, playing hockey with the kids, or running down the beach. In yoga standing poses we often refer to the feet as roots. Think of a tree; the vitality and strength of its branches and leaves depend on healthy, established roots. Improving the health and condition of your feet with a few simple steps can mean a stronger, healthier body. Pedicures
Pampering your tootsies on a regular basis with a little TLC at your local nail bar makes a world of difference. A good pedi means your feet get scrubbed, your nails get trimmed, and your soles and legs get a yummy rub-down. Don’t think you can squeeze in an extra hour once a month? You can! Go during office hours and bring your laptop. Take a conference call in the pedi chair! We won’t tell anyone. Be sure your local spot is using clean, sterilized tools in a sparkling clean environment.
Photo: istockphoto.com
Reflexology & Massage
Certain points on your feet are directly linked to other specific areas, including organs, bones, muscles and more. Pressure applied to these special points means your whole body benefits. You can even perform your own reflexology massage, and it doesn’t take long. Take a few minutes to massage your soles when you hop into bed each night or when you’re in a yoga pose where you can reach
your feet in a relaxed way, such as a passive cobbler’s pose. Find easy video tutorials online to learn about pressure points and become a pro in no time. Toe Separators
Mother nature didn’t intend for our toes to be squished together inside our peep-toe stilettos or our hockey skates. Counter the effects of hours of shoe-wearing each day with a few minutes wearing toe separators. These handy contraptions fit snugly around each of your toes, giving them a little break from each other by stretching and extending each digit. This is awesome for your toes and the joints in the ball of the foot, and helps wake up the muscles in the soles. You can achieve a similar effect by interlocking your fingers between your toes and taking nice long breaths for a few minutes. Legs-Up-the-Wall-Pose
Inversions have countless health benefits, and this simple restorative pose is accessible for
just about anyone. It works magic for your whole body, starting with your feet. Blood pools in the feet and ankles, especially for those who are on their feet all day. Yogis say this pose can help soothe cramped feet and calves, reduce varicose veins, calm the mind, reduce tension headaches, and even help with backaches and menstrual pain. All you need is - you guessed it - a wall. Sit sideways next to a wall so the side of one hip is touching the wall. Lower yourself to the floor, starting on your side then rolling on your back so your legs extend up the wall and your hips are nice and close to where the wall meets the floor. If your low back or hamstrings are tight, feel free to place a cushion or bolster under your hips. Extend through the spine, gently dropping the chin so the back of your neck is long. Bring the shoulders back and down and let your arms rest at your sides, palms up. Soften the belly, close the eyes, and breathe. Stay here for 2-15 minutes - your body will tell you how long.
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« love life
Fit Travel Spotlight: Riviera Maya, Mexico By Kat Tancock
more than just beach time – cultural and adventure activities, multiple water sports and the world’s second-largest barrier reef make for a vacation that’s packed with as much action as you can fit in.
Where to stay The coastline is packed with resorts for every budget and interest, so if you’re the all-inclusive type, you’ll have much to choose from – and if you’re not, plenty of alternative accommodations are available, such as on Tulum beach, a popular destination for independent travelers. When choosing a resort, look for one with an on-site gym and sports and gear included, such as the Grand Velas near Playa del Carmen, which offers multiple activities including daily one-hour bike tours through the jungle, morning yoga classes and even diving lessons in the beachfront pool.
Get active Snorkel straight from shore (the reef makes the waves gentle) along much of the coast, though the lagoon at Akumal is among the best spots to see lots of fish and even sea turtles. Dive or snorkel on guided 44
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tours to the reef – look for dive shops in towns such as Cozumel, or pick a resort with a dive shop on site. Cave diving in the region’s cenotes, natural sinkholes that give access to an extensive system of underwater caves, is a big draw. Kayaking, kiteboarding and paddleboarding are also on offer at many resorts, as well as guided tours, such as paddling through mangroves. And if you’re in or near Playa del Carmen, stop by Center 8 Studio for yoga and fitness classes including Yoga Dance, a flowing one-hour vinyasa practice that will leave you sweaty and limber and might even burn off that margarita.
What to eat All-inclusives can be tough on the waistline—hello, best-ever chips and guacamole!—but most offer an extensive salad and fruit bar with local goodies such as jicama and guava. Ask for warmed fresh tortillas instead of fried to dip in salsas and wrap around healthier taco fillings and look for resorts with fresh juice and smoothie bars for nutrient-rich breakfasts. In Playa del Carmen, pop in to Wayan Village for a fresh juice—the Clorofila is a blend of local leafy green chaya with spinach, lime and orange—and make your way to Ah Cacao for cacao nibs, cocoa powder and an intensely satisfying cup of spicy Mayan drinking chocolate.
Photo: Kat Tancock
The Caribbean coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula is about
love life »
e What to bring
Lululemon’s ultrathin and grippy Un Mat ($38) weighs less than a kilogram and folds easily into your luggage, meaning there’s no excuse not to keep up with your practice while away. Use it on its own or on top of a studio mat instead of a towel.
Stop babying your camera. The Olympus Tough TG-810 ($399) is shockproof and waterproof so you don’t have to fear taking it along on adventures. Take it snorkeling or diving down to 33 feet for video and stills of underwater sights, and let the kids play with it, too – it can handle being dropped from heights up to 6.6 feet.
Safety, style and convenience combine in Lululemon’s Travel Pooch ($44). The strap adjusts in length so you can wear it as a fanny pack, across the front or your body or on one shoulder pursestyle, and multiple pouches and zipper pockets hold your cash, keys, passport and travel documents.
Om vacation
Really want to rejuvenate and come back a new person? A yoga retreat might be the holiday your mind and body need. Here are five picks to consider this winter. Where: Goa, India When: March 11-17, 2012 Who: B.C. yogi Eoin Finn and his wife, Insiya Why: A little farther afield than many winter getaways, the Finns’ YEAH (yoga, ecology, ayurveda, hammocks) is a chance to see yoga’s (and Insiya’s) homeland in an accessible way. In the lesscrowded southern end of Goa at Lotus Yoga on Patnem Beach, participants will enjoy daily vinyasa classes, delicious organic meals, an ayurvedic massage and excursions including dolphin-scouting, beach-walking and shopping in Goa’s markets. More info: blissology.com Where: Puerto Escondido, Mexico When: March 13-20, 2012 Who: Ron Reid, Diane Bruni, Marla Joy and David Bruni of Toronto studio Downward Dog Why: In Oaxaca on Mexico’s Pacific coast, Puerto Escondido villa La Casa Don Juan offers guests ocean views, gourmet meals and an expansive white-sand beach. Thrice daily yoga classes will keep you limbered up for optional activities including surfing, horseback riding and kayaking. More info: downwarddog.com Where: Carate Beach, Costa Rica When: March 24 - April 1, 2012 Who: Ashtanga teachers Anna Laurin and Vince Smit, via Toronto company iRetreat Why: Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast is a surfer’s dream, and in addition to a daily Mysore practice, this retreat package includes three surfing lessons to get you started. Three vegan or vegetarian meals per day—from produce organically grown on-site—and access to other activities including music, art and boogie boards will keep you busy and accommodation in Finca Exotica Wildlife Refuge EcoLodge will get you closer to nature. More info: iretreat.ca Where: Puerto Morelos, Mexico When: March 31 - April 7, 2012 Who: Kathryn Beet, owner of Toronto’s YogaSpace Why: Daily morning vinyasa and afternoon restorative classes leave time to explore the Mayan Riviera and activities the region has to offer (see opposite page). Accommodation at Villas Shanti, 20 minutes from the airport in Cancun, is clean, comfortable and budget-friendly. On-compound Wifi means that if you have to, you can make it a working vacation. More info: yogaspace.net Where: Peru When: February 15-24, 2012 Who: Ontario-based Ecolibrium Adventures Why: Not all retreats have to be on the beach. On this tour, blend regular yoga sessions with hiking the Inca Trail to Macchu Picchu, wandering the ancient city of Cuzco and visiting a jungle town to explore, meditate and learn about local traditions. And yes, on your last day in Lima, you can hit the beach, too. More info: eco-libriumadventures.com
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The Prison Yoga Project How a journey of survival lead prisoners to inner peace
Photo: RobertSturmanStudio.com
By Erin Moraghan
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« do yoga
Yoga teaches us to remember that we are all connected, and that we all share the same fundamental needs, hopes and dreams. After all, aren’t we all looking for just a little more peace in our lives? However, it might be a bit trickier to understand how a stay-at-home mom and a convicted felon are connected. Are we really all the same at our roots? Imagine for a moment that you’re a small boy. You grow up seeing your stepfather abuse your mother, and then your little sister. While it kills your soul, you also don’t know any different. You feel powerless over the situation, and at the mere age of seven years old you’re afraid he’ll hurt you too. You leave home as soon as you can, hitting the streets at 12. You don’t have an extended family to reach out to. Looking for a dry place to sleep you find a youth shelter but they report you to children’s services because you’re too young to be out on your own. You have a few nice foster families, but you keep getting bounced around. You learn how to assimilate and get along as best as you can, hoping each nice family will be able to keep you. You finally find a place that feels like home, with kids your age. You build trust, you feel safe. Maybe life can be normal. Until one day the father molests you. He tells you not to say anything or he’ll beat you. You’ve been around the block long enough to know this situation is scary, so you go back to the streets. You steal to survive. You’re hurting inside. You miss your mom and sister, and you’re sad 48
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about the bad things that have happened to you. Discovering drugs is like a miracle. They numb some of the pain and become your best friend. A few years later you’re selling drugs to support your habit, so you can stay numb because you don’t know how to deal with the pain. The streets are tough, so you keep a knife to protect yourself. A deal goes bad and there’s a fight. But you’re a survivor. You don’t want to die. You see your father, you see the man who molested you, and you feel terrified. Suddenly you’re looking down at a junkie in the alley, bleeding to death. How did this happen? Meet James Fox. He believes we are not all separate, that we are all born with the same essential need for safety and love. Sometimes when things go wrong, the survivor in us will do anything to push through the pain and do the best we can. For Fox, yoga became a tool to help him survive. The power of a strong yoga and meditation practice helped save his life and he’s been practicing for over 20 years. He became a yoga teacher over a decade ago, and immediately launched his mission of exposing at-risk populations, including the incarcerated, to the
do yoga »
psycho-physiological benefits of yoga. He had a lofty goal: to spread the word about the benefits of yoga, pranayama, and meditation in prisons - not just in his own community but around the globe. In 2002 Fox started the Insight Prison Yoga Project at San Quentin State Prison. It didn’t take long for the word to spread about the magic of Fox’s teachings. In December of 2009, Fox published an instructional book of yoga and meditation practices designed specifically for prisoners. Yoga: A Path for Healing and Recovery features both detailed instructions for practice, along with artwork of San Quentin students. By early 2010, Fox had over 1,500 requests for the publication from prisoners far and wide. To date, more than 4,000 copies of this guide have been sent out to prisoners around the world free of charge, thanks to grants and other supporters of The Prison Yoga Project. The powerful images that document this project were taken by the talented photographer Robert Sturman. His body of work consists of a wealth of images that developed through his extensive worldly travels. He was honoured to have been chosen as the artist to take on the Prison Yoga Project. Entering various United States penitentiaries, Sturman describes the work as “an amazingly sincere experience of true human connection.” Capturing the very essence of emotion and courageous vulnerability of the prisoners, Sturman concluded upon completion of the project that the experience was not only life changing but, “Yoga in our prisons is a very good idea.” In Canadian communities, organizations like Freeing the Human Spirit and New Leaf Yoga Foundation are helping serve the growing requests
for these programs. “Our team of 12 teachers offers close to 70 classes per month at project sites across Ontario - more than half of these are in-custody facilities for youth,” shares Laura Sygrove, Executive Director of New Leaf. “The response has been extremely positive, and as we’ve received a lot of inquiries from other provinces requesting our programs, we’re excited to be currently working on plans to expand to meet those needs.” Prisoners worldwide are opening their minds and hearts to a practice that does more than change their experience while behind bars. Yoga and meditation are providing invaluable tools to prisoners of all ages that will serve them upon release and reintegration into the community. Most people in prison have simply never learned real, sustainable strategies for dealing with stress and trauma; yoga and meditation provide practical ways for dealing with conflict, anger, stress, and fear. Interestingly, what keeps practitioners on their mats or cushions may seem quite different but perhaps fundamentally it’s all the same. Yoga has taken the world by storm as more and more people look for very similar things: less stress, fear, and worry, more freedom, courage, and peace.
Erin Moraghan is a Moksha Yoga teacher, corporate wellness instructor and freelance writer. She also feels that if she mentions here that she’s vegan, it will help her resist her secret archnemesis: the grilled cheese sandwich. Even more than cheese, Erin loves hiking with her big-eared rescue dog, Lexi.
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« do yoga | asana
Blissful Backbends
Bending over backwards opens the heart and calms the mind Backbends open up the body to face the world, but from a different perspective. Because we spend much of our day bent forward—at a desk, computer, driving, reading or even riding a bicycle—our bodies’ energy flow can become blocked. If you’re feeling sluggish, lethargic or even stuck in a rut, backbends can shift that blocked energy through all the chakras, releasing stress and tension, leaving the mind clearer and you feeling more empowered and invigorated. These postures are also calming to both body and mind as they help release negative emotions, open the heart center, shoulders and chest while strengthening and realigning the spine. Brighten your day with this invigorating back bending sequence. These eight postures will leave both body and mind energized, balanced and ready to take on the day.
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Photo: Liana Louzon
By Sasha Gilvesy
asana | do yoga Âť 1. Down dog Start in downward dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana), lengthening the back of the body from the fingers to the heals. Pressing your finger pads into the mat, hug your forearms in and work your heals down to the floor.
2. High plank Stack your shoulders over your wrists, making sure your buttocks are in line with your shoulders. Engage your core, charge your legs and lengthen out through the crown of your head.
3. Up dog
4. Exalted Warrior
5. Standing Backbend
(urdhva mukha svanasana) Engage your core, press into the tops of your feet, lift your knee caps and place your hands on the floor beside you while bringing a slight bend to your elbows. Up dog opens your shoulders and chest. Make sure to keep your shoulders on your back.
(Virabhadrasana) This pose is about opening up. From standing, step your right foot back, keeping your legs straight. Turn your back foot out 45 degrees and bend your front knee so that your knee is directly over your ankle. Align your shoulders with your hips. Make sure your legs are engaged. On an inhale reach your arms up turning your palms to the back wall and as you exhale draw your right hand down your right leg, lifting your heart and leaving little weight in your right hand.
From standing, place your feet hip distance apart and parallel. Interlace your fingers and release your index finger, working your palms together. For more support bring your hands to your low back. Inhale and lift your heart toward the ceiling and point your tailbone down between your heels, as you bend back send your hips forward.
6. Dancers Pose (Natarajasana) From mountain pose bend your right knee and grab a hold of your right foot with your right hand, from the inside edge. Reach your left arm up with your palm facing forward. Inhale and lengthen. As you exhale begin to slowly kick into your right hand. Keeping your standing leg straight and charged, keep your hips level and working your right foot eventually over the middle of the crown of your head. Keep your gaze forward and smile.
7. Bridge (Setu Bandha Sarvangasana) Lay on your back and bend your knees, placing your feet hip distance apart on the floor. Brush the back of your heels with your fingertips. Place your hands along side you with palms face down. Pick one spot on the ceiling and gaze at it, making sure not to move your head and neck. Inhale and lift your hips and back. To go further walk your shoulders underneath you and interlace your fingers.
8. Childs Pose Relax your body and mind in this restful posture. Bring your big toes together and your knees wide apart. Walk your hands out in front of you, bringing your forehead to the floor. Hold for at least six breaths. winter 2011 | WWW.SWEATEQUITYMAGAZINE.COM
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« do yoga
Nice Moves, Baby! Kiddy Yoga: stretching body and mind By Ella Isakov
The kids start coming in: they set up their mats in a circle and greet their friends with a smile. We begin by sitting up tall with hands at the heart to chant “OM” together to unite and open little minds and hearts. The style of yoga the teacher is trained in doesn’t matter. Teaching kids is all about having fun and being creative.
It’s never too early to start!
Kiddy yoga can start from the time a child is born. In the beginning, it’s mostly about massage and movement of the body to rhymes and music. As toddlers begin to crawl, they are guided in simple yoga moves with props and music. Classes for ages four to nine usually start by introducing concepts such as respect, a theme or an explorative journey. Then there is 52
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pranayama (breathing techniques) that are taught in fun ways with postures being brought in as a group to go along with the theme of the day, followed by a game or partner yoga. The class generally ends with massaging toes or shoulders using aromatherapy creams, alone or in pairs, before moving to relaxation with a visualization or meditation. Who are you and what have you done with my child?
The dreaded teenage years will come and your little darling may transform into a sulky, angry, sobbing mess. This age can be a challenging time for everyone and yoga is a fantastic coping tool. It helps build self-esteem, confidence and teaches teens healthy ways to deal with all these confusing, new emotions. With older kids, deeper concepts can be explored and more challenging yoga postures introduced – with lots of partner work to ease nerves around social interaction, self-esteem and communication skills. Children with certain types of autism have benefited from yoga as it allows for the development of coordination, balance and interactive skills. Breathing techniques can increase body awareness and help calm an agitated or stressed kid. Similarly, children with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) can strengthen attention and stability through breathing and relaxation techniques, thus improving selfesteem, focus, social skills, concentration and mental well being. There are just so many positives in kids’ yoga—social, emotional and physical— it should be part of every kids’ life.
Photos: Stephanie Bonas
Kids’ yoga classes look nothing like adult classes – more playful, with no emphasis on alignment or breathing. Adult yoga is about venturing inward. Kids’ yoga is a very social and interactive activity. Because children learn best when they are interested and engaged, classes are built with the children’s involvement through co-creation. Music, singing, animal sounds, dancing and laughter are the order of the day. And through non-competitive yoga-play, kids learn important life skills—appropriate social interaction, cooperation, communication, meditation—in a caring and open environment. Here, there is no judgment on anything done in class, just praise and more praise, both verbal and non-verbal. The teacher encourages creativity and imagination, focus and teamwork in an environment that is caring and accepting with lots of touch and affection, games, partner yoga and acro yoga. The results: compassion, inner peace, and most importantly self-love.
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tastemakers | delicious living »
T MARK ON THE
Mark McEwan keeps it simple and honest amid the chaos
Photo: James Tse
By Mairead Walsh Things can get pretty hectic when you’re building an empire. Just ask Mark McEwan, who recently returned from a seven-day round-trip tour in Asia that touched down in Singapore, Jakarta and Hong Kong. Yet, for someone with such a high profile in the culinary world, McEwan is as down-to-Earth as they come and believes he represents the industry earnestly and honestly. McEwan has seen his share of gormand wannabes and to them he says there is no magic recipe, it’s all about putting in those longs hours consistently for a long time. “You can’t romanticize the business. A chef must balance hard work, which makes up about 85% of the job, and still have a great love of food. Those are the chefs who really land on their feet and accomplish something.” And he should know. After more than a decade of working hotel kitchens, including the Sutton Place Hotel, McEwan launched his first restaurant, North 44, in 1990. Since then McEwan has launched Bymark, ONE Restaurant at The Hazelton Hotel, and most recently Fabbrica, which is situated opposite his 23,000-square-foot fine food emporium named McEwan. An author to boot, McEwan has released two cookbooks in the last year, Great Food at Home and Mark McEwan’s Fabbrica. As host of Fine Living Network’s ‘The Heat with Mark McEwan’, a judge on ‘Superstar Chef Challenge’ and head judge on Food Network Canada’s 2010 ‘Top Chef Canada’, he has become one of the most recognizable faces in the Canadian fine food industry. But he never imagined all this. “Back in my day the world of a chef was not a very glamorous place, not in North America anyway. It was only in Europe that the Michelin-star chefs gained some recognition.” In fact McEwan thought he would be a hotelier, but at the last minute decided to try a chef apprenticeship. “I knocked on 20 hotel doors and 19 of them slammed in my face,” he laughs. Fortunately, the door that opened for him was at Toronto’s Constellation Hotel where he apprenticed under Chef Joseph Vonlanthen. “I was 19 years old and after that I never looked back.” McEwan attributes his success to a combination of possibility and tenacity. “I’m a big believer in the chaos theory of life – rain never runs off a leaf the same way twice. A lot of life is happenstance, but you have to capture those moments and create your own game.” However, with the launch of food networks and an explosion of cooking shows and chef competitions influenced by reality TV, we’ve seen the culinary game change and a lot of big personalities on the little screen. But McEwan hasn’t been swept up in the whole celebrity chef scene. “I have a hard time with the celebrity chef title. I work very hard, long days at the business. There’s a lot happening and we hump it all day to make it better. So I find it a little wonky when you try to put a bit of
Hollywood in your namesake, and I don’t quite know how to do that, so I don’t even try.” Not interested in the showmanship, McEwan may come across as a very serious character judging Top Chef Canada, but he says television steers toward spectacle to be edgy, and that’s not really his style. “I judge for the effort they put in, their perspective, their execution, how it lands in front of me and, ultimately, how it tastes. I give it an honest, straightforward review.” Honesty and authenticity seem to be McEwan’s hallmarks, appreciating a more relaxed style of cooking that is technique driven and honours classic ingredients. “I used to like crazy, wild interpretations of food, but I lost interest in very complicated plates. I’m more impressed with a perfect brodo, a confit of pork shoulder that is absolutely spot on, or something that is braised just right.” Preferring a simpler style that champions regional food, McEwan says
Chef’s Survival Kit I can’t get through the day without a glass of white wine I can’t get through life without a good partner To relax I garden, I grow produce for us to eat at the cottage but I’m more of a fern guy and perennial planter
I am currently reading (editing) my Fabbrica cookbook My favourite culinary destination is New York My favourite kitchen tool is a chef’s knife My stranded on a desert island spice is salt Who is your mentor? French chefs including Michel Guerard, Paul Bocuse and Thomas Keller, and Joseph Vonlanthen (apprenticed under)
Favourite meal of the day Dinner – White burgundy and
piece of fish
My favourite charity is Second Harvest Super power you wish you had Limitless energy
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« delicious living | tastemakers
he’s learned a lot over the last 20-30 years about respecting European basics when it comes to cooking. “I remember 20 years ago my Italian buddies in Woodbridge would hang tomatoes, peppers and garlic in their garage. But now it’s trendy to have a ‘cantina’ or a ‘salumi bar’ for curing meats.” “When you go to Europe and you see things as simple as they are, authentically presented in their natural setting and culture – whether it’s grilled sardines or freshly made pasta with no sauce or minimal garnish – you understand how, historically, these foods have roots and you appreciate them. That’s more interesting to me in terms of discovering food – where it comes from, how it relates to people and what makes it important to that culture.” With so many different cultures here it takes a while for it to be appreciated. “That’s the best thing about the food scene in Toronto right
now. Chefs are going back to classic recipes, ingredients and preparations – marinating, curing, pickling, and that’s what is making the food so exciting.” You might wonder where McEwan gets all his energy, but he applies the same philosophy of hard work to his fitness regime to keep him healthy and on his toes. “I’m a fitness nut. I always have been. I train at least three days a week, I cycle, I ski, I’m 54 years old and I’m in the best shape of my life. Fitness is a big part of my life.” Still running, McEwan may have his hand in a lot of pots but he loves every minute of it. “We’re still having fun,” he says. “I think I’m the best chef I’ve ever been and we’re still pushing ourselves to do better. Like the boy scouts, always doing our best, sounds corny but it’s a good way to live.”
Ingredients
1⁄2 cup (60 mL) sugar 1 tbsp (15 mL) top-quality red wine vinegar 1 sprig rosemary 2 tbsp (30 mL) butter chicken 1 small (about 21⁄2 lb/1.25 kg) 2 tbsp (30 mL) puréed tomato passato 3tbsp (50 mL) olive oil 1tbsp (15 mL) fine olive oil Salt and pepper
Pan-Roasted Baby Chicken with Tomato Passato
A young, tender chicken—of the sort your butcher likely labels a broiler—lends itself particularly well to pan-roasting. When it is boned and pressed as described, its skin will be flawlessly crisp and its flesh supple and succulent. This makes a perfect roast for two—but of course, you can easily multiply the recipe to serve as many as you please. Serves 2
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Combine the sugar with an equal amount of water in a small saucepan, and heat, stirring, until completely dissolved. Dip the rosemary in the simple syrup and then place it on a rack on a baking sheet. Bake for 5 minutes and then set aside to dry for about 2 hours. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bone (or ask your butcher to bone) the chicken in such a way that the bird is halved and only the lower wing and leg bones (and not the thigh bones) remain. Slash the leg 1/2inch (5 mm) deep 3 times on each side (optional). Massage the bird with half of the olive oil and season it generously. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken halves skin side down, place a second, smaller skillet (or a brick) on top to weight them down, and sear until bronzed, about 7 minutes. Transfer the weighted bird to the oven and roast for 10 minutes. Remove the weight, flip the halves, and baste. Return to the oven until fully cooked, about another 5 minutes. Transfer to 2 warm serving plates (or a warm platter). Pour off any excess fat from the skillet and place it over medium-high heat. Deglaze the pan with the vinegar, and then stir in the butter until melted. Season lightly and pour the sauce around the chicken. Dab each half of the bird with the passato and then crumble rosemary leaves over top. Drizzle with the fine olive oil and serve. Substitutions: This same preparation works just as well with Cornish Rock hens, but you will need an entire bird for each serving. If you wish, you may skip toasting the rosemary and instead snip a little of its leaves into the roasting pan before adding the bird. The aesthetic will not be as pleasing, but the flavour will be just as good. Side Dish Suggestions: Deep-Fried Baby Artichokes; Grilled Asparagus; Spring Peas with Carrots and Rabbit Sauce
Recipe: Courtesy of Mark McEwan’s Fabricca Penguin Group (Canada)
Method
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That’s the Spirit!
Five cheery entertaining essentials By Signe Langford It’s the silly season. We have two choices: throw restraint to the icy wind for a few weeks and worry about it later, or stay on track by imbibing in healthy moderation. Well, we can’t tell you what to do—you’ll have to let your conscience be your guide—but we can make some tasty entertaining suggestions this holiday, no matter what you decide.
Photo: thinkstock.com (streamers)
Trop50 Vitamin enhanced— packed with C—with 50 percent less sugar and calories than other pure orange juice blends and naturally sweetened with stevia. Available in orange pulp-free, orange some pulp and pomegranateblueberry: all fantastic with a wee shot of holiday cheer! $4.75 at most grocers’ nation wide. tropicana.ca
Collingwood Canadian Whisky Local veggies, local meats, local wine – add to this, local whiskey. This handsome tipple is the only hand-crafted, maplewood-mellowed Canadian whisky on the market. Made from Canadian grain and pure water from Georgian Bay, it’s triple distilled and aged in white oak and maplewood. Raise a glass to Ontario grain farmers! $29.95/750ml at select LCBO stores. canadianwhisky.org
Newman’s Own These wines will make you feel good in every way. Of course they’re delicious—made from California grapes grown on some of the finest vineyards—and, all profits from the sale of every bottle go to Newman’s Own Foundation, which supports worthy charities around the world. So, do the right thing and drink up! $17.95 at select LCBO stores. newmansown.ca
Birds and Beans Bird-Friendly Coffee Did you know the sort of coffee you buy has a direct impact on the survival or our beautiful and important songbirds? It does, and it comes down to how the coffee plants are grown: in the shade or out in clear-cut fields – fields that were once the forest home to thousands of migratory songbirds. The little yellow bird that visits your garden in spring spends its winters in South America, but if we continue to eradicate his habitat for coffee growing, he’s going to go the way of the dinosaur. $9 - $18 at Baldwin Naturals or shop online. birdsandbeans.ca
Yellowtail Bubbles Rosé or white, this isn’t your high-faulted Champers. This wine is fun, lively and meant to be enjoyed whenever the mood hits. And now you can. The clever folks Down Under came up with a fantastic resealable cap that allows any left over bubbles—not that that’s likely to occur, but say it does—to be kept fresh and yes, bubbly for days. $13.95 at most LCBO stores. yellowtailwine.com
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« delicious living
Eating by the Book By Signe Langford
No one can be good all the time! And who doesn’t love a wee piece of cake now and then? And what the heck – it’s the holidays! Okay, enough with the excuses. There are cakes and then there are cakes. Some are fatty and rich and quite frankly, just not worth the calories. And then there are the kind of cakes that strike a balance as simple and elegant as tadasana. Saulsbury—also a fitness instructor and personal trainer in yoga, pilates, aerobics and more—has included 12 recipes for “The Health-Conscious”, made with whole wheat, fruits, nuts, veggies, dark cocoa, good-for-you whole grains and less fat. So, it is with great pleasure we say: keep your fork, there’s cake! $29.95 Robert Rose Inc.
Everyday Flexitarian: recipes for vegetarians and meat lovers alike, by Nettie Cronish and Pat Crocker We like lines drawn in pencil: you can see them, respect them, but if need be, erase them and re-draw it a little to the left or the right. After all, life is not always black and white, and nor are our body’s cravings. Who hasn’t heard a vegetarian—especially a gal—admit to allowing herself a steak once a month or some turkey at the holidays, if for no other reason than not to hurt auntie’s feelings? It’s estimated that about 30 to 40 percent of the North American population would self-describe as ‘flexetarian’ – meaning they are mostly vegetarian but do include some meat and fish, sometimes. With 150 delicious recipes and beautiful colourful photographs, learn to leave some of the meat behind, some of the time and still love what you’re eating! $29.95 Whitecap
Whole Foods to Thrive: nutrient-dense, plant-based recipes for peak health, by Brendan Brazier Clearly this dude knows how to eat for optimum performance and health. A professional Ironman tri-athlete and two-time Canadian UltraMarathon champion, Brazier shares 200 recipes, some from his fave vegan cafés—all yeast-, dairy-, gluten-, soy- and corn-free—and all earth-friendly. Chances are, if you’re reading this magazine you probably already know why a lentil burger is better for you than a Big Mac. What you might not know, is why it’s better for the planet. Brazier explains in simple, graphic, terms what the cost of our meat-heavy diet is to our planet’s water and fossil fuel supplies. Bonus: Brazier divulges his own sports drink formula! $28 Penguin
For more words and pictures from Signe Langford visit signelangford.com
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Whole Wheat Gingerbread Cake Heady with sweet spices, this gingerbread fills all of your senses and leaves you longing for more Icing optional – makes 24 servings Ingredients
1 cup (250 mL) all-purpose flour 2 cups (500 mL) whole wheat flour 1 cup (250 mL) granulated sugar 1 tbsp (15 mL) ground ginger 1 tbsp (15 mL) baking soda 15 mL 2 tsp (10 mL) ground cinnamon 1 tsp (5 mL) salt 1⁄2 tsp (2 mL) ground allspice 1⁄4 tsp (1 mL) ground cloves 2 large eggs, at room temperature 1 cup (250 mL) vegetable oil 1 cup (250 mL) dark (cooking) molasses 1 cup (250 mL) boiling water Method
Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C) Prepare a 13 x 9 (33 x 23 cm) metal baking pan, sprayed with nonstick baking spray and dusted with flour. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, allspice and cloves. Add eggs, oil and molasses to flour mixture. Using an electric mixer on medium-low speed, beat for 1 minute, until blended. Scrape sides and bottom of bowl with a spatula. Beat on medium speed for 30 seconds. Add the boiling water and whisk until just blended (batter will be thin). Spread batter evenly in prepared pan. Bake in preheated oven for 42 to 47 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached. Let cool completely in pan on a wire rack. If desired, spread icing in a thin layer over top of cooled cake.
Recipe: Excerpted from Piece of Cake! By Camilla V. Saulsbury © 2011 Robert Rose Inc. www.robertrose.ca Reprinted with permission. All rights reserved.
Piece of Cake, one-bowl, no-fuss, from-scratch cakes, by Camilla Saulsbury
Gifts with Great Taste 5 goodies for yummy, happy, healthy holidays By Signe Langford
Hall’s Kitchen Soups, Stews and Sides All-natural, delicious, GMO-, preservative-, transfat-free and out of a jar – all in the same sentence? It’s true. And what better time of year to enjoy hot, comforting, dishes even if you don’t have time for chopping and braising. From exotic Rockin’ Moroccan Stew to familiar Cravin’ Comfort Stew made with Ontario root veggies to a rich side dish of Caramelized Onions, Leeks and Shitake Mushrooms in a Port Reduction. $8.79 Nature’s Emporium hallskitchen.ca
ZX800 Silver Art Citrus Juicer by Krups Let’s be honest, electric juicers can be, huge, kind of ugly, noisy and not always that effective. Manual juicers mean an upper body work out before you’re really awake. Not with this good-looking baby. Welcome to the new era of juicing in stainless steel and chrome. Bells and whistles: universal cone for all types of citrus fruits, right and left handed, 1.25 quart capacity, 360° rotational base, cordless, dual cone rotation—clockwise or counter clockwise—to get every last drop. Drink up! $119.99 at Sears krups.ca Nutricook by Tefal More than a steamer. Not scary like that pressure cooker you never use. Truly, the best of both. Endorsed by the Canadian Diabetes Association, use little to no fat cooking all your favourites, from stews to risottos to desserts in mere minutes while foods retain more of their nutrients and flavour. $299 at The Bay t-fal.ca
delicious living »
CavEna Nuda Rice of the Prairies by Wedge Farms A Canadian innovation, this ‘naked oat’ grows with a hull that falls off when harvested, adding organic matter back into the soil and will remain fresh for many years, thanks to the grain’s natural, waxy coating. Why is this grain a green alternative to ‘groats’? Because a ‘groat’ is merely an oat that has been de-hulled through an expensive, wasteful and energy-intensive process – and a ‘groat’ must be heat-treated to halt spoiling. This is a unique and totally new grain – high in fibre and a good source of iron. Cooks, start experimenting! $6.99 at select health food retailers across Canada. mysmartfoods.com
Twist and Sparkle by iSi This toy appeals to the kid in all of us and aren’t we all kids at the holidays? Fill the bottle, pop in a recyclable cartridge, twist the cap and watch it fizz! Essential for parties and a great way to add sparkle to non-alcoholic bevvies. Who knows, it might even get the kids off soda – and wouldn’t that be the greatest gift of all? $79.95 at Williams-Sonoma twistnsparkle.com
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« nutritious living
Gut Feeling
Learn how to banish cravings and eat intuitively By Joy McCarthy RNCP
True confession: I was a sugar addict. Food used to be my enemy. And I know I’m not alone. An addiction to sugar can be as powerful as a tobacco or alcohol addiction. A study at Princeton University confirmed the neurochemical effects of sugar, affecting opioids and dopamine in the brain, similar to other addictive substances which give you the sensation of a high, but at great cost to you body.
Eat mindfully. Eat slowly and think about how your food is nourishing every cell of your body. Not only will this help your brain tell you when you are full because you will take longer to finish your meal, but your digestion will improve when you chew your food more.
Pay attention to your emotions instead of stuffing them down with food. If you’ve had a bad day at work or a fight with your spouse, diving into a bag of chips or tub of Rocky Road is not going to make you feel better in the long term. Instead, ask yourself what you really need? Is it a hug, someone to talk to or some fresh air to clear your head?
Increase your connectedness to food. If you buy frozen dinners, avoid reading labels, hoover your food faster than a vacuum sucks up dust bunnies, then of course you won’t eat what your body needs because you are not even aware of what you are eating. Befriend your food and know what you are eating. It will help you make better choices. 60
Here are FIVE tips for beating those cravings: 1. Make sure you are eating enough complex carbs. Refined carbs such as white bread, white rice, and baked goods are stripped of fibre, good fats and B-vitamins, and these over-processed foods only fuel your cravings. Your body is hungry! Eating nutrient-dense complex carbs like spelt pasta, quinoa, millet and brown rice will effectively fuel your body and satiate your hunger. 2. Avoid a blood sugar dip caused by skipping meals or going too long between meals or snacks. When blood sugar plummets, the appetite skyrockets. The body is a smart machine and will crave a very quick source of energy. Keep blood sugar levels stable by eating a healthy snack such as a piece of fruit and five walnuts every three to four hours. 3. Make sure you are getting a minimum of seven to eight hours sleep. Studies show that less than six hours of sleep causes the body to release appetite hormones, and this means you’re more likely to reach for something easy and comforting, like a big bag of chips. 4.
Avoid artificial sweeteners and high fructose corn syrup: both of these fuel your appetite. Instead, use stevia to sweeten your tea. It is a zero calorie herbal sweetener that has no effect on your blood sugar.
5.
Supplements can be extremely beneficial when battling sugar cravings. Chromium is great for preventing cravings because it helps insulin get to the cells to let glucose in. L-Glutamine can help too. It’s an amino acid that supports blood sugar metabolism, healthy brain function and can be used as fuel for energy production – instead of that cookie. Now you’re ready to start eating intuitively by listening to what your body wants and needs.
Instead of That, eat This Silence cravings with a delicious Plan B! Craving: Chocolate cake
Craving: Ice cream
Plan B: Eat complex carbs
Plan B: Try creamy Greek
at dinner such as a baked sweet potato, quinoa, millet, or brown rice. Or, have a few small squares of dark (at least 85%) chocolate after dinner.
yogurt, with 1 Tbsp chia seeds, some chopped apple and honey or maple syrup or blend together 1 ripe avocado, a dollop of raw honey and 1 tsp of raw cacoa.
WWW.SWEATEQUITYMAGAZINE.COM | winter 2011
Craving: High-glycemic cereal Plan B: Steel cut oats topped
with a handful of pumpkin seeds, berries, almond milk, cinnamon and some honey or maple syrup.
Photo: istockphoto.com
I am happy to report that I was able to combat my sugar binges and learn how to eat intuitively again. But I had to dig down to the root cause of my binges first. Once you address the source of your sugar addiction, you can choose what to eat by listening to what your body needs. Wouldn’t it be great to enjoy a treat without losing control and devouring a whole pint of ice cream in one go?
FUEL | Nutritious Living Âť
Cozy Carrot Cake in a Glass
Half the battle of winter fitness is warming up. Try fuelling up with this decadent smoothie for power and encouragement! Natural Nutritionista Joy McCarthy, shares her recipe for a delicious warm protein shake – as in shake off those winter chills!
Photo: thinkstock.com
By Signe Langford
With colder, darker days just ahead of us, now is the time to build up your immune system. Jennifer Italiano, owner of LIVE Food Bar in Toronto, shares this yummy, fruity smoothie with us. It packs an immunity building combination of vitamin C, echinacea and cordyceps, a medicinal mushroom, purported to energize, enhance and strengthen the immune system.
Warming Carrot Cake Smoothie 1 scoop vanilla protein powder 1/2 tsp cinnamon 1/8 tsp nutmeg 1/2 tsp ground ginger or finger size piece of fresh ginger root 1/2 cup grated carrot 1 banana 1 Tbsp maple syrup 1 cup almond or hemp milk 1 cup filtered water Blend all ingredients until smooth, then transfer to a pot or microwaveable container and gently heat on low until just warm. Do not boil! Get cozy & enjoy! winter 2011 | WWW.SWEATEQUITYMAGAZINE.COM
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« Delicious Living | raw ambition
A Raw Winter
Eating raw in winter might leave you cold – our raw chef knows how to warm you up! By Chef Doug McNish I hear it all the time: “How can you possibly eat raw food when it’s cold outside?” It’s true, when there’s a foot of snow on the ground and the wind chill is -25°, we typically don’t crave raw kale. Most of us gravitate towards a hot bowl of soup or comforting chili. When I need to warm up, I like a big mug of rich hot chocolate – fair-trade, organic, of course! While raw food in cold weather may not be for everyone, it is doable. To beat the winter blahs while keeping it raw, there are a few rules. One reason we love hot food when it’s cold is because our body’s internal temperature drops and we instinctively want to raise it. Some of us bundle up in a cozy sweater, curl up by the fire, or brew a hot cup of tea.
Fresh, Healthy, Handcrafted Foods Soups & Stews • All natural, fresh ingredients • No gluten, dairy or yeast • No preservatives • Local and GMO free • Vegetarian/Vegan
hallskitchen.ca
Here are five tricks to keep you warm on the inside: Adding cayenne pepper to foods raises the body’s internal temperature in much the same way eating something hot from the oven does. Cayenne pepper is a stimulant that naturally increases blood flow and circulation, keeping us warm. Also, cayenne has been shown to raise metabolic rates, so you’ll keep warm and burn calories! Ginger has similar metabolism-boosting properties to cayenne. Adding ginger to your favorite raw foods helps to stoke the fires from within. A powerful elixir that I enjoy in the winter is warm water with fresh ginger juice, lemon juice and as much cayenne as I can handle. Not only will this help to keep you feeling warm it is a great way to fight off a cold. A little agave or maple takes the edge of the sour heat. If you own a dehydrator, make your favorite raw bread recipe and enjoy it fresh from the dehydrator – it’s a warm treat. Place your favorite raw food dish on a tray and allow it to sit in the dehydrator for 30 to 45 minutes. While this will not make the food steaming hot it will take off the chill and that can make you feel like you’re eating something warm. Although not technically raw, I like to make big bowls of unpasteurized brown rice miso broth. Miso contains many beneficial enzymes and bacteria that aid in digestion and healing. Place 3 Tbsp. of miso in a bowl and bring some water to a boil. Once boiled, allow the water to sit for two to three minutes. Pour 1½ cups of water over the miso and whisk until no chunks remain. Add your favorite thinly cut greens, sprouted legumes or nori to the bowl for an added dose of nutrition. We’re all different and we must do what feels right for us. Listen to your body, take the time to get to know the ingredients that make you feel warm and satisfied in winter. You’ll be happy, healthy and most of all cozy!
Doug McNish has taken healthy, organic, plant based cuisine to a whole new level. Challenging mainstream thought on diet and ethics, he continues to create inspired dishes using the highest quality ingredients and is currently writing a Raw Food cookbook to be released Spring 2012 under Robert Rose Publications. 62
WWW.SWEATEQUITYMAGAZINE.COM | winter 2011
en-lighten up »
Guided Gifting Seane Corn demonstrates the gift of authenticity. By Bee Bosnak
Illustration: Jason Horning
I grew up in London in a Muslim
household never believing in Father Christmas. Often, out of curiosity, when I asked my father why the old white haired Coca Cola man never visited me, my father would say “Bee, Father Christmas doesn’t visit because we don’t celebrate Christmas. We have Eid, don’t be greedy.” Since the thought of receiving presents from a fat, bearded stranger seemed bizarre rather than festive to me, I did not know how to react to my new in-laws, who take Santa very seriously. It’s been quite an adjustment to my practical, thrifty little heart, yet, they have taught me so much. I have learned that the great joy of Christmas is not only in the wonder of the nativity, but the opportunity to practice generosity.
Every year during this time, I become a child all over again, experimenting with my new traditions and the most exciting part – watching my nephews physically pass the presents, embracing and enjoying the act of giving. This is definitely a time of year spent gearing up for the holidays, with promises of fabulous feasts, good company and long-awaited presents. But an important part of the holiday season is charitable giving and the learning experiences that come with it. Seane Corn, one of America’s most beloved yoga teachers is recognized for her charitable giving, her mission is to inspire consciousness, encourage activism and spark a social revolution for change through her philanthropic organization, Off The Mat
Into The World (OMT). Her love for humanity—caring for, nourishing, developing and enhancing—is her healing art. She emphasizes that yoga should be discovered, uncovered, explored and reinvestigated again and again and again. OTM guides people to identify their purpose through a process of self discovery. The process involves understanding that you cannot help others unless you understand the power of your light, the depth of your beauty, and the capacity of your love. Corn’s healing art has taken
her all around the world, where she teaches the act of kindness, the importance of speaking up and the generosity that we all have in the depths of our heart to give more and to give better. Her actions are lead by her daily feelings and her words are lead by her great courage. She possesses a unique gift of authenticity and deep connection: she has the ability to make you feel like she is specifically reaching out to you, in a room full of hundreds of people. I have no doubt that she will carry on touching the souls of many people as she continues to change one heart at a time. This holiday season, channel your inner Santa, give from your heart and let your authenticity be your greatest gift.
Bee Bosnak of Beeyond Yoga, is a stylish and joyous yogini. From London, UK, Bee began yoga with Iyengar in LA. She just completed her teacher training at CorePower Yoga and recently ditched LA or Portland, OR with her ultimate inspiration, her husband. Off the mat she is a visual stylist, cat lover and blogger. @beeyondyoga
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« SWEAT etiquette | en-lighten up Join us on Facebook and Twitter for daily tips from our experts!
has managed to touch her toes to yours, two mats over is in midst of a full-on sleep, aggressively loud and disturbing snores and all, and the person on the mat on your other side looks as peaceful as ever.
The Trouble with Savasana How hard can keeping still for a few minutes really be? By Jen Kirsch
Hands up if you’ve ever been in savasana, were just about ready to roll off your mat and call it a day, only to see your classmates still laying there, fully Zen, so you stay put, despite your need to head out? Let’s be honest: we know we’re not suppose to, but we can succumb to a competitive pressure to keep our composure, to show that we can confidently keep still. Some studios set five minutes aside, as part of the class time, to ensure everyone takes their full savasana. Other studios leave how long you lie there up to you – the teacher leaving the room after seeing you off in that pose. It’s when the latter happens that we often feel uncertain of whether to stay or go, and really, just how still is still, anyway? We might fear being judged if we get up too fast. And if we stay too long, will we hold up the next class? Just how long to stay in this pose that seems designed to invite decidedly un-yoga thoughts into our minds: grocery and to do lists, anxieties, emails that need responding to and the planning of killer outfits? Let your body be your guru – it will tell you, if you listen. As for the thoughts and external distractions, acknowledge them, then let them pass. No matter where your head is, whether you’re in a rush to dash or whether you have all day. Whether the person next to you is snoring, gulping water, turning their phone back on or ripping a mat off the sticky floor, observe these moments then let them go. They are a part of your present, for better or for worse. Go when you see fit. Quietly leave the room and remember: don’t make a sound. You can smile to yourself knowing that you made it through your sleeping pose, seemingly as suave as the rest of the room.
settle in, though you’re feeling anything but settled. You’re ready to get on with the rest of your day. And as you lie on the ground looking as peaceful as ever, you sneak a peek around the room to see what your fellow yogis are up to. Surely they must be as fidgety – you hope. But no, there they lie
Jen Kirsch is a relationship columnist and blogger
in what appears to be a state of complete comfort, calm and cool. So you shut your eyes in hopes
whose quick wit and to the point writing has made
that you too can try to look just as centered, while you wait out the endless minutes. Many practice yoga to calm that ever-so-busy mind, yet despite our efforts, when we’re done
her the go-to source for relationship advice. When she’s not writing she can
eagling and downward dogging our hour away, we are right back where we started: sitting in silence,
be seen at her yoga studio, a loyal yogi
alone with our thoughts, and this the hardest pose of all. Especially when the person one mat over
practicing at least five times a week.
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Photo: beholdthepose.blogspot.com
Class is just about complete. You’ve been asked to lie in corpse pose, so your practice can
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