The official launch of Jungle Spirit Yoga Retreats!

When I started running yoga retreats 4 years ago, I never imagined how passionate and close to my heart they would become.  Only recently have I been able to pinpoint what my subconscious has been drawn to as the international retreats have developed and evolved; they are all in divinely lush and naturally spiritual locations.  

Costa Rica Yoga Retreat, Nosara, February 2013.

Growing up on a farm in the middle of nowhere, I never realized the peace and exhilaration that comes from being surrounded by nature.  After moving into the city, it became clear to me on visits back to the farm that simply being in nature renewed a sense child-like wonder and relaxation within my body and soul.  Now, I've learned to take an hour each day to get out of the city and walk my dog on trails in the nearest park.  If I miss one of these days for whatever reason, I have come to find that my happiness level decreases and I feel uneasy and anxious.  

View from The Costa Rica Yoga Spa (where the Costa Rica Retreat is being held in February, 2015)

There is this moment, when you turn a corner on a trail at my local park, where you can see the incredible length of the lake and the rolling grey curves of the mountains in the distance.  Always at this moment do I feel a sense of spiritual awakening; a sense of connection and oneness.  For many years, I strived to achieve this spiritual connection by reading books on different religions and cultures (I even studied religion when I majored in cultural anthropology in University).  It wasn't until I took the time to pause and observe my mind's reaction to this particular landscape that it became clear how prevalent God (replace that word with whatever you need to) is in nature.

So from now on, I am devoted to running my international retreats only in places which offer spectacular immersion in nature.  I'm talking about thick jungle, sweeping natural park views, audible crashing ocean waves, and don't forget about nourishing farm to table meals!

Beach at the Mexico Yoga Retreat February 2014 and 2015 (just released)

When you attend a Jungle Spirit Yoga Retreat, I guarantee that you will be getting out of the city and into the primal wild.  These retreats are about finding your connection to nature; however that may manifest in your body/mind.  They are about re-discovering who you are and nourishing the animal spirit which lies within you.  Through these retreats I promise to do my best to rekindle your sense of child-like wonder and provide you with an immense sense of peace and contentment through the sacred vehicle that is mother nature.

So with that, I officially announce my latest Jungle Spirit Retreat: Costa Rica February 2015.  I've done my research and can promise you that this place is spectacular.  No fancy resorts, no commercial developments, just nature in it's purest form.  I'm already imagining the fresh salty air blowing off the ocean and through the palm trees.  Absolute paradise.  And you're invited. 

The view from the yoga palapa at the next Jungle Spirit Yoga Retreat in Costa Rica!

Rock On,

l.e. martini

5 ways to piss off your yoga instructor: A rant on yoga etiquette.

I've heard it all.  My nearly 7 years of yoga teaching experience has given me the opportunity to practice reacting from a place of peace and non-judgement many times.  Here are 5 of my most challenging experiences.  Enjoy. 

1. "I'm 9 months pregnant and my doctor told me to try yoga.  I've never done yoga before.  Is there anything I shouldn't do in this Hard Core Power Class?"  Um. Yes.  This usually happens when I'm teaching a packed class and there's about 20 seconds before the class is scheduled to start.
2. *cell phone ringing* "Hello?  Ya, hold on I'm just taking a yoga class.  Can I call you back?".  Really?  Please turn your phones on silent ladies and gentlemen.  And never answer your phone during a class.  Ridiculous.
3. "I feel super sick; I think I have the flu so I thought it would be better if I came to yoga instead of working out at the gym."  Thank you for being compassionate with your body but remember there are usually other people in the class! Please respect the people around you and get healthy in the comfort of your own home! If you are too sick to work, you're probably too sick to come to yoga!
4. "I have to leave halfway through savasana."  The rules: if you absolutely have to leave before the end of class, leave BEFORE savasana so you don't disturb your neighbours.
5. "My practice is actually way more advanced than this Easy Yoga class so I'm just going to do my own thing."  Great.  That's not going to distract anyone.  And make sure your head fits through the door on your way out.

That is all.  I feel better now.  As always,

rock on, l.e. martini

The hottest yoga-inspired companies to watch

The commodification of yoga is nothing new.  Companies across the planet are popping up to cash in on the trendiness of yoga and the "yoga image".  What I admire about the following companies is that they have stayed true to the spirit of yoga.  They encourage people to recognize that yoga is not just a physical practice; it is so much more!  Here are my top 3 favourite companies that have encouraged the modern yoga student/consumer to dive deeper into their practice off the mat.

Tiny Devotions

1. Tiny Devotions.  The mala-making Canadian company has not just kept the practice of mantra (affirmations) and mala (108 bead sacred necklaces with powerful crystals) alive.  It has made it hot and trendy!  Tiny Devotions' necklaces and jewelry can be found on celebrities and common folk alike.  
2. Yoga Download.  Not only does this website allow you to subscribe to stream hundreds of yoga classes from the comfort of your home, you can also purchase the classes individually, purchase music, view free classes, and stream or purchase pilates and barre classes too.  I love the diversity of this site.
3. Inner Fire.  I first wandered across this Vancouver-based apparel company 2 years ago at Wanderlust in Whistler.  I was struck by the cheeky and inspirational quotes that adorned their uber soft tank tops.  The Inner Fire clothing line is functional both on and off the mat, and the products are guaranteed to make you smile:)

Remember: be conscious of where you spend your dollar.  Making a purchase is liking placing a vote; that's why it is important to buy local, natural, and organic whenever possible!

Rock On,

l.e. martini

Neumovement: A new era for yoga in Kelowna

Neumovement is opening February 11, 2014 on Kane Rd across from Cooper's.

Last spring my fantastic RMT, Vanessa Rejc, recommended I work on strengthening my core to help with injury prevention in my body.  I took her words to heart and signed up for pilates classes at a wee studio in Glenmore called Neumovement.  Now, 9 months later, Neumovement is re-locating to a larger space on Kane Rd to incorporate a 24-person nature-inspired yoga (and Barre!) studio which I am delighted to announce that I will have the pleasure of teaching in:)  Here is why I fell in love with Neumovement and why I chose to make the transition from student (I will always be a student...) to teacher.

• The owners and staff are all enthusiastic, passionate, incredibly well-educated, and uber friendly.  Their approach to health and fitness is holistic which is something I feel is often missing from our culture.
• They have now officially hired a powerhouse of experienced local yoga instructors.  Joining me are Katlyn Fuhrman, Chelsea Ray, Steph Wall, and Biannca D'errico.
• They require their instructors to take free weekly anatomy and physiology seminars taught by a registered physiotherapist.  This is unheard of in our industry and has already improved my teaching skills immensely.
• When you take a yoga class at Neu, you have options.  You can either drop-in to a regular class, sign up for a 10-week progression session, or take an Integration (a private 30 min physiotherapy session followed by a customized 30 min yoga or pilates class…and the Integrations are covered by most Benefits providers…boom!).  I am especially excited by the registered progression sessions as it guarantees I will be able to work with the same students on a weekly basis. 
• Classes at Neumovement are all strongly focussed on encouraging correct anatomical alignment; this is where the word "Neu" comes from as it is short for "neutral" and German for "new".  So clever.

Neumovement owners Kate Watson and Lara Yanik

Beginning in March, I will be teaching 4 classes at Neumovement as well as several integrations a week.  If you have any questions about the studio, do not hesitate to ask me as I am very excited about this new opportunity and the future of yoga in our culture!

rock on,

l.e. martini

Yogi Secrets Revealed: How To Use A Mala Necklace For Mantra Meditation

Salutations!  This week I'd like to teach you how to give your New Year's Resolutions lasting power!  It's called Mala Meditation and it is a powerful practice for manifesting your desires.

Mala Bead Necklace

Mala Necklaces traditionally have 108 beads usually made out of a natural substance such as bone.  The necklace pictured here has beads made out of Rudraksha seeds (my personal favourite) which are found in India and Indonesia.  There is always a tassel or "Guru Bead" which represents the beginning and end of your mantra practice.  

Once you've found a male necklace that resonates with you (I like the simplicity of the malas created by Okanagan based company Ahimsa Om), pick a mantra that represents what you are working on.  Historically, mantras are powerful Sanskrit phrases invoking an ancient deity however there are no rules that state you can not pick an English affirmation or word of your choice if it holds meaning for you.

“Om Sri Rama Jai Rama Jaya Jaya Rama”

Some sample Sanskrit mantras that hold power:

“Om Namah Shivaya”

Mantra to Combat Negativity

“Sat Nam”

Mantra to help during times of change- removes all that is no longer useful.

“Loka Samasta Sukhino Bhavantu”

Truth is my identity.

“Om Gum Ganapatayei Namaha”

May the whole world attain peace and harmony.  And finally, the mantra I am currently using in my own mala practice:

Mantra to remove obstacles and bestow wisdom.  

On my last yoga retreat to Bali, we bought all the supplies to make and personalize mala necklaces for every yogi!  It was an afternoon of Arts and Crafts Yoga Style!

Now that you've found the mantra that is most appropriate for your current situation, find a comfortable seated position, take a  couple of deep breaths to clear the energy, and place the guru bead of your mala necklace over the middle finger of your right hand.  Place your thumb on the bead, chant your mantra, then push the bead away with your thumb to find the following bead.  Continue in this manner through all 108 beads until your thumb comes back to your guru bead,  Repeat this process every day for 40 days.  Once complete, your mantra will have manifested.  Please keep in mind that if you accidentally miss a day, you must start again on day 1!  Also ensure that you are wearing your necklace for the greater part of your day during your 40 day practice.

Good luck yogis!  And don't hesitate to contact me if you need any advice or help!!

rock on,

l.e. martini

Source: Everything I have learned about mala and mantra practice comes from my travels in Bali, my yoga training with Sonya Thomlinson from Trinity Yoga Center, and my SOYA yoga training with Kamala Wilkie from Purple Lotus Yoga.