What have you got planned this year? Whether or not you have made a formal resolution to make some changes in your life, at this time of year we are looking back to see how we have done, and looking forward- Maybe even dreaming some dreams. If you are, allow yourself to dream big- if you really want something to change, ask yourself what you really yearn for and go for it!

The first step is to really figure out what is behind your dream. Next, A good trick is to break your big dream down into smaller bites- at least ten steps.

For example, let’s say that a person wants to lose weight. Why? Do they want to look better, be healthier, fit the clothes they grew out of? Maybe they want to be able to do some type of activity, like horseback rideing, which has become difficult because of weight gain.

Imagine that person says to themself, I know I’d be healthier, but really, I just want to look better, because I feel unattractive. Great, now they break it down into ten or more steps to accomplish their goal- looking fabulous! One could be cleaning out the cupboards and getting rid of all the junk food- hey, its a big dream, but step one only took a couple hours. Then menu plan- choosing favorite meals and seeing what changes will be healthier- whole wheat pasta, snacking on fruit and veggies. Next- create a grocery list that includes healthy choices so they can stay on track while shopping. Then there’s excercise, and a make-over, options that give a boost because a they are easy to accomplish.

Creating steps like this helps us to get rewards as we go along, working towards a long term goal that may take months or even years to get to. Whatever the goal: quitting smoking, making more money, getting more excercise we can find a way to break it down into smaller more easily attained steps so we don’t give up- and being clear about what it is that really motivates us to want that end result helps us feel happy on the journey.

Now you may be asking yourself, what does Yoga have to do with this? Yoga is a great tool for getting clarity- we are calming the mind, allowing space and time to look at our own heart, letting go of judgement so we feel free to dream. From the very first class we get a good result, relaxation, energy. Yet Yoga is a step by step process- we start out with tightness in our joints and muscles, or maybe weakness, and one week at a time we move towards opening and strengthening- so each step is rewarding, but the results increase over time. As we get stronger and more flexible, we increase the flow of oxygen and cleanse and renew our bodies cells-even our braincells. Our health and energy is better, and we find we are accomplishing more.

So Yoga helps us be healthy so our minds can be clearer. The clear mind can stay on focus, and make sound decisions about the steps to take towards life goals. Yoga feels good, daily or wekkly, we recieve the rewards, and this keeps us on track.

Join us at our intimate studio at Harmony Health and well-being, 231 King Street east in Oshawa. For more information see our class description, and please contact us at frances@yogawithfrances.com, or 289-928-7292 for more information and to register. We look forward to hearing from you! Oh, and Happy New Year!

An interesting trend I’ve observed is that as the holidays approach stress increases, and people coming out to yoga class decreases. This is nothing new, there are lots of demands on us at this time of the year, and we all want to make it the best ever- for everyone else. So I am wondering if it is possible to readjust our thinking.

My idea is that instead of focusing on the things of the holidays, we focus on the people. Our relationships with everyone we love is the most important thing, so how do we focus on that instead of what the best present is? Well, I submit that we can do this by keeping healthy and managing stress. Create a plan and keeping it simple- stay focused and resist the impulse to panic and over-buy and over-commit. That way I will be present for and pleasant to my family and friends, and even the staff at busy department stores.

Sound easy? Of course not. I confess, that although I have spent over 25 years practicing yoga, the holidays usually undo me. It is my firm commitment this year not to cry on Christmas. This year, I am going to do one task towards Christmas per week, and I am going to increase the amount of time I practice yoga. To support you in doing yoga this holiday season I am offering a free relaxing class at my Open House on December 3rd. I look forward to seeing you there.

At one time it was more common for yoga to be taught one on one than in groups. Often, the student had a particular goal in mind, usually related to health, and the teacher’s role was also as healer. In a private setting, the student recieves the full attention of their teacher, and the lesson is designed specifically for them.

When you take a personal class at Yoga with Frances you can expect to give a history of yourself, your health, your work, and the special concerns you have. Then you will be taught at your level, yoga which is suited just to you. You will recieve assistance and guidance, and a yoga practice will be designed for you to practice at home based on your abilities and needs. This practice is written out for you so you can easily practice on your own.

The home practice is very important. Many people are getting the notion that to practice yoga you have to go to a studio 2 or 3 times a week and do a  class led by an instructor. Instead, you can learn to do yoga at home on your own, every day. It may be 5 minutes or half an hour, but this time on your own is the essence of yoga. Your teacher can help you to learn poses which are most helpful for you at this point in you life and help you to improve and grow in your very own practice.

You have the option to do private lessons once or twice a month, ar attend group lessons and add a private in occasionally. This depends on what works best for you in your schedule, as well as what you prefer. For more information on Frances and her training see about Frances, and about yoga. To book a class or find out more, please cal 289-928-7292, or e-mail frances.

Getting the best results in Yoga comes not just from taking classes, but finding a teacher who works for you. Take the time to try a class and get to know your teacher.

Yoga Classes for Children starting September 21st on Wednesdays at 4:30 pm- 5:30pm.

I was very lucky to start yoga at an early age with a music teacher, she would have us balancing in eagle and doing the wheel before we started playing recorder, and it stimulated our little brains by getting us moving- increasing blood flow, and ultimately helping us stay focused. Yoga became something familiar, I would sometimes show off for family and friends, much like a little piano protege displaying her skill. It was something unique and fun, and always got a laugh and applause.

This has developed into a life long interest, a career in fact, but more important has been the transfer of yoga skills- I am physically fit and able to learn sports easily as well as having skills to help me cope with stress. All the benefits of yoga are available to children just as they are to adults. I believe that as well as being healthy and having life coping skills, I am constantly learning how to move forward in life and leave behind the causes of stress in the first place. If there is anything I want to pass on to kids it is that! 

Our children are like sponges- they absorb everything! My first son did yoga with me as a baby and toddler. One time I was doing a demonstration class for seniors, and had to bring him along as I had no baby sitter. He walked around giving assistance to them, much to their enjoyment! My second son loves to sit with me the morning copying me as I meditate. Their interest and participation will stay with them, even if soccer or swimming becomes their main focus. Yoga is fantastic for the blossoming athlete, as well as for the child who has no interest in sports.

What the children seem to love about yoga is the games and special attention they receive, as well as being able to do poses which catch their attention . I have taught a little boy who’s parents claim has behavior issues. In class this child is quiet and sweet, you would never know he acts out. Like with adults, it is the special relationship created between the teacher and student that is healing and helps us learn.

If you think your child would like to try yoga, contact us. To learn more about classes for kids and adults click here.  For more about Frances go here. We look forward to hearing from you!

Join us this Saturday, September 10th between 12 and 4 pm at Harmony Health and Well-being, 231 King Street East in Oshawa to meet Frances, and to tour the studio (click here for map). You can register for your yoga classes and recieve the free class for doing so early. Refreshments will be served.  This is a great opportunity to talk about yoga with Frances and other students. Also, Frances will have her hand-made Jewellery on display for you to try and buy- made from semi-precious stones, pearls and silver, each piece is unique and enhances your natural healing vibrations.

You choose classes with Frances because you want the personal attention of a small or private class. Frances not only brings years of experience both practicing and teaching yoga, but an artists eye and creativity to making  your lesson unique and helpful to you. For more information about Frances see About Frances

We work with the breath in depth as this is the foundation of a focused and purposeful practice. If you are a beginner, you build this understanding from the ground up. For the experienced student, you will find a more subtle approach, that challenges your body in ways you never thought possible. When we practice yoga with attention to breath in every moment, we activate an internal relaxation response. In this mindful space, we can find the parts of our body that are least able to access, and so we begin to open up areas which are holding our tension: this is very important in keeping us healthy. To read more about this type of yoga click here

If you have any questions, either e-mail Frances, (click here), phone 289-928-7292, or come meet her in person at Harmony Health and Wellbeing, 231 King Street East. (map)

Yoga with Frances is celebrating its first ever season of fall classes in Oshawa, and to celebrate we’re offering an early registration special- sign up for a six or twelve week session, and receive a free class. To see the class times go to the yoga schedule. If you’re not sure which class is for you, see the class descriptions here. Lessons are available for all ages, from kids to seniors!

When you choose Yoga with Frances, you should know that whatever level of ability you have, you will learn something new every time you take a class. Because all our classes are small group- ten students or less- you always get the personal assistance you need. You can feel comfortable and confident whether you have health concerns or a special goal for yourself in mind . We offer Yoga in sessions because every class builds on the one before. If you miss a class, you can make up for it the same week at another convenient time. If your schedule varies, we will take the time to book you into the classes each week that work for you. Drop-ins are available, but we encourage you to pick a time that works for you and commit to a series of classes.

You may also choose to take private lessons- the advantage to having a one-on-one personal yoga class is that you receive undivided attention, and you will get a yoga practice designed just for you. This practice will take into account all the special goals or health issues you are working on, as well as how long you can reasonably expect to practice each day, when you will practice, and even what time of the year it is. Yoga with Frances is also offering a fall special  on privates- you will receive a free private class when you purchase four classes.  Students who choose to study privately, usually take a class monthly or every two weeks. Many people also choose group lessons, and so may only take 3 or 4 privates a year. When you register for a group class you receive a 15% discount on a private lesson.

So register now by calling 289-928-7292, or e-mailing us at frances@yogawithfrances.com. We will be happy to assist you in choosing the right class for you.

Yoga has been helping people for ages and the benefits include:

Are you looking for Yoga that is beyond exercise? When we choose Yoga we expect to get physical results- and you want a deeper connection to feelings in body and mind, and maybe even more!

Mental benefits include stress relief, pain management, better self-image, more clarity of purpose, patience, and the list goes on. We can expect to feel better and even lessen depression, anxiety and other emotional problems.

What does spiritual health look like, and how can yoga help with that? This a pretty personal and individual area. Yet we can make some generalities that do not include religion, since yoga is not a religious practice. If you  agree there is life force within you and within others, then we could call that spirit. In yoga we can take time to greet that in ourselves, and regular practice can improve our relations with all the fellow spirits around us.

The latest and “hottest” form of yoga is taking Oshawa by storm. It’s Hot, it’s sexy, and often quite vigorous. If you want yoga that’s exercise, that takes you farther in a stretch, Hot Yoga can do that.

If you are a beginner, be careful- large classes, leader type instruction, over-extending your joints and over-doing it generally are dangers. Plus, you can slip in all that sweat!

If you have been doing yoga for some time and know your limits, and have had good instruction on the form of the poses, there is a lot less risk- but remember, Hot and vigorous yoga styles have the highest rates of injury in Yoga. Rotator cuff injuries and hamstring injuries are quite common from over work and can take you out of the game for months, so be careful! And consider taking a class that encourages you to be aware and understand the purpose and proper form of the poses, common risks, and modifications to stay safe. Yoga with Frances can help you to stay safe and prevent injury so join us today.

Have you ever felt the subtle heat rises from within? If you are surrounded by heat, how do you feel this? If you really want to connect to what’s happening in your body, a comfortable room, including temperature, is very helpful.

Ask about your teachers training
Did you know that yoga teachers can be certified in 2 week intensives, in week-end courses, or even online? Some teachers have studied yoga for less than a year when they decide to certify. Some are fitness trainers who want to add yoga so they can teach more classes. A common standard for yoga teacher training is 200 hrs or more.

What is the class size?
Class size will determine that amount of personal instruction you receive. In a large class, you will be following the leader, and are not likely to receive feed-back on how you are doing. Smaller class size means the teacher can keep an eye out for you, and help you maximize the benefits of the yoga, and also prevent injury.

How much does it cost?
There are many options available, from fitness clubs and community centres that are low cost, to studios and private classes that range from moderate to high in cost. Studios often have a calm and relaxing atmosphere with few distractions. Be sure that you are getting good value for your money by checking the teacher’s qualifications and the facilities first. Also, examine your needs and reasons for taking yoga. If you are a serious student, or if you have health issues, you probably want the best instruction you can afford.

Choose a class and stick with it over a period of time
The best results are achieved when you commit yourself to a course of classes and continue . We all want instant gratification and a quick fix- yoga feels good right away, but it takes time to get used to new moves or a new teacher. Allow yourself time to get into the groove and bond to your new teacher.