Carolina Power Yoga's 200 Hour Teacher Training

CPY's 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Trainees have blossomed into certified yoga teachers. Here is Michele's experience.

I had wanted to participate in a Yoga Teacher Training for years, but working 7 days per week this was not possible. When I retired and moved to NC I started taking yoga classes at Carolina Power Yoga and the stars must have been aligned because an intense YTT immersion was offered in January of 2013 four months after I retired.

The first few days were exhausting. I left home at 8:30 am and didn't get home until 8:00 pm, then I had journaling and reading to do. On many days we took four yoga classes, I had never even taken 4 in a week before! I was physically exhausted and achy yet exhilarated. I felt strong, alive, powerful, and in touch with my feelings. After the first few days I seemed to have an abundance of energy and getting through the day become so much easier that I thought the teachers had changed all the classes to gentle yoga (they hadn't, I was just that much stronger.)


In the morning we meditated before starting the day. Although I had meditated before I had never followed a regular practice. Regular meditation made me feel mentally and physically strong, I also developed a tremendous sense of joy, peace, contentment, and equanimity. I seemed to need less sleep despite the extensive physical energy I expended each day and I felt great. I became more introspective and gained a spiritual awareness. In addition to the mediation and regular asana practice, we studied Sanskrit, anatomy, philosophy and history of yoga. The history and yoga believe system were fascinating. We read several books and discussed them. We were exposed to movies of various yogis, different styles and philosophies of yoga. I was fascinated and hooked. I started eating healthier and as I became stronger, more physically fit, more aware, more present, more grounded and more spiritual all of these characteristics grew exponentially.


The program was well structured, creative, and all inclusive. It was physically and intellectually challenging and always stimulating and diverse. Some days we did our four poses of the day outside in a gazebo at the park. A beautiful tranquil environment. One day we went to an animal shelter to “give back to the community and practice an act of kindness which is the yogi way. Most of our time was spent in the lovely studio that Tara Gurry created. Sometimes we went outside for a lecture or a discussion, taking advantage of the beautiful Carolina weather. My journey was incredible and my transformation remarkable.

Tara Gurry the studio owner was our primary guide. She is talented, caring, joyous yogini, who possesses an abundance of energy and creativity which she brings to all that she does. Her Power Yoga made us stronger. Her program challenged us yet allowed us to grow. Joanne Ducey recently joined CPY as a primary teacher. Jo introduced us to Forrest Yoga, a deeper more intense style of yoga. This helped further sculpt our bodies and brought a greater spirituality to our practice. Jo also introduced us to Ayurveda and several other topics with inspiring lectures. Page was just starting her journey as a teacher and it was great to see her blossom as time progressed. It gave our group insight into some of the challenges we might face as first time teachers.

My fellow trainees became my best friends. Our joyful journey was our bond. Our connection was unbelievable and the positive energy we emitted when we were together was in fact noticed by a new student who came to CPY and remarked on it. We supported each other and cheered each other on both on and off the mat.

I truly believe that this experience change me forever in an extremely positive manner, I learned so much, deepened my yoga practice, and learned that my breath is my best friend and can not only take me deeper into my asana practice, but also helps me in life in many unexpected ways. I am practicing the Four Agreements and the yogi lifestyle. I feel a greater sense of gratitude for life all my life's blessings, including for Carolina Power Yoga who offered me this amazing opportunity.



Thank you and Namaste

Sincerely,
Michele Dorland YTT200

Follow Your Dreams

If while pursuing distant dreams
Your bright hopes turn to gray
Don’t wait for reassuring words
Or hands to lead the way.

For seldom will you find a soul
With dreams the same as yours.
Not often will another help you
Pass through untried doors.

If inner forces urge you
To take a course unknown,
Be ready to go all the way,
Yes, all the way alone.

That’s not to say you shouldn’t
Draw lessons from the best;
Just don't depend on lauding words
To spur you on your quest.

Find confidence within your heart
And let it be your guide.
Strive ever harder toward your
Dreams and they won’t be denied.


By Bruce B Wilmer

Cleanse and Energize with Juice and Smoothies

Juices

Healing Red
Naturally conquer inflammation in the body! Great for muscle and joint pain.
1.5 Cups strawberries
.5 lime
1 beet 
8-10 romaine leaves
3 sprigs of celery
2 carrots 
1 inch piece fresh ginger (or more for spice!)
handful fresh mint

Cleansing Green
Great to rehydrate and cleanse the system before or after exercise.

1.5 green zucchini
.5 cucumber
.5 Granny Smith apple
1 lime
1 handful parsley

Smoothies

Power Blue
Anti-oxidants, potassium, protein, soo great for energy and delicious!
1 cup coconut water
1 cup frozen organic blueberries
.5 banana
2 tbsp chia seeds

Creamy Green Smoothie
Healthy fats, filling and flavorful, this makes an awesome breakfast! YUM

1 cup soy milk
.5 avocado
.5 lemon

1 inch fresh ginger
banana
2 tbsp hemp hearts
.





Be Present

“In magic - and in life - there is only the present moment, the now. You can't measure time the way you measure the distance between two points. 'Time' doesn't pass. We human beings have enormous difficulty in focusing on the present; we're always thinking about what we did, about how we could have done it better, about the consequences of our actions, and about why we didn't act as we should have. Or else we think about the future, about what we're going to do tomorrow, what precautions we should take, what dangers await us around the next corner, how to avoid what we don't want and how to get what we have always dreamed of.”  
 ~ Paulo Coelho,

The Benefits of Yoga for You

Yoga will help you fight stress, get fit and stay healthy.

Your mobile phone is ringing, your boss wants to talk to you and your partner wants to know what's for dinner. Stress and anxiety are everywhere. If they're getting the best of you, you might want to hit the mat and give yoga a try.
Yoga is a mind-body practice that combines stretching exercises, controlled breathing and relaxation. Yoga can help reduce stress, lower blood pressure and improve heart function. And almost anyone can do it.


    Understanding Yoga

Yoga is considered a mind-body type of complementary and alternative medicine practice. Yoga brings together physical and mental disciplines to achieve peacefulness of body and mind, helping you relax and manage stress and anxiety.



Yoga has many styles, forms and intensities. Hatha yoga, in particular, may be a good choice for stress management. Hatha is one of the most common styles of yoga, and beginners may like its slower pace and easier movements. But most people can benefit from any style of yoga — it's all about your personal preferences.
The core components of hatha yoga and most general yoga classes are:
  • Poses. Yoga poses, also called asanas/postures, are a series of movements designed to increase strength and flexibility. Poses range from lying on the floor while completely relaxed to difficult postures that may have you stretching your physical limits.
  • Breathing. Controlling your breathing is an important part of yoga. In yoga, breath signifies your vital energy. Yoga teaches that controlling your breathing can help you control your body and quiet your mind.

The Health Benefits of Yoga 

  • Stress reduction. A number of studies have shown that yoga can help reduce stress and anxiety. It can also enhance your mood and overall sense of well-being.
  • Improved fitness. Practicing yoga can lead to improved balance, flexibility, range of motion and strength. And this means you're less likely to injure yourself in other physical endeavors or in your daily activities.
  • Management of chronic conditions. Yoga can help reduce risk factors for chronic diseases, such as heart disease and high blood pressure. Yoga might also help alleviate chronic conditions, such as depression, pain, anxiety and insomnia.

Yoga: Fight Stress, Find Serenity and Achieve Balance

Everyone's body is different, and yoga postures should be modified based on individual abilities. Selecting an instructor who is experienced and attentive to your needs is an important first step to a safe and effective yoga practice.
Regardless of which type of yoga you practice, you don't have to do every pose. If a pose is uncomfortable or you can't hold it as long as the instructor requests, don't do it. Good instructors will understand and encourage you to explore but not exceed your personal limits.

Resource: www.mayoclinic.com

Ayurveda Health Presentation - What's your Dosha?


Ayurveda is the Hindu study of self-healing, and is very useful in understanding your own mental and physical constitution and how you can stay balanced in your life! I will be doing a short, donation-based presentation tomorrow, February 8th at 1pm directly after "Yoga Fusion." Join for a fun-filled class and an interesting and informative discussion!

To prepare for the presentation, take the Dosha test available here! John Douillard is an Ayurvedic expert and his test is wonderful. Take your results of the test with you tomorrow. You can expect to get some information about how you can use Ayurveda in your own  life.


HEALTHY CUSTOM CLEANSE

Cleansing the body is important periodically (one to four times per year) in order to give the body a rest and allow the organs to replenish themselves for better functioning. The right cleanse will clean the blood and purify the liver, kidneys, colon, intestines, gallbladder, lymph and skin. Not to mention, it will help you clean up your diet and get rid of all those toxins we ingest on a regular basis. A cleanse is a wonderful undertaking if you are feeling sluggish or tired, looking to improve your diet, if your digestion is weak, or if you have recently gone through a life change or transition...

But there is no one cleanse that is best for every single individual, and it is crucial to honor what your body needs. Not only do each of us have a different body constitution and separate dietary needs, but the right cleanse depends on lifestyle, weather, personal goals, physical activity level, and more. 



This cleanse is a realistic, individually tailored 3, 5,  7 and 14 day detox program that will leave you rested, refreshed and rejuvenated! Drawing upon Chinese and Hindu medicine as well as various cleansing methods.  Cleansing may involve juice fasting, smoothie cleansing, food combining, veggie/fruit detox, and/or mono-dieting. 

All cleanses include:
• Initial meeting to determine the right cleanse for you*
• E-mail and/or phone support throughout
• Closure meeting to discuss cleanse experience and plan for the future
• Pre-cleanse cleansing diet recommendations
• Shopping/food preparation guidance
• All juices, smoothies or food for the cleanse portion of program


Smoothie examples:
Green Goddess
Vanilla almond milk, avocado, banana, hemp hearts, ginger and lemon

Strawberry cacao divine
Coconut milk, strawberries, banana, raw cacao, chia seeds

Juice examples:
Green lemonade
Romaine, kale, apple, lemon, ginger

Tart green juice
Zucchini, cucumber, green apple, lime, parsley
....
Mono-diets may include:
Brown rice
Fruit of choice
Kitchuri (Traditional South Asian rice/legume dish)

Beach Yoga Retreat Winners!

The Winner for the ALL-INCLUSIVE 3 Day
Beach Yoga Retreat is  Kiara Cornelius!
Kiara's Beach Yoga Retreat includes:
~Beautiful Oceanfront Accommodations for two nights with full services and amenities including full kitchen, pools, lazy rivers and hot tubs, and you can walk to the yoga studio!
~Delicious and healthy cuisine from BYR featured restaurants, suitable for all diets.
~Inspiring
Yoga and Fitness Classes at Carolina Power Yoga,~Carolina Power Yoga T-shirt, BYR Journal and a Beach Asana Portrait

The 5 Runner-Up Winners receive BYR vouchers:
Julia Featheringill-$100
Katie Flanagan $75
Abby Shelley $50 

John Tracy $25
Isel Garcia-Renart  $25


Thank you to all who entered the contest!
Visit www.myrtlebeachyogaretreat.com to learn more about Beach Yoga Retreat
Panaromic View from BYR