WHY YOGA:
Yoga allows me to feel vulnerable in a spiritual and a physical sense. I started a regular practice at a time when my physical activities were creating more stress than relief. I was seeking something beautiful, physical and grounding. I love that yoga is a creative process with infinite depth. It allows me to observe myself and move toward acceptance.
HOW I LIVE MY PRACTICE:
Living my practice means arriving with presence just at the moment in front of me. Living yoga is listening and responding with gratitude, softness and clarity, no matter the context on or off mat. I am graced with a few lovely people in my life who allow me to play with this, knowing that I make mistakes along the way.
WHERE I AM MOST CHALLENGES BY MY PRACTICE:
When confronted by personal struggle, my eccentric toddler and haunting thoughts, it is hard to feel union with my practice off of the mat. How lucky am I that I have yoga to bring me back to a place of grounding and self-care?
THE ONE THING I CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT:
One deep breath. It elicits a feeling of home. Just one moment of attention brings me back to align my body and my mind at the same place at the same time. Magic.
THE BOOK I KEEP ON MY BED SIDE TABLE:
The Art of Attention, Elena Brower & Erica Jago
HOW I HAVE FUN OFF MY MAT:
Doing anything outside: swimming, running, biking, chasing my daughter through the dangerous park structures. I love cooking and farmers markets. I love random adventures to new places.
WHAT I KNOW FOR SURE:
There is a lot of goodness in my life. So grateful.
WHAT I AM COMMITTED TO:
Being kinder to myself.
WHAT I SHARE IN MY TEACHING:
What I’m working on in my own practice: tending to body movements and stillness with attention to heart, mind and soulfulness. I share what is close to me that day or week or season. Teaching what Im living helps me connect in a very personal and humble way.
HOMETOWN:
Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan
EDUCATION / OTHER CERTIFICATIONS:
Yandara Yoga 500-hour training, B.Sc. Nutrition, YMCA / SPRA fitness instructor
Currently work as a Registered Dietitian in the Kingston Regional Bariatric Assessment & Treatment Centre.
Brendine Partyka, holiday yoga.
