Yoga with Shirley

02/23/2023

I will be teaching my first group class in Starnberg next Friday. Can't wait to get on the mat with Mummies and babies 😍

06/11/2014

Due to weather condition, today's 6pm class will be cancelled :( hope to see you on Sunday at 4pm!!

06/08/2014

In the midst of the Grand Prix madness, did you take a moment to pause and find serenity? Breathe into the moment and know that summer is on its way. As we inhale and exhale into this moment, set your intention for this connection, self-care, and inquiry!

Join me this afternoon at 4pm for an outdoor yoga class by the canal! Meeting at Au Pain Dore on Atwater. http://www.shirleyso.com/run-x-yoga.php #!my-classes/c24og

06/07/2014

Beautifully written by one of my favourite yogi bloggers. It reminds me to read between the lines, listen beyond the words and see behind the pictures.

Pictures are taken in a split of a second and they stimulate a momentary "wow" effect, while the journey that takes us there might have been a struggle but these are the experiences that make us stronger.

Next time as you browse the web and come across an interesting photo, may you go beyond the "wow" and truly connect with the meaning behind the image.

The Sanskrit term “Svadhyaya” means self-study. This is one of the five Niyamas (restraints or observances) and it’s central to the study of yoga. Classically, self-study leads to awareness, not just of our authentic selves, but also of our connection to something greater. In other words, it’s a study of the self that leads us to understanding and awareness of the divine in all things. To me, this divinity is the energy of love.

When we’re quiet and present with ourselves, we begin to notice habits, patterns and ideas that may not be serving us. It’s hard to change a thing if you don’t realize it’s happening, and sometimes our beliefs about ourselves, other people, and the world at large are so ingrained, we take our perspective as truth. Yoga practice is about the ability to see clearly. The morals and ethics set the foundation. If we can’t do the basic things—being truthful, kind, unselfish-we start there. The physical practice teaches us to be in our bodies, and to be present with ourselves so we can see and explore the world within us. If that world is not loving, kind, patient or strong, we get to work.

For me, personally, inversions did not come easily. I wasn’t a gymnast as a kid, I never even learned to do a cartwheel. I never dove into a pool, because the idea of throwing myself head-first into anything was terrifying. So the idea of handstands and forearm balances, and anything else that required me to really trust myself, were incredibly daunting. And that was a huge area of growth for me, personally. I began to consider those questions: Why don’t I trust my ability to take care of myself? Why am I so worried about falling, about not doing things perfectly right from the start? How can I be more compassionate, patient and kind?

When I post a picture like this, it’s my attempt to share an experience. I recognize the journey isn’t captured in the shot, it’s just the destination. But really, what I want to convey is that there’s no need to be trapped by self-limiting beliefs. When you’re willing to work with your pain, it loses its grip on you, and then you can fly.

06/01/2014

Just registered for the Quebec Marathon on Aug 24th, who's coming along to support me?

05/27/2014

Some of my favourite moments this weekend:
• post-natal yoga class with mom moving & baby sleeping
• fresh watermelon on a humid day
• male-only class, sweat, savasana & snoring

05/25/2014

Monday is coming again....but let's end it with a yoga class this time! 6pm Donation class tomorrow, inbox me to RSVP! and check out my new website: www.shirleyso.com

05/21/2014

Outdoor Yoga tomorrow @ 6:30pm! Meet me and the sun at the Centre Canadien d'Architecture / Canadian Centre for Architecture (CCA)at 1920 Rue Baile with your mat and your water bottle!

05/18/2014

Blossom your heart like my flower @ my 5:30pm donation class tonight! We will be working on heart-openers and spinal alignments :)) Inbox me to RSVP!

05/15/2014

mint and cucumber infused water, perfect post-yoga treat on this humid day ♥♡♥

05/12/2014

Donation Class happening tomorrow at 6pm! Bring a friend coz' we all need more yoga on Mondays :) Email or inbox me to RSVP

05/11/2014

Happy Mother's day! Donation Class this evening at 5:30pm, who's in? p.s. invite your mom!

05/05/2014

Come create some space in your body tomorrow (Monday) evening at 6pm, with a donation class led by Maddie! Who's in? Email madisson.singleton@mail.mcgill.ca to RSVP

05/04/2014

What's better than an heart-opening yoga class on a rainy Sunday? Donation class @ 5:30pm, inbox us to RSVP!