it is a time of change
crisp air, colored leaves, warm scarves handmade with love
hot tea, new vegetables in season - autmn is upon us and it is a wonderful time to begin our prepearations for the winter. bears prepare for hibernation a time when they go inward and spend the winter with themselves in a deep state of stillness - nature in meditation.

another opportunity to learn from nature.... for the next few weeks, i strive to create a stronger connection to the foundation and base of my practice to flourish over the next 6 months. this relates to all areas of life from nourishment in the foods supporting our energy levels and our bodies, to the daily structures we put in place for oursevles to honnour our practice and our health. giving urselves the gift of a true practice.

just something to think about... stay warm, layer up, get ready for winter, breathe deeply in the fresh energized air.
xO!a

live aware

here's an interesting view of our perception, many of us think we are living with awareness throughout our days, but are we really?

_________________________________________________________________________

Perception

..something to think about...




Washington, DC Metro Station on a cold January morning in 2007. The man with a violin played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. During that time approx. 2 thousand people went through the station, most of them on their way to work.

After 3 minutes a middle aged man noticed there was a musician playing. He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds and then hurried to meet his schedule.

4 minutes later:

The violinist received his first dollar: a woman threw the money in the hat and, without stopping, continued to walk.

6 minutes:

A young man leaned against the wall to listen to him, then looked at his watch and started to walk again.

10 minutes:

A 3-year old boy stopped but his mother tugged him along hurriedly. The kid stopped to look at the violinist again, but the mother pushed hard and the child continued to walk, turning his head all the time. This action was repeated by several other children. Every parent, without exception, forced their children to move on quickly.

45 minutes:

The musician played continuously. Only 6 people stopped and listened for a short while. About 20 gave money, but continued to walk at their normal pace. The man collected a total of $32.

1 hour:

He finished playing and silence took over. No one noticed. No one applauded, nor was there any recognition.

Findings:

No one knew this, but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the greatest musicians in the world.

He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written, with a violin worth $3.5 million dollars.

Two days before Joshua Bell sold out a theater in Boston where the seats averaged $100.

This is a true story.

Joshua Bell playing incognito in the Metro Station was organized by the Washington Post as part of a social experiment about perception, taste, and people's priorities.

The questions raised: "In a common place environment, at an inappropriate hour, do we perceive beauty?

Do we stop to appreciate it?

Do we recognize talent in an unexpected context?"

One possible conclusion reached from this experiment could be this: If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world, playing some of the finest music ever written, with one of the most beautiful instruments ever made.... How many other things are we missing?.........

________________________________________________________
An interesting observation of how many people are rushed to live their lives under a tight schedule. we have become so used to the instant and quick way of living under the idea that "time is money" or however you wanna say it. Many people seemed to 'not have the time' to stop and listen because they didn't schedule an impromptu performance. That being said, it is a reminder that, it doesn't take a lot of time to stop and appreciate unexpected beauty. being open and present in all moments we flow through in our days will keep us open for discovery. of new things, beautiful opportunities, and a lot more happiness, and love around us.

stay open, breathe deep, feel out your moments. live with awareness.

i'm hoping everyone had an opportunity to relax and enjoy the last long weekend of the summer.
i lucked out last minute and had the wonderful opportunity to get away from the busy city and into nature for 3 days.

humbled by the silence of the forest and held by the whispering leaves of mother earth as the sun set. inspired by the clear, cold, fresh waters of georgian bay floating underneath and with eyes open and nose plugged looking up to the sparkeling ripples on the surface above me, the waters who washed away any fear or doubts of the upcoming seasons change assuring me that here and now is the only place i need to be. to eat beautiful fruit grown close by, under the sun and into the starlight that tried to outshine the powerful full moon, an entire weekend of wonder and beauty that brings me to say: take time to spend with our mother. the beloved. sit with her, lay with her, embrace and be embraced. love the earth and all she does for you. honor and respect her, and express your gratitude toward her for the guidance and support she provides us with. it is from her that we came to be. we are all a part of the same glorious seed. looking forward to another month of warm golden sunsets, leaves slowly changing color and a new sense of energy floating in the air. breathe in the fresh winds...
xO!aB

moment to moment

thought this video was beautiful, and a wonderful reminded to be present throughout all our moments in the day.




notice that there is some restructuring to this site happening, there is now a link on the right side of the page that will take you to the schedule for community classes throughout the week. to book private/in home practice sessions with me please email practicefreedom@gmail.com

have a wonderful day. xO!aB

Aug 24th- 30th

namaste

wow, the last week of august is already here... this summer has gone by so quickly, and i've enjoyed many classes with regular students and some wonderful new friendly faces. i am so grateful to be blessed with the freedom and space in my life to practice with all of you. i look forward to heading into fall with a renewed sense of energy, focus and warmth continuing to practice connecting to the freedom in ourselves and to encourage the flow of this energy into our communities.

classes this week:

monday 930am-11am (chasse gardee 1084 queen w)*

tuesday 10am-11am (drake hotel sky yard 1150 queen w)*

wednesday 730pm-9pm (chasse gardee)*

thursday 10am-11am (drake sky yard)*

friday 930am-11am (chasse gardee)*

sunday 10am-1130 (danceology in liberty village - www.danceology.org)

*all classes pay what you wish - (suggested donation $10)

practicefreedom@gmail.com

416.805.9157

Aug 17th- 24th

namaste...

what beautiful weather we've been having, the continued presence of the sun is such a blessing, energizing, warming and encouraging us all to spend a bit more time outside with mother earth as summer stretches on ahead of us...

classes this week are:

Monday 930-11am (Chasse Gardee 1084 Queen W)

Tuesday 10-11am (Drake Hotel Sky Yard Patio 1150 Queen W)

Wednesday 730pm-9pm (Chasse Gardee)

Thursday 10am-11am (Drake Sky Yard)

Friday 930am-11am (Chasse Gardee)

*all classes are pay what you wish! - bring a mat.

xO!aB

Aug 10th -17th

namaste...

classes this week:

Tuesday 10am-11am @ the Drake Sky Yard
Weds 930-11am @ Chasse Gardee (1084 Queen W)
Thurs 10am-11am @ the Drake Sky Yard
Friday 930am-11am @ Chasse Gardee

*all classes are pay what you wish - bring your own mat and water bottle.

Aug 5-9th

namaste
sorry for the delay in posting. my contact with the internet has been very limited.
classes this week:

wed 730pm-9
friday 930am-11
sunday 10-1130am

wed/friday are at chasse gardee (1084 Queen W)*pay what you wish.
Sunday's class is at danceology in Liberty Village. $15/drop in

Schedule for July 27- Aug 2nd

namaste

continuing to be inspired by teachers, books and nature has propelled me into testing my boundaries as a teacher this week - focusing on deeper levels of practice.

practice freedom schedule for this week is:

tuesday 10am-11 - sky yard (drake hotel - 1150 queen w)
wednesday 730pm-9 chasse gardee (1084 queen w)
thursday 10am-11 - sky yard - drake hotel
friday class cancelled, sorry...

*all classes are pay.what.you.wish
please bring a mat,
xO!aB

Back in TO

hey all you practice freedom followers....

i am back form my vacation where i was surrounded by amazing love and incredibly beautiful nature. I'm excited to share this with you all... my schedule this week is:

Tues: 10am-11 @ The Drake
Weds: 730Pm- 9 Chasse Gardee (1084 Queen W)
Thurs: 10am-11 @ The Drake
Friday: 930am-11 @ Chasse Gardee


all classes are PayWhatYouWish
bring your mat, and a smile...
hope to see you there...
xO!aB

you can call: 416.805.9157 if you have any questions

Time Away

Namaste...

There are no classes in Toronto for the next 2 weeks as I am currently traveling in Alberta and B.C. Celebrating family, and love, nature and union. Coming back to my home town has really opened my eyes and heart to help me remember where I've come from - and how astounding the journey has been. Everytime I return to Calgary I am faced with nostalgia - for days of walking the train tracks, floating down the river and the feeling of wanting to break free from all my familiarity. My youthfulness and ambition was in abundance when I last lived here and I see it marking the streets and old fanceposts along the way. I also see so much change, and development around the city - a facelift or new phyiscal makeup that it takes me a while to remember who's face I am looking at - an old friend, with new cheekbones. When I search for the things I love - the flowing river through stanley park, or the high ridge mountain view - I am reunited with that old friend, laughing about our old jokes and relaxing into the comfort of familiarity. Old friends are something to be celebrated - they help you see your reflection and growth - they remind you of dreams once shared - accomplished or not - they celebrate the connection of the heart. Freedom from expectation - celebration of love.

So I'll leave it at that for now - Happy Canada Day - Celebrate our freedom to live in such a peaceful and vastly diverse country!
Celebrate old friends and share your love...
xO!aB

June 15th-21st

As we approach the summer solstice this upcoming Sunday (which also happens to be my birthday...) we face the beginning of the new season. Striving to better ourselves and our community - I hope we find the freedom to set aside some attention and time into joining together for practice. This week's schedule has some changes to it - I am now offer 2 evening classes a week - hoping to serve more of our friends who aren't able to make the morning classes... xO!aB

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Classes at Chasse Gardee (1084 Queen St. W)*

Monday 730pm-9pm
Wed 730pm-9pm (new time!)
SATURDAY 930am-11am


Classes at the Drake (1150 Queen St. West)*

Tuesday 11am-12noon
Thurs 11am-12noon

- please bring your own mat, this week might be moved inside due to construction on the sky yard, will keep you posted. xO!aB

*all classes are pay.what.you.wish


Classes at Danceology - Liberty Village

Tuesday 7am-8am
Thursday 7am-8am
Sunday 10am - 1130am

$15/Drop-in or 10-class-pass only $99


View Larger Map

June 8th - June 15th

Namaste...

... as we move toward the summer season and watch the plants and parks come to life - I am reminded by the sun and the stars, the rain and the wind that we must take time to slow down - to replenish and provide our bodies and minds with the attention and devotion that they deserve. With patio season well underway and celebrations of warmth and light becoming more present - I encourage all of us to also celebrate ourselves and our connection to the earth.

Classes This Week at Chasse Gardee (1084 Queen W)

Monday 730pm-9
Wednesday 930am-11
Friday 930am-11

*All classes are PayWhatYouWish

First Practice Freedom This week at The Drake!

Thursday 11am-12*

*Community Class - PayWhatYouWish - Bring Your Own Mat,
Class will be under the sun on the SkyYard - rooftop patio -
and if the weather is not agreeable we'll move it inside.

Classes At Danceology in Liberty Village

Tuesday 7am-8
Thursday 7am-8
Sunday 10am-11.30

Drop-in $15, 10-class-pass - 99$


View Larger Map

I look forward to practicing with you and wish you a happy week - celebrate the sun - celebrate yourself!
xO!aB

Schedule June 1st-8th

This week at Chasse Gardee (1084 Queen W)

Monday: 730pm-9
Wed: 930am-11
Fri: 930am-11

*all classes are PayWhatYouWish


This Week at Danceology (Liberty Village)

Tuesday: 7am-8
Thursday: 7am-8
Sunday 10am-1130

$15/drop in, $49 month unlimited*, 99$/10-class pass
*beginning of the month - great time to buy an unlimited pass - great savings on classes!



View Larger Map


And just confirmed that Yoga at the Drake is underway!
Starting Next Week...
Classes will be Tuesday/Thursdays @ 11am-12 on the Sky Yard, bring your own mat and...
....PayWhatYouWish!

Schedule May 25th-31st, 2009

Classes This Week

Community Classes at Chasse Gardee (1084 Queen W @ Dovercourt)
Monday 7.30pm-9*
Wednesday 9.30am-11*
Friday 9.30am-11*

*Classes are PayWhatYouWish...

Studio Classes @ Danceology in Liberty Village
(171 East Liberty Street Suite 109)

Tuesday 7am-8.30
Thursday 7am-8.30
Sunday 10am-11.30

$15/drop-in class , $49/unlimited monthly pass, $99/ 10 class-pass

www.danceology.org

Map of Danceology below:



View Larger Map

Schedule May 19- 26th

Chasse Gardee (1084 Queen St. w @ Dovercourt)

Monday 10am-1130am
Wednesday 7-830pm
Friday 930am-11*

*classes are pay what you wish

Danceology ( 171 East Liberty Street , Suite 109)

Tuesday 7am- 830
Thursday 7am-830
Sunday 10am-1130

$15/drop in, 49$ unlimited membership

Schedule May 11th - 18th

Practice Freedom Classes this week:

Chasse Gardee :
Mon 730pm-9pm,
Wed 930am - 11am,
Friday 930am- 11am *

*all classes pay what you wish

Danceology in Liberty Village:
Tuesday 7am- 830am
Thursday 7am-830am
Sunday 10-1130am** class is cancelled due to the long weekend.**

-drop in calsses $15,
10 class pass on $99,
or $49/unlimited for a month.

I have been reading a more detailed version of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras. This week, the passage that I'm focusing on bringing out in my day-to-day, moment-to-moment interactions is:

Undisturbed calmness of mind is attained by cultivating friendliness toward the happy, compassion for the unhappy, delight in the virtuous, and indifference toward the wicked.

Just thinking about rather than being jealous of someone's happiness - rejoicing in it for and with them. Taking pleasure in the happiness of our friend. If someone is unhappy we should feel sorry for them rather than criticizing their mood, or state of mind. For those that we meet who are virtuous and we see in great light - we should delight in them, and their inspiration to better ourselves. When we encounter those who bring wickedness with them toward us - we must look beyond the wicked nature in them and seek out the root of who they are. By attempting to see why they are treating you the way they are you may find infact that there is something you could be doing differently toward them to make the situation more enjoyable for both of you.

Think about this:

The bees seek honey. I will shun the habit of the flies and follow that of the bees. I will refrain from finding faults in others and look only for the good which is in them.

That is a vow which we should all aspire to live up to. Think of the beauty it could create.

practice love. xO!aB

this week's community classes are:
monday, wednesday, and friday @ 9.30 am - 11.00 am

*all classes are at Chasse Gardee (1084 Queen St West)
and are pay.what.you.wish!

also...

sunday may 10th classes begin at danceology in liberty village
10am-11.30am

171 East Liberty Street | Suite 109
416.588.0111
info@danceology.org

xO!aB