Balance At Work

2020 was quite the year, wasn’t it? I’m not one to believe things will magically change when we flip the calendars over in a couple of days, but I’m optimistic we’ll find our way through these challenging times. Please be sure to take time for self care in 2021. This year has challenged small businesses, and it’s only through you choosing to support local that solopreneurs like me have managed. For this I am truly thankful. ... A shoutout of gratitude for all the local businesses, agencies, and individuals who've chosen me and my services in 2020. I look forward to continuing or reengaging with you again next year. Canadian Health Recovery Centre - CHRC - Rehab For Men Cmha Hkpr GREEN-UP New Canadians Centre Peterborough @ArrayServies Trent University Alumni Association Lady Eaton TrentU Best wishes for health, love, and happiness in the New Year, Andrew

I teach yoga because I want to help others through it in the way I was helped by it, and I know in my heart that I am, but when I receive a card like this from someone who had never done yoga before, I get that good ol’ warm fuzzy feelin’ :)

LUNCH-HOUR YOGA MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS, & FRIDAYS 12:10-12:55 December is nuts. Make sure to take time out for you in all the hustle and bustle!... Registration’s open for December’s live-streamed lunch-hour yoga classes on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. No classes December 21st Jan 2nd. Classes run 12:10-12:55, and I’m guiding all of them. Mondays: Gentle Yoga Wednesdays: Hatha Yoga (Remembrance Day’s class moved to Thursday the 12th) Fridays: Flow Yoga (Cardio) DROP-INS WELCOME. Please email me no later than 10:00am on the day of the class so I have time to send you the Zoom link. Drop-ins are $10 (incl. HST), and payment is through e-transfer. Visit www.balanceatwork.ca/rp-wellness to learn more about classes to register (credit card required for online registration). You can also email me to let me know what you want to take and send me an e-transfer. Either way, I’ll email online class access details when I receive registration. PLEASE NOTE: Internet Explorer is not supported by Square. You need to use Google Chrome or Firefox to register. Apologies for the inconvenience. Questions or concerns? Don’t hesitate to contact me (Andrew) at [email protected]. Be well, stay calm, keep healthy, and I hope to see you on the mat next month, Andrew

Enjoyed leading an hour-long stress management workshop for Trent University's Lady Eaton College team yesterday. It's amazing how a few simple breathing techniques, movements, and mindfulness-based practices can turn the volume down on a busy mind and anxious body. Always a pleasure working with employers who see the value of investing in their team's wellbeing. Thank you!... #wellbeing #wellness #mentalhealth #stress

LUNCH-HOUR YOGA Registration’s open for September’s live-streamed lunch-hour yoga classes on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays (delivered through Zoom) September’s a crazy time, especially for those with kids, and especially this year with the uncertainty around back-to-school in the era of COVID. I encourage you to find the time for self-care to help you manage your stress, whether through lunch-hour yoga or elsewhere.... You can register for Monday, Wednesday, and/or Friday classes for the month of September. CLASSES ARE ONLY $7 EACH IF YOU REGISTER FOR A GIVEN DAY EACH WEEK and $8 if you choose a 5-, 8-, or 10-class pass (including HST). Classes run 12:10-12:55, and I’m guiding all of them. Mondays: Gentle Yoga (no class September 7th; Labour Day) Wednesdays: Hatha Yoga Fridays: Flow Yoga (Cardio) DROP-INS WELCOME. Please email me no later than 10:00am on the day of the class so I have time to send you the Zoom link. Drop-ins are $10 (incl. HST), and payment is through e-transfer to this email address (no security question needed). Visit www.balanceatwork.ca/rp-wellness to learn more about classes to register (credit card required for online registration). I will email online class access details when I receive registration. PLEASE NOTE: Internet Explorer is not supported by Square. You need to use Google Chrome or Firefox to register. Apologies for the inconvenience. Questions or concerns? Don’t hesitate to contact me (Andrew) at [email protected]. Be well, stay calm, keep healthy, and I hope to see you on the mat next month, Andrew

Balance At Work turns 6 today. I left my permanent government job about 7.5 years ago, not to teach yoga, but to become a freelance writer and editor. Life had other plans, however, and here I am. Self-employment isn’t easy. I held various jobs during my 10 years at the Ministry of Natural Resources, but each only had a single title: Avian Biologist, Agreement Advisor, Policy Analyst, etc. I hire an accountant to do my taxes, pay for the occasional technical support for my we...bsite, and my wife is a talented Graphic Designer, but I wear all the other hats for Balance At Work, so, my job titles include: * Lead (only!) Yoga Instructor & Meditation Guide * Web Copy Writer * Website Maintainer * Bookkeeper & Financial Officer * Marketing & Communications Specialist * Scheduler * Procurement Officer * Business Strategist * Driver * Custodian On top of that, I’m working on an MA in Counselling Psychology, striving to be a loving and supportive father and husband, and doing my fair share of homemaker duty. Life’s busy. And I still earn less than half as much as I did working for the government. That’s not a complaint. I haven’t looked back. If it was all only about money, I’d still be sitting in my cubicle or boardrooms grinding away at policy. My spirit is nourished by the work I do. Many thanks to all who’ve supported me over the years, whether individual yoga students or corporate workplace wellness clients. The cliché is true: I couldn’t do it without you. Andrew

LUNCH-HOUR YOGA MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS, & FRIDAYS 12:10-12:55 Registration’s open for November’s live-streamed lunch-hour yoga classes on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.... Things are starting to get colder, and movement’s a great way to get the blood flowing. As always, I encourage you to find the time for self-care to keep healthy and help manage stress, whether through lunch-hour yoga or elsewhere. Classes run 12:10-12:55, and I’m guiding all of them. Mondays: Gentle Yoga Wednesdays: Hatha Yoga (Remembrance Day’s class moved to Thursday the 12th) Fridays: Flow Yoga (Cardio) DROP-INS WELCOME. Please email me no later than 10:00am on the day of the class so I have time to send you the Zoom link. Drop-ins are $10 (incl. HST), and payment is through e-transfer. Visit www.balanceatwork.ca/rp-wellness to learn more about classes to register (credit card required for online registration). You can also email me to let me know what you want to take and send me an e-transfer. Either way, I’ll email online class access details when I receive registration. PLEASE NOTE: Internet Explorer is not supported by Square. You need to use Google Chrome or Firefox to register. Apologies for the inconvenience. Questions or concerns? Don’t hesitate to contact me (Andrew) at [email protected]. Be well, stay calm, keep healthy, and I hope to see you on the mat next month, Andrew

August's lunch-hour classes are ongoing, but today is the first Monday class. Taking vacation time in August? A 5-class pass gives you the freedom to take the classes that fit your schedule. One advantage of Zoom is that you could even take the class on a dock somewhere if you have good cell coverage. You can register for Mondays (3 classes), Wednesdays (2 classes), and/or Fridays (2 classes) for the rest of the month. Classes are only $7 each if you register for a given day ...each week and $8 if you choose a 5-class pass (including HST). Classes run 12:10-12:55, and I’m guiding all of them. Mondays: Gentle Yoga (no class August 3rd; Civic Holiday) Wednesdays: Hatha Yoga Fridays: Flow Yoga (Cardio) NO CLASSES August 17th 21st (I’m taking a vacation!) DROP-INS WELCOME. Please email me no later than 10:00am on the day of the class so I have time to send you the Zoom link. Drop-ins are $10 (incl. HST), and payment is through e-transfer to this email address (no security question needed). Visit www.balanceatwork.ca/rp-wellness to learn more about classes to register (credit card required for online registration). I will email online class access details when I receive registration. PLEASE NOTE: Internet Explorer is no longer supported by Square. You need to use Google Chrome or Firefox to register. Apologies for the inconvenience. Questions or concerns? Don’t hesitate to contact me at [email protected]. Be well, stay calm, and keep healthy, Andrew

I had the privilege of leading a 90-minute stress management workshop for New Canadians Centre staff through Zoom yesterday. Breathing techniques, gentle movement, and mindfulness-based mediations offer simple and practical ways to manage stress. Always a pleasure working with employers who recognize the importance of workplace wellness and value their employees enough to provide them with opportunities to improve it.... Thanks for the opportunity! Andrew

It felt really good to return to teaching in-person at Chrc Peterborough this morning after almost 6 months of leading sessions through Zoom. Zoom has been a fabulous option through COVID, but it’s no substitute for face-to-face teaching. Ever tried to make eye contact through Zoom? Can’t be done!

I had the privilege of leading a 45-minute stress management workshop for @Trent University Alumi Affairs & Fundraising staff through Zoom today. It's remarkable how effective a few simple breathing techniques and mindfulness-based meditations can be at reducing stress. Always a pleasure working with employers who recognize the importance of workplace wellness and value their employees enough to provide them with opportunities to improve it.... Thanks for the opportunity! Andrew

Thoroughly enjoyed leading a 45-minute healthy movement workshop for @Trent University Alumi Affairs & Fundraising staff through Zoom today. Always a pleasure to work with an employer who recognizes the importance of workplace wellness and values their employees enough to provide them with opportunities to improve it. Looking forward to our follow-up stress management session in late-August. Thanks!

Registration's open for the August lunch-hour classes on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Taking vacation time in August? A 5-class pass gives you the freedom to take the classes that fit your schedule. One advantage of Zoom is that you could even take the class on a dock somewhere if you have good cell coverage :) You can register for Monday, Wednesday, and/or Friday classes for the month of August. Classes are only $7 each if you register for a given day each week and $8 i...f you choose a 5- or 8-class pass (including HST). Classes run 12:10-12:55, and I’m guiding all of them. Mondays: Gentle Yoga (no class August 3rd; Civic Holiday) Wednesdays: Hatha Yoga Fridays: Flow Yoga (Cardio) NO CLASSES August 17th 21st (I’m taking a vacation!) DROP-INS WELCOME. Please email me no later than 10:00am on the day of the class so I have time to send you the Zoom link. Drop-ins are $10 (incl. HST), and payment is through e-transfer to this email address (no security question needed). Visit www.balanceatwork.ca/rp-wellness to learn more about classes to register (credit card required for online registration). I will email online class access details when I receive registration. PLEASE NOTE: Internet Explorer is no longer supported by Square. You need to use Google Chrome or Firefox to register. Apologies for the inconvenience. Questions or concerns? Don’t hesitate to contact me (Andrew) at [email protected]. Be well, stay calm, and keep healthy, Andrew

It was an honour and privilege to offer a stress management session for Green Up staff this morning. Although it’s different offering sessions like these through Zoom, I’m continually amazed by the connection that can happen through the online platform. Always a pleausre to work with an employer who recognizes the importance of workplace wellness and values their employees enough to provide them with opportunities to improve it. Thanks!

I take what I do seriously but try not to take myself too seriously while I do it. I want to help you de-stress in body and mind. I want to help you stretch and strengthen your body.... I want to help you improve your balance, flexibility, and coordination. I want you to enjoy the physical practice of yoga. And I want to help you do all of that safely. Just as with any physical activity, yoga can really help your body, but it can also harm it if done incorrectly or by forcing your body to do something that it can’t, probably shouldn’t, and may never be able to, do. My emphasis when teaching is on safety, not on getting you into a shape you shouldn’t be in, and definitely not on how good you look. Although yoga can be a spiritual practice and a philosophical approach to life, I don’t teach that in my classes. I offer the physical practice, encouraging the connection between movement and breath that’s a major part of that physical practice. Two students who are new to my classes had this to say: "I have taken many yoga classes and your instruction, Andrew is amazing. You take your time to explain what you will cover in the class and I find your teaching style is very easy to follow and learn from. I asked you after one class to explain something to me and you took the time to ask what I was struggling with and spent the time working with me on improving the pose. Great yoga teacher and I will come back to learn." ~ Tanis Fink I was so happy to get back to yoga today having been away for so long. It was amazing. You are amazing! You're such a good instructor and your movements and pacing are fantastic. I feel so much better today. ~ Scott Donovan If this interests you, I offer 4 LIVE-STREAMED YOGA CLASSES/WEEK THROUGH ZOOM. Classes run in 1-month sessions, with the JULY SESSION STARTING ON FRIDAY, JULY 3RD: Mondays, 12:10-12:55: Gentle Yoga Wednesdays, 12:10-12:55: Hatha Yoga Thursdays, 7:00-8:00pm: Yang-Yin Fridays, 12:10-12:55: Flow Yoga (Cardio) Classes are only $7 each if you register for a given day each week and $8 if you choose the flexibility of a multi-class pass (5, 8, or 10 classes), which allows you to take whatever classes fit your schedule (including HST). Visit WWW.BALANCEATWORK.CA/RP-WELLNESS to learn more about classes to register (credit card required for online registration). I will email online class access details when I receive registration. PLEASE NOTE: Internet Explorer is no longer supported by Square. You need to use Google Chrome or Firefox to register. Questions or concerns? Don’t hesitate to contact me at [email protected]. Be well, stay calm, and keep healthy, Andrew

I love this. I’ve wished for years that a portion of the downtown core would be pedestrian-only.

My June session of lunch-hour yoga classes (Mon, Wed, Fri) starts today. Details below, or email me at [email protected].

LUNCH-HOUR YOGA THROUGH ZOOM 12:10-12:55 Mondays: Gentle Yoga Wednesdays: Hatha Yoga... Fridays: Flow Yoga (cardio) $7-$8/class I’ve been running the lunch-hour yoga program in Peterborough’s Robinson Place (a.k.a. MNR building) for over 3 years. These classes were in the building until the government moved to work-from-home, when I made the shift to live streaming the lunch-hour yoga classes through Zoom. THEY’RE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC UNTIL OUR CLASSES RETURN TO THE DOWNTOWN OFFICE. Practicing at home in front of a screen may not be the most enjoyable way to experience yoga, especially in terms of the collective energy and social aspects of a group session, but it's becoming increasingly popular and is now the way things are until yoga studios and public offices reopen their doors. It’s also a great opportunity for those of you who want to try yoga but are uncomfortable starting in a group setting or in front of your colleagues. YOU CAN REGISTER FOR MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, &/or FRIDAY CLASSES for the MONTH OF JUNE. Classes are only $7 each if you register for a given day each week and $8 if you choose the flexibility of a multi-class pass (5, 8, or 10 classes), which allows you to take whatever classes fit your schedule (including HST). Visit WWW.BALANCEATWORK.CA/RP-WELLNESS to learn more about classes to register (credit card required for online registration). I will email online class access details when I receive registration. PLEASE NOTE: Internet Explorer is no longer supported by Square. You need to use Google Chrome or Firefox to register. Questions or concerns? Don’t hesitate to contact me (Andrew) at [email protected]. Be well, stay calm, and keep healthy, Andrew

A breath awareness session to help you manage stress. #DeStressWithAndrew

Hope you can join me this afternoon :)

I'm pleased to support the Canadian Mental Health Association, Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge Branch by offering one of their Virtual Mental Health Week Events. Feel free to join me here at 1:15pm on WEDNESDAY, MAY 6th for a 15-20-minute breath awareness session. We breathe 24-7, but we rarely pay any attention to it. Taking a mindful approach to breathing allows us to notice what it really feels like to breathe and can calm the mind and body, which helps reduce stress by g...rounding us in the moment. To prepare, simply set yourself up in a comfortable seated position. Hope to see you there :) Andrew #MentalHealthWeek #GetReal #DeStressWithAndrew https://cmhahkpr.ca/n/celebrating-mental-health-week-2020/

Morning Mindfulness Moment with your favourite cuppa. #DeStressWithAndrew #Mindfulness

MINDFULNESS MOMENT Friday morning at 7:00 am EST Mindfulness can be extremely calming, and it doesn't have to be complicated. It can be as simple as taking the time to really savour your morning coffee. Set the tone for your Friday by joining me via Facebook Live for perhaps 10 minutes of mindfulness with your favourite hot drink.... To prepare, simply: - Make your favourite hot drink in your favourite mug. Don't even take 1 sip until we get to that point in the session ;) - Bring your cuppa to a comfortable sitting spot in time to be ready for 7:00am sharp. - Go with me as I guide you into enjoying that cup in what might be a whole new way :) Hope to see you there! In the meantime, create a great Thursday, Andrew #DeStressWithAndrew #Mindfulness

YANG-YIN YOGA CLASSES Thursday Evenings 7:00-8:00 pm EST Live-streamed through Zoom... Drop-in $10 4 consecutive weeks for $28 (including HST) These beginner-friendly classes start with 20-25 minutes of Hatha to warm up the body and let go of some of the day’s stress. We then shift to 30-35 minutes of Yin to slow down, find deeper stretches, and relax. We wrap up with a 5-minute savasana (or longer as you need). Please have at least 1-2 props with you (I would suggest a tightly rolled blanket, plus a pillow or folded beach towel...). You will be muted though the class, so you can also play your own music while you practice, if you wish. Email me at [email protected] for more details on the class or how to sign up. Hope to see you this evening. Andrew

I’ve offered several 2-hour Intro to Meditation workshops over the years, including 3 within the past couple of months. They’ve always been well-attended and well-received. I would like to offer them (and a stress management course) live-streamed online. Rather than set a date and time, please PM me or email me at [email protected] to receive email updates. Create great days,... Andrew See more

INTRO TO MEDITATION WORKSHOP (ONLINE) Change is difficult and times are stressful right now. Meditation provides an opportunity to slow down and create an inner calm that you can carry with you throughout the day or use to unwind at the end of a hectic day.... I’m offering a 2-hour Intro to Meditation Workshop online. During this live-streamed workshop, I’ll guide an exploration of several different approaches to meditation to help you find one that works for you. Sunday, March 29th 2:00-4:00pm EST Delivered through Zoom $20 +HST (includes access to recorded session for future use) Zoom can accommodate up to 100 participants, but I want to maintain a sense of connection and community with participants, so I’m limiting registration to 12 people. Visit https://balance-at-work.square.site/ to register. Upon registration, I’ll send an email with an overview of how to prepare, what to expect, and login details. If you can’t make this session and would be interested in future offerings, please email me at [email protected]. Looking forward to it :) Andrew

YOGA NIDRA (Meditation) Yoga Nidra translates to "Yoga Sleep." It's a form of meditation that is extremely relaxing and a fantastic way to unwind at the end of ...the day. It involves a detailed body scan and some breath counting. (15:54) While the intention of Yoga Nidra is not to put you to sleep, it may very well do so. And that's ok. Stress and busy-ness are exhausting, so if you fall asleep during this evening's practice, it's because you needed to. (I think the "sleep" part of its name refers more the the potential for entering a dream-like altered state of consciousness, rather than actual physical sleep.) To prepare, you should be in a comfortable position, ideally lying on your back. #DeStressWithAndrew #Meditation #YogaNidra #Relaxation Please note that I will no longer be offering meditations, etc., on my personal timeline as of this Wednesday. Please Like and Follow my business page, Balance At Work, if you haven't already done so and want to keep chillin' out with me.

Folks. I’m not happy with this evening’s Yoga Nidra video, so I deleted it. Technical disruption and distracting cats in the background led to me doing things a bit too quickly I‘ll do it again at 9:30pm tomorrow. Hope you’ll join me. G’nite,... Andrew #DeStressWithAndrew

Hey, everyone. As I’ve been doing, I’ll be sharing my Live meditation to this page after I finish it this evening. Starting this Wednesday, I’ll be doing them directly on this page. I wanted to give you a heads up so you know it’s coming Andrew

Calm a busy mind with Square Breathing. (6:11) #DeStressWithAndrew #Meditation... #Breathing See more

A short progressive relaxation to help you release tension throughout your body in bed right before going to sleep. (10:38) #DeStressWithAndrew #Meditation... #Relaxation #Sleep See more

All set to run my lunch-hour yoga class for Robinson Place employees working from home. A new space :)

Here’s a breath awareness exercise to relax before bed. Hope it helps Andrew

All set up for my first online yoga-meditation class through Zoom! Thanks, Chrc Peterborough for accommodating the need.

Guess who’s going to be teaching yoga and offering meditations online really soon. I’ve been talking about doing this for over a year now, and the world is currently forcing me to dive in. Excited!... Stay tuned :)

I was waiting for 1 more donation to come in from the Intro to Meditation workshop I ran last weekend as a fundraiser for the LoveYourBrain Foundation. $415! Wonderful!... Thanks to all who came and donated. If anyone else out there wants to donate to this amazing organization, I welcome donations (cash or cheque made out to Love Your Brain Foundation) in the next week or so. Tax receipts available. Contact me if you want to help folks living with Traumatic Brain Injuries.

All set up for and excited about another Intro to Meditation workshop! 100% of the donations from this one go to LoveYourBrain, a good fantastic organization that supports people living with Traumatic Brain Injuries through a free 6-week yoga-meditation-talking circle session, and for whom I’m pleased to teach. If all trae spirs are filled today, we should raise enough to pay 1 lead teacher for 1 6-week session Gorgeous space donated by The Willow Studio. Thank you

Just finished leading the 6th and final week of the current LoveYourBrain session. Such a pleasure and honour to play a role in supporting a dozen brave souls on their journey with Traumatic Brain Injury. Already looking forward to being the support teacher for the April-May session www.loveyourbrain.com

Hey, @MNRF friends Join me for half an hour of desk stretching as part of your Good Day?

This Saturday's Intro to Meditation workshop is filling up! Don’t forget to pre-register to hold your spot During this workshop, I’ll guide you through a variety of different approaches to meditation in the hope that you find 1 or 2 that you like and might continue with. Space is limited, and pre-registration/pre-payment are required.... Saturday, Feb 22, 2:00-4:00pm Peterborough Yoga Wellness Centre (Hunter St E; above Matsu Sushi, entrance in back) $30+ HST (15% discount for studio members, seniors, & students... not available online) Call or visit the studio to register (705.990.0838) Hope to share this with you Andrew

Back by popular demand! INTRO TO MEDITATION WORKSHOP Saturday, February 22nd, 2:00-4:00pm $30 +HST... 15% discount for studio members (monthly auto renew & 1-year unlimited), students, & seniors Meditation provides an opportunity to slow down and create an inner calm that you can carry with you throughout the day or use to unwind at the end of a hectic day. In this workshop, I'll guide an exploration of several different approaches to meditation to help you find one that works for you. Sorry, no drop-ins pre-registration and pre-payment required to hold your spot. Register through MindBody (https://tinyurl.com/yx879qsv) or contact the studio. Peterborough Yoga & Wellness Centre 107 Hunter St E #201 & 202 705.990.0838 peterboroughyoga.com

The findings of this study align with what I see in workplaces. Stress levels are at an all-time high, and morale (as well as productivity, I'm sure) drops in tandem.

This Saturday's INTRO TO MEDITATION workshop is FULL and we're already starting a waitlist. It's fantastic to see so much interest, which means I should probably offer this one again soon :) If you're interested in future offerings, please let me know!... Cheers, Andrew

Meditation provides an opportunity to slow down and create an inner calm that you can carry with you throughout the day or use to unwind at the end of a hectic day. In this workshop, I’ll guide an exploration of several different approaches to meditation to help you find one that works for you. INTRO TO MEDITATION WORKSHOP... Saturday, January 25th, 2:00-4:00pm Peterborough Yoga & Wellness Centre 107 Hunter St E (You don't need to be a studio member to attend) $30 +HST (15% discount for auto-renew, students, & seniors) A minimum number of participants is required for this session to run; pre-registration required. Please visit https://tinyurl.com/t2yfdd5 for details and to register. Thank you.

Only one more week left to register for what’s sure to be an excellent workshop. This is suitable for managers, HR folks, and business owners with employees in the Peterborough, Ontario area.

Peterborough & area managers & HR folks.. this is sure to be a worthwhile session. Hope to see you there :)

After setting it aside for a few months, I re-opened my book a few weeks ago and gave the first draft an edit. I'm pretty pleased with the second draft :) Just sent it to a couple of Yoga Teacher-Massage Therapist friends who know a lot more about anatomy than I do for a technical review to ensure that my guidance is accurate and safe. This version is almost 36,000 words/114 pages. It'll probably be 2-3 times that many pages after layout and hundreds of supporting photos. I'm... not sure what the final product will look like... one book or two (one on healthy movement & one on stress management); e-book, hard-copy, or both? Regardless, the end result will be a practical photographic guide to help users manage stress in their minds and bodies to feel better at work. Next steps after the technical review: second edit, photo shoot, layout, and (self-)publication! Thanks to all who've supported me along the way. You know who you are, and all everyone who reads the book(s) will too someday ;)

Friends in the Peterborough Region & GTA... Are you involved with planning your staff holiday events and looking for a fun, interesting, and educational workshop for the agenda? I offer 30-90-minutes participatory workshops on stress management and healthy movement in the workplace. Participants will not only feel better afterwards but will also leave armed with several useful stress management techniques to build into their workdays (and lives).... Visit my website for an overview of my services and client testimonials, then reach out if you have questions or want to book a session. http://balanceatwork.ca/

Excited to be starting to support Array Services clients through yoga. Thanks for the opportunity :)

I taught my first yoga class 6 years ago today. Today, I led my 2,436th class (have I mentioned that I'm a spreadsheet nerd?). Crazy how time flies! Thank you to so many for your support, past, present, and future :)

I finished the first 300 hours of my 500-hour Hatha yoga teacher training through Moksha (now Modo) Yoga 6 years ago today. 53 of us studied, practiced, laughed, and cried together ~14 hours a day, 6 days a week, for a month in Montreal. We were excited and terrified of taking on the roles of yoga teacher. It’s been a remarkable journey, and I’m always fascinated by the way it’s flowed. I began with teaching only classes for the general public in a studio environment. I stil...l do that, but only 1 or 2 classes a week. I’m now walking home from leading a 45-minute 1-on-1 mindfulness session and a 1-hour yoga session for Canadian Mental Health Association clients, which was preceded by leading a 75-minute yoga and meditation session at a men’s drug and alcohol addiction recovery facility. Tomorrow, I return to the Ministry of Natural Resources building where I worked for 10 years doing field research, project management, and policy development, to lead a lunch-hour class for many of the fine folks in that building who are doing that work today. The work is varied, enriching, full of challenges, and rewarding. Looking forward to its continued evolution over the next few years as I add other clients with specialty populations to my work and dive into an M.A. in Counselling Psychology next spring. Gratitude and hugs to all who’ve supported, and continue to support, me on this journey :)

I love the work I do at The Canadian Health Recovery Centre - CHRC. It's supremely rewarding and a privilege to support the guys on their addiction recovery journeys through yoga and meditation. I did a 20-25-minute video shoot at the Centre a few months ago, and some masterful editing (not by me!) reduced my extended babble to 3.5 fairly coherent minutes. This gives an overview of what I do at the Centre, but it's also a pretty good overview of how I teach and why it can be beneficial to more than just your body. https://youtu.be/jQGHfguLvys

A little bit of rain (well, a whole lot of it, actually) didn’t stop 5 keen folks from doing some lakeside yoga with me at The Trace at Oak Lake this morning This place, only an hour from Peterborough, offers fantastic quietude... check it out! http://www.thetrace.ca

This link is to a compilation of Mental Health Helplines, Suicide Hotlines, & Depression Advice Centers in more than 70 countries, compiled by Lisa at Happy Happy Vegan. You can jump to the country you’re interested in. Please bookmark and share broadly. https://happyhappyvegan.com/suicide-hotlines-list/

I just learned that Ontario Public Service employees have raised $47,000,000 for Federated Health over the past 36 years. It was a pleasure and honour to donate 10 minutes of my time to lead a pre-walk/run stretch

At work now and stressed out or sore? I can help. It's what I do www.balanceatwork.ca/workplace-wellness

All set to offer a dozen 15-minute stretch breaks and stress reduction sessions for IKEA North York’s Employee Wellness Week. Thanks for the opportunity :)

What a fantastic learning and networking opportunity. Thank you, Peterborough Economic Development, for putting it together Already looking toward to the 2nd annual ;)

I lead Yoga and Meditation sessions twice a week at the Canadian Health Recovery Centre - CHRC, a men’s addiction recovery facility. We used to do one mandatory session a week. Not long ago, we added a second session for which attendance is voluntary. At first, 1-3 guys came to the voluntary session each week, but now we’re up to 8-10 on a regular basis. Not only that, the culture among the guys has really shifted... where once I was met with resistance and reluctance by many..., now it feels like our time together is something we’re all looking forward to. Today was my last session with 2 guys who did all 12 sessions during their 6-week stay. On their way out, we shared hugs, and they both told me they would be carrying what they learned from me forward into their lives. It’s so enriching to be a part of others’ healing, and so reaffirming that yoga and meditation offer powerful benefits to almost anyone who’s willing to try them with sincere effort. I’m so nourished by this work and intend to bring more and more of it into my days.

Broke the 30K-word mark on my workplace wellness book yesterday. The text for the first draft is about 95% finished, and the slow-down comes from doing some editing on the initial brain dump. Feels great. Next step will be finding a suitable place for a photo session, securing a photographer, and maybe a couple of willing models.

Thanks for this, Peterborough Yoga Festival :)

Wondering how the brain affects today’s workplace? Come and learn more at this Health at Work Peterborough workshop: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/health-at-work-wellness-human-s

The solution to sitting isn’t to stand, though it helps. In fact... we need to be on our feet two to four hours while at work. But the real solution is to move. All day. The stillness is what’s killing us. We should be pacing the hallways and climbing stairs and squatting and lunging and stretching.

I’m making steady and excited progress on my book It existed as an idea for a couple of years, became a spreadsheet outline on December 31st, and is almost up to 25,000 words today. I consider this the brain dump. Photos and figures will make it clear and easy for anyone to use.... Stay tuned!

I’ve wanted to write a book for a couple of years now that captures my workplace wellness offerings in a practical, how-to guide... stretches, movements, and breathing techniques that you can do at your desk throughout the workday to manage stress in your mind and body. I decided yesterday that I was finally going to start it. Sat down at 9:00am this morning and now, 8 hours later, I have an almost-painfully detailed outline! 225 rows that look like this! It’ll need some twe...aking tomorrow with a fresh set of eyes, and after that, the writing begins! #motivation #makeithappen

2018 was another year full of yoga 469 classes taught 113 classes taken 12 workplace wellness sessions... There are lots of yoga teachers in Peterborough. Thanks for choosing to support this one while you practice ;) Wishing the best for you and your loved ones in the New Year

Hey, MNRF and Robinson Place employees! Is one of your resolutions for 2019 to not wait until the last minute to do things? If so, why wait ‘til 2019?... Register today for the January-February lunch-hour yoga session: www.balanceatwork.ca/rp-wellness (Note: These are not public classes; they are for Robinson Place employees only).

I hope you all have happy, safe, and love-filled holidays.

I left my job at the Ministry of Natural Resources a little over 5.5 years ago. I just taught my 2,000th yoga class. And it was in the MNR building!... That felt good :)

This is where I taught my first Balance At Work yoga class 4 years ago today. 1 or 2 people showed up, and I had my newly created series on a piece of paper next to me, because I was terrified that I would forget it or miss something! My, how experience changes things As always, I want to express my gratitude to all who have supported me on the Balance At Work journey.