Body & Mind Conditioner not available in store

Hair Frizz is the least of my problems!

Did I mention the humidity in my earlier posts? No need of a Weather Network here! You just need to open the door and realize that everyday is hot-sticky & of course humid! No surprise but it’s always a shock when you step out of your a/c room! So let me tell you, having a bad hair day while doing your YTT is one of the most distant thought you can have while in class. I know! It’s very surprising coming from Miss perfectionist herself! How can someone do Vinyasa practice for hours in this heat... and still look good? Just breathing is hard enough! Starting off every morning with Pranayama (breathing exercise) I'm already starting to sweat!

New perspective of view of Yoga classes

So how to look good while sweating like a pig? My answer is: you can't look good because you need to focus on feeling good - inside! That's how I perceive it. The high level classes are there to challenge us and condition your body and mind. Pushing myself and trying my hardest to keep up with some crazy poses, that sometimes I wonder who came up with that s****... well it's the best reward I can give myself! After this hard work, an amazing sensation of wellness and peace invades your whole body and when you're in Savasana relaxation (pose) is just like having a massage of goodness... without the touching. It's that feeling that is so unexplainable and yet everyone knows what I’m talking about… if not just join the class!

Teachers are students too at Vikasa

George & Kosta refreshing their knowledge of anatomy with Michelle's class

Ram is being pointed out some knee problems!

Our lineup of teachers is great! We have the chance to have various experts to share with us their knowledge! That is why I chose this place; because every each one of them has their own skills. Therefore when one teacher gets in front the others joins the class… this is Vikasa – the evolution of Yoga … and oneself.
So let me introduce you are wonderful professors! Drum rolls please!

To start we have the incredible Kosta, director of the studio. He comes from a martial arts background; he’s remarkable to develop the core and gets you moving in his class! He is the image of Vikasa; evolution of Yoga, his story is really inspiring! He is the "extra-strength of the conditioners” and the reason that at the end of this I’ll have 6 pack! He does our evening practice and after we survive we can eat! Yup! perfect motivation!

Kosta and his perfect body stretched out just for us

Is it a bird, a plane..no it's Kosta!

Kosta & George getting us ready for the morning Pranayama practice

George headstand & tibetain bowl

George is the 2nd asana teacher and perfect example of a yogi; zen and enlighten – at all times! He warms us up quite nicely in the morning practice with amazing flows and teaches the fundamentals of being a yoga teacher. He explains with such a natural ease and is very in tune with us, his students. He's really a remarkable teacher, I really love his class and it’s perfect to start the day with his wonderful energy!

Vikasa YTT 2012 - Sanskrit class

Reading Sanskrit with Ram

Ram is from Toronto and is our Sanskrit and Yoga Philosopher expert. I’m literally captivated by everything he teaches us and I’m so grateful to have him as a professor. I got a taste of the beautiful Sanskrit language and would love to continue studying it once I finish the course. (http://www.aksharayoga.com/). I'm trying to get him to plan some Sanskrit workshop in Montreal, as there’s no one with that expertise in our area! (plans, plans plans!). It shows he truly loves to share his knowledge, he gave up a comfortable lifestyle to pursue his true passion; the ancient language of wisdom – Sanskrit. Bravo!

Michelle teaching us everybody is different

Michelle is our anatomy teacher and let me tell you she knows her stuff! She’s amazing, explains everything in details takes students and uses them like example (or guinea pigs)! She’s serious and yet hilarious; what a character! You simply can't not love her!

Rethabile is an example of perfect body - as per Michelle

After her classes, my knowledge of the human body and postures is so enhance that I see people differently! The movements or how they stand ... it is so interesting! I actually learned so much about myself… She pointed out (yes, as one of her guinea pigs!) that I have hyper mobility in both SI joints, knees and elbows; meaning I am very flexible naturally! Although it seems like amazing news… it’s actually now more difficult to do the poses! Rehabilitate all my postures so I don’t block my knees, elbows or compress too much my lower back... it's hard work to restart learning yoga poses all over while protecting my joints. She took my asanas into a new level!

Tingting

We are missing Tingting – our last Yoga professor who will be showing us a different approach to teach classes and will also talk about Karma Yoga. Something I can’t wait to do! More on Tingting coming soon!

Love this quote!

Vikasa es su Casa

There's no place like

Welcome to Vikasa Yoga Studio

On my arrival, in the beautiful island of Koh Samui I was taken to Vikasa Yoga Studio (evolutionofyoga.com/about-us/). This is the Yoga Studio where I will be spending the next 30days learning and pushing my limits – getting the real mental and physical challenge I needed. 

It's with a refreshing coconut juice straight out of the coconut that I was given a tour. 
Oh yessss! Pure joy!



The place is simply beautiful and you felt a great energy right away! I was relieved and so excited to be finally HERE!

Vikasa Garden Gazebos

Garden Yoga Studio

Vikasa has a  superb garden with bamboo gazebos where you can relax or enjoy your meal. It leads you to the 1st floor studio were smaller group classes can take place.  

Our classes will be on the second floor of the studio; which is an open concept – or more like an outdoor studio with a roof in other words! It’s great for the fresh air and luminosity we sometimes need when we’re looking for extra energy during asanas practice (postures). Just don’t forget to wear some mosquito repellent; they just love my sweet blood!

2nd floor Yoga Studio (our studio)

The reception is on the main floor, so is the kitchen, showers, toilets, changing rooms and lounge-dining area.

 Beautiful statues enhances the serenity of this place. You feel so zen just by walking in!

Here are some happy faces hanging out at Vikasa's lounge

I have to say I really love this place. Specially the kitchen! I've met everyone from the staff and their are sooooo talented and nice! For example Valerie (on picture) is the raw chef and makes the most superb vegan desserts and cookies! I am her ultimate favorite fan! The Mocha “Cheescake” is to die for! And her Passionfruit-mango pie tastes like pure heaven! What to say about her amazing cashew cookies?! Simply divine and they're healthy and delish! Mmmmm!

Kosta holding fish & Valerie presenting desserts

Oh! Ok, back to my story! After my visit of the Vikasa Studio, I was later dropped off at my very own condo where I had a King bed waiting just for moi! Ouh la la! 

The condo buildings were my fellow students & I are staying is quite nice and it’s only 5mins away from Vikasa. We have cable TV, sofa, dinning table fridge and freezer (where I keep my precious Mr. Freezes)! Each condo has a balcony; mine faces the mountain. I wake up every morning with the sound of a wild rooster reminding me that I'm not on vacation! Get ready for school young lady!

This journey has just began!

Over the next couple of days, I've met amazing people with whom we will share so much growth and I am certain they will remain in my life and heart forever! 

For the next 30days we will be learning and growing together. Even if we are from different parts of the world and different backgrounds, we have one thing in common: we all came here for the same reason, to learn and evolve.

Sometimes you need to go with the flow...

Don't Worry Be Happy 

Sawadee kaa everyone!

After some mishaps, confusions and technical problems: I'm baaaaaack!

So please pardon the delay of posts in my "daily" blog but ever since my departure from home everything that I expected to run smoothly... well didn’t so much!

But Hey! No biggy, no need to stress in this land where the main motto is Sabai Sabai (All is Good, All is Good!) - Yes! Repeat it twice so it's sinks in! Ha! Ha! The important thing is that I finally arrived all in one piece and right on time for Thai New Years! Woohooo! I have to say it was a very nice welcome! It's tradition to throw water on everyone as a celebration on this very special occasion! Or is it just to acclimatize this Canadian chick to the 40C temperature? Either way, it was very cool & oh-so refreshing!

Just Like Water... You need to go with the Flow!

Since a lot seems to be lost in translation here in Thailand… the best example is the definition of  “wireless high speed internet access”; to me I found it not that accessible and not quite speedy either! What to do? Well, first things first; send news to mom… and then change this daily blog to a weekly blog. Voilà! You see, so many little things just like that I’ve taken for granted; now I simply have to adjust myself to the reality of my new environment. Yes, simpler said than done! But let’s remember; “Sabai-Sabai” people! But on a serious note, my biggest challenge has to be in class. With an absence of body core & upper arm strength, performing asanas (postures) for over 3hrs/day in intense heat and humidity; all efforts were tremendous. I need to push myself a bit harder… taking it all in and going with the flow! I’m ready for my Yoga Teacher Training at Vikasa Studio; definition of Evolution. Which is exactly what I came for! So let’s open the valve and let it flow!

Read the directions and directly you will be directed in the right direction. - Doorknob from Alice in Wonderland

Down the rabbit hole we go!

Welcome to my very first blog! I read all the directions how to start a blog... but you will have to please excuse my "faux-pas" along our journey together! I'm truly a "newbie" or a "virgin blogger" set to start a daily blog of my Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) experience.

I thought I could start with a head's up and tell you a bit about myself beforehand. For those who don't know me, I am a pretty friendly gal who likes to find the positive in everything; aka Little miss sunshine! When I meet people I love to share my passions and knowledge... which brought me to engage this journey to Thailand to do my YTT and start my first blog so I can share my adventure!

Me & Yoga:
I have been practicing yoga for over 10 years but never had a regular practice... couldn't commit either due to hectic work schedule or just out of lack of time or laziness... It was on and off, one class here another one there, Yoga on DVD or even on TV sometimes! No matter what, I always came back to Yoga because I loved the great sensation of peace after each session even if I never understood why.
As I liked to say: Monkey see - Monkey do (no offense intended to primates!)

Last year I decided to put a pause in my career of 13 years in tourism and try something else. I started working in a Yoga Studio & Boutique where I rediscovered a lost pleasure to play Barbie! My title was Yoganista = Yogi-Fashionista = LOVE IT!
It's funny but true; suggesting clients clothes that flattered them and dressing them up came naturally and it felt good to do good. Customers were happy & looking great; I have to admit I had fun playing Barbie again!
(Oups! Let's get back on track now!)

During that time I was also the director for the Yoga Studio where I discovered new styles of Yoga practice. This experience made me realize how vast this Yoga world is! I got to recruit & interview all the teachers and they shared their stories which were so inspiring that with time a need started to grow inside me.
That sensation was something I always felt deep down but never gave any importance... until now!

Reading the directions:
I decided today to take a big step out of my comfort zone and follow my heart.
Looking back, I finally understand now that listening to your heart will always keep you on the right direction!
So we are setting sail to Thailand!
All Aboard!

Wherever you go, go with all your heart - Confucius