Thursday 29 November 2012

Last Post

This is my last post.  Life is becoming very busy for me now.  I seem to
be entering a new phase with new part time jobs as well as trying to
maintain my yoga and zumba practices.  This has been a huge learning
experience and I am thankful for my small band of regular readers.
Take care and keep trying new things.  That is truly the Fountain of Youth.


Monday 26 November 2012

Setu Bandha Sarvangasana - Supported Bridge Pose

This is a back bend that you learn in stages.  First thing to try is
simply lie on your back, bend knees so feet are flat on the floor.
Gently lift your hips up and hold.  Repeat this enough times until
until you are feeling strong.  Start placing foam blocks under your
hips to rest on.  It might be 1, 2, or 3  blocks.  When you can get 
to 4 foam blocks, try using a wood block eventually getting it under
you in an upright position.  Then you can start working on extending
your leg.  Do not rush.  this can be a very challenging pose.  Below
is another one of Geeta's great teaching videos.


Thursday 22 November 2012

Beaumont - Hamel

About 40km south of Arras, France is the World War I Memorial Centre of
Beaumont - Hamel.  Here is where the Dominion of Newfoundland Regiment
suffered huge loses on July 1, 1916 during the first day of the Battle of the Somme.








Monday 19 November 2012

Paschimottanasana - Seated Forward Bend

Another YouTube video of Geeta Iyengar teaching at a 2002 conference
in Italy.  Not as good as the other two I've put on the blog but you'll get 
the idea.  If you cannot reach your toes, use a belt.  Do not compromise
your back by hunching it to force reaching your toes.  


Thursday 15 November 2012

Juno Beach, Courseulles-sur-Mer

June 6, 1944, the Allied forces made the push to successfully land in five
locations on the coast of Normandy, France. The 3rd  Canadian Infantry
Division landed at Juno Beach.  Below are some pictures on the Juno Beach
Centre.






Sunday 11 November 2012

Lest We Forget


Ypres (Ieper) Belgium is home to the Menin Gate, the most visited Great War Memorial on the Western Front.  Every night, regardless of weather or date,  the "Last Post" ceremony of remembrance is performed.  Here wreaths are laid to honour those who died in the field. Ypres (Ieper) is also home to the small but powerful In Flanders Fields Museum.  



Thursday 8 November 2012

St. Julien and Passchendaele

The St.Julien Memorial, 7km outside of Ypres (Ieper),was
erected in memory of the Canadian soldiers who fought and
died during the first gas attacks of World War I.

 

Passchendaele, often referred to as the Third Battle of Ypres, has gone down
in history as one of the bitterest struggles of World War I.  The low solid
monument sits atop of the hill overlooking the now peaceful Belgian
countryside.



Monday 5 November 2012

Headstand

Below, my teacher Susan demonstrates a Headstand.  I am a long way
from achieving this but I can practice the prep poses such as Dolphin
and walking up with my head balanced into a folded blanket.  Not
something to attempt without proper instruction.

 

Thursday 1 November 2012

Vimy Ridge

During World War I, Vimy Ridge was a significant part of the German
defense system. At daybreak on April 09, 1917, four divisions of the
Canadian Corps, aided by the British 5th Division and a great number
of artillery units,  started the push up the Ridge. By mid-afternoon most
of the Ridge had been taken.  On April 12 the 4th Canadian Division and
the British 24th Division completed taking the northern end.

There were a total of 10,602 casualties of which 3,598 were Canadians.