Letter from the Editor (October)
One of my favourite things to ask my students when teaching a Sacral Chakra yoga class is to finish the following sentence: “I would be lighter if I let go of ”
Part of living in Bali has been a practice of letting go One of the biggest ways it’s been like this relates to having a home
It seems that every time I move into a new place, there is another issue. From toxic black mold, to a difficult landlord, to level of cleanliness, to internet stability issues, to electricity cutting out... what I’ve learned is to not get too attached. I’ll make somewhere a home, only to realize a few months later that it wasn’t right for me.
Something that inevitably happens with all this movement is that I am constantly reevaluating all of the things I own Do I really need that shirt? Do I really need those books? Sometimes I get sad letting things go but more quickly than not, once they’re gone, I forget what I’ve let go of in the first place. I find a lightness as I let go. Over and over again, I let go.
I think as human beings, when given the choice, we have a tendency to want to hold onbecause we’re afraid of what we can receive from letting go But what we can receive from letting
go can be beautiful, if we open our minds to it
The theme for our practices for the month of October is the practice of Letting Go All the meditations and pranayama practices you’ll receive on demand will work towards this theme. As well, we have some guest speakers lined up for you as part of Sober Girls Club that will emphasize this theme
I invite you to journal on the ideas of letting go.
What does letting go mean to you?
What did it feel like to let go of the most difficult person, place or idea you’ve had to let go of?
“I would be lighter if I let go of...”
Looking forward to seeing you all in classes over the coming weeks!
Love, Alex
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LITTLE STEPS...TO DEVELOPING CONFIDENCE AND SELF-ESTEEM
WEEKLYLIVEZOOMSOBERGIRLS CLUB(SUNDAY9AMEST) -PRIVATE CHECK-INAFTERWARDSONLYFOR30 DAYCHALLENGERS
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BONUS:ONE,ONE-ON-ONEPRIVATE COACHINGCALLWITHALEX
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https://www.themindfullifepractice.com/30-day-soberchallenge
Hi, I’m Jules, each month I explore and share with you simple Therapeutic and Wellbeing Tools you may want to use to support you and your well-being. This month we are looking at Confidence and Self Esteem Sharing simple wellbeing tools you may want to bring into your everyday life!
By Jules Allan
Confidence and self-esteem are like the twin engines that power your life's journey They determine how high you soar and how smoothly you navigate life's challenges. Yet, for many of us, maintaining a healthy level of self-esteem and confidence can be an ongoing struggle. In this article, we'll explore the essence of self-esteem and confidence, share personal experiences, and provide practical exercises to help you cultivate these vital attributes. Self-esteem is the foundation upon which your confidence is built. It's your overall evaluation of your self-worth. It affects your beliefs about your abilities, perception of your place in the world, and emotional resilience.
Confidence is the outward expression of self-esteem It's the belief that you can meet life's challenges and pursue your goals. Confidence doesn't mean you never doubt yourself; it means you act despite those doubts.
Self-esteem and confidence are intertwined Boosting one can positively impact the other Here's how to nurture them simultaneously:
Starting each day with a positive affirmation. Stand in front of a mirror, look into your own eyes, and say something like, "I am capable, worthy, and deserving of happiness " Repeat this daily to reinforce positive self-beliefs.
Write down three things you're grateful for at the end of each day Focusing on the positive aspects of your life can boost selfesteem by reminding you of your blessings.
Try one thing that makes you uncomfortable due to a lack of confidence. It could be public speaking, meeting new people, or a physical activity. Make a plan to confront this fear gradually. The more you face it, the more confident you'll become.
Acknowledge your achievements, big or small. Write them down and take a moment to celebrate your successes This reinforces the belief in your abilities and boosts confidence
Practice self-compassion by meditating on kind and loving thoughts toward yourself. Recognize that you're human, and it's okay to have flaws and make mistakes. Selfcompassion builds self-esteem and eases self-doubt, which, in turn, bolsters confidence
Visualise yourself confidently facing challenges. See yourself succeeding, feeling proud, and radiating selfassuredness. This mental rehearsal can help boost both self-esteem and confidence
Building self-esteem and confidence is an ongoing journey It requires selfreflection, practice, and patience By incorporating these exercises and lessons into your daily life, you can build a stronger foundation of selfworth and the confidence to pursue your dreams. Remember, the path to greater confidence and self-esteem starts from within, and with dedication, you can unlock your full potential
Alcohol had a big impact on me and managing my wellbeing. Over the years I began to use alcohol as a crutch. When I hit 40 I burnt out and began to explore my relationship with alcohol and became sober and curious, I would try dry January and sober October and would begin to feel better then would go back to drinking and it would slowly begin to be a crutch for me again, I explored the connection between my wellbeing, physical health, mental health and the impact alcohol had on me
I became passionate about exploring my relationship with alcohol and the opportunities, friendships, connections, and communities I’ve become a part of in the sober curious, and AF world.
I have been sober curious for 9 years and fully Alcohol Free since Dec 31st, 2019. I am Trauma Informed and Accessible Yoga Teacher, I’m a Trainee Integrative Counsellor.
I have over 25 years of working in community work in creative and wellbeing work, developing and coordinating community creative wellbeing programs & projects, and creative wellbeing activities with various communities
My mantra through learning to understand my relationship with alcohol, my wellbeing and my mental health has been Little Steps I truly believe in this and will take little steps daily on my healing journey!
Accompanying visual content that immediately catches the eye Include photos, illustrations, and other graphics to match Appeal to your audience, choose the right fonts and images, and you'll have a magazine that people will remember for years to come
Most magazines feature a full-page advertisement, which you're also welcome to do Why not partner with a local business and feature their products? Add your social media handles, email, or even any publication information you think they'd be interested in You can even just extend your cover photo to keep things clean and simple A magazine can be a great way to reach your audience and communicate your message to the world With great, curated content
When you've decided on your cover story, come up with a list of topics for your feature articles This can range from interviews, product reviews, human interest pieces, and even lists Think about what your audience would be interested in and get writing! Again, choose engaging photos and graphics to accompany your words
Do you think there is a secret mind space you have to get to, to either stop or slow down on anything?
I am currently trying to be vegan but having to be veggie instead because it’s just so hard to eat completely vegan and vegan cheese just sucks!
I wonder if we need an all or nothing approach to drinking, or is a slow down possible / valuable - Even if it's not the best solution
Looking forward to reading your lovely words beautiful!
I hear you!! Let's start with the point at which you end your question...
"Even if it's not the best solution "
This is one of the nicest lines I've seen written down this month Sometimes we need to move away from THE BEST and look at the 'OK-ish,' or the 'FINE for now-ist,' 'the not quite where I want to be but a huge improvement on where I was-ness.'
Progress is a magnificent thing and often times PERFECTIONISM is the killer of our intentions, our self esteem and our big dreams.
So, I offer you this set of reflections...
Do we need an all or nothing approach? It works for some people and not for others. What works best for you?
Is a slow down possible and/or valuable? In some cases yes and in others no. What evidence do you have in your life that it has or hasn't worked for you?
So, even if it's not the BEST solution... it might be just good enough for this moment in time Our quest for getting 'it' right might include reducing, cutting back, 'one less than before' and these are all precious ways to reduce harm to ourselves/the environment/etc.
I'll come to your veggie/vegan/alcohol free ideas now....
Here are some truths of mine I've been veggie for about 15 years (with short periods of being totally plant based). YES-VEGAN CHEESE SUCKS IN MY OPINION TOO!
I now take the approach that I'm veggie and if I feel like it I'm vegan This sit's OK with me because I don't have an internal dialogue about what I will or won't eat or enjoy every single day. I've taken the pressure off myself which leads to me feeling good about my choices
My reasons for being veggie or more plant based are very different for my reasons for being alcohol free... so to address that now.
Do you want/need to prioritise alcohol free living OR vegan living? I would urge you to choose ONE for now Choose the one that will bring you the most physical, emotional and spiritual benefits and make that your non-negotiable Embed that way of living Ensure it lines up with your values. Choose it, claim it and find the best way to ENJOY it.
There is perhaps a mind-space to get to but it isn't a secret. I think it's called alignment and I see alignment as living courageously within your set of values and beliefs.
Hope this helps
Love SarahThe beginning of term has been rough and I haven't got started on my Sober September that I intended to. I am SO disappointed in myself. How do I find the strength to go for Sober October?
Interested in your answer.
Thank you
TJ
Thanks for your note and I'm sorry to hear the start of term has been rough Woah, these days are often overwrought and there's such a lot to juggle. Do you know that in 2022 I actually forgot to buy both of my boys school shoes, they went to school on their first day back in trainers and got sent to detention for the day (even though I had contacted the school to apologise). Yeah. Not my finest parenting moment!
Anyway, back to you!
Sober September? Don't worry. Around us are all these (wonderful or not) opportunities to tie ideas up in pretty little packages and they work for some people and they don't for others.
My original alcohol free day is not the 1st of a month and is not a classic non-drinking month. Make the choice on the day that feel right for YOU and do it.
The numbers on the calendar DON'T matter
Your health and wellbeing DO MATTER.
Your self esteem and confidence DOES MATTER.
Your relationship with yourself MATTERS!
Find the strength on the day that feels OK for you.
I'm rooting for you
Love Coach Sarah
Sarah Williamson -------------------
www.drinklesslivebetter.com
Drink Less; Live Better THE BOOK
So you don't have a 'Sober Streak' from the 1st of the month? No matter Can you start today? Don't wait until Sober October. Any start day without a drink is brilliant.
"Sober October" is a popular challenge where people commit to giving up alcohol (or other susbstances!) for the month of October. Have you thought about quitting drinking? This can be a great opportunity to reset your habits and focus on your health and well-being.
1. Set Clear Goals: Define your reasons for participating in Sober October. Whether it's for health, selfimprovement, or supporting a cause, having clear goals will provide motivation and purpose throughout the month.
2. Plan Ahead: Identify potential triggers or situations where you might be tempted to drink Plan alternative activities or responses in advance to avoid relapses. Consider substituting alcohol with nonalcoholic beverages
3. Find a Support System: Share your challenge with friends or family who can offer encouragement and hold you accountable You can also join online communities or local support groups where others are participating in Sober October.
4. Stay Busy: Keep your mind and body occupied with productive activities. Engage in hobbies, exercise, or take on a new project to fill the time you'd usually spend drinking
5. Practice Mindfulness: Learn to be more aware of your thoughts and feelings. Mindfulness techniques can help you manage cravings and reduce stress. Meditation and deep breathing exercises can be particularly beneficial
6. Reward Yourself: Celebrate your milestones and achievements throughout the month Treat yourself to something you enjoy as a way to reinforce your commitment and remind yourself of the benefits of sobriety
7. Educate Yourself: Take this opportunity to learn about the effects of alcohol on your body and mind. Understanding the long-term benefits of sobriety can strengthen your resolve to stay sober
“Remember, Sober October is not just about giving up alcohol; it's a chance to focus on your overall well-being and make positive changes in your life.
Join the next Sober Girls Yoga Challenge starting October 1st!
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Learn Don’t expect to just start and kick ass and be good at it Learn about the reasons you drink in the first place and think of other ways to go about them Learn from any slip ups Don’t take that as an excuse to drink, just remember that it’s progress > perfection The month isn’t over if you have a drink so just keep going Learn from others by picking up a book, using an app, following relatable accounts Just use it as an opportunity to learn
-Kevin Bellack, (@thesoberginger on Instagram) Kevin was a guest on the Sober Yoga Girl Podcast in 2020.
Get outside. Run, run/walk, walk or a combination of all 3. Get some fresh air and take it one day at a time.
- Luc Zoratto (@marathon2sobriety). Luc is a Toronto based sober coach and Alex and Kristen went to one of his events this summer!
My tip is - Don’t keep explaining or justifying your WHY to every single person, it’s for the privileged few, or better yet, just for your heart ❤. So confidently order the mocktail or AF beer, and celebrate for coming to THIS fun side!
-Saloni Lakhia from India
Find replacements for everything! Drinks, people, time, activities, Change it up as much as possible but also try and hibernate too
My tip would be to join your 30 Day Sober Girls Yoga Program… that’s what helped me get started because of your supportive community and your daily downloadable journaling prompts and program support plus all of the yoga that is so healing! I say, yoga, yoga, yoga with Alex!
- Jami Hana from California, a 30 Day Challenger, Deep Dive Student, and attendee of the first Sober Girls Yoga Bali Retreat!
Find a hobby/something to do that keeps you away from the pub/bar etc.
-Matt was one of the first graduates of the 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training offered online with The Mindful Life Practice. Together Matt and I are hosting a Spain retreat in July of 2024!
11.
Prioritize staying sober! Eat sugar, drink coffee, do whatever as long as you stay sober It gets easier with time
-Melissa, one of our current Yoga Teacher Training Students!
Accountability community. Keep a journal!
- Kristi Tanner, (@mocktailmommy on Instagram!)
Join a community! Being able to share / vent / celebrate with people on the same journey as you can really help
- Leanne, one of our oldest members and Mexico retreat guests!
Have the phone number of three good pals you can call - not to lean on mind you - just ones that you know will be a good call When you have a wobble or doubt, make repeated calls until you get through and speak Tell them something you like about them It’s not all about you
- David Golding (@sobercoachdubai). David was a guest on Sober Yoga Girl Podcast this year!
Take it day by day, moment by moment and allow yourself to check in with your body and mind to see what you really need. Sleep, snack, deep clean the whole house, play video games, whatever it takes. Just don’t give in to the urge to drink if you have it!
- Alex, California - one of the former Sober Girls Yoga 30 Day Challengers! (@byebyeboozy on Instagram)
12 Slow down and take things day by day. Schedule in time to mindfully pay attention to your mind and body. In this way, you can learn to “surf” and not react to any urges and cravings. Don’t just keep busy. Take time to “be” and build present moment awareness.”
- David Lee (@thesoberwaycoach ) who has been a previous guest on Sober Yoga Girl Podcast!
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Keep your “why’s” close at hand to look at when needed
- Claire Cowie, current member of our community who just made it to 100 days sober!
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We didn't get sober to be boring.
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Sober means community. We can’t do it alone.
19.
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Have your AF drinks fully stocked, chilled and waiting! Bring your own to gatherings if you can!
- Lisa (Lisa was one of our previous retreat guests and also a student in the Yoga Sutra Study!)
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Play the tape forward!
15.
- Azure (@soberchronicles)
Stay curious. Get rid of definites. Stay open to the possibility that this could be a good thing. Get curious of what your life could look like booze free. I got curious and I’m so glad I did! 10 months sober.
- Anonymous
- Kayla
- Vics
If a tool or tip doesn’t work for you try something else Old keys don’t open new doors!
- Sarah Williamson, author of Drink Less Live Better (one of our book club books!)
Be gentle and kind to yourself
- Brenda, one of our graduates of the Sober Curious Yoga Teacher Training
21 My biggest tip would be that you don’t have to have a ‘problem’ with alcohol (or another substance) to let it go from your life For me, in the past it always kinda felt imposter-ish to claim ‘sober’ if I never claimed to have a ‘problem’ with alcohol So I would just want everyone to know, you can choose to let go of alcohol (or another substance) for any reason at all Do what is best for you in your life
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Lyndsey22 Whenever you encounter a situation where, during your drinking days you would have been drinking, recognize and give thanks for your present sobriety and acknowledge how your life has changed for the better
- Barbara23 It's an amazing time to be alcohol free. There are so many great NA options available. Try them out and see what you like!
- Alison24
My BIGGEST tip is to stay active in your community I find out MLPC makes such a beautiful impact for me.
- Carrie, one of our previous 30 Day Sober Girls Yoga Challengers, and member of the community
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When you wake up after a night out and you maintained your sobriety revel and how good it feels
- Laura
27 Start and end your day with gratitude
- Heidi
29 Get out in nature
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25.
Play it forward! When you think about having a drink, play that reel forward in your mind to where it gets you Decide thatat very least for October - that your future self is a non-drinker and that is your identity Play all scenarios from this viewpoint How would a non-drinker plan for a party where there would be alcohol involved? How would a non-drinker spend a beautiful weekend?
- Brenda, one of our previous retreat guests and community members
28 Do whatever you need to do to replace your habits with positive ones. Baby steps. Hold on tight and those baby steps will turn into bigger steps over time It takes a long time for your brain to redevelop new habits so don’t rush your healing
- Kally, one of our previous Sober Girls Yoga 30 Day Challengers
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- LisaCount your blessings each day and write them down before bed! There’s always a chink of light in every dark day. We sometimes just don’t take time to see it. Looking for the positives and feeling gratitude for the small things make the hard days not feel quite so bad
- Annie, one of our previous retreat guests and members!
H A L T hungry, angry, tired, lonely When I find myself wanting to drink I think of these first and usually one is the culprit!
I achieved it
Hard to believe it
I’m a booze free zone
I’ve learnt to hone
My mocktail skills
Keeping all the thrills
But none of the ills
Of ethanol
Chamomile before bed
Remembering books I’ve read
Waking up with a clear head
Not wishing I was dead
Because of some situation
Fuelled by self medication
With ethanol
Always knew I oughta
Drink a lot more water
Now I do
I know it’s true
It’s better for you
Than ethanol
I can party when I’m happy
And if feel snappy
Cos I find I’m sinking
In the mire of people drinking
I’ll go and find some space
I’ll slow down the pace
Avoiding the pull
Of ethanol
Alcohol weaves right through our nation
Everyone drinks to intoxication
Damaging their health
Bleeding their wealth
Ruining friendships
Testing relationships
Poisoning their souls
With ethanol
Here’s what to do
If you want to join our crew
Take all your drink
Pour it down the sink
Recycle the container
It’s a no brainer
Have some fancy tea
Set yourself free
From the pull of ethanol
My name is Margaret (@margaret afaf) I am vegan and live in Cardiff, Wales I started experimenting with yoga years ago, then when I was first pregnant I joined an ante natal class I practiced throughout my second pregnancy and had 2 relaxed labours I continued until lockdown. By then I’d discovered Down Dog and now I practice most days at home. I’m 66 and started drinking aged about 13. I continued until June 2019 with the exception of two pregnancies and a few failed attempts at sobriety. I had many low moments and was difficult to live with when drunk Then I realised that I just couldn’t drink anymore and quit
...has over 100,000 downloads! Listen to these episodes to hear inspiring, uplifting stories about alcohol free journeys around the world
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is your private community of women around the world sharing their sober journeys. With almost 3,000 members, you're sure to find folks you connect with!
Youtube Channel
Alex McRobs & The Mindful Life Practice, features hundreds of on demand yoga, meditation and breathwork practices
Free 7 Day Sober Yoga
We have a free seven day sober girls yoga challenge If you are new to sobriety and yoga, check it out
Get access to our on demand yoga library - with thousands of classes - and our weekly on demand rituals - once a week you’ll get:
a dharma talk (a spiritual talk on the weekly theme)
a pranayama practice (breathwork)
a new meditation based on a weekly theme. This is the most affordable and quickest way to change your life - in ten minutes a day
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Everything from the rituals membership, plus the following Live, Zoom classes each week to help you stay motivated, committed and accountable to your journey.
Saturday Mindful Flow 2
Sunday Sweat
Sunday Sober Girls Club
Friday “Big Talk” on the monthly theme with special guests - experts in their fields Get inspired and grounded to wrap up your week
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Want some extra one-on-one support from Alex? This can be one-on-one coaching in life purpose, balance, sobriety or business This has a $150/hour regular price - so it’s already an amazing deal Meet with Alex one-on-one once a month for goal setting and guidance. Plus, get all the added bonuses of the rituals and community membership.
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https://www.themindfullifepractice.com/practice-yoga-online
We are so excited to be celebrating another cohort of students graduating from the Online Yoga Teacher Training! This group has been split up into two classes (one on the weekend and one during the week.) These two classes of women have supported each other through learning, growth, taking risks and challenges and we are so proud of all their hard work! Please come join us to celebrate all of their achievements with their final project, which is a yoga class for the community
Tuesday, September 26th at 8:30pm Eastern Time: Cindy Payne
Cindy is a 200 Hour Yoga Teacher, Licensed Professional Counselor, and owner of Rooted Counseling Services, PLLC in Frisco, TX Prior to opening her private practice in 2020, Cindy was a former Crisis Counselor and School Counselor. Before entering the mental health field, she taught for 10 years in public schools in both Texas and Nevada
Cindy began practicing yoga in 2003 at the recommendation of her doctor when she was struggling with infertility. She continued her
practice after the birth of her first son in 2005, followed by twin boys in 2007 On April 4, 2022, Cindy made the courageous decision to become sober, and knew that yoga would need to play an integral part in her recovery. Shortly after becoming sober, she discovered the Mindful Life Practice Community online, and joined a sober yoga retreat in Bali, Indonesia, led by founder of the MLPC, Alex McRobs. It was there that she decided to pursue her 200 hour yoga teacher certification to deepen her practice and bring hope and healing to others.
Cindy continues to incorporate her yoga practice into both her work and personal life. She teaches meditation to her clients and hosts Mindful Self-Compassion workshops in her community where she combines mental health content with a yoga practice She also just led her first weekend yoga retreat for sober women. She will be joining Alex in India in March 2023 for another Sober Yoga Retreat where she continues to strengthen her connection with the sober community.
Saturday, September 30th at 8:00am Eastern Time: Julia Sadler
Julia started practicing yoga in 2010 with curiosity and an aim of building strength, but found a place of sanctuary to escape busy corporate life in London. Around that time she began attending meditation classes run by the local Buddhist centre and discovered the benefits of mindfulness and spiritual practice, which have helped to shape her yoga journey
She is originally from Leeds in the North of England, and has lived in the middle East since 2012. Since moving to Dubai, yoga has provided an anchor and place of calm, and being in such a diverse place has allowed her to learn different styles of yoga with teachers from around the world.
Pre-natal yoga and breath work played a key role in the birth of her two sons, now 4 and 7, and fuelled the desire to take her practice further.
Following a Yoga foundation course in 2022, Julia felt ready to embark on teacher training and found the perfect place of study and community with Alex and the Mindful Life Practice. Julia practices yoga and meditation to stay grounded and to balance the demands of a busy fashion ecommerce job and parenting In her spare time she enjoys being active outdoors, spending time at the beach with her family and walking her two dogs. She is passionate about sharing the benefits of yoga, particularly to ease the impact of everyday stress on bodies and minds, as well as making yoga inclusive and accessible to everyone at all stages of life.
The class will focus on release of stress and tension, moving through low lunges, a standing flow, and a series of back bends, working up towards Camel pose and exploring its variations. Backbends can help to strengthen the back, shoulders and neck, and can bring a sense of balance to the body. Breathing techniques will be help us to work on mobilising feelings, to bring a sense of lightness to the heart chakra- letting go of tension and making space for emotional balance.
Sunday, October 1st at 7:00pm Eastern Time: Renee
Renee is originally from Florida and currently lives in Birmingham, Alabama She began her yoga practice in the early 2000s as a complement to running and strength training. She practiced off and on for 20 years before taking her 200 hour yoga teacher training with the Mindful Life Practice Renee enjoys the way a consistent yoga practice calms the mind and nervous system and has developed a love of learning yoga philosophy She loves creating flows that spark mindfulness, self-awareness, self-inquiry and PLAY! Renee also enjoys just about any activity in nature, reading, playing music (piano and she's learning the ukulele), and exploring new places and cultures.
About the Class:
Kakasana - Learning to Fly
In Learning to Fly we will begin to work towards crow pose (Kakasana). Crow pose is all about transformation - turning fear into faith, transforming self- doubt into empowerment and discovering your own magic. This class will focus on building core and shoulder strength, the foundation of all arm balances However, the pose is not the goal - it is building confidence with arm balances and making room in your day for a little play. No matter what stage your yoga practice is, this class will build your alignment and allow your creativity to soar.
Tuesday, October 3rd at 7:00pm Eastern Time: Jenny Northcott
Jenny lives in Barrie, Ontario and started with The Mindful Life Practice when she joined our 30 Day Challenge in January 2023. She joined us on the Toronto Retreat in June 2023! She has an outgoing and friendly personality and is lots of fun, and her flows are creative Join us for Jenny's practice next Tuesday!
Wednesday, October 4th at 7:00pm Eastern Time: Sarah Millman
Sarah is currently finishing up her 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training with the Mindful Life Practice (MLPC), and she is very excited to teach a class for the MLPC to celebrate completing the program. Sarah grew up in Baltimore, Maryland (MD) and lives in Elkridge, MD Sarah began practicing yoga at Charm City Yoga (later purchased by Yoga Works) in Columbia, MD in 2014 In 2020, she transitioned to practicing yoga outdoors and on Zoom and in 2022, she became a member of the MLPC Although Sarah initially signed up for yoga classes as a way of adding more exercise into her routine, she quickly realized that yoga isn’t simply exercise: it is a way of life! In addition to the many physical benefits of yoga, Sarah has found yoga to be immensely helpful for her mental health, as it has assisted her with managing anxiety and depression As a yoga instructor, Sarah hopes to share what she has learned about the benefits of yoga and strives to make yoga feel accessible to everyone
Yoga has also allowed Sarah to participate in many enriching experiences. In 2018 and 2019, Sarah went on yoga retreats in Costa Rica with two of her instructors from Yoga Works, Michelle Allen and Monica Motley In 2022 and 2023, Sarah went on retreats in Mexico with Alexandra McRoberts and the MLPC where she was introduced to many new types of yoga and learned about the value of adding meditation, breathwork, and journaling to her routine.
An educator at heart, Sarah has been a high school Spanish teacher for the past seventeen years, and she has served as an adjunct university professor, teaching a variety of education and language courses. In her free time, Sarah loves spending time with her dog, Miley, and her cat, Cyrus, as well as walking in nature!
About the Class:
Did you know that balancing poses in yoga have a myriad of physical and mental benefits? Balancing poses can help us to improve our reflexes, coordination and strength, and they can help us to feel more “calm and center[ed]” while improving skills such as “presence, alertness and clarity” (Alexandra McRoberts). Join Sarah for a vinyasastyle yoga class, which will allow you to explore building up to a peak balancing pose while learning more about the chakras and how you can apply them to your life both on and off the mat!
Thursday, October 6th at 7:00pm EST: Kally Greenaway
I started doing Yoga when I graduated high school in 2009 in order to help reduce my chronically high anxiety levels. I have struggled with Anxiety since I was a child Yoga helps me to harness some of this Anxiety into something positive and good for my body.
I enjoy spending my spare time on self-development, getting outside, and hanging out with my cats, Jack & Steven. I prepare tax returns as a small business during tax season and also work Midnights at Loblaws in the salad bar as a “Fruit Ninja.”
I’m from Wilton, Ontario, Canada. Wilton is about 15 minutes outside of Kingston, ON, which is where I’m located now I spent 7 years in Ottawa going to school at Algonquin College & Carleton University for Accounting. In that time I was fortunate enough to do a co-op & contract at Deloitte which was located in the World Exchange Plaza. The corporate world only added to my stress, which is when I started to increase my yoga attendance further to a few times a week & a yearly retreat.
I’ve been working with a personal trainer recently in order to boost my health further I’ve found this to be helpful along side my Yoga Teacher Training to keep my mind fully immersed in the topic of health.
About the Class:
This class is geared towards intermediate level students with some yoga experience. But I will teach it at all levels. We will work towards Parivrtta Kapotasana pose, which will help open the hips, while twisting helps open the chest and shoulders, encouraging deeper breathing. Our meditation will focus on the Sacral Chakra, which is the most closely related to this pose.
Darlene joined the Mindful Life Practice in June of 2022, completed the 100 hour YTT Deep Dive course last Fall and will be getting her 200 YTT certification on October 7th. Darlene was drawn to Yoga as a way to manage the stress of working full time in healthcare, standing for long hours and wanting to counteract the effects of daily life.
Darlene has been a certified fitness instructor in the past and enjoys helping others now, by teaching yoga, meditation and holding sharing circles.
Darlene is originally from Vermont, now residing in Virginia. She is married with one adult son and a blue heeler who loves to share the Yoga mat with her! Darlene loves to hike and paddle board and spend time with her family hiking and enjoying nature.
About the Class:
The name of my class is : Exploring the Chakras. The goal of the practice is to learn how to balance our system by understanding the chakras. The goal is to combine practice rituals with the science and philosophy from thousands of years to create balance and peace. Each week we will be introduced to one individual chakra, as well as the symbols, colors and stones that are associated with each chakra. During our practice, we will start with a meditation and poem connected to the root chakra My hope is that you can take away a desire to learn more about the chakras. I look forward to weaving this into the class and helping you balance your energy!
Steph recently completed her 200 RYT online via Alex McRoberts at the Mindful Life Practice. She has been practicing yoga intermittently for years but discovered a consistent daily practice when she left Canada for a nomadic lifestyle 3 years ago. Yoga has become a space to feel grounded at home in her body, while she has been traveling around the world to places such as Mexico, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Peru, Spain, and Italy.
Outside of a Zoom screen, she will more often than not be found in her favourite city, Medellin, Colombia To complement her roaming way of life, she works as Head of Marketing at a travel agency that specializes in international corporate retreats. She is also deeply interested in personal development and expanding her ability to perceive the world from different perspectives. This pursuit of growth has included past activities such as breathwork and cold bath workshops, plant medicine, darkness retreats, and a seemingly endless list of books to read.
“The quieter you become, the more you can hear.”
Ram Dass
This class is designed to take the journey within and help you discover the great well of inner peace that you can access at any moment. We will begin with a meditation followed by a Yin flow that will focus on emphasizing slowing down, mindfulness, and entering a meditative state.
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When we start to let go of alcohol, we begin to let go of other things as well and we overhaul our lives. In this special Sober Girls Club we have a guest speaker, Emma Ebdon, who is a simplicity coach. Emma was a friend of Alex’s when she lived in Abu Dhabi! She caught the attention of many Mindful Life Practice members when she ran a decluttering challenge in September. To kick off our “letting go” month, join Emma for a conversation about how to let go of our physical belongings to clear the space for newness in our lives. We’ll start this session with a fifteen-minute-check-in and a meditation led by Alex, followed by a talk with Emma about decluttering. After that, we’ll be open to answering questions on decluttering
Sarah Williamson has been part of our community since the start of it! Now a sober coach and author, Sarah has released her first book called "Drink Less, Live Better " This is a rescheduled book club from September (Sorry - this is Alex’s fault on communicating the wrong time to Sarah!) But, it gave you bonus time to finish the book! We’ll meet up for a check-in, meditation and then discussion of the book.
Amanda Kuda is a sober lifestyle coach living in the United States. Alex & her first met in 2020 when she was a guest on Sober Yoga Girl Podcast Join us for this conversation about her newly released book, Unbottled Potential, which is described as “A life-changing guide for going alcohol-free, manifesting success, and planting the seeds for an extraordinary life.” This meeting will include a check in, followed by a meditation and a conversation with author Amanda about her book!
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Erica has been a member of our community for the past two years Based in Florida, Erica is a mom and has completed the Deep Dive into Sober Yoga, the 30 Hour Sober Curious Yoga Teacher Training, and now she is a student in the 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training. Join us on October 22nd for a check in, meditation and then to hear her story.
Blair has been a friend of Alex’s since they both lived in Abu Dhabi! Now following a career as a financial coach, Blair works with her clients to help them become organized and confident when it comes to money In this Sober Girls Club, Blair will speak to us about how we can let go of our financial issues and become empowered in our sober journey.
