Our Collective Energy
Here in Calgary, the Calgary Stampede is just days away. An event that draws hundreds of thousands of people to our city. Some for the traditions of Stampede, others for the music, the food, and all things in between. I’ve attended some of the traditional events over the years and I have certainly found myself in front of a lot of live music during this time. But for me, it’s the collective energy that is brought to the city and the events that I love.
I know in recent years big crowds have become less desired. However, for this social woman, I love a crowd big enough that there’s no possible way I need to know everyone before I leave, but it feels small in some way that I can certainly have some wonderful conversations with people I’ve never met before! I want to feel the collective energy of the larger group while dialing in on the smaller conversations, sharing and laughing with no expectation.
How does this come back to our practice? The asana practice was not always offered in collective groups. It wasn’t until the Modern Period of yoga that there was a focus the physical group practices. But honestly, how brilliant. To enter a room full of people who are there to explore their bodies, minds, and souls. To be within a space where the collective energy will regulate your nervous system and allow you to find pockets of breath and peace. I have had many conversations where people “fear” yoga classes. Mainly due to looking silly or not being able to do it. But, once they realize there is no “wrong” and that nobody else is looking at you, it’s total freedom and the love for the practice of yoga, on the mat, grows. Taking it off the mat, that’s harder but we’ll get there another time. 😉
Let’s build collective energy this week!
Remember to always practice within your own limits and take care of physical and emotional well-being. Use yoga props as suits your practice.
If you are not attending a group yoga class this week, bring some friends together! Maybe even some friends who have never tried it.
Breathwork: Breath of Fire. Breathe in and out through the nose. Breathe in a smooth breath and then quick exhales while engaging your core. Try to maintain for 1-3 minutes.
Asana Practice: Seated Easy Pose > Seated Cat/Cow > Easy Pose + Forward Fold > (Table Top > Cat/Cow > Bear > Downward Dog > Plank > Extended Child’s) X 4 > Prone: head rested on hands + gentle flow of the head up/down > Plank > Downward Dog > Sun Salutation A X 3 > Extended Child’s > Supine > Twist > Savasana
Wishing to learn more about the practice of yoga? Reserve Your Spot for the next 200HR yoga Teacher Training beginning September 6, 2025, and become a Certified Yoga Teacher before the end of 2025. We are ¼ full already. Looking for more details? Email stephaniepower.ayc@gmail.com.
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