The Refresh
In October 2021 I purchased the Alberta Yoga College. At a time when uncertainly surrounded everyone, I took a massive leap into business ownership – it was the perfect blend of excitement and fear. If well directed, I’ve learned, both emotions can propel you in ways I’ve dreamed. If you’re wondering why I made this choice, it was because the passion for my work needed a refresh.
Since I was 20, I worked in office environments. A product of what was available for employment in the small town I grew up in. As has happened to many others, I followed that path in a means to become financially independent, buy a vehicle, a home, and so on. By 25 I had done this. Yet, I wasn’t satisfied. I’d developed skills and confidence in my work and so I took the risk, packed up my belongings, and moved to the other side of the country seeking better opportunities. Not realizing I lacked direction on what and why. However, my move opened my eyes to many more possibilities and before I knew it my career had focused on philanthropy. Now this was the kind of work I could pour myself into – I’d found a why! Contributing to creating better communities and opportunities for others, working with a team of other passionate people, and having fun while making it all happen. The new surroundings and career were just the refresh I needed at the time.
After 12 years and having contributed to raising millions of dollars for charities, I was ready to leave the desk behind. I was ready for another refresh, but I knew it had to still exist in the form of helping and supporting others.
Whether you are seasoned or just beginning to explore the practice of yoga, you have experienced positive impacts from the practice. Perhaps you’ve begun the exploration of the asanas and how good your body feels after you move it with intention. Perhaps you’ve settled into regular mediation, a sense of stillness, that you’ve never found before that radiates a new kind of low frequency through your body and mind. Or maybe you’ve started to see how the practices you have on your mat now influence how you move through the world, and you, and those around you, see the change. Whatever positive impacts you’ve found from yoga, that is what’s led me to the passion of bringing it to the world. And here is the best part. I know I could live 10 lives and in each of them teach some form of yoga. The practice is without boundaries in the ways it can enter, leave, and return to our lives because if we exist, so does it. Together we can explore the movement of our bodies, the flow of the breath, the control of our mind, and the depth of our souls; repeatedly. It’s as if we can refresh any time we need, all we must do is look to challenge, learn, and grow within our practice. With a practice that is believed to be over 5000 years old, the process of it never gets old. It’s the human experience, the one that each of you brings that keeps is interesting and feeling alive!
This week we are working on The Refresh. This doesn’t mean you have to go out and change careers, or anything as drastic. But perhaps it’s one of your simple daily routines. What you are reading, your exercise routine, how you show up for your friends and family. For me, after 4 years of devotion to teaching, I have given myself 4 weeks with my family. It’s not an even trade but it’s a start. It’s a small refresh, a realignment of what matters, before I dive back into the Fall 2025 Session of our 200HR Yoga Teacher Training and a frequent teaching schedule. While I’m enjoying the break I can truthfully say I am missing my students and my communities. However, I am respecting the balance as I know when the time with my family comes to an end, I’ll miss them as well.
While I’ve been on a break from teaching, I’ve been drawn, once again, to the practice of Yin Yoga. The asana practice below is a Yin focused practice.
Remember to always practice within your own limits and take care of physical and emotional well-being. Use yoga props as suits your practice.
Asana Practice: Extended Child’s > Windshield Wipers > Deer (L), Windshield Wipers > Deer (R) > Fish > Pigeon (L) > Downward Facing Dog > Pigeon (R) > Downward Facing Dog > Half Frog (L) > Cat/Cow > Half Frog (R) > Cat/Cow > Prone Savasana
Journaling Practice: If you are searching for direction on how to refresh an aspect of your life start by writing down what that part of your life entails. When you see it on paper, or on a screen, it allows you the ability to analyze it as a whole. Perhaps then you can see the areas where you can adjust to welcome newness.
Wishing to learn more about the practice of yoga and/or add teaching to your resume? 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. Looking for more details? Email stephaniepower.ayc@gmail.com.
If you want to share your experience with us, follow us on Instagram: @albertayogacollege
With gratitude,
-Stephanie