The Art of Yoga: Diane Woodward

Om at the Sivananda Ashram, Bahamas by Diane/Uma

There is no quicker way to brighten a room or your day than to add a little color.

Canadian artist and yogini, Diane Woodward takes it a step further than that... well actually, several steps further, and the result is spectacular!

Describing herself as a "maximalist" painter, Diane declares, "Hot pink is my neutral."

I first met Uma, as Diane is also known, at the Sivananda Ashram in the Bahamas.  She was my next door neighbor in the tent city we called home for a month during our Yoga Teacher Training Program in 1997.  Aside from being a fun and lively friend, she was, in many ways, my mentor.

Not only was Uma more familiar with Sivananda Yoga, her fearlessness and radiant creativity were just the influences I needed in those uncertain and intense weeks of headstands and sun salutations, plus the total immersion  into the traditional yogic lifestyle and philosophy and the sensory overload of colorful Hindu deities, exotic Sanskrit chants, and deep, deep self-reflection.

When I happened to catch this re-run on Steven and Chris featuring her beautiful and colorful home, I knew I had to share it with you!

Also check out Part One and Part 2 of this Comfort Country Interview.

And this feature on Cottage Cheese.

I hope you find them as delightful and inspiring as I do!  Enjoy!

Wanna Go See a Movie?

Weather-wise, during March in Alberta anything can happen!

One day you are basking in the sunshine, snow melting merrily off the roof, and the next you're shivering, wondering how much longer 'til spring?!?  Sigh...

If you need something to do on one of those days, or if you're just excited to be able to get out of the house again, consider checking out one of these movies:

The Canadian premier of Gurukulam is playing at the Metro, March 29, 2015.  To celebrate, the event will also feature live music before the movie, and snacks and dialogue with the filmmakers and Andrew Gow, the director of the University of Alberta's Religious Studies Program afterwards.

The Metro also plays a ton of retro, foreign and independent films.  Check them out!

Christian Marclay's "The Clock" is playing at the Art Gallery of Alberta until April 12, 2015.  

I saw several hours of "The Clock" when it played in Toronto, and let me tell you, it is not your typical movie experience!  The exhibit features couch seating for your viewing comfort, but no snacks are permitted. (It is a gallery after all, and this, my friends, is art!)  

I know it seems weird to watch hours and hours of movie clips of clocks, but trust me, this is anything but boring!  Actually, I found it to be a riveting meditation on time, and a fun pop-culture puzzle.  I can't wait to see it again!  Super hard-core viewers, you can catch the last 24-hour screening on April 11.

And in case you didn't know, Cinema City Movies 12 plays Bollywood movies on a regular basis!

Invoking Summer with Flower Mandalas

Garden Mandala by Tara

Have you ever made a mandala from found objects and natural materials?

This is your invitation!

Honor the infinite potential of the present moment, the abundance of Mother Earth, your own playful spirit and the nature of impermanence.

Gather your materials, select a meditative space to create, and see what happens!

Adjustments by Saleem the Cat

Would you like to enjoy this experience together?

Join Raja Yoga Summer Camp, 2014! 

Wednesday, June 4, 7-8:30 pm we're gathering to form a sacred circle of creativity, friendship and natural beauty.

This event is by invitation only, so if you'd like to join us, please send me an email at:  
tarawoltjen@yahoo.ca

Looking for more inspiration?  Check out these beautiful flower "danmalas" by Kathy Klein!

The Artful Yogis and the Festival of Trees

This gorgeous wreath, hand-felted by our crafty karma yoga community won the People's Choice second prize at Sherwood Park's "Festival of Trees" last weekend!

Not only was it great fun to create (wow, the spinoffs from Raja Yoga Summer Camp are blowing my mind!), but it helped raise money for the Volunteer Information Service!

Thanks to all the "Artful Yogis" who participated, and everyone who attended and voted for our "Heart-felt" creation! 

Also a big thanks to Yoga for Today for sponsoring the wreath and posting the information on their Facebook page!