Cultural Appropriation and Namaste Part I: a business name change
This is part 1 of a 2-part series on cultural appropriation and use/misuse of the word Sanskrit word Namaste. This journey of listening, learning, and growing has led Bryana, co-owner of Boreal Bliss Yoga Retreats to pursue a name change of her solely owned local yoga business previously named Northern Namaste Yoga to Northern Yoga and Wellness.
ANNOUNCING: New Ideas and Cancellations
We have a lot of announcements to make! Some are EXCITING!! And some are down right disappointing.
Lakeside Series: A Special On-Demand Yoga Package
It’s finally here! Bryana and Amanda have been recording classes at lakes around northern MN for the past few months. Think soothing waves and serene water backdrops. Pair that image with gentle and inviting yoga classes.
We are excited to announce this five week challenge. Most classes are between 20-30 minutes, with a few 15 min classes and a few 50 min classes sprinkled in. Join us for some feel-good, lakeside yoga! If you want to stay on-track with us, join this series November 1st!
Adventures and Mishaps in Zoom Yoga
“Teaching yoga is a very important part of my life. It brings me energy, joy, and community to share space and practice with others. As the pandemic drags on, I’m mourning the loss of that community while simultaneously trying to embrace virtual yoga.”
BBYTT Cohort One - Weekend 1 Recap
A story of the first weekend of our Boreal Bliss 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training. Cohort one - thank you for a transformational weekend. Our love of yoga has only increased, and we know you feel the same. We cannot WAIT to engage with you for our next in-person sessions and for our virtual components. To get together and “geek out” on yoga with you is such an honor.
Anti-Racist Book Club- Upcoming Dates/Books
On Sunday, Jacob Blake, an unarmed Black man and a father, was shot seven times, in the back, by police.
We all play a role in creating a more inclusive world. From the words we use, to how we treat each other, to knowing how to voice our concerns, and how we model mental and physical well-being. In our homes, our circles of friends, our families, our workplaces, we have important roles to play. We have voices, we need to learn to use them responsibly.
We are committed to being part of an anti-racist future. Please consider reading one of the upcoming books for our book club and joining us virtually.
No Frills, All Thrills - a recap of our BWCA Yoga Retreat
First of all, this group of women is completely bad ass. I suggested that a great tagline to this retreat would be: “no frills, all thrills”. The women disagreed with me, because they felt quite pampered at Birchwood Wilderness Camp, a summer camp for boys on the Seagull River.
Two Women in the BWCA + a 6-Months Pregnant Adventure
This summer marks the fifth anniversary of my female adventure partner Nora and I diving into the BWCAW on our own, with our two dogs as the only boys allowed on the excursion. Last summer we continued the tradition while I (Bryana) was 6.5 months pregnant. While we tried to make it our most mild and uneventful trip in history….it turns out the wilderness had another idea for us.
Launching- Live Virtual Classes
We’re a few months into this pandemic, and one thing we’ve learned is that we really dig virtual yoga classes via zoom. While we’ll continue to add pre-recorded content to our library, we’re excited to launch live classes via zoom. All the info here!
BB Book (and Movie) Club- Commitment to antiracism
Introducing a book (and movie) club committed to being better white allies. We are in this for the long-haul. We can and will do better. Rotating hosts (feeling called to action? We’d love to have you host)
Second Monday of the month at 8pm via Zoom
Resources for the Commitment to Anti-Racism
We are sharing a list of ideas to make a long-term commitment to being part of the change. It is not enough to not be racist. We are committed to being part of the anti-racist movement.
Boreal Bliss Yoga Teacher Training Announcement
IT’S FINALLY HERE - a big announcement about our upcoming Boreal Bliss 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training program!
5 Tips to Boost Mental Energy and That Afternoon Slump
We’ve all been there; the slow mornings, the afternoon sluggishness, the work daze, the overwhelming feeling of burn out. Our daily activities can add extra stress onto our bodies leaving us feeling a little lethargic by the time the afternoon sun begins to set.
Negativity, Toxic Positivity, and Balance Through Yoga
In this blog, Amanda and Bryana share a conversation about negativity, the term “toxic positivity”, and seeking balance.
A check-in with the BB gals
Amanda, Bryana, Joella, and Stacy check-in on how they are coping. We found it helpful to see how one another were feeling- might be helpful for you too. It’s validating simply to read how others are feeling and know that you are not alone.
10 Strategies for Reducing Stress and Boosting your immune system
In times of stress, anxiety, fear, confusion…. we wanted to extend a reminder that we are all in this together. We know the tools to self-soothe. We can reach in our yoga toolbox to help us get through this, one day at a time.
Fires, Flannels, Fun! Yoga Retreat Recap
We love the annual February retreat at Deep Portage. It is always perfect timing for when you are losing your sh*&%!, because...winter. Read more about our Fires, Flannels, Fun! yoga retreat.
Thoughts on pregnancy (Amanda)
Amanda shares some of her experiences from the past 10 months of pregnancy.
“I am waiting-acknowledging who I have been, mourning what is ending, and knowing that some pieces of me will always exist.”
Wildly Aligned Retreat Recap (and photos!)
Bryana, Joella, and Stacy reflect on the Wildly Aligned Yoga Retreat held in Hackensack, MN.
