There are many ways to define inspiring, but for me, this captures it perfectly …
“Inspiring’ is the adjective form of the word ‘inspire’. ‘Inspire’ is a verb. The overall meaning of it is to take something in, or to infuse it into the body or spirit. It originally meant to breathe, specifically to take in air by inhaling it. The other meaning is to take in something that causes a mental change, or to cause that change in someone“difference-between-inspiring-and-inspirational
When I think of the word inspiring, the image that comes to mind, is my favourite yoga instructor Andrea Robertson, pictured in the photo above.
I believe we all have something to learn from Andrea and her way of ‘being’.
I had the privilege of meeting Andrea pre -covid years, when she was teaching at Pure Yoga in Ottawa. I would escape from work and literally, ran to her class. I entered the doors feeling stressed and bedraggled and exited, a totally new woman. I was re-energized and ready to go back to battle ! The transformation was truly remarkable 🙂
Fast forward a few years and our paths cross again. I was experiencing the challenges of living life as a Covid long hauler and Andrea, had opened her own business, teaching yoga virtually from her home.
In the spring of 2022, I finally felt well enough and signed up for one of Andrea’s yoga retreats in Ripon, Quebec. I was hooked! The timing was perfect. A week later I contracted Covid for the second time but this time, I had Andrea’s virtual classes to support me through my recovery.
Everyone needs Andrea in their life. She is one of the most beautiful, authentic beings I know.
I must admit, I don’t often participate in her live virtual classes because I am terrible at sticking to a schedule (something I want to work on in 2023). I do however watch her recordings faithfully, at least 5-7 times a week. Sometimes she has 30 day challenges. Last time I did 29 days, even when I was travelling, half way around the world from her ! The beauty of virtual recordings 🙂
Andrea has something for everyone. She is an excellent instructor and her joyful spirit is contagious.
If you log in to class feeling grumpy, anxious, stressed, tight, constricted or all consumed by any other negative feeling I haven’t listed, Andrea’s healing presence is guaranteed to wash it all away.
“Her practice continues to evolve by drawing inspiration from many different forms of yoga particularly Vinyasa, Hatha, Iyengar, Yin and Power. She is known for combining strength, mobility and power with softness and fluid motion in a creative flow. Her aim is also provide a quiet space for meditation and breath-work giving students an introspective experience for a complete mind-body-spirit connection.” www.bodyandbalance.ca
One of the key ingredients that contributed to my full recovery these past few years is yoga practice.
The benefits of doing yoga are countless 13-benefits-of-yoga-that-are-supported-by-science
- Can decrease stress
- Relieves anxiety
- May reduce inflammation
- Could improve heart health
- Improves quality of life
- May fight depression
- Could reduce chronic pain
- Could promote sleep quality
- Improves flexibility and balance
- Could improve breathing
- may relieve migraines
- promotes healthy eating habits
- Can increase strength
Andrea is offering a free trial to anyone wanting to experience one of her classes. My favourite is her Wednesday Evening Spa Class…..TOTAL BLISS.
Andrea makes yoga totally doable, no matter what your schedule looks like. The investment of your time and energy will pay off. Make a commitment to yourself ….you’re so worth it 🙂
Interested ? Please contact Andrea at andrea.robertson77@gmail.com or myself at karen.lemaire64@gmail.com
Trust me when I say, you don’t have to be super flexible or coordinated.
If I can do it, anyone can !
xo
K
For what it’s worth it’s never too late to be whoever you want to be. I hope you live a life you’re proud of, and if you find that you’re not, I hope you have the strength to start over.
F. Scott Fitzgerald
Coffee & Chardonnay 
Leave a Reply