Malas are the newest trend in wearable yoga, featuring sandalwood beads, gemstones, crystals and colourful tassels. Not only are they beautiful to wear, but they also serve as a reminder of your daily intensions. Traditionally, malas feature 108 beads plus a “guru” bead and are used for guiding repetition in meditation. Today however, you’ll find malas of all lengths and designs that represent something different to everyone.​

As an expectant Mama, it’s important to find a quiet place inside your heart and mind to contemplate your incredible journey. A ‘Birth Mala’ is a vessel for your heartfelt intensions, as well as the blessings offered by your friends and family. Today we’re sharing how your tribe can help you make a mala as a special keepsake that will support you throughout your pregnancy, labour, and journey into motherhood.

A Baby shower is the perfect setting for this project, as you’ll have all your favourite ladies gathered in one place. If you want all the beads of your mala to match, then you’ll need to have them ready ahead of time. Otherwise, ask the person responsible for organizing the party to include this message in the guest invitations.
“As a special request, we ask that you bring a single bead and a blessing or wish for the Mama-to-be. Everyone will have a turn to share their words and string their bead onto a strand, which will become a keepsake for Mama during her labour. After all, this is when she'll need those blessing the most!”
Be sure to give your guests a couple of weeks notice so they have time to find a bead they’ll be happy with. ​

At the heart of your mala lies a very special bead. This is the bead around which all the other beads are supported, and the one that begins and ends your meditation. Maybe you trust your mother, best friend, or sister to select it, or perhaps you’d like to choose one for yourself. Some ideas include Baby’s birthstone or a healing gem, such as Rose Quartz for its gentle energy. ​

Create a designated space on a table or tray for the following items: A shallow dish to collect all the beads, note cards and pens, a 40” string (embroidery thread or dental floss work well), and a handful of extra beads in case a few ladies forget to bring theirs! Thread your “guru” bead onto the middle of the strand to get started. While your guests mingle and nosh, have the organizer pass out the notecards and pens, asking guests to write down their blessing, name, and any special meaning behind their bead of choice. ​

The final length of your mala will depend on the number of guests who participate in the activity. A short strand can be displayed on a dresser or in a shadow box. A longer strand can be worn as a necklace. You may want to remove the beads and rearrange them so that the heavier ones sit closer to the guru bead, while smaller ones sit closer to your neck. You can also add filler beads to achieve a custom length before tying a double knot where the strings meet at the back of your neck.​

Use your mala when you’re feeling overwhelmed and in need of support. Your female community may not be by your side when you need them, but intensions know no limits or bounds. As you meditate on each unique bead, remember that your tribe is cheering you on through this life-changing time!  

In celebration of Summer {and the launch of our Summer Wellness special}, we are hosting a giveaway on our Instagram Page.

We are giving away a $150 gift card for any of our wellness services AND a two month summer yoga pass! Total wellness and yoga package valued at $350!

To enter - visit our Instagram page and:
1) Follow @torontoyogamamas
2) Regram the photo above with the hashtag #tymsummerlove 
3) Tag @torontoyogamamas in the photo you post.

Winner will be announced this Friday, June 23rd at 5PM EST. 
Good luck, Mamas! 

​Fresh water, good sleeps, deep breaths. Eating clean, creating space, finding your mat. What do you do for you mama? Wellness can be starting your morning off with a meditation {we have a beautiful meditation for you here}, or taking time before bed just to stretch and let go of the day.

As the days heat up and schedules fill up, we encourage you to still make time to find your breath and take care of you. We have an amazing collection of wellness workshops at our studio this summer that are completely free. You will be inspired and walk away with key things you can do at home. 

With Warmth,

Jamie Kalynuik
Founder and Director of Yoga Mamas

​Free Workshop: Holistic Guide To Pregnancy
Monday, June 19th 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Trimester by trimester, Naturopathic Doctor Dr. Shannon Vander Doelen will take mamas through a guide on how nourish their changing bodies, increase energy, and overcome common pregnancy aliments such as morning sickness with natural solutions. Walk away with prescriptive advice on how to thrive during your pregnancy through nutrition and natural remedies.

Each mama walks away with a free copy of our "Holistic Guide to Pregnancy"
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​Acupressure for Labour: Free Workshop
​Thursday, July 6th 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Acupressure is an easy to use, non-invasive way to promote natural pain management during childbirth. During this workshop you (and your birth support person) will learn simple and very effective techniques to help manage labour.

Prenatal acupressure can help with induction, dilation, pain relief, retained placenta and milk' let down'. Points assist in calming the mind during labour, encourage regular and effective contractions, helping labour to progress if slowed or stopped.
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Free Prenatal Aches & Pains Workshop 
​Monday July 17th, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Led by Prenatal Chiropractor, Dr. Aliya Visram. Pregnancy is such an exciting and amazing time, but it can also be full of prenatal aches and pains for the mama to be! Up to 80% of pregnant women complain of moderate to debilitating back, pelvic and leg pain!

In this free workshop, Dr Aliya Visram, chiropractor specializing in pregnancy at Yoga Mamas, will breakdown the causes of prenatal back and pelvic pain and many other discomforts in pregnancy. She will also cover self-treatment that you can do at home, and how to have a fit and healthy pregnancy and birth!
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​What Really Happens To Your Pelvic Floor In Pregnancy
Wednesday, July 26th 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Learn about the changes your body and pelvic floor go through during pregnancy, childbirth and recovery postpartum.

Join Toronto Pelvic Floor Physiotherapists Miral Patel and Lamiya Zaidi. Both prenatal Physiotherapists are certified in pelvic health and women's health and will teach you about common pelvic floor dysfunctions during pregnancy and after. Learn about prenatal and postnatal pelvic floor physiotherapy and when mamas should seek professional care.

Learn the best positions for labour and delivery and how to push properly. Gain valuable knowledge of how to effectively restore your abdominals postpartum and safely return to exercise​.
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