A new term of classes, workshops and retreats begins April 9, 2012 and continues until June 29. Everyone is welcome at attend! We are offering a May Special - unlimited classes and workshops for $175 and a Summer Special - unlimited classes, workshops and early morning intensives during June , July and August for $375. The Summer term begins Tuesday, July 3 at 10:00am.

Contact us for information at info@estheryoga.com or 416 944 0838. Now you can check us out on Facebook, too!

At Esther Myers Yoga Studio, you may drop into any class at any time or attend a specific class for the term. We offer a wide range of classes, workshops and intensives in Toronto, as well as teacher development and yoga retreats in Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia,

the U. K., Tobago, and Puglia, Italy, and new in June 2012, Iceland.

The How and Why of Pranayama - Monica Voss

Our approach to yoga is deeply reflective and student centred. We describe it as Thinking Body Yoga: yoga that is practised slowly, intelligently and safely with the guidance of highly trained teachers who have a thorough understanding of anatomy and natural movement potential. As you explore, you will develop and experience greater independence, pleasure and ease in the body, curiosity of mind, and an active inner life. There is great joy in discovering how you can move toward a healthy, relaxed and energetic state of body and mind by yourself, anytime, anywhere.

Our highly regarded 750-hour Yoga Teacher Training Programme in Toronto is appropriate for individuals interested in becoming teachers, for teachers wishing to upgrade their skills, and for students looking to expand and deepen their understanding and practice. A new group will form in October, 2012 - click on Teacher Training for full information and plan on attending an Open House on June 9 at 3:30pm. All welcome. Long distance study is possible. Please direct enquiries to Tama Soble, tama@estheryoga.com, 416 944 0838 x1.

Esther Myers Yoga Studio is a Registered Educational Institution. Students enrolled in our Teacher Training Programme receive an official tuition fee receipt (T2202A) which can be used when filing personal income taxes.

NEW! A 250-hour Graduate Teacher Training Programme, launched in 2011 is for teachers interested in deepening their understanding of a chosen aspect of yoga or a particular student population, through directed, independent research and study. Begin the mentored programme when you are ready. Contact Monica Voss, monica@estheryoga.com,

416 944 0838 x2 for more information.

Retreats away from home become an important entry into a regular yoga practice for some, a consolidation of practice for others, and a transformational experience for many.

Embedded in the middle of winter was the annual yoga holiday in Tobago, mellow and gorgeous, with yoga practice taking place on a teak-floored ajoupa inaugurated by H H the Dalai Lama. Consider joining Monica next winter for the 12th anniversary of this wonderful event (www.kariwak.com) over the week of February 16-24, 2013.

In July of 2011, Monica Voss and Tama Soble embarked on a new adventure - a first yoga retreat in Europe! Join Tama May 19-26, 2012 in Puglia (southern Italy near Brindisi), a relatively little known area, culturally unique with wonderful food and unusual architecture (www.santamariadelsole.it). Excursions to the stunning white hillside town of Ostuni, to Lecce with its romanesque architecture, and to the Unesco World Heritage site of Matera can be arranged. Italy is a destination steeped in history and sensory pleasures.

In June, over Summer Solstice, Monica will be accompanying a group to Iceland, a country sometimes described as "other-worldly". Experience geysers, waterfalls, treeless mountains, hot springs, yoga twice/day for one of 2 weeks, either June 11-19 or June 18-26. In Iceland, a troll or elf sighting is a real possibility. Prepare to be entranced!

Come along on an adventure, challenge your views of yourself and the world and enjoy the tremendous pleasure of practising yoga in some of the most beautiful and stimulating destinations on our wonderful planet (click on Retreats).

Amnesty International holds an annual Yoga Day. We are pleased to be able to contribute $855 this year - all proceeds from 3 PWYC classes on Saturday, April 28. Thank you for helping raise funds for this important organization in their work supporting and promoting human rights. This fundraiser will help protect women's human rights activists in Iran (www.amnesty.ca/yogaday/fundraise.php).

Our annual fall fund-raising event will be held on Saturday, September 22 - a Book, CD, and DVD Sale. Last year, with tremendous help for the community, we gathered almost $1500 for The Willow Centre Child and Family Foundation which helps make it possible for children and families to access needed psychological care (www.thewillowcentre.com/foundation). Thank you for your generous contributions, and please save up for the sale this fall.

This year, the recipient is Touchstone Youth Centre which provides food, shelter, counselling and emotional support to 16-24 year old at risk and homeless youth in Toronto http://touchstoneyc.org/.

2009 marked the 30th anniversary of Esther Myers Yoga Studio! We are grateful for the ongoing commitment of our vibrant community of students and teachers as we enter our 33rd year. Deep heartfelt thanks to Esther Myers (1947-2004) for the intelligent compassionate path of enquiry she blazed for us all.