| Hello Everyone, Thank you for your kind, generous, steadfast and unfaltering enthusiasm and support for our yoga (and other) programmes over many, many decades. I was 30 years old when Esther Myers opened her Studio on Brunswick Ave in 1979; Tama wasn’t even 30 when we first met. I remember instructing many of you in those early days, your children, and now I’m meeting your grandchildren, and happy if you meet mine. It’s been a long, varied, wonderful ride, with tears and heartache, celebration and fantastic adventure – on Harbord St behind Parent Books in 1986, 390 Dupont in 1993, and since then to British Columbia, Chiapas, the Osa Peninsula, Tobago, New Mexico, Reykjavik, Matera and the Golden Temple. Our news may be difficult to hear: Tama and I have decided to close the physical Studio space on Dupont St. Our lease is up on December 31 and the building has been slated for demolition in the next year or so. We’ll stay open for classes and workshops until December 20. We’ll announce our fall schedule, farewell party and winter schedule to all students and everyone in our database later in the year. Our plans are to keep the business alive and functioning. The website, emails, classes, workshops, and retreats will continue. We’ll teach online almost as much as at present, and offer three or four in-person classes/week at The First Narayever Congregation, 187 Brunswick Ave, Toronto, ON M5S 2M4, back near the origins of Esther’s initial location. The new version of Esther Myers Yoga Studio will involve just two of us – Tama and me – teaching most events with dear, familiar, longtime colleagues and guest instructors filling early morning slots and occasionally substituting online. We hope our new plans include you! Please join online on Zoom and in-person sessions in the new (brand new!), mobility-restricted accessible venue. The community room at the Narayever is fresh and bright and welcoming. The building has been a place of religious worship for over a century. We’re looking forward to this change. It will be a release of many pressures and stresses. Please send your questions and if you have suggestions, those, too. With sincere goodwill, deep respect and best wishes to all of you, especially Mar Jean Olson and Paola di Paolo whose excellent teaching and consistent, long term and long-lasting commitment enriched the level of instruction and interaction at the Studio for many decades; to all teachers, graduates and trainees of our Teacher Training Programme, past and present; to colleagues in other fields; to every student who has ever attended a class or workshop; to friends, family, and neighbours for your unflagging support; to Esther Myers, our brilliant founder and mentor; to Elysabeth Barnett, Sue Honsberger and Maureen Johnson for helping us remain afloat and sane; and to Vanda Scaravelli, our inspiration always. Thank you, many, many times over. |
Thanks so much for your detailed description of the changes in the studio, Monica; knowing that the building is coming down does make sense of it. I actually remember the little studio with Esther’s name on Brunswick, though I didn’t do yoga then – just wondering what it was!
And I do remember working at the one on Harbord – and missing the carpet when we moved to the bright, shiny Dupont Studio! Obviously, that became “home” very quickly – and even the rhythm of the trains became part of it.
I was lucky enough to be with the studio when Esther was still teaching, and have loved having all of you as a very important part of my life since 1988.
I am so glad that you will be continuing at Narayever – and will try to move my lazy bones back to the studio before it closes. The experience there is so valuable, but Covid and Zoom made staying at home a rather tempting alternative too often!
As always, many thanks for growing flexibility over the years – and lots of fun.
Joan
I am deeply grateful to the work done by all the teachers at the studio over the years including Esther. We’ve been together for so long. I’ve learned so much. We’ve shared so much joy in the deepening of connection with our many selves (physical, emotional, etc). I owe so much to the yoga started here with this wonderful group. Wishing the evolving studio many years of continued spreading of yoga joy!!
I am saddened that you are leaving Dupont… but glad that you have held on as long there as has been possible. Thank you for your wonderful classes and care of folks… Best wishes through this transition. Hope to see you too on Brunswick Ave…
thank you, thank you
Monica and Tama – I just read this news. In some ways I am not surprised. Monica – you are ageless in my heart and mind. I will be thinking of you as you make this transition. May it be a smooth one. You have touched many lives. Wishing you both well. Lisa Mitchell
I can not express enough the deep gratitude I have for you Monica and Esther’s studio. Thinking back when I was in my mid 30’s coming to Toronto for the teacher training in the mid 90’s. I honestly had no idea what I was about to embark on this yoga path. I tell people to this day how blessed I had the experience with you and the studio as my teachers.
I’m still teaching, now in VT after closing my studio in 2019 and moving to Vt in 2020. I continue to honor the practice and teaching of Esther and Monica, my true teachers.
Thank you for your endless support and love throughout all these years. Now that you will be doing more Zoom classes I hope to take advantage of that.
Wishing you both all the best. I will cherish the memories in that sweet studio on Dupont, the rattling of the trains a memory I will always love!!
Om Shanti Om Peace
Molly
A bittersweet end to a wonderful trail blazed by Esther and you all. I feel so fortunate to have had your support and guidance in life, love, body and spirit from the early days on Brunswick and Harbord to my teacher training just before Esther’s passing. The powerful connections, teachings and bonds we shared will be forever in my fondest memories. Kindest thanks for a lovely legacy. 💖