We’ll offer a range of classes, workshops, and Teacher Training and special events on Zoom in 2023 as well as teaching live in the Studio (14 participants). Practising online and in person is meaningful in different ways and we hope you’ll enjoy either or both. Thank you for your continuing support in these uncertain times. And we hope you use and enjoy our pre-recorded Home Practice audios and videos.
The Studio is open for in-person classes with online advanced bookings and payment in advance only. The preferred payment method is by e-transfer to info@estheryoga.com. Sorry, we cannot accept drop-ins. Credit is available with 24 hours cancellation ONLY.
Please check this space for updates or send us an email if you have questions. Take good care – we look forward to welcoming you back to the Studio.
Themed Classes explore unique topics through yoga, meditation, qi gong, and other creative offerings over a single class, a week or a few weeks on Zoom or at our Studio in downtown Toronto.
Themed Yoga Classes Online and In Person
WuXing Qigong
Mondays, September 11 – October 23, with Donna Oliver, 5:00pm-6:00pm, $108/6 classes, $21/class, no class Thanksgiving Weekend, October 9
at the Studio
WuXing Qigong is a beautifully flowing form based on the Traditional Chinese Medical Five Elements or Five Phases Theory. This set will massage and improve the function of the Lungs, Kidneys, Liver, Heart and Spleen. It involves gentle stretching and slow rhythmic and repetitive movement. It is practised standing, not so adaptable to a chair.
Sounding
Monday, September 25 – Friday, September 29, with Monica Voss, 8:00am-9:15am ET, $100/week, $23/class
on Zoom
Making sounds, whether deliberate or spontaneous, is a strategy the body/brain/mind uses to release stress and restore energy. Sound is also the focus of some meditation techniques and pranayama (breathing) exercises. We will explore a different sounding practice each evening. All are welcome.
Rejuvenating Autumnal Yoga
Monday, October 2– Friday, October 6, with Julia Juhas, 8:00am-9:15am ET, $100/week, $23/class
on Zoom
Welcome the fall while still holding the light! This is a wonderful time to reflect, embrace change and prepare yourself for the darker months. As we watch those earthly leaves fall to the ground to nourish the next generation of nature, consider your own leaves. Are you letting them go? Or hanging on? Through deep reflection and the integration of the breath with gentle movements, allow the holding, the worry, the tensions to FALL away.
Enlivening the Conversation between Cranium and Sacrum
Monday, October 9 – Friday, October 13, with Tama Soble, 8:00am-9:15am ET, $100/week, $23/class
on Zoom
The relationship between the cranium and sacrum fosters spinal movement and neurological connection. It has the potential to encourage balance and flow of movement throughout the entire body, and change our state of body and mind. We will explore the beautiful and subtle conversation between the top and (almost) bottom of the spine and discover our muscular, skeletal and energetic responses.
Photo: Jumping girls on a spring meadow by Hannes Killan
Awakening Your Body, Mind and Heart with BMCsm
Monday, October 16 – Friday, October 20, with Mariko Tanabe, 8:00am-9:15am ET, $100/week, $23/class
on Zoom
Explore the rhythms and flow of your body’s fluids, the visceral support of your organs and rebounding lightness of your bones and ligaments as they move you through space. When we connect with these deeper layers of our bodies, our movement is nourished, and we create more space in our hearts and minds to face the day. Each morning will include guided movement explorations, meditation, self-touch, asana practice and other forms of movement application. All are welcome to participate at their own level of experience and comfort.
Mariko Tanabe is a Certified Teacher of Body-Mind Centering® Somatic Movement Therapist, Dancer, Yoga Teacher and Certified Ancestral Lineage Healer.
Friday Intensives
October 20, November 17, December 15, with Tama Soble, 1:00pm-3:00pm ET, $30/class, included in unlimited passes
on Zoom
Enjoy the pleasure of deepening your practice by taking time at the end of the week to unwind and revitalize. For students and teachers at every level.
“I really enjoyed your Friday Intensive yesterday. I look forward to your monthly classes and love the way you lead up to the theme, gradually encouraging us to open our rib cage as yesterday. I always leave inspired and encouraged in my ability to move into poses with more ease and comfort.” SM
Kundalini Yoga for Breath, Energy, and Creative Flow
Monday, October 23 – Friday, October 27, with Paola di Paolo, 8:30am-9:45am ET, $100/week, $23/class***Please note start time
on Zoom
As the days get shorter and colder, we still need to fulfill our day to day responsibilities and have energy left over for our own creative pursuits. Kundalini yoga provides us with resources of energy, breath, and creativity. In this 5-day sequence we will practise Kundalini Yoga sets and meditations to free energy and inspire our inherent creativity.
Image: The Discussion of Flaubert’s Egyptian Journals, by Joyce Wieland, 1982
Paola di Paolo is certified through Esther Myers Yoga Studio and 3HO. She teaches Kundalini yoga and Hatha yoga.
Crane Animal Sports
Mondays, October 30 – December 4, with Donna Oliver, 5:00pm-6:00pm, $108/6 classes, $21/class
at the Studio
Crane movements are predominantly beneficial for the heart and lungs, but the spine gets a good workout as well. Balance is challenged and improved with practice. The sports are challenging and fun. Crane movements develop grace under pressure and is reported to alleviate depression. It is recommended to be done standing.