Yoga Workshops for Everyone

Thursday, April 25, with Tama Soble and Debbie Danbrook
6:30pm-8:00pm, $25

Dive deep into your yoga practice supported by the meditative sounds of the shakuhachi flute, an instrument with surprising depth, volume and range. Feel how sound supports, inspires and brings new insight as you ground, breathe and release at the end of your day. We will absorb sound and make sound together as we move.

Sunday, April 28, with Ana Bodnar and Karusia Nirmala Wroblewski
11:00am-1:00pm, $40

The Yoga of Sound is based on Nad Yoga, an ancient and powerful meditation practice bringing inner connection and the expansion of the heart and mind. In this experiential workshop, we will explore bhij sounds (the original sounds of creation) and mantras that have different aims and effects. We will also engage in the practice of kirtan, a call and response style that has ancient roots as well as a growing number of contemporary practitioners. We know from neuroscience studies that music has a powerful and positive effect on our brains and our well-being. The Yoga of sound allows us to experience this for ourselves, to find our own voice and spirit. No previous musical experience is needed.

Sunday, April 28, with Mar Jean Olson
2:00pm – 5:00pm, $60

Increase the range of motion in your neck, shoulders, arms and upper back with numerous and enjoyable exercises and sequences. Experience an enhanced sense of lightness and freedom.

Thursday, May 2, 6:15pm
Presentation begins at 6:30pm. RSVP

For those interested in becoming a yoga teacher, enhancing a previous training or simply deepening their own practice and knowledge. There is a new non-academic option for those not intending to teach. Please enquire.

Meet the faculty. Bring your questions. Everyone welcome!
For more information contact: Tama Soble, 416 944-0838, tama@estheryoga.com
The 2019-2020 course begins in October 2019.

Friday, May 10, with Monica Voss
1:00pm-3:00pm, $40

We will practise breath awareness and several traditional and non-traditional breathing exercises (pranayama). Then we’ll assess, deconstruct and discuss how and when to introduce pranayama to beginners (and ourselves) most effectively.

Thursday, May 16, with Gerry Trentham
3:00pm-5:00pm, $40

The voice is in good health when it is flexible, dynamic, present and precise. Gerry’s enjoyable non-threatening approach introduces a practice that frees the voice, uniting it with the physical body.  This work highlights the individual’s distinctive and authentic voice and aligns the body in the process. With practice, participants discover a new power in their physical and vocal presence, and new ability to move and speak with confidence.

Friday, May 24, with Shari Stein
1:00pm-3:00pm, $40

Osteopenia and osteoporosis are conditions in which – during the natural process of aging – bones tend to become more porous and susceptible to fracture. Exciting new research shows that yoga is a very effective tool for preventing and managing these conditions. Participants will be guided through practices that encourage grounding and weight bearing, as well as exercises and poses that facilitate balance, stability, range of movement and awareness. Written handouts, summarizing relevant science, will be provided.

Saturday, May 25, with Monica Voss
3:00pm-5:00pm, $75/1 or 2 people

Enjoy stretching, breathing, back care, sounding, suggestions for hands-on assisting, and positions for labour. Come solo or with a partner, coach or friend.

Private, semi-private and small group sessions are available instead of the workshop date above, or in addition to it. Please enquire.

Sunday, May 26 , with Melanie Bonnell
11:00am-1:30pm, $50

In this workshop we will explore some of the foundational practices from Meditating with The Body© as systematized by Reginald Ray PhD. Reggie developed this series based on traditional Tibetan yoga/pranayama practices and drawing from various indigenous traditions. We will learn and practise four from the basic series : Ten Points (primarily for relaxation), Earth Breathing (to reinstate our connection with the earth), Twelve-fold Breathing (for clearing and cleansing) and Cellular Breathing (to energize and refresh). These breathing exercises can be incorporated into yoga and meditation practice from any tradition. No previous experience is necessary. All welcome.

Sunday, May 26, with Donna Oliver
2:30pm – 4:30pm, $40

Wuxing Qi Gong is a beautifully flowing 5 movement set that energizes the five major organ systems via channel stretching so they can retain or regain optimal function. It is a short set, and can be practised daily for health maintenance or self healing. If you have learned this set before, you can attend and refresh your form!

Friday, May 31, with Vera Stambolic
12:30pm-4:30pm, $85 (+$15 cash for the Rescue 7 manual)

This workshop will teach you how best to respond to a life threatening situation. You will learn how to provide accurate and effective cardio pulmonary resuscitation, and how best to assist a choking victim. Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive CPR LEVEL B certification. This training is for those receiving their first CPR certification and for those renewing. In order to receive certification, participants must attend the full session, successfully demonstrate all required skills and purchase a new Manual for $15 (reflecting newly adopted guidelines).

* A CPR certificate is strongly recommended for all yoga teachers and should be renewed yearly.

Sunday, June 2, with Mar Jean Olson
3:00pm-5:00pm, $40

In this workshop we will focus on the lower body from the lumbar spine, through the pelvis, to the legs and feet. With stretching and strengthening for stability, we’ll learn about joints, muscles, alignment, and gait.

“A very big thank you to Mar Jean for … Yoga for your Hip Joints… filled with lots of useful information and practice for me both personally and as a teacher.  I felt more in my body afterwards, my hips were moving, my walking lighter… All of this put a smile on my face.” Jeanette Slinger

Friday, June 14, with Tama Soble
12:30pm–3:00pm, $50

Explore asana and pranayama techniques that can assist you with the challenges of insomnia. We will incorporate practices that enhance relaxation for body and mind, and can be done in preparation for or return to sleep. There will be time to discuss and record the practices. This workshop is appropriate for students and teachers at all levels.

Thursday, June 20, with Julia Juhas
8:00pm-9:30pm, $25

Rejuvenate your yoga practice with some live music. Relax, go deep and soak up the soothing sounds of an acoustic guitar and a singer’s voice as you ground, breathe and elongate the spine. Take your time, gently move and why not hum or sing along if you wish? Any song requests,  please email Julia directly at juliajuhas@gmail.com and she will do her best to accommodate.

Sunday, June 23, with John Campbell
3:00pm- 5:00pm, $40

Yoga Nidra is an experiential meditation practice that produces a state of deep relaxation similar to sleep in which we remain aware. From this place, we experience, notice and welcome the comings and goings of different aspects and layers of the self such as physical sensations, feelings, emotions, thoughts and beliefs. In Yoga Nidra, we are given the opportunity to feel past all these transient experiences and rest in the unchanging, peaceful, welcoming ground of our being.