Yoga Workshops for Everyone

Sunday, February 2, with Ana Bodnar
2:15pm-5:00pm, $60

In this workshop, we will review the Yamas and Niyamas as they are outlined in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras and then reflect on them using various translations, including a commentary from a women’s, heart-centred perspective. We will discuss how the Yamas and Niyamas continue to be vibrant and engaging in our current times, and how they apply to our teaching and our lives.

Friday, February 7, with Gerry Trentham
1:00pm-3:00pm, $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.

Saturday, February 8 with Julia Juhas
7:00pm-8:30pm, $35

I invite you to get in touch with and cultivate the full moon’s energy and rejuvenate your yoga practice with 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, heck, 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, February 9, with Mar Jean Olson
3:00pm-5:00pm, $40

“Mudra” usually refers to positionings of the body, hands, and eyes. Join us as we learn full-body mudras and some sequences for our hands and wrists. Mudra practice needs no prior preparation. All Welcome.

Thursday, February 20, with Tama Soble and Debbie Danbrook
6:30pm-8:00pm, $35

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 together as we move.

Friday, February 21, with Tama Soble and Leah Gold
1:00pm-3:00pm, $40

In this workshop we will practise yoga and drawing exercises that shift our perception, enabling us to be truly present with what is in front of our eyes. This workshop is for yoga practitioners of all levels and anyone interested in the pleasure of drawing.

with Ruth Ann Penny
This workshop has been postponed

Feeling stable is the first consideration when we practise hatha yoga.  What can we do on the mat, in a chair, or while standing and walking to ensure that we feel grounded and secure, especially while moving or when busy or distracted? This workshop offers helpful techniques to everyone of all ages and stages for establishing and maintaining reliable balance in some very common and accessible asanas. We’ll challenge ourselves, too!

Sunday, February 23, with Mar Jean Olson
3:00pm-5:00pm, $40

Join us in learning about one of your vital signs. Blood pressure is considered an indicator of health and can be influenced by yoga exercises. In this series of classes, we will discuss and carefully practise techniques for regulating blood pressure.

Friday, March 6, with Della Croteau
1:00pm-3:00pm,  $40

Arthritis is a term used to describe an inflammation of the joints which causes stiffness and pain. Many of us notice more stiffness and restricted movement as we age. Some may have a medical diagnosis of arthritis.

In this workshop, we will discuss what happens to the joints with arthritis, and explore movements that will help prevent and relieve arthritic symptoms in some areas most commonly affected such as the spine, hips, knees, fingers and the base of the thumb. You will have an opportunity to practise grounding, breathing and postures which can be adapted to allow fuller and easier movements of your joints.

Sunday, March 8, with Maria Meindl
10:30am-1:00pm, $50

Staring at screens, driving in traffic, carrying heavy bags … these are just a few of the activities that can leave shoulders feeling burdened and stuck. Wouldn’t it be nice to lighten up? This Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement® workshop will restore mobility to your shoulders, neck and chest, and help you find support from your pelvis and spine. No experience is necessary.

Sunday, March 8, with Jigna Fadia
4:00pm–5:15pm, $20

Chanting the Gayatri Mantra clears and focuses the mind. Learning a small portion of a new language stimulates the brain, and the beautiful sound of the words and phrases of this mantra seem to relax the nervous system. In this workshop we will learn about, explore and practise the Gayatri Mantra.

Sunday, March 15, with Kathy Felkai
11:00am-1:00pm, $40

An interactive workshop for students living with chronic pain and for yoga teachers who would like to learn to guide their students toward management and recovery. We will explore gentle yoga postures and breathing exercises to relieve pain, improve mobility, reduce anxiety, lift mood and rediscover the joy of movement.

Sunday, March 15, with John Campbell
2:00pm-4:00pm, $40

Yoga nidra is a meditation practice that dates back to the time of the Upanishads. Today, yoga nidra is widely used both as  meditation and as a therapeutic tool for PTSD, other psychological trauma and distress. Yoga nidra is experiential and 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 fluctuations and rest in the unchanging, peaceful, welcoming ground of our being.

Sunday, March 22, with Tama Soble
10:30am-12:30pm, $40
Take “Animal Movement in Yoga”, “Animal Totems” & “Animal Frolic Qi Gong” for $105, take 2 for $75

We’ll explore natural mammalian, reptilian, aquatic and air-borne animal movements and discover how they connect to and inspire our yoga. Everyone is welcome.

Animal Movement in Yoga $40.00 CAD Take all 3 Animal workshops on March 22 $105.00 CAD Take Animal Movement & Animal Totems $75.00 CAD Take Animal Movement & Animal Frolic Qi Gong $75.00 CAD

Sunday, March 22, with Sarah Hunter and Monica Voss
1:00pm-3:00pm, $40
Take “Animal Movement in Yoga”, “Animal Totems” & “Animal Frolic Qi Gong” for $105, take 2 for $75

Using relaxation, meditation, poetry, movement and collage, we’ll discover an animal that’s meaningful, helpful and inspiring.
We look forward to exploring your animal totem with you. Come with an open mind and a creative spirit!

Animal Totems $40.00 CAD Take all 3 Animal workshops on March 22 $105.00 CAD Take Animal Totems & Animal Movement in Yoga $75.00 CAD Take Animal Totems & Animal Frolic Qi Gong $75.00 CAD

Sunday, March 22 with Donna Oliver
3:15pm-5:15pm, $40
Take “Animal Movement in Yoga”, “Animal Totems” & “Animal Frolic Qi Gong” for $105, take 2 for $75

The Tiger, Bear, Deer, Monkey and Crane have ways of moving that can benefit humans! Your Kidneys, Spleen, Liver and Heart will love you for learning this set that can add some fun to your day. It’s a great workout too!

Animal Frolic Qi Gong $40.00 CAD Take all 3 Animal workshops on March 22 $105.00 CAD Take Animal Frolic Qi Gong & Animal Movements $75.00 CAD Take Animal Frolic Qi Gong & Animal Totems $75.00 CAD

Thursday, April 2, with Tama Soble
6:30pm-9:00pm, $50

The psoas muscle is powerful and intelligent.  It lies deep in the torso connecting spine, pelvis and legs.  Understanding how to release, stretch and strengthen the psoas can help us to integrate and stabilize the entire physical body and free the respiratory system.  We will explore postures and breathing practices to deepen our awareness and understanding of the role of the psoas.

Sunday, April 5, with Ana Bodnar
2:00pm-4:30pm, $50

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.
painting by Emily Balivet

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

Parkinson’s Disease is a complex neurological condition. Join me in exploring how gentle yoga assists in improving quality of life for those living with Parkinson’s by enhancing fluidity of movement and physical and mental balance. Everyone with an interest in Parkinson’s Disease, including people living with Parkinson’s, their family members, healthcare providers, caregivers and yoga teachers is welcome. No previous yoga experience necessary.

Wednesday, May 6, 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