Yoga Workshops for Everyone

Saturday, March 30, 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.

Sunday, March 31, with Dondrub Wangchuk
11:00am-2:00pm, $60

In this introductory workshop, participants will be taught a basic self-shiatsu routine which can be used to bring more awareness to their body and to relieve tension. In the second part of the workshop emphasis will be placed on the practical, hands-on nature of Zen Shiatsu. Participants will have a chance to work with each other to learn a basic back routine. The class will begin with warm up exercises, a 5 minute guided meditation, basic Traditional Chinese Medical Theory and qi gong exercises to help circulate the chi as well as increase sensitivity.

Friday, April 5, with Tama Soble
12:30pm-3:00pm, $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.

Saturday, April 6, with Kathy Felkai
3:00pm-5:00pm, $40

An interactive workshop for students living with chronic pain, and yoga teachers who would like 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.

Saturday, April 13, with Mary Paterson
3:00pm–5:00pm, $40

The many benefits of this workshop include a reduction in mental stress, anxiety, and chronic pain, while improving physical and mental health, as well as increasing happiness.

Sunday, April 14, with Donna Oliver
2:30pm-4:30pm, $40

Learn relaxing and enjoyable routines to reduce high blood pressure, alleviate arthritis, headaches, backaches, depression and other common ailments. Most are usually done standing but also can be practised in a chair.

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 begin 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.

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?