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.
Our Workshops for Yoga Teachers delve into specific topics to enhance your teaching skills and personal practice. Each unique workshop is designed to expand your knowledge through yoga practice, meditation, reflection and discussion. Topics include functional anatomy, hands on assisting, pre and post natal, philosophy, anxiety and depression. Many workshops are eligible for CEUs.
All About Abdominals
Friday, October 13, with Tama Soble, 1:00pm-3:00pm, $40
at the Studio
The abdominal muscles support and stabilize the torso and protect the organs. They also interact with breathing and digestion. As with all muscles in the body, the abdominals are healthiest and serve us best when resilient. Let’s explore functional ways to strengthen, release and stretch the abdominal wall and learn more about the brilliance of our bodies.
Yoga and Anatomy
Sunday, October 22, with Tama Soble, 10:00am-12:00pm and 1:00pm-3:00pm, $100 full day, $60 half day
on Zoom
Learn how to adapt yoga poses to the precise needs of your body or those of your students by applying basic anatomical principles. Reconnect with body and breath using gentle practices that acknowledge the relationship between functional anatomy and the unique nature of each body. This workshop is open to students and teachers at all levels of experience.
Chair Yoga
Sunday, November 5, with Helen Kohl, 10:00am-12:00pm ET, $40
on Zoom
A chair yoga class can be a great alternative to a conventional class. This is a workshop for yoga teachers, for beginners with mobility issues, for those with a friend or family member craving movement and stimulation, and for anyone sedentary. But all instructors and students interested in broadening their approach to the asanas can benefit and draw inspiration on how to create a full yoga class or practice, from a chair. As with any FULL hatha yoga practice, you’ll enhance your flexibility, relieve your stress, build your strength, access your inner quiet and (yes, from your chair) improve your balance.
Yoga and the Vagus Nerve
Friday, November 10, with Shirley Roll, 1:00pm-3:00pm ET, $40
on Zoom
Explore the intersection of various yogic practices with our 21st century understanding of the nervous system. We’ll work on strengthening our “vagal tone” to ensure that we can apply what our bodies already know through yoga to the challenges of our day to day lives. Based on the Polyvagal Theory described by Dr Stephen Porges.
Return to Inversions
Sunday, November 12, with Monica Voss, 2:30pm-4:30pm, $40
at the Studio
Returning to inverted postures after the pandemic requires time and patience and moral and physical support. It will be easier with a repertoire of preparatory stretches and active breathing techniques. But better still, if we practise in person together.
Please join this session – even if inversions are beyond your grasp at the moment – to increase upper body fluidity and gain confidence weight bearing through your wrists, arms and shoulders. This workshop will include spinal release, breath practice and relaxation. All are welcome!
Image: David Ben-Gurion in headstand
A Fall Day of Yoga
Sunday, November 19, with Monica Voss, 10:30am-3:00pm ET
on Zoom
$60 suggested donation/full day, $30/half day, included in your unlimited at the Studio
morning only, 10:30am-12:30pm ET; afternoon only, 1:30pm-3:00pm ET
All the leaves are brown (or down) and the sky is grey Let’s spend a day together soothing and cheering ourselves, practising in the most lighthearted, warmhearted way, dreaming of a deep restful winter and an early spring. Everyone welcome.
Developing and Sustaining a Personal Practice
Sunday, December 3, with Monica Voss, 11:00am-1:30pm ET, $50
on Zoom
Practising yoga at home can be a refuge and a way of reconnecting to ourselves. In this workshop we will design themes for home practice, explore sequences of yoga postures, the rationale behind them and our personal responses to them. We will discuss the challenges and the joys of our time alone with yoga. Teachers and interested students of yoga are welcome to attend.
Exploring the Psoas
Friday, December 8, with Tama Soble, 1:00pm-3:00pm, $40
at the Studio
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 helps us integrate and stabilize the entire physical body and free up the respiratory system. We will explore postures and breathing practices to deepen our awareness and understanding of the role of the psoas in a balanced, resilient and steady and energized body and mind.
Awakening the Spine
Sunday, January 14, with Monica Voss,
10:00am-12:30pm, 1:30pm-4:00pm ET, Full day/$90, Half day/$50
on Zoom
Spend a full day exploring all aspects of the spine – its anatomy, connection to the breath, energy, movement and texture and the imagery that has traditionally supported it. Each segment of the workshop will focus on two neurological movements of the spine and the yoga postures that pertain to and illustrate it, as follows:
Sunday am, Flexion and extension/Backbends and Forward bends
Sunday pm, Spinal rotation and lateral bending/Twists and Side stretching
Image: Plant detail by Sonya Noskowiak