We’ll offer a range of classes, workshops, and Teacher Training and special events on Zoom in 2024 as well as teaching live in the Studio (16 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.
Esther Myers Yoga Studio offers yoga workshops in Toronto. Each workshop is unique and allows you to focus on a specific theme. Please register in advance.
Toronto Workshops at Esther Myers Yoga Studio
Open House for Yoga in Tofino, February 25- March 2, 2025
Monday, December 16, with Monica Voss, 6:30pm ET, RSVP
on Zoom
Please join me in a new venue – a boutique oceanfront hotel in the heart of Tofino, nestled between old growth cedars hanging on the edge of the shore. Originally built in the late 1960’s the property and its architecture are the definition of cabin vibes. A rich natural landscape surrounds the property which consists of an A-frame house and two A-frame cabins.
We’ll practise yoga and meditation in the ‘breath-giving’ atmosphere of the Pacific coast of Vancouver Island on old, old land. We’ll watch weather, walk Long Beach, breathe negative ions and rejuvenate. It will be cool, probably rainy, but that’s when the special BC energy emerges and carries us into another place and time.
The Light of Solstice
Sunday, December 22, with Ana Bodnar, 11:30am-1:00pm ET, $30
on Zoom
This workshop has been postponed.
Let us celebrate the Winter Solstice as we gather to reflect on the quiet beauty of nature withdrawn, and step into the darkest part of the year. It is a time of turning within to nurture our light and our strength. And a time for the deep noticing of the places of light all around us every day, no matter what the challenges. We will include meditation, visualization, chanting and poetry in our time together. All of this to nourish our souls.
Ana Bodnar is a clinical psychologist and has been a teacher of yoga philosophy and meditation for many years, both in the community and at the University of Toronto. She leads kirtan chanting events and released a meditation and chanting CD: Embracing Peace. For more information, see www.anabodnar.com.
(Almost) New Year’s Intensive
Friday, December 27 – Sunday, December 29, with Monica Voss
10:30am-12:30pm and 1:30pm-3:00pm ET, $150/3 days, $60/day, $30/half day, included in unlimited packages, bursaries available
on Zoom
Ring out 2024 with an in-house yoga “retreat”. Lighten body and heart with three full or partial days of stretching, breathing, postures, meditation and relaxation, with some end-of-year visiting. Everyone is welcome!
Image: Sky TV for Washington, 1966/2014, Yoko Ono
New Year’s Day Restart
Wednesday, January 1, 2025 with Julia Juhas, 11:00am-1:00pm ET, $30
on Zoom
As dusk falls earlier and nights linger, we invite you to embrace this shift in a harmonious dance of balance! In this 2-hour yoga class we’ll infuse the integration of mindful movement, breathwork and meditation to usher in the new year. Bring along your pen and notebook to capture those profound insights. This isn’t just a celebration, it’s an opportunity for deep reflection and a chance to set positive intentions for the year ahead.
Image: Metamorphosis, Bridget Riley, 1964
Open House for Yoga Adventure in India, November 5 – 20, 2025
Sunday, January 12, with Monica Voss, 11:30am ET, RSVP
on Zoom
We meet in Amritsar and spend the first 3 nights (November 5-8) acclimatizing to India and visiting the Golden Temple, spiritual centre of the Sikh religion. On November 8, we transfer to the remote and beautiful Basunti Lodge for 9 nights (November 8-17).
Two daily yoga classes will be offered while at Basunti Lodge. We conclude our adventure with 3 nights (November 17-20) in the Himalayan mountain town of Dharamsala/McLeod Ganj, after which you can stay on, travel elsewhere, return to Amritsar, Delhi or home.
ALL WELCOME! RSVP
For more information check our website: estheryoga.com/events/yoga-in-india.
Introduction to Pranayama
Sunday, January 19, with Monica Voss, 10:00am-12:30pm ET, $60
on Zoom
In this workshop, we will practise breath awareness and several traditional pranayama exercises in personal, non-traditional ways, accessing them with curiosity, enjoyment and kindness. Then we’ll assess, deconstruct and discuss how and when to introduce pranayama to beginners (and ourselves) easily and effectively.
Image: H. Taylor
Managing chronic pain with yoga
Sunday, January 19, with Kathy Felkai, 1:30pm-4:00pm ET, $60
on Zoom
Chronic pain encompasses a wide range of persistent pain and discomfort lasting beyond 3-6 months. It originates from injury, disease and often from unknown causes. Chronic pain significantly impairs quality of life.
Yoga can help. Its principles provide effective tools and rich resources for managing pain and discomfort and, importantly, for reducing emotional symptoms and supporting new attitudes and thinking.
In this interactive workshop, we’ll discuss various conditions, learn modifications for poses and Pranayama, and share our findings.
“Healing is a continuous process away from fragmentation toward wholeness and connection.” Dawna Markova
Image: Lilies and Vetch, Tom Thomson
Kathy Felkai began practising yoga when she was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia.
Supporting pelvic health with yoga
Friday, January 31, with Linnea Thacker, 1:00pm-3:00pm ET, $40
on Zoom
The pelvic floor is a dynamic area of the body that contributes to our well-being in a variety of ways, thanks to its many and varied roles. From providing bladder and bowel continence to supporting coordination and balance, this underrated part of the body can greatly influence our ability and comfort in engaging with the activities that bring us the greatest joy and meaning in our lives.
In this workshop, we will explore what the pelvic floor is and what it does for us on a daily basis. We will then look at how our yoga practices of mindful movement (asana), breath, and meditation can support our pelvic health.
This workshop is open to people of all genders and familiarity with yoga.
Image: Henry Moore, Reclining Figure, 1939
Linnea Thacker is a registered Pelvic Health Physiotherapist and student of Yoga Therapy with a passion for holistic and compassionate healthcare. In her clinic, she works primarily with clients with pelvic health concerns and/or persistent pain, while outside of the clinic she teaches a health promotion course for music students at the University of Toronto.
A three way conversation: Psoas, Abdominal Wall and Diaphragm
Friday, February 28, with Tama Soble, 1:00pm – 3:00pm ET, $40
on Zoom
The psoas muscle, abdominal wall and diaphragm form the core of our physical bodies. Their interaction affects mobility, breathing, digestion and spinal health. During this workshop, we’ll explore each structure independently, then all three in concert, experiencing the stability, enhanced movement and breath capacity they offer. Please join and learn more about the brilliance of our bodies.
Image: Curved sticks surround a river boulder in Woody Creek Colorado, Andy Goldsworthy, 2006
Dao Yin Workshop and Incense QiGong
Sunday, March 2, with Donna Oliver, 2:30pm – 4:30pm, $40
at the Studio
Daoyin is another older form of Qigong. Some call it “Chinese yoga” as it promotes deep mind/body/energy awareness. It usually consists of gentle slow stretching exercises and movements to encourage the body’s energy to flow through the meridians/channels energizing the practitioner. Popular forms of Daoyin are the Eight Brocade and Incense Qigong.