Yoga Workshops for Everyone

Saturday, November 16 – Sunday, November 17, with Shari Stein, Tama Soble, Della Croteau, Helen Kohl, and Monica Voss, whole weekend $165, each workshop $40
on Zoom

As the population ages, teachers must inform themselves about natural changes in the body as well as common conditions such as osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. Changes in outlook also occur in older students as they contemplate their lives and goals. Through practice, discussion and analysis, we will explore these and other issues of ageing and create intelligent and supportive options in order to instruct older students holistically with energy, knowledge and empathy.

Empowering the Ageing Body is intended for certified and non-certified yoga and meditation teachers, teachers-in-training, health professionals, therapists, social workers and interested students of yoga.

• Saturday, November 16, 1:00pm-2:30pmET, Shari Stein, Osteoporosis
• Saturday, November 16, 3:00pm-4:30pmET, Tama Soble, Asana and pranayama re: Osteoporosis
• Sunday, November 17, 10:30am-12:00pmET, Della Croteau, Osteoarthritis
• Sunday, November 17, 1:00pm-2:30pmET, Helen Kohl, Chair Yoga
• Sunday, November 17, 3:00pm-4:30pmET, Monica Voss, Asana and Pranayama re: Osteoarthritis

Friday, November 22, with Mariko Tanabe, 1:00pm-3:30pm ET, $45
on Zoom

Fascia connects our inner landscape as it wraps around our muscles, organs, bones, and skin through its dynamic web of fluid elasticity and specificity.  It provides the integrated pathways of our bodies’ movement through the dimensions of space and time, bringing ease, lightness and flow.

Fat may well be one of the most repressed tissues in our culture. Yet it is a very alive and full-bodied tissue that is found most everywhere within. It cushions and grounds, while creating the insulation for your nervous system and protection for your organs. Fat’s  volume and source of stored energy provide a vital soft power in our actions, and sensuality and  comfort to how we inhabit our bodies.  

Discover ways to embody the support of fat and fascia in everyday movements and asana practice through guided movement, touch, meditation and dialogue. All are welcome to participate at their own level of curiosity and comfort.   

Saturday, November 23, with Monica Voss, 1:00pm 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.

Friday, December 6, with Peter Blackaby, 1:00pm-3:00pm ET, $45
on Zoom

Grounding, the exhale and release are fundamental themes in Vanda Scaravelli’s approach to yoga. In this class we will explore how these principles combine together to liberate us from unconscious tension allowing us to move more freely, ease away our aches and pains and age more gracefully.

I look forward to seeing you there.

Image: Philip Fein, Three kids and a sled, c.1940

Sunday, December 8, with Tama Soble
10:00am-12:30pm and 1:30pm-4:00pm ET, Full day $105, Half day $60.
on Zoom

Spend a full day exploring how asana, pranayama and meditation practices support the physical body, the nervous and respiratory systems, and the mind in returning to homeostasis. We will practise, write, and engage in discussion in order to reflect on how as teachers we might support those living with the challenges of anxiety and depression.

For yoga and meditation teachers, teachers in training and anyone studying and/or working in the mental health arena or interested in the topic material. 

Sunday, December 8, with Donna Oliver, 2:30pm – 4:30pm, $40
at the Studio

2024 is the year of the dragon. We will revisit Swimming Dragon Qigong and explore new Dragon ways of moving before this year transforms into the Snake.

Dragons swim, sleep, play with pearls on the waves of water, have excellent manoeuvrability and flexibility, and come in five colours! A bonus, they are very good at doing Bagua!

Together, we’ll enjoy a little year-end Qigong fun.

This workshop is suitable for anyone able to stand and move around. We may do some sitting.

Image: Tim Mossholder

Sunday, December 22, with Ana Bodnar, 11:30am-1:00pm ET, $30
on Zoom

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.

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

Wednesday, January 1, 2025 with Julia Juhas, 11:00am-1:00pm ET, $35
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

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

Sunday, January 19, with Kathy Felkai, 1:30am-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.

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