ASSOCIATION OF ALBERTA BRIDGE...central philosophy of Buddhism based upon the works of Nāgārjuna....

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YOGABRIDGE

N E W S L E T T E R O F T H E Y O G A A S S O C I A T I O N O F A L B E R T A

C O N N E C T I N G M I N D & B O D Y SPRING 2017 VOLUME 17 ISSUE 2

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Please e-mail advertisements in high resolution PDF format, CMYK for colour ads. Additional charge for typesetting, formatting or editing ads. The YAA reserves the right to refuse ads that are not in readable format or that do not contain appropriate content.Advertising Deadlines (3 issues/year): March 1, August 1 and November 1.Article Submission Deadlines: Call YAA.Newsletter circulation is approximately one month after deadline.

YAA EXECUTIVEPresident David McAmmondPast-President Anita SieleckiVice-President Karen HamdonSecretary David MaulsbyTreasurer Erin MichieCalgary Member-at-Large (MAL) Jodi Hope-JohnstoneEdmonton MAL Karen KirkwoodLethbridge MAL Val KunimotoRed Deer MAL Paula Carnegie Fehr, Ann Waschuk

The Yoga Association of Alberta is a non-profit organization offering yoga activities to the public for the purpose of providing self-development opportunities to Albertans through its own activities and in cooperation with groups practising all recognized yoga disciplines. Support is provided to members and local groups through:

• Providing information about current and future yoga activities in Alberta.

• Publication of a regular newsletter, Yoga Bridge.

• Promoting and maintaining high standards of yoga instruction through a teacher training and certification program.

• Organizing workshops, retreats and other activities independently and in co-operation with individuals and yoga communities throughout the province.

• Serving marginalized populations including prisons, street youth, women’s shelters, seniors and rural communities through an Outreach Karma Yoga Program..

Editorial Policy: The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the YAA or the editorial board and different views may be presented in other issues. The material in this newsletter is not intended as medical advice. Consult a medical or health professional on any health or safety issue. The YAA does not favour, promote or recommend any particular method, teacher or yoga discipline represented in this newsletter. The YAA is not responsible for information contained in articles or advertisements or for ensuring qualifications of advertisers or writers. All submitted articles should be the original work of the author. Submitted articles must not appear in print or any other publication medium prior to publication in the Yoga Bridge.The YAA editorial board reserves the right to copy-edit and condense all articles being published. Any substantive changes will be made in consultation with the author and in view of publication deadlines. Those wishing to submit articles should consult the YAA Newsletter Submission Guidelines for Contributors at www.yoga.ca. All submissions, whether solicited or not, are reviewed according to these guidelines. We do not include promotional information in published articles. The YAA is in no way responsible for advertisements or calendar entries that are submitted but not included in the newsletter.

Copyright Policy: Duplication of YAA material in other journals/newsletters may be approved subject to notification of or consultation with the editor or YAA Executive Director. Do not re-publish without permission. Circulation: 1,900

The Yoga Bridge Newsletter is published by:

The Yoga Association of AlbertaPercy Page Centre, 11759 - Groat Road

Edmonton, AB T5M 3K6Tel: (780) 427-8776; Fax: (780) 422-2663

E-mail: [email protected]: www.yoga.ca

Editor:Marcia Langenberg

Editorial Board:Judith Mirus

Corinne MilroyAnita Sielecki

Debbie Spence

Layout and DesignDebbie Spence

Funding:The Y.A.A. gratefully acknowledgesfinancial support from the AlbertaGovernment and Active Alberta.


Outgoing Editor’s Message Marcia Langenberg 5

Yoga Bridge Issues (2015-2016) Marcia Langenberg 7

BodySensing Kirsten Ross 11

The Journey of Mindfulness into the Public Eye Anita Sielecki 15

The iRest Program for Healing PTSD by Richard Miller book review Jodi Ouelette 17

Meditation Using Natural Wisdom Kavindu 19

Why Yoga Instructors Should Have Insurance Toole Peet & Co. Ltd. 30

YAA Interview with Donna Martin Gaye Oxford 31

Directory of Alberta Teachers 2017 37

ALBERTA Calendar of Events 41

YAA Yoga Props 48

CONTENTSOutgoing Editor’s Message: Communal Effort

Marcia Langenberg, Editor

In the following quote, English writer Ted Hughes (1930-98) identifies both the essence and one of the challenges of attempting to compose a cohesive, comprehensive and clear piece of writing:

… all our experience of life: the actual substance of it, the material facts of it, embed themselves in us quite a long way from the world of words. It is when we set out to find words for some seemingly quite simple experience that we begin to realize what a huge gap there is between our understanding of what happens around us and inside us, and the words we have at our command to say something about it.

Words are tools, learned late and laboriously and easily forgotten, with which we try to give some part of our experience a more or less permanent shape outside ourselves. They are unnatural, in a way, and far from being ideal for the job.1

Although it may be difficult to find words that accurately express knowledge acquired through both experience and the study of yoga texts, contributors to the Yoga Bridge have effectively shared their understanding with the newsletter’s readers. They have found specific words that succinctly represent what they are trying to say. They have used compositional elements such as text structures (description, sequence, problem/solution, etc.) to organize their ideas and literary devices (anecdotes, analogies, quotes, etc.) to create images of their ideas. They have willingly followed the feedback from the editorial board to revise their writing when required.

Furthermore, as a result of their diverse backgrounds, a breadth of topics has been covered over the years. The article “Yoga Bridge Issues 2015-16, Scope of Articles” published in this issue, gives examples of the variety of topics writers have competently addressed.

During the last four years as editor of the Yoga Bridge, I appreciated the time and effort the writers dedicated to composing a story about their yoga knowledge,

practice and experience. I was grateful for the editorial board members’ insightful feedback about each of the submissions and the newsletter readers’ helpful feedback about the layout, design and content of the newsletter. Always, the intent was to create the best form and expression of the ideas from many different points of view and in a meaningful way. I was inspired and enriched by this collegial

group effort of the writers, the editorial board and the readers to achieve this goal.

As the well-known African proverb says, “It takes a village to raise a child.” So, too, does it take a communal effort on the part of yoga teachers and practitioners from diverse backgrounds to work together to nurture a comprehensive understanding of yoga. I wish to thank all of the writers, editorial board members and readers for this opportunity to work together to deepen and broaden the understanding of yoga. This cooperation is a practice of yoga, which by definition, means union, clarity, harmony and balance.2

Jamie Platz YMCA, 780-481-9622Sunday, 12:45 - 1:45 pm

World Health Club Kensington:

Thursday 7:30 pm - 8:30 pmSt. Albert Trail:

Sunday 11am - 12noonClairview

Wednesday 9:30 - 10:30 am

Westmount Fitness CentreThursday 6 - 7 pm

Available to teach at Government or Corporate locations.

Group or Private classes.

Alberta Human Resources, Lo-Se-Ca Alberta Restorative Justice

Paul Yapp EET, B.Sc., BA, RMT, YAA Certified, Tai Chi Teacher, Founder YogaChiRegistered Massage Therapist; Member NHPC

780 288 3388; [email protected] http://www.wix.com/yogachiedmonton/home#!classes

YogaChi is Physical, Intellectual and Meditative Quests in Human Life:• Physical Quest: The supremacy

of this exercise system for attaining and maintaining good health is discussed in theory and in practice.

• Intellectual Quest: YogaChi asserts an “open system” to prime one’s “Intelligence”. This is discussed.

• Meditative Quest: “Intelligence” is that “Mystical Sovereignty” of who each one is. This is discussed.

What isYogaChi?

Hatha YogaWORKSHOPNovember 4, 2017

Hatha Yoga & YogaChiw/ Paul Yapp

Percy Page Centre, EdmontonRoom # 7, $40; 9:30-2:30 pm

• YogaChi - discussion of physical, intellectual and meditative Quests in Life.

• YogaChi Exercise with Sun Salutation (YChi version).

• Techniques balancing internal-external rotation of legs and eagle postures.

• Meditation practice: visualization and concentration.

Marcia Langenberg


Yoga Bridge Issues 2015-2016Marcia Langenberg, Editor

Although it is with some sadness that I take leave of the position of editor as I move into another stage of my life, it is with confidence that I turn over the position to Norm Cowley, an editor with years of experience. From working together through this transition period, he clearly fits in with the collaborative working model and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the job. Thus, it is with knowing that the Yoga Bridge will be in Norm’s well-qualified

hands and under his leadership that I take leave of the editor’s position.

Endnotes:

1 Hughes, Ted. “Words and Experience” in ESSAYS Thought and Style by Brian Kellow and John Krisak

2 Frans Moors, Liberating Isolation, The Yogasutra of Patanjali.

The following is a snapshot of aspects of yoga and complementary disciplines – ancient and modern texts, yoga and Buddhism, historic and contemporary masters’, teachers’ and students’ lineages, Alberta visionaries, contemporary practices – which the writers referenced and/or discussed in their articles that were published in the Yoga Bridge 2015 and 2016 issues. It is an image of the depth and breadth of the ideas presented, the YAA’s connection with national and international yoga community and the knowledge and expertise of the writers. Thank you to all the writers for sharing their own understanding and experience with the readers of the Yoga Bridge.

The categories are arbitrary. They were created to acknowledge, at least once, some of the texts, teachers, students and practices that were discussed in the issues. Some of the people referenced have passed away, but their ideas are still relevant today. This comprehensive list does not include the information that is in the advertisements and calendar of events that also reflects the study of yoga.

Before Common Era (BCE)

Vedas: sacred canon of Hinduism comprising of four hymnodies: Rig-Veda, Artharva-Veda, Yajur-Veda, Sama-Veda.

Upanisads: refinement of the spiritual teachings of the Vedas. Wisdom part rather than ritualistic part of the vedic heritage. Metaphysics expounded upon in the Upanisads: advaita (nondual) vedanta (end of vedas – referring to the upanisads).

The vedic concern is to help us understand our own nature and the truth of the

mysterious universe.

Mahabharata: great national epic or story of the Bharatas, which was composed in Sanskrit and in which reference are made to yoga and Samkhya philosophy.

Bhagavad Gita: a book in an episode in the Mahabharata.

Patanjali - Yoga Sutra: compilation and systematization of existing knowledge, which gave yoga a philosophical shape that allowed it to compete with other contemporary schools of thought.

Common Era (CE)

2nd Century: Madhyamika (middle way) – central philosophy of Buddhism based upon the works of Nagarjuna.

9th Century: Nathamuni’s Yoga Rahasya (Secrets of Yoga): Sri Nathamuni, a Vaisnavite Saint (worships vis na). T. Krishnamacharya is a direct descendent of Sri Nathamuni. He revived this text.

11th Century: Vijnana Bhairava Tantra - a key text of the Trika school of Kashmir Shaivism. The Radiance Sutras: 112 Gateways to the Yoga of Wonder and Delight (2014) is a translation with commentary of this ancient text by Lorin Roche.

13th Century: Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi, Persian poet, Islamic scholar, theologian, Sufi mystic.

14th Century: Hatha Yoga Pradipika (Light on Yoga) by Svatmarama Yogin.

17th Century: Gheranda Samhita by Gheranda is modeled on Hatha Yoga Pradipika.

Ken Strachan: Yoga for Strength & Balance Diane Smyth: Yoga of Dev Murti (Crocodile)Lawrence Dombro: PranayamaRose Bardoel: Hatha Yoga (Sivananda System)Edie Cassady: Yoga Therapy

Tracy Garvey: Okido YogaLinda Dumont: Hatha for all levelsKaren Hamdon: Kaivalyadama YogaMary LeBlanc: Yoga FlowMelanie Jones: Friedel Khattab

Experience the legacy of FRIEDEL KHATTAB’S teachings:Yoga of the Old Masters with YAA Senior Teachers


19th Century: Swami Vivekananda was the chief disciple of Hindu visionary Rama Krishna. Swami Vivekananda introduced Hinduism at the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Chicago in 1893.

20st-21st Century:

Visionaries and Cultivators of Yoga in Alberta:

Friedel Khattab (Edmonton) – established the Friedel Khattab School of Yoga.

Hilda Pezzaro (Calgary) – practised and taught Iyengar yoga.

Jean Bosworth (Edmonton) – 30-year career teaching yoga.

Dr. Hubert Dhanaraj (Edmonton), co-author Dr. Mohan Singh and L. K. Govindarajulu of Fitness Through Yoga, 4th Edition, 1992.

Gerda Krebs (Sherwood Park) – produced and hosted “Yoga Fits In” on Shaw Cable TV for over 25 years and is still involved in training teachers.

Grace Little (Innisfail) – “grandmother” of Central Alberta yoga.

Isa Duxbury (Edmonton) – basic traditional hatha yoga integrated with other physical movements.

Bonnie Dunbar (Calgary) – Yoga teaches each person to take care of his/her own health. She knows instinctively that yoga is a great medicine.

Lineages:

Swami Sivananda Saraswati was a Hindu spiritual teacher, a proponent of yoga and vedanta, and the guru of Swami Sivanada Radha. Swami Sivananda Radha was the founder and spiritual director of the

Yasodhara Ashram in Kootenay Bay, B.C.

T. Krishnamacarya (India) – T.K.V. Desikachar (India), Mary Lou Skelton (USA), Claude Marechal (Belgium), Rosemary Jeanes Antze (Toronto), Marcia Langenberg (Edmonton).

Mahamandaleshwara Swami Veda Bharati (Dr. Litt), scholar-saint and spiritual director of the Himalayan International Institute of Yoga Science and Philosophy, India – Maya Margo Balog (Edmonton), David Downing (Edmonton), Keely Scott (Edmonton), Pandit Hari Shankar Dabral (Calgary), Ginger Cunes (Calgary), Dr. Marian Jerry (Canmore) and Dr. Martin Jerry (Canmore).

B. K. S. Iyengar (India) – Judith Mirus & Teddy Hyndman (Edmonton), Margot Kitchen (Calgary), Val Paape (Winnipeg).

Contemporary Practices (developed in the 20th Century CE)

Dina Rodrigues (Brazil) – Hormone Yoga Therapy founder.

Gert van Leeuwen (Netherlands) – Critical Alignment Yoga Therapy founder.

Gary Kraftsow (USA) –American Viniyoga Institute founder and director.

Richard Miller (USA) - iRest (Integrative Restoration) Yoga Nidra Meditation founder and co-founder of the International Association of Yoga Therapists.

Jon Kabat Zinn (USA) – Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction founder.

Donna Martin (Kamloops) – Psoma Yoga Therapy (integration of Hakomi, yoga and mindfulness) founder.

Swami Nirmalanda Saraswati (a.k.a. Rama Berch) (USA) – Svaroopa® Yoga (experience your true nature, bliss) founder. Michael George (England) and Debbie Spence – teachers of the Brahma Kumaris spiritual path – raja yoga, a form of meditation that leads to clear self-awareness and personal transformation.

Books

How to Know God: The Yoga Aphorisms of Patanjali and The Song of God: Bhagavad-Gita, translation and commentary by Swami Prabhavananda (USA) and Christopher Isherwood (USA), who are from the vedanta tradition.

Yoga, Discipline of Freedom, the Yoga Sutra Attributed to Patanjali and The Bhagavad-Gita, Krishna’s Counsel in Time of War, translation and commentary by Barbara Stoler Miller, a Sanskrit scholar in Barnard, Columbia Univ.

Threads of Yoga: A Remix of Patanjali-s Sutra-s, with Commentary and Reverie, Matthew Remski (Toronto), yoga philosophy, meditation, Ayurveda and the social psychology of practice.

The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, translation and commentary by Edwin F. Bryant (USA), Rutgers University professor of Hindu religion and philosophy.

Light on Yoga and Light on Life, B. K. S. Iyengar, guruji of The Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute, Pune, India.

Awakening the Spine, Vanda Scaravelli (Italy). Studied with B. K. S. Iyengar for many years.

Heilkunst Yoga, Dr. Imoghen Dalmann and Dr. Martin

Soder (Germany), students of T. K. V. Desikachar (India).

Sounding Sanskrit, Vedic and Traditional Chants for Yoga, compiled by Rosemary Jeanes Antze (Toronto), international senior teacher and teacher trainer in the lineage of Krishnamacharya-Desikachar.

The Bhagavad Gita with Sanskrit Text, Translation and Comparative Commentary and The Labyrinth of Solitude (meaning of dharma based upon the Mahabharata), Dr. K. D. Prithipaul (Edmonton), University of Alberta Professor Emeritus Religious Studies –

Hinduism.

From the Gita to the Grail: Exploring Yoga Stories and Western Myths, Bernie Clark (Vancouver), University of Waterloo Bachelor Degree of Science and student /teacher of yoga, mythology, comparative religions and psychology.

The inner tradition of yoga: A guide to yoga philosophy for the contemporary practitioner, Michael Stone (Toronto), yoga and Buddhist teacher and psychotherapist.

The Battlefield


BodySensing: Taking “Feel Your Body” To A Whole New Level

Kirsten Guest

Awareness Alone is not Enough, Sayadaw U Tejanya (Myanmar – formerly Burma), Buddhist monk and meditation teacher.

Satipatthana Sutta, The Direct Path to Realization, Bhante Analayo (Sri Lanka), Buddhist monk, scholar and meditation teacher.

Mindfulness in Plain English,Venerable Bhante Henepola Gunaratana, founder of Bhavana Society, Back Creek, High View, WV. Dedicated to the practice of Theravadan Buddhist meditation, the oldest school of Buddhism. The Pali word bhavana means mental cultivation.

Being Peace, Thich Nhat Hanh (France), Vietnamese Buddhist monk in exile, global spiritual leader, poet and peace activist.

Yoga and the Quest for the True Self and The Wisdom of Yoga, A Seeker’s Guide to Extraordinary Living, Stephen Cope (USA), psychotherapist and scholar-in-residence and Kripalu yoga ambassador.

Overcoming Trauma through Yoga: Reclaiming Your Body, David Emerson, director of yoga services at the Trauma Centre at JRI, Brookline, MA and Elizabeth Hopper, clinical psychologist.

Yoga Therapy for Backs: A Practical Guide, David McAmmond (Calgary), international yoga teacher, YAA president, with Anita Sielecki (Edmonton), retired University of Alberta biochemistry researcher, international yoga teacher, YAA past-president.

Yoga Fiction, Yoga Truth – Book 1: Transmuting Wounds, Walking into your Self by Sandra Sammartino (White Rock), yoga teacher for over four decades focusing on the release of emotional

blockages, increase in the flow of prana and engagement of the intuitive aspects of the mind.

Graceful Exits: How Great Beings Die (Death stories of Hindu, Tibetan Buddhist, and Zen masters), Sushila Blackman (editor), student of the Hindu master Swami Muktananda.

Yoga Body, Mark Singleton (USA), teaches at St. John’s College, Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Poems for Meditation, An Invitation to Prayer, Antoinette Voûte Roeder (Edmonton), poet, spiritual director and yoga student.

Why I Wake Early, Mary Oliver (USA), Pulitzer Prize for poetry, 1984.

Film

Gurukulam - Sensing the Sacred: Experiencing Advaita Vedanta (oldest Indian philosophy of nondualism) by Neil Dalal, University of Alberta professor of South Asian Philosophy and Religious Thought with Jillian Elizabeth (Edmonton), American documentary filmmaker.

No doubt we have all attended, and likely taught, yoga classes where we have heard or been given the instruction, “listen to your body.” This instruction sounds good and it makes sense. After all, isn’t this attention to the body what differentiates yoga asana from other forms of physical movement?

I clearly remember attending my first yoga class nearly 30 years ago while living in London, Ontario. I came home excited to have found something completely new, something I had never experienced before. Every position, movement and form was familiar to me from years of immersion in the world of fitness. What was unique and new was that I was invited over and over again to “feel.” And that has made all the difference.

Little did I know that this new tool would take me places I never knew existed.

Fast forward 10 years and a re-location to the East Kootenay region in British Columbia. As a new yoga teacher, I mirrored the words of my early teachers, instructing students to feel various body parts as they explored movements and positions.

After attending my first meditation retreat with Dr. Richard Miller in Hinton, this instruction began to radically change. Instead of just feeling a location of stretch, participants were invited to “feel the whole left arm as radiant sensation.” What? I could feel my feet on the ground, but we weren’t even stretching an arm! How was

I supposed to feel this and, even more importantly, why?

Invitations continue: feel the tongue, the mouth, feel the insides of the ears, feel both hands at once, feel the brain!

I was lost. I was confused. I felt like there must be something terribly wrong. Was everyone else able to follow these instructions? What was wrong with me?

Invitations became subtler: feel the space that surrounds the body, feel the ceiling, the walls, feel inward and outward simultaneously.

Are you kidding me? Now the real doubt began to creep in. Who was I, calling myself a yoga teacher when I had no idea how to access what was being presented here? And what difference was this to make to my yoga practice or to my students?

And yet something piqued my curiosity. I returned to meditation retreats with Miller over and over again. Often confused, something kept drawing me back. And something shifted, a doorway opened. It opened to a world that I didn’t know existed and yet it felt like it had been there all along. I would love to say this shift happened in a moment, but it didn’t. All I can say is there came a time when I realized that I had access to feeling everywhere simultaneously: inside the body, outside the body, whole body sections and whole body at once, as if this ability had always been there. I could no longer not feel everything that was being invited.

Problems with sleep?Calm the mind

[email protected] 780-729-6880

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BodySensing is a practice of opening the capacity to feel, using all of the senses, the whole body inside and out, and even to feel the limitless space that surrounds the body. BodySensing can be done in movement or in stillness. BodySensing is meditation, whether this is incorporated into your yoga asana, prananyama or practised during seated or lying meditation.

BodySensing isn’t limited to yoga. This is a skill that can infiltrate our entire day. Waking or sleeping, walking, swimming and dancing can all become opportunities to explore BodySensing. Peeling carrots, eating a bowl of soup and making love all become further explorations of BodySensing.

With practice and time, the inherent awareness of sensation in the body becomes restored. The borders and boundaries of the body dissolve. We begin to experience ourselves as vast, limitless space. The normal physicality that we take ourselves to be opens up to a broader experience of ourselves as spacious, timeless, free from restrictions and limitation. We reconnect with ourselves as integrated, whole, complete and perfect.

Isn’t this the ultimate goal of any yoga practice – to feel this connection? This is the final understanding of all contemplative practices; to know ourselves as “freedom”.

BodySensing now oozes from my pores. When leading a BodySensing practice, I am always amazed to hear what comes out of my mouth. Descriptions and instructions can sometimes feel wild and far out, but the experience always leads to this same sense of freedom and feeling of ease.

Although most teaching of yoga is infused with the instructions to “feel your

body,” BodySensing movement as I describe it here comes from the Kashmir non-dual tradition. I was introduced to this through Miller, who learned the practice from Jean Klein, an Advaita Vedanta teacher who was influenced by the teachings of Kashmir Shaivism.

Whether you are mobile or not, experienced with yoga or not, BodySensing is a delicious practice that can open you to the freedom of all that you are and take your yoga and meditation practice to places you never expected.

Kirsten Guest will be presenting BodySensing at the YAA-AGM - see details at right - page 13.

SUNDAY MAY 28, 201741st YAA ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING, EDMONTON

& BodySensing Yoga - an iRest Yoga Nidra Meditation in Movement and Stillness with Kirsten Guest

Kirsten Guest is an E-RYT 500 yoga and meditation teacher with 20 years of teaching and playing in the field of yogic teachings. She is a Supervisor and Mentor of iRest yoga nidra meditation teachers and the Director of Teacher Certification for the Integrative Restoration Institute (www.irest.us). The Institute was founded by Richard C. Miller PhD, current author of the meditation column of Yoga Journal, and author of Yoga Nidra and iRest for PTSD (book review p. 17). Kirsten teaches yoga and meditation classes in her home town of Kimberley, B.C., and travels to lead iRest retreats in the nondual tradition throughout the U.S. and Canada.

10 am-1:00 pm iRest Yoga Nidra w/ Kirsten Guest1:00 - 2:30 pm YAA 41st Annual General Meeting & catered lunch Election Nominations: Members at Large (Karen Kirkwood,

Erin Michie, Edmonton; Val Kunimoto, Lethbridge; Jodi Hope-Johnstone, Calgary; Ann Waschuk, Red Deer; Paula Carnegie Fehr, Red Deer.

Fee: $30 (+$10 non-members)Location: Kenilworth Community Hall 7104-87 AvenueRegistration: YAA (780) 427-8776; [email protected]

As yoga teachers (and students), we often invite our students to “feel their bodies”, or “listen to their bodies.”. Through guided movement practices during this workshop, you will be invited to step into this instruction in a way you have never experienced before. Kirsten Guest will immerse you in this exquisite practise that incorporates the final culmination of all meditation practices - to find complete freedom of body, mind and soul. The session will include practical suggestions on how to incorporate this moving meditation into your teaching, or practice of any style of yoga. Come prepared to “fly”. See article page 11.

Membership in the YAA is not limited to teachers. Anyone who

loves yoga can join!

$10 YAA Associate membership: Teachers, please encourage your students to become members to receive an electronic newsletter.

$30 YAA Full membership: Teachers receive mailed newsletters, and $1 coupon for every $25 props purchased from the YAA store.

THE YOGA ASSOCIATION OF ALBERTA IS A PROVINCE-WIDE YOGA ASSOCIATION,

ESTABLISHED IN 1976.

THE YOGA ASSOCIATION OF ALBERTA IS YOUR ASSOCIATION!


The Journey of Mindfulness into the Public EyeAnita Sielecki

Even though yoga and meditation have become mainstream terms in the 21st century, they were often not mentioned in the regular media as recently as 25 years ago.

That started to change after Bill Moyers produced a ground-breaking program, Healing and the Mind, for the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) in the United States in 1993. The second of the five-part series featured courses developed and taught by Jon Kabat-Zinn, founder of the Stress Reduction Clinic at the University of Massachusetts Medical School.

Kabat-Zinn was not a medical doctor; his training was in biochemistry and molecular biology. His patients were suffering from a variety of conditions – from unbearable chronic pain to anxiety and depression – and were referred to his clinic by medical colleagues because traditional medicine had been unable to help.

Kabat-Zinn emphasized his science background so he wouldn’t alienate his superiors, but relied upon his personal practice of hatha yoga, meditation and Buddhist philosophy to try to bring hope and relief to the participants. The unusual and alternative methodology often brought positive, life-changing and enduring results as documented in the television program, which was shot over an eight-week period in the basement of the UMass hospital.

As the Stress Reduction Clinic program became more popular and accepted, its philosophical roots became less threatening to the medical community and its

name evolved to reflect its background: mindfulness-based stress reduction program (MBSR). Nowadays it is taught widely and used in medical centres, hospitals and health maintenance organizations throughout the world.

Kabat-Zinn was determined to maintain the purity of the teachings while presenting them in a secular and modern framework. In teaching meditation, he emphasizes the mindfulness component that he defines these days as: “Mindfulness is awareness that arises through paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, non-judgmentally. It’s about knowing what is on your mind ... in the service of self-understanding and wisdom.”

The original roots of this contemporary formulation can be traced back to Patañjali’s ancient Yoga Sutra. The definition of Yoga in Sutra 2 of Book I (according to T.K.V. Desikachar translation and interpretation in The Heart of Yoga) is:

Sutra 1.2: “Yoga is the ability to direct the mind exclusively toward an object and sustain that direction without any distractions.”

This relates directly to the first sentence in Kabat-Zinn’s definition of mindfulness when the “object” of attention is the present moment.

The background for the second sentence in Kabat-Zinn’s definition can be found in several other sutras, among them:

1.3: “Then the ability to understand the object fully and correctly is apparent.”

HOSTED BY THE YOGA ASSOCIATION OF ALBERTA*** INTERNATIONAL YOGA DAY ***

SATURDAY JUNE 17HAWRELAK PARK PICNIC SITE #4

Noon-2 PMPlease join us and experience Yoga and Meditation taught by some of Alberta’s

experienced Yoga Teachers. Breathe and relax with yoga in the fresh summer air!Bring your family, friends & your mat!! ALL WELCOME. (Weather permitting)

INFORMATION: YAA 780-427-8776 [email protected]

This event is being held in celebration of INTERNATIONAL YOGA DAY (June 21)as declared by the United Nations.

FREE ADMISSION FREE SNACKS


It is important for “the service of self-understanding and wisdom” (last phrase) because:

1.16: “When an individual has achieved complete understanding of his true self, he will no longer be disturbed by the distracting influences within and around him.”

Another modern definition based on Buddhist terminology is given by Kavindu (Alejandro Velasco), who has taught mindfulness meditation retreats in Alberta since 2010 and is the author of Mindfulness: La meditacion de conciencia plena (published in Spanish by Editorial Kairós).

He explains: “Mindful-awareness meditation is a simple contemplative practice that consists of becoming aware of the here and now as it is experienced through the senses. … It is immediate, non-judgmental perception, unmediated by concepts or definitions. Simple as it is, for many people it isn’t that easy to stay connected for more than a few seconds with the here and now before they are drawn into the realm of what I’ll call the ‘there and then’ with its definitions and its emotionally loaded patterns.”

Also in this description there is a thread back to the sutras (always quoted in the translation given by T.K.V. Desikachar):

1.4: “In the absence of the state of mind called Yoga, the ability to understand the object is simply replaced by the mind’s conception of that object or by a total lack of comprehension.”

However expressed, whether in the ancient versions or in the modern formulations, these yogic practices can guide people towards being present and staying motivated to bring distracted minds back, time and again, to the here and now. The concept may sound simple, but the journey towards a mindful life can be elusive, challenging or very difficult.

The sutras also provide a shrewd reminder for the need to persevere:

1.14: “It is only when the correct practice is followed for a long time, without interruptions and with a quality of positive attitude and eagerness, that it can succeed.”

Anita Sielecki is a senior teacher located in Edmonton. She is part of the YAA executive in her role of past-president.

The iRest Program for Healing PTSD:A Proven-Effective approach to Overcoming Trauma

by Richard Miller; book review by Jodi OuelletteYou are not broken. You may feel

disconnected and out of control, but you are not broken.

Arousal … numbing … avoidance … vigilance … The defense mechanisms that are meant to help you survive can instead leave you feeling that something’s gone terribly wrong around you and to you ... ~ Richard Miller

These defence mechanisms can be healed. The iRest Program for Healing PTSD approaches Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with tools used in the search for happiness for 4,500 years. “iRest draws upon ancient meditative practices … and incorporates research-proven Western interventions … to heal PTSD,” explained Miller, a clinical psychologist, author, researcher, scholar and meditation teacher. He has devoted more than 40 years of his life and work to integrating the teachings of yoga, Tantra, Advaita, Taoism and Buddhism with Western psychology.

Miller is the founding president of the Integrative Restoration Institute and co-founder of the International Association of Yoga Therapists. He has been a well-respected catalyst in the process of bringing this protocol to the United States military.

He believes that even with PTSD your brain is working perfectly well. The protocol is about adjusting perspective. “Your symptoms do not arise to cause you harm. Instead, they arise to get your attention, so that you can process them and heal your PTSD.”

Research in the Archives of General Psychiatry (now called JAMA Psychiatry)

calculates that 44 million people have been diagnosed with PTSD symptoms in the U.S. Miller adapts ancient meditation practices into modern and effective management techniques. The iRest program – iRest refers to integrative restoration – has proven to restore soldiers and others who have experienced trauma to a sense of wholeness.

This protocol changes the perception of the symptoms to “messengers” rather than hindrances and addresses rather than banishes them. Miller describes the iRest practices as “meeting messengers” so they are no longer resisted. iRest practitioners then adapt the tools into their daily lives.

The iRest program begins with a foundational understanding followed by 10 tools to re-establish a sense of wholeness and control, manage anger, revive connection and return to healthy sleep patterns. Each section includes explanations and corresponding guided meditations fundamental to establishing the practitioner’s new perspective. There are scripts for readers to follow to make their own recordings; pre-recorded scripts are also available online. These guided meditations are the essence of the iRest practices.

The first three steps establish the inspiration for your life and develop a place of ease to “weather all difficulties.” Knowing your “heartfelt mission … intention … and inner resource” instills confidence and provides inspiration to draw practitioners into an engaged and fulfilling life.

Hold on to what is good,Even if it’s a handful of earth.Hold on to what you believe,Even if it’s a tree that stands by itself.Hold on to what you must do,Even if it’s a long way from here. ~Aboriginal Peoples’ Prayer


Meditation Using Natural WisdomKavindu

Human beings are born with natural wisdom, according to Kavindu (Alejandro Velasco), but often lose connection with it during life’s journey.

“Recognizing and re-connecting with your own nature starts by recognizing the subjective reactivity that is laid over the present moment reality,” wrote Kavindu, who trains meditation teachers in Mexico and developed the curriculum for a series of courses he runs under his Meditation for Life and Buddhism for Life programs.

“Every time we become aware of it and accept it for what it is without reacting at it or buying into it, but letting go, we affirm our true nature and open ourselves again, allowing the natural wisdom to awaken,” he continued.

A search for inner peace and creativity has guided most of Kavindu’s life explorations since his youth. Trained as a musician, he used music – whether teaching, composing or producing – as a vehicle to work towards his goals. Along the way, a crucial event confronted him with the imminence of death, bringing more urgency to his quest and sharpening his search. He turned towards meditation and Buddhism, undertaking intense training. His studies eventually guided him to a semi-monastic retreat centre in Spain, where he was ordained and lived for 2-1/2 years.

Returning to his native Mexico, he started to share his time between teaching music and meditation. In the process, he realized the teachings needed to be expressed in a contemporary language appropriate to

the social and cultural environment of the participants in order to be effective. He resigned from his Buddhist order and developed a method of secular, non-religious meditation and life-transformation practices.

“Wisdom in this sense is a direct, non-conceptual understanding of our own nature and of the nature of life,” Kavindu wrote. “The living being that we are, with all its dimensions, comes with the basis of understanding that can allow us to live a sustainable, integrated, healthy and prosperous life.

“Natural wisdom can be seen as having two primary dimensions: clear vision and unconditional love. Each of these dimensions unfolds as different aspects. This natural understanding is experienced in early life as an open and direct connection with the environment, the world and others. An integrated and whole sense of being arises from this understanding, where we feel completely at ease with ourselves because there is complete trust in who we are, in life and in others.”

“Of course, most of us lose that trust and that sense of completeness. When we lose this confidence, we arrive at conclusions and beliefs about us and others and we begin to build an image and a sense of self that substitutes the direct experience of being and we come to believe that’s who we are and that’s how others are. From these beliefs arise a sense of insecurity, which generates habitual patterns of reactivity in the form of thoughts, emotions and behaviour.”

The next steps deeply acknowledge the body and breath as they are, no changing or “fixing.” This is opportunity for hearing what the symptoms, or messengers, have to say.

Participants are then invited to include welcoming feelings, emotions and thoughts, which are integrated to bring a restored sense of feeling. Miller explains the feeling of wholeness comes from being comfortable with the whole emotional spectrum, from pleasure to pain.

“When suffering and disharmony arise, what you may most want to do is label your feeling and emotions as the enemy … But refusing, as a way to cope with your feelings and emotions, doesn’t work … Every feeling and emotion you deny will always return, because every feeling and emotion is a messenger trying to deliver important information to you.”

Thoughts are also messengers. They have a “life cycle.” Miller explains trauma stunts this life cycle and the experience shows up as repetitive thoughts. PTSD symptoms are a call for the life cycle to be completed. Once heard, having done its job, it can be put to rest, releasing the symptoms.

“They’re trying to show you the positive actions you can take to restore health and harmony in your life. When you face thoughts … recognize what they want and take the actions they request, you break the negative thought cycle and climb out of the mud of your thoughts.”

Welcoming joy and well-being is the tool which acknowledges an innate sense of joy. This experience may be difficult to recognize after trauma. This step provides techniques to find this naturally occurring place even when it feels missing.

Later steps ask the practitioner to change perspective on the very source of their experiences. The experience – symptom, feeling, thought, emotion – is identified as an object within awareness, not as our identity. iRest asks us to recognize this distinction and then to know the awareness itself.

The protocol ends with “experiencing your wholeness … and reveals the essential essence of yourself that can never be harmed by trauma and PTSD.” When we know our identity as beyond our experiences, we can recognize and respond with what really wants to happen.

“Living your life from an attitude of welcoming and being awareness allows you to experience yourself as a unique and creative expression of life. In turn, this enables you to feel yourself in harmony with the wholeness of life, even when disharmony is what’s showing up … You may not yet feel your wholeness, but you are – and always have been – whole, complete, unharmed, and healthy … iRest teaches you … to heal your PTSD and feel fully alive and joyful wherever you are.”

Miller estimates that 70 per cent of the population has experienced intense fear or compromised physical or emotional safety, resulting in over-activated mental and emotional circuitry referred to as trauma. These practices can support everyone as practitioners, friends, healers or seekers of self-awareness in our understanding of wholeness and well-being.

Jodi Ouellette is a YAA certified teacher and certified as Yoga Nidra meditation level 3 with Integrative Restoration Institute. [email protected]; www.JodiLynne.net


Kavindu explains that “clear vision” is an opening to objective reality as it arises in the world with an incredible display of energy and constant change. He says it allows us to understand intuitively the nature of the universe and its phenomena. Clear vision includes “the natural unfolding of everything, impermanence, interdependence, self-regulation, learning and growth, resourcefulness and invention of solutions.”

He describes “unconditional love” as “the sense of completeness and integration of our being, as well as the sense of openness and connection to other living beings. It’s an openness without fear, mistrust, defensiveness and resistance. Unconditional love is a principle that makes life sustainable. Love gives value to life and thus generates meaning to life while setting the background for a sustainable sharing of resources necessary to thrive as individuals and as a network of life.”

Aspects of unconditional love include “connection or atunement, compassion (awareness of emotions and needs), awareness of intentions, patience, kindness, gratitude and generosity.”

The space and silence of a retreat setting offers an opportunity to “examine these aspects and tease out their relevance to our lives,” according to Kavindu. Meditation practices help recognize these wisdoms and facilitate “their spontaneous understanding.”

This process of self-knowledge and spiritual unfolding is enhanced when

keeping an open attention to the bodily sensations, whether in formal sitting or walking meditation or during mindful asana practise. Such integration acknowledges and strengthens the body/mind connection.

Kavindu (Alejandro Velasco) has

devoted the last 25 years to the rigorous study of Buddhism, yoga and meditation to refine his understanding of the human experience. Since 2005, he has been the Director of Meditation at Yoga Espacio, Mexico City’s largest yoga and meditation school. He will be in Edmonton in August to teach an Awakening to our Nature retreat with David McAmmond. See advertisement at right - page 21.

YAA: YoGA WORKSHOP with Rosemary jeanes antze

October 27-29 , 2017The practice of “vinyasa karma” in the Lineage of Desikachar with Rosemary Jeanes Antze,

international senior teacher and trainer, who is recognized by the Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram, Chennai, India and who has over 40 years experience studying and teaching in this lineage.Description: The phrase “vinyasa krama” suggests moving step-by-step from where we are

now towards a goal. In this workshop we will consider this underlying concept and examine techniques of krama in asana and pranayama, and in sequencing an evolving practice..

• Fee: $250 YAA members / $280 non-YAA members• Fri 6-8 pm; Sat 9am-noon; 1:30-3:30 pm; Sun 8:30-11:30am• Riverdale Community Hall, 9231-100 Avenue, Edmonton• Information: Marcia 780-436-3767; Rosemary anaama-yoga.ca• Register: YAA 780-427-8776 or online at www.yoga.caRosemary Jeanes Antze is the senior Canadian teacher in Desikachar’s lineage. She has completed a four-year, case study based Yoga Therapy program with

Claude Marechal, Desikachar’s senior European student.

“Natural wisdom can be seen as having two primary

dimensions: clear vision and unconditional love.

Each of these dimensions unfolds as different aspects. This natural understanding

is experienced in early life as an open and direct

connection with the environment, the world and

others.” ~ Kavindu

photo via Flickr under Creative Commons Licence


REGISTER: YAA 780-427-8776 or online at yoga.caLOCATION: Family Yoga Centre (Iyengar Tradition) 4740 – 99th Street, Edmonton

FULL PAYMENT MUST ACCOMPANY REGISTRATION

PRE-REQUISITE: FOR THOSE STUDENTS AND TEACHERS OF IY STUDYING AT LEVEL TWO AND ABOVE, AND FOR EXPERIENCED STUDENTS WITH AN

ESTABLISHED PRACTICE INCLUDING INVERSIONS AND BACKBENDS.

YAA IYENGARYOGA INTENSIVES

with Senior IYAC Certified Teachers

April 28-30, 2017 - MAHYAR RAZ INTENSIVE (Toronto). Fri 6-8:30 pm; Sat 9-12; 2:30-5 pm; Sun 8:30-11:30 pm. $260 +$30 non YAA member (+$40 after March 21/17) Information: Judi 780-433-0405Mahyar is founding director of IY centres in Toronto (www.iyengaryoga.ca) and in Tehran, Iran. She teaches internationally and travels yearly to her studio in Tehran. She holds a junior advanced certificate from B.K.S. Iyengar. She has also studied medical yoga at the Gupta Yoga Hospital in Lonavla, India, and has a BFA from the Ontario College of Art and Design. Her teaching of IY is infused by all these disciplines and by her practice of Sufism. She recently opened a new studio and coffee house in downtown Toronto.

January 19-21, 2018 - MARLENE MAWHINNEY (Toronto) Fri 6-8:30 pm; Sat 9-12; 2:30-5 pm; Sun 9-12 noon. $260 +$30 non YAA member (+$40 after December 15/17) Information: Judi 780-433-0405Director of the Yoga Centre Toronto ([email protected]), Marlene, is one of Canada¹s most experienced teachers, giving workshops throughout Canada and the US, and has been a guiding force in the Iyengar Yoga Association of Canada and the professional development of its teachers. She holds a senior intermediate certificate from B.K.S. Iyengar and has studied with him and Geeta Iyengar since 1985. She credits her association with B.K.S. Iyengar as the biggest gift to her teaching, and her students as the next biggest gift.

September 22-24, 2017 - LOUIÉ ETTLING (Vancouver) Fri 6-8:30 pm; Sat 9-12; 2:30-5 pm; Sun 8:30-11:30 am. $260 +$30 non YAA member (+$40 after August 21/17) Information: Teddy 780-436-1320Louie is the director and senior teacher of The Yoga Space (www.theyogaspace.ca) in Vancouver and active in Canadian IY community, not least as an assessor and teacher trainer. She gives workshops internationally. A keen student since the 1980s, she worked under B.K.S Iyengar at the last Teacher Intensive in Pune in the nineties and studies there regularly with the Iyengar family. She loves the Iyengar method’s dedicated focus on the conscience of the body.

Spring, 2018 - KRISNA ZAWADUK (Kelowna) Details TBAKrisna regularly attends workshops and training sessions with Canadian and International Iyengar teachers. Krisna has also been to India several times to study with the Iyengars at the RIMYI in Pune (2006, 2009, 2012). Ever a student herself, she is blessed to be doing what she loves, and enjoys sharing her insights and enthusiasm with others. Krisna is certified at the Senior Intermediate I level.


Higher Standards of Training• Startwitha300hourprogramwithstandardsthatexceedtheindustrynorm.• Getcreditforweeklyasanaclassesclosetohome.• AccessspecializedworkshopswithacclaimedInternationalTeachers.• Expandyourskillsthroughqualityteachertrainingclasses&teachingskillsworkshops.• Delveintoyogicphilosophy,meditation,breathwork,anatomy,andtherapeutics.• Aspiretoexcellencewithcertificationat500,600,and800hourlevels.

Apprenticeship-Style Mentorship• StudywithqualifiedandexperiencedSeniorTeachers.• Findthehathayogastyleorlineagethatbestfitsyou.• Chooseyourownpersonalmentor.

Individual Learning Program• Planyourownscheduletofityourlifestyle.• Beginyourprogramatanytimeduringtheyear.• Pay-as-you-gowithnolargeinitialinvestment.• Pursueyourownspecialtyandfocus.• Followyourpassion;createyourownlearningplan.• Developyourownteachingstyle.

Professional Recognition• Gainrecognitionbyprofessionalhealthindustry

standards.• Savemoneywithdiscountsoninsurancerates.• Continuelife-longlearningwithworldwideupgradingopportunities.• Joinacooperativecommunityofmutualinspirationandpeersupport.• AchieverespectandacknowledgementwithIntermediateandSeniorTeacherStatus.

Equivalency Certification• Receiveindividualizedassessmentandadvancedcreditforprevioustraining.• ObtainYAACertificationforequivalenttraining.

[email protected] or visit yoga.caSTART TODAY

YOUR PATH...YOUR WAY:YAA Teacher Training Program

Revised Syllabus. 9:30 am-3 pm. $60. Riverdale Comm. Hall 9231–100 Ave. All teachers, teachers in training welcome. (Retreats, wksps. check locations). Reg. YAA 780-427-8776 or online.April 8 Class #3: Surya Namaskar and variations; Kleshas / Kriya Yoga / 8 Limbs –

Overview (Sutras 1.30-2.29); Diaphragmatic Breath; David McAmmond.May 13 Class #4: Basic Asana; Subtle Body Anatomy (Prana, Nadis (Ida, Pingala &

Sushumna), Kundalini, Chakras Overview, Koshas; Complete Breath; Karen Hamdon.

Jun 10 Class #5: Standing Poses; Yamas (Sutras 2.30-2.39) / Ethics / Muladhara Chakra / Pada & Mula-Bandhas / Foot & Knee Alignment & Anatomy; 6 Part Breath; Mary LeBlanc.

Sep 9 Class #6: Hip Openers & Forward Bends; Niyamas (Sutras 2.40-2.55) / Svadhisthana Chakra / Pelvis & Lumbar Spine Anatomy / Pre- and Post-Natal Issues; Ujjayi; Teddy Hyndman.

Oct 20-22 Fall Teaching Skills Workshop $200. Fri 7-9pm; Sat 9am-5pm; Sun 9am-3pm; Classical Yoga Centre 11906-129 Ave.; Mary LeBlanc.

Nov 18 Class #7: Balancing Poses; Asana (Sutras 2.46-2.48) / Class Planning & Sequencing / Review Nadis; Nadi Sodhana; Melanie Checknita.

Dec 9 Class #8: Standing Twists, Seated Twists; Bhagavad Gita: History & Intro / Karma Yoga; Review of Year One Pranayama / Students bring a plan to teach one pranayama to beginners; Judi Mirus.

INTERNATIONAL TEACHERS: For YAA Initial Certification, students requires a minimum of 3 complete weekend-long workshops (10 or more hours) given by different senior teachers with international recognition, who are not local to your community. The designation “international teacher” refers to an instructor who has been invited to give a workshop and is not local or near to the community hosting that workshop. This teacher is recognized within his / her chosen yoga tradition as having a senior level of expertise. In this way students can be exposed to different styles, directions and expertise beyond the level in their community. Richard Miller, October 2017; David McAmmond 2017 Series; Mahyar Raz, April, 2017; Rosemary Jeanes Antze, October 2017; Kavindu, August 2017; Louié Ettling, September 2017. Details – See Calendar of Events

Yoga Association of Alberta Teacher Training Program est.1978

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YOGA THERAPY FOR BACKSA PRACTICAL GUIDE

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[email protected] or 780-427-8776

See Book Review Spring 2016 Yoga Bridge, page 31.

“Yoga Therapy for Backs is a generous gift to all of us. Now the wisdom, experience and love of my 2 radiant teachers is available at my fingertips!

So to speak….. ;)” K.H. Edmonton


A YAA Interview with Donna Martin Gaye Oxford

The following interview is a longer version of the interview that initially was posted on the Yoga Association of Alberta Facebook page on August 11, 2016.

Donna Martin has been teaching and training both yoga and Hakomi practitioners in Alberta since the late 1990s. The approach she teaches is hatha yoga centred. She calls it “embodied mindfulness.” Asana becomes an experimental practice using verbal invitations to notice, without judging or changing what arises, the “embodied” experience.

YAA: Donna, can you tell us about yourself?

Donna Martin: I’ve been teaching yoga since the early ‘70s, first in Ontario and then in Kamloops and other parts of western Canada, including Edmonton and Calgary. I have had a long relationship with the YAA community in both Edmonton and Calgary, having taught regularly in both places since the early ‘90s.

My first significant yoga teacher was Rama Jyoti Vernon who introduced me to a sensually spiritual way of practising asana with a foundation in Patañjali’s Yoga Sutras and Sanskrit. She also introduced me to one of my other significant teachers, a woman named Eleanor Leatham. Ellie was the teacher who helped me to feel confident enough to teach and showed me how to trust my inner knowing.

I had my own yoga studio in Kamloops through the ‘80s and ‘90s and had a live TV yoga program. I also travelled widely to teach workshops and retreats.

By the mid-‘90s, I had been introduced to two methods that have profoundly informed the way I practise and teach yoga: Feldenkrais (Awareness through Movement) and Hakomi (mindfulness-based body-centred psychotherapy).

Moshe Feldenkrais was a brilliant Israeli physicist, who created a way of moving that changes the way the brain organizes how we move, rather than working to develop muscles. The Feldenkrais Guild of North America says that the Feldenkrais method allows people to “rediscover [their] innate capacity for graceful, efficient movement.” This approach uses a sequence of slow and gentle repetitive movements that gradually bring inefficient habits into awareness and replace them with more efficient and versatile patterns. Feldenkrais spoke about cultivating versatility, not flexibility in the normal sense. I love this approach for its intelligent and nonviolent style, which has proven to be amazingly effective.

Hakomi is a form of “body-centered psychotherapy,” which uses little experiments done in mindfulness to assist someone to move beyond limiting or harmful beliefs and reactions and to discover new possibilities of how to experience life in more nourishing ways. Hakomi was greatly influenced by the Feldenkrais approach and is founded on the same premise that when our brain becomes aware of healthier alternatives to old limiting habits, positive change happens naturally.

In 1990, at the Hollyhock Retreat Center on Cortes Island, B.C., where I was teaching yoga, I met Ron Kurtz, the creator of the

Why Yoga Instructors Should Have InsuranceToole Peet & Co. Limited

Our world can be very unpredictable. Although we may not be able to control it, insurance can offer yoga instructors peace of mind knowing that they are protected.

Because our society is becoming increasingly more litigious, regardless of whether or not the claim has any merit, it’s more important than ever to have the right coverage in place.

As a benefit to its member teachers, The Yoga Association of Alberta (YAA) has negotiated an excellent premium with the help of its new broker, Adam Thompson, at Toole Peet & Co. Ltd. He and his team are knowledgeable, conscientious and personable. Toole Peet has partnered with AllSport Insurance to create an insurance program specifically designed to meet the needs of yoga instructors. The program includes a commercial general liability policy (with a choice of limits), which provides coverage for payments and expenses that instructors may be legally liable to pay. This includes payments for third-party bodily injury or property damage, personal and advertising injury, as well as an additional limit for medical expenses for an injury that may occur to a third party because of a teacher’s instruction. There is also optional coverage for business property being used for yoga practices.

An important element of the commercial general liability policy is that it also includes coverage for defence costs in a lawsuit. It provides coverage for the necessary costs incurred to investigate and settle a claim regardless of whether or not an instructor is found legally liable for that action. This

protects instructors against frivolous and unmerited lawsuits, which could be a big financial burden without the proper insurance in place.

A simple, quick and easy online application form for all YAA certified teachers can be found on the YAA website (http://www.yoga.ca/insurance). Non-YAA certified teachers who are YAA members may also apply and qualify for insurance in many cases. After the application has been processed, the instructor will receive a copy of the insurance summary, which acts as proof of insurance and is often required by an employer.

For further information about the program, contact Toole Peet at 403-245-1177.


Hakomi Method and began to study and ultimately to teach with him internationally. For more than 20 years, I travelled internationally to train people in the Hakomi Method. Eventually, I began to develop an approach to yoga and yoga therapy, which integrates the Hakomi Method with the practice of yoga and mindfulness. This approach I called Psoma yoga. I taught the first two-week training in Psoma yoga at Hollyhock in 2011 and have taught several one-week retreats since then.

Currently, I am mostly retired, but I am still teaching once a year at Hollyhock and at Hui Hoolana retreat centre in Hawaii.

YAA: Can you tell us how asana or the exploration of asana is used in your work?

Donna: Asana is practised in three phases in Psoma yoga. The first phase is for self-discovery and uses mindful awareness to notice and study what is happening in the embodied experience of the asana. In this phase, we are interested in discovering some of our habits and in finding out what is happening in our present embodied experience. In the second phase, we begin to experiment and to explore what happens when we make little adjustments and subtle variations. The attitude is curiosity and there is no intention to make something happen, but rather simply to experiment with something different from what we experience habitually. The idea behind this exploration is to offer our brain and body an experience of something outside of our habits. Our interest continues to be self-study and self-discovery. These first two phases provide information for the third phase, which is to use the asana practice to nourish our selves. We use asanas to offer ourselves an embodied experience of

something new and “nourishing.” Again, the mindful-attention we bring to this phase of the practice makes it possible for our brain to change and for freedom from what has been called the “unbearable automaticity of being” (The Unbearable Automaticity of Being, John A. Bargh and Tanya L. Chartrand, 1999).

YAA: How important are the use of “words and wording phrases” to the body/mind?

Donna: In my approach to teaching yoga or Psoma yoga therapy, it is very important to pay attention to how words and phrases are used. Language can either encourage effort and strain or invite a curious attention through mindful awareness to present experience. For example, the difference is between saying, “See if you can soften and relax into the pose” on the one hand or “Notice in what parts of your body you feel some tightness. What happens if you very gently increase the tightness, just a little, and then stop? Notice if that tightness seems to change or stay the same.” The language and wording used can suggest an effort is necessary to reach a future goal or can bring the focus to present experience. I like to use wording that invites a curious attention to what is already happening in the body in present time. I avoid using phrases such as “See if you can ...” or questions such as “Can you ...?” since these imply that there is something to achieve and somewhere to get to.

In our culture, we are so programmed for goal-setting, effort, comparing, competing and self-criticizing that it is all too easy, as teachers, to continue to promote these habitual tendencies by how we direct our students’ attention or give instructions. If even the desire to change is a subtle form

of violence toward ourselves, as Buddhist teacher Pema Chodron has pointed out, can we practise and teach yoga in a way that is truly non-violent, based on embodied mindfulness and compassionate wisdom? The language used by yoga teachers and the wording of our own self-talk can often imply a need to change and therefore carry a subtle message of violence. Feldenkrais practitioners are well trained to use language in ways that simply promote awareness and avoid the tendency to try to make something happen. I recommend that yoga teachers and students who are interested in nonviolence, mindfulness and yoga for self-awareness have some experience with Awareness through Movement.

It’s not that the desire to change is necessarily violent when it is an expression of our natural impulse to learn, grow and heal. The desire to change another is a kind of violence, however, when it is motivated by an assumption that we know what is best for someone else. When we engage in an effortful way of trying to force a change on someone, or even on ourselves, which many styles of yoga do, we simply and predictably set up a conflict between old habits and a new pattern we think is more ideal. I’ve learned that a much more effective and respectful approach is to bring the old habit more fully into awareness and then to use an experimental attitude to invite movements through alternative patterns: postures, ways of moving, etc. We can do this in our own practice by using curiosity rather than imposing some ideal on ourselves. We can do it as teachers by inviting curiosity and awareness and bringing the student’s attention to “What happens when you ... ?” rather than imposing a correction.

Neuroscience is discovering that the

brain, which organizes our postures and movement patterns, changes with new experience – one that happens in conscious awareness (The Brain That Changes Itself, Norman Doidge, MD, 2007).

This is why yoga must be practised mindfully and not done simply as repetitive movements or poses done with our attention elsewhere. Even placing our attention on an ideal image in our mind, let alone on what the teacher is doing, takes awareness away from the experience we are having and interferes with real change.

The desire to change is not in and of itself violent. However, if it is generated by self-judgment and motivates us to impose something that we think is “right” without an exploration that brings full awareness to our old habit patterns, it can result in the use of effort and forcefulness, which is not only violent, but ultimately ineffective as well. And certainly, imposing anything, even well intentioned (think of a hug) on another is unquestionably disrespectful and violent.

Realizing this, as yoga teachers we need to learn to change our attitude and our approach to facilitate positive change without violence. This is the goal of Psoma yoga.

YAA: What are the supportive suggestions you would give to yoga teachers and students as they go into their practices?

Donna: The main advice I have for yoga teachers is to use their own practice and life experience to inform their teaching. What discoveries have they made that inspire and encourage them? What variations have they experimented with that seemed to wake them up from their habits and routines? What teachers have ignited their enthusiasm


and how can they share that same passion for the practice with their students? For yoga students, my main advice is to find the teachers and styles that inspire them and help them feel alive, awake and empowered.

I realized years ago that many postural and physical habits are resistant to change, even after years of yoga practice, when they are organized by beliefs that are outside of consciousness. Psoma yoga understands that old habits and implicit beliefs are embodied and that it is only awareness that offers choice and leads to true freedom. This is not an approach to yoga that requires correcting old habits or a style of yoga therapy that wants to fix anything. Rather this is an

approach that understands healing as “remembering wholeness.” This is a practice that trusts in the power of mindful attention to be the foundation on which healing and transformation can occur spontaneously and naturally.

YAA: Thank you so much Donna for sharing your time and experience with us.

Gaye is a Yoga Alliance registered yoga teacher. As part of the Yoga Association of Alberta’s social media strategy, she is posting information on the YAA Facebook page. Please look for the posts and tell us what you think.

THE YAA DONATION PROGRAMDID YOU KNOW?

The YAA is a Canada Revenue Agency registered charity. For example $100, receive a $35 tax credit!

The YAA receives $100 to spend, but the donor only paid $65!

HOW IS YOUR DONATION MONEY SPENT?Donations are used to fund YAA YOGA OUTREACH PROGRAMS

including schools and prisons, and for underprivileged and physically, emotionally or socially challenged Albertans

who do not have easy access to yoga opportunities. Your contributions are greatly appreciated.

Donations can be made online at yoga.caTHANK YOU

For it is in giving that we receive.–– Francis of Assisi


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BonnyvilleKoluk, Tracy 780-826-3388

CalgaryBalfour, Sappho 403-269-2940Bobenic, Jodi 403-560-4421Cheng, Angela 403-278-6935Cleveland, Lorraine 403-695-9958

Crawford, Michelle 403-246-3499DeSorcy, Lonnie 403-243-9335Dodd, Kathy 403-869-5323Doell, Alisa 587-583-3851Donald, Jan 403-510-8400Dunbar, Bonnie 403-256-0382Eastham, Barbara 403-287-0799Collette Fitzpatrick 780-427-8776Fixler, Sharoni 403-457-4070Ford, Dawn 403-277-7215Frick Istvanff, Claudia 403-243-9541Gawley, Tracy 403-226-2906Hatala, Lillas 403-441-9959Hong, Nancy 403-830-4570Hope-Johnston, Jodi 403-251-9642Jensen, Susan 403-286-2989Jespersen, Marcy 403-275-2340Jobanputra, Manju 587-351-3423Johannesen, Jayanta 403-287-3028Kanomata, Donna 403-815-2662Kavanagh, Maggie 403-225-0580Kitchen, Margot 403-243-1078Kyliuk, Amber 403-701-9642

Ludwig, Kathleen 403-478-0926Manji, Yasmin 403-281-1941Maskey, Nora 403-992-2069Maslen, Peggy 780-427-8776McAmmond, David 403-402-3855McKenzie, Fiona 403-818-1364McLennan, Sean 403-616-4360McMillan, Shirley 780-427-8776Miller, Sally 587-471-9799Morel, Jean 403-208-1464Nash, Newton 403-249-5920Nash, Kathy 403-249-5920Nesta, Elaine 403-225-1444Nogue, Rosemary 403-271-7810Ouellette, Jodi 403-462-7306Palahniuk, Cynthia 403-229-1951Piet, Engeline 403-243-7127Quan, Susan 403-270-8579Readwin, Denise 403-680-3408Renaud, Josy 587-224-9642Robbins, Trish 403-284-9400Ross , Barbara 403-243-9697Sen, Wendy 403-242-4028

Established in 1976

2017 YAA TEACHER DIRECTORY

detailed teacher information can be

found online at www.yoga.ca

(YAA Certified Teachers marked in bold)


Miller, Martha 780-634-5942Miller, Roxanne 780-429-4328Miller, Renata 780-913-9813Milne, Barbara 780-469-5897Milroy, Corinne 780-427-8776Mirus, Judith 780-433-0405Moon, Dana 780-236-2362Murphy, Yvonne 780-297-3147Murphy, Marthe 780-231-6230Ogden, Sally 780-991-7567Ouellette, Colleen 780-487-1670Oxford, Gaye 780-977-8600Palaschuk, Anne 780-463-3801Papirnik, Patti 780-474-5193Parr , Sandra 780-453-6037Phelps, Amy 780-427-8776Power, Krista Denise 780-758-9642Radyo, Anna 780-439-5196Raghuwanshi, Arun 780-709-3992 Resera, Vera 780-868-3034Reynolds, Beth 780-434-4281Robertson-Davis, Tammy 780-686-9602Robinson, Dorothy 780-222-3145Romano, Michelle 780-802-1797Rose, Sharyn 780-940-5410Rosenberger, Joyce 780-436-5216Salgado, Susana 587-987-9143Schouten, Mary Janet 780-436-5181Scott, Keely 780-469-5419Sharp, Lynnda 780-488-9584 Sielecki, Anita 780-432-7152Sinha, Pramila 780-443-4010Smith, Lawrie 780-934-5683Smith, Casey 780-619-4672Smyth, Diane 780-482-7225 Soldan, Anita 780-988-9106Spence, Debbie 780-249-4015Sran, Satwinder 780-457-6639Stralak, Karen 780-468-2687Thistlethwaite.Sally 587-336-8306Thornton, Beverley 780-709-4426Tyess-Smith, Lakshmi 780-406-4247van Oploo,Annemarie 780-721-5430 van Schie, Georgina 780-487-9080Vaudan, Linda 587-501-4885Vogelaar, Ryan 780-940-3750Walker, Judy 780-438-5981Ward, Jeanette 780-634-4350Wasylishen, Valerie 780-434-3613

Welke, Matt 780-966-6925Wildman, Francesca 780-484-1476Willetts, Lian 780-239-4061Wilson, David 780-455-0318Wilson, Kelsey 780-974-8182Winton, Shelley 780-452-5759Yapp, Paul 780-288-3388

EdsonAnderson, Evalene 780-712-0402McCaffrey, Sharon 780-723-2859

FallisStrynadka, Karlena 780-999-8224

FoothillsOshanek, Colene 403-200-9948

Fort SaskatchewanBok, Natalie 780-998-3322Champagne, Nicole 587-990-1456Critchley, Marguerite 780-998-2970Gaumont, Jill 780-903-3244

Fort McMurrayChugh, Kapila 780-792-0328

Grande PrairieHousego, Wenda 780-533-2364Morgan, Jocelyn 780-532-8105Rockarts, Crystal 780-897-3698Unger, Rebecca 780-978-7018Wieliczko, Tammy 780-832-8959

GunnSutherland Chris 780-284-1571

High RiverGehrke, Colleen 403-603-8355Levesque, Gisela 403-601-6110

HintonMcGettigan, Sharon 780-865-5379

HoldenGolka, Valerie 780-688-2429

InnisfailNygren, Enola 403-227-5243

JasperOlsen, Terry 780-852-3930

Lac La BichePietzsch, Jennifer 780-404-1119

LacombeSimpson, Tara 403-782-9750

Lake LouiseLaramee, Adele 403-522-5259

LeducRobinson, Diane 780-980-0640Vantanajal, Stephanie 780-984-3988

LethbridgeKunimoto, Val 403-381-6101MacArthur, Vickie 403-320-6763

LloydminsterSwyripa, Kelly 306-825-7000Foss, Dale 780-875-3574

Medicine HatMcWilliams , Irene 403-526-4840Olsson-Campbell, Krista403-458-2583Risk Richardson, Amy 403-878-7475

MilletPowell, Donna 780-999-2526

OkotoksAvenati, Elvira 403-938-2047Wushke, Christine 403-938-9567

OldsSilberer, Tracy 403-507-9748

OnowayKremer, Joanne 780-967-5259

Parkland CountyGates, Maureen 780-913-0011

Red DeerBlackwell, Suzanne 403-342-0758Booth, Marlies 403-347-1980Breau, Barbara 403-352-3941Carnegie Fehr, Paula 403-352-3398Cooper, Cheryl 403-314-9320DeClerck, Sandra 403-346-0256Gall, Tracey 403-877-1084Lewis, Holly 587-877-6505MacGregor, Deb 403-358-8946Ohama, Adele 403-309-9666Olajos, Brian 403-896-4265Oster, Wanda 403-346-1601Sheardown, Lucinda 403-341-5424Sopracolle, Jan 403-304-3753WalkerDymianiwConnie403-391-0469Waschuk, Ann 403-343-3830Wessel, Warren 403-314-3312Westergaard, Heather 403-352-7846Winchester, Maxine 403-347-6876Olajos, Brian 403-896-4265

Red Deer CountyMorgan, Helen 403-728-2373

Rocky Mtn HouseBarmentloo, Pamela 403-846-8760Caine, Dianne 403-845-2591

Serpico, Anna 403-274-3527 Sharma, Skjei 403-809-8809Skirving, Peter 403-270-8909St. Michel, Nicole 403-826-2637Strayer, Krista 403-874-4127Struc, Irene 403-471-3596Suver, Livia 403-608-1606Tataryn, Donna 403-255-2620Townsend, January 403-703-5268Tritter, Nicole 809-809-5908Tweten, Sheryl 403-257-5306Walker, Rob 403-862-6042Watson, Susan Joan 403-256-7348White, Adair 403-874-6623Yasodhara Yoga 403-284-2012

CamroseMoskie, Pam 780-608-0573Olson, Treva 780-672-1509Richard, Tammy 780-672-4693

CanmoreFerguson, Henri 403-716-3555Foster, Rachel 403-688-1956Labonte, Katherine 403-675-1111Montaner, Margarita 587-883-4151Paton, Kathleen 780-918-5726Thompson, Deanna 403-609-0238

ClaresholmDavies, Norma 403-625-3244

DevonChristian, Joyce 780-903-0713

Drayton ValleyBerezniuk, Lucille 780-542-3584 Demers, Bonnie 780-542-4528Eshpeter, Helen 780-542-2547Mussell., Denise 780-542-5657Patel, Arvindkumar 780-914-4478

DuffieldLeBlanc, Mary 780-892-3405

EdmontonAgrios, Susan 780-905-9930Ah Shene, Deirdre 780-433-2702Allen, Cathy 780-436-8349Ariel (Ursuliak) Zenna 587-521-2663Ayre, Sandy 780-916-2417Bardoel, Rosalie 780-907-2341Baron, Marianne 780-490-4762Basisty, Brandy 587-588-8142Bassie, Fiona 780-242-4960Bates-Renouf, Philipia 780-719-2696

Belair, Karen 780-437-0510Bell-Hiller , Audrey 780-463-9944Bliss, Tamara 780-483-0491Bock, Linda 780-437-0086Boehm, Kat 780-453-5056Borgstede, Gaylene 780-483-8876Bosnyak, Ramona 780-463-0270Bram, Frema 780-465-4668Buchan, Ellen 780-729-0997Bunton, Catherine 780-461-5410Burgess, Keira 780-257-4888Bustin, Jennifer 780-439-6950Cantafio, April 780-717-9198Carey, Raymond 780-437-7978Carlson, Kristy 780-439-0645Carr, Jane (Dr.) 780-240-3403Carstensen-Sinha, S. 780-439-4026Cassady, Edie 780-466-6548Chavda, Tina 780-655-6894Checknita, Melanie 780-450-9642Chowaniec, Velerie 780-447-5885Christianson, Anita 780-298-1410Chua, Mei 780-478-3031Clarke, Connie 780-862-4038Cornelius, Glenda 780-752-1194Cott, Lyle 780-850-8056Cowan, Maxine 780-988-2944Cramer, Gisele 780-436-7721Cullen, Anita 587-986-8574Cuthbert, Karen 780-455-4025Dibden, Colleen 780-455-9650Dombro, Lawrence 780-989-4056Dumont, Linda 780-428-0805Duxbury, Isa 780-732-7860Duxbury, Cathlin 780-868-7231Eder, Carole 780-474-7169EdmYoga Stud. Ken 780-457-9707Ervin, Linda 780-975-4932Fahlman, Lynne 780-434-5148Fairhurst, Betty 780-423-3414Falconar, Geoff 780-993-7100Fedun, Carol 780-447-2277Findlay, Sarah 780-709-8913Fisher, Carlean 780-432-7658Frances, Anne 780-434-7872Galbraith, Sylvia 780-455-6741Giammarioli, Renee 780-431-1916 Gilbertson, Doug 780-485-2211Goodale, Spencer 780-722-4960

Goulet, Michelle 780-965-6473Graham, Paul 780-433-0680Griffin, Lindsay 780-860-3596Haggard, Neil 780-434-2787Hamdon, Karen 780-489-5920Hastings-Morris, Sara 780-405-1678Haverkort, Caroline 780-297-9642Hirsekorn, Darria 780-416-5326Hoffmann, Angelika 780-466-9013Hook, Janette 780-554-3380Hucal, Dianne 780-433-0431Hyndman, Teddy 780-436-1320Insley, Darlene 780-461-2845Jacobsen, Karen 780-454-0086Jalkanen, Nita 780-477-2834Jeong, Julie 780-433-5960Johnston, Michelle 780-951-6474Johnson, Rene 780-421-9444Jones, Melanie 780-421-1612 Kaiser Gladwin, Kerri 780-982-2883Kamm, Thomas 780-250-2005Kavousi, Afsoon 780-430-1496Kaye, Kelly 780-461-1378Khanal, Modanath 780-438-4554Kim, Megan 780-394-7054Kirkwood, Karen 780-996-4080Kitz , Connie 780-474-2737Kosinski, April 780-318-3698Kovac, Marian 780-465-2038Kristjansen, Tai-Monique 604-773-5678Laine, Victoria 780-264-9559Lamothe, Dawn 780-990-6247 Langenberg, Marcia 780-436-3767Lobkowicz, Susan 780-469-9075Lloyd, Samantha 250-946-6171Lucy, Fay 780-459-0585Mack, Belinda 780-250-2003Maltais, Rita 780-686-7464Mamer, Dawn 780-483-4940Marvin, Marlene 780-455-1907McCann, Beth 780-434-0741McClary, Maryon 780-436-5522McLennan, Linda 780 430-7694McMullan-Baron Sharon 780-427-8776McNally, Corinne 780-239-6164Mehta, Manisha 780-937-3402Meyer, Elfriede 780-486-1643Michaud, Natasha 780-908-6308Michie, Erin 780-860-4955


C A L E N D A R A L B E R T AE=Edmonton; C=Calgary; RD=Red Deer. The calendar of Events is updated periodically at yoga.ca

Upcoming Events2017

Apr E 30-Hour Yin Yoga Teacher Training. $435+GST. Yoga Within 9014-75 St. 780-450-9642. www.yogawithin.ca.

Apr 1 RD Advanced Teachings/Teacher Training w/ Ann Waschuk & Paula Carnegie Fehr. 9am - 4pm. $75/85. YARD (4706-49 Ave Red Deer) Ann 403-343-3830 www.reddeeryoga.ca.

Apr 1-2 E Sustainable Yoga Training (10-Hr immersion) w/ Brea Johnson. Sat 12-5:30pm to Sun 9-3pm. $195. Yoga for Today 780-416-4211; [email protected] or www.yogafortoday.ca.

Apr 2 RD Sanskrit Mantra Chanting w/ Ann Waschuk. 1-4:30pm. $30. YARD (4706-49 Ave Red Deer) Ann Waschuk 403-343-3830, www.reddeeryoga.

Apr 2 E Yoga for Emotional & Mental Wellness w/ Jeremy. 9:30-11am. $25+GST. Yoga Within 9014-75 St. 780-450-9642. www.yogawithin.ca.

Apr 5 E Essential Oil Workshop w/ Connie Kitz. 3-4pm. Free. Yoga for Today 780-416-4211.

Apr 7-9 E Iyengar Yoga Ret’t w/ Patty Dusel. $435 (instruc. meals, accom.) Strawberry Creek Lodge (1/2 hr. W of Leduc). Barb: [email protected] or yogainsherwoodpark.ca.

Apr 8 YAA E Teacher Training Class #3: Surya Namaskar and variations; Kleshas / Kriya Yoga / 8 Limbs – Overview (Sutras 1.30-2.29); Diaphragmatic Breath; David McAmmond. 9:30am-3pm. 9231-100 Ave. $60. YAA 780-427-8776. Ad p.25.

Apr 8 E Self Care Using Foam Rollers & Balls w/ Jill Gaumont. 12:30-2pm. $25. Yoga for Today 780-416-4211; [email protected] or www.yogafortoday.ca.

Apr 8 E Meditation Workshop: Overcoming Life’s Challenges w/Kushok Lobsang. Time and price TBA. Yoga for Today 780-416-4211; [email protected] or www.yogafortoday.ca.

Apr 8 E Yoga Nidra, deep relax’n, and savasana wksp w/ Keely Scott. 10am-4pm. $75. MZD. 10816-95 St, Reg/Info: [email protected].

Apr 8 E Mini workshop w/ Frema Bram. Intro to Inver- sions. Beg & Inter. students who are ready to learn or want to improve headstands & shoulderstands. 1:30pm-4pm $40. Reg. in Adv. Family Yoga Ctr. 4740-99 St, 780-465-4668, www.familyoga.ca.

Apr 8 C To the Core: An Afternoon Workshop w/ Sharoni Fixler. $60+GST. Reg/details: [email protected] and/or www.calgaryiyengaryoga.com.

Apr 8 E Spring Forest QiGong w/Pamella Heikel. 10-11:30am. $25+GST. Yoga Within 9014-75 St. 780-450-9642. www.yogawithin.ca.

Apr 9 E Body, Breath and Voice for Yoga w/David Wilson. 9-12pm. $50 (YfT member $45). Yoga for Today 780-416-4211; [email protected] or www.yogafortoday.ca.

Apr 9 E Understanding Your Forward Folds & Back Bends w/Ryan. 10:30am-12pm. $25+GST. Yoga Within 9014-75 St. 780-450-9642. yogawithin.ca.

Apr 9 E Prenatal Partner w/Corinne. 12:30-2:30pm. $60+GST/couple. Yoga Within 9014-75 St. 780-450-9642. www.yogawithin.ca.

Apr10-21 Sacred Retreat in Peru w/ Cole Williston and Malorie Buoy. 12 days for $2,200 USD includes everything except airfare. 780-243-1442 or [email protected].

Apr 12 C FREE Mantra Chanting w/ Helen Mikuska. 4:45-5:45 pm. Harmony Yoga Pilates Studio. 403-809-1402; [email protected].

Apr 15 E Yoga & Body Rolling w/ Anita Sielecki. 2-5pm. $40+GST. Yoga Within 9014-75 St. 780-450-9642. www.yogawithin.ca.

Apr18-30 RYT 300 Hour Upgrade to RYT500 Yoga Teacher Tr. Immersion w/ South Okanagan Yoga Academy. 1st of 2 Modules. $1750 each+gst. God’s Mtn Estate nr. Penticton, BC. (2nd module Sep 24-Oct 6. Marion 250-492-2587 www.soyayoga.com, [email protected].

Apr 21 C Chakra Yoga & Meditation w/ Helen Mikuska at Harmony Yoga Pilates Studio, 7:30-9 pm. 403-809-1402; [email protected].

Apr 21 C Yoga workshop w/ Kathy Nash. Exploring Arm Balances. 7-9:30 pm. $58. www.kathynashyoga.com. 403-249-5920.

Apr21-23 E YAA Deepening our Practice Retreat w/ David McAmmond. #2 of 2017 Series of 5. Providence Centre. Fr.6:30pm-Sun.4pm. $325 (Memb) Anita 780-432-7152. Ad p. 28.

Apr21-23 E Yoga Retreat 2 w/ Corinne McNally. Strawberry Creek Lodge. lotusmoonyoga.ca

Sherwood ParkCampbell, Donalee 780-922-0125Daymond, Carol 780-467-3512Deneka, Barb 780-416-2622Dionne, Debbie 780-416-4786Dionne-Nisbet, Michelle 780-662-3345Doyle, Bernice 780-691-1703Dusel, Patty 780-922-3612Elniski, Victoria Paige 780-340-9644Erdmann Boyko, Chris780-416-4211Fraser, Terry 780-449-2568Harcus, Jeanette 780-922-1042Jackson, Candice 780-416-8208Krebs, Gerda 780-467-9259Lockau, Janet 780-467-4825Moore, Beverley 780-467-6157Paul, Franklin 780-660-4057Randolph, Joan 780-416-0774Sartore, Glenda 780-640-3332Stinn , Eva 780-467-5055Whyte, Kathryn 780-464-1526

Spruce GroveArnold, Shenta 780-962-9370Downing, Dave 780-691-7559Headrick, Sandra 780-470-0468KalynchukLavoieViolet 780-460-0526Rink, Sheri 780-960-0868Yakemchuk, Jamie 780-628-5803

St. AlbertBoucher, Bonnie 780-974-6199Chiasson, Theresa 780-459-7287Freeman, Donna 780-903-6544Hagen, Barbara 780-991-4153Hutton, Jennifer 780-418-4388Irwin, Alison 780-993-7443Irwin, Jeanne 780-459-7443Johnstone, Marni-Ann 780-418-3178Klassen, Darlene 780-460-9132Luther, Jan 780-459-4998Oddleifson, Collette 780-459-7553Reid, Krista 780-418-5547Rivard, Monique 780-271-4595Whitehead, Val 780-729-6880Wiens, Angela 780-722-4251

StandardChampigny, Gina 587-968-1511

StettlerScheerschmidt, Eileen 403-742-4630

Stony PlainOchs, Felicia 780-690-2835Provencal, Jill 780-405-0150Sapinski, Jessica 780-937-1411Specht, Natasha 780-699-2936

Sturgeon CountyDanyluk, Elizabeth 780-990-9217Tomita, Wendy 780-973-6378

SundreHarbicht-Sczesny, Kim 403-638-9659Harvey, Shannon 403-638-2943

ThorsbyFjell, Judy 780-389-3311

VegrevilleMiller, Val 780-603-1612

VermilionStredwick, Sharon 780-853-4799

Wainwright Miller, Jennie 780-842-4009

WestlockRimmer, Kara 780-349-3114Robinson, Lorraine 780-348-5334

BRITISH COLUMBIABlind Bay

Dewitt, Jutta 250-675-4060Bowen Island

Kilarski, Dawn 604-947-0113Courtenay

Michielsen, Elisabeth 250-338-4263Cranbrook

Missler, Sandra 250-426-7738Fort St. John

Baker, Linda 250-785-3914Golden

Grant, Wendy 250-344-2936Kelowna

Bradley, Enid 250-765-3538Forsythe, Tracy 250-862-2007Houle, Lynn 250-212-9637

NelsonSteed, Jennifer 250-505-8003

North SaanichButot, Michele 250-419-2026

PentictionCanning, Lorraine 250-493-6400

Port EdwardPayette, Deirdre 778-676-0697

Salt Spring Island Dickinson, Jim 780-427-8776

Scotch CreekMcConnell, Mugs 250-492-2587

SidneyCreasey, Mona 250-655-4847Flynne, Lynda 778-426-1818

SointulaRockman, Stephanie 250-973-2313

TaTaCreekAndrews, Gayle 250-422-3095

VernonDul, Kari 780-238-4881Jilek, Christine 780-427-8776

VictoriaAckerman, Angie 604-764-9042Liu, Diana 778-265-8602

West KelownaVogel, Dariel 250-768-0887

White RockSammartino, Sandra 604-724-9423

MANITOBAWinnipeg

Lavitt, Alerry 204-770-8839

NEW BRUNSWICKSaint John

Murphy, Judy 506-645-8665

ONTARIOHamilton

Pereira, Dina 289-396-8988Niagara on the Lake

Lindner, Oda 905-468-5758Toronto

Antze, Rosemary Jeanes 416-656-3792Feinstein, Pippa 647-923-4927

SASKATCHEWAN Saskatoon

Nixey, Evelyn 306-683-2605USA

San Rafael, CA Miller,Richard 415-456-3909

NEW ZEALANDRangiora

Locke, Marina 011 64 21 871 818


May 13 E Self Care Using Foam Rollers and Balls w/Jill Gaumont. 12:30-2pm. $25. Yoga for Today 780-416-4211; [email protected] or www.yogafortoday.ca.

May 13 E Mini workshop w/ Samantha Lloyd. Backbending into Dwi Pada Viparita Dandasana. 1:30pm-4pm. $40. Reg. in Adv. Family Yoga Ctr. 4740-99 St, 780-465-4668, www.familyoga.ca.

May 13 RD Mindfulness Meditation for Beginners w/ Tracey Delfs 1:30-4:30pm. $75 ($65 Before May 1st). YARD (4706-49 Ave Red Deer) 403-550-9240 www.reddeeryoga.ca.

May 14 E Breath Awareness w/ Julie Jeong. Time & price TBA. Yoga for Today 780-416-4211; [email protected] or www.yogafortoday.ca.

May 14 E Philosophy Refresher w/ Donalee Campbell. Time/price TBA. Yoga for Today 780-416-4211; [email protected] or www.yogafortoday.ca.

May 26 C Yoga Workshop w/ Kathy Nash. Cultivating Steadiness in your Practice. 6:30-9 pm. $60. www.kathynashyoga.com.

May 26 C Candlelight Yoga w/ Helen Mikuska. 7:30-9pm. Harmony Yoga Pilates Studio. 403-809-1402; [email protected].

May26-28 E In Search of the Self: A Weekend of Asana, Study and Meditation w/ Robin Golt (International Workshop). Fri 6-9pm, Sat 12:30-6pm, Sun 9:30-2pm, $250 ($225 before Apr 15) Yoga for Today 780-416-4211; [email protected]; www.yogafortoday.ca. Ad p. 26.

May 27 E Philosophy Workshop: Yoga Metaphysics 101 w/ Robin Golt. Sat 9:30-12pm, $45 ($40 for YfT members, $10 discount for full weekend registrants) Yoga for Today 780-416-421; [email protected] or www.yogafortoday.ca.

May27-28 C Listening to the Natural Law, stress reduction through Metta. Non-Residential retreat in Calgary w/ Bhante Seelananda. Contact: Seeds of the Dhamma.com, or [email protected], 403-243-9697 or Kat, [email protected].

May 27, Jun 24, Jul 22, & Aug 19 E 12-Hour Traditional Hatha Yoga Training w/ Gerda Krebs. 10am-1pm. $174+GST. Yoga Within 9014-75 St. 780-450-9642. www.yogawithin.ca.

May 28 E YAA Annual General Meeting, Lunch and BodySensing Workshop w/ Kirsten Guest. $30. 780-427-8776. 7104-87 Ave. Ad p. 13.

May 28 C Family Yoga w/ Helen Mikuska. 11 am-12 pm. Harmony Yoga Pilates Studio, 403-809-1402; [email protected].

May 31 C FREE Mantra Chanting w/ Helen Mikuska. 4:45-5:45 pm. Harmony Yoga Pilates Studio, 403-809-1402; [email protected].

Jun 2-4 Doug Keller, MPhil, SOYA’s Annual Yoga Retreat – Anusara approach to shoulders, hamstrings, bandhas, etc. Fri6pm-Sun 12pm. $295 (accom, camping & meals extra). Sorrento Centre, BC. www.soyayoga.com, [email protected], 250-492-2587.

Jun 2-4 E 15-Hour Prenatal Teacher Training w/Corinne. $250+GST (manual incl.). Yoga Within 9014-75 St. 780-450-9642. www.yogawithin.ca.

Jun 2-4 Yoga in Banff w/ Beth McCann. F 7:30-9:30pm, Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 10am-1pm. Early Bird $225/after May 5, $250. Banff Y Mountain Lodge. Jenn 403-431-5791, [email protected] Prepaid on-site vegan lunch avail. $15. Accom. not incl.

Jun 3 E Managing Fibromyalgia w/ Yoga, Meditation and Mindfulness w/ Michelle Reid. Time and Price TBA. Yoga for Today 780-416-4211; [email protected] or www.yogafortoday.ca.

Jun 3 RD Advanced Teachings/Teacher Training w/ Ann Waschuk & Paula Carnegie Fehr. 9am-4pm. $75/85 YARD (4706-49 Ave Red Deer). Ann Waschuk 403-343-3830, www.reddeeryoga.ca.

Jun 3-7 Toronto. iRest Yoga Nidra Level 1 w/ Anne Douglas. iRest.us. Ad p.36.

Jun 4 E Serenity Sunday w/ Glenda Sartore. 11-1:30pm. $45. Yoga for Today 780-416-4211; [email protected] or www.yogafortoday.ca.

Jun 9 E Kirtan Chanting w/ Sparrow Grace. $40 (YfT members $35) Time TBA. Yoga for Today 780-416-4211; [email protected] or www.yogafortoday.ca.

Jun 9 E Anatomy Refresher w/ Reg Nugent. Time/price TBA. Yoga for Today 780-416-4211; [email protected] or www.yogafortoday.ca.

Jun 9 C Full Moon Evening w/ Helen Mikuska. 7:30-9pm. Harmony Yoga Pilates Studio. 403-809-1402; [email protected].

Jun 9-11 C Iyengar Workshop w/ Marlene Mawhinney. $264+gst. Details: [email protected], www.calgaryiyengaryoga.com.

Jun 10 YAA E Teacher Training Class #5: Standing Poses; Yamas (Sutras 2.30-2.39) / Ethics / Muladhara Chakra / Pada & Mula-Bandhas / Foot & Knee Alignment & Anatomy; 6 Part Breath; Mary LeBlanc. 9:30am-3pm. 9231–100 Ave. $60. YAA 780-427-8776. Ad p.25.

Jun 10 E Philosophy Refresher w/ Donalee Campbell. Time/price TBA. Yoga for Today 780-416-4211; [email protected] or www.yogafortoday.ca.

Jun 10 E Self Care Using Foam Rollers and Balls w/ Jill Gaumont. 12:30-2pm. $25. Yoga for Today 780-416-4211; [email protected] or www.yogafortoday.ca.

Apr 29-May 27E Yoga instrucctors’ training course. Sat/Sun 9am-5pm. $1200. 11265-31 Ave. Linda Dumont (YAA Sen Tchr, FKhattab) & Shaun Giroux (GKrebs, LDumont) 780-428-0805.

Apr 30 C Family Yoga w/ Helen Mikuska. 11am-12pm. Harmony Yoga Pilates Studio. 403-809-1402; [email protected].

Apr 30 E Yoga Journey Through the Chakras w/Rebecca. 12:30-2pm. $25+GST. Yoga Within 9014-75 St. 780-450-9642. www.yogawithin.ca.

May 5 C Stressbuster Yoga w/ Helen Mikuska. 7:30-9pm. Harmony Yoga Pilates Studio 403-809-1402; [email protected].

May 6 RD Advanced Teachings / Teacher Training w/ Ann Waschuk & Paula Carnegie Fehr. 9am-4pm. $75/85 YARD (4706-49 Ave Red Deer) Ann Waschuk 403-343-3830 www.reddeeryoga.ca.

May 6 E Psoas Workshop w/ Brea Johnson. Time TBA. $50 (YfT mem $45) Yoga for Today 780-416-4211; [email protected] or www.yogafortoday.ca.

May 6 E Authentic Voice: Uncover Your Voice & Discover Your Beauty Again w/ Anna Beaumont. Time TBA. $45 (YfT members $40) Yoga for Today 780-416-4211; [email protected] or www.yogafortoday.ca.

May 6 E Yoga and Food Social w/ Anita Cullen. A 2 hour all Levels Iyengar yoga class followed by dinner. 4pm-8pm. $50. Family Yoga Ctr. 4740-99 St, 780-465-4668, www.familyoga.ca.

May 6 E Yoga & Body Rolling w/ Anita Sielecki. 2-5pm. $40+GST. Yoga Within 9014-75 St. 780-450-9642. www.yogawithin.ca.

May 7 RD Sanskrit Mantra Chanting w/ Ann Waschuk. 1-4:30pm $30. YARD (4706-49 Ave). Ann 403-343-3830, www.reddeeryoga.ca

May 10 C FREE Mantra Chanting w/ Helen Mikuska. 4:45-5:45pm.Harmony Yoga Pilates Studio. 403-809-1402; [email protected].

May 13 YAA E Teacher Training Class #4: Basic Asana; Subtle Body Anatomy (Prana, Nadis (Ida, Pingala & Sushumna), Kundalini, Chakras Overview, Koshas; Complete Breath; Karen Hamdon. 9:30am-3pm. 9231–100 Ave. $60. YAA 780-427-8776. Ad p.25.

May 13 E The Kindness of a Mother: Meditation Workshop w/ Kushok Lobsang. 1-3pm. $40 (YfT members $35). Yoga for Today 780-416-4211; [email protected] or www.yogafortoday.ca.

May 13 E Mother’s Day Prenatal Partner Yoga w/ Sara Morris. Time TBA. $40 (YfT members $35) Yoga for Today 780-416-4211; [email protected] or www.yogafortoday.ca.

Apr21-23 E 15-Hr Yin Retreat-Minding the Gap w/ Marla Erickson (International workshop). Fri 5:30-8:30pm, Sat 12:30-7:30, Sun 9-4pm. $350. Yoga for Today 780-416-4211; [email protected] or www.yogafortoday.ca. Ad p. 26.

Apr 22 E Meditation w/ Marcia Langenberg, TKV Desikachar Lineage. 9-1pm. $75. [email protected]. 780-436-3767.

Apr 22 E Shoulder Workshop w/ Reg Nugent. 1-4pm. $50 (YfT mem $45). Yoga for Today 780-416-4211; [email protected]; yogafortoday.ca.

Apr 22 E Fundamentals of Juicing w/ Tami Hay. 9-12pm. $35. Yoga for Today 780-416-4211; [email protected] or www.yogafortoday.ca.

Apr 22 E Healthy Salads, Dips & Desserts w/ Tami Hay. 1-4pm. $55 (YfT members $50/$75 when registering for both of Tami’s classes). Yoga for Today 780-416-4211; [email protected] or www.yogafortoday.ca.

Apr 22-23 & 28-29 E 25-Hour Deepen Your Yin Practice w/ Melanie & Kyra. $250+GST. Yoga Within 9014-75 St. 780-450-9642. www.yogawithin.ca.

Apr 23 E Serenity Sunday w/Glenda Sartore. 11-1:30pm. $45. Yoga for Today 780-416-4211; [email protected] or www.yogafortoday.ca.

Apr 23 E Refresh and Restore – Spring Session w/ Connie Clarke, YAA and Linda Dumont, YAA Sr. Teacher, 1-4:30pm. $50 (bef. Apr 1st) or $60 (aft Apr 1st). Weight loss, detox and restorative. Edm Yoga Studio, Connie 780-862-4038, www.dancingwillowyoga.ca.

Apr 26 C FREE Mantra Chanting w/ Helen Mikuska. 4:45-5:45pm. Harmony Yoga Pilates Studio. 403-809-1402; [email protected].

Apr 28 C Yoga Workshop w/ Kathy Nash. Working from the Inside Out in Backbends 6:30-9pm. $60. www.kathynashyoga.com.

Apr28-30 E YAA Intensive w/ Mahyar Raz (Toronto/Tehran). $260 +$30 non-YAA member (+$40 after Mar21). FYC. Fri 6-8:30pm; Sat 9-12, 2:30-5pm; Sun 8:30-11:30am. Info: Judi 780-433-0405; Reg: YAA 780-427-8776. Ad p. 22.

Apr 29 E Happy Feet w/ Jill Gaumont. 1-3pm. $40 (YfT members $35) Yoga for Today 780-416-4211; [email protected] or www.yogafortoday.ca.

Apr 29 E Learn to Love Your Core w/ Neil Haggard. 2-4pm. $35+GST. Yoga Within 9014-75 St. 780-450-9642. www.yogawithin.ca.

Apr29-30 E 15 Hr iRest® Yoga Nidra Practice w/ Anne Douglas (International workshop). Sat 12-8pm, Sun 8:30-5:30pm. $350 ($295 bef. Mar 27). Yoga for Today 780-416-4211; [email protected] or www.yogafortoday.ca. Ad p. 26 & 36.


Jul 21-27 Seven Day Residential Retreat, Calm Mind, Open Heart w/ Guy and Sally Armstrong. Mt St Frances, Cochrane Ab. Seeds of The Dhamma.com, [email protected] or Kat, [email protected].

Jul 23-Aug 5 & Aug 18-31 C 300 Hour Upgrade to obtain RYT500 w/ Yoga Alliance –Wholistic and Ayurvedic Yoga Teacher Training Immersion w/ Helen Mikuska. Reg. for both modules; $4,300 incl. gst, 1,750pg Wholistic & Ayurvedic Tchr. Tr. Manuals&textbooks). Harmony Yoga Pilates. 403-809-1402; [email protected].

Aug 4 -7 JASPER: Yoga and Hiking Retreat in Jasper w/ Keely Scott (Himalayan trad’n). $560 dbl occp’/$600 sngl occp’, max 22 pers. Palisades Center. www.ewyoga.com, [email protected].

Aug 8-11 E Kids’ Yoga Camp w/ Sara Morris. $140.12:30-4pm daily. Yoga for Today 780-416-4211; [email protected] or www.yogafortoday.ca.

Aug 12 E Philosophy Refresher w/ Donalee Campbell. Time & price TBA. Yoga for Today 780-416-4211; [email protected] or www.yogafortoday.ca.

Aug12-13 E Breath Awareness w/ Julie Jeong. Time & price TBA. Yoga for Today 780-416-4211; [email protected] or www.yogafortoday.ca.

Aug16-20E YAA Awakening to our Nature: A Mindfulness Meditation & Gentle Yoga Retreat w/ Kavindu (Mexico) & David McAmmond. Providence Renewal Centre. Wed.7pm-Sun.1pm. Anita (780) 432-7152, [email protected]. Ad pg 21.

Aug21-27RD Annual Yoga Summer Intensive w/ Ann Waschuk & Paula Carnegie Fehr and asst’d Instructors YARD (4706-49 Ave Red Deer) Ann Waschuk 403-343-3830 www.reddeeryoga.ca.

Aug25-27 Ninth Annual Spa Yoga Retreat. Village at Pigeon Lake. All levels welcome. Reg: Edie Cassady, Registered Yoga Therapist at www.yogawellness.ca or 780-466-6548. Ad p. 29.

Aug28-Sep1E Fall Back to Yoga student intensive. All levels - brush up on your practice after a busy active summer. Reg. in Adv. Family Yoga Ctr. 4740-99 St, 780-465-4668, www.familyoga.ca.

Sep 2017-Apr 2018 E 200-Hour Hatha Yoga Teacher Training w/ Melanie. Yoga Within 9014-75 St. 780-450-9642. www.yogawithin.ca.

Sep 9 YAA E Teacher Training Class #6: Hip Open-ers & Forward Bends; Niyamas (Sutras 2.40-2.55) / Svadhisthana Chakra / Pelvis & Lumbar Spine Anatomy / Pre- and Post-Natal Issues; Ujjayi; Teddy Hyndman. 9:30am-3pm. 9231–100 Ave. $60. YAA 780-427-8776. Ad p.25.

Sep 16 E Yoga for Anxiety w/ Gillian Kennedy. Time & price TBA. Yoga for Today 780-416-4211; [email protected] or www.yogafortoday.ca.

Sep16-17 E Philosophy Refresher w/ Donalee Campbell. Time & price TBA. Yoga for Today 780-416-4211; [email protected] or www.yogafortoday.ca.

Sep 17 E Breath Awareness w/ Julie Jeong. Time & price TBA. Yoga for Today 780-416-4211; [email protected] or www.yogafortoday.ca.

Sep22-24 E YAA Deepening our Practice Retreat w/ David McAmmond. #4 of 2017 Series of 5. Providence Centre. Fr.6:30pm-Sun.4pm. $325 (Memb) Anita 780-432-7152. Ad p. 28.

Sep22-24 YAA E Intensive w/ Louié Ettling (Vancouver). $260 +$30 non-YAA member (+$40 aft Aug 21). Fri 6-8:30pm; Sat 9-12, 2:30-5pm; Sun 8:30-11:30am. FYC 4740-99 St. Info.: Teddy 780-436-1320; Reg: YAA 780-427-8776. Ad p. 23.

Sep22-24 E Yoga for Life: A Look at Ashtanga Yoga, Breath and Buoyancy w/Fiona Stang (International wksp). $250 (Early bird $225). Time TBA. Yoga for Today 780-416-4211; [email protected]; www.yogafortoday.ca. Ad p. 26.

Sep22-24 C Weekend Non Residential retreat w/ Heather Marten. Accom. available. Seeds of The Dhamma.com, [email protected] or Kat [email protected].

Sep23-24 BodySensing Immersion w/ Anne Douglas, Barbara Eastham & Kirsten Guest. Banff. [email protected]. Ad p. 14 & 36.

Sep24-29 Master Class 5 day Yoga Retreat w/ Marion (Mugs) McConnell, Sr & Int’l Teacher YAA, & Carla Wainwright. Using props properly, Hands on Assists, Breath of Bliss. $1300+GST (incl. meals & shared accom). Sorrento Centre, Sorrento, BC. www.soyayoga.com/events, [email protected], 250-492-2587.

Sep 24-Oct 6 RYT 300 Hour Upgrade to RYT500 Yoga Teacher Tr. Immersion w/ South Okanagan Yoga Academy. 2nd of 2 Modules. $1750 each+GST. Sorrento Centre, Sorrento, BC. Marion 250-492-2587 www.soyayoga.com, [email protected].

Sep29-Oct1 Letters from the Yoga Masters: A Yoga Retreat w/ Marion (Mugs) McConnell, Sr & Int’l Teacher YAA. Teachings based on Mugs’ book “Letters from the Yoga Masters”. Fri 5:30-Sun noon. $425+GST (incl. meals & shared accom). Sorrento Centre, BC. www.soyayoga.com/events, [email protected] 250-492-2587. Ad p. 35.

Sep29-Oct 1 Yoga in Banff w/ Beth McCann. Fri 7:30-9:30pm, Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 10am-1pm. $225 (bef. Sep 1), $250 (aft. Sep 1). Banff Y Mountain Lodge Training Centre. Jenn 403-431-5791, [email protected]. Prepaid, on-site vegan lunch avail. $15. Accommodation not included.

Jun23-25 E Anatomy Refresher w/ Reg Nugent. Time & price TBA. Yoga for Today 780-416-4211; [email protected] or www.yogafortoday.ca.

Jun23-25 E Awakening the Heart Yoga Retreat w/ senior teachers Elisabeth Michielsen & Anna Radyo, River Lodge. Fri 4pm-Sun 4pm $365 (incl.). Anna 780-439-5196 or Elisabeth [email protected]; www.bodyheartsoul.com.

Jun 25 E How to Teach Meditation to Children w/ Joyce Christian. Time and price TBA. Yoga for Today 780-416-4211; [email protected] or www.yogafortoday.ca.

Jun 28 C FREE Mantra Chanting w/ Helen Mikuska. 4:45-5:45pm. Harmony Yoga Pilates Studio. 403-809-1402; [email protected].

Jun 30 C An evening w/ Ajahn Pavaro. 7-8:30pm. Yoga Center Calgary. No set fee: Donation to Ajahn, Seeds of The Dhamma.com, or [email protected], 403-243-9697 or Kat, [email protected].

Jul 1 YAA Deadline for Initial Certification and Recertification applications for September approval.

Jul 3 E All You Can Iyengar Yoga. Begins at the Family Yoga Centre. Jul 3- Aug 12. 4740-99 St, 780-465-4668, www.familyoga.ca.

Jul 5-6 C Learning Puja Ceremonies by Bill Barry. Basics of the Shodashopachara (classical form of puja) as taught by Namadeva Acharya. Receive written & audio resources for further learning & home practice. $232 ($190 bef. Jun 24). $160 incl. gst). Harmony Yoga Pilates Studio. 403-809-1402; [email protected].

Jul 7-22 C RYT 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training Immersion w/ South Okanagan Yoga Academy. Live your Yoga in this classical yoga program! Reg. 1-2 months prior to complete assignments in adv. $2925+GST (bef. May 8th; incl. manual, textbks, on-line anatomy & light lunches). Harmony Yoga Pilates Studio Marion 250-492-2587, www.soyayoga.com, [email protected]. Ad p. 35.

Jul 8-12 E Whole Body Alignment Intensive & Teacher Training w/ Jill Gaumont. 9-4pm. $515 ($490 bef. Apr 15). Yoga for Today 780-416-4211; [email protected]; www.yogafortoday.ca. Ad p. 26.

Jul 8-14 YAA E Refresh, Renew, Restore & Teach w/ YAA and Khattab Certified Teachers. Edmonton Yoga Studio 12039-127 St. $525/week aft July 7 $630/week. Non-YAA member +$10. YAA 780-427-8776. Ad p. 36.

Jul14-16 C The Art & Skill of Teaching Restorative Yoga w/ Trish Robbins. Fri 7-9pm; S/S 1:30-5:30 pm. Yoga Studio North-Crowchild. 403-265-6295; [email protected]. Ad p. 30.

Jun 10 E Mini workshop w/ Frema Bram. Lengthen the side body with Parsva Poses. 1:30pm-4pm. $40. Reg. in Advance. Family Yoga Ctr. 4740-99 St, 780-465-4668, www.familyoga.ca.

Jun 11 E 14 Basics w/ Gerda Krebs. Time TBA. $50 (YfT members $45). Yoga for Today 780-416-4211; [email protected] or www.yogafortoday.ca.

Jun 11 E Breath Awareness w/ Julie Jeong. Time & price TBA. Yoga for Today 780-416-4211; [email protected] or www.yogafortoday.ca.

Jun 14 C FREE Mantra Chanting w/ Helen Mikuska. 4:45-5:45pm. Harmony Y Pilates Studio. 403-809-1402; [email protected].

Jun16-18 YAA E Deepening our Practice Retreat w/ David McAmmond. #3 of 2017 Series of 5. Providence Centre. Fr.6:30pm-Sun.4pm. $325 (Memb) Anita 780-432-7152. Ad p 28.

Jun 17 E Happy Feet w/Jill Gaumont. 1-3pm. $40 (YfT members $35). Yoga for Today 780-416-4211; [email protected] or www.yogafortoday.ca.

Jun 17 E Yoga Nidra, deep relax’n, and savasana wksp w/ Keely Scott. 10am-4pm. MZD. $75. 10816-95 St, Info/Reg: [email protected].

Jun 17-18 E Journey Through the Chakras w/ Leslie McKenzie. Yoga for Today 780-416-4211; p. 26.

Jun20-24 Teacher Development Retreat in Tradition of TKV Desikachar w/ international teacher. Toronto. Rosemary Jeanes Antze. 416-656-3792. www.anaama-yoga.ca.

Jun 17 E YAA INTERNATIONALYOGA DAY CELEBRATION. Noon-2 pm. FREE YOGA, MINDFULNESS, SNACKS. Hawrylak Park Picnic Site #4. Ad page 14. 780-427-8776.

Jun 21 E Summer Solstice w/ Satwinder Sran. 6:30-8:30 pm. $30+GST or $40+GST at door. Yoga Within 9014-75 St. 780-450-9642. www.yogawithin.ca.

Jun21-25 E 5 day residential (+ 3 day non-res. options) meditation retreat w/ Ajahn Pavaro. “The Practice of Contentment” beg&adv. Wed 11am - Sun 12:30pm. Providence Renewal Ctr. 3005-119 St. Non-residential reg. https://ajahnpavaro2017retreat.eventbrite.ca. Residential reg: Stephen: [email protected]; 780-299-8977.

Jun 23 C Yoga Workshop w/ Kathy Nash. Forward Bends & Twists. 6:30-9pm. $60. www.kathynashyoga.com

Jun 23 C Yoga Nidra Evening w/ Helen Mikuska. 7:30-9pm. Harmony Yoga Pilates Studio. 403-809-1402; [email protected].


YOGA ASSOCIATION OF ALBERTA WORKSHOP & CLASSES:

FEES & CANCELLATION POLICYRegistration: Registration with full payment to the

YAA office is required for all YAA workshops, TTP classes, retreats, etc. Phone registration without payment will be held for 7 calendar days.

Transfers: Transfer of your registration to another participant is not permitted.

Cancellations: Cancellation fees apply. All refunds are given at the discretion of the YAA. Once payment has been made to the YAA, you may qualify for an 80% refund, if your space can be filled by another registrant. Cancellation due to illness (with a doctor’s note) or due to unforeseen emergency MAY qualify for a refund at the discretion of the YAA.

Yes! I would like to become a YOGA ASSOCIATION OF ALBERTA MEMBER. Pay online or call YAA 780-427-8776

r $30.00 FULL MEMBERSHIP (voting privileges, newsletters mailed directly to member) Pay multiple years: $30 x ___ years.

r $10.00 ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP (members pick up newsletters from their teachers) Teacher’s Name ___________________________ Pay multiple years: $10 x __ years

r $350.00 LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP (voting privileges, newsletters mailed directly to member)

r _______Donations gratefully accepted for YAA Outreach or Bursary Fund

YES, I hereby consent to receiving electronic communications including newsletters, job opportunities, updates, upcoming events, invitations, notifications, membership renewals, workshop information, teacher training and certification information, outreach, yoga props and equipment information, website information and other updates related to the functioning of the Yoga Association, that could be of interest to me as a YAA member, by e-mail, text or other electronic means. Signed: _________________

Please Print:

Please note address change.

Date _______________________________________

___________________________________________

Name ______________________________________

Address ____________________________________

City ________________________________________

Province _____________ Postal Code ____________

Phone (H) _______________ (W) ________________

E-mail Address _______________________________

New Member Renewal MembershipI am a Yoga Teacher.I am in a Teacher Training Program

Start date: ___________________________________Studio: ______________________________________

yoga.ca

yoga.caEst. 1976

Oct 28 E Psoas Wksp. w/ Brea Johnson. Time TBA. $50 (YfT mem $45). Yoga for Today 780-416-4211 [email protected]; www.yogafortoday.ca.

Nov 1 YAA Deadline for Initial Certification and Recertification applications for January approval.

Nov 4 YAA E YogaChi w/ Paul Yapp. All levels. PPC 11759 Groat Rd. Rm 7. 9:30-2:30pm. $40. YAA 780-427-8776. Ad p. 4.

Nov 3 E Kirtan Chanting w/ Sparrow Grace. Time TBA. $40 (YfT mem $35). Yoga for Today 780-416-4211 [email protected]; www.yogafortoday.ca.

Nov 4 E Anatomy Refresher w/ Reg Nugent. Time & price TBA. Yoga for Today 780-416-4211; [email protected] or www.yogafortoday.ca.

Nov 18 YAA E Teacher Training Class #7: Balancing Poses; Asana (Sutras 2.46-2.48) / Class Planning & Sequencing / Review Nadis; Nadi Sodhana; Melanie Checknita. 9:30am-3pm. 9231–100 Ave. $60. YAA 780-427-8776. Ad p.25.

Nov 18 E Deep Restore w/Brea Johnson. yogafortoday.ca.Nov 24-26E 15 Hr. Yin Retreat w/Marla Ericksen (Int’l

teacher). TBA. Yoga for Today 780-416-4211; [email protected]; www.yogafortoday.ca.

Nov 25 E Yoga of the old Masters: Nakamura & Okido System w/ Dorothy Robinson. yogafortoday.ca.

Nov26-Dec3 Costa Rica - Soothe Your Soul - Yoga Adventure w/ Darlene Klassen. $1500 US + Flight, Incl. accom at Retreat Center, veg meals, daily yoga, airport shuttle, excursion, beach resort on last night. www.fullcirclewt.com, 780 221-9192.

Dec 1-3 YAA E Deepening our Practice w/ David McAmmond. #5 Anita 780-432-7152. Ad p. 28.

Dec 9 YAA E Teacher Training Ad p. 25.2018

Jan19-21 E YAA Marlene Mawhinney Ad p. 23.Spring E Krisna Zawaduk Intensive (Kelowna) Ad p. 23.

Sep 30 E Pranayama and Mudras w/ Dorothy Robinson. Time TBA. $50 (YfT members $45). Yoga for Today 780-416-4211; [email protected] or www.yogafortoday.ca.

Sep 30 E Ball Rolling w/ Brea Johnson. Time & price TBA. Yoga for Today 780-416-4211; [email protected] or www.yogafortoday.ca

Sep30-Oct1E Teacher Development 10-Hr Immersion w/ Brea Johnson. Sat 12-5:30pm, Sun 9-3pm, $195. Yoga for Today 780-416-4211; [email protected] or www.yogafortoday.ca.

Oct 7-8 E Yoga for Energy, Power, Joy and Ease w/ David Wilson. Time TBA. $175 (Early bird $155). Yoga for Today 780-416-4211; [email protected] or www.yogafortoday.ca.

Oct 11 C YAA Satsang Gathering with an iRest Flavour: Short Meditation, Talk, Q&A, 7-9:30 pm, FCJ Centre, 219-19 Ave. S.W. Suggested donation $20. Please join us. Carolyn 403-249-3355.

Oct12-18 C YAA Richard Miller (USA) - The Depth Teachings of Meditation: A live-in retreat at the FCJ Centre, Calgary, Thur 5pm-Wed 1pm, Anita 780-432-7152. Ad p. 2.

Oct13-15 Montreal: iRest Personal Practice Immersion w/ Clear-light Gerald. www.irest.us. Ad p. 36.

Oct 15 E Philosophy Refresher w/ Donalee Campbell. Time & Price TBA. Yoga for Today 780-416-4211; [email protected] or www.yogafortoday.ca.

Oct20-22 YAA E Teacher Training Fall Teaching Skills Workshop $200. Fri 7-9pm; Sat 9am-5pm; Sun 9am-3pm; Classical Yoga Centre 11906-129 Ave.; Mary LeBlanc. Ad p. 25.

Oct 20-22 E Iyengar Yoga Retreat w/ Patty Dusel. $435 (incl. instruction, meals and accom.) Strawberry Creek Lodge (1/2 h. drive west of Leduc). Info: Barb Deneka, [email protected] or yogainsherwoodpark.ca.

Oct 21 E Yoga for the Lymphatic System w/ Dorothy Robinson. Time TBA. $50 (YfT members $45). Yoga for Today 780-416-4211; [email protected] or www.yogafortoday.ca.

Oct 21 E Your Brain on Pain w/Shelly Prosko. Time TBA. $70. Yoga for Today 780-416-4211; [email protected] or www.yogafortoday.ca.

Oct 27-29 E YAA Desikachar Lineage w/intern’l tchr Rosemary Jeanes Antze. $250memb/$280nonmemb. Info Marcia 780-436-3767, Rosemary www. anaama-yoga.ca; Reg YAA 780-427-8776. See ad p. 21.

Oct 27-29 & Nov 3-5. C iRest Yoga Nidra Level 1 Training w/ Anne Douglas. 2 wknds. Yoga Studio North. iRest.us. Ad p. 36.

(Non-YAA members please add $3 per item) PriceBLANKETS Mexican Blankets (20 or more $10 each) New 12.00 Cotton or wool blend (Manduka) 30./42.BLOCKS Chipped Green Foam Blocks: 2” x 8” x 12”, 20 or more @ $7.50 8.00 Lightweight Grey Blocks: 2” x 8” x 12”, 20 or more @ $8.50 9.00 Black Foam Bricks: 4” x 6” x 9”, 20 or more @ $11.50 12.00 Wood Blocks: 3” x 4.5” x 9”, 20 or more @ $20.00 22.00 Foam Slant Boards 20.00BOLSTERS (assorted colours made with foam core) Oval with cover, large, 11” diameter, member: 15 or more @$72.00) 75.00 Oval with cover, medium, 9” diameter, memb: 15 or more @$65.00) 68.00 Round with cover, small, 6” diameter 40.00 BOOK: Yoga Therapy for Backs by David McAmmond with Anita Sielecki 32.00CHAKRA BANNERS, POSTERS 29./4./7.EYEBAGS: flaxseed, unscented 11.00LEGGINGS (black) sale 15.00JOY-A-TOES / TOEZIES Therapy for your feet 31./17.MAGNESIUM BATH SALT: Salt, gel or Spray. Subtle Energy. 32.00MAGNETIC HEALING JEWELRY: necklaces, bracelets, earrings sale 5./24.MEDITATION BENCH: hand-made wood 39.00 MATS & CARRIERS Tapas© Regular: assorted colours, 10 or more minus $2 31.00 Tapas© Travel 20.00 Jade Mats: Travel, 68”, 71”, 74” 59./78./83./83. Manduka© 71” long / 85” long, extra wide 109./130. Manduka© Pro-Lite: 71” long 89.00 Manduka© Superlite Travel & Ekolite 44./60. Mat Bags: woven, multicoloured, made in Bolivia, fair trade item sale 29.00 Manduka© & Jade Hot Yoga Towels 25./35.NETI POTS: plastic and ceramic 20./25.NETI SALT (8 or 10 oz) 4./8.SANDBAGS (10 lb): assorted fabrics 22.00 STRAPS (single thickness, easy-slide buckle, white, black, blue; more than 20 less .50) 7’ x 1” and 9’ x 1” 8./10. 7’ x 1.5” and 9’ x 1.5” 11./13. TONGUE CLEANERS: copper 5.00WAGS: gloves for wrist support 56.00YOGA SANDALS (toe-separators, pedicure) S - XXXL 43.00YOGA PAWS: great for travel, fit on your hands and feet 32.00YOGA BOOKS, CDS, DVDs, POSTERS AVAILABLE IN STORE AND UPON REQUEST

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ASSOCIATION OF ALBERTA BRIDGE...central philosophy of Buddhism based upon the works of Nāgārjuna....

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