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[Posted on Friday, January 27, 2012, filed under News]
On Saturday, February 25th, I am participating in The Yogathon for Schizophrenia to raise funds for the Schizophrenia Society of Ontario.
This is my 7th year participating in this worthwhile fundraiser and I am doing it for my brother Jimmy who has schizophrenia. He is pictured with me here when we were very young (my very first Lion's pose!!!!!).
You can learn more about my brother Jimmy and make an on-line donation (tax receipts provided via email), by going to my personal fundraising page (web link below) or if you'd like to join the event yourself, check-out the website at www.yogathon.ca. You can also make donations the old-fashioned way in person, right here at The Big Stretch (cash or cheque only - charitable tax receipts provided for donations over $20).
This fundraiser benefits the "Peace of Minds" youth engagement initiative, which helps youth and youth workers identify the signs and symptoms of psychosis; understand the importance of getting help early; and encourages them to fight the stigma associated with schizophrenia by speaking out against myths related to the illness.
Thanks for your support.
Web Link: Sponsor Joanne here - Donate to the Yogathon for Schizophrenia
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[Posted on Saturday, January 14, 2012, filed under News]
How fabulous!
The versatile, Deluxe Mini Bolster can be used to support your neck or lower back. It can also be used as a small bolster to open your chest, support your hip in pigeon pose or cow's head pose, tuck under your knees for a seated forward bend or savasana or you can sit on it.
It comes in a variety of colours so it will also look great on your sofa!
Because Halfmoon's Canadian-made and hand-made cushions are filled with organic buckwheat hulls, they breathe and are adjustable in their shape for your maximum comfort.
Pick one up for yourself or a friend, $45 (includes HST).
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[Posted on Saturday, January 14, 2012, filed under News]
Soothe tired eyes and release facial tension, ease the mind and renew the spirit with an all natural eye pillow filled with flax seeds and lavender. Ideal for Savasana or just chilling out. This little luxury comes in a lovely box - a perfect hostess, birthday or Mother's Day gift. Includes a removable, washable cover in either solid silk or cotton print. Handmade in Vancouver - $25.00.
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[Posted on Friday, December 23, 2011, filed under News]
The 2012 Winter and Spring Schedule is now available on-line (click on the PDF link below) or you can pick up a printed version next time you join us at The Big Stretch Yoga Centre to breathe, stretch and relax with us.
The drop-in schedule remains the same as 2011, however, there are new dates for the pre-registered classes (Early Bird Yoga, 14-day Sadhana and Candlelight Restorative Yoga) as well as closures listed.
Happy New Year!
Download: 2012 Winter:Spring Schedule.pdf
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[Posted on Saturday, November 12, 2011, filed under News]
Check out our on-line Big Stretch Gallery to see photos of this fun and fabulous workshop lead by Tania Love. Our class combined meditation, asana, haiku, bubble blowing and working with mulberry paper and sumi ink to create beautiful Suminagashi.
Web Link: Gallery
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[Posted on Sunday, August 21, 2011, filed under News]
NOW COLLECTING FOOD UNTIL AUGUST 20TH
Thanks everyone for all of your very kind donations!
How fortunate we are to escape the heat with our friends and neighbours and practice peace together in an air-conditioned yoga class of wellness. Let's extend our good fortune and sense of community to our friends in Parkdale.
Some of you may have read the articles in The Toronto Star this week that our friends in Parkdale need our help. 2400 people use the food bank each month but the facility has been struggling financially to remain open.
Over the past 11 years, The Big Stretch has supported The Daily Bread Food Bank at more traditional times of giving - Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving, but hunger is an issue year 'round, so let's see how much food we can gather during this non-traditional giving time. It is better to give than receive, no? Your kind donations of non-perishable food will be accepted here at The Big Stretch until Saturday, August 20th. (extended from August 13th.)
Parkdale Community Food Bank provides nutritional support to those who are unable to meet their dietary needs in a place of dignity.
Web Link: Parkdale Community Food Bank
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[Posted on Friday, April 8, 2011, filed under News]
Drop in and check out our new lighting and art installation by Tania Love, pictured at right.
"The stretches of sand and horizon of the lake and sky offered an entirely new palette and mood. Looking to reflect the water and element and patterns I saw in the sand, I adapted the Japanese tradition of "suminagashi". It is is often used as a method of marbling paper, but is essentially a drawing made of sumi ink floating on water. Sumi ink is made of ash and soot mixed with a vegetable binder. I liked the idea of working with the combined elements of water and fire, through its ash residue." ~ Tania Love
Check out more photos of the installation in our Gallery section of the website.
Web Link: Tania Love
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[Posted on Sunday, March 27, 2011, filed under News]
Wow, thanks for your support and participation. Together we raised over $1,100.00 at our specialty yoga classes benefiting Japan and the World Wildlife Fund.
On Wednesday, March 23rd, participants gathered for a gentle yoga class instructed by Joanne Lowe with live music and vocals by Debbie Danbrook. Giselle of the Barber's Daughter also joined in by donating proceeds from the sale of her beautiful, inspired jewelery.
On Saturday, March 26th, our class was held in the dark, by candlelight, in support of Earth Hour. The event encourages awareness of climate change and about energy - how we produce it and how we use it. Class fees were donated to the World Wildlife Fund of Canada.
Thanks to all those who participated or who were unable to participate but donated anyway - karma yoga at its finest!
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[Posted on Saturday, March 12, 2011, filed under News]
Wow, thanks, together we raised $4,500.00 for this fundraiser!!! You can still donate to this worthwile cause by clicking on the link below.
On Saturday, March 5th, I am participating in The Yogathon for Schizophrenia to raise funds for the Schizophrenia Society of Ontario.
This is my 6th year participating in this worthwhile fundraiser and I do it for my brother Jimmy who has schizophrenia. He is pictured with me here when we were very young (my very first Lion's pose).
You can learn more about my brother Jimmy and make an on-line donation (tax receipts provided via email) by going to my personal fundraising page (web link below) or if you'd like to join the event yourself, check-out the website www.yogathon.ca. You can also make donations in person, right here at The Big Stretch.
This fundraiser benefits the "Peace of Minds" youth engagement initiative, which helps youth and youth workers identify the signs and symptoms of psychosis; understand the importance of getting help early; and encourages them to fight the stigma associated with schizophrenia by speaking out against myths related to the illness.
Thanks for your support.
Web Link: Sponsor Joanne - Donate to the Yogathon for Schizophrenia
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[Posted on Saturday, December 4, 2010, filed under News]
A Big Stretch Big Shout Out to Sandra Wrigley who won the Yoga Pets Photo Contest with her entry of Bekki, her miniature golden doodle who performs the Open Angle Seated Forward Bend posture or Upavistha Konasana. Our esteemed panel of judges say "Bekki's firm seat, grounded tail, upright alignment of her back and gentle, pensive look of relaxation and inward self-study illustrate that she is a true Dogi."
Sandra wins 5 yoga classes and a portrait of her pet from Robyn Feeley of Bungalow Art valued at $100.
We raised $80.00 for The Toronto Humane Society and The Big Stretch will double that to make it $160.00. Thanks for all your great entries which can be seen on-line on The Big Stretch's website in the GALLERY section (there are two Yoga Pets Galleries).
Web Link: Bungalow Art
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[Posted on Tuesday, September 21, 2010, filed under News]
"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened." ~ Anatole France
In yoga, many of the asanas or postures are modeled and named after animals, ie. fish, bird, camel, dog, cat. Snap a shot of your pet in a yoga pose and enter it via email to The Big Stretch to win an amazing 5x7 portrait of your pet by the famous pet portrait artist Robyn Feeley of Bungalow Art (Value $100) as well as 5 complimentary yoga classes. Check out Robyn's website at www.bungalowart.com.
Please submit your photo via email, and drop-off a $10.00 entry fee (to be donated to The Toronto Humane Society) next time you are at class. Don't forget to include the name of your pet and the yoga pose. Photos will be displayed on-line in the Gallery section of The Big Stretch Yoga Centre's website. i have also included a few of Robyn's pet portraits here.
Deadline for entries is Tuesday, November 30th, 2010.
Contest is open to students of The Big Stretch - amateur photographers only. One entry per person. Photos .jpg or .png photos should be under 1MB.
Web Link: Bungalow Art
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[Posted on Monday, September 13, 2010, filed under News]
A gentle reminder dear yogis and yoginis about your pre-paid yoga classes - 5 and10 pre-paid classes expire one year from date of purchase. 20 and 50 pre-paid classes expire two years from date of purchase. Do continue your yoga practice and your investment in yourself. According to Swami Lex, there are two rules of yoga - Begin and Continue. See you soon for a stretchy-stretch.
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[Posted on Wednesday, August 25, 2010, filed under News]
Don't let hope get washed away...
On Tuesday, August 24th, we raised $400.00 at our Candlelight Yoga Class benefiting Pakistan. A BIG thanks to all who participated in the fundraiser.
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[Posted on Sunday, June 6, 2010, filed under News]
"The best and most beautiful things in the world, cannot be seen, nor touched, but are felt in the heart." ~ Helen Keller
The Great Canadian Yoga Stretch for the CNIB was a health and wellness fundraiser held at the end of May. It was all about getting active, raising money and making a difference in the lives of Canadians who are blind or partially sighted.
Over the last 10 years I have been fortunate enough to volunteer at the CNIB teaching yoga classes to blind or partially sighted children, teens, and adults. It has been challenging, fun and highly rewarding.
Web Link: Click here to sponsor me.
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[Posted on Sunday, May 9, 2010, filed under News]
CRAVE Toronto is the most unique and stylish guidebook for city living. It is a celebration of over 120 women entreprenesses that showcases some of the most creative, interesting, and gutsy proprietors throughout our city.
CRAVE Toronto, the urban girl's manifesto, innovatively connects urban gals to the sassiest, gutsiest, most inspiring people they need to know in Toronto. Our modern marketplace of soirees, gatherings and online networking serves as your ambassador to everything there is to CRAVE about Toronto.
Pick up your CRAVE Manifesto right here at The Big Stretch Yoga Centre while supplies last. $20 + tax - includes coupons to businesses we crave all over the city, including, of course, The Big Stretch Yoga Centre.
Photo of Joanne Lowe, at right, by Irina Fortey, www.irinaphotography.ca. Check out some more of her photos in our gallery section.
Web Link: Crave Toronto
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[Posted on Sunday, May 9, 2010, filed under News]
A Big Thanks: The Big Stretch Yoga Centre is celebrating its 10th year on Bayview Ave. and its 12th year in the Leaside neighbourhood. Over the past 10 years, we've created a beautiful, welcoming space of like-minded practitioners. This is such a precious thing, which continues to grow through our enthusiasm, dedication and passion for the practice. Yoga is about intimacy, not only with ourselves - our breath, our bodies, our mind, our heart - but with our family, friends, loved ones and community. Together, off the mat, we have gathered toys, food and monies to donate to many worthwhile charities, and we have come together to save this building when the City wanted to tear it down to build a parking lot.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank so many of you, including my students, friends, family, neighbours, teachers and business associates, for a fabulous 10 years.
Joy, love and laughter to you all.
Joanne
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[Posted on Wednesday, March 31, 2010, filed under News]
Friends of The Big Stretch gathered on March 27th for a candlelight yoga class during Earth Hour to raise funds for the World Wildlife Fund. Together we raised $450 as well as awareness for our environment.
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[Posted on Friday, March 12, 2010, filed under News]
A Big Thank You to friends, family and students of Joanne and The Big Stretch Yoga Centre for your kind and generous donations. Together we raised $4,055.00 and are the top fundraiser for 5 years straight.
Supporters of the SSO -- yoga enthusiasts and novices alike -- came together for this karmic event to raise funds and awareness to make a real difference in the lives of those affected by schizophrenia on Saturday, March 6 at The Berkeley Church.
This year's funds will help support SSO's Early Intervention Program which seeks to raise awareness of psychotic disorders. This will lead to early diagnosis and treatment and enhance the chances of recovery among young people.
Web Link: Sponsor me here
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[Posted on Monday, February 1, 2010, filed under News]
Wow, thanks, together we raised $850.00!!!!
We invite you to participate in a Fundraiser benefiting the recovery, relief and rebuilding efforts in Haiti. Come share yourself and your energy - mind, body, and soul - as we support Haiti and send our love, light and prayers to all her people with a lovely yoga class by candlelight - all levels welcome.
The world is responding to the disaster in Haiti, and people around the world are coming together to help in any way they can. When we join together, amazing things can happen.
100% of your class fee will be donated to the Haiti earthquake relief effort.
$20 advance registration required to reserve your spot for this candlelight yoga class on Friday, January 29th from 6 - 7:30 pm.
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[Posted on Tuesday, December 8, 2009, filed under News]
HATHY YOGA, The Hidden Language - Symbols, Secrets and Metaphors 20th Anniversary Edition by Swami Sivananda Rhada. This editition of the book was shot on location at The Big Stretch Yoga Centre, featuring director Joanne Lowe, and other Toronto instructors including the lovely Bibi Rahim-Hahn!!!!
$32.95 plus tax.
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[Posted on Saturday, August 22, 2009, filed under News]
One bottle is good for you. And for the planet.
Re-usable, stainless steel onebottles are now available in a variety of sizes. These bottles are reusable, recyclable, unbreakable, lightweight, clips onto your yoga mat tote bag and eco-friendly. This bottle has no metallic taste and does not contain any dangerous chemicals and comes with two lids - sports and plug top - for sippers and gluggers alike. $1.00 from the sale of each of these bottles will be donated to the World Wildlife Fund's conservation efforts.
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[Posted on Saturday, July 18, 2009, filed under News]
Hi Joanne, this is Jennifer one of your yogis from about a year ago. I am the one who moved to Australia temporarily. I was recently separated when I started going to your classes.
I did what may have been a 'questionable' thing and brought with me the morning glory seeds you gave your students at the end of the April sadhana last year. You gave each of us a brown paper bag with morning glory seeds you picked from your garden. I might have put myself into trouble had the Australian immigration people looked through my suitcase and found those seeds! ;-) last August when I arrived.
Just a few weeks ago, I planted those seeds and well, have a look at the photos I am attaching. They've grown! I said to myself that I would bring these seeds with me and plant them when I was ready to blossom again. Thank you Joanne. I think about your classes all the time and wish I was able to hop in the car and come down for one on a moment's notice. Although they won't replace yours, I have recently found a class and instructor that is quite good here. She is the only person since arriving here that uses music as a part of the class. As well, she tells us what the poses represent and what they do for us physically. That is rare in an instructor I've found.
Thank you Joanne for your kind gift - the seeds. Your other truly amazing gift is your yoga practice and what you do to share that. Other instructors have big shoes to fill when compared to you. It's funny. Since planting the seeds I'd been so curious to see whether they would grow. And with time and patience they did.
Take care, Jennifer
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