Monday, February 6, 2012


Today's Classes


Gentle / Big Stretch Yoga
10:00 AM - 11:15 AM
Instructor: Joanne Lowe




Gentle Stretch Yoga
05:45 PM - 07:00 PM
Instructor: Joanne Lowe




Big Stretch Yoga
07:15 PM - 08:30 PM
Instructor: Joanne Lowe




Retreats & Workshops


Candlelight Restorative Yoga in February - SOLD OUT!!!
Feb 1 to Feb 22, 2012




Earth Hour Yoga Class Fundraiser for WWF
Mar 31, 2012




Candlelight Restorative Yoga in April
Apr 4 to Apr 25, 2012




News


2012 Yogathon for Schizophrenia
[posted:2012-01-27]




New Deluxe Mini Bolsters for sale
[posted:2012-01-14]




Beautiful Eye Pillows
[posted:2012-01-14]




Recent Features


Triangle Pose - Trikonasana
Yoga Tip of the Month
[posted:2012-01-14]




Practicing Peace - yoga class etiquette
Yoga Tip of the Month
[posted:2012-01-14]




Helen Younder is our Yogini of the Month
Yogis/Yoginis of the Month
[posted:2011-10-07]




Past Retreats & Workshops


Candlelight Restorative Yoga in February - SOLD OUT!!!
Wednesday, February 1, 2012 to Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Wednesday nights, 4 weeks, February 1st to February 22nd, 6:00 - 7:30 pm - $85.00

Gentle, supported postures help to restore movement and flexibility to your body. Assisted by the use of props such as the wall, a bolster, zafus, blocks or folded blankets, poses are held for longer periods of time, allowing you to let go of long-held tensions that manifest both physically and mentally. This deeply relaxing and soothing class is suitable for beginners, people experiencing stress or anxiety and people who are recovering from illness or injury. (You may want to check with your doctor first). It is also recommended to anyone, including advanced practitioners seeking a gentle, meditative class. Advance registration required. Missed classes are not transferable or refundable. Instructor: Joanne Lowe

Next session runs in April.


Midnight Yoga on New Year's Eve
Saturday, December 31, 2011 to Sunday, January 1, 2012

Yoga, chanting and meditation with extended savasana set to rich rhythms and inspiring music with candles and aromatherapy. This luxurious yoga class commences at 10:30 pm, with meditation on our wonderful year and postures of strength and endurance to bring in the new year revitalized. We begin our extended relaxation before midnight 2011 and awaken from savasana after midnight 2012 to be reborn and ready to take on a new year of peace, joy, love and success.

Saturday, December 31st, 2011, 10:30 pm until Sunday, January 1st, 2012, 12:15 am $30. Advanced registration with payment only.


Yoga, Meditation & Contemplative Drawing
Sunday, November 6, 2011

This workshop, instructed by Tania Love, will use the ground of gentle yoga practice, breath, meditation and drawing with sumi ink to still our minds and cultivate sensitivity and spaciousness within our being.

We'll explore different drawing techniques that engage with sumi ink's fluid properties that respond to breath, water, rhythm and language of movement.

In particular we'll learn about "suminagashi", a traditional Japanese technique where ink drawings are made floating on water. This method was used to create the "cell structures" installation by Tania Love at The Big Stretch Yoga Centre.

Sumi ink is a beautiful rich ink made by collecting soot from the burning of sesame oil, grape seed oil, pine wood or other natural substances.

Absolutely no experience is necessary. Materials are included in the workshop fee. 2:00 - 4:30 pm, $45 + HST.

Tania has been teaching yoga and working as a visual artist for over a decade. While giving guidance to deepen the practice she opens a quiet space for personal reflection.

For more information about Tania Love, visit www.tanialove.com


Gentle Yoga & Live Sitar Performance
Friday, November 4, 2011

Enjoy a gentle, candlelit yoga class lead by Joanne Lowe and accompanied by Nada Yogi Ram Vakkalanka.

Ram is also a Kirtan leader, Yoga philosopher and Sanskrit expert. Ram was introduced to Sitar in his teens and studied the instrument for seven years in India. Later, he came under the tutelage of Prof. Shambhu Das, a senior disciple of the world renowned Sitar Maestro Ravi Shankar, and received advanced training in Sitar for six more years. Ram's spiritual Guru - Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda Swamiji - inititated him into the ancient art of Raga Ragini Vidya and using Vibrations for healing purposes.

In Ram's hands, the musical notes become Mantras and create a vibrant, energetic and peaceful ambiance. During his 'Nada Yoga Meditation with Sitar' sessions, Ram uses the sacred Vibrations of ancient Ragas to clear energy blocks, balance the Chakras and induce inner healing. Two albums of his healing and meditation music have been released so far...'Sitar by the ocean' and 'Nada Kusuma'...both of which are used by many Yoga and meditation teachers during their sessions.

Ram conducts Nada Yoga healing and meditation music concerts throughout North America at Yoga studios and Retreat centers and presented Sitar music at many music festivals including the prestigious Stratford Summer Music Festival.

For a video of Ram explaining the art and science of Nada Yoga, visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6IzY0P7I1Y. To find out more about Ram or see sample videos of his concerts, please visit his website at www.aksharayoga.com.

Friday, November 4th, 7 - 8:30pm, $30 + HST for Pre-registration is required to reserve your space for this lovely evening.


Candlelight Restorative Yoga - Refresh and Renew - November Session
Wednesday, November 2, 2011 to Wednesday, November 23, 2011

"We are always being hurried along, running from one task to another. Our poor nerves rarely get a chance to rest or breathe. Yoga classes can be an antidote to this feverish fervor. They give us time to pause, feel and tune in." ~ Aadil Palkhivala

Wednesday nights, 4 weeks, 6:00 - 7:30 pm - $85.

Gentle, supported postures help to restore movement and flexibility to your body. Assisted by the use of props such as the wall, a bolster or folded blankets, poses are held for longer periods of time, allowing you to let go of long-held tensions that manifest both physically and mentally. This deeply relaxing and soothing class is suitable for beginners, people experiencing stress or anxiety and people who are recovering from illness or injury. (You may want to check with your doctor first). It is also recommended to anyone, including advanced practitioners seeking a gentle, meditative class. Advance registration required. Instructor: Joanne Lowe


Live Music and Gentle Yoga with Debbie Danbrook
Friday, October 21, 2011

Enjoy a gentle yoga class led by Joanne Lowe, held by candlelight and accompanied by performance artist and healer Debbie Danbrook.

Ms. Danbrook is the first woman to have mastered the difficult Shakuhachi flute. She studied in Japan for several years with a Master Player. Debbie has released 17 CD's of Healing Music, 14 of them specifically for meditation and energy healing. Debbie offers meditations, Healing Sessions, concerts and workshops throughout North America and Japan. She teaches Shakuhachi and meditation in Toronto, Ottawa and Guelph. Debbie also takes small groups to Japan for music meditations at her favourite temples.

The flute that she plays, the Shakuhachi, is an ancient Japanese bamboo flute traditionally played by monks as a type of Zen. This Zen practice is called 'Suizen' or blowing Zen. During our yoga class we will focus on our breath and the healing music to help calm and still our minds.

The Shakuhachi is also a wonderful tool for transmitting healing energy. The sound helps to clear and balance the energy field of both player and listener.

During our yoga class, Debbie will also be singing and playing some other instruments including her North American flute and a small Finnish hand harp called a Kantele.

7:00 - 8:30 pm, Friday, October 21st, 2011, $30 + HST. Space is limited, please pre-register with payment early to reserve your space for this magical evening.


Candlelight Restorative Yoga - Refresh and Renew - October Session
Wednesday, October 5, 2011 to Wednesday, October 26, 2011

"We are always being hurried along, running from one task to another. Our poor nerves rarely get a chance to rest or breathe. Yoga classes can be an antidote to this feverish fervor. They give us time to pause, feel and tune in." ~ Aadil Palkhivala

Wednesday nights, 4 weeks, 6:00 - 7:30 pm - $85.

Gentle, supported postures help to restore movement and flexibility to your body. Assisted by the use of props such as the wall, a bolster or folded blankets, poses are held for longer periods of time, allowing you to let go of long-held tensions that manifest both physically and mentally. This deeply relaxing and soothing class is suitable for beginners, people experiencing stress or anxiety and people who are recovering from illness or injury. (You may want to check with your doctor first). It is also recommended to anyone, including advanced practitioners seeking a gentle, meditative class. Advance registration required. Instructor: Joanne Lowe


Autumn Sadhana - 14 consecutive days of yoga practice
Monday, September 12, 2011 to Sunday, September 25, 2011

14 consecutive days to a revitalized and refreshed you!

Cultivate a flexible body, a deep breath, a calm manner and an unfurrowed brow. Sadhana is a sanskrit term which means conscious spiritual practice or quest. This yoga practice, lead by certified instructor Joanne Lowe, is for 14 consecutive days, 6:45 - 7:45 am. Practice yoga the way it was meant to be practiced, on a daily basis. Salute the Sun each morning with a flowing series of postures and breathwork that will refresh and rebalance the inner you, rejuvenate and strengthen the outer you.

Get up early, watch the sun rise, listen to the birds sing, shuffle amongst the autumn leaves and join us for a lovely series of classes to open your heart, expand your awareness and lift your spirit.

Suitable for all levels. Missed classes are not transferable or refundable. Pre-registration with payment required, $200.00.

"Each morning we are born again. What matters most is what we do today." ~ Buddha's instruction


The BIG Yoga Retreat at Harmony Dawn - Summer 2011
Friday, July 29, 2011 to Sunday, July 31, 2011

"SUSTAINABLE SPAS ~ With Eco-spas on the rise, we can focus our worries on deciding between a massage or a facial and less about our carbon footprint. Harmony Dawn Retreat in Rice Lake (a 90 minute drive from Toronto) is a 50-acre resort that survives off-grid by using solar and wind power. Better yet, its south-facing windows give way to stunning woodland views." ~ Toronto Star

Clear your mind, breathe deep, stretch, relax, laugh, refresh.

Your summer yoga retreat is located at Harmony Dawn Retreat Centre on 50 rolling acres of meadow and forests, which lead right down to Rice Lake, part of the picturesque Trent Waterway system.

During this weekend you will either begin or deepen your practice of Yoga with asana, pranayama and meditation classes daily. Free time to swim in the lake, read, enjoy an old-fashioned bonfire, reconnect with nature on a hike or just lay back, relax and enjoy the views will complement this time of learning, healing, inspiration and rejuvenation. Bring along your bike or your running shoes if you'd like. Legendary vegetarian meals (spa cuisine) will be prepared for you by renowned and published Chef Nicola Lawrence. Meals are prepared from herbs and vegetables from Harmony Dawn's gardens.

Friday, July 29th at 4:00 pm , until Sunday, July 31st at 4:00 pm. $400.00 + HST per person, shared occupancy. Includes 6 fabulous meals, 4 yoga classes, a deep relaxation class, a guided hike and meditation. Register early to avoid disappointment - space is limited.

Contact Joanne for schedule, map and registration form.


Spring Sadhana
Monday, May 2, 2011 to Sunday, May 15, 2011

14 consecutive days to a revitalized and refreshed you!

Cultivate a flexible body, a deep breath, a calm manner and an unfurrowed brow. Sadhana is a sanskrit term which means conscious spiritual practice or quest. This yoga practice, lead by certified instructor Joanne Lowe, is for 14 consecutive days, 6:45 - 7:45 am. Practice yoga the way it was meant to be practiced, on a daily basis. Salute the Sun each morning with a flowing series of postures and breathwork that will refresh and rebalance the inner you, rejuvenate and strengthen the outer you.

Get up early, watch the sun rise, listen to the birds sing, walk amongst the blossoming tulips and crocuses, and join us for a lovely series of classes to open your heart, expand your awareness and lift your spirit.

The Sadhana experience provides a greater understanding of the routine and the rewards of a daily yoga practice.

Suitable for all levels. Missed classes are not transferable or refundable. Pre-registration with payment required, $200.00.

"Each morning we are born again. What matters most is what we do today." ~ Buddha's instruction


Earth Hour Yoga Class Fundraiser for WWF
Saturday, March 26, 2011

THANKS! We raised $400 at our class for the WWF

Join us for our fourth annual candlelight yoga class on Saturday, March 26th from 8:30 - 9:30 pm, $20. 100% of class fees go directly to the World Wildlife Fund.

On Saturday, March 26th, 2011, 8:30 - 9:30 pm, cities across Canada, and around the world will turn off their lights for Earth Hour, a WWF event to raise awareness about climate change and symbolize that, working together the people of the world can make a difference in the fight against climate change. In support of Earth Hour and WWF, turn off your lights for an hour and/or join me at candlelit yoga class. The Big Stretch will donate 100% of class fees entirely to the WWF (pre-paid classes are not accepted for this fundraiser). Please reserve your space in advance with payment.

Check out www.earthhour.org for more information on this worldwide event.

The WWF's mission is to stop the degradation of the planet's natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature.

Breathe if you love tigers and polar bears!!!!

www.wwf.ca


Fundraiser for Japan - Gentle Yoga and Live Music
Wednesday, March 23, 2011

THANKS! We raised $700.00++ at our benefit class for Japan.

Wednesday, March 23rd, 6:30 - 8:00 pm, $30

Join Joanne Lowe for a gentle yoga class accompanied by performance artist Debbie Danbrook and her Shakuhachi Flute.

Ms. Danbrook is the first woman to have mastered the difficult Shakuhachi flute. She studied in Japan for several years with a Master Player.

The flute that she plays, the Shakuhachi, is an ancient Japanese bamboo flute traditionally played by monks as a type of Zen. This Zen practice is called 'Suizen' or blowing Zen. During our yoga class we will focus on our breath and the healing music to help calm and still our minds.

Debbie, a former resident of Japan, will be traveling there in a couple of weeks to perform at a benefit concert in Nagoya.

Please reserve your space in advance. 100% of class fees will be donated to relief efforts in Japan.

Come a little early Wednesday night if you'd like to see and/or purchase beautiful inspirational hand made jewelery by Giselle of The Barber's Daughters . She will be donating 15% of her sales to Japan as well. www.thebarbersdaughters.com


Hatha Yoga Fundamentals with Shelly Rowen
Wednesday, January 19, 2011 to Wednesday, February 9, 2011

This essential four week series, suitable for all levels, is offered on Wednesday nights, 6 - 7:30 pm, January 19th to February 9th. $85, pre-registration is required.

January 19 - The Importance of Breathing and Moving with the Breath
Through physical practice (asana), pranayama (breathing practices) and meditation, learn about the effect that your breathing has on your nervous system and your yoga practice.

January 26 - Forward Bends & Back Bends
We'll look at the introspective nature of forward bends and the energizing and uplifting aspect of back bends. We'll talk about safe practice and how to prepare for both.

February 2 - Standing & Balancing Poses
Focus will be on standing and balancing poses from both physical (alignment and grounding) and psychological (awareness, attitude, mood) points of view.

February 9 - Restorative Yoga and Yoga Nidra
Sometimes we need a practice that is gentle, restful and nurturing. This class will begin with a gentle Hatha practice and end with Yoga Nidra. Yoga Nidra induces a deeply relaxed, yet alert, state that is profoundly transformative and healing.

About Shelly Rowen

Shelly received her yoga teacher's certification from Esther Myer's Yoga Studio in 2003.

In her classes yoga is approached therapeutically, with the objective being to restore balance; flexibility, agility and strength to the physical body, fullness and fluidity to the breath and quiet to the mind.

Shelly believes that there is a yoga practice for everyone throughout the different stages of life; young or old, physically fit or not, through good health and illness, yoga can be modified and adapted to suit the individual. In her approach to teaching, she pays special attention to the needs of each person and encourages them to make the practice their own.


Expression in Asana & Drawing with Tania Love
Sunday, November 7, 2010

Join Tania Love, artist and certified yoga instructor in this workshop combining yoga and art. We will start with a sequence of breathing, gentle movement and meditation followed by figure drawing of yoga postures.

The drawing practice will include quick gestural drawing to free movement followed by slower observation and expression.

The approach includes practicing postures individually to feel them internally and then we'll observe and discuss the physical structure, internal and external lines and expression of form.

No experience is necessary!

Materials included.

Sunday, November 7th, 1-4 pm, $62.15

"Hand in hand with my art is my yoga practice. Yoga is such a direct way to alter and gain access to perception of internal and external spaces." ~ Tania Love

Tania is depicted here with her cut paper installation of cellular like forms.

To learn more about Tania Love and her exhibits and artwork, check out her website at www.art.tanialove.com.




Live Music and Gentle Yoga
Friday, October 22, 2010

Enjoy a gentle yoga class led by Joanne Lowe, held by candlelight and accompanied by performance artist and healer Debbie Danbrook.

Ms. Danbrook is the first woman to have mastered the difficult Shakuhachi flute. She studied in Japan for several years with a Master Player. Debbie has released 17 CD's of Healing Music, 14 of them specifically for meditation and energy healing. Debbie offers meditations, Healing Sessions, concerts and workshops throughout North America and Japan. She teaches Shakuhachi and meditation in Toronto, Ottawa and Guelph. Debbie also takes small groups to Japan for music meditations at her favourite temples.

The flute that she plays, the Shakuhachi, is an ancient Japanese bamboo flute traditionally played by monks as a type of Zen. This Zen practice is called 'Suizen' or blowing Zen. During our yoga class we will focus on our breath and the healing music to help calm and still our minds.

The Shakuhachi is also a wonderful tool for transmitting healing energy. The sound helps to clear and balance the energy field of both player and listener.

During our yoga class, Debbie will also be singing and playing some other instruments including her North American flute and a small Finnish hand harp called a Kantele.

7:00 - 8:30 pm, Friday October 22nd, $30 + HST. Space is limited, please pre-register with payment early to reserve your space for this magical evening.


Autumn Sadhana - 14 consecutive days of yoga
Monday, September 13, 2010 to Sunday, September 26, 2010

14 consecutive days to a revitalized and refreshed you!

Cultivate a flexible body, a deep breath, a calm manner and an unfurrowed brow. Sadhana is a sanskrit term which means conscious spiritual practice or quest. This yoga practice, lead by certified instructor Joanne Lowe, is for 14 consecutive days, 6:45 - 7:45 am. Practice yoga the way it was meant to be practiced, on a daily basis. Salute the Sun each morning with a flowing series of postures and breathwork that will refresh and rebalance the inner you, rejuvenate and strengthen the outer you.

Get up early, watch the sun rise, listen to the birds sing, shuffle amongst the autumn leaves and join us for a lovely series of classes to open your heart, expand your awareness and lift your spirit.

Suitable for all levels. Missed classes are not transferable or refundable. Pre-registration with payment required, $200.00.

"Each morning we are born again. What matters most is what we do today." ~ Buddha's instruction


Restorative Yoga
Wednesday, May 5, 2010 to Wednesday, May 26, 2010

"We are always being hurried along, running from one task to another. Our poor nerves rarely get a chance to rest or breathe. Yoga classes can be an antidote to this feverish fervor. They give us time to pause, feel and tune in." ~ Aadil Palkhivala

Wednesday nights, 4 weeks, 6:00 - 7:30 pm - $80.

Gentle, supported postures help to restore movement and flexibility to your body. Assisted by the use of props such as the wall, a bolster or folded blankets, poses are held for longer periods of time, allowing you to let go of long-held tensions that manifest both physically and mentally. This deeply relaxing and soothing class is suitable for beginners, people experiencing stress or anxiety and people who are recovering from illness or injury. (You may want to check with your doctor first). It is also recommended to anyone, including advanced practitioners seeking a gentle, meditative class. Advance registration required. Instructor: Joanne Lowe


Spring Sadhana
Monday, April 26, 2010 to Sunday, May 9, 2010

14 consecutive days to a revitalized and refreshed you!

Cultivate a flexible body, a deep breath, a calm manner and an unfurrowed brow. Sadhana is a sanskrit term which means conscious spiritual practice or quest. This yoga practice, lead by certified instructor Joanne Lowe, is for 14 consecutive days, 6:45 - 7:45 am. Practice yoga the way it was meant to be practiced, on a daily basis. Salute the Sun each morning with a flowing series of postures and breathwork that will refresh and rebalance the inner you, rejuvenate and strengthen the outer you.

Get up early, watch the sun rise, listen to the birds sing, walk amongst the blossoming tulips and crocuses, and join us for a lovely series of classes to open your heart, expand your awareness and lift your spirit.

Suitable for all levels. Missed classes are not transferable or refundable. Pre-registration with payment required, $200.00.

"Each morning we are born again. What matters most is what we do today." ~ Buddha's instruction


Mmmmmm...Mindfulness, Music, Movement, Melting, Mantra and Munchies - An Urban Retreat
Sunday, April 25, 2010

Treat yourself to an Urban Yoga Retreat, right here in your own neighbourhood at The Big Stretch Yoga Centre - no long drives or packing for overnight stays. Our mini yoga retreat will include hatha yoga, meditation, mantra, breathwork, restorative yoga and close with refreshments, treats and surprises.

Sunday, April 25th, 2 - 5 pm. $65.00
Space is limited - please reserve in advance with your payment.

Bring along a flower - one long single stem with a blossom to be added to our communal bouquet.


Mmmmmm...Mindfulness, Music, Movement, Melting, Mantra and Munchies - An Urban Retreat
Sunday, April 25, 2010

Treat yourself to an Urban Yoga Retreat, right here in your own neighbourhood at The Big Stretch Yoga Centre - no long drives or packing for overnight stays. Our mini yoga retreat will include hatha yoga, meditation, mantra, breathwork, restorative yoga and close with refreshments, treats and surprises.

Sunday, April 25th, 2 - 5 pm. $65.00
Space is limited - please reserve in advance with your payment.

Bring along a flower - one long single stem with a blossom to be added to our communal bouquet.


Yoga for Stress and Anxiety with Shelly Rowen
Sunday, April 18, 2010

Yoga and meditation can be powerful tools for helping to manage anxiety and stress. Learn simple postures to help relieve the tension that accumulates in your body, as well as breathing and meditation techniques to help soothe your nervous system. Bring a notebook so you can record the practices. All levels, including new students are welcome.

Shelly Rowen, owner and director of Lila Yoga Studio on Roncesvalles in the west end of Toronto, has been practicing yoga for many years and received her advanced teacher's certification from Esther Myer's Studio in 2003. In her approach to teaching, she pays special attention to the needs of each individual and encourages students to make the practice their own.

April 18, 2010 - 3:00 - 5:00 pm.
$30, advanced registration required.


Mindfulness Meditation - developing your practice with Stephen Jones
Sunday, April 11, 2010

Buddha said: "With your thoughts, you create the world."

Join Stephen for three meditation classes where you will learn simple techniques of walking and sitting meditation, plus, a broader understanding of the effect our thoughts and corresponding emotions have on sustaining our connection to Joy, Love and Appreciation of All That Is. Their effect on our daily lives will also be discussed at each class. Meditation is also the path to Inner Stillness where we can experience our true state of JOY, LOVE AND EASE.

Meditation is a process that the Buddha taught 2,600 years ago. Meditation was designed to bring awareness to our thoughts and emotions and how they effect our current reality.

Stephen has been on many meditation retreats and for the past ten years has been practising Insight Meditation (mindfulness) as taught by the Buddha, from the Theravada tradition. He currently is investigating the "Teachings of Abraham" as taught by Esther and Jerry Hicks. He has worked since 1989 as a reflexologist and has been meditating for the past 25 years. Stephen also has background in other forms of meditation and body work, such as, Shiatsu, Reiki and Yoga and has been teaching meditation for the past 15 years.

Sunday, April 11th, 1:00 - 3:00 pm. Investment: $30.00. Advance registration required.


Mala Creation & Yoga
Wednesday, April 7, 2010

The Mala, a string of 108 beads crafted of wood, stone, crystal or rudrasksha seed, was conceived of in the Buddhist and Hindu traditions as a meditation aid, designed to act as an anchor that combats the mind's natural tendency to wander.

In week one, you will create your own japa mala (materials provided) - lovingly created with your own blessings or kind words. As each bead is strung, you may chant your own blessing and each time you meditate with the aid of the mala beads, you imbue it with your devotion, your love and your hopes. When your mala becomes an integral part of your meditation practice, simply touching it will still the soul and quiet the mind, preparing you to slip easily into a transcendent state.

In weeks two and three you will utitilize your new mala within your yoga practice of meditation and asana.

Instructor - Cathy Mines

Pre-register for 3 week series on Wednesday nights beginning April 7, 6:30 - 8:00 pm, $100.


Winter Wonderland Yoga Retreat at Harmony Dawn
Friday, February 12, 2010 to Sunday, February 14, 2010

Pack up your toques, sweaters, snow pants and long johns and join us for a fabulous winter retreat at Harmony Dawn in Rice Lake, Ontario.

During this weekend you will either begin or deepen your practice of Yoga with asana, pranayama and meditation classes daily. Legendary vegetarian meals by renowned and published chef Nicola Lawrence, curling up by the fire with a good book, reconnecting with nature or just laying back, relaxing and enjoying the views will complement this time of learning, healing and rejuvenation. Build a snow god or goddess, enjoy snow-shoeing or cross country skiing in this beautiful winter wonderland.

$400.00 + GST includes 6 fabulous meals, 4 yoga classes, a deep relaxation class, a guided hike and meditation. Contact Joanne for schedule, map and registration form.


Candlelight Restorative Yoga
Wednesday, February 10, 2010 to Wednesday, March 3, 2010

"We are always being hurried along, running from one task to another. Our poor nerves rarely get a chance to rest or breathe. Yoga classes can be an antidote to this feverish fervor. They give us time to pause, feel and tune in." ~ Aadil Palkhivala

Wednesday nights, 4 weeks, 6:00 - 7:30 pm - $80.

Gentle, supported postures help to restore movement and flexibility to your body. Assisted by the use of props such as the wall, a bolster or folded blankets, poses are held for longer periods of time, allowing you to let go of long-held tensions that manifest both physically and mentally. This deeply relaxing and soothing class is suitable for beginners, people experiencing stress or anxiety and people who are recovering from illness or injury. (You may want to check with your doctor first). It is also recommended to anyone, including advanced practitioners seeking a gentle, meditative class. Advance registration required. Instructor: Joanne Lowe


A Big Stretch for Haiti
Friday, January 29, 2010

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.


Stretch Your Self
Wednesday, January 13, 2010 to Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Our postures take us deeper than we think. Journey though the body - mind - spirit connection, starting where we are at, here in our bodies. Take a deep look at what your yoga practice is really doing for you - there is a balance of body, mind and spirit that happens naturally throughout the practice of yoga. In this 4 week series lead by Cathy Mines, Certified Yoga Instructor and Psychotherapist, we will examine and better understand the subtle and not so subtle sensations in the body, observe the awarenesses that arise in our practice and set a plan to connect these benefits off of our mats and into our daily lives.

Wednesday nights, 6:30 - 8:00 pm, January 13 - February 3rd, 2010, $80. Advanced registration required.

Cathy Mines describes herself as a perpetual student of yoga, constantly collecting skills and knowledge. Building her own approach to wellness, allowing the people she surrounds herself with to inspire her and shape the heart of her teaching style.

Cathy's lifestyle advice "involve yourself, be receptive, awaken your full potential and always be ready to greet a stranger with kindness."



New Year's Wellness Sadhana
Monday, January 11, 2010 to Sunday, January 24, 2010

14 consecutive days to a revitalized and refreshed you!

Cultivate a flexible body, a deep breath, a calm manner and an unfurrowed brow. Sadhana is a sanskrit term which means conscious spiritual practice or quest. This yoga practice, lead by certified instructor Joanne Lowe, is for 14 consecutive days, 6:45 - 7:45 am. Practice yoga the way it was meant to be practiced, on a daily basis. Salute the Sun each morning with a flowing series of postures and breathwork that will refresh and rebalance the inner you, rejuvenate and strengthen the outer you.

Suitable for all levels. Missed classes are not transferable or refundable. Pre-registration required by January 11th, 2010. $200.00.


Moms (or Dads) & Babies Yoga
Thursday, November 5, 2009 to Thursday, November 26, 2009

A great way to bond with your baby physically, emotionally and spiritually. Stretch, relax and rejuvenate. Suitable for newborn to approximately 10 months. Bring along your baby's blanket and any of their favourite toys. Pre-registration required for this four week series - Thursdays in November - 11:30am - 12:30 pm. $60 for moms or dads. Babies get in free!
Wednesdays in November - 2009.





"My butt is sore. My knees are weak. My hips are hurting. My energy is renewed. My spirit is soaring! Thank you for a wonderful retreat weekend." ~ Della Croteau





"As a person who holds fast, this has been a great chance to let go. Thanks for a wonderful experience and a direction for further changes and development." ~ Betty Holmes





"Another fabulous retreat! I'm always amazed as each one is more enjoyable than the last." ~ Brenda Junkin