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Friday, July 30, 2010 to Sunday, August 1, 2010
 "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 30th at 4:00 pm , until Sunday, August 1st 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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
 Wow, thanks, together we raised $450.00 for the WWF!!!
Join us for our third annual candlelight yoga class on Saturday, March 27th from 8:30 - 9:30 pm, $15. 100% of class fees go directly to the World Wildlife Fund.
On Saturday, March 27, 2010, 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 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
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.
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
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.
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."
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.
Thursday, December 31, 2009 to Friday, January 1, 2010
 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 2009 and awaken from savasana after midnight 2010 to be reborn and ready to take on a new year of peace, joy, love and success.
Thursday, December 31st, 2009, 10:30 pm until Friday, January 1st, 2009, 12:15 am $30. Advanced registration with payment only.
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
"Joanne, thanks for leading us through a relaxing and rejuvenating weekend retreat! As always, you created a warm, fun and interesting environment and introduced me to new ideas and approaches to life. My body, mind and spirit thank you! Namaste" ~ Dianne Perkins
"Hey Big Jo! Just a word of thanks for yet another amazing yoga retreat weekend! I am so grateful that you have become part of my life. Namaste." ~ L'il Jo
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Breathe if you love yoga!
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