The term “heart openers” and “backbends” are frequently heard in the yoga community. Another popular epitaph revolves around how the practice of yoga will help to “open your heart” – emotionally, as well as, physically. Physically through postures like Urdhva Dhanurasana (Wheel Pose), Setu Bandhasana Sarvanghasana (Bridge Pose), Ustrasana (Camel Pose), Shalambhasana (Locust Pose) (I could go on and on) …
The Importance of Morning Practice
“It’s important to practice in the morning. Not because in the morning practice is better. Actually many times in the evening we are more awake and the body is more flexible. But its crucial to practice in the morning, because the morning creates the day. It’s not good to go out in the world without being a bit with ourselves. …
What does Yoga Mean to you?
The practice of yoga offers many different gifts to many different people. Traditionally the word yoga is defined as “to yoke” or to create “a union.” The union or the yoking that this definition speaks to is the creation of a union between the heart and the mind. Once this union is created one experiences an inner calm and quiet, …
Revolutionize your Resolutions
I remember taking a teacher training with Shiva Rea in 2013 that went over New Years Eve and Day and it revolutionized my view of the new year and resolutions. Prior to that training I had never really been a fan of New Years. I always felt that the parties, celebrations and resolutions around self-improvement seemed so false and manufactured. Not to …
5 Reasons to Practice Yoga Even in the Summer
This happens to the best of us as the weather gets nicer and nicer: we stop practicing yoga. Well, it happens to those of us who aren’t addicted to our yoga practice or who don’t practice 4 or more times per week. As the weather gets nicer we are pulled outside, especially after months of rain in the place we …
How Yoga Can Support and Build Community
If you have ever spent time consistently practicing at a yoga studio, you know that a yoga studio can become a centre for sangha or kula, which are Sanskrit words that mean community. Over time, a studio begins to embody much more than the classes it has to offer. Although those classes form the foundation for the community that grows in and around the …
Can I take an intermediate class?
I just wanted to reach out a little bit around the Intermediate classes on the schedule and discuss a little bit about why they are there, and why anyone might want to take an intermediate class. So I am going to share with you a personal story. I can remember taking my first intermediate class ever, I was so very …
Sadhana . . . What does it mean?
With April being Sadhana month at Shala, I thought that I would reach out and talk a little bit about what Sadhana is and means and how it can resonate with each of us in a unique way. As I am at heart a nerd, book worm and secret academic, I will start with some definitions of Sadhana, something concrete for you …
Shala Yoga is Under New Ownership
Happy February Everyone, As some of you may know Josee has sold Shala Yoga to me, and the transfer become official on February 1st 2017. With this month we enter into a new chapter for Shala, built on a strong foundation. I am so looking forward to pouring my creative energy into the space and to connecting with each of you as …
Shala Studio
Shala Yoga Studio is a bright intimate Squamish Yoga space created to bring yoga into everyone’s daily lives, on and off the mat. Shala is a house of yoga, school of yoga, sacred space, where all can practice, evolve and build Squamish’s community. Shala’s space is warm and inviting. All yoga levels are welcome to practice.