Yoga & Meditation

 Practice BEING, learning to focus the mind within, observe the self, perhaps glimpsing the Higher Self and just breathe.  As we play with traditional postures done in a traditional way - settle in and hold the posture, listen, watch and be in the experience and release - we have the opportunity to apply the practices of yoga philosophy first hand. We hit each category of posture - standing/ balancing poses, back bends, forward bends, inverted, resting and spinal twist - with a few others thrown in for stretching and we finish class with the blissful guided deep relaxation and meditation of Yoga Nidra.  Modifications are always shown for more challenge and/or for body restrictions.  Yoga at your own pace and your personal abilities. Leave class with greater mental focus, a worked and looser body and feeling at peace.

This is Classical Yoga without getting down onto the floor.  Class begins with consciously observing the mind and the breath to train the mind to focus within.  Postures begin with a modified sun salutation done standing and progresses into a variety of leg and core work while seated in a chair, includes leg lifts, pike, cat/cow, spinal twist.  Class then moves into standing postures including crescent, tree, warriors, chair and more and ends with some gentle stretching both standing and seated in the chair.  The finale is a guided deep relaxation and peace meditation while seated.  Leaving class you will feel content and peaceful and focused.

 An  intense yogic practice ...

 The 5 Tibetans have been around for centuries.  It is a practice of 5 yogic exercises designed specifically to awaken the kundalini energies and ignite the chakra system. The 5 Tibetans leave you feeling alert yet peaceful and mentally clear while also experiencing a sense of physical well-being. Each Tibetans is repeated up to 21 times intensely moving in and out of a posture or moving from one posture to another and back again. The movements fire up the muscles, the energies and the heat within.  As you gain momentum the experience intensifies.  Class includes gentle yogic stretching postures after the Tibetans are performed and class ends with Yoga Nidra.

Relax deeply and completely!  Let stress melt away as you are guided into a physical deep relaxation and peace meditation.  Yoga Nidra is known as yogic sleep where the body relaxes so completely it falls asleep even though the mind is still conscious as it drifts into a meditative state.  It is said that a half hour of yogic sleep is as if the body has had a full nights rest.  While you float in that state of deep relaxation of mind and body I offer Reiki to each person to help deepen the experience and balance the energies in the body.  Wake feeling refreshed! 

 Prepare to be Bliss!  Yes, BE Bliss itself.  Restorative Yoga is done completely supported by cushions and your only job is to fully let go and relax.  The body opens and stretches very gently all by itself.  This form of yoga is meant to restore you body and your mind and nurture your spirit.  As you relax in each position Susan goes around the room doing Reiki on each student to help balance energies and deepen the experience of rejuvenation.  This 2 hour specialty workshop is offered once or twice a month.  Watch for date announcements.  Or better yet, join the email list and get notifications on dates and space left in each session.  Space is limited so be sure to register early!

Join us to meditate, to quiet the mind and experience the natural peace you have within you.  

Each class plays with different guided meditations to help you practice focusing the mind, letting go of the world and going within to find your inner peace.

  The class is appropriate for beginners as well as seasoned meditaters.

Explore common yoga postures in finite detail.  How do you hold your pelvis is Tree pose?  How do your shoulders sit when in warrior - shrugged up full of tension or perhaps rolled slightly forward?  What do you do with the shoulder blades in plank?  Or the neck in a spinal twist?    

This class is exactly as the title suggests: we will run through a full yoga class, though more slowly, with an emphasis on really consciously placing the body in alignment and feeling our way deeply into each pose. Even if you have little experience with yoga postures this is a great way to learn the nuances of each posture. Repetition and attention to detail will pay off. Let your postures evolve. 

  For experienced peeps who want to play with new things and more advanced versions of postures. 

This is a Classical Yoga class with more time devoted to trying new postures that are typically more advanced like bow pose, crow, headstand and advanced versions of bridge, shoulder stand, fish and triangle. Some of these you have played with before so do not feel it is out of your range of ability. If you are not ready for headstand, then we will find a different posture for you to do.  Some postures will be great for you, others you may not be ready for. It is all perfect. Come and see what your body and mind can do with a little nudge and guidance.

   The basics/ foundation - for newbies and for those wanting to learn or rediscover the foundations of yoga.  This class will start at the beginning. What is yoga? What are the main practices that set the foundation for all other practices? How do we breathe in yoga and why is it so important?  How do I settle the mind to become present? What is mindfulness? Learn a series of common yoga postures, getting to know the body and the mind and who you are. 

You will get the most out of this experience if you sign up for the full session. No worries if you have to miss a class, you will still learn everything you need. ...

 To register contact Stephanie at stephiemassey@gmail.com or call 905-926-7126 

Prenatal yoga is the perfect way to get your mind and body ready for birthing your new bundle of joy! In this type of session you will learn to control your breath in a calming way, work on releasing the tension that comes from carrying your baby and getting the physical body ready for labor and delivery. No experience necessary. Sessions are typically 8 weeks long. 

To register for Jen's classes contact her directly at  (289) 240-4134 or info@strongtreeyoga.ca

 This class uses bolsters, blankets, and blocks to prop students in passive poses so that the body can experience the benefits of a pose without having to exert any effort. This is a great way to restore and refresh both the body and the mind. No experience necessary. Sessions are typically 8 weeks long. 

To register contact Jen directly at  

(289) 240-4134 or info@strongtreeyoga.ca

 Get your body moving with this uplifting yet slow and gentle class. Gentle Yoga is designed for those with some yoga experience to seasoned yogis; anyone looking to mindfully move in connection with breath. Class will begin with a pranayama practice (breathwork) or a meditation, followed by a slow and gentle practice. Each pose will be mindfully practiced encouraging strength and stability - by the end you’ll be leaving feeling open, joyful and strong. Modifications are always offered so don’t miss out if you’re looking to getting back to a yoga practice. 

To register contact Stephanie at stephiemassey@gmail.com or call 905-926-7126