In the unfolding of the Human experience, we are in a constant interplay of cause and effect, of outer events and our reactions to them. This unfolding is complex and unique to each one of us. Throughout our lives we may bear injuries and/or illness (short, long term or chronic,) and have an ongoing flow of experiences to some of which we may have challenging emotions. Whether you’re seeking relief from struggles in the physical body, in difficult thoughts and emotions, or (often) both, a Yoga Therapist works with you to create an individualized practice that empowers you to support yourself through recovery, in creating greater ease and/or in establishing meaningful transformation.
The practice of Yoga Therapy is informed by an ancient and profound understanding of what constitutes our Being. This perspective, called Panchamaya (pancha=5, maya=appearance,) suggests that we have five interwoven and interdependent aspects which ultimately form our sense of self. The most obvious is our physical structure of flesh and bone, the musculoskeletal system. Less visible is the Vital life-force, that which animates and gives us life, this correlates to the metabolic system. Moving subtler we recognize the aspect through which we process life’s stimuli, which includes instinct and ego, intellect and emotion. Moving subtler still is that aspect that perceives everything, this facet is discerning, open, creative and intuitive and is also where one’s unique personality is formed (through one’s particular experiences and conditioning). Finest of all is an aspect that we often feel as the deepest part of ourselves, where we experience awe and unbounded connection. While we don’t experience struggle here we can focus on strengthening our connection with it through the introduction of the deeper practices of Yoga. Yoga Therapy concerns itself primarily with the first three as the subtler (fourth and fifth) aspects have more to do with inner refinement, the sphere of the deeper practices of yoga.
Yoga Therapists understand that when one facet is out of balance (for whatever reason) there is a ripple effect throughout and so the totality of an individual needs to be addressed. Each facet is best served by particular types of practice and it is the Yoga Therapist’s job to understand the appropriate practices that will address how and where that ripple manifests in you. For instance, musculoskeletal issues are best addressed using specific beneficial asanas (physical positions and movements) to address those areas where you experience discomfort. For physiological illnesses we include, if not focus on, breath-centred practices. To address emotion, thought and behaviour, we may introduce applicable visualization/energy practices, self-reflection practices, mindfulness, lifestyle and relational practices. To help a student to forge inner connection we turn to particular contemplative and meditation practices. Each student/client comes through the door with a unique confluence of struggles, issues and needs. Therefore, an overall practice may include a selection from the above types of practices depending on each student’s needs and inclinations. As one’s state of being evolves, we follow up every so often to adjust the practice to meet one’s current condition and life circumstance.
To engage in Yoga Therapy is to enter a process of self-healing in a way that acknowledges your wholeness. Dedication in engaging your practice is essential in order to influence change. I offer additional support for those who require help in keeping up their practice.
To learn more about 1:1 personalized Yoga Therapy and group retreats: www.yogaandhealing.ca
Reconnection Yoga Retreat
How does a weekend dedicated entirely to your well-being sound? Recharge and Reconnect with body mind and soul….Join us for a deeply rejuvenating and inspiring weekend, May 24 – 26, 2019, St Benedict’s Retreat Centre in West St Paul. A truly transformative & healing yoga/meditation experience you won’t soon forget! No previous experience necessary! More details at https://www.heathermcdermidyoga.com/workshop-schedule The retreat will be a collaboration of amazing Yoga instructors and healers and will include:
Friday evening: Crystal Sound Healing with Tara Lee Ayotte of Sacred Earth Adventures
Inspired Yoga with Heather McDermid
Energy Medicine Yoga with Carla Kummen
Awakening Meditations with Angela White and Marni Daun
Saturday evening: Kirtan with Shell Andrea
Ayurveda Self-Care with Heather McDermid
Herbal Wisdom with Stephanie Snadden
Delicious nourishing meals
Time to rest, explore nature, connect with other like-minded souls
Also available: Book a private session with your choice of fabulous energy healers! (extra cost)
Investment in you: (choose an option)
$299 basic price includes retreat + 2 lunches
$399 includes retreat, all meals, and shared room (2 people per room)
$450 includes retreat, all meals, and private room
2019 Create Your Life Expo – Brandon, MB
Connect
What do you desire to create for your life? Join us at the 5th annual Create Your Life Expo (Westman Wellness Show) to connect you with the many opportunities we have in Westman to make conscious life choices for you and your family to live your best life.
Create Your Life Expo provides you with an excellent opportunity to connect, learn, and experience over 60 exhibitors with products, resources and services, all under one roof at the WMCA in Brandon. With the extensive variety of businesses in attendance, you’ll have many opportunities to experience first hand what Westman has to offer for health, healing and living. There is also a chance for you to relax and listen to speaker’s on a variety of topics. We even have Aida’s Catering on site with lunch options so you can stay for the entire day to see it all!
Experience
We have just over 60 interactive exhibitors and sponsors showcasing their products, their skills, and services that are all here to help you create your life! Many different modalities and products are showcased – what will you discover right in our own community that can help create your future? We are working on some exciting speakers to share knowledge with you, to help you create a life of purpose, health, of being.
Create Your Life Expo uses the entire upper and lower levels of the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium including the stage to host speakers. We have hundreds of visitors from the Westman and it’s surrounding communities, attend this interactive one-day event.
We host a wide range of exhibitors-including community resource programs, businesses big and small offering products and services in energy healing, health and nutrition products, gym services, classes, one-on-one healing services, to group therapy services with animals. Anything you can imagine to create your best life is under one roof for you to experience. We have over 60 exhibitors take part in the show each year, and more than half are new each year we host this event.
Interact and Win Big
We have a fun way for you to experience each exhibitor booth, by participating in mini challenges, and have the opportunity to be entered to win our Grand Prize Draw!!
Building on the success and energy of the last 4 years as the Westman Wellness Show, we aspire to be interactive using the “Ahhhmazing Race” idea again. As an attendee, be a part of the “Ahhhmazing” Race by completing small interactive activities at certain booths and work to get your “Ahhhmazing Race” sheet stamped upon completion of the activity. Once you have a full card, you enter to win some amazing prizes!!
We have hosted this event since its inception as the Westman Wellness Show in 2015, and although the name has changed the fun and interactive experiences just keep getting better and better. Robin Chant invites all of you, visitors and exhibitors to experience what Westman has to offer each year in health, wellness and creating your best life. We look forward to seeing you April 27, 2019 as we celebrate our 5th annual Create Your Life Expo.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Relaxed Yoga Presents ….Rest Relax and Recharge
Stressed? Need a break from the fast lane? Then join us for 2 hours of Restorative yoga where you can recharge and get ready for the week ahead.
No yoga experience is needed and modifications are given should you have injuries or other issues.
All yoga poses are gentle in nature, available to everyone and props are used to help you ease into the pose at your own pace.
*Please note that there are no standing poses included in this yoga session.
To register, please call (204) 802-0279 and payment can be made by VISA or Mastercard.
The session is taught by Linda Caldwell, Yoga Teacher & Thai Yoga Practitioner.
Location: BeYoga Studio, 315 Kenny Street, St.Boniface.
Street parking is available on Kenny and Marion Street.
Have questions..please call or text at the number above.