Classes
Yoga
‘Teach what is inside you, not as it applies to you, to yourself, but as it applies to the other.’ Yogacharya Sri T. Krishnamacharya
In the living tradition of Yogacharya Sri T. Krishnamacharya
Yoga is a holistic, healing discipline that offers a broad range of tools for supporting health, healing and personal transformation. Yoga’s tools include postures (asanas), conscious breathing techniques (pranayama), meditative practices (dharana/dhyanam), gestures (mudras), the use of vocal sounds (adhyayanam)/chanting), guided self-inquiry (bhavana/svadhyaya), and much more. These tools can be utilized in an infinite number of combinations to suit the unique needs of the individual throughout the ever-changing stages of his/her life, chosen in the appropriate context for the benefit of offering healing to the individual.
As a holistic form of healing, Yoga views the human system as not just the physical body, but as comprised of several dimensions, including the physical body, breath, mind, personality and emotions. These dimensions of the human system are interconnected and therefore, interdependent.
Private and specialized small group classes are offered with the practice adapted to the individual according to needs and circumstances with profound respect for each person where they are and the gradual steps taken in an appropriate direction.
Private Consultations
Initial Consultation
First Session (apx. 90 minutes): We shall meet to discuss the student’s needs, abilities, situation and therapeutic and/or wellness goals; an appropriate program will be designed and taught for the student to practice at home (*maintaining the practice at home is key to the success and potential of healing through self-empowerment as a participant in one’s own healing)
Second Session (apx. 30 minutes): We shall meet within 10 days of the first session. Review of the program together, needed adjustments are refined for the most appropriate practice.
Follow-up Sessions: I would encourage students to have 4 to 6 appointments in order to review progress and refine and modify practices, as required. These sessions can be 45 to 90 minutes; whatever suits the needs and should occur at regular intervals as determined student and myself.
In preparation, please wear loose and comfortable clothing and we will provide anything you might need (you may bring your personal mat and such if you like).
Fees:
Initial Consultation – includes First Session (90 Minutes initial intake, consultation and program) plus Second Session (30 Minutes follow up) $108.00
Follow-Up Sessions – approximately 45 Minutes (depending on each individual) $54
Cancellation Policy: Kindly contact as soon as possible; the sooner the better! If you need to reschedule an appointment please let me know.
Group Classes
Group classes are designed to address a specific topic, focus or need and provide individual attention and care for the student. Pre-registration is required for all small group classes as space is limited.
Current group classes are in North Vancouver at a private space - check the Events page for details of community gatherings!
Special Interest Classes
Individual and small group classes on the principles, practices and philosophies of Yoga, such as The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, The Bhagavad Gita, Veda chanting, Pranayama, Meditation, etc. Sharing of community events and specialized workshops or intensives with invited guest teachers. Check the Events page for details of community classes!
Chanting – Adhyayanam
Veda Chanting is different from other forms of chanting because the manner of chanting the Vedas cannot be modified. Preserving and carrying forth the Vedic tradition requires formalized study and practice through the process of ‘adhyayanam’; the student listens and then recites the chant exactly as the teacher did. The practice of chanting has multiple benefits such as enhancing health, improving memory and promoting healing. Chanting is considered to be one of the important forms of meditation which in and of itself, lends to healthy interaction on all levels. The yogis use sound to awaken consciousness. According to the Vedas, sound is the source of all life. Although we perceive our bodies to be solid matter, every cell is formed from vibrations and interactions of energy. We are made of living sounds, and our individual rhythms are dependent on the greater vibrations of the universe to sustain them. We carry the universe’s primordial sound internally in our energy centers, or cakras, also referred to as our vibrational cores of consciousness. Private chanting classes are offered to expose, share and preserve this ancient tradition.
Chanting the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali enhances the beauty and depth of connecting to this ancient philosophy and one’s personal practice; the foremost authoritative scriptural text on the philosophy of Yoga.
Private & Small Group Classes (max 4 students) - Dakshina (Voluntary Donations)
(appropriate chants are chosen for the student based on needs, interest and ability; progress to more challenging chants through study and proficiency)
Wise Earth Ayurveda
Sadhanas in Food, Breath & Sound
Ayurveda is the oldest known lifeway and holistic medicine paradigm in the world deeply rooted in the intelligence of one’s nature and thus, forms a framework fostering the whole integration of body, mind and spirit. Mother Maya, of Wise Earth School of Ayurveda, developed this unique vision and education of inner medicine healing through restoring the ancient sadhanas, cultivating inner harmony and thus teaching the principle of ‘ahimsa’; living mindfully and with the wisdom of non-harming. This unique education is non-clinical and non-dualistic in nature unlike the modern models of Ayurveda which approach is largely clinical and prescriptive. Wise Earth Ayurveda Tradition with the visionary approach of Mother Maya, ’supports a practice involving the long lost knowledge of natures interrelated nourishers of food (annavidya), breath (pranavidya) and sound (mantravidya) sadhanas (from the root ’sadh’ – which translates as ‘actions that reclaim the divine within’); revealing the knowledge of nature we are birthed from, sustained by and that which awakens consciousness restoring harmony in one’s life. ‘
We will learn about your biological rhythms (doshas), the daily and seasonal cycles in our world, how to balance your breath with the solar and lunar energies, how to chant during the creation of mixing and grinding spices into masalas, the preparation and care of vegetables with respect to their prana ‘lifelines’, and the awakening your own inner light with the meditation of preparing the ‘elixir of life’ – ghee (clarified butter). Throughout these divine and loving sadhanas you will cultivate your life force, your inner breath and sound, nurturing harmony for you and your loved ones.
Wise Earth Healing Passes shows you how to access consciousness through the cosmic rhythms and your essential life force, cultivate breath and establish posture in harmony with lunar, solar, daily and seasonal rhythms.
The Practice of Japa for Inner Peace
“We must strive to cultivate inner harmony and we will find Peace everywhere” - Mother Maya
‘Japa Meditation is an old Vedic practice for attaining an inner harmony and quiet mind. In these challenging times our minds are generally disturbed or dismayed. We tend to think of our disappointments, fear, and commitments. We think, think and think. The mind becomes thick with sticky thoughts. Thoughts we cannot separate ourselves from. And stress steps in. Our personal safety, the security of our family, the threats we face within and without our homes, the friendships we are losing, and the erosion of trust in each other. In these stressful times of political and racial tensions we must become mindful of not being pulled into a mire of anxiety, fears, anger, tension and especially hatred. We ask for peace and calm but do not understand that inner peace is inner silence, silence of the mind. Peace is being able to quietly thin the mind to a single point. In using a rosary of japa mala (which are usually 54 or 108 beads), you are able to turn a bead one at a time while repeating a specific mantra (which is a short grouping of words that has a sound; repetition of this sound generates a deep vibration in accord with the heat and eventually achieves a silencing of unwanted, extraneous thoughts). Between each mantra is the silence. The repetition of the mantra allows us the silence between the mantras. This silence is pure conscious-ness. This silence is you, before thoughts and activities are superimposed upon you. This silence is peace. This silence is meditation. Maintaining this silence is meditation. May your Japa practice bless you with many rewards of the spirit.’ Mother Maya
Wise Earth Ayurveda Private Consultations & Small Group Classes $54/hr
Check the Events page for details of community gatherings!
(these classes are tailored to meet the needs and interests of the student; group workshops and classes designed for special occasion, discussion and general interest)
Abhyanga Massage
Abhyanga (Ayurvedic Oil Massage), a daily ritual in India for thousands of years, is the anointing of the body with warm oil which is often medicated. ‘Sneha‘ in the language of Samskrtam, translates as ‘oil’ and ‘love’. It is believed that the effects of this ancient massage are similar to those received by one who is saturated with love. Among the many benefits from regular Abhyanga massage is the nurturing and pacifying of Vata and Kapha doshas, relieves fatigue, provides stamina, increases circulation (especially to nerve endings), tones muscles and whole physiology, calms the mind, lubricates joints, increases mental alertness, improves elimination of impurities from the body, gives a pleasurable and deeper sleep, enhances complexion and the luster of the skin, promotes longevity and nourishes all parts of the body.
Private Individual Session $108/hr (includes appropriate oils)
(please give yourself two hours for the session so as to gently come in and out of the treatment at your own pace – followed by a relaxing aromatherapy bath/shower to remove excess oil, herbal tea and snack) (please note sessions are for women only unless referred) (travel to your home $50 addition)
Please note a sliding scale exists so as to serve all…
Everything is given, all is shared