Hello lovely people!
Welcome to The Downward Blog: a page for News, Special Events, Promotions, and all things yoga.
Check out what’s coming up!
______________________________
GOING ON A BENDER!
An Advanced Backbend Workshop (June 2013)
“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
Front body stretching equals backbending bliss! This 2-hour workshop will explore some advanced backbends as we open the hips and shoulders, and then play from the heart – deliciously strong, this practice will encourage your courage while letting you find your fluidity and grace.
Saturday, June 15 @ 1:00pm (2 hours)
$30 (HST included)
Teacher: Robin Penney
*Participants must have Full Wheel (Urdhva Dhanurasana) in their practice*
*Space is limited to 12 people*
Click HERE to register!
______________________________
ADVANCED PLAY (May 2013)
Join Melanie for this fun-filled workshop focused on spicing up your Inversions and Arm Balances! We will be practicing exciting transitions and variations so bring your courage, your open mind, and get ready to explore the possibilities!
Saturday, May 25 @ 12:00pm (2 hours)
$30 (HST included)
Teacher: Melanie Caines
*Space is limited to 12 people*
*Participants must have an Inversion practice*
This workshop is SOLD OUT!
______________________________
YOGA TRANCE DANCE: April 2013
Shiva Rea-inspired Yoga Trance Dance is a blend of yoga and spontaneous dance. Yoga awakens the breath, body, and inner power; Trance Dance cultivates natural movement, intuition, and creativity. Together this expression of free form, breath-driven movement form a dynamic and energizing way to work out the body, mind, and soul. Begin with a creative flow, move into an ecstatic dance, and finish with deep relaxation. A liberating and purifying adventure.
Friday, April 5 @ 7:00pm (90 mins)
Teacher: Laura-Beth Power
No previous dance or yoga experience needed!
*No pre-registration required! $16 drop in fee or use your Yoga Class Pass*
______________________________
A CALL TO ARMS
An Advanced Arm Balance Workshop (April 2013)
“Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t – you’re right.”
– Henry Ford
Join me for 2 hours of exploration and play as we take on some funky arm balances and transitions – the sky’s the limit!
Saturday, April 13 @ 1:00pm (2 hours)
$30 (HST included)
Teacher: Melanie Caines
Participants must have Crow Pose (Bakasana) in their practice
*Space is limited to 12 people*
This workshop is SOLD OUT!
______________________________
ROCK YOUR ASANA: BUILD YOUR SKILLS (April 2013)
Stuck in an asana rut?
Wanna progress in your yoga practice but don’t know where to start?
Join Robin as she teaches you the building blocks to some fun and funky poses! In this workshop-style setting you will learn, explore, ask questions, and discover modifications on the way to a more confident, well-aligned practice!
Week 1: Arm Balances (learn how to FLY in Crow)
Week 2: Backbends (open up into Wheel & Rockstar and discover your bliss)
Week 3: Standing Balances (stand strong in Half Moon, Revolved Half Moon, Eagle, & Warrior 3)
Week 4: Inversions (learn how to rock your Dolphin, L-Dog @ the wall, and maybe even Tripod Headstand prep!)
4 Saturdays starting April 20 @ 1:00pm (90 mins)
$52 +HST
Teacher: Robin Penney
*Space is limited to 12 people*
This session is SOLD OUT!
______________________________
I WANNA FLY!
(An Inversion Workshop): March 2013
In this 2 hour workshop you’ll explore Headstand, Handstand, and Forearm Stance, gaining the courage and the knowledge to turn your world upside down, in a good way! Bring an open mind, a sense of adventure, and a willingness to fly. Participants must have a regular yoga practice.
Saturday, March 9 @ 1:00pm (2 hours)
$30 (HST included)
Teacher: Melanie Caines
*Space is limited to 12 people*
This workshop SOLD OUT!
______________________________
RESTORATIVE YOGA WORKSHOP: February 2013
Restorative yoga is the yoga of non-doing, of just being, focusing on effortlessness and ease. Begin to release deeply held tensions through this nurturing and peaceful practice using extended, supported postures on bolsters, blankets and blocks. Further enhance your relaxation with mantra, pranayama and meditation. Draw an easy breath in and a letting go breath out…
Saturday, February 23 @ 2:00pm (2 hours)
$30 (HST included)
Teacher: Cheryl Fenk
*Space is limited to 12 people*
This workshop is SOLD OUT!
______________________________
YOGA TRANCE DANCE: February 2013
Shiva Rea-inspired Yoga Trance Dance is a blend of yoga and spontaneous dance. Yoga awakens the breath, body, and inner power; Trance Dance cultivates natural movement, intuition, and creativity. Together this expression of free form, breath-driven movement form a dynamic and energizing way to work out the body, mind, and soul. Begin with a creative flow, move into an ecstatic dance, and finish with deep relaxation. A liberating and purifying adventure.
Friday, February 1 @ 7:30pm (90 mins)
$20 (HST included)
Teacher: Laura-Beth Power
No previous dance or yoga experience needed!
*Space is limited to 15 people*
Click HERE to register!
______________________________
YIN-YANG CLASS: January 2013
Find YOUR balance between strength & surrender! This integrated Yin-Yang yoga session will start with a strong and active Yang practice. Learn how to establish a strong foundation in your feet and legs so that you can flow freely, Vinyasa style! Get grounded and grow roots with standing asana work, and then take off, spread wings, and fly with balance poses and backbends. Fun! Integrate what you discover with a series of Yin postures after flowing freely. Learn to feel the difference between a Yang quality movement and a Yin-quality slow, deep stretch. There is no Yin without Yang, and vice versa. Learn to let these two principles intertwine, and look at your practice as a guideline to a healthy and balanced lifestyle that integrates both aspects, Yin and Yang.
Saturday, January 26
2:00-4:00pm
$20 (HST included)
Teachers: Robin Penney (YANG) & Cheryl Fenk (YIN)
*Space is limited to 16 people*
Click HERE to register!
__________________________________
PARENT + CHILD YOGA: January 2013
A special yoga class for you and your child to bond, play, flow, and chill out! In this class we will explore basic yoga postures, move through a fun flow, explore some partner poses, and finish with a deep relaxation so you both leave feeling refreshed and ready to take on the rest of your day with ease.
Saturdays @ 12:30pm (60 minutes)
4 week session starting January 19
$72 +HST
Teacher: Laura-Beth Power
For guys and gals 6-10 years old!
*Space is limited to 8 pairs*
Click HERE to register!
_____________________________
PARENT + CHILD YOGA
A special yoga class for you and your child to bond, play, flow, and chill out! In this class we will explore basic yoga postures, move through a fun flow, explore some partner poses, and finish with a deep relaxation so you both leave feeling refreshed and ready to take on the rest of your day with ease.
Saturdays @ 12:30pm (60 minutes)
4 week session starting November 10
$72 +HST
Teacher: Laura-Beth Power
For guys and gals 6-10 years old!
*Space is limited to 10 pairs*
This workshop is SOLD OUT!
______________________________
YIN YOGA WORKSHOP
Let’s explore our connective tissue/fascia through the slow, deliberate and meditative practice of Yin Yoga. With longer held passive floor poses we will encourage deep release in our hips, low back and shoulders -areas that often become “shrink-wrapped” by our life’s activities. Create space and ease in your body and mind as you open to the gifts of slowing down, becoming still and moving inward.
Saturday, November 10 @ 2:00pm (2 hours)
$30 (HST included)
Teacher: Cheryl Fenk
Open to all levels of experience
*Space is limited to 12 people*
This workshop is SOLD OUT!
______________________________
BEND INTO BLISS!
(A Backbending Workshop)
Come join this up-tempo session of radiant backbends to celebrate the light of the heart. We will navigate our way with intention, alignment and balanced action into the exciting world of opening our shoulders and heart through asana. Our exploration will include the quintessential pose of the Full Wheel Backbend, Camel, Royal Pigeon, and more. Come ready to laugh, love and light up the world!
Sunday, October 14 @ 2:00pm (2 hours)
$30 (HST included)
Teacher: Robin Penney
*Space is limited to 12 people*
Only 1 spot left! Email mcaines@gmail.com to register
______________________________
PARENT + CHILD YOGA
A special yoga class for you and your child to bond, play, flow, and chill out! In this class we will explore basic yoga postures, move through a fun flow, explore some partner poses, and finish with a deep relaxation so you both leave feeling refreshed and ready to take on the rest of your day with ease.
Saturdays @ 1:00pm (60 minutes)
4 week session starting October 13
$72 +HST
Teacher: Laura-Beth Power
For guys and gals 6-10 years old!
*Space is limited to 8 pairs*
This class is SOLD OUT!
______________________________
I WANNA FLY!
(An Inversion Workshop)
In this 2 hour workshop you’ll explore Headstand, Handstand, and Forearm Stance, gaining the courage and the knowledge to turn your world upside down, in a good way! Bring an open mind, a sense of adventure, and a willingness to fly. Participants must have a regular yoga practice.
Sunday, October 21 @ 2:00pm (2 hours)
$30 (HST included)
Teacher: Melanie Caines
*Space is limited to 12 people*
This workshop is SOLD OUT!
______________________________
Partner Yoga Workshop
Discover a unique and exciting way of practicing yoga! Join Laura-Beth for this special workshop geared towards having fun and finding strength by reaching out and connecting with a friend, family or partner. You’ll be guided through several poses where you and your partner will rely on eachother’s support and trust to keep correct body alignment, balance, and concentration. From beginners to advanced yogis, all are welcome and there is no need for you or your partner to have the same level of yoga experience.
Saturday, September 22 @ 1:00pm (2 hours)
$45/pair (HST included)
*Space is limited to 16 people/8 pairs*
Teacher: Laura-Beth Power
This workshop is SOLD OUT!
______________________________
Sunrise Flow!
Calling all early-birds: an AMAZING way to start your day! We’ll build heat, awaken the mind, energize the body, and set positive intentions for the day ahead in this early morning pre-registered session.
Wednesdays @ 6:00am
September 5-October 10 (6 weeks)
60 min / level 2
$90 +HST
*Only 2 spots left*
Click HERE to register!
______________________________
I Wanna Fly! An Inversion Workshop
In this 2 hour workshop you’ll explore Headstand, Handstand, and Forearm Stance, gaining the courage and the knowledge to turn your world upside down, in a good way! Bring an open mind, a sense of adventure, and a willingness to fly. Participants must have a regular yoga practice.
$25 (HST included)
Space is limited to 12 people.
Saturday, September 8 @ 1:00pm (2 hours)
*This workshop is SOLD OUT!
______________________________
Summer Solstice Celebration
A special class to celebrate the arrival of summer!
Thursday, June 21 @ 6:00pm (Mixed Flow/level 2)
Live Music by Percussionists Andrew McCarthy & Whitney Rowe
If it’s a brilliant day we may even take the flow and the beats outside (location TBA)!
______________________________
Adventures in America
Many of you know that I spent some time last month in California training with the lovely Shiva Rea and it was so rejuvenating! This month I will be travelling to New York to get back to my roots at Sonic Yoga and explore some amazing teachers and classes in the city, and to Boston to attend workshops with L.A. based teacher Kathryn Budig.
Myself and Shiva Rea on Venice Beach post-Solar Eclipse!
Be sure to rock out with Robin, Laura-Beth, and Loretta who will be filling in at the studio while I’m away!
xo
______________________________
My Yoga Adventures!
I will be heading to Los Angeles May 17-22 for the third module of my 500 Hour Advanced Teaching Training with the wonderful Shiva Rea. Certified Yoga Teachers Robin Penney, Laura-Beth Power, and Cheryl Fenk will be leading you through the flow in my absence and the studio will be closed two days for the long weekend (Saturday, May 19 and Sunday, May 20).
Shanti!
-melanie-
______________________________
Holiday Flow @ Home
Wanna get your Flow on in the midst of long weekend indulgence? Well I’ve got you covered! Here’s my pick of Feel Good Friday videos for a 60 minute flow to keep you feeling fine. Click on title to play videos:
Core
Sun Salutation Extravaganza
Dancing Warrior
Holiday Detox
Stretchy Goodness
______________________________
Johnny Ruth Photo Shoot + Yoga Jeans Contest!
Check out these photos from a shoot at Johnny Ruth wearing Yoga Jeans. And be sure to visit the Johnny Ruth Facebook Page for a chance to win a pair of your very own Yoga Jeans!
______________________________
Spring Equinox Celebration!
Ring in Spring with detoxifying twists, cleansing breaths, positive intentions, and delicious, sweaty flow!
Tuesday, March 20 @ 7:15pm (level 2/3)
Live Music with DJ Krystle Hayden
______________________________
A Call to Arms! An Arm Balance Workshop
“Do the thing you fear, then you get the courage.” (the cool hunter)
In this 2 hour workshop we’ll adventure and explore, discovering how we can approach these challenging poses with courage, breath, and certainly a smile! Participants must have a regular yoga practice.
Sunday, March 18 @ 2:00pm
$25 (HST included)
*Space is limited to 15 people*
*This workshop is SOLD OUT!
______________________________
I Wanna Fly! An Inversion Workshop
In this 2 hour workshop you’ll explore Headstand, Handstand, and Forearm Stance, gaining the courage and the knowledge to turn your world upside down, in a good way! Bring an open mind, a sense of adventure, and a willingness to fly. Participants must have a regular yoga practice.
$25 (HST included)
Space is limited to 12 people.
Sunday, February 12 @ 2:00pm (2 hours)
*This workshop is SOLD OUT!
___________________________________
HEAVENLY HOLIDAY YOGA
HOLIDAY DETOX FLOW
Twist it out, sweat it out, feel renewed! A fiery flow class to get you moving, breathing, and feeling fine. Lots of core and twists included!
Level 1/2
60 minutes
HOLIDAY HAPPY HOUR
Breathe, open your heart, smile, and come on get happy! Please note: wine and beer not included 
Level 1/2
60 minutes
___________________________________
The Light is in Sight!
A Winter Solstice Celebration
Thursday, December 22 @ 6:00pm
Live music by Chris Driedzic
A yummy, level 2 flow class to welcome a new season and to celebrate the return of the light!
___________________________________
I Wanna Fly! An Inversion Workshop
In this 2 hour workshop you’ll explore Headstand, Handstand, and Forearm Stance, gaining the courage and the knowledge to turn your world upside down, in a good way! Bring an open mind, a sense of adventure, and a willingness to fly. Participants must have a regular yoga practice.
$25 (HST included)
Space is limited to 12 people.
Workshop #1
Sunday, December 11 @ 2:00pm
*The December workshop is SOLD OUT!
Workshop #2
Sunday, January 8 @ 2:00pm