If you follow me
on Instagram you know that couple of weeks back, I had the opportunity to experience
Banff Yoga Festival. Going on a yoga retreat is a great way to start or deepen
your yoga practice; but this festival was more than just yoga for me. Being
away from the distractions of my daily life, surrounded by like-minded people
in a serene and beautiful Banff made it much easier to connect, to be present and
find my zen on a yoga mat.
The theme of the
fourth Banff Yoga Festival was Self love and they came up with the perfect ingredients to pull of this wellness retreat centered abound self love, kindness and
mindfulness. Start with a great location, add a bunch of yoga gurus, few
experts, delicious farm-to-table food, and some of the best yoga and wellness
products on the market and you have yourself everything you need to find your
bliss.
While I found all session amazing, and many teachers I will def look up again to hit their class up, there was few I connected to on a new level.
Tara Koenig;
Yoga Instructor; Canmore, Alberta
How
did you get started?
I first tried acro yoga when my mum got me
a acro yoga & surf retreat in Tofino. This was right before my first
teacher training and it was the best experience working for the first time with
the same people for a few days so we could all progress and learn
together. Coming from a gymnastics
background, acro yoga came very naturally to me.
What
are three benefits of acro yoga?
In acro yoga you practice trust,
communication and re-learn how to play without expectations. Trust stems from
open communication, talking about what isn’t working and what is working and
ways we can try to make it easier for everyone involved. As an acro yoga
teacher I always want to see students explore new poses with at least one
spotter, who becomes and extra set of eyes and ears, and is responsible for
keeping everyone in the group safe. In a way, they are there to enhance and
elevate your practice to new levels. With this combination of trust,
communication and connection, we put into practice the power of nonverbal
communication, which we can then integrate into the rest of our lives.
For me, the practice of acro yoga is play
time. It’s just fun. It’s a time when two or more people come together to
explore what is possible. Acro yoga combines the elements of a yogic practice
and the foundations of acrobatics to give you a unique practice that is truly
unlike anything else. The beauty of a group practice is that it helps to remove
the ego, and instead comes from a place of we are, versus I am. Acro is a
playful way to gain strength and flexibility while improving communication
skills and building trust in yourself and others. Practicing Acro Yoga is a
reminder to take things lightly, that life isn’t to be taken too seriously.
The
best way to get started as a student/ what should first timers expect in your
acro class?
I would advise people to stay off youtube
and go to an actual class! This practice
has a learning curve that’s best to explore in a community setting. There are many beginner workshops or series
being offered, and festivals are a great place to try it out as you get to meet
the people you’ve been seeing in other classes.
What
is my favourite thing about teaching?
The energy that I get from students. This practice is so fun & energetic I
can’t help but feel all giddy and proud as a teacher. I am so grateful to be a part of the learning
process for so many students. I see a
lot of people coming in timid and shy with the notion that they aren’t strong
enough or small enough to be a part of this practice. However, through learning the fundamentals
everyone can overcome their fears and preconceived notion’s about themselves
and have those moments of pure joy of achieving something they didn’t think was
possible.In your first acro class
expect to push through your boundaries.
In my classes I like to start with a warm up game, to get into the play
aspect & get used to touch. Then we
calibrate – no matter your level calibration is important every time you
practice. This includes basic partner
work to see how your balance, communication and where the group is that
day. Then expect to learn some poses and
the transitions between poses. A good
teacher will emphasize the spotting so that everyone feels safe, ensuring you
have a great experience! With Acro Yoga, one can enjoy shared moments of
connection and joy create some amazing memories (and epic Instagram photos)
Melanie Emlyn; Owner of Yoga By Mel
How did you get started?
I was first
introduced to yoga as part of land training for synchronized swimming. I had an
on and off relationship with it for years. When I started going to school for
Holistic Nutrition I fell in love with it all over again because of the
psychological effects and how it helped me cope with stress. Reiki was shortly
after that when I was looking for a deeper connecting and understanding to my
body and how thoughts, events, people, affected me.
What is my favourite thing about teaching?
I LOVE teaching. I always have loved being up in front of a
group and sharing knowledge.
The top 3 benefits that I feel from Reiki is an increase in
intuition or body awareness. It also creates time and space for you to switch
into Parasympathetic Nervous System-Rest & Digest. It allows you to
strengthen the communication and understanding between the physical body &
mind.
The best way to get started as a student/ what should first timers expect in your acro class?
What you can expect from this offering of Reiki +
Restore is a really relaxing experience with no pressure or expectation. You
simply come as you are and let go. No knowledge or experience with yoga or
reiki is required. We offer these workshops every other month at Junction 9 Yoga & Pilates in
Calgary.
What does self love mean to you?
Self love means being my own best friend and also my own
parent. It's not always the easy things like a bubble bath or getting my nails
done. Sometimes it's about keeping my promises like a new workout regime, daily
meditation or eating more vegetables. The most important part for me about self
love is compassion. Compassion towards others and towards myself.
Kate Rhodes; Photographer/Reiki master
How did you get started?
I experienced a breakdown/spiritual
awakening (Brene Brown style) a few years ago, and that was when I met my Reiki
Master by chance at Market Collective in Calgary. I felt a strong pull to learn
reiki and knew that she was the one to teach me! I was following my heart for
sure.
What are 3 benefits of doing reiki?
Stress relief. Getting back to oneself.
Greater awareness.
What does self love mean to you?
Acceptance of myself fully as I am in this
moment. No judgement.
How do you practice self love?
