Banyan Tree Yoga Therapy

Yoga Therapy

In the West, yoga therapy is an emerging modality of complementary healthcare, but it is also an ancient practice that has proven itself over time. While allopathic medicine treats the condition, yoga therapy is a fantastic adjunct practice since it is a means of treating the person living with the condition. At its heart, the yoga therapy practice is fundamentally about reducing suffering no matter how it presents within the individual, and addressing the individual as a whole -- physically, mentally, and psycho-spiritually.

Read more about Yoga Therapy here.

Adaptable Yoga

Every person has a special need of some kind. Despite whether that need is visible, it is best served by a yoga teacher prepared to address it by making appropriate modifications. Big box yoga classes are usually not the answer. Private personal class or a private group class, your unique considerations are top priority. I have worked with various populations of people, including those who are deaf or hard of hearing, seniors, children, large or round bodies, those with Parkinsons, PTSD, more. And, I am committed to expanding the accessibility of the yoga I offer. More info.

Children's Offerings

Mindfulness is a gift children will find valuable throughout their lives. I have taught yoga to children in home settings as well as in elementary schools in the TDSB. I am currently immersed in a one year+ dedicated course of study to continue to serve children better, especially those with special needs whose families desire yoga therapy. I have two small children of my own, one of whom is profoundly deaf. As such, one of my favorite groups to serve is children with hearing loss. I also offer training for those who want to learn how to effectively share yoga & mindfulness with children with hearing loss. More info.

Mission

My mission is two-fold: 1) Through the use of customized yoga therapy, to safely support adults and children alike in experiencing breath, movement, and being, to remind them of their wholeness, and gently encourage a re-connection with their own innate inner wisdom so that they they may flourish and enjoy life. 2) To provide an environment that is authentic, positive and nurturing to as many marginalized populations of people as possible by providing yoga classes that are as accessible as possible.

To support my mission, I will employ with students the ancient healing wisdom of yoga. The tools and practices of yoga are diverse (not just physical) and will be customized to benefit the special needs and goals of the individual (or group). For this reason, I am fully dedicated to the practice of yoga therapy and in providing accessible yoga, which together best serve a variety of conditions, concerns, and communities not well served in your standard public yoga class. As a therapist and teacher, I promise to continue to expand the accessibility of my teaching by engaging in studies on how to best serve different populations.

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Under the Shade of the Banyan Tree...

The enormous banyan ("bodhi," in Sanskrit, meaning "awakening") tree has just as vast a history. Native to India, its name comes from merchants, "banias," who in days past, rested beneath them after conducting business. But despite its greatness, this majestic tree appears to grow upside down, with its roots up and branches down. Our human experience can be the same -- sometimes life feels up-side down, or in total disarray, but despite what life tosses us, spending time in shadow is often the most profound way to get to know the light. And so, the banyan now symbolizes the relief and shelter provided by nature to all who seek it. No matter where we've been, the seed to awakening is already within. Take respite...and flourish.

"I'm having my C-Section tomorrow at 6:30am. While I was getting ready mentally and emotionally, I thought of you. You've been such an amazing support and resource for me throughout this journey and I want you to know that I am forever grateful for your insights, guidance and kindness. I can't thank you enough! I'm looking forward to working with you again once things settle down for our family." -- Nina (Yoga Therapy student) Read more