KKS Columnist Gets Her Groove Going at Yoga Class ffirst published in the Kourier on July 23, 2004

At the time of the writing of this latest yoga dispatch, I can say that I have faithfully attended five classes. Its taken time, but it's finally a matter of looking forward to class. Just as happiness follows a session, disappointment follows a missed class. The feeling after class is over is well worth what is sometimes a scurry to get there. This week, with my hubby out of town, childcare arrangements allowed me to get a class in. Dedication or addiction? The jury's still out. I just know that I am hooked.

The support and encouragement among the students is tremendous and while there is a definite level of focus and concentration in class, there are also light moments with the odd giggle here and there. It’s not long before you feel at home at one of the Kanata Yoga Centre’s classes and strangers become kindred spirits.

Seeing the different types of people at class who come from all walks of life, I asked Principal Kim Barkley what sort of transformations she has witnessed with her students. Kim tells me that she has seen many transformations among her students including considerable weight loss, increased self-esteem, changes to healthier lifestyles and a new humbleness in some. “It’s beautiful,” she concludes.

And speaking of being humbled, when I asked Kim what she personally gets from yoga class both as a student and a teacher, she uses the same word. “Yoga has humbled me.” She continues, saying that being more humble doesn’t mean that she walks around wearing rose coloured glasses all day but that one day she just sort of woke up and the first thought that came to her head was ‘what a beautiful day, I’m so happy to be alive.” Kim says that through her personal practice of yoga, she continues to feel this way.

You get this feeling when you meet Kim and the other instructors at class. I really feel that they are there to help me with my postures and my breathing through their own examples, wisdom and guidance. Kim told me that it is a yoga teacher’s goal to take students to a higher level and this certainly seems possible at the KYC.

I know that you are all wondering and no, I still can’t touch my toes without bending my knees but I am getting there. I have already noticed an improvement in my flexibility and although I still have a ways to go, I can see it happening. Funny thing is, I am no longer totally focused on the toe thing. It’s the overall yoga thing that has me going on and on to everyone. I guess I really have to thank my editor Jason, for offering me this assignment and getting me hooked! Thanks Jason.

I have set a goal for myself for the rest of the summer and that is to participate in two yoga classes a week over the rest of the summer. I only went once last week and I missed it. So, two a week and a promise to myself to do some ‘independent’ yoga while on holidays for ten days later in the summer. I mean, what better place to relax, stretch and get in touch with your innermost self than at the ocean.

Laurel will be participating in a special Yoga Sadhana Workshop at the KYC later this month with special guest Wade Imre Morissette who is a yoga therapist, instructor, chanter and author. Visit www.kanatayoga.com or www.wadeimremorissette.com or call 858-1114 for more info.

Laurel will follow up with an account of her experience at the Sadhana Workshop and how it felt to participate in chanting and meditation as her journey into the world of yoga continues.

back