OTHER PROJECTS AND VIDEOS
See below for my other recent yoga adventures and recorded content!
YOGA AT THE INFORUM LIBRARY
Piloting yoga classes in an academic library!
During my own graduate studies from 2018-2020, I've developed half-hour, drop-in classes for students in the Faculty of Information at the University of Toronto, designed to be done in the middle of a busy day — no experience and no fancy-pants (aka yoga pants) required. Yoga, offered freely and accessibly in a library, is important to me as a way of building academic community and supporting mental health initiatives on campus.
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, I offered these classes virtually for graduate students on a weekly basis, fostering community and well-being, even from a distance!
CAMP AROWHON
A yoga pilot project for campers and staff!
Yoga in the middle of the wilderness is a special experience. In the summer of 2018, I developed a unique yoga program for Camp Arowhon, leading a variety of outdoor yoga classes for campers, ranging from 7-15 years old, and staff. The approach was playful, and included a mix of gentle, introductory level classes, vigorous vinyasa flows, and creative themes for some of the youngest yogis. All classes were taught on the front porch of the main lodge and the docks on the lake, surrounded by whispering pines and the cries of loons. I taught a number of mindfulness practices to bring attention to this wonderful natural environment, including a nature hike and meditation that was very popular with the 10-year-old campers!
The 2018 program was such a success that yoga is now offered at Camp Arowhon as a permanent activity.
FITNESS TWO 4
A new yoga program for regulars at the gym!
I spent a year at Fitness Two 4 building a new yoga program for the gym's pre-existing clientele. The result was a playful, fitness-oriented series of vinyasa flow classes that quickly developed a regular following of both men and women. Students frequently attended these full-length evening classes twice a week, looking for both a challenge and a chance to unwind. These classes encouraged regular gym-goers to shake up their routines, and fostered a community within the gym environment.
WOODBINE CENTRE
Introductory yoga for the community!
In the fall of 2017, I developed an 8-week drop-in program at the Woodbine Centre, a shopping mall in North Etobicoke. This Saturday-morning program was the first of its kind, and it catered to beginners seeking an introduction to the practice. My goal was to share yoga with those in the community who might otherwise lack the opportunity to try it for themselves.
As the classes were offered in the mall's centre court, there were a few interested onlookers who were quick to follow along from a distance — a success for community engagement!
