New News, Workshops, Classes and Events    

February Donation Box: Help decrease violence against and support women at the Assaulted Women's Help-line. Donate what $$$ u can in the box! 

TYW is closed February 23rd and 24th. Programs/classes will resume Sat. February 25th. 

Upcoming karma classes in March. These are pay-what-you-can and proceeds are given to a worthy cause.        

Open backbending classes: Check it out below.

• Backbending Resources (DVD)
• Inversion Workshops
• Open Yoga Classes
• Karma Classes & Events

• i-bend blog: (latest) Being vs. Doing  
• Heather's blog: Push-ups 101

Freedom of the Body: Primary elements of the back with Heather Morton 

Now available both in hard and soft copies, the first of its kind as an instructional DVD on the backbends of yoga.

Derived and inspired from its original source Yogacharya V. Venkatesha (a renowned Yoga Master), Heather Morton presents the bedrock of backbending yoga. Having studied under Yogacharya for over a decade, Heather takes you through the key elements and fundamentals of backbends. This DVD reveals the sequencing, breathing method and counter postures unique to the practice.    

Backbends are a gateway to purifying and cleansing the physical body, and mind. Known for developing greater flexibility, control and balance they also help to reduce tension. Challenging us to uncover dormant emotions, backbends nurture our fullest potential for growth. With straightforward instructions and guidance, Heather demonstrates the practice in way that sheds light on an underdeveloped area for many people.   

Go to Freedom

Photo: EK Park

Backbending: Extending your Spine and your Mind

Backbends are full body and mind. They enhance energy and vitality as well as develop the desirable flexible back.  Using the physical body with the breath the aim is not only to increase flexibility but to release mental tensions. It could also be said that backbending is a journey in rediscovering the body's potential and unlearning patterns of holding, stress and tension. 

Inspired by my teacher in India Yogacharya Venkatesha, I derived a practice that teaches the techniques in how to stretch the front of the hips, extend the back and support with the chest. To complete the practice counter postures such as twists and forward bends are combined. Backbends take time, patience and the will to trouble shoot areas of tension. As well, the practice is on how to 'release' not muscling your way through it.  

The basics of these techniques are like a set of building blocks; they act like the firm foundation for which you can stand upon. 

Read the i-bend blog:                              

Breathing and backbending

Backbending one-on-one training

                                                          
Contents: Each class begins with exercises combined with the with the breath (prana) and focus points (drishtis). Learn the sun salutations unique to the practice for the back. The practice sequence is designed according to your goals and abilities.  The focus is to create a practice that will help develop flexibility, strength and balance. Classes include a 61-point exercise in deep relaxation.

Arm & Headstand Intensive: Limited spaces

Learn to balance and build up the strength for a nicely controlled headstand and in arm balance asanas. Limited to 5 students. Includes conditioning exercises, which are inspired by Yogacharya Venkatesh (Heather's primary teacher in India). These are for the lower abdomen, back and legs. The class concludes with a 61-point exercise for deep relaxation and rest.

Date: Stay tuned! 

Time: TBA  

Call TYW (416) 944-1415

Contact

Open Yoga Classes

Learn more about Freedom of the Body: an instructional DVD on the techniques and practices of backbending yoga.  Experience using the breath and bending backward along with the counter postures for flexibility, stability and mobility.

No experience necessary. You need to bring your own yoga mat. 

No pre-registration needed. Call TYW (416) 944-1415

Date & Time: TBA in March 

Cost: $30                      

Charity Classes and Events

Called karma yoga classes the proceeds go to support a worthy charity in Toronto or within the world!  

Saturday, February 11, 2012 ~ Time: 2 p.m.  Suggested donation: $25.   In support of SSO Yogathon 2012.                  

In addition to the karma classes at TYW, Heather supports children both financially and intellectually in India by giving monetary gifts and teaching English as a Second Language. Since 2004, Heather began teaching at a private school in Mysore, South India. This past year marked her 8th annual visit.  

Learn more on the Outreach page. From August to September 2011, Heather taught daily English classes. Her interaction, support and friendship contributes to the lives of many, many Indian children and their future. 

SSO Yoga Class in support of the 7th annual yogathan.  

Dates: February 11, 2012 ~ $350 raised! ~  

Assaulted Women's Helpline

Date: December 17, 2011. Improving support for call centers and help lines for women facing violence. ~ 85 raised! ~  

New Leaf Yoga                                                                               

Dates: May 21 & June 11, 2011

Proceeds support bringing yoga into mentorship and leadership programs as well as community awareness for empowering today's youth. ~ $300 raised! ~

Japan Crisis Class 
Date: April 2, 2011
Think Globally and Act Locally. Funds raised help support the Japanese Crisis. Proceeds will go to the Canadian Red Cross. ~ $651 raised! ~

SSO Class
Date: March 5, 2011
Supporting the 6th annual Yogathon for
Schizophrenia Society of Ontario.  ~ $423 raised! ~

Contact

For more information or next classes