Learn, Grow, Evolve
Workshops, retreats and team building sessions invite you to try something different, deepen your knowledge and make new connections.
Just like you, we are open to fresh experiences and keen to learn from different teachers. |
 Family Medicine Residents UBC
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April Workshops & Events
Explore Back Bends with Marlene Weller
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Back bends stretch the front body while strengthening the back body. They stimulate the kidneys and adrenals, and build courage and stamina. When practiced with care, they can reverse habitual patterns and improve posture, alleviating the effects of sitting, driving and hunching over desks and devices.
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Saturday, April 1st
12:00p - 2:00p
$50
12:00p - 2:00p
$50
Explore Inversions with Marlene Weller
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To “invert” means to turn upside down. Yoga inversions invert the body’s relationship to space and gravity. Practiced with care and attention, inversions are meant to build upper back strength, reduce blood pressure & heart rate, increase lymphatic circulation and release tension.
Saturday, April 22
12p - 2p $50 |
Sound Bath
Also known as sound meditation, a sound bath is a healing experience that activates the parasympathetic nervous system and modifies brainwave states.
Join Kyla Campbell for an experience that promotes deep relaxation, balances energy, and provides opportunities for physical, mental, emotional, and energetic release. Through the various tones and vibrations of singing bowls, vocal toning, and other instruments, the body is supported in shifting into a higher frequency. In this state, miraculous changes can occur. Sunday, April 23rd, 2023 1:00p - 2:30p Cost: $55 |
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Prenatal Yoga Experience
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Benefits:
What to bring: Sticky Yoga Mat Water bottle Towel Comfortable Clothing |
Retreat to India
September 18 - October 8, 2023
A 17 Day Integrated Yoga Journey with
Deborah Carruthers & Shelley D'Amico
Where: Tropical South India in the spice hills of Periya Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala, India
| 2023_retreat_to_india__1_.pdf |
The Retreat
The retreat will be held at the beautiful Chrissie's Hotel in Thekkady.
Included
Not Included:
Yoga and Energy Requirements
Deborah and Shelley will interview students to determine yoga level and experience. This Retreat is an intensive, with 6 hours of daily practice, including meditation, pranayama, yogic philosophy and classical asana.
Hotels
We stay in clean, moderate-standard family-run character hotels (3-4 star) in the center of activity, with:
Transport
Health
Before and After Retreat
Registration
Cost: Approx $3800. A $500 deposit is required for registration. Space is limited, so send us an email and book a spot today!
If the Retreat is full, you may apply to the waitlist or have your deposit returned. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us (contact information given below).
What if I need to cancel?
Contact information
Deborah Carruthers
Phone:250-597-1919
Email: harmonyyogaduncan@gmail.com
Website: viyogaschool.com
About Deborah Carruthers
Founder of VI Yoga SchoolDeborah is dedicated to providing skillful and transformative yoga and wellness. She began her yoga journey later in life and has practiced the Ashtanga method ever since. Completing her teacher training at an Ashtanga studio in Victoria approximately a decade ago, she continued with Yin Yoga teacher training with Bernie Clarke in Vancouver. An avid student, she has travelled to India to study with senior Ashtanga teachers and explore Indian culture. Many wonderful teachers, including Chuck Miller, Kino MacGregor, and David Swenson, influence her teaching style. Daily practice has radically transformed her life, and her wish is to share this journey with her students. This will be Deborah’s fifth journey leading a retreat in Kerala, India.
Included
- Yoga Intensive classes with VI Yoga School's Founder, Deborah Carruthers & Namaskar Yoga Founder, Shelley D'Amico
- All accommodation (double or single occupancy)
- Three meals/day at the Retreat Center
- Private ground transportation to and from the Retreat Center
- Airport transfers
- Pre-trip info session and preparation (including packing lists. cultural information, maps)
- Assistance with flights and Indian Visa
Not Included:
- International return flight to India
- Overnight in Kuala Lumpor
- Travel Health Insurance
- Indian Tourist Visa
- Some meals at arrival/departure city
- Free time excursions, tips, souvenirs, personal items
Yoga and Energy Requirements
Deborah and Shelley will interview students to determine yoga level and experience. This Retreat is an intensive, with 6 hours of daily practice, including meditation, pranayama, yogic philosophy and classical asana.
- Classes are voluntary.
- Daily free time to rest or explore the amazing Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary environs
- One day is built in at the start of the journey to acclimatize
Hotels
We stay in clean, moderate-standard family-run character hotels (3-4 star) in the center of activity, with:
- western toilets
- showers
- ceiling fans
- two single or two double beds.
Transport
- Flying Vancouver to Kuala Lumpur to Cochin. Spend overnight in Cochin
- We have a private bus all to ourselves for the journey to and from the retreat center
Health
- Health insurance for the duration of the trip is mandatory.
- Pre-trip immunizations are optional. For more info, can visit: https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/health-safety/vaccines
- The Retreat Centre includes three meals/day with a buffet-style Western/Indian fusion with vegetarian selections. There are many restaurants available in Kochi and Kumily/Thekkady. Please note there is no alcohol taken during the retreat.
- Those with special dietary needs, allergies, or dietary restrictions can manage well with a little planning and communication with hotel hosts.
- We have a private bus all to ourselves for the journey to and from the Retreat Centre.
- Airport transfers are included. For those extending their stay in India, airport departure transfer is not included.
- Travel health insurance for the duration of the trip is mandatory.
- Pre-trip immunizations are optional.
Before and After Retreat
- The cost of the international return flight to India is not included. Preference is for the group to travel together on a flight chosen for expediency.
Registration
Cost: Approx $3800. A $500 deposit is required for registration. Space is limited, so send us an email and book a spot today!
If the Retreat is full, you may apply to the waitlist or have your deposit returned. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us (contact information given below).
What if I need to cancel?
- You can cancel up to 60 days prior to departure without penalty – Return of full cost of Retreat.
- Cancellation less than 60 days prior to departure – Forfeit $1,000 deposit, return of balance.
- On or after departure date – Forfeit the entire cost of Retreat.
- VI Yoga School and/or Namaskar Yoga reserves the right to cancel a retreat at our discretion, and we will fully refund monies received by us.
Contact information
Deborah Carruthers
Phone:250-597-1919
Email: harmonyyogaduncan@gmail.com
Website: viyogaschool.com
About Deborah Carruthers
Founder of VI Yoga SchoolDeborah is dedicated to providing skillful and transformative yoga and wellness. She began her yoga journey later in life and has practiced the Ashtanga method ever since. Completing her teacher training at an Ashtanga studio in Victoria approximately a decade ago, she continued with Yin Yoga teacher training with Bernie Clarke in Vancouver. An avid student, she has travelled to India to study with senior Ashtanga teachers and explore Indian culture. Many wonderful teachers, including Chuck Miller, Kino MacGregor, and David Swenson, influence her teaching style. Daily practice has radically transformed her life, and her wish is to share this journey with her students. This will be Deborah’s fifth journey leading a retreat in Kerala, India.
300 Hour Yoga Teacher Training
Registration Opens April 1, 2023
Shelley D’Amico
Owner of Namaskar Yoga
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Deborah Carruthers
Owner & Director of VI Yoga School
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Geoff Mackenzie
Director of First Light Yoga Vancouver |
Namaskar Yoga Studio presents a 300-hour program that gives the student an authentic experience of traditionally taught, classical yoga. The course curriculum is based on the Ashtanga Vinyasa Method and Patanjali Sutras.
The objective for students is to significantly deepen their personal practice and knowledge of practical yoga philosophy and allow this to inform their future teaching.
On the mat: Students will improve their functions of breathing techniques, posture alignment, variations, use of props and the “assisted self-practice” Mysore style model. Practicums: You will practice teaching and adjusting students early in the program, in a fun supportive manner.
Off the mat: Students will be inspired to further their studies of perennial wisdom and apply this to everyday life and interpersonal relationships.
Teaching pathway: Students are guided in led classes and traditional Mysore learning style. In keeping with the tradition of the student-teacher relationship, you are given postures as your body/mind is ready to receive. This personal experience of overall growth and steadiness of practice will cultivate excellence in teaching going forward.
A departure from modern yoga classes where students are often thrown into classes where advanced postures are given without the foundation and readiness of the student. Cultivation of deep spiritual practice requires mastery of breath, mind and posture, one step at a time.
Students will learn the Ashtanga Half Primary series, increasing their knowledge of each individual posture. Curriculum modules will be dedicated to specific themes such as hip opening, back bending, arm balancing and inversion sequences. Deepening and developing your personal practice will be a priority in this training.
This 300 Hour Canadian Alliance Certification course is open to anyone who has been practicing for at least one year. It is also perfect for yoga teachers with 200-hour certificates to increase their skill, confidence and success in starting their own teaching business or working for an established studio.
The objective for students is to significantly deepen their personal practice and knowledge of practical yoga philosophy and allow this to inform their future teaching.
On the mat: Students will improve their functions of breathing techniques, posture alignment, variations, use of props and the “assisted self-practice” Mysore style model. Practicums: You will practice teaching and adjusting students early in the program, in a fun supportive manner.
Off the mat: Students will be inspired to further their studies of perennial wisdom and apply this to everyday life and interpersonal relationships.
Teaching pathway: Students are guided in led classes and traditional Mysore learning style. In keeping with the tradition of the student-teacher relationship, you are given postures as your body/mind is ready to receive. This personal experience of overall growth and steadiness of practice will cultivate excellence in teaching going forward.
A departure from modern yoga classes where students are often thrown into classes where advanced postures are given without the foundation and readiness of the student. Cultivation of deep spiritual practice requires mastery of breath, mind and posture, one step at a time.
Students will learn the Ashtanga Half Primary series, increasing their knowledge of each individual posture. Curriculum modules will be dedicated to specific themes such as hip opening, back bending, arm balancing and inversion sequences. Deepening and developing your personal practice will be a priority in this training.
This 300 Hour Canadian Alliance Certification course is open to anyone who has been practicing for at least one year. It is also perfect for yoga teachers with 200-hour certificates to increase their skill, confidence and success in starting their own teaching business or working for an established studio.
The course will be delivered in weekend modules at Namaskar Yoga Studio starting Friday, October 20, 2023
Course dates:
October 20, 21 & 22
November 3,4 & 5
November 17, 18, & 19
December 1, 2 & 3
December 15, 16 & 17
January 6,7 & 8
January 20, 21 & 22
February 3, 4 & 5
INVESTMENT:
Cost for 300-hour program certification: $4800.00 plus GST.
Early Bird pricing $4300 plus GST from April 1st to June 30.
* includes a free membership for the length of program
Payment information
The deposit required to hold your place is $800.00. The remaining payments can be paid in equal installments. We accept e-transfer, debit and credit cards. Applicants withdrawing 30 days before the start date are subject to a 50% administration fee.
Canadian Yoga Alliance 300-Hour Registered Yoga Teacher Training
This program will transform your practice and radically deepen your understanding of yoga. This training is suitable for both aspiring teachers and dedicated practitioners as it will provide the foundation of knowledge essential for any invested yogi.
Our program follows the rich lineage of Krishnamacharya, rooted in teachings from Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. Our methodology combines the flow and power of Ashtanga with its focus on alignment and sequencing. To balance, you will learn about contemplative styles, mindfulness as well as sequencing and ideas to create your yoga style.
You will have the opportunity to learn from our experienced teachers in their area of specialty. Daily practice will integrate the principles of teaching deeply into your body. We will focus on wellness, pranayama, and meditation to enhance your experience.
You will learn how to:
Ready to start your journey with us ? Download the curriculum and application.
Course dates:
October 20, 21 & 22
November 3,4 & 5
November 17, 18, & 19
December 1, 2 & 3
December 15, 16 & 17
January 6,7 & 8
January 20, 21 & 22
February 3, 4 & 5
INVESTMENT:
Cost for 300-hour program certification: $4800.00 plus GST.
Early Bird pricing $4300 plus GST from April 1st to June 30.
* includes a free membership for the length of program
Payment information
The deposit required to hold your place is $800.00. The remaining payments can be paid in equal installments. We accept e-transfer, debit and credit cards. Applicants withdrawing 30 days before the start date are subject to a 50% administration fee.
Canadian Yoga Alliance 300-Hour Registered Yoga Teacher Training
This program will transform your practice and radically deepen your understanding of yoga. This training is suitable for both aspiring teachers and dedicated practitioners as it will provide the foundation of knowledge essential for any invested yogi.
Our program follows the rich lineage of Krishnamacharya, rooted in teachings from Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. Our methodology combines the flow and power of Ashtanga with its focus on alignment and sequencing. To balance, you will learn about contemplative styles, mindfulness as well as sequencing and ideas to create your yoga style.
You will have the opportunity to learn from our experienced teachers in their area of specialty. Daily practice will integrate the principles of teaching deeply into your body. We will focus on wellness, pranayama, and meditation to enhance your experience.
You will learn how to:
- ➢ teach Ashtanga based vinyasa classes
- ➢ teach Yin classes
- ➢ apply anatomical understanding of the body to alignment in yoga asanas
- ➢ sequence creatively and safely
- ➢ recognize common misalignments & risks
- ➢ suggest modifications & variations of poses
- ➢ offer clear verbal and hands-on assistance
- ➢ find your unique teaching voice
- ➢ Learn to count and pronounce names of postures in Sanskrit
Ready to start your journey with us ? Download the curriculum and application.
| namaskar_ytt_curriculum_and_application.pdf |
Your Faculty Guides:
Shelley D’Amico, Owner of Namaskar Yoga, Parksville
Shelley is a certified 550 hr Ashtanga-based and Yin yoga teacher registered with Yoga Alliance (E-RYT550, YACEP, CYA550), as well as a certified Meditation and Mindfulness Teacher. Shelley believes that a consistent yoga practice cultivates self awareness, compassion and healing, and reminds us that we are already whole.
She is intentional in educating students, by teaching the why behind the what and how. Shelley believes that with a little knowledge, students can learn to trust their intuition and safely practice yoga asanas in a way that best supports their unique body. Shelley’s guidance is informed by her teachers: Deborah Carruthers, Geoff Mackenzie, Carly Forest and Natalie Rousseau.
Deborah Carruthers, Owner & Director of VI Yoga School, Duncan
Deborah Carruthers has 14 years of teaching experience in the Ashtanga method. As the owner and Director of Vancouver Island Yoga school, she has facilitated eight yoga teacher trainings and five retreats to Kerala, India. She honours her teachers along the way in the Mysore method:
Geoff Mackenzie, Rolf and Marcia Naujokat (Goa), Sharmila Desi (Goa), David Swensen, Kino Macgregor and Tim Feldman (Miami). Deborah holds a Master's degree in counselling Psychology and a level one Ayurveda practitioner certification.
Geoff Mackenzie, Director of First Light Yoga, Vancouver
Geoff has been practicing yoga for over 25 years since beginning on a forest floor in France in 1996. He started teaching classes in 2004, after completing a YTT in Victoria, BC. Geoff’s guidance is informed by extensive studies with R. Sharath Jois and their family in Mysore, India, combined with input from innovative Western practitioners. Modern approaches to strength, mobility and breath-work training feature in his own practice too.
Geoff’s students consider him to be a reliable, steady presence in the classroom. You can count on him to apply the Ashtanga Vinyasa method in a way that will challenge you, while still respecting where you’re starting from and what your intentions are.
Shelley D’Amico, Owner of Namaskar Yoga, Parksville
Shelley is a certified 550 hr Ashtanga-based and Yin yoga teacher registered with Yoga Alliance (E-RYT550, YACEP, CYA550), as well as a certified Meditation and Mindfulness Teacher. Shelley believes that a consistent yoga practice cultivates self awareness, compassion and healing, and reminds us that we are already whole.
She is intentional in educating students, by teaching the why behind the what and how. Shelley believes that with a little knowledge, students can learn to trust their intuition and safely practice yoga asanas in a way that best supports their unique body. Shelley’s guidance is informed by her teachers: Deborah Carruthers, Geoff Mackenzie, Carly Forest and Natalie Rousseau.
Deborah Carruthers, Owner & Director of VI Yoga School, Duncan
Deborah Carruthers has 14 years of teaching experience in the Ashtanga method. As the owner and Director of Vancouver Island Yoga school, she has facilitated eight yoga teacher trainings and five retreats to Kerala, India. She honours her teachers along the way in the Mysore method:
Geoff Mackenzie, Rolf and Marcia Naujokat (Goa), Sharmila Desi (Goa), David Swensen, Kino Macgregor and Tim Feldman (Miami). Deborah holds a Master's degree in counselling Psychology and a level one Ayurveda practitioner certification.
Geoff Mackenzie, Director of First Light Yoga, Vancouver
Geoff has been practicing yoga for over 25 years since beginning on a forest floor in France in 1996. He started teaching classes in 2004, after completing a YTT in Victoria, BC. Geoff’s guidance is informed by extensive studies with R. Sharath Jois and their family in Mysore, India, combined with input from innovative Western practitioners. Modern approaches to strength, mobility and breath-work training feature in his own practice too.
Geoff’s students consider him to be a reliable, steady presence in the classroom. You can count on him to apply the Ashtanga Vinyasa method in a way that will challenge you, while still respecting where you’re starting from and what your intentions are.
