Yoga
The Vijnana Practice:
"Through our practice of sitting, pranayama, asana and the study of
texts, we aspire to refine and integrate the body, mind, heart and
consciousness. The guiding principles of relaxing the body, quieting
the mind, focusing through intent, rooting, connecting, expanding and
an awareness of breathing allow us to go deep within and from that
place to see, to feel, to understand and to act skillfully. Calling our way
of practicing Vijnana is but giving recognition to something that has
always been there, something that is at the core of our discipline:
practicing, feeling, understanding – from inside”
Orit Sen-Gupta December 2003, Jerusalem.
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Zoe offers the following weekly classes at the Vijnana Yoga Centre on Gabriola Island, 235 James Way.
60+ Yoga:
This class relies on the principles of Vijnana Yoga for precise, holistic organization and alignment of the body, which aligns and connects the body's subtle layers. The
practices of sitting and pranayama are explored, in addition to the tensigrity repair
series created by Gioia Irwin. This series is taught lying on the back with support under the pelvis. The organic movements of the body initiate dialogue between the masses of the head, thorax, and pelvis. The body flows in connection to breath, rehydrating joints and engaging the deep volume of the inner core. Asanas focus on gentle standing postures and supported wall sequences.
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Chair Yoga:
Chair yoga is directed toward students who are interested in practicing yoga, but who cannot join a general yoga class due to injury, illness, or other physical difficulties. The in-depth lessons grant students tools for improving quality of life, gradually transforming posture, strengthening the body, and lessening pain. The classes provide an opportunity to develop a connection to the body despite injury and pain. Those who deal with difficulty and physical limitations can develop deep and meaningful understanding with the help of a precise and careful yoga practice. Classes are shorter in duration (1hr and 15 minutes) and all sitting and standing poses are guided with the support of a chair.
Release the Day:
These early evening sessions explore the principles of Vijnana Yoga through
tensegrity, surya namaskar, and standing sequences. Gentle flow sequences are set to music in the ambience of soft candlelight. This evening series provides a reset for the nervous system which often overstimulated in our busy lives. Classes are suitable for all ages and levels of yoga experience.
Private sessions:
Private in-home yoga sessions are available upon request.
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Vijnana Yoga Center
235 James Way Gabriola Island BC
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Yoga
Zoe’s gentle compassionate expertise is deeply relaxing and has helped me strengthen awareness in my feet that had been lost as a result of nerve damage from surgeries many years ago. It’s a beautiful treat for your entire being!
- Jeannette Nienaber
Student Testimonials...
Zoe's passion for healing combined with her deep knowledge and personalized approach to yoga and reflexology has not only transformed my physical health, but I come away from every session feeling rejuvenated and balanced. I feel truly blessed to have found such a gifted and compassionate teacher.
- Naia Cumming
Zoe is fresh as a springtime breeze. She leads you gently into your body and mind with such expertise and seamless pacing you are hardly aware of time and space. We are so fortunate to have her teachings on Gabriola. Thank you, Zoe!
- Rainie Evans
Zoe’s classes gives "the senior" in me the opportunity to get down on the floor and be flexible again. With all her adaptations, one can be a part of doing a pose, and in so doing, one comes away feeling more successful at what their body can do. The atmosphere of the class is warm and supportively attentive. Such a nice break from our hectic lives.
- Nancy Merrifield
I have taken classes with Zoe for several years. She is a gentle and intuitive teacher, sensitive to the needs and abilities of her students. It is a pleasure to be in her classes!
- Carol Hemrich
I love participating in Yoga with Zoe. The fact that the class is in a Yurt in the forest, makes it so peaceful and calming. Zoe takes her time, and is very supportive while teaching. She obviously knows the practice, and I honestly have improved my flexibility. I really enjoy her classes. I've met a few new friends at Yoga, and always have fun.
- Diana Monks
I started taking "Over 60 Yoga" with Zoe several months ago. She is a delightful instructor, the Yurt is a magical spot, and I am enjoying it thoroughly. More importantly, I am definitely realizing the health benefits associated with Yoga and plan to keep attending!
- Cindi Thompson
Zoe’s reflexology treatments are a fabulous way to drop out of your head and dive into a peaceful pool of healing energy. Her 60+ and Chair classes make yoga accessible to everyone.
- Rosanne Konrad
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Zoe’s yoga classes have taught me how to relax and concentrate on yoga and nothing else during the session. Zoe is a wonderful instructor, always patient, kind and explains poses well. I look forward to class every week.
- Karen Mccavour
I took chair yoga 60+ with Zoe, after never having taken yoga before. I had the best experience; I had lots of fun, and learnt so much. Zoe is the most patient and caring of teachers. I highly recommend her classes, 5 star rating!
- Janet Drake
I came to Zoe's Chair Yoga class following a knee replacement surgery, as I was not able to get up and down off the floor for a regular yoga class. At first, I thought that "Chair yoga" sounded a bit wimpy. I was wrong. I have found it to be a really good overall body stretch and work out. Mostly we use the chair as a prop, as well as the wall, and do many poses we would do in a floor class. Zoe is a lovely, calm and expert instructor. I always feel wonderful after her class .
- Janice Robinson
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