One of the most widespread practices in the world along with prayer and worship, yoga takes innumerable forms and there really is no authoritative way to define it other than to generally say it is some type of personal activity which ideally seeks to connect body, mind and spirit.
What Basically Does It Look Like?
Breath-focused yoga is essentially the conventional Hatha yoga taught by yoga teachers all over but with added guidance on breathing as you are in, and move between, poses. (Or some students disregard the breathing instruction altogether to keep things simple.!) Though each session is custom-developed to suit participants’ background and preferences, a common thread is that the classes tend to be gentle and unhurried to allow for experiencing each pose rather than moving through them in rapid succession—quality not quantity—and that classes are oriented to being a yoga practice more so than a yoga workout. More detail can be found in the class descriptions and on the SoulTrail Yoga sub-site.
Where Does It Take Place?
Yoga is done in a bright airy yurt, with panoramic windows to the forest and transparent dome to the sky, you will feel like you are nestled organically into the woodlands. It’s a peaceful place & space for yoga of any type but with focusing on your breath there is the benefit of all the oxygen put out by thousands of trees.
Why Can It Be Beneficial?
Yoga is most commonly known in the western world for its physical postures, “asanas”, stretching/strengthening exercises which build flexibility, coordination, balance and stamina. While asana is a fundamental part of doing yoga, broadening the scope of practice will broaden the scope of its benefits. Effective, skillful breathing helps us feel well and live well. Asanas provide foundation for breathing practices, and mindful breathing helps us connect with the physical experience of being in our body.
Who Delivers This Service?
Neil Baldwin is a Yoga Alliance™ certified RYT-200™ yoga teacher. He completed the Teaching Hatha Yoga certificate in-person at Sheridan College, Oakville ON, a 16 month program consisting of 144 practical (asana) class hours plus 144 theory class hours. Neil has also completed 50-hour Bhakti Yoga Teacher Training in-person at Deva Tree School of Yoga and Advanced Pranayama & Physiology of Breath Teacher Training through Awakened Spirit Yoga School. Read Neil’s yoga journey to learn more about his background.
How Can I Access This Service?
Yoga, at the Introductory, Beginner or Intermediate level, is one of over a dozen experiences you may select from for your Personal Day Retreat. It is also available as an add-on for airbnb guests staying on-site. It is not otherwise available as a standalone service.
™ The Yoga Alliance name, trademark(s) and logo(s) used herein are the intellectual property of Yoga Alliance.
Soul Trail 