We host regular workshops, specialty classes, and events to deepen your practice in a community setting. Payment is required at the time of registration and GST will be added to the price. We often require a minimum number of participants to run a workshop, so if you are considering attending, please register one week prior to avoid disappointment.
International Yoga Day
With Hemma Teachers
June 21st, 2019
Join us in celebrating International Yoga Day at Hemma. In 2014, the UN recognised June 21st as International Yoga Day and states “Yoga is an ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice that originated in India. The word ‘yoga’ derives from Sanskrit and means to join or to unite, symbolising the union of body and consciousness.”It is important, as yoga and its popularity grows, to acknowledge the origin and roots of yoga. It is an ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice that originated in India. We cannot lay claim to this ancient practice that has so generously been shared with us from the East. As we practice, we can honour the roots and practice by acknowledging where it began and the fact that it is not just a physical practice. Yoga is not something you “do” it is a way we choose how to live our lives and live in this world. We would love to see you at Hemma and share our love for Yoga with you this June!
All day is “bring your friend for FREE”! If you have a valid class pass at Hemma,you can bring a friend or family member for free to all classes we have on Friday,June 21st.
FREE CLASS 12:00-1:00pm We are pleased to offer you an all level class from one of our wonderful Hemma teachers. The class is open to all and all you need to bring is your yoga mat!
Kirtan by donation finishes off this special day. Come to chant and meet your community with some Bhakti (devotional) yoga.
Friday Night Kirtan
With Kelly, Tia, and Damian
Friday, June 21st at 7:30-9:00pm
Kirtan is a form of Bhakti (devotional) Yoga where community gathers to share in call-and-response chanting, therein discovering that which unites us to each other. Most of the chants are in the ancient but timeless Sanskrit language. These sounds vibrate within the physical and subtle body, quieting the mind and purifying the heart. No experience is necessary, and song sheets are provided.
Investment: $5-$20 Sliding Scale
Summer Yoga for Keeping Your Cool
With Jenafor Ryane
Saturday, June 22nd 1:30-4:00pm
The warmer, brighter days of Summer may naturally inspire more energy, and more activity as a result. This extra energy can feel wonderful and welcome! However, it is important to take time to slow down and chill out, in order to balance out Summer season’s extroverted qualities. A Yoga practice focused on slowing down can help you avoid Summer burn-out. In this 2.5 hour practice for Summer season, Jenafor will lead you through a combination of gentle Hatha yoga, restful Yin and Restorative yoga, cooling breath work, laughing meditation, and a deeply rejuvenating Yoga Nidra (yogic sleep) guided meditation. This workshop will emphasize a state of non-doing and rest by focusing on slow and steady mindful movement, and longer held poses. You will leave feeling cool as a Summer cucumber and ready for your next BBQ, pool party, or camping trip!
Jenafor will encourage you to take this practice home with you to call on throughout the Summer to help keep you connected to the energy of Summer in a balanced and sustainable way. Feel free to bring a journal and pen to jot down your favourite exercises.
This is the first class in a seasonal series to be offered at Hemma.
Investment: Before June 15 $35/ Full $45
Restorative Yoga & Thai Massage
Facilitated by Cedar Sorensen, Thai Massage with Coralie Charland and Waan Bunsri
Sunday, July 7th 2:00-4:00pm
Cultivate deep relaxation through the combined therapeutic power of Restorative Yoga, Thai massage & a Loving-Kindness practice. During this special 2-hour class, while being guided through a series of relaxing, restorative yoga poses, you will receive Thai massage therapy. The combination of yoga and massage allows you to let go of deep tension, breathe more deeply, and almost effortlessly flow into bliss. The loving-kindness practice offers us a chance for deep self-nurturing and supports our subtle body. This combination will open the practitioner to experience benefits on a physical, mental and energetic level. Wear comfortable, layered clothing and leave all your cares at the door. Class size is limited to ensure quality massage time. This event usually sells out, so be sure to pre-register!
Investment: $50 before July 1st / $60 after
Satsang
With Hemma teachers and guests
Friday, July 12th 7:00-8:30pm
Satang is a Sanskrit word which translates loosely to “being in the company of the truth” and refers to a group of like-minded people who engage in spiritual discussion and teachings. We will chant, meditate, learn about yoga and yogic philosophy and then eat together as a community in a vegetarian pot-luck afterwards. Everyone is welcome and if you cannot bring food to share, please just bring yourself!
Investment:$5-$20 Sliding Scale Donation
Jivamukti Open Class
with Jonni-Lyn Friel
Saturday, July 13th 1:00-3:00 pm
Jivamukti Yoga, developed by Sharon Gannon and David Life , offers the contemporary yogi a creative approach to living in the world today. Grounded in the ancient scriptures and ethical practices of yoga, Jivamukti, a Sanskrit word which means “living liberated,” is a practical philosophy that teaches how spiritual values can help us work with the challenges of everyday life with more joy, compassion and positive effectiveness. Jivamukti Yoga offers vigorously physical and intellectually stimulating yoga classes. Classes include Vinyasa (flowing asana sequences), hands-on adjustments, Pranayama (breathing exercises), meditation, Sanskrit chanting, Yogic philosophical teachings and deep relaxation with music playing an integral role in the class.
Join certified Jivamukti Teacher Jonni-Lyn Friel for this fun, uplifting and challenging class. The class will be themed around the Focus of the Month for July.
Investment: Before July 8th $25 / After $35
Yoga of Empowerment and Authenticity
With Swami Muktibodhananda
Sunday, July 14th 2:00-4:00 pm
Gabrielle
Grace, born in Melbourne, Australia, had an early calling to yoga at the age of 12. At 17, she left for India to spend 10 years at the feet of her Mentor and Guru, Paramahansa Swami Satyananda Saraswati – a direct disciple of Swami Sivananda of Rishikesh. Gabrielle was initiated into the dasnami order of sannyasa, dedicating her life to the teaching and practice of all aspects of yoga. Since 1977 she is known as Swami Muktibodhananda Saraswati. Swamiji was given the title Yogacharya, yoga authority, from Paramahansa Swami Niranjanananda in 1993.
She will be touring the West Coast of Canada and Hemma is pleased to be hosting her here in Victoria for a public talk on Yoga of Empowerment and Authenticity. This talk is open to all. Please visit www.muktibodhanandaretreatscanada.yoga for more information.
Suggested donation: $25
Refund Policy:`
– If you cancel 7 days prior to the event, we can offer you a full refund or credit at Hemma.
– If you cancel within the week prior to the event, we can offer you a credit at Hemma, minus a $5 administration fee.
– If you cancel the day of the event, or don’t show up for it, no refund or credit will be offered.
– It is rare that we cancel a workshop, but if we do we will give you 24 hours notice and offer you a full refund or credit at Hemma.
Thank you for your understanding.