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Welcome to December, where we are already headed toward the winter solstice and the shortest day of the year on Dec 21st . It is a sign of longer days ahead, and spring not too far on the horizon.
With December, for many, comes the process of giving gifts. Although I have said it before, it is an opportunity to explore the teachings of yoga and how to give gifts gracefully. Recently in the “Snippets of Yoga Philosophy” (episodes 4 and 5, in particular episode 5) I spoke about the “3 gunas” or qualities of nature and how the Bhagavad Gita teaches us about the 3 gunas and the impact our gift giving.
“A gift is sattvic or pure when it is given from the heart to the right person at the right time and at the right place, and when nothing is expected in return.”
“But when a gift is given expecting something in return, or for the sake of a future reward, or when it is given unwillingly, the gift is rajas, or impure.”
“And a gift that is given to the wrong person, at the wrong time and the wrong place, or a gift which comes not from the heart, with proud contempt, it is of tamas, or darkness.”
As we venture into giving gifts, let’s think about why we are giving them, and try to give with the right spirit behind each gift. Then our hearts are filled with joy and happiness to share something we care deeply about sharing. May every gift you give and receive be enrichened by love, love, love!
With gratitude, Bob, Mugs, Becky and Elena
Don’t forget Jan 1st is the day registration opens for our SOYA Annual Yoga Retreat June 2-4, 2023! It will be a super fun retreat with Dr Raj Balkaran teaching us so much about the Stories Behind the Poses. You can register here on Jan 1st!
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Chapter 17 of the Bhagavad Gita expounds on the 3 gunas, and how they are actively present in all of our activities… what we eat, what we say, and even our intention behind the giving of gifts.
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Sitting In Siddhasana
by Rebecca Stone, E-RYT500, IYTA
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Sitting on the floor for meditation has many benefits, and is well worth the time it takes to make the posture comfortable and accessible. Siddhasana, also known as the Perfection Pose, is one of the postures of meditation recommended in the Hatha Yoga Pradipika.
Learn more about how to sit in this classic meditation posture and read an excerpt from The Stories From The Poses by Dr. Raj Balkaran on our recent blog post here....
Illustration of Ganesha by Devika Menon.
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Dr Raj Balkaran, author of the book The Stories Behind the Poses, is our special guest at the SOYA Annual Retreat June 2-4, 2023!
Registration opens January 1st. Save the Date! Updates on details unfolding! Learn more here.
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Congratulations to NEW SOYA Grads!!
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Congratulations to the new graduates who have successfully completed their studies with SOYA in Mexico! New 200hr Foundation yoga teachers are Nicole Prowse of Penticton, BC and Sarah Campbell of Smithers, BC. The new 500hr Professional Upgrade yoga teachers are Karen Miller from Smithers, BC, Janna Burgart from Fort St. James, BC, Courtney Olde from Maple Ridge, BC and Amanda Robertson from Penticton, BC.
We would also love to thank Sherree Bryan from Penticton, BC, Dorothy Fizzell of Pitt Meadows, BC, and Amanda Paulson of Fort McMurray for joining to Refresh and Retreat in Mexico, too!
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Do you have Questions about yoga, or how to become a certified yoga teacher? Or you would like to advance your current knowledge of yoga at one of our Retreats? Let's talk about how to find the right school and training for you and what content creates a well rounded education. We are here to share about our variety of program formats, locations and payment plans.
Join us Tuesday, Jan 10th at 6pm MST for a life Q & A. Please email info@soyayoga.com to receive a link to attend, or hear the recording later.
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SEVA Scholarship Fund
This SOYA scholarship has been generously funded by friends of SOYA who have assisted in fundraising efforts through the sale of used yoga props and books. This scholarship fund is intended to serve yoga students who have little or no access to yoga.
Any qualified or certified yoga teacher may nominate a person whom they feel would benefit from and be interested in experiencing some yoga classes with them.
Learn more aobut this Scholarship fund and how to Apply or to Donate funds.
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200 Hour Foundational Yoga Teacher Training with SOYA - in person, online or both!
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2022/23 200 Hour Foundation Training
Penticton WEEKENDS Jan 28-June 26, 2023
Online WEEKDAYS March 7-July 21, 2023
Michigan HYBRID Mar 7 - June 22, 2023
Sorrento IMMERSION April 3-19, 2023
Online WEEKENDS April 16, 2023 - Jan 28, 2024
Edmonton IMMERSION July 3-19, 2023
Prince George WEEKEND Program Sept-Dec 2023
Costa Rica HYBRID Online Oct/23- Costa Rica Feb/24
Mexico IMMERSION Program Nov 16 - Dec 3, 2023
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Small groups, transformational teachings, ongoing support!
SOYA’s curriculum will help you to excel at your yoga teaching and your yoga lifestyle.
Already a 200hr+ Yoga Teacher?? Join any training as a Refresh student for a great discounted rate. Learn more here.
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300 Hr PROFESSIONAL UPGRADE YOGA TEACHER TRAINING
UPGRADE to RYT500, expanding your teaching skills and deepening your philosophical knowledge for Yoga Alliance Standards
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THREE MAIN AREAS of FOCUS:
- Advancing Teaching Skills
- Subtle Anatomy of Yoga
- Making Yoga Inclusive for All
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This training is now offered in Immersion, Weekend, Hybrid and Online formats!
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Details of Curriculum and Locations
*Online Weekdays: Module B Jan 4-April 21, 2023 and Module A Sept 27 - Dec 20, 2023. Both modules req'd.
*Penticton, BC Immersion: Module A Apr 22-May 4,2023. Module B Oct 1-12, 2023 Both modules req'd. Start in either module.
*USA Hybrid or In Person: meet Online Tues & Thurs for Module B Jan 4- April 21/23, then gather in person in Florida for Module A April 30-May 11, 2023 Both Modules req'd. Start in either format.
*Mexico Hybrid: meet online Wed & Sun June - Oct 2023, then Immersion in Melaque Mexico Nov 16-Dec 3, 2023. Both modules req'd. Start in either module.
*Edmonton, AB Immersion: Module A Mar 13-24, 2023 , Module B Sept 18-29, 2023. Both modules req'd. Start in either module.
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LOOKING FOR A SOYA CERTIFIED TEACHER?
Check out our SOYA TEACHER DIRECTORY for Canada and abroad!
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FRIENDS OF SOYA - Referrals are Important!
There are so many Yoga Teacher Training programs, a referral can help a student be guided to choose a program that suits their needs wisely. THANK YOU!
SOYA has trained over 800 yoga teachers at international standards!
FOR EVERY referral we will send you $100 following their grad!
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