The Yoga Shala Calgary: Ashtanga Yoga Instruction & Practice

Sara Byers

My discovery of yoga first came to me when my physical body and inner being needed it most. I was 23 years old and I had just finished the greatest battle of my life – surviving Burkitt’s lymphoma. Five months at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre & four rounds of intensive chemotherapy later, my body was at its weakest. After getting the clear from the doctors I headed west to Vancouver to further my studies in graphic design and it was then and there that yoga found me.

Initially I remember downward dog was incredibly difficult and shaky, but with each practice I left feeling lighter, cleaner, stronger, happier and more purified. As my practice evolved, so did my understanding of the nuances of my body & breath and discovering meditation. Everyday I feel fortunate to have my yoga practice in my life.

I completed my teacher training at the Yoga Passage in March 2008 with Tracy Mann, Tanis Fishman & Lerrita Rubinoff. An amazing experience where I truly dove deep into my practice and learned a wealth of knowledge concerning asanas, anatomy, meditation & the eight limbs of Ashtanga. I’ve also been fortunate enough to take workshops with David Williams, Manju Jois, Ron Reid & Marla Joy, and practice with Dharma Mittra at his studio in New York City.

"May the light within me recognize and honour the light within you."

Namaste