Monday, April 11, 2011

The last in our meet us series-Darlene

From the boardrooms of her professional career to the wooden floors of the many yoga studios she has seen in her 25 years of practicing yoga, Darlene daily exchanges her business attire for a more grounded approach to life…in bare feet on her mat. Darlene started practicing yoga as a method to cross train while running as a teenager. She soon began to use yoga as a means to “check-out” from her hectic professional life and enjoy the stillness and serenity she found on her mat.

Darlene’s journey into yoga naturally progressed to the completion of yoga teacher training at Upward Dog Yoga Centre, Ottawa, as a means to assist others transform their lives. During her journey she has been blessed to have trained nationally and internationally with yoga and ayurveda teachers who have provided various insights and perspectives, which has shaped her approach to yoga and to life in general. This is reflected in her classes which are integrated approach that beautifully combines asanas (poses) and pranayama (breath) with ahimsa (non-harm), music and meditation with warmth and compassion.

Darlene holds certification as a teacher of Core Strength Vinyasa Yoga;® Pre and Post-Natal Yoga; Power Yoga, Yin Yoga and has completed her Level I Yoga Therapy (Phoenix Rising). She is a certified Agatsu Kettle Bell Instructor; Zumba/Zumbatomics, YMCA Group Fitness Leader, Fitness Kicking Level II Instructor and CanFit Pro Certified Personal Trainer.

In describing what are the greatest joys she has experienced since the inception of The Yoga & Wellness Studio, Darlene lists: the heightened awareness in the consciousness of the community; the changes, both physically and spiritually she sees in those at the studio; the undeniable beauty of the bliss on the faces of pre-natal yoga students; and giving back to her community through seva restorative classes and the community classes in the summer along the banks of the Unesco designated Rideau Canal.

Favourite quote: “Undisturbed calmness of mind is attained by cultivating friendliness toward the happy, compassion for the unhappy, delight in the virtuous, and indifference toward the wicked”

Favourite asana (pose) warrior II as no matter how crazy my day is, I feel empowered, centered and strong when I hold this pose.

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