Urban Spiritual Yoga by KKKoski
In Toronto’s west end is a more relaxed, community collective of spiritual yoga practices that offer modestly priced classes, taught by nomadic, free spirited, urban yogis. The center operates on the Urban Sadhak Initiative. (sadhak is a Sankrit word that identifies someone who is on a spiritual path. Urban... well that just refers to a city dweller.)
Yoga Village is located in a community based Healing Center that attracts laid back - alternative and holistic practitioners. Even the facility is housed in a well known- open minded - United Church. The unpretentious, aged building is rife with humble philosophy that speaks well of overall oneness, it practically sings out “We pray well with others”
Scholars and students alike know that the ancient practice of yoga was conceptualized as a spiritual bond with one’s mind, body and soul. As this very eastern tradition made its way into the western world - the concept evolved into somewhat of a hippy culture and then, as an alternative mode of exercise. In the last decade alone the fashionable trend of yoga had replaced aerobics and trended totally towards being a very fashionable form of fitness. But that’s not what it’s all about. It’s spiritual.
The study of breath and movement is a celebration of internal, external and worldly chi.
The more bohemian perimeters of yogic life reinforces the transcendent, ethereal ambition these movement practices aim to accomplish. I personally am enjoying the beginners Qi gong classes that are being offered at Yoga Village.
Also within the Greater Toronto Area, is a new studio that has opened in Mississauga. I mention it, because I have had the pleasure of learning basic Kundalini yoga with Yoga Vision’s Modern Day Yogi and Yoga Therapist; Salimah Kassim-Lakha.
Admittedly there is and will alway be- the “designer duds” versions of yoga. Sad that, because the true intention is spiritual, the benefits of a toned body is merely a happy circumstance. I for one am glad the focus is shifting towards more of a spiritual direction. This is not to say that I don’t care for a spa like environment as I move into sun salutation, only that I know it is not necessary -for the beauty, is indeed, within me and not, exclusively in my surroundings.
That said, it does help create a better ambiance if a yoga studio looks good. Doing Yoga in a metropolitan city seems like a contradiction, no? It isn’t. It has become the norm. The simple act of quietly tuning in when urban life is so chaotic, is a gift we give ourselves.
by Karyn Klaire Koski
a very novice yogi
