Abby Yoga Studio the original yoga studio in Abbotsford here since 2006. The teachers make every student that walks through the door feel valued and understood.
The Accidental Yogi
You must be wondering what the term “Accidental Yogi” refers to. Ok, here’s the story… Back in 1991 I was struck by a car while riding my bike. I separated my shoulder and rotated my pelvis and this is when I began taking yoga classes with hopes of improving my mobility and strength.
Well, I wasn’t finished yet…In 1992 I slipped on black ice and broke my ankle. After surgery on my ankle I was stuck in a wheelchair. I practiced Iyengar Yoga for my upper body during that time which started my journey into yoga for people with special needs.
My experiences with Iyengar Yoga were so positive it led me into a deeper exploration of Iyengar’s healing elements. My ankle healed so well the specialist was amazed. I achieved with yoga alone and no physiotherapy.
My Apprenticeship
I began my apprenticeship in 1995 under Senior Teacher Marlene Mawhinney at the Yoga Center in Toronto. I apprenticed in Yoga for people with special needs or limitations. In 1996 I was accepted into Marlene’s three year teacher training program from which I graduated.
I went on to prepare for certification with the Canadian Iyengar Yoga Association which I obtained in 2001.
I now have 5 levels of National Certification and I’m now a Junior Intermediate 3 teacher in the Iyengar system. I have completed over 3,000+ developmental hours and 500 therapeutic hours of training.
eileen_barI have studied in India at the Iyengar Institute in 2005, 2010, 2014 and several times with the Iyengars at North American conventions.
Since 2011 I’ve been training teachers for National Certification in the Iyengar System with Louie Ettling. As well, I am an assessor in training for the Iyengar Canada Association.
I am also a Certified Yoga Therapist certified by the International Association of Yoga Therapists. It is my view that all the postures are therapeutic and can be used as therapy for common aliments.
I am also a holistic practitioner specializing in aromatherapy, reflexology and lymphatic drainage massage; having graduated from the British Columbia Institute of Holistic Studies in 2005.
It is my core passion to share knowledge of the Iyengar method of yoga through what I’ve learned over the past 25 years of study and practice. The world can be challenging sometimes and yoga is meant to relieve stress, not create more of it.
The Big Moment!
It was a big moment when I opened my Yoga Studio in 2006. I thoroughly enjoy helping others experience the incredible healing benefits of Iyengar Yoga. The response from the community since I opened Eileen’s Yoga Studio (now Abby Yoga Studio), has filled me with gratitude. This continues to bring me motivation and satisfaction each and every day I come to the studio to teach.