Ottawa : Ottawa - Westboro

* Janice Tokaryk

Adishesha Yoga Zone

To me, Yoga is a journey within....

Looking back, I always loved to move... dance, movement and a true love for the outdoors and nature were always close to my heart.

Growing up in Northern Ontario,"outside" was a huge part of my life. In the north that's just what you did, always right outside your doorstep. I started dance by studying primarily ballet and then, through my Ukrainian roots, got into an exploration of character dance, which brought me to teach to children and adults. Later on I switched gears to the fitness world. I travelled extensively around the world presenting at conferences and training individuals on how to become fitness leaders. Always interested in yoga, I started taking Hatha classes and finally realized that it sat right with me. I felt fantastic and liked what I felt inside very much.

On a trip to California some years ago, I took my first Power Yoga class and was blown away. It just happened to be with Bryan Kest, one of the first Power Yoga teachers. I did not know then that it was Ashtanga Yoga with a North American name. Off I went into the study and practice of Ashtanga Yoga. Marcia Solomon was my first influence in the practice right here in Ottawa. From there I have proceeded to study primarily with Richard Freeman,
completing three of his Teacher Training programs in Boulder, Colorado. I am also certified by David Swenson in the Ashtanga lineage. Sri K.Pattabhi Jois graced us with his presence by coming to Montreal and I was able to study with him. It was very inspirational.

I keep myself busy here in Ottawa teaching group led classes and private classes. I also lead workshops as well as participate in classes, as I love being a student, always growing and learning. I volunteer as much as possible in the community and practice daily asana and meditation, absolutely loving what I do....

You can find me at Adishesha Yoga Zone, Dovercourt Recreation Center,
Professional Program, Modern at the School of Dance,
Corporate, Stats Canada, Museum of Nature.