“Like water being wrung from a cloth, the process of yoga drains us of past conditioning. Negative habits (samskaras) are replaced with more positive habits. Yoga unpacks particle by particle, breath by breath, cell by cell. Its integrative forces pulls us together again. Like fearless explorers, we dive into the body unwinding the knots that bind.” —Julie Rappaport
“It only takes a reminder to breathe, a moment to be still, and just like that, something in me settles, softens, makes space for imperfection.” —Danna Faulds
Having been transformed by the power of yoga in my own life, I became a yoga teacher in 2001. My yoga classes are influenced by traditional Hatha yoga, Kundalini yoga, 5 Rhythms dance, Feldenkrais body movement, and Buddhist philosophy.
Within a context of safety and ease, my classes focus on the psycho-spiritual aspects of yoga and the power of mindfulness to promote well-being.
Proud presenter at the Victoria Yoga Conference 2014, 2016 & 2018.
As a long time meditation practitioner, I am passionate about sharing the value of mindfulness meditation. The Yoga and Meditation class I teach combine yoga poses, breath work, and mindfulness meditation. This class is especially helpful to those suffering from stress and the incessant and negative chatter of the mind.
Blending heartfelt presence, authenticity and mirth, I inspire students to cultivate their basic goodness and live a life of meaning. I have taught yoga to a wide variety of people, ranging from the exclusive guests on James Island to those with addictions and mental disabilities.
All classes are suitable for anyone with a relatively healthy body and heartfelt interest in exploring the practice of yoga.
LifeForce Yoga
Depression is not a disease, the endpoint of a pathological process. It is a wake-up call . . . and the beginning of an unfolding process of self-awareness. Depression’s signs and symptoms can be used as opportunities rather than seen as catastrophes. —J. Gordon M.D., author of Unstuck: Your Guide to the Seven-stage Journey out of Depression
Ocean with Amy Weintraub, founder of LifeForce Yoga
Ocean embodies compassion and self-awareness. She attunes to the needs of her students and provides practices to help them re-balance and self-regulate. I highly recommend her. —Amy Weintraub, founder of LifeForce Yoga®
According to the Canadian Mental Health association, 27% of Canadians experience stress in their jobs. Approximately 8% (2.8 million) of adults will experience major depression at some time in their lives. Almost one half (49%) of those who suffer from depression or anxiety have never gone to see a doctor about this problem.
More and more people are looking for alternatives ways to manage depression and anxiety other than medication. They are finding great success with LifeForce Yoga® (LFY). Science has now confirmed what ancient yogis knew — that the body can and does influence the mind. LFY does exactly that. It uses the body to regulate the nervous system and evoke a positive, calm, alert state of being.
LifeForce Yoga® integrates ancient yogic practices with current neuroscience and scientific research. It is unique because it combines yoga poses with breath, sound, meditation and other practices not found in a typical yoga class.
While Life Force Yoga® is designed for those suffering from anxiety, depression and other mood disorders, it is valuable to anyone who wishes to cultivate a deeper connection to themselves. Who you are — your essence — is radiant, whole and untouched by the events of your life. The practice of LFY connects you with your essence. A willingness to engage wholeheartedly, and a deep desire to connect with your true self are the qualities necessary for meaningful participation.
In my LifeForce Yoga® classes, I weave together yogic wisdom, positive psychology, mindfulness and a bit of playfulness.
In the following video I give a short talk and demonstration of Lifeforce Yoga®:
“As a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, I use LifeForce Yoga® in my work with active military patients in an in-patient psychiatric setting. LFY has brought a new level of stability and empowerment to my patients.” —Lori Popeski, PMHNP