Instructional &
Informational Posts
A YogaTribes consultant; a Communications alum focused on IT business development; an American expat massage therapist; a founding member of Montreal Healing Arts Community and Yoga Community Montreal; and a writer, editor and blogger.
It may not be clear off the bat what these individuals with such diverse and expansive backgrounds have in common, but underneath all of the titles and successes are five extraordinary woman with one collective goal.
Founders of the grassroots organization YOCOMO (Yoga Community Montreal), these yogis have set out on a path to make yoga more accessible within the community and “promote, produce and participate in yoga events big and small throughout the city.”
We recently caught up with the ladies of YOCOMO to discuss their third annual Yoga Festival Montreal; an event that attracts yogis from all walks of life, set to take place June 6-8, 2014 at the Conservatoire de musique et d’art dramatique du Quebec.
What can be expected from this year’s Yoga Festival Montreal (YFM)?
Starting off with a bang, this year’s YFM will kick off the opening night celebration at an off-site loft space in the Plateau, followed by two event-filled days spanning over 30 styles and 50 hours of workshops, meditations, performances, discussions, etc. Consciously curated, yet continuously growing, YFM will feature a number of new voices from the community this year, while at the same time, welcoming back some of our favourite familiar faces.
Although YFM offers plenty of asana (the physical practice of yoga), there is just as much emphasis placed on the non-asana elements of yoga as well, making up a core part of our vision and reflected in our festival programming. For those eager to explore yoga in all of its forms, YFM offers the perfect opportunity to hit the mat, while at the same time open your eyes to the practices of meditation, Ayurveda, collage, journaling, dance, chant, and much more.
Do you have to be a seasoned yogi to attend YFM?
The beauty of YFM rests in the fact that it’s a safe space where anybody can break out of their comfort zone and experience a new facet of yoga. With first timers, and yogis with over 10 years of experience often practicing and sharing their yoga side by side, YFM is truly an inclusive community event. Although there may be some workshops geared towards seasoned practitioners looking to deepen their study of the art, the majority of classes are appropriate for those stepping onto the mat or meditation cushion for the first time, regardless of age or level.
For all the mommies and daddies hoping to attend the event, bring along the little ones and open their eyes to the world of yoga through our first ever Kids & Teen Program.
What advice do you have for people who may be intimidated to try yoga?
It’s not about what you can do with your body or what it looks like, but about where the practice of mindfulness and movement can take your life. It’s important to remember that yoga is a personal practice and journey. To help guide this practice, YOCOMO has created a community where people can come together and feel a part of something; find solace in a group of yogis who strive for greater peace, balance, fun and sharing. No matter what your background, experience or ability, YFM is a great place to really explore yoga, free from intimidation and judgement.
Offering an approach that spans the reaches of the true yogic practice, YOCOMO presents an event for all ages and levels that is not to be missed.
Check out Yocomo for more information about the upcoming Yoga Festival Montreal (YFM).
