Guinevere Joy

I have practiced yoga for almost twenty years in the style of yoga that originates from Vanda Scaravelli, known as Scaravelli Yoga.

My yoga journey began in 1999, in Peterborough, Ontario. At the time, there was only one yoga studio in Peterborough and very fortunately happened to have teachers who were all taught in the method of Vanda Scaravelli. Thus, my introduction to yoga was in the gentle and accepting style that is so characteristic of Scaravelli Yoga.

However, being who I am, any other approach to yoga would not have resonated with and engaged me as did Scaravelli Yoga, where importance is given to taking the time to listening to the body, to allow the body to move and breath in its own rhythm. There is a saying in Scaravelli Yoga that truly resonates: Infinite time, and no ambition. Yoga is a journey, and I believe the body responds to kindness, to patience and gentleness, as in all other aspects of life. When we treat our bodies with respect, our bodies respond by unfurling, and expanding.

In 2013 I completed the Yoga Teacher Training Program at Esther Myers Yoga Studio in Toronto, Ontario. Esther Myers studied closely with Vanda Scaravelli, and this studio follows her teaching principles closely. This was a two-year program with 800 hours of instruction. This program was invaluable to my understanding of yoga; and I have continued to learn, grow, and find a deeper connection to yoga; this being the very nature of yoga. Working with you on your yoga journey, I can help you to deepen your practice, evolve, and grow, to find inner peace and equilibrium.

This technique focuses on three principles: the ground, breath and spine. I have found that this style of yoga can be adapted to students of all levels, however, it is deceptively gentle: although this approach may seem ‘easy,’ it offers a challenge that is not so much about quick gains, but rather focus, consistency, and commitment.

The method of Scaravelli yoga focuses on grounding, and when the body is fully grounded, a lightening and lengthening occurs: there is a phenomenon of natural, unforced lengthening that increases with a deep connection to Earth’s gravity.

I have a strong commitment to having a personal yoga practice, and consequently, I tend to practice every day. I believe that this is reflected in my teaching, and I believe that it is essential for teachers to have a personal practice, as such, I can help you to develop your own personal connection to yoga.