Yoga in Muskoka – Teaching and Practising at Kahshe Lake
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by Donna Warner
by Donna Warner
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Sitting on my yoga mat looking out over the lake and forest that surrounds it reminded me of the connection between the energy of the roots of the trees and the energy received in practicing Yoga. The connection of life in the roots of the tree gives renewed energy to the tree itself, much like standing in tree pose, feeling the feet rooted to the ground, as if connecting to Mother Nature, then strengthening and lengthening the body, breathing new energy into every cell, and becoming as strong as that tree.
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I wanted to teach Yoga up at Kahshe Lake during the summer months and Dennis Ring generously offered me the opportunity to teach classes at Rockhaven Inn in 2003. We went to work on the floor in the main room looking over the lake. I sanded, varathaned and cleaned the floor. Dennis pitched in and moved all the furniture. The two of us were just beaming at the way the floor came up, and it was finally ready for the first Yoga class.
Sitting on my yoga mat looking out over the lake and forest that surrounds it reminded me of the connection between the energy of the roots of the trees and the energy received in practicing Yoga. The connection of life in the roots of the tree gives renewed energy to the tree itself, much like standing in tree pose, feeling the feet rooted to the ground, as if connecting to Mother Nature, then strengthening and lengthening the body, breathing new energy into every cell, and becoming as strong as that tree.
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I wanted to teach Yoga up at Kahshe Lake during the summer months and Dennis Ring generously offered me the opportunity to teach classes at Rockhaven Inn in 2003. We went to work on the floor in the main room looking over the lake. I sanded, varathaned and cleaned the floor. Dennis pitched in and moved all the furniture. The two of us were just beaming at the way the floor came up, and it was finally ready for the first Yoga class.
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Every Saturday I would drive down from my cabin on South Kahshe Lake Resort to Rockhaven. I never knew who would show up but had faith that at least one or two people would appear. The classes started out small, and over time we grew into a close-knit group. Some days we had a full room, other days just one or two people. We had a great view of Kahshe Lake, sparkling in the sunshine, ripples of waves, boats and water skiers dotting the landscape. It didn’t matter if it rained or not, we had a roof over our heads. It was an enjoyable summer teaching at the lake, and a great way to start the day. Our group became close and we agreed to continue the following year.
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During the second year, I was excited to hear about a family that was looking for a Yoga teacher. Rob and Liz Pal hired me for the summer to teach Yoga to their family down at the dock that fronted their cottage. They have twin daughters Nicole and Danielle as well as a beautiful dog. What a great experience! It was a memorable time, watching the kids stretch and make faces because they were up so early. Liz and Rob were yoga role models of showing what it takes to practice. It was fun when the dog joined in and everyone laughed at his antics. It wasn’t easy for everyone to get up early in the morning, but it was enjoyable once we all got into the experience of doing the practice on the dock over the water. I give the twins credit for putting every effort into waking up early, coming down to the dock and giving their best to stretch their bodies and breathe into the poses. It was fun to watch and again the surroundings were amazing, the sound of the trees blowing in the wind, the water lapping up on the beach and the dog scampering on and off the dock.
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Another summer ended and a new one began in 2006 with lots of abundance coming into my life. Plans started to come together for a beautiful life with my fiancé Glenn Williamson. I sold my little cabin at the South Kahshe Lake Resort and bought a home on North Kahshe Lake Road that we could live in year round if we chose. My ultimate dream of teaching Yoga in Muskoka in my own backyard came to life. That summer I taught a wonderful group of women under the fir, maple and birch trees at the back of the house. The backyard reminds me of an old English countryside with green moss and lots of beautiful rocks in clustered areas, the ground is soft and trees always surround us. On rainy or colder days we went inside. There was enough room in the living room to teach 5-6 people. We had such a great time just connecting with our roots at the lake, nature all around and bringing that connection right into our Yoga practice. Later, we went out on the deck to relax, stretch and feel the breeze on our faces as we lifted our legs in unison. At times I felt I could just burst I was so happy.
Every Saturday I would drive down from my cabin on South Kahshe Lake Resort to Rockhaven. I never knew who would show up but had faith that at least one or two people would appear. The classes started out small, and over time we grew into a close-knit group. Some days we had a full room, other days just one or two people. We had a great view of Kahshe Lake, sparkling in the sunshine, ripples of waves, boats and water skiers dotting the landscape. It didn’t matter if it rained or not, we had a roof over our heads. It was an enjoyable summer teaching at the lake, and a great way to start the day. Our group became close and we agreed to continue the following year.
.
During the second year, I was excited to hear about a family that was looking for a Yoga teacher. Rob and Liz Pal hired me for the summer to teach Yoga to their family down at the dock that fronted their cottage. They have twin daughters Nicole and Danielle as well as a beautiful dog. What a great experience! It was a memorable time, watching the kids stretch and make faces because they were up so early. Liz and Rob were yoga role models of showing what it takes to practice. It was fun when the dog joined in and everyone laughed at his antics. It wasn’t easy for everyone to get up early in the morning, but it was enjoyable once we all got into the experience of doing the practice on the dock over the water. I give the twins credit for putting every effort into waking up early, coming down to the dock and giving their best to stretch their bodies and breathe into the poses. It was fun to watch and again the surroundings were amazing, the sound of the trees blowing in the wind, the water lapping up on the beach and the dog scampering on and off the dock..
Another summer ended and a new one began in 2006 with lots of abundance coming into my life. Plans started to come together for a beautiful life with my fiancé Glenn Williamson. I sold my little cabin at the South Kahshe Lake Resort and bought a home on North Kahshe Lake Road that we could live in year round if we chose. My ultimate dream of teaching Yoga in Muskoka in my own backyard came to life. That summer I taught a wonderful group of women under the fir, maple and birch trees at the back of the house. The backyard reminds me of an old English countryside with green moss and lots of beautiful rocks in clustered areas, the ground is soft and trees always surround us. On rainy or colder days we went inside. There was enough room in the living room to teach 5-6 people. We had such a great time just connecting with our roots at the lake, nature all around and bringing that connection right into our Yoga practice. Later, we went out on the deck to relax, stretch and feel the breeze on our faces as we lifted our legs in unison. At times I felt I could just burst I was so happy.
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Summer ended with much promise to continue teaching Yoga at the house in 2007, just minutes from the beach and the water. Another surprise came. I was asked to teach Yoga at an old school in Housey Rapids on Saturdays during the fall and winter. This was an opportunity to practice near Kahshe Lake and meet a great group of women who live year round in the area. Every Saturday we met at the school for a Yoga workout. The view from the window was absolutely beautiful; swaying pine trees covered the landscape, every one with its own story and history. I would love to know their stories. Can you imagine what the trees have experienced season after season for fifty plus years? Just the thought of grounding my feet into the floor like a tree, holding the pose , feeling and breathing the Muskoka air, was enough to start us off with another class of Yoga on a lazy Saturday morning. Trees hold so much energy we are blessed to have them in such abundance in Muskoka.
Summer ended with much promise to continue teaching Yoga at the house in 2007, just minutes from the beach and the water. Another surprise came. I was asked to teach Yoga at an old school in Housey Rapids on Saturdays during the fall and winter. This was an opportunity to practice near Kahshe Lake and meet a great group of women who live year round in the area. Every Saturday we met at the school for a Yoga workout. The view from the window was absolutely beautiful; swaying pine trees covered the landscape, every one with its own story and history. I would love to know their stories. Can you imagine what the trees have experienced season after season for fifty plus years? Just the thought of grounding my feet into the floor like a tree, holding the pose , feeling and breathing the Muskoka air, was enough to start us off with another class of Yoga on a lazy Saturday morning. Trees hold so much energy we are blessed to have them in such abundance in Muskoka.
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That fall on Remembrance Day, November 11th, Glenn Williamson and I were married at our new place on North Kahshe Lake Rd. it was a beautiful ceremony and a wonderful way to close out 2006.
That fall on Remembrance Day, November 11th, Glenn Williamson and I were married at our new place on North Kahshe Lake Rd. it was a beautiful ceremony and a wonderful way to close out 2006.
