WELCOME TO
Yoga with Kerry RYT1000, E-RYT500
Traditional, classical, yoga since 1990.
Yogah citta vrttinirodhah” which means Yoga is the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind. When we master that, we are more able to find peace and contentment. ~ Patanjali
Yoga Classes
Spring/Summer Deal
May 29-Aug29, 2024 (14weeks)
Wed 6-7:15pm
Thurs 10-11:15am
cost: $99.00
drop in: $10
Classes are traditional in that all aspects of Yoga are experienced in a gentle, deep mindful way. Each participant is encouraged to observe themselves and connect to sensation rather than an idea of what they “should” be doing or look like. Vedic philosophy, sutra knowledge, pranayama, mantra, meditation, as well as asana (body stretches and shapes building towards a pose to find peace and stillness within) are all touched on. There is an emphasis on educating participants through experience how to quiet the mind, which may result in a healthier more balanced self. These classes are appropriate for all levels, including beginners, but more so for folks looking to understand this ancient practice as a means towards a more preferable lifestyle.
ABOUT
Yoga is my passion, my dharma, my life, on all levels.
History
Yoga became a part of my life in the 1960s when I was a child with my Mother studying and practicing Yoga. She became a Yoga teacher. Her training was of the Krishnamacharya lineage as she was a student of a disciple of Krishnamacharya. This means my first experience of Yoga was very traditional in that it encompassed all aspects of Yoga – mantra, philosophy, Ayurveda, meditation, pranayama, as well as basic asana. Mom learned it as a means to mend mental and physical health through balance and stillness. Yoga was engaged by folks back then who were seeking a path to a healthier and happier life. I assisted my Mother when she taught physically compromised youth at the YMCA in my hometown, and I accompanied her when she taught the “addictions” crowd at the local facility.
Training
In the last 30 years I have obtained my own RYT1000 hours of certification as well as many additional certifications from courses with teachers such as Doctor Timothy McCall (Yoga as Medicine) and David Emmerson (Trauma Sensitive Yoga). My original 500 hour certification is with Therapeutic Approach Yoga Studio in Halifax NS. My RYT1000 was granted by The Yoga Studio College of Canada in recognition of the work and study I have done during several extended trips to India, working with masters, Gurus and Swamis of the Krishnamacharya (at KYM in Chennai, India) and Sivananda (in Rishikesh) lineages. I have also spent time at many ashrams and Yoga Schools in India such as Kavailyadhama Yoga and Research Institite in Lonavala , taking the programs there and experiencing the place where both Krishnamacharya and BKS Iyengar worked and lectured. In Canada I have lived at the Sivananda ashram in Val Morin, Quebec.
Experience
I have been working in the Canadian Arctic since 2003 teaching Yoga in schools, addiction facilities, prisons and Elder centers. I developed and implemented a program for the North entitled “Building Resiliency for Youth through Yoga”. It was delivered to staff and school teachers throughout communities in the Arctic regions of Nunavut and Northwest Territories.
I am the lead teacher and facilitator of the Saimavik Yoga Teacher Training School that offers a traditional Trauma Sensitive approach for the RYT200 certification course. Currently it is being offered in Tusket Nova Scotia Canada. I am available to travel and deliver this certification course anywhere a group is ready. I also have assisted in teaching many RYT200 courses throughout Canada.
Through my experiences of offering community classes and workshops, facilitating several intensive Yoga retreats in Canada, travelling through India with groups, and leading RYT 200hr courses I have seen many folks (young and old) go through a personal transformation enabling them to move into a more helpful balanced and peaceful life.
Also, I was selected as one of the 7 Yoga Teachers profiled for the international documentary movie Planet Yoga. It was released in 2010.
Tusket House is an Ashram
located in Tusket Nova Scotia Canada
902-648-7828 (facebook page Tusket House)
What is an Ashram
It is a spiritual residential home. Folks can stay here to attend events such as classes, courses and retreats. Or if one needs a break from the material world, immersing themselves in a spiritual setting to focus on practice,, this is the place. There is no staff, everyone lives together as family, pitching in with meals, clean up and the daily running of the household.
How Does it Work
We offer events where folks can come daily, staying elsewhere, or stay here, in residence. Room costs are to be added on to program cost (unless otherwise stated). Private queen room $60 per night, double room $50 per night, shared, tenting and trailer space is $30 per night..
Events
Event costs vary. Most events include healthy vegetarian meals with some dairy and gluten free choices.
Retreats
"Retreat" from your everyday life by living in a Yoga community of like minded folks. Experience what it means to actually "Live Yoga" 24/7. Not by changing who you are, or your life, but by connecting to your own true Self, through practices enabling you to discover your inherent natural and authentic being. Truly LIVE YOGA.
Retreats usually begin at 3:00pm on first day, and end at noon on departure day. (these times may differ for smaller retreats)They are based on Traditional Yoga and Ayurveda principles and practices. The practices are gentle, allowing the participant to "retreat" from the difficulties and challenges of the extreme circumstance of today. There is a residential option meaning participants can choose to stay in a private room, or shared space at Tusket House, or use own tent or camper on the property. There is often a theme for retreats and the schedule and programming will reflect that. A schedule and outline is given to participants upon arrival. Each day usually begins at 8am and ends at 8pm with 2 hrs off for lunch. There is a 1/2 hr - 45min morning and afternoon break and 1 hr off at suppertime. Prices include healthy vegetarian meals, some prepared by Ayurveda chef, Kabir Raj Rana, some prepared as a group, as part of learning healthy meal practices and menus. *please note - for longer stays there may be a request to bring assigned grocery items, or pot luck, to help keep costs down
2024 at a Glance
Sept 8-18 Nada Yoga (Yoga of Sound, Pranayama and Meditation) details below
Oct 4-7 Anatomy and Physiology with Mike Munro and Kerry Lawson certification course in retreat format. For Yoga Teachers who are working towards their 500 hour certification. This will be a 30 hour course. Also suitable for long time Yoga practitioners (not necessarily teachers) who have a basic understanding of anatomy, and wish to have more, but not necessarily working towards a 500hr cert. (see poster below)
Retreat Posters
Anatomy and Physiology
please email Kerry to register
Sept 8 - 18, 2024
100 hour certification Yoga of Sound, Pranayama and Meditation
come live the full Yoga experience 24/7 with the teachers in the traditional way
for those with a 200hr certification or those who wish deeper study of Nada Yoga the Yoga of sound.
* this course is appropriate for those who have already done the 200hr YTT and are working towards a 500hr certification.
course includes:
*deep Yogic practices
*kirtan
*sound healing
*shaking
*dance movement
*nature connection
*journaling
and so much more...
Total price: $1,900 - $2,000 (depending on which room you choose) includes food, accommodations and manual.
*$1,500 is course only, if you stay and eat offsite
$500 deposit to hold your spot
To register, please contact Kerry for an application.
*this course is for adults only, including residential stays
Yoga Adventure Tour in Guatemala Feb 24-March 24, 2024
*please note: trip completed, stay tuned for next Yoga Adventure Tour with certification
Description
For those who love a daily Yoga routine but also crave travel and adventure. We will be based in Panajachel, Lake Atitlan, taking some day trips and overnight adventures. You will learn authentic Mayan tradition and cultural experience by staying where the Kaqchiquel and Tz'utujil Mayan groups settled approx 900AD around this breathtaking landscape of Lago de Atitlan.
* please note: you will receive a booklet with full itinerary and hotels once your spot is confirmed with deposit
The group size will be a maximum of 8 guests, plus coordinators
Cost Specifics
Cost is variable, depending on if you choose private or share room, if you choose to eat in restaurants and cafe every meal, or cook some of your own meals. I will arrange with a travel agent the best flight cost available, or you may choose to arrange your own flights, perhaps using points. Taking all this into consideration, the trip, for the entire month incl accommodations, meals, Yoga classes and tours will cost approx:
$4,000-$6,000 for the entire 4 weeks
This is a very customized trip, working with local folks to ensure the most authentic experience
$500.00 will confirm your spot. Closer to the time you will be required to send an installment of $1,200. (flight specifics are separate, will be discussed when flights are booked).
The remaining costs will be paid as a group, as we go, depending on the activities, meals, adventures etc. chosen.
Each participant should have a working credit card to cash advance yourself local currency at atms or banks. This is the most cost effective and secure way to acquire your personal funds for the trip.
Schedule
6:00am sunrise Surya Namaskara with mantra, pranayama, meditation
7:00am breakfast
after breakfast - daytime excursion times and details are variable, there will be choices, all will be discussed at beginning of trip
3:00-5:00pm will be afternoon practice of some sort depending on location
after supper each day we will gather for evening practice that supports a good nights sleep
* there will be the option of receiving a 40 hr Yoga certificate for those working towards their 500hr certificate and have their 200hr already (if you participate in all of the Yoga offered)
Please email Kerry for registration form
or if you have questions
200hr Yoga Facilitator Certification (In Person) June 15-July 8, 2025
200 Hour Traditional Yoga Facilitator Certification with Trauma Awareness
*Learn how to work with folks wishing to find balance and equanimity within their own lives holistically.
*Emphasizing how to teach in a way sensitive for students dealing with challenges as a result of trauma and/or high stress.
*Focus on deep inner body work in a gentle, authentic (non-coercive) way. The asana component of this training will be centered on how to work with it as a pathway for one to travel deeper within to your Self. Although asana is an excellent form of fitness in any way it is practiced, this training will not have an emphasis on learning or teaching it as a form of fitness workout.
*Includes a special module touching on Yoga of Sound and sacred movement with Maryz and Kirtan with Surya Chandra.
*Traditional approach including history and roots of Yoga as outlined in Veda. Philosophy component will be based mostly on Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, as well as some Veda and Upanishad
*Beneficial for those who wish a certification in many aspects of Traditional Yoga, not only asana.. Ideal for certified instructors seeking to enrich their teaching scope. Appropriate for those who may not wish to teach, but do wish to connect more deeply with their own Self through a traditional Yoga approach.
This training will be given in a 2 part (10 days module 1, 3 days off, then 10 days module 2 ) immersion/retreat formula, in the traditional way.
Certification is given through Yoga Studio College of Canada
* Please note, this is an intensive, residential study and experience of the teachings of Yoga. It can be transformational for those who are ready. It is much more than a course of simply giving information. This might be more intensive than expected, for those who wish only to "get the paper".
INFORMATION YOU CAN GET ON LINE, EXPERIENCE YOU CAN GET AT TUSKET HOUSE
Cost & Specifics for the Tusket House YFC (Yoga Facilitator Certification)
Module 1: June 15-25 Module 2: June 29-July 8 *3 days off in between modules (June 26,27 & 28 are days off for rest and integration)
arrival day times 3:00pm (June 15 and 29 are arrival days) , departure day times 12:30 noon (June 25 and July 8 are departure days)
Cost and breakdown per person:
$2,500 certification course incl manual
+$500 meal plan (*delicious, nutritious, organic, non gmo where possible vegetarian - most meals prepared by chef Kabir Raj Rana)
+$500 accommodations
=$3,500 Total
Core Group of Tusket House Ashram
Introducing: starting from back left:
Daniel - music prof Dalhousie, Nada Yoga Facilitator, SuryaChandra member
Dr. Adrienne - Naturopathic Doctor, Yoga Facilitator, Certified Family and Systems Constellation to work through generational patterns and pain
Kerry - Senior Yoga Facilitator, owner of Tusket House Ashram
Nanette - Yoga Facilitator and assistant/colleague
Genie - RMT and Yoga Facilitator, SuryaChandra member
Dr Ange Cooper - Doctor of Psychology and Psychology Course creator
Maryz - Senior Yoga Facilitator specializing in Nada Yoga, owner of Mystical Embodiment School, Co-Founder SuryaChandra
Pierre - Nada Yoga Facilitator, Co-Founder of SuryaChandra
Kabir (see below)
Maryz (more details below)
Jon Collins (our Mens Groups Facilitator - see below)
Kabir Raj Rana
Kabir was born and raised in a remote, isolated village in the Himalayan region of northern India. The closest medical attention was by foot or oxcart (there was no road) to a bus that would take 10 hours before reaching a doctor. As a result, Kabir learned Ayurveda and Yoga as a means to survive and heal. It is part of him. As an adult he graduated Kavailyadhama Yoga and Ayurveda Research Institute certification course and then went on to the Vivekananda University in Bangalore. May 1 2011 Kabir Immigrated to Canada and is now a Canadian citizen living at Tusket House and sharing his expertise with us.
Maryz
Maryz is an artist/musician/yogini with 25+ years experience of facilitating sacred space. Weaving together earth/body wisdom, yoga, creative arts, mantra chanting, sound/vocal attunement, rituals and dance. She is the founder of the School of Mystical Embodiment, and co-founder of SuryaChandra, a yogic music group that has produced 4 albums.
you can learn more about Maryz and her beautiful offerings at mysticalembodiment
Jon Collins
“My path has led me to facilitating Men’s Retreats and Men’s Circles due to my own healing experience of sitting and sharing in vulnerability in group therapy sessions with my Military Veteran brothers.My experiences freed me of feeling isolated and alone with stored emotions and thoughts as many men do. These experiences were transformational for my personal growth and cleared a path for deeper self discovery and healing.I pondered the idea of creating this space for many years, but I had that inner voice asking me “who are you to hold this space?!” But if not me, who?!I knew deep within it was my purpose. I feel from my life experiences that many men feel isolated with their thoughts as I once did, and they don’t feel they have a safe container to express their emotions (feelings) and thoughts freely without judgement or shaming and while receiving compassion.I have known men that have felt so much pain within them that they saw no other alternative but to take their lives. Statistically men have the highest rate of suicide, addictions, incarceration and the least likely to reach for help. Why is this?!We can start by looking back towards our childhood. We cannot continue to condition our boys to believe that “real men” do not feel and do not express feelings as it demonstrates weakness. If we do, how can we hope for them to be comfortable connecting with their emotions, in order to process and release?“To indoctrinate boys into the rules of patriarchy, we force them to feel pain and to deny their feelings” - Bell HooksBrotherhood circles that have deep connection through communication is a vital nutrient for men.This type of connection for men is NOT common so I started by holding space for my first men’s circle which has grown organically and continues to this very day. It has confirmed for me that men do need and want this. I have witnessed transformation in many men within this circle as they have realized they are not alone with their thoughts or emotions and that we all share many of the same life’s struggles as fellow men.I’m not creating these circles and retreats to provide therapy or give medical advice, but to foster a safe space, to plant a seed for a deeper connection to ourselves and other men and to feel supported and heard.
Next run of this course will be in 2025. Exact dates to be announced
100 hour certification Advanced (level 1)Yoga Intensive
come live the full Yoga experience 24/7 with the teachers in the traditional way
for those with a 200hr certification or those who wish deeper study of Yoga especially as a way to help heal from trauma.
* This will count as an additional 100hr towards your 500hr
course includes:
*use of props and assists
*bandhas
*Yoga Sutras, Veda and Upanishad
*ayurveda
*meditation
*asana
*trauma awareness *what that means and how to work with it, on a larger scale than what was covered in previous level ones
*anatomy
*chant
*pranayama
*nidra with sankalpa
*chakra
*sacred sound and movement
*nature practices
and much more....
and much more
This course may be used towards a 500hr Yoga Studio College of Canada certification designation. Add it to your existing 200hr (obtained by any school), take the 100hr Intensive Level 2 (date to be announced) and show proof of a total of 100 additional study and/or teaching hours. Each case will be reviewed individually, please discuss details with Kerry.
Total price: $1,500 - $1,600 depending on which room you choose) includes food, accommodations and manual. *$1,200 is course only, if you stay and eat offsite
$300 deposit to hold your spot once you have registered, balance paid upon start of course, when you have arrived
To register, please contact Kerry for an application.
*this course is for adults only, including residential stays
Books to be ordered and paid for by student. (manual is included) Please be sure to have the required books by start of course.
Required books: "Instructing Hatha Yoga" a guide for Teachers and students by Diane M Ambrosini
"Yoga Anatomy" second edition by Leslie Kaminoff and Amy Mathews
not required but suggested "The Myth of Normal" by Gabor Mate MD
"Heart of Yoga: Developing a Personal Practice" by T.K.V. Desikachar
"Overcoming Trauma through Yoga" by David Emmerson and Elizabeth Hopper, PhD
"Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali" by B.K.S. Iyengar
"The Secret of the Yoga Sutras" by Rajmani Tigunait
"The Practice of the Yoga Sutras" by Rajmani Tigunail
Yoga with Youth
Yoga in Daycare
Little ones love to explore what they can do with their bodies. They have no fear and Yoga helps them to move and navigate the world discovering things they didnt even know they could do. This is very empowering and teaches them to be "comfortable in their own skin" at a very early age. This serves them well during difficult and challenging times throughout their life.
Yoga in Schools
My daughter entered kindergarten in the public school system in 1992, after being raised in a very quiet, calm atmosphere, She was traumatized and refused to speak at school. I volunteered Yoga in her classroom twice a week. It helped her, as well as the other little ones adapting, immensely. I realized then Yoga must become a part of the school system. It was then I dedicated my life to doing whatever it took for Yoga to be part of the public school system. Long story short....(I could write a book just on that process) Yoga is part of the public school system in most of Canada. Of course, the practice becoming mainstream, and many, many of us wanting the same thing during that time certainly helped!
Yoga for tired Mamas
The benefits of Yoga for Mamas and their babies and children is profound.
Equipment
No equipment needed. Anyone can do it. Especially beneficial for the Youth who are not sports or competitive minded. By the way, children LOVE to be taught (and given permission) to quiet the mind and find stillness.
MY PHOTO GALLERY
CONTACT US
Kerry Lawson
Phone: (902) 648-7828
Email: yogawithkerry@yahoo.ca