“Let each day unfold as it will—but always do yoga”.
-Reggae artist Chronixx
In my experience, reggae music can empower a yoga practice by enlivening the space in which asanas arise and imbuing the yogi with uplifting notes and powerful truths. I’ve always believed that one of the major gifts of yoga is its capacity to unlock and refine our innate human essence, and I have found that music, and reggae in particular, forms one of the many keys that can aid in this process.
Truly, there are many connections, philosophical and otherwise, that align reggae and yoga. From the concept of unity and one love, to the uncanny similarity between Bob Marley’s lyrics in his Redemption Song: “Emancipate yourself from mental slavery, none but ourselves can free our minds”, and the very definition and purpose of yoga as described by the great sage Patanjali in the yoga sutras.
As such, the creation of the Church of Reggae Yoga came naturally, born of a passion for both reggae and yoga and the sense that there is something sacred in that connection. Non-denominational in form, the belief is in people coming together to practice authenticity, to practice yoga, to have fun, to dance and let go, and to recognize the power of love, for ourselves and all beings. It is a practice inspired by the spirit of many teachers and traditions including the great yogi BKS Iyengar who said “my body is my temple and asanas are my prayers”, and Marianne Williamson who said “The only church, the only temple, the only shrine that ultimately matters is the ground on which you stand right now. It might be an airport. It might be a deli. It might be your bedroom. Just make it holy, and peace will come”.
So I am very excited to be sharing this practice alongside Jennifer who will be bringing a powerful depth to the practice by taking us through a yoga nidra session to close the workshop. Combining both a light, open hearted practice with yoga nidra will create space for a deep and beautiful experience and open the door for release and grace, which have the power to heal and restore on many levels. See you at Stretch!
About Adam:
Adam Tree has been teaching yoga since 2010 and has a background in kinesiology (Bsc) and Epidemiology (MSc). As creator of the Church of Reggae Yoga, Adam has traveled to yoga studios, community events, yoga conferences and music festivals in Canada and the US to offer this unique practice. Adam classes offer a dynamic balance of movement and stillness with a traditional approach that is both scientific and experimental. About focus and fun, understanding and mystery, will and let go. Ultimately, the goal is to help people get in touch with their centre and through this cultivate strength and grace and fierce self-acceptance. He currently lives and teaches on Salt Spring Island, BC.
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