I've been teaching yoga since 2000 and I think it's the most important work in the universe, next to being a Mama - which is my other job.

My initial teacher training came as mentorship with Siddharth Ananda. I proceeded to take certificates in Prenatal Yoga, Kids Yoga, and Anatomy and Physiology. I teach classical Hatha yoga with influences of Patanjali, Swami Satyananda, Sri Pattabhi Jois, Orit Sen Gupta, Susi Hately-Aldous, Tom Myers, and Hirdaya. I have a passionately natural outlook towards childbirth and parenting.

I am certified by the South Okanagan Yoga Association, the International Yoga Teachers Association and the Yoga Alliance (RYT 500). As part of my studies I undertook a specialty project in Yoga for Stroke Recovery and I am hoping to increase my experience in that area by working with people who have experienced a stroke. Your referrals are appreciated.

The value of certifying oneself as a yoga teacher is essentially in the process of personal transformation and realization as you expand into a new yogi, even together with your peers. I am in an awe of gratitude for the relationships and community that formed around my graduating class with the South Okanagan Yoga Academy. I wish SOYA only the absolute best as the ytt program flourishes in Vancouver.

As far as practicing yoga in the home and out in the world, I think that is the toughest work. That's where you go into the fire to become purified. The real yoga is how you live each day.

In Love and Light,

"Bendy" Brenda Blakely

Independent SOYA Faculty

IYTA YABC ERYT

“The moment you love, you are unlimited.” (unknown)