Anahata is the sanskrit name of the heart chakra, or energy center and translates to "unstruck". It is the center of love, caring, compassion, our deep bonds with other beings, and is the integration point of all our chakras. Anahata allows us to recognize that we are part of something larger, that we are interconnected within an intricate web of relationships & community- extending through life.
Our name is a representation of what we hope to embody as individuals and community members.
We are a cozy, small healing space gratefully situated on unceded Haida Territory. This center was born out of the love of yoga & healing arts, and the devotion to sharing and teaching this incredible life practice.
We offer a variety of movement classes, as well as Reiki, Acupuncture, & Massage.
Meet the Anahata Family
Leila Willis Newton, TCYM She, Her, HersYoga Facilitator, Center OwnerLeila is from Austin, Texas where she first found yoga and dove head first into the physical practice.
"I came to yoga at a time in my life when I needed a space to sweat, move, and challenge myself. At that point my yoga practice was simply movement and exercise, with seemingly nothing spiritual about it. I tried many classes in different studios and with all types of teachers around town, and started to feel there might be something more to it than just sweating and stretching. After an interesting search, I found a teacher that gave me the space and the tools to create something much more full and enriching with my practice. I then began to realize the depths and beauty of yoga and all that it can bring to daily life. That's when I became dedicated to the practice, and to learning as much as I could so that I may share with others who may need something similar to what I was looking for. This is a long journey, and I am so excited to further my knowledge and understanding along the way." Leila completed SUKHA Yoga's 200+ hour Teacher Training, and is certified in the Trauma-Conscious Yoga Method(sm). She is a tattooer, martial artist, dancer, and youth outdoor educator. Erin ReidYoga Facilitator"I truly believe yoga is a way to cultivate peace in the world. I have experienced the profound benefits of practicing Moksha and therefore feel compelled to share that gift with others. Practicing yoga, on and off the mat, has created rich meaning in my life and allows me to stay present and connected.
Come unify breath and movement as you explore the gifts that yoga has to offer." |
Jana Hope
Yoga Facilitator and NutritionistI want us to feel again.
Our bodies. Our breath. Our pain. Our joy. Our discomfort. Our freedom. Our gratitude. When we move and breathe together in a yoga class my intention is to hold space as you rediscover your body, your self and what you are feeling. When we can be with that truth, everything becomes possible. Credentials 200 Hour Yoga Teacher II Semperviva Yoga 2012 Registered Holistic Nutritionist II Canadian School of Natural Nutrition 2009 Jikiden Reiki Practitioner Level One ll Mari Okazaki 2011 Anja McLeodBarre InstructorI first experienced Barre way back in my hometown in Nova Scotia. At the time, I was a competitive dancer and the class was added to our schedule for strength training and as a fun way to stay dedicated to technique. Years after I stopped dancing to focus on my education, I heard of a new workout class that was all the rage. After my first class, my love for this style of movement was ignited again. I dreamt of becoming an instructor more after each class I attended. Finally in Spring of 2019 I became certified as a barre instructor under the Pilates Barre Halifax Method designed by Erika Ferguson. Barre is a new addition to the studio so come check it out; the workout sure to bring you joy!
Jenn ChowYoga TeacherJenn was born and raised in Vancouver, BC. She moved to Haida Gwaii to 2011, and has called it home ever since. She spent much of her childhood doing competitive gymnastics, and was introduced to yoga as an adult alternative for maintaining fitness, strength and flexibility. She has enjoyed learning from a broad range of yoga styles, and completed a 200 hr Yoga Alliance Teaching Certification in 2007. She became a dedicated Iyengar yoga practitioner after participating in a retreat with Michelle Hagenson in 2014. Since then, Iyengar yoga has become a lifestyle and passion that she wishes to share others. Jenn is in her third and final year of Iyengar Yoga Teacher Training with senior teacher, Louie Ettling.
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Ainsley Brown
Yoga Teacher
Ainsley was first introduced to Iyengar yoga while visiting India in 2006 and has been practicing ever since. She is currently in her third and final year of training under Louie Ettling to become a Certified Iyengar Teacher. Ainsley has taught classes locally over the past three winters and looks forward to another season sharing Iyengar yoga with the island community.
Bre HeffelfingerRegistered AcupuncturistMy search for a holistic way to understand the body and health led me to the study of Traditional Chinese Medicine. When I first started studying acupuncture I fell in love with the deeply integrated philosophy and energetics. Chinese Medicine affirmed for me that the work of healing requires us to look at our physical and emotional bodies, our experiences, our relationships and the communities and land we live on and within. All of these aspects have an equally profound impact on our health. I have had my own transformative healing experiences with Chinese Medicine and hope to offer this to others.
Bre is a Registered Acupuncturist with the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of BC Email seachangeacu@gmail.com or call 250-886-4706 to schedule a session |
Kelsey Lindeman
Yoga Facilitator
I first really understood the power of yoga during a Bikram yoga class. Up until that point I had a mind full of racing thoughts I felt I could never escape, combined with a high level of tension and anxiety, and I didn’t realize there were accessible tools living in my body (awareness and breath!) to help me work with these things. The heat and intensity of the Bikram class pulled my focus out of my thoughts and into my body, and the deep relaxation felt by after such an intense workout helped me to drop tension I didn’t even know I was carrying. It was a an eye opening experience!
I had grown up playing competitive Sports, so Bikram type of yoga was what initially resonated with me. As I began to explore different types of yoga, I began to migrate towards more vinyasa based classes.
My two main teachers, Meghan Currie and Christina Sell, have been rooted in the Anusara tradition, but I love to draw from any yoga experience or lineage that speaks to me. Some different types of yoga I have explored include Ashtanga, Yin, Kundalini, Iyengar, Buti and Hatha practices.
This practice of yoga and the study of the body-mind and all its complexities never ceases to inspire me. I’m excited to get to continue to learn and grow and share yoga with everyone at Anahata.
I had grown up playing competitive Sports, so Bikram type of yoga was what initially resonated with me. As I began to explore different types of yoga, I began to migrate towards more vinyasa based classes.
My two main teachers, Meghan Currie and Christina Sell, have been rooted in the Anusara tradition, but I love to draw from any yoga experience or lineage that speaks to me. Some different types of yoga I have explored include Ashtanga, Yin, Kundalini, Iyengar, Buti and Hatha practices.
This practice of yoga and the study of the body-mind and all its complexities never ceases to inspire me. I’m excited to get to continue to learn and grow and share yoga with everyone at Anahata.
Curious about joining the Anahata family? email anahatayogahg@gmail.com
The Space
Our studio is located in Masset, directly across from the Sunrise Cafe.
