Yoga with Raina

NEW WEBSITE

2010-07-31T12:10:00.000-07:00

Please visit my website:
www.rainamcdonald.com

I will no longer be updating this blog.
Namaste!

2010-06-03T18:28:00.000-07:00

Gazebo Yoga: an all-levels outdoor class
Saturdays 9am starting June 5th
in Carmichael Park, New Glasgow
(West side of George St. Bridge)

Bring yoga mat & dress in comfy layers
Breath, postures, guided relaxation
All ages & abilities
$10 drop-in

Cancellations (due to weather/schedule) will
be posted here or contact me if you are unsure.

Salt Springs Yoga: an all-levels class
Thursdays 6pm (June 17th - July 22nd)
at West River Fire Hall, Hwy #4

6-week session: $55 (contact Raina to register)
drop-in: $10

Pre & Postnatal Yoga:
I have recently completed my Pre & Postnatal Certification Training. If you are interested in pre/postnatal yoga, please contact me. I look forward to sharing what I have learned!

If you would like to host a workshop or class at your location this summer please contact me to discuss the endless possibilities.
yoga at the cottage or on the beach,
noon-hour yoga in the workplace,
family gathering,
wedding party,
yoga with kids...

Girls' Camp

2010-05-18T09:03:00.000-07:00

Art & Yoga in Nature
for girls ages 9-12

Instructor: Raina McDonald
Dates: Mon July 26th - Fri July 30th, 9am - 12pm
Location: 3228 Hwy#4, Saltsprings
Cost (including art materials & hst):
early registration $125 before July 1st
$150 after July 1st

For more information or to register contact
Raina: 754-1768, raina.mcdonald@gmail.com
Space is limited to 10 girls with a minimum of 5 - please register early!

Art making, nature exploring & yoga will be woven together in an experience of creativity & healthy living. This week will encourage girls to relate to themselves, others and nature in a positive & grounded way. We will playfully investigate yoga, the surrounding nature trails and an array of art projects. The experience will conclude with an art exhibit of the girls' creations.

Raina McDonald is an artist & yoga teacher living in Pictou County. She has a degree in Fine Arts from NSCAD & has exhibited in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. Raina's passion for art is strongly connected to her passion for yoga. She sees yoga as a path of awareness that can lead to a rich, abundant life. As a Certified Yoga Instructor, Raina teaches classes and workshops throughout Pictou County (visit www.yogawithraina.blogspot.com).

2010-04-07T07:02:00.001-07:00

April Greetings to all! Our spring yoga (schedule listed below) is under full swing. If you haven't registered, feel free to join us on a drop-in basis ($10). For those thinking forward to the summer, stay tuned for gazebo yoga! I plan to start the Saturday morning outdoor class in Carmichael Park at the beginning of June.
I look forward to connecting on the mat and in the community.
Live your joy this Spring!
Namaste.

A blissful time exploring yoga in Sayulita, Mexico.

Yoga in March & Beyond

2010-03-03T10:36:00.000-08:00

Happy March to you all!

As another session draws to a close I'd like to extend gratitude to those of you who have made it out to the fire halls, community centres, dance studios, school gyms and living rooms of Pictou County to experience yoga this winter. Your presence has contributed to a rich and inspiring January and February!

To those of you who are new to yoga please feel free to contact me with your questions or curiosities. Yoga truly is accessible to all.
Please be in touch if you'd like to register for any of the classes/workshops listed below. raina.mcdonald@gmail.com, 754-1768

Upcoming classes/workshops:

April 11, 18 & 25: A Deeper Exploration of Yoga. 3 Sundays, 9-11am, Ashlei Ballet School ($70 or $30each)
april 11: Twists & Core wringing out & connecting to core strength
april 18: Bandhas an introduction to energy locks
april 25: Breath in Flow weaving together pranayama & asana (breathing & postures)
Some yoga experience recommended.

May 9: Mother's Day yoga, 10am @ Ashlei Ballet School...2 for 1!($10)

Pictou Spring Session:
Mondays 6-7pm, Pictou Elementary
April 12 - May 17 (6 weeks for $50 - register through Pictou Recreation, 485-6057)

Scotsburn Spring Session:
Tuesdays 7- 8:15pm, Gammon Centre (upstairs)
April 13 - May 25 (7 weeks for $65)

Salt Springs Spring Session:
Thursdays 6-7:15pm, West River Fire Station (Hwy #4)
April 8 - May 27 (8 weeks for $75)

Noon Hour Yoga:
Mondays 12:10 - 12:50, Miss Carla's Dance Studio
April 12 - May 17 (6 weeks for $50 - register with Carla, 695-3262)
Special group rates. http://www.misscarlasdancestudio.ca/Site/HOME.html

AWAKENING THE BODY

2010-03-03T10:17:00.000-08:00

to an expansive way of being
(click above for details)
March 16th & 20th - Postponed (later date to be announced)
Looking to move deeper into your yoga practice? Interested in considering your body, your health and your life differently? Naomi Irons (www.naomiirons.com) & I will be collaborating on a two-part program designed to invite participants to explore what it means to awaken the body.

VALENTINES DAY YOGA

2010-02-03T17:09:00.000-08:00

I will be away for the weekend so there will be no classes on Sunday Feb 7th. I'll see you next Sunday for a VALENTINES DAY heart-opening class!!! Bring your partner or friend along for FREE!!

Yoga with Raina CDs!

2010-02-02T11:45:00.001-08:00

I have recently recorded my first yoga cds!
These gentle sequences were created for those that are familiar with my classes, in response to their interest in developing a home yoga practice (0thers may be able to follow along just as well.)

Special debut price:
30 minute sequence $10 (reg $15)
1 hour sequence $12 (reg $17)

If you are interested in a CD please call or e-mail: 754-1768, raina.mcdonald@gmail.com

Take a breather this winter...

2009-12-21T07:05:00.000-08:00

DROP IN to any of the classes below ($10)
Sessions run until the beginning of March

Sun 9am Gentle New Glasgow (no class Feb 7th)
Sun 10:30am Flow New Glasgow (no class Feb 7th)
Mon 12:10-12:50pm Noon-Hour Yoga, Miss Carla's Dance Studio, NG.
Tues 7pm Gentle Scotsburn
Thurs 6pm Gentle Salt Springs

Studio Locations:
New Glasgow: Ashlei Ballet School, 116 North Foord St (Upstairs Studio)
Miss Carla's Dance Studio, 159 George St (Carla Sinclair: 695-DANC)
Scotsburn: Gammon Recreation Center, next to post office
Salt Springs: West River Fire Hall, Hwy #4

Class Description:
Gentle: Detailed instruction, great for beginners or anyone
looking to strengthen, release and relax. Breathing techniques,
yoga postures, guided meditation.
Flow: A quicker pace incorporating sun salutes &
Pranayama in a flowing sequence (some yoga experience
recommended).
Noon-Hour: a 40-minute class designed to rejuvenate body & mind in the middle of your day. Return to work positively relaxed and energized! All levels welcome. Check out this beautiful new space in the heart of downtown New Glasgow!!

Monday Noon-Hour Yoga at Miss Carla's!

Class cancellations due to weather will be posted here. Feel free to call with any questions: 754-1768

2009-11-11T07:35:00.000-08:00

Take time for yourself amidst the bustling holiday season
while honouring the longest night of the year. Connect with
the nurturing, quiet nature of winter through a restorative
yoga experience.
Gentle poses, breathwork & guided meditation.

Sunday Dec 20th, 9:30-11am
Ashlei Ballet School (upstairs)
&
Monday Dec 21st, 7-8:30pm
Central West River Fire Hall

Cost: Suggested donation $10
(proceeds to United Way of Pictou County)

No registration required. Beginners welcome. Arrive 10 minutes early
in comfortable clothes with yoga mat and blanket.

Fall Yoga!

2009-10-19T10:58:00.000-07:00

We're halfway through our fall session. If you'd like to give a class a try, feel free to join us in New Glasgow (Ashlei Ballet) or Scotsburn (Gammon Centre). Drop-in $10.

FALL SCHEDULE

Mon 6pm Gentle Pictou begins Sept 28 Register with Pictou Rec 485-6057
Tues 6pm Gentle Salt Springs begins Sept 22 Register with Raina 754-1768 FULL
Tues 7:30pm Flow Salt Springs begins Sept 22 Register with Raina 754-1768
Wed 7:30pm Gentle Scotsburn begins Sept 23 Register with Raina 754-1768
Thurs 7:30pm Gentle New Glasgow Sept 24 Register with Raina 754-1768
Sun 9am Gentle New Glasgow begins Sept 27 Register with Raina 754-1768
Sun 10:30am Flow New Glasgow begins Sept 27 Register with Raina 754-1768

$75 for fall session (8 classes)
$10 Drop-in available in New Glasgow and Scotsburn
Call Raina to register or with questions:
754-1768 or e-mail at raina.mcdonald@gmail.com

Class Description:
Gentle: Detailed instruction, great for beginners or anyone
looking to strengthen, release and relax. Breathing techniques,
yoga postures, guided meditation.
Flow: A quicker pace incorporating sun salutes &
Pranayama in a flowing sequence (some yoga experience
recommended).

Studio Locations:
New Glasgow: Ashlei Ballet School, 116 North Foord St. (Upstairs Studio)
Salt Springs: Raina's studio, 3228 Hwy #4 (next to Irons Forge shop on the old Trans Can hwy)
Scotsburn: Gammon Recreation Center next to post office

Energy & Alignment Workshops

2009-09-29T06:50:00.000-07:00

an in-depth look at various yoga postures with Raina

Sat Oct 17, 3-5pm: Forward folds, back bends & the sun salute
Sat Nov 14, 3-5pm: Stillness, Movement & Balance

Location: Ashlei Ballet (upstairs)
Cost: $50 for both or $30 each

Some yoga experience recommended.
Space is limited.
To register please call or e-mail:
754-0606, raina.mcdonald@gmail.com

Physical alignment & movement of energy within the body will be examined,
inviting participants to explore their full potential in each posture with grace & ease.
The bandhas, or energy locks within the chakra system will be introduced. Raina will
also talk about developing a personal yoga practice and the logistics of sequencing.
Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions as they arise.

Upcoming workshop

2009-09-11T14:29:00.000-07:00

an exploration of the
CHAKRAS
with Naomi Irons and Raina McDonald

Saturday September 26, 2009
2:30 - 5:00 pm
Ashlei Ballet School (Upstairs)
$35

simple yoga postures
breath
chanting
guided meditation

Heightened awareness of the energy within our body can lead to life-altering insight, healing releases &
self-empowerment. This workshop will be both
informative & experiential. Each of the seven
chakras, or energy centres will be explored through desciption, vibration, breath & posture. As Naomi & Raina
share their experience of the chakras, participants will be encouraged to be present to their own bodies,
observing & allowing. The afternoon will conclude with a guided journey through the energy centres.

Great for beginners seeking a new experience as well as those
wishing to deepen their own meditation &/or yoga practice.

To register or if you have any questions please call or e-mail
Naomi: 752-4707, naomiirons@eastlink.ca
Raina : 754-0606, raina.mcdonald@gmail.com
www.nirons.blogspot.com
www.yogawithraina.blogspot.com

Girls Art, Yoga & Nature Camp - A Great Success!

2009-08-14T10:01:00.000-07:00

The girls and I had a wonderfully inspiring week creating art, exploring nature & discovering yoga!
Their final art show was awesome!
I look forward to more of these experiences and I thank the girls for spending a week of their summer with me.

ONE WEEK UNTIL Girls Art & Yoga in Nature - STILL SPACE AVAILABLE!!!

2009-08-03T08:12:00.001-07:00

a week of exploration and inspiration for girls ages 9-12

Instructor: Raina McDonald
Dates: Mon-Fri, 9am-12pm August 10-14
Location: Raina's studio, 3228 Hwy #4 Saltsprings (beside Irons Forge Blacksmithing Shop)
Cost: $115 (all materials included)

Space limited to 8 girls
Contact Raina with questions or to register: 754-0606, raina.mcdonald@gmail.com

Art making, nature exploring and yoga will be woven together in a weeklong experience of creativity and healthy living. This week will encourage girls to relate to themselves, others and nature in a grounded and positive way. Each morning will begin with a yoga session followed by a trail walk. Upon gathering inspiration from the surrounding nature we will return to the studio to create art. A new project will be introduced each day as we playfully investigate drawing, painting, printmaking and collage. There will be an art exhibit of the girl’s work on Friday at 11:30am. Parents, siblings and friends are all invited to view the week’s creations.

Gazebo Yoga!..taking yoga outdoors

2009-06-23T06:56:00.000-07:00

Start your weekend off with the sounds of birds and breeze in the trees...welcoming the day into your body, mind & spirit!

WHERE: the gazebo in Carmichael Park on the West side of George St Bridge (grassy area with war memorials beside the riverfront trail)
WHEN: 9am every Saturday through the summer until August 29th. Rain or shine!
WHO: all ages and abilities, men & women, girls & boys!
cost: $8 per class, pay as you go drop-in
bring: yoga mat and layers of comfy clothing (can be chilly as we finish with a final relaxation)

Visit the New Glasgow Riverfront Farmers’ Market (8am-12pm 110 Provost St.) before or after class and make your Saturday mornings an ode to healthy living!
Hope to see you there!

If you have a group that's interested in a class and a location in mind, let me know and we can discuss bringing yoga to you.

Embrace summer with yoga!

Summer classes in Saltsprings (sessions are now full)

2009-06-07T10:00:00.000-07:00

I am looking forward to offering three summer yoga classes at my studio in Saltsprings:

Mondays 5:00pm Gentle June 29 – July 27 5-week session ($50)
Wednesdays 6:00pm Gentle July 1 – July 27 5-week session ($50)
Wednesdays 7:30pm Flow July 1 – July 29 5-week session ($50)

There is space for five in each session. If you’re interested in continuing your yoga experience (this time with a beautiful country view!) please e-mail or phone me to register as soon as possible.

May/June Sessions!

2009-04-13T07:04:00.000-07:00

SUNDAYS - Ashlei Ballet School, 116 North Foord, New Glasgow (upstairs studio)
9:00am Gentle
10:30am Flow
Mother's Day Special: May 10th - two for one!!!
6-week session: May 17th - June 22th ($55)
To register please call or e-mail Raina (754-0606. raina.mcdonald@gmail.com)
Drop-in Rate is $10

MONDAYS - Scotsburn Community School
7:30pm Gentle
7-week session: May 4 - June 22 (drop-ins welcome)
for more information call Shauna Highton: 485 6519

Mother's Day YOGA

2009-04-11T08:20:00.000-07:00

Bring your mother, your daughter...your brother, your father...any friends or family for a special
2 for 1 drop-in yoga class on Mother's Day Sunday morning.

9am Gentle yoga
10:30 am Flow yoga

Great chance to try out a class before the next 7-week session begins on May 17th.

Ashlei Ballet School, upstairs studio
$10 for two people
Please arrive a few minutes early.
See you there!

Spring Refresher

2009-04-11T07:42:00.000-07:00

My experience at the yoga conference in Toronto was most inspiring!...Meeting with like-minded people to exchange, share, learn, breathe and be. Ahhh, refreshing after a long Nova Scotia winter!

I look forward to resuming my yoga classes at the beginning of May. I will post my May/June schedule shortly.

Left: Raina, Seane Corn and Joy of Joyful Yoga, Truro
Right: Raina and Nischala Devi

Being Experience

2009-02-01T08:55:00.000-08:00

This workshop is now full. The interest is very encouraging and we look forward to offering more in the future. Please continue to check back for details.

an afternoon of
being
in body & mind

breathing, yoga postures
& guided meditation
with Naomi Irons and Raina McDonald

Overwhelmed by stress and tension in our daily lives, we often disconnect from who we are,
seeking answers outside of ourselves. This experiential workshop will invite you to turn inward
in an exploration of being in body and mind. We will share an afternoon of breathing exercises,
yoga postures and guided meditation as an opportunity to experience the powerful
force that lies within. We will draw from common threads that run through many of the self-study traditions: connecting with Self en route to experiencing the interconnectedness of the world and being versus doing. Participants will leave with suggestions on how to incorporate the afternoon's content into their daily lives.

Great for beginners seeking a new experience as well as those
wishing to deepen their own meditation &/or yoga practice.

To register or if you have any questions please call or e-mail
Naomi: 752-4707, naomiirons@eastlink.ca
Raina : 754-0606, raina.mcdonald@gmail.com
www.nirons.blogspot.com
www.yogawithraina.blogspot.com

Date: Saturday March 7, 2009
Time: 2:00 - 5:00 pm
Location: Ashlei Ballet School (Upstairs),
116 Foord St., Stellarton
Cost: $35

New Year Workshop

2008-11-04T07:39:00.000-08:00

an afternoon workshop
with Naomi Irons and Raina McDonald

Date: Saturday January 17, 2009
Time: 2:00 - 5:00 pm
Location: Ashlei Ballet School (Upstairs),
116 Foord St., New Glasgow
Cost: $35

Description:
A new year offers a chance for new beginnings and new perspectives.
This workshop is an invitation to embrace the upcoming year and your
Self with an open heart. We will move through guided meditation,
breathing exercises and a series of yoga postures, allowing the breath
to bridge the body and mind. The afternoon will provide an opportunity to
begin dissolving what we no longer need, freeing up space to explore our
full potential in each moment on the yoga mat and in your life

Great for beginners seeking a new experience as well as those
wishing to deepen their own meditation &/or yoga practice.

To register or if you have any questions please call or e-mail
Naomi: 752-4707, naomiirons@eastlink.ca
Raina : 754-0606, raina.mcdonald@gmail.com