Catherine Heighway

My first experiences with yoga were in the early 1980’s at Yasodhara Ashram, B.C., in the Sivananda tradition. In 1990, I completed my Yoga Teacher Training at the ashram. A few years later, I ended my affiliation with the ashram and went on to study with numerous teachers in various traditions.

In May 2006, I found Anusara Yoga and that discovery significantly changed my teaching and my life. Anusara is a Sanskrit word that means to step into the flow of grace or follow your heart. One of the things that I love about the practice of Anusara is that it is rooted in a Tantric philosophy of intrinsic goodness. The basic philosophy that life is good creates a spiritually uplifting experience in class and has wonderful practical applications to life off the mat.

I also resonate with how Anusara beautifully integrates universal principals of alignment and balanced energetic action of asana with a celebration of the heart. I enjoy weaving the themes throughout the class from the centering practice at the beginning through to the end relaxation. I take great pleasure in helping my students find their unique expression of the postures, always adapting and adjusting to suit their individual needs.

During the past three years, I have pursued an in-depth study of Anusara Yoga, primarily with renowned teachers Todd Norian and Ann Greene. I have also been influenced by Anusara founder John Friend and other Anusara teachers including Shraddha Schaner, Martin and Jordan Kirk, Betsey Downing, Amy Ippoliti and Desiree Rumbaugh.

In May, 2008 I completed the Certified Hatha Yoga Teacher training in the Anusara method with Todd Norian and Ann Greene in Massachusetts. I have been designated as an Anusara-inspired ™ teacher and I am working towards certification in this system. I continue to study with Todd and Ann as well as assist at their workshops and trainings.

My fascination with the mythology and symbolism of yoga is influenced by my 17 years as a student of East Indian Classical Dance. In 2008, I graduated from the first level of training with the Natya Raji School of Dance in London.

Over the years, I have taught at many different locations in London. In addition, I bring my knowledge of relaxation and stress reduction to clients in my part time counselling practice at Family Service Thames Valley – Employee Assistance Program.

On calm summer days, when not in the studio or my garden, I can be found sailing aboard “Ananda” out of Goderich with my family. In the off season, I chauffeur our teenage daughter around town in between teaching, counselling and traveling for training. I have deep gratitude for the loving support of my kula or community of friends and family. Life is good. Please join me in celebrating through the practice of Anusara Yoga!

Colleen Tiltman

Colleen is a certified yoga instructor and certified yoga therapist who has been practising and studying yoga since 1995. Her interest in yoga began as a personal healing journey. Through attending weekly yoga classes, she was able to find relief from a condition of chronic pain. As her yoga practice deepened, she experienced a greater sense of health and wellness.

Colleen completed a one-month intensive yoga teacher-training course at the Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat in Paradise Island, Bahamas. She has been teaching yoga classes in the London, Ontario area since March 2000.

In June 2002, Colleen finished her internship in yoga therapy through Integrative Yoga Therapy. Colleen incorporates the principles of yoga therapy into her yoga classes.

Lotus Why

Lotus was introduced to yoga in 1992. Shortly afterward, upon returning to London, she started taking yoga classes at The Lotus Centre and went on to graduate in their 2002 Teacher Training Program certified through Yoga Alliance. She continues to grow as a teacher studying with other teachers, has received the HeartRise Children’s Yoga Teacher Training and is currently enrolled in the Anusara training with Todd Norian and Ann Greene.

Lotus gratefully acknowledges all her teachers past, present and those yet to come.
Sometimes we may feel alone. But we aren’t. We are really one with the universe, with all the people who share this small blue planet, with all the animals, all the plants - everything.
David Suzuki "the nature of us" - Ascent magazine issue 41.

In yoga, we celebrate ourselves through our bodily awareness and cultivate our relationship to all that is around us… "people around the world refer to Earth as our mother because we are born out of Earth’s four sacred elements: air, water, earth, and fire…" David Suzuki.
She offers students a space to begin the journey of pausing to listen for themselves with mindfulness and joy.

In class, as we explore the poses, we share and delight in the experience of the group presence and foster our community uplifting one another on our journey in the stream of life.