YOGA for Scoliosis: Sensing the Spiral
- with deborah wolk
OHM Centre, vancouver island, BC
JULY 21-24, 2023
AT CAPACITY - REGISTRATION IS CLOSED
QUESTIONS? Email us!
This workshop will be held at Open Heart Mind Centre (OHM) in the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island, BC. MAP
ABOUT THE RETREAT
Scoliosis is a 3-dimensional condition involving the entire body, not just the spine and trunk. The effect on the body is both front to back (sagittal), side to side (lateral) and rotational —in other words, a spiral. How can we see and sense these spirals within ourselves in their entirety? How much of the body/mind is affected? What are some approaches those of us with scoliosis can take to unwind the spiral that don’t leave us prone to injury?
Through Anatomy, Asana and Pranayama, the workshop will begin with parsing out these 3 directions through internal and external sensory feedback in the asanas. Participants will then practice asana and pranayama to integrate and clearly sense the spiral. This self-awareness will lead to more length, balance and comfort in the body.
Join us for this exploration at OHM....
A few participants from last year’s TOPS retreat with Deborah Wolk summed it up well:
“If you have scoliosis - GO! One of the most amazingly transformative retreats I’ve ever attended!”
“I slept last night without waking up in pain in the middle of the night. That hasn’t happened in years.”
“Just do it! Your back will love it. I felt so understood & gained such a wealth of valuable information I can take home with me. So many practical tips provided. Thank you to everyone involved for such an incredible weekend.”
ABOUT THE DESTINATION
Vancouver Island is renowned for wild, untamed beaches that are an idyllic summer sanctuary, and a hub for storm-watching, surfing, and skiing in the winter. In addition to its endless list of hiking, camping, whale-watching, and paddling adventures, there are also old-growth forests, endless beach combing and golfing. The Comox Valley is acclaimed for its incredible array of products harvested and created from its wild oceans and fertile soils, including organic vegetables, wild fish, free-range meats, local chocolates, baked goods and wines. This workshop will be held at the wonderful new Open Heart Mind Centre (OHM) located in Merville in the Comox Valley. It’s a quick plane trip from Vancouver, or you can arrive via a stunning ferry ride.
ABOUT DEBORAH WOLK
Having practiced yoga for her own scoliosis since 1994, Deborah has found that alignment-based yoga can control back pain and arrest the progression of the curvature and twist. In January 2015, Deborah founded Samamkāya Yoga Back Care and Scoliosis Collective in New York City – the only Yoga Center specializing in back care and scoliosis operating as a workers’ cooperative in the world! Deborah’s yoga teaching is inspired by her mentors, Elise Browning Miller, Bobbie Fultz, Genny Kapuler, Karin Stephan and Donald Moyer, and by therapeutic practices observed at medical classes at The Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute (RIMYI) in Pune, India. Her understanding of the nervous system is supported by an ongoing study of Experiential Anatomy with Genny Kapuler and through her work with teacher Rachel Lynch-John in Body-Mind Centering techniques, a study she loves as much as Yoga itself. Deborah Wolk is certified by IAYT.
Learn More: read Deborah Wolk’s Blog post, “Yoga, Scoliosis, and the Nervous System: Choosing Peace over Numbness and Noise”
Full Retreat Package Includes:
Daily yoga, movement, meditation, and relaxation classes with acclaimed Yoga for Scoliosis teacher, Deborah Wolk.
A range of shared and single accommodations at quaint local guest houses near the retreat centre property.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner prepared by a caterer using local ingredients from the lush Comox Valley
Transportation to/from the airport, ferry, or bus station in the Comox Valley as needed, plus local transportation during the retreat.
Handouts with ideas, exercises, drawings, and descriptions to take home which will help you to create and continue your own practice moving forward.
MEALS
Lunch and dinner will be customized for the retreat by a caterer using local ingredients from the lush Comox Valley. Breakfast will be self-serve style in each of the local guest houses.
COST:
Full Retreat Package -
Single Room: $1,275 - $1,350 CAD + tax.
Shared Room: $1,170 - $1,200 CAD + tax.
Commuter Package (everything included EXCEPT breakfast, dinner, and accommodation) - $615 CAD +tax.
Sliding scale is available based on financial need.
USA PARTICIPANTS: CHECK CAD TO USD $ EXCHANGE RATE HERE.
Payment Policy: Registration & Deposit Deadline 2 Months Prior to Retreat. As a non-profit, we need to know we have enough registrations required to fulfill our financial obligations to pay studios, accommodations, teachers, caterers, etc, by their deposit deadlines. Save $50 on our Full Retreat Package when you register by our Registration Deadline of May 21, 2023 - use coupon code WOLK2023 during registration. REGISTRATION IS OPEN UNTIL JULY 10 (provided there is space remaining!).
30% deposit due at registration; balance due 30 days prior to Retreat.
NOTE: Prior to completing your registration, you will see an orange button option to ‘Pay Now’ (this will be the full amount) OR to ‘Pay CA $XXX Deposit Now’ (the 30% deposit amount).
ACCOMMODATIONS
Participants will stay in quaint, local guest houses in the area, each with its own character and astounding view of majestic mountains, whale-filled oceans, fertile farms, or old growth forests. Options include:
Single Accommodations with either Ocean, Garden, or Farm View
Shared Accommodation with Ocean or Garden View
NOTE: All accommodation bookings are first come, first serve.
*If you have any questions, or would like more information about the accommodations and/or the weekend retreat schedule, please contact us.*
TRANSPORTATION
Participants are responsible for arranging transportation to the Comox area. Merville is 10 minutes from Courtenay/Comox which has two airports: regular and sea plane. Access is also possible by car or bus via the ferry from Vancouver. TOPS will arrange for your airport or bus terminal pickup and transportation to the retreat centre. Contact us for more details.
QUESTIONS? Email us!
Interested in a longer trip to BC?
Extend your time, either before or after the workshop! Consider a visit to Victoria (the capital of BC), enjoy exploring the old growth forests on Vancouver Island, book a whale watching tour, visit Tofino (a small ‘gem’ of a town on the far west side of Vancouver island). Or consider travelling through Seattle for a couple of days (only a 2.5 hr drive to/from Vancouver!). Let us know if we can answer any questions or help with ideas.
Cancellation Policy: $30 processing fee for cancellations up to four weeks prior to retreat start date; 30% non-refundable within four weeks of retreat start date; 100% non-refundable within two weeks of retreat start date.
Note: in the event that borders are shut / travel is banned by Government or public health mandate due to Covid-19, all registrants will receive a full refund, less $30 processing fee.
ADDITIONALLY, IN CASE YOU’RE INTERESTED…
**Check out other retreat offerings at Open Heart Mind Centre (OHM)!
Are you interested in learning more about your scoliosis, imbalanced spine, spinal fusion, or related conditions?
Would you like to meet other people with the same condition while learning gentle exercises to help ease the discomfort?
Join Martha Carter and Claudia Katherine and empower yourself with the gifts of knowledge and new awareness to help you!