RECAP: Yoga For Scoliosis: Sensing the Spiral with Deborah Wolk
July 21-24, 2023 - Open Heart Mind Centre (OHM), Merville, B.C.
Another summer in beautiful BC, and another retreat with Deborah Wolk! This year marks the sixth time Deb has come to share her twisted teachings for TOPS on the west coast of Canada, and this time was extra special as the retreat took place at the beautiful new Open Heart Mind (OHM) boutique retreat centre in the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island.
Participants arrived Friday evening from many locations, including New York, Seattle, Hawaii via Minneapolis, Vancouver, Victoria, Nanaimo, Ucluelet and Courtenay—some tired from a day of travel, and others exhilarated by their BC adventures so far. Thankfully, Chef Kate immediately nourished us with a delicious Italian-inspired meal that warmed our hearts and souls before we moved into the yurt for an after-dinner anatomy lecture. As the spectacular sunset views shifted from blue to orange to purple, retreaters found their way to their accommodations for a good night’s sleep, some on-site and others in local guesthouses.
To kick off Saturday, many of us took a quick field trip with Deborah to her favourite local Farmer’s Market to check out this year’s organic offerings, of which there are many. Chef Kate also spent the morning at the market and farm stands to source as much local food as possible, including the fantastic wild salmon that she served later that night. Those who did not come to the market had an extra hour to enjoy the incredible nature on and around the property — coffee with a view anyone?
When the class action in the yurt studio started, there was no going back... Anyone who knows Deb knows there are LOTS and LOTS of props — mats, bolsters, blankets, straps, and blocks — all arranged in various combinations for each asana to create a custom support for each unique body so that each person can experience new sensations, shifts, and feedback in their spine. It is the exact opposite of a ‘flow’ class, which is good because most people with twists and curves benefit much more from careful, mindful realignment rather than quicker athletic movements.
Next came lunch, where Chef Kate put on a spread full of delicious market food beyond compare. During the afternoon break, there were walks to the beach, bike rides to the forest, and lazing/napping in the hot tub and hammocks.
Ahhhh… and thus it had begun! As the 4-day / 3-night weekend continued, there were several more studio sessions, including the option to have a private with Deb. It did not take long for folks to suddenly seem taller, more open and relaxed, and definitely more curious. At the following meals, ‘scoliosis talk’ kept things lively, along with sharing and camaraderie all around. And of course there was the requisite sharing of pet pictures!
Retreaters departed on Monday afternoon with new friends, new knowledge, new favourite recipes — and definitely a new ‘sense of their spiral’.
A couple of participants summed it up well:
“Retreat to a magical yurt in the woods overlooking the ocean, and gain the peace of mind to delve deeply into your yoga practice with world-class instructors.”
“This retreat featured yoga, delicious food, levity, and camaraderie, all essential ingredients for a transformative experience. Thank you, TOPS!”
Thanks to Deb for her wonderful, deep teachings and thanks to everyone who participated! We look forward to seeing what happens next year!
If you couldn’t make it to this retreat, we have a couple of other wonderful retreats planned at OHM! Check out Feel Good Twisted Weekend (3 nights) happening September 29 - October 2 and Women’s Wellness Weekend (2 nights) happening October 13 - 15!
As always, feel free to email us with any questions!
