Interview by Barbara Bryan
Your Health Source Magazine
April 2007

When Felicia Pavlovic first began practicing yoga, she was 19. Amidst the deities, chants and incense, it meant nothing more to her than the ambient winds of her faith in Catholicism and prayer. Until 'knowledge' led her to her own embodiment as a yoga therapist.

For almost two decades, Pavlovic at 37, practices her asanas, (postures) while taking annual treks to India in pursuit of being the best yoga therapist she can be. In 2003, it was all nearly obliterated when a near fatal car accident left her with a herniated disc, a broken mandible (jaw) and still to this day, a body that can no longer do the postures she was once so capable

Yogacarya Sri T Krishnamacharya was regarded as the grandfather of modern yoga. In addition to being a yogi, he was also a well known healer, linguist, musician, researcher, author and expert scholar in the six Indian Schools of Vedic Philosophy. He was a true pioneer in his ability to translate ancient teachings and make them relevant in a modern context.

As a teacher his principle was "Teach what is inside you, not as it applies to you, to yourself, but as it applies to the other." He taught that yoga should always be adapted to the unique needs, circumstances and goals of each individual. In refusing to standardize the practice and teaching methodology, he demonstrated a deep understanding of yoga relevant for all students.

During the one hundred years of his life (1888-1989), he inspired thousands of practitioners worldwide and today his teachings have become very popular through his many students - notably his son TKV Desikachar, Indra Devi, BKS Iyengar and Pattabhi Jois.

The Yoga Therapy Toronto community of students will gather on certain Saturday evenings to participate in a 'spiritual community' - or what is known as a 'satsanga.'

In trying to bring together a spiritual community, we are reminded of the following quote: "Ask not what the world needs, rather, ask yourself what will make your heart sing ... because what the world needs most is those whose hearts sing."

We will begin with some gentle flowing movement to prepare the body, as well as explore other aspects such as Chanting, Pranayama (conscious breathing), and Meditation. In addition, we will engage in Philosophical discussions on relevant topics related to modern living and the practice of Yoga.

Venue:
Yoga Therapy Toronto
(located at 692 Bloor St. W. - 2nd floor, just one street east of Christie subway station)

Time:
6:30pm to 8:00pm

Dates:
To be announced.

Cost:
Suggested Donation of $20, with a portion of all proceeds being donated to special charities in India.

Come out and enjoy an uplifting evening surrounded by like-minded people while also helping to support those in need in India.

If you would like to find out more information, please call or e-mail.

All are welcome!

All of our sessions are taught on a one-on-one basis, unless there is a specific reason for teaching in a group setting. Instructing on a private basis allows us as Yoga Therapists to gain a deeper understanding of who you are, which will then allow us to plan specifically for your needs.

Once we understand your needs, we develop a personalized home practice that may include some of the following tools:

• counselling
• conscious and mindful breathing
• appropriately sequenced and individualized physical movements
• meditative practices
  
• visualization
• use of sound and mantra
• dream yoga
• guided relaxation & yoga nidra

A typical first consultation and yoga session lasts 90 minutes.

Initial Consultation includes:

• Intake: Inquiring and assessing student's health history, current treatments and medications, current physical, mental and emotional condition, and student's health and wellness goals.
• Yoga Practice: Each practice is tailored to suit your specific needs, capabilities, goals, and life circumstances. We will then teach you this personal practice.
• Take Home: Students will be provided an accompanying diagram of the practice to be done at home.
• Follow-Up Sessions: All throughout this process, you are strongly encouraged to check in with Felicia or Ante with any questions, concerns or personal feedback. Depending on your needs, follow up sessions may be necessary in order to revise and update your personal practice. As you change, so must the practice.

Private sessions are by appointment only.
So please call or email for a consultation.

After completing two post-graduate degrees (in Psychology and Nutrition) from the University of Madras, Saraswathi was one of the very first to receive a Diploma in Yoga from the highly regarded KYM Institute of Yoga Studies in Chennai, India.

For over 16 years she served as a yoga teacher, therapist, consultant and teacher trainer at KYM. In addition, as the former head of the Research Department at KYM, she has also spearheaded a government sponsored research study on Yoga & Epilepsy.

More recently, Saraswathi has been teaching and training yoga teachers, teacher trainers and trainee therapists both within India and abroad. She is also trained in the art of facilitation and has been working with expert facilitators across India.