For a couple of years Rasa has been building a quiet but inspired presence in the Valley. The five women who practice — Sheron Jutila, Fiona Black, Traci Skuce, Catherine Dextrase and Elizabeth Claire Burr — want to introduce the public to the centre.
Tucked down by the river on 19th Street, Rasa is a centre for the healing arts. On Sept. 8 it hosts a community day. Opportunities abound for those curious to try yoga classes, meditation and chanting. Come learn about cranio sacral therapy and enjoy the basics of Body Talk.
The day begins at 10 a.m. with a hatha yoga class led by Jutila, who holds self-acceptance and self-awareness at the centre of her teaching. Her objective is to share in the joy — and fun — of yoga asana practice.
“I love those moments in a class where laughter comes about through aha! moments of realization,” says Jutila. “These moments transform our inner world, bringing about self-acceptance and calm which inevitably extend into the world around us.”
At 11 a.m, Black will introduce participants to BodyTalk and how it helps facilitate the body’s innate healing wisdom. Black will also teach a powerful healing technique called Cortices. This healing tool can be blended into daily life to reduce stress, balance the brain and enhance mental clarity.
With a background and training in physiotherapy, Black focuses exclusively on her practice of BodyTalk.
“It has transformed my life inside out,” Black says. “It is so gentle and non-invasive and it really helps awaken body and mind.”
At noon, Rasa will hold the doors open for a meet and greet.
Classes resume at 1 p.m. with an iyengar yoga session by Skuce who will lead a series of simple postures that help release the hips and hamstrings. Over her years of teaching and practice, Skuce has come to understand that yoga is so much more than stretching out the body.
“The amazing thing is that by stretching the body, by giving it a particular attention, we can broaden awareness," she said. "The practice helps to cultivate a deep listening, a place where you connect with your body, discover what’s there and stop struggling with it.”
Dextrase, a certified cranial sacral therapist, hosts the 2 p.m. time slot. Ask her questions about CST before or after she guides the class to explore energy lines in the body. She will teach basic grounding techniques and do a short grounding meditation. This helps us be present in the moment with an optimal balance of energy flowing through each chakra (energy centre) in the body.
Claire Burr will introduce the Yoga of Sound. Burr is a naturally gifted and intuitively skilled yoga teacher, cranial sacral therapist and kirtan artist.
“The teachings of yoga benefit students on every level of their being,” says Burr. “It can release the body on the level of muscles and joints, it can purify and strengthen our vital energy and it can bring awareness to strong emotions so we can learn to be with ourselves with greater clarity and understanding.”
Burr brings great compassion and joy to her teachings. Discover the evidence of this as she guides in the practice of sanskrit mantra, music and meditation.
Space is limited, so come early, or pre-register by calling Black at 250-650-0501. Classes are offered by dana, which is not payment for goods or services rendered but given from the heart. Your generosity is a gift that supports not only the teachers but the community. All dana received will go to Y.A.N.A and to the up-keep of Rasa.
Rasa is located in the Riverside Centre buildings at #5 - 145 19th St. in Courtenay.
Check www.rasacomoxvalley.com.