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889 Voices: Stories from the 889 Yoga Community

Discover reflections, practices and insights contributed by the teachers, co-founders and guest writers who shape the 889 Yoga community. Every entry brings a new angle on yoga, meditation and everyday wellbeing.

Latest Reflections

Unwind and Unmind with Restorative Yoga

December 4, 2025 · Guest Blogger

Marla Meenakshi Joy, an 889 Yoga teacher and Living Yoga School faculty member, describes her route from theatre and dance to her first Ashtanga Vinyasa class in 1995, after time spent studying meditation, Sanskrit, chanting and yoga philosophy in India. She explains how that path informed her restorative practice.

Learn to Eliminate the Word "Should"

November 28, 2025 · Guest Blogger

Anna Hardwick, an 889 supporting teacher, remembers a striking 5:30am teacher-training session in which Amba Stapleton invited the group to roll up their mats and follow her — a lesson in letting go of the weight of "should."

Delicious Ambiguity: Coping with Life's Ups and Downs

November 15, 2025 · Guest Blogger

Tiffany Merritt, an 889 Yoga teacher, considers how to welcome uncertainty — accepting that some stories have no tidy beginning, middle or end, and learning to make the most of each moment.

Learn to Blow Away Negative Emotions (Literally!)

November 7, 2025 · Emily

Emily Ridout, 889 co-founder and meditation teacher, shares takeaways from the Monday night Meditation Circle so that attendees and anyone curious about a regular practice can meditate with confidence at home or at work.

Have You Ever Detoxed in a Vineyard?

November 5, 2025 · Guest Blogger

Meet 889 supporting teacher Ashley McEachern, who drove across Canada to BC while posting a yoga video every day. Her on-the-road clips capture her teaching style — including a session filmed in the wheat fields of Saskatchewan.

Reconnecting to Ahimsa

October 30, 2025 · Guest Blogger

Lana Sugarman, an 889 Yoga teacher, examines ahimsa — the Sanskrit principle of love, reverence, non-harming and compassion, the first of the five yamas in Patanjali's Yoga Sutras — and how it shapes our relationships with others.

Move Like Honey

October 29, 2025 · Guest Blogger

Audrey Simard, an 889 Yoga teacher, offers a poetic reminder to move slowly and with intention through autumn's changes, staying centred rather than self-critical when life feels restless.

Diagnosis: Diastasis… Prescription: Pilates!

October 16, 2025 · Guest Blogger

Taya Griffin, a breastfeeding consultant and yoga and Pilates instructor, addresses the abdominal bulge that can linger after birth and explains why diastasis is a common pregnancy and postpartum condition.

How Do You Know You Are Living Your Best Self?

October 14, 2025 · Guest Blogger

Lisa Mitchell, an 889 Yoga teacher, shares thoughts sparked by hearing Judith Lasater speak on "Living Your Yoga," and how Lasater's work informs her own restorative teaching.

Releasing Tension and Negative Emotion

October 10, 2025 · Emily

Join Emily every Monday from 5–6pm at 889 Yoga for the 889 Meditation Circle. All levels are welcome, especially first-time meditators. Here is one of the lessons from a recent session.

Clearing Confusion

October 10, 2025 · Guest Blogger

Supporting teacher Tasha Rooke demonstrates an inspiring technique for clearing confusion.

Re-Treat Yourself

October 2, 2025 · Guest Blogger

Sunny Smith, an 889 Yoga teacher, draws on Albert Camus to explain why stepping away from a hectic life for a quiet, secluded retreat can be one of the greatest gifts you give yourself.

More from the Blog

My Morning Ritual

Christine Russell, co-founder of 889 Yoga, shares her sacred morning routine.

Alternative Nostril Breathing Exercise

Nicky Poole, 889 Yoga teacher and Living Yoga School faculty, demonstrates this simple breathing technique.

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