OUR PEOPLE
Meet Your Instructor — Joanne Lowe
Specializing in seamlessly flowing sequences of asana, Joanne Lowe is a certified yoga instructor with more than 30 years experience in the practice and study of various forms and teaching philosophies of yoga. With an infectious love of asana practice, Joanne’s warm, non-judgmental approach, gentle touch and soothing voice will guide you through a creative, ever-changing, well-balanced series of postures. She encourages participants to move slowly, deepen their breath and practice with self-awareness and self-acceptance.
A karma yogini at heart, Joanne is an animal welfare advocate and contributes financially to The Toronto Humane Society, Toronto Cat Rescue, Toronto Animal Services, The WSPA and The World Wildlife Fund. She has been a top fundraiser and participated in the Yogathon for Schizophrenia for 11 years and has held Earth Hour Yoga Class fundraisers for the World Wildlife Fund for 9 years.
After rescuing Rufus the hound dog, from the shelter, Joanne has enjoyed instructing fundraising yoga classes at The Toronto Humane Society as well as hosting livestream sessions for them. These fun classes are accompanied by some of the shelter’s adoptable pets. She has also led Yoga with Kittens fundraisers for Toronto Cat Rescue.
Returning to her roots in the corporate sector, she has developed the Yoga@Work program for corporations, designed to reduce stress, restore perspective and improve physical and mental well-being. She recently created a series of Yoga Videos designed specially for SickKids | The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto’s Paediatric Update Conference.
She has lead more than 20 yoga retreats at various venues in Ontario.
A self-professed yoga squirrel, Joanne continues to collect many little acorns of knowledge and inspiration along her path and bring forth the insights of many teachers and wellness modes into her classes.
With a passion for wildlife, our environment and having a great love of gardening and nature, Joanne loves nothing more than walking in the countryside with her dog, exploring new places and living slowly, mindfully and in the moment. Growing her own fruit and vegetables and allowing natural spaces in the meadow and garden to flourish, she can’t wait to welcome a peep of chickens to The Coop this Spring.
See you soon to breathe, stretch and relax with us.
Follow us on Instagram:
The Big Stretch @bigstretchyoga
Joanne @notyouraverage.jojo
Rufus — Mindfulness Coach
Rufus’ kind words: “Hello my friends. Try not to get to caught up in the daily drama. For example, when I see a squirrel, I try to witness the squirrel, I watch the squirrel, I breathe in, I breathe out, I notice the squirrel, and then I just watch the squirrel go by, without attachment, judgement or commentary – just an awareness of its being.”
Returning to his roots as a Rescue Dog, his Karma Yoga endeavours include raising funds and awareness for the Toronto Humane Society.
Rufus’ mentors are Tedi, Kedi, Red, Sadie, Tanzy, Buddy, Dodger, Cocoa, Tigger, The Husky Twins, Toby, BoBo, Leksi, Murphy and Thunder. When Rufus isn’t meditating, he loves to cuddle, fetch and howl every chance he gets.
You can follow Rufus on Instagram.
Breathe. Stretch. Relax.
TESTIMONIALS
Julia H.
“Joanne always find the right mix of familiar poses and something fresh (or new) each time.”
Lesley M.
“Thank you for such a lovely session yesterday. I always feel relaxed but enlivened.”
Margaret K.
“This was the BEST class ever! My neck and upper back feel so good! Cheers!”