Photography provided by Daniel Baylis
My name is Lara but my friends call me “Farks.”
You might think yoga is intimidating, complicated, or about being extremely athletic or flexible… but I promise you… If you can breathe, you can practice yoga.
I studied Classical Hatha Yoga at Prana Yoga College under the guidance of Shakti Mhi and Pepe Danza learning how to safely guide the body through moving meditation and breathwork for long, blissful life. I completed Yin Teacher certification under the guidance of Ashley Holly and am excited to bring this practice of stillness, deep tissue and joint restoration to students.
My classes are about clear directions, being who you really are (on and off the mat), honoring the roots of the yoga practice and having a good time too. If you want to learn about yoga philosophy, the benefits and effects of the postures in your body and have fun at the same time, let's practice together!
When I’m not on the mat I drink coffee with my dog and cats, listen to or play music (I have a diploma in Music Composition), watch an absurd amount of Drag Race, and am overly competitive at Scrabble.
TEACHING COMMITMENT
As a teacher, I am continually a student. After every class you’ll have an opportunity to deliver any feedback about your experience with the option to keep it anonymous. I believe being a teacher means continually learning from your students and I will honour what you share.
My commitment to you I’ll offer:
Supportive & Non-competitive environment
Accessible instructions, informal atmosphere
Zero tolerance for discriminatory conduct, bullying or harassment.
Variations for stiff, injured, differently abled and new to yoga students
Flows designed to increase strength, flexibility, focus and bring balance to the body
Suitable for any level of experience
Focus on physical and energetic benefits
Anti-oppression commitment
I recognize the privilege I hold as a white cis-gendered female yoga teacher and I act in the following ways to dismantle white supremacy and systems of oppression both in and outside of my teaching:
Making Contributions to BIPOC lead organizers (Black Lives Matter, Landback 1492, Woodland Cultural Centre, BIPOC Support like relief fund drives and community funding, independent educators and therapists)
Uplifting and supporting BIPOC, fat, LGBTQ2s+ , differently abled teachers (including those aspiring to be teachers), artists, musicians, therapists, educators etc… through my social media platforms and looking for opportunities to learn from and collaborate with BIPOC practictionners.
Taking actions with leadership from BIPOC organizers by urging government officials to take steps to dismantle institutionalized racism & oppression.
Keeping Studio Partners Accountable by calling out racist and oppressive practices and withdrawing support if there’s no action behind the PR.
Keeping people (in general) accountable including family members by calling out oppressive ideologies and behaviours when I clock them.
Listening to and being open to feedback from BIPOC students (which I am always grateful for - I realize the work involved in this).
Frequently educate myself and reflect on how I can dismantle white supremacy within myself and my community as well as the impact of my actions on marginalized communities. ( Folks who I learn from include Rachel Ricketts, Dianne Bondy Yoga, Susanna Barkataki )
Ensure that yoga is financially accessible to folks who seek it.
Certifications
- 200 HR Yoga Teacher Certificate in Classic Hatha from Prana Yoga College (2012)
- 50 HR Yin Yoga Certificate from YYoga with Ashley Holly (2017)
- 20 HR Yoga Nidra Certification from Taryn Diamond Yoga (2020)
- Continuing Philosophy and History Education with Christopher Hareesh Wallis, Anodea Judith, Daniel Simpson, and Jacob Kyle (in progress).
- Scripture study and practice with Hali Schwartz.
- Many arduous hours of practice and self-reflection.
“Lara’s classes are awesome! Her voice is soothing, she encourages safety and self-awareness, and I feel connected and relaxed afterwards. Thank you so much!”