About Marla

Meenakshi (Marla Joy): Former: Co-owner and Director of Downward Dog Yoga Centre, first traveled to India in 1988 to study meditation and the philosophy of the Vedas with Swami Shyam, as well as other learned scholars in the Himalayas. She is a Certified Meditation and Yoga Philosophy teacher from the International Meditation Institute in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, Himalayas, and, along with her studies with her Pranayama teacher Sri Sudhir Tiwari, has also completed an “Advanced Pranayama” training with Sri O.P. Tiwari from the Kaivalyadhama Institute in Pune, India.

She has been an international yoga teacher trainer since 1999 (Canada, USA, Europe, The UK and Asia) in the areas of: Yoga, Philosophy and Sanskrit, Chanting and Meditation, Ashtanga/ Vinyasa yoga, Restorative Yoga, and Yoga Nidra.

As practicing Shiatsu Therapist since 1990, as well as an Abhyanga Massage Therapist, Meenakshi has a healing and informative touch. She has been trained in giving channeled readings in: Choose Love Karmic Readings, Light Weaving Activation, Reiki and is currently in training in Sacred Earth and Ascension Rituals. She has been studying and performing Indian Classical Odissi dance since 1995, and is very passionate about this form of dance as well as Sacred Temple Dance.

As a celebrated song-stress, she also leads Kirtan (call-and-response chanting) with her band SWAHA, with inspired musical compositions with her partner/keyboardist, Ron Reid.She has produced 5 Cd’s of Sanskrit Devotional chanting entitled “Prayer’s”, “Salutations”, “Vishnu’s Dream”, “Bolo!”, “Shanti Pulse, and their newest CD “Gone Beyond”.

Meenakshi currently holds retreats and trainings In the Southern zone of Costa Rica, as well as teaching online on the Zoom platform. www.templeoflight.love www.swaha.ca

About Ron

Ron Reid has been practicing Yoga for over 30 years and teaching since 1988. He is Former- co-owner and Director of the Downward Dog Yoga Centre in Toronto, Canada.

(www.downwarddog.com)

Ron has studied with Sri K. Pattabhi Jois and Sharath both in India and North America and was one of the first Canadian teachers to be authorized by Pattabhi Jois.. Along with his studies with his Pranayama teacher Sri Sudhir Tiwari, has also completed an “Advanced Pranayama” training with Sri O.P. Tiwari from the Kaivalyadhama Institute in Pune, India.

In addition to regular online, he conducts workshops and teacher trainings in Canada, the U.S., Europe, the U.K. and Asia, and is becoming a familiar face at various conferences around the world (since 2000).

Ron is one of Canada’s top teachers, approaching teaching in an inspired, informed and non- dogmatic way. He places the needs of the students ahead of the demands of the practice. While continuing to teach and practice the ashtanga vinyasa system as a foundation, he endeavors to blend tradition with innovation, and to balance precision with grace. Students will find his refined approach to practice both challenging and rewarding.

Ron is also an accomplished musician and composer and performs with his partner Marla

Meenakshi Joy under their group name “Swaha” www.swaha.ca