
In addition to our own program offerings, each year the Salt Spring Centre hosts a series of programs and retreats run by special guest hosts.
June 7-10, 2012: Overcome Pain With Yoga – Level 1
Life is Now! 
Neil Pearson’s yoga retreats are designed specifically for those with chronic pain. Held in a variety of peaceful locations, the retreats will leave students with a firm belief that through yoga, patience and practice, they can heal and reclaim their lives. Participants spend time immersed in safe, effective yoga practices to decrease their pain and help them live well again. Modern, science-based views on chronic pain are explored, while empowering students with practical, hands on tools to improve quality of life. Healing comes through yoga techniques designed to wind down the nervous system and promote positive, lasting changes in the body-mind-spirit. Facilitated by Neil Pearson, a highly respected physiotherapist, yoga therapist and educator, this session, with its elements of Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy, leave students with an individualized plan to continue moving towards a life of less pain. After all, life is now.
Neil will also be offering a level 2 retreat October 11-14, 2012 – watch for more details here.
July 20-25, 2012: Ashtanga Vinyasa Immersion Retreat
Melissa Wasserfall of True Yoga Edmonton
Choose a three or five day option for this immersion retreat. Each day will start with morning Mysore or Led Primary Series classes and continue with morning and afternoon workshops focusing on postures, philosophy and techniques. Participants will also enjoy the best of what the Centre and Salt Spring Island have to offer during the summer months including abundant produce from the Centre farm, swimming in island lakes, and time to explore the many shops and studios that the island is famous for.
| Friday | |
| 4 – 6 pm | Welcome and Asana Class |
| 6:00 pm | Dinner |
| 7:30 – 9:00 pm | Sauna or other evening activity |
| Saturday | |
| 6:00 – 8:30 am | Mysore Class |
| 8:45 – 9:45 am | Breakfast |
| 11:00 am – 12:30 pm | Workshop – Chaturanga |
| 12:30 pm | Lunch |
| 4:00 – 6:00 pm | Workshop – Sun Salutations |
| 6:00 pm | Dinner |
| Sunday | |
| 6:00 – 7:30 am | Led Primary Series |
| 8:45 – 9:45 am | Breakfast |
| 11:00 am – 12:30 pm | Workshop – Inversions |
| 12:30 pm | Lunch |
| 1:30 – 3:00 pm | Workshop – Yoga: Philosophy & Practice |
| 3:30 – 5:30 pm | Satsang |
| 6:00 pm | Dinner |
| Monday | |
| 6:00 – 8:30 am | Mysore Class |
| 8:45 – 9:45 am | Breakfast |
| 11:00 am – 12:30 pm | Workshop – Backbending |
| 12:30 pm | Lunch (Program ends for 3 day participants) |
| 4:00 – 6:00 pm | Asana Class: Ashtanga Techniques |
| 6:00 pm | Dinner |
| 7:30 – 9:00 pm | Yoga Philosophy with SSCY Staff |
| Tuesday | |
| 6:00 – 8:30 am | Mysore Class |
| 8:45 – 9:45 am | Breakfast |
| 11:00 am – 12:30 pm | Workshop – Arm Balances |
| 12:30 pm | Lunch |
| 4:00 – 6:00 pm | Asana Class: Ashtanga Techniques |
| 6:00 pm | Dinner |
| 7:30 – 9:00 pm | Evening Program with SSCY Staff |
| Wednesday | |
| 6:00 – 7:30 am | Led Primary Series |
| 8:45 – 9:45 am | Breakfast |
| 11:00 am – 12:30 pm | Closing Circle |
| 12:30 pm | Lunch |
Register online for classes only or full meals and accommodation.
August 22-26, 2012: Footsteps of Patanjali

Walk in the Footsteps of Patanjali with Shirley Daventry-French and Leslie Hogya.
Yoga asana, pranayama, and study of the yoga philosophy of Pantanjali take place in a room surrounded by 70 acres of unspoiled west coast forest and meadow. Abundant organic gardens and orchards provide fresh food for this late summer retreat. Unscheduled afternoons provide time for rest and reflection and an opportunity to explore Salt Spring Island life. Visit the Saturday market in nearby Ganges, local cheese farms and wineries, and swim in the warm waters of Vesuvius Bay.
Read more about Shirley Daventry-French and Leslie Hogya.Shirley Daventry French is a direct student of B.K.S. Iyengar. Since her first visit to Pune in 1979, she has returned regularly for further study. She is the founder of the Iyengar Yoga Centre of Victoria. Students from across Canada and from around the world have studied with her at home and abroad. Shirley has a quick wit and inspiring zest for life. Her skill with language brings an unforgettable clarity to the fine points of her teachings.
Leslie Hogya has been studying yoga since 1972. She has been to India many times, most recently in December 2008. She holds a Senior Intermediate I certificate and is part of the Canadian assessors team. Leslie is past president of the Iyengar Yoga Association of Canada. She has taught in many places in British Columbia as well as in the USA, Mexico, Thailand, and Hong Kong. Students are drawn to Leslie by her welcoming personality and warmheartedness.
For more information or to register please click here.
Quick List:
- June 1-3, Iyengar Yoga of Victoria Annual Retreat
- June 7-10, Overcome Pain With Yoga with Neil Pearson
- July 20-25, Ashtanga Vinyasa with Melissa Wasserfall
- August 22-26, Footsteps of Patanjali with Shirley Daventry-French




