MARA BENEDICT
The practice of yoga has rooted itself into Mara’s life in ways she could never have imagined. It has yielded a sense of feeling at home in her body. It has helped her find stillness within, and to connect with inner strength. She has discovered the challenge and the gift of truly being present each step of this journey through life. Mara believes yoga is a language that speaks to the body, mind, and heart. If we can be attentive to our human experience on all these levels, with mindfulness, compassion, and courage, she believes we may sow the seeds for a deep peace to emerge. As we find peace within, it will resonate in the world around us. Mara received certification through Pacific Yoga, and completed her prenatal training through the Salt Spring Centre of Yoga. She feels it is a privilege and a joy for her to be sharing yoga with others.

Practicing since: 1999
Teaching since: 2004

Teachers: Jodi Boone, Tami Hafzalla

“Wisdom lies
Neither in fixity
Nor in change
But in the dialectic
Between the two.”
- Octavio Paz

“I look forward to prenatal yoga class every week. The movement we do is the ideal preparation for childbirth; I feel good knowing that I will have these moves 'in my body' when labor comes…from comfort measures, to safe moving, to stretches that feel yummy for a pregnant woman's body, to movement that helps a baby move down - her class has it all. One of things I appreciate most is Mara's expertise at guiding us through use of the breath. This will be invaluable as I endeavor during natural childbirth. Mara is kind and knowledgeable and lets her students participate at their own level. I had very little yoga experience prior to taking this class - I was worried about having to know the names of positions…I didn't have to worry. She uses jargon free explanations and the usual names for poses…I appreciate her deep understanding of what a woman's pregnant body can do and might be going through.” - D.C.