Brendon joined Kelowna Yoga House this year (Jan 2024) and teaches Hatha Yoga for Strength and Stability and iRest Yoga Nidra. on Tuesday evenings. Brendon recently moved from Calgary and works by day as an engineer. We asked Brendon to tell us how he came to yoga and teaching…..
While studying engineering, Brendon took a philosophy course. The professor became his mentor, introducing him to spiritual teachers like Eckhart Tolle, Adyashanti, and Satsang with Pamela Wilson. Brendon ended up earning a second degree in philosophy. Through his mentor, Brendon was also introduced to yoga and started taking classes in the year 2000. No matter the ups and downs of life, or what other fitness programs he tried, yoga is a constant for Brendon. His asana practice is focused on mobility and longevity as he lives an active lifestyle.
After seven years of practicing, Brendon felt called to expand his knowledge of biomechanics and the practical implementation of the eight limbs of yoga and completed his.RYT-200 (Registered Yoga Teacher) in 2007 and began teaching a class or two a week on top of his engineering day job.
Asked why he remains passionate about practicing and teaching, Brendon explains that all you need to bring to the mat is yourself. Some students initially come for a “yoga-butt”, six-pack abs, or to stretch and detox. Ultimately, the poses are a gateway to spirituality.
At KYH, Brendon teaches a Stability and Strength yoga class. In this class The 5 Universal Principles of Alignment” are applied to any pose. Following a bio-mechanical theme, one principle is experienced in a variety of poses and modifications. From this stability, the body’s strength can be called upon to express Beauty and Grace in form.
Brendon also teaches iRest yoga nidra, a guided deep meditation. iRest stands for Integrative Restoration, and is a specific methodology of yoga nidra taught only by teachers certified in this methodology.
What is iRest yoga nidra? Yoga nidra, is roughly translated as “yogic-sleep”. It is a deep meditation where one is guided on a exploration through the “sheaths” that constitute our form-identity (physical, energetic, emotions, mind, heart, and the ego). By shining the light of awareness, and giving attention to the “messengers” who are poking us (pains, emotions, trauma, thoughts) we can hear them out, receive gifts of wisdom, and ultimately liberate them (and ourselves) for their roles.
iRest stands for Integrative Restoration, and is a specific methodology of yoga nidra that certifies teachers through an institute founded by Richard C. Miller, PhD, who was also the co-founder of the International Association of Yoga Therapists
How will I feel after an iRest yoga nidra class? It depends on your intention for that practice session. It may be to stay highly alert and present to everything the emerges, to inquire into a specific emotion, thought, belief, or the nature of the “I”. Or, you may intend to abide in deep rest, and even fall asleep. It is entirely possible that the body may actually be asleep while You, as Witnessing Presence, are fully awake and aware. This is a state known as “awake-sleep”. Some practices revolve around this in the form a “nap-itation”, which can help you feel refreshed after not getting enough sleep at night. After yoga nidra, one may feel a calm sense
Learn more about this specific methodology at www.irest.org