back


Asia’s bio


 

My yoga journey started in 1996.  I wasn’t interested in yoga at that time but was asked to accompany a friend, who eventually became my husband. Yoga was our second attempt at controlling his stress level and improving his fitness after trying Taoist Tai Chi earlier that year. Our practices didn’t last long, as other priorities and other aspects of life got in the way.

 
I went back to Tai Chi and Yoga on my own a year later and stayed. I taught Tai Chi a few years after practicing for a number of years, until it became too much for me to continue once I started teaching yoga from my home-based-studio in 2001.

 
I never thought I would be teaching yoga until I had an experience in the presence of Yogi Amrit Desai in 1999. He was at one of the yoga studios in downtown Toronto to give a weekend workshop and that Friday was first gathering for Kirtan (call and response chanting). During one particular chant, I got touched with my inner most hidden feelings I didn’t know existed. The door to many emotions was opened - the dam broke… All the hurt, pain, frustration, anxiety, resentment, pride, etc. got cleansed by unstoppable tears. From that moment, I was able to let go of heavy burden of carrying all those negative feelings and was able to forgive myself and others. I have learned to appreciate the present moment instead of living in the past or in the future. I increasingly find a better understanding of myself over the years of yoga and meditation practice, which brought peace, compassion, acceptance, and love into my being.

 
After that day, I felt like I was ready to teach and share the many benefits that yoga has to offer with anyone who wishes to learn and practice even if it means that he/she will show up for only one class.

 
My yoga teaching style has been influenced (certified) by Vanda Scaravelli (Sheridan College 2001), Ashtanga Vinyasa (David Swenson 2002), Pregnancy Yoga (Janice Clarfield 2003), Phoenix Rising Yoga (Therapeutic Yoga Teacher 2005, PRY Therapy Practitioner 2006), Kripalu (Professional Level 2008), and my own practice.  

 
I am a yoga student and practitioner for life and I continue my studies with various teachers and traditions through courses, workshops, and classes. I would like to thank all of those who crossed paths with me for the lessons they have taught me!

 

Testimonials


  
“I love the way you teach and I am glad you encourage us to develop our potential. I think you listen and try to learn to best meet your student’s needs. I am so glad I found you.”

 
-        Marilyn Eves, RN

 

 

“John and I are still talking about the partner yoga class. Once again, you have added another positive dimension to our lives. He thoroughly enjoyed it, and we’re looking forward to doing yoga together with you again.”

 
-        Supi Radul, Teacher/Mom

 

 

“I thought you might like to know how much you helped me the other day. I was undergoing a procedure at the doctor’s office. I hadn’t anticipated it hurting too much but of course things didn’t go as planned and I was in some pain. Well every time I knew the pain would start I could hear you telling us how to relax and how to breathe and to empty our minds. It didn’t take the pain away but it definitely got me through as I consciously went through my body relaxing an arm, a back muscle, my neck etc. I kept my hands on my abdomen so that I could concentrate on pushing them up and down with my slow deep breaths. Thanks for all your training, Asia.”

 
-        Nicol deCourcy-Donovan, Riding Instructor

 

 

“While I was in Florida, I attended several hatha and flow (yoga) classes – although I got a good workout, no instructor had your level of competence and knowledge!!! I miss you and look forward to returning to class.”

 
-        Andrea DeSantis, Lawyer

 

 

“I wanted to let you know that my lovely little boy Colin has arrived! … We’re already up and about together … and I credit YOU and your wonderful classes with keeping me fit as a fiddle through that long pregnancy, Asia. Thank you so much for those classes: I can’t wait until I can return. You’re not just a great teacher, you’re a lovely person, and I very much enjoy your company.”

 
-        Leah Knight, Assistant Professor

 

 

“I was recommended to Asia Shin Yoga by my chiropractor. I had been receiving treatment from him for quite awhile for my osteoarthritis and for a painful right arm caused by ‘mousing’, carrying heavy garden pails, and by doing a lot of cutting with my rotary cutter (I am a quilter.). He had treated me with acupuncture, ultrasound and interferential treatment, but he suggested that yoga may also be very beneficial, and he recommended Asia.

 
I had wanted to sign up for yoga for quite some time, but had consistently procrastinated; his advice gave me the push I needed. I have had eight classes at this point in time and I just remarked to my husband that I had just realized that I had no more pin in my right arm! As well, I am remembering to keep my shoulders down, breathe more deeply, and to sit tall, and I look forward to each class with enthusiasm.”

 
-        Brenda deBlauw, Retired

 

 

“I just wanted to let you know that your yoga classes have been exceeding my expectations. Last week when attending one of your classes my neck and lower back were in a lot of pain. In the past when feeling this pain (old accident injuries) I’ve usually made a visit to my chiropractor. During that yoga class we did a lot of exercises that helped stretch and align my sensitive areas. I was amazed to see that as the day passed… so did my pain. I only wished I had started yoga with you years ago. I am thoroughly enjoying every class I attend; you make it a great experience.”

 
-        Lisa Di Cristofaro, Mom

 

 

“I have attended Asia’s Ashtanga Primary series in the past and all level Hatha class recently, and it is, without a doubt, my favourite yoga experience thus far. Her open and lighthearted personality shines through in everything she says and does while guiding you through the poses. I’ve never seen a more capable and enjoyable yoga teacher as her. Her studio reflects her professionalism in its superb cleanliness and quality.”

 
          - Steve Trainor, 26, Master Seaman, Canadian Navy

            Basic Recruit Weapons/Drill Instructor/Recruiter



  

1072 Westhaven Drive, Burlington, Ontario   L7P 5B5
(905) 319-5528
asia@cogeco.ca