 We have explored the first two limbs of yoga... 1. Yamas (outer ethical codes) & 2. Niyamas (the the inner, personal ethical practices) & today we move to the 3rd limb of yoga...
♥️Asana♥️ (Postures | Forms) Take a moment to reflect on what comes to mind when you think of pictures you have seen of yoga... Likely you’re imagining images of people practicing asana and these images often show people in very complex postures! As we honour ancient wisdom by practicing yoga as more than a physical practice, we enliven our privilege to decolonize yoga by honouring yoga as a deeply integrative system and philosophy. In that, we honour asana as a very important system within a much larger system. I'll unpack this... When we honour how (not if) our body needs to move, we invite ourselves towards an inner steadiness with greater capacity to sit in stillness, mindfulness, and meditation I am grateful for one of my teachers, Susanna Barkataki, who is courageously decolonizing yoga! In the Trauma-Informed Yoga Psychology School, together we explore and practice asana as a way of strengthening our ability to notice our inner landscape, to regulate our nervous system, and, most importantly, in support of the the other seven limbs of yoga which we can take off the mat ✨ Would love to hear your reflections, if you are called to share! ♥️ Dr. Melissa Jay
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About this Blog:I’m Dr. Melissa Jay, a registered psychologist, yoga therapist, and educator. Archives
December 2025
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Dr. Melissa Jay is an Indigenous, nehiyaw-Métis member of the Métis Nation of Alberta. The primary location of Canmore Counselling and Trauma-Informed Yoga Psychology School is located in Chuwapchipchiyan Kudi Bi (translated from Îyârhe Nakoda as “shooting at the willows”), colonially known as Canmore. We are grateful to be located on Treaty 7 territory and the current and ancestral lands of the Îyârhe Nakoda (Stoney Nakoda), which includes of the Bearspaw First Nation, Chiniki First Nation, and Goodstoney First Nation, as well as the Tsuut’ina First Nation and the Blackfoot Confederacy, including the Siksika First Nation, Piikani First Nation, and Kainai First Nation. This is also the home to the Rocky View Métis District 4 within the Battle River Territory. We recognize all Nations who continue to nurture these lands, and we are dedicated to uplifting Truth, language, and culture as essential to right relations. As an act of reconciliation and commitment to decolonization, we are committed to the TRC's Calls to Action.
At Canmore Counselling, we are also privileged to be yoga students, practitioners, and guides. Our offerings centre on the root of yoga as Indigenous to South Asia, and we are grateful to learn from and amplify the South Asian practitioners and teachers whenever possible. We are grateful for the eight limbs of yoga, as taught by Patanjali. It is a joy to walk alongside our incredible alumni of the Trauma-Informed Yoga Psychology School as they create opportunities for care, connection & curiosity within their communities.
We believe wholeheartedly that trauma-informed care requires commitment to community, social justice, decolonization, anti-oppression, and anti-racism. Thank you for being here :)
At Canmore Counselling, we are also privileged to be yoga students, practitioners, and guides. Our offerings centre on the root of yoga as Indigenous to South Asia, and we are grateful to learn from and amplify the South Asian practitioners and teachers whenever possible. We are grateful for the eight limbs of yoga, as taught by Patanjali. It is a joy to walk alongside our incredible alumni of the Trauma-Informed Yoga Psychology School as they create opportunities for care, connection & curiosity within their communities.
We believe wholeheartedly that trauma-informed care requires commitment to community, social justice, decolonization, anti-oppression, and anti-racism. Thank you for being here :)