I grew up in the Gage Park neighbourhood.
I have very vivid and fond memories playing in the park as a child. I remember my favourite tree to climb, which no longer stands but I know its exact location. I remember riding my bike there with my brother and sister and getting ice cream after. I saw some of my favourite bands there as a teenager and my older sister even got married in the greenhouse. This park brought to life my imagination and a playful freedom that every kid thrives from. Every summer we gather in the park to practice yoga, I feel as if I get to foster or nurture little kid Helena who just wants to play at the park with her friends. Through yoga in the park my community of friends has grown immensely; I love meeting new people and reconnecting with people from my past. My heart is invested in this park like it is a part of my story or history.
The park is vibrant and alive on a Sunday morning.
With the sun coming up and the temperature just right for mid summer, it is ideal for doing yoga. The park also brings out people walking their dogs, riding their bikes, kids playing at the splash pad or going for a quick jog. It feels good to be apart of an active environment and to have a presence within it. If you have never done yoga before, this is especially the practice to try. I know walking into a yoga studio can be intimidating. Checking out a class at the park gives you the capability to join in, observe what’s happening or pass by and consider coming the next week. Yoga can come off as this exclusive practice for ‘fit’, ‘flexible’ people but at In Fine Feather you will see, it is for students of all ages, abilities, ethnicities and genders and they are all doing what they can on their mats that morning. I truly hope to create the most encouraging and inviting space to come practice so that everyone can receive the body-mind benefits of conscious movement.
Yoga in the park is the best way to start the day.
By committing to the one hour practice you receive time outside in nature, physical movement, energetic relaxation and then you have the rest of your Sunday to enjoy from this space. Connection, connection connection! All the warm hellos and sweet faces I am blessed to see; babies and mamas and past students, new students, high school friends, neighbours, cousins, sisters and my old dance teacher to name a few! If you have been to this class before, you have probably met my little niece who helps hand out class cards after! I feel so full after this class and ride the waves of that good energy all day.
Make a whole day of it.
I know how much this event means to me and I have often heard students say that it is the highlight of their summer. You can make the most of the day and enjoy a picnic in the park after with your kids or friends. Invite someone to join you and go for coffee after. There are even festivals running in the park over the summer that you can check out following the class. This class gives us the opportunity to celebrate the summer season, engage with our community and be apart of something that makes us all feel good. Please join us at Gage Park this summer for a mindful practice and an opportunity to feel vibrant and full of spirit; to feel In Fine Feather.
Much love and gratitude,
Helena
Event Details:
We are so thrilled to be hosting Yoga in the Park again. Each year this event becomes more and more vibrant and empowering. With yogis coming from all over the city to enjoy one of Hamilton's most beautiful spaces, Gage Park. This is a beginner class and everyone is welcome to join. We love the simplicity and serenity of this class; coming together to savour the morning light and the coolness of the air, moving mindfully through the postures taking in the sounds and energy of the park. A gentle reminder to bring your own mat, bring water and try to find a shady spot by the trees. This is one of our favourite events of the year and we cant wait for you to join us!
Dates: Sunday June 23rd- Sunday August 25th
Time: 10:00am- 11:00am
Where: Gage Park by the Rose Gardens
Cost: Pay What You Can
