“How I went from being a burnt out Trail Guide in Banff National Park to a Hiking Yogi and reclaimed the MAGIC in my life.”

Sometimes when I wake up in the morning and see the first light of the day casting pink and orange hues on the snowy  peaks surrounding my house, I have to pinch myself to see if I’m dreaming.

I feel so lucky to live and work in such a BEAUTIFUL place.  Time in these mountains continually teaches me about myself and life.  Every day I am blessed to guide interesting and inspiring people from all over the world. 

I love my life.  Sure, at times I’m stressed about the ups and downs of life, but in the end I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

As EcoYoga continues to evolve in me, through me, I find my intuition gets stronger, synchronicities happen, and my heart opens more.   

By doing my own personal work and helping facilitate consciousness raising experiences for others, I believe that I’m making a small difference (sometimes big difference) in people’s lives and the world. 

   “But it wasn’t always this way...”

In 1991, I had powerful vision during my first backpacking trip in Yoho National Park; I was guided to become a hiking guide who would connect people to nature and themselves. As a prairie girl from Saskatchewan, this seemed an unlikely career choice and one I was certain was not for me- surely it must be a mistake!  The power of this vision, however, was such that I decided to take steps towards becoming a guide.

I went back to college and got an Outdoor Recreation Diploma. Once back in Banff I became a Professional Interpreter through the Interpretive Guides Association and I received my Professional Hiking and Backpacking designation through the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG). 

I worked as a naturalist and guide in the Mountain parks for four years and loved my job.  At the end of the 4^th year, however, the joy seemed to wear off and I became burned out.

Which I found out was a reoccurring pattern in my life...always giving to others before myself.

My time in nature didn’t feel soulful anymore -  it’s like I couldn’t see or hear the beauty around me.  The magic and wonder was gone.  I had a longing for something more spiritual and knew it had to come from my relationship with nature and Spirit. 

I said a prayer: “Please help me find magic in nature again.”

“I could have never imagined what happened next.”

Two months later I found myself in an Ojibwa sweat lead by Wes Geitz and some students from Wilderness Awareness School.  This school trains naturalists with a blend traditional Native Culture awareness techniques and science.  Something in my being said, “THIS IS IT,” so I signed up for a naturalist training course when I got home.

Later that year I also started my first yoga teacher training. I had no intention of teaching; I simply wanted to explore yoga as a way to go deeper in myself.

Something very interesting happened when I went out to track animals or do yoga - I found I slipped into a state of stillness.  From this place of stillness I felt a deep connection to life inside of me and all around me.

I started to experience clarity, and healing... a transformation had begun.  The magic was back!

I now take time to sit quietly in the woods and consciously pay attention to what is happening externally and internally.  As a result, I see and hear more in myself and in nature. 

I didn’t feel lonely or empty anymore because I feel connected to something much bigger than myself. 

I started to practice walking meditation, yoga and yoga nidra outside and it made my yoga practice even more magical...I could feel nature as an extension of myself not something outside of me. 

Both practices have completely transformed my time in nature to something deeply soulful and nourishing. I found my real calling.

 “I Birthed EcoYoga Adventures”

Although tracking and yoga did not seem to be related at first glance, I find that I am drawing on each and weaving them together to help others and it culminates in something really unique and soulful.

During the 2008 market crash I was planning to go back to my regular guiding job after the birth of my first child but found myself laid off and out of a job.  

 Perfect! 

I felt this was the Universe saying “it’s time to change direction and pioneer something new...EcoYoga Adventures.”

Every time I go out with people I feel like this is what I am meant to be doing.

 “Do you want to have a more soulful connection to nature?”

I knew there must be more people out there like me who want to experience a soulful connection in nature through their yoga practice. 

If you are one of them, please consider joining me for a half day or full day EcoYoga program, a retreat or design your own custom retreat and take in an experience like none other in the Canadian Rockies!

If you would like to hear about upcoming retreats and events your next step is to enter your name and email in the menu to the left titled "Receive a FREE Gift." Don't worry I don't send out a ton of emails I know your too busy for that.

Once you put your name in you will receive a gift called "3 Secrets to Experiencing Banff in a Yogic Way." This is my gift to you for checking out my site.  In it you’ll receive specific practices to experience landscapes in a Yogic way (where ever you live), and some of my favourite yoga locations in Banff National Park.