January 2008

Meditative Arts Programs

Give a brief bio about yourself and/or your studio. Michelle Currie is a graduate of the Masters of Education program at OISE/University of Toronto, where she focused on the use of meditation and the Arts for personal growth, social change, and environmental consciousness. Her interest in meditation started back in 2003 while taking yoga classes, and she’s been using meditation as a form of healing ever since. Inspired by the works of Thich Nhat Hahn and her passion for the Arts, Michelle began using Meditative Arts (meditation through the Arts) as a form of healing for herself and others. Her mission: Connecting through creativity. Healing from the inside out!

What styles of yoga you teach? / Do you or your studio specialize in one? I teach Mindfulness Meditation in my workshops and courses

What makes your teaching or studio unique? By using what I’ve called Meditative Arts (meditation through the Arts), I show that there are many ways to meditate and bring mindfulness into everyday life. During each session, participants engage in Mindfulness Meditation as well as different music/art activities like group drumming and painting/pastelling. I focus on intuition, non-judgement, re-connecting (to self, others, and nature), empowerment, and creativity. There are various programs that use meditation and art, but this particular combination and the way it’s delivered is unique in itself.



What is your favorite yoga posture? And why? My favourite yoga posture is Downward Dog because it’s always been the posture I’ve had the most trouble staying in! It reminds me that there’s always something more to learn and practice, which motivates me.

How long have you been doing yoga? I’ve been practicing meditation for 5 years.

How long has your studio been around? Meditative Arts as a program is fairly new, but I’ve been doing workshops over a year. I’m now practicing at the Zen-Tai Wellness Centre in Toronto but also do workshops and courses at other locations.

* Please note these spotlights are written by individuals, and in no way reflects the view of Yoga in Canada.