Vichara Yoga Shala
THE STUDIO
Wakefield, Québec
Yoga for Freedom
Classical, lineage-rooted Yoga & Meditation offered as it was originally intended: not merely as exercise, but as a living path to remembrance of our wholeness, joy, peace and true nature.
All are welcome to our forest sanctuary devoted to sincere practice, embodied inquiry, depth of peace and inner freedom.
All Classes are Dana – On-Donation
Classical Haṭha Yoga · Meditation · Mantra · Embodied Inquiry · Yoga Therapy
Beyond fitness…
Yoga in Its Origins
Yoga is often presented today as a way to stretch, strengthen or manage stress. These benefits are real and wonderful—but they are not the whole of what Yoga offers.
In the classical tradition, Yoga is a complete path of practice and inquiry. Through asana, praṇayama, mudra, bandha, mantra, meditation, and so much more, there is a welcoming into direct contemplation, and we can become aware of the habits that obscure our natural clarity—and to rest more deeply in what has always been true.
The ultimate invitation is freedom: freedom from mistaken identity, from unconscious reactivity, from habitual patterning, and from the belief that we need to be fixed or that wholeness must be acquired from somewhere outside ourselves.
A Sadhāna That Includes the Whole
Every class is an invitation to become intimate with LIFE: with breath, body, heart, mind, energy, elements and awareness. Sadhāna (practices) are offered with care for our individual needs, the time of day, the season and the living intelligence of the person or group before us.
You may arrive with your own Sankalpa (intention) and you are always welcomed to begin there. Over time, Sadhāna can reveal something profound: a more truthful relationship with yourself and the quiet ground from which life is already being lived.
What you may experience
- E-RYT Teachers (with decades of study/teaching)
- Semi-private (10 or less) classes
- A thoughtful, personalized approach
- Honouring of Quiet, Silence & Stillness
- Classical Asana rooted in chakra awareness
- Praṇayama, Bandha, Mudra & Kriya
- Meditation, Mantra and Kirtan Chanting
- Teachings from Yoga, Ayurveda, Tantra and Advaita
- Space for inquiry, integration and genuine rest
- A heartfelt sangha (spiritual community)
Weekly Classes
Our classes welcome both new and experienced students. Each session is complete in itself, while regular attendance allows the practice to deepen naturally over time.
Are you looking to be fully immersed?…
Retreat with Us?
Vichara Yoga Shala is also a micro-retreat centre, where we host multi-day residential retreats devoted to Yoga, Meditation, Ayurveda, Tantra & Advaita. We offer a variety of group and private retreats, and also host guest teachers.
Guided with depth and care
Meet Our Teachers
Tiffany Nicholson-Smith
Founder · Ayurvedic Doctor · E-RYT 500
Tiffany is an international teacher of Yoga, Meditation, Ayurveda, Tantra and Advaita. More than two decades of practice, teaching, residential study and retreat experience inform her precise, intimate and deeply contemplative approach.
Joy Burr
C-IAYT · E-RYT 500
A certified Yoga therapist and trauma-informed teacher rooted in the tradition of T.K.V. Desikachar. Joy offers adaptive, heart-centred practice and practical somatic tools that support coherence across the whole person.
Alexander Bon-Miller
RYT 500 · M.Ed. · Mentor
Alexander is an educator, mentor and meditation teacher committed to self-reflection, service and freedom. He co-creates retreats, meditation and kīrtan offerings at the Shala.
On-Donation Classes…
Dāna, Generosity & Access
Our classes at Vichara Yoga Shala are all On-Donation (Dāna).
This is an intentional choice. We want all to be guided by naturalness, truth and open-heartedness.
Dana is the Sanskrit and Pali word for generosity: a practice of giving selflessly and with an open heart. Your generosity helps the teachings, teachers and community space to remain vibrantly alive and thriving.
Selected community gatherings, special classes or retreats may also be offered by donation. Where cost is a genuine barrier, please contact us; we never want finances alone to prevent a sincere student from joining us.
Sadhana is sustained through relationship – with ourselves, with life and with other Beings.
We welcome all and it is important that every Being have access to meaningful spaces and teachings irregardless of financial capacity.
If you have the longing, join us.
It’s as Simple as This.
May All Beings be at Peace.
Personalized practice
Private & Small-Group Sessions
Private sessions offer individual attention and a practice shaped around your needs, capacities and intentions. Come alone, with a partner, family, workplace team or a group of up to eight.
Sessions may include personalized Yoga and Meditation, Yoga practice, sound, mantra, Ayurvedic living, family Yoga, workplace well-being or a carefully designed combination.
Available at the Shala or, by arrangement, or at your location.
Begin where you are
Come Join Us
Vichara Yoga Shala is an open-hearted, non-discriminatory space. We welcome people of every body, identity, background, ability and level of experience. Options and adaptations are offered, and questions are welcome. The depth of Yoga belongs to everyone.
Your first visit
You Don’t Need to be “Good at Yoga”
There is nothing to perform and no ideal person for Yoga. We are so happy to welcome any and all of our community to join us on the mat and in the Heart!
Choose the class that speaks to you, register online, and arrive a few minutes early. Bring your own mat and props when possible. If you have an injury, health concern or accessibility need, let your teacher know before class so the practice can meet you appropriately.
At a glance
Location
93 Chemin de Morrison Heights
Wakefield, Québec
Who is welcome?
Everyone! All levels, bodies & backgrounds.
What to bring
Comfortable layers, water, a mat and any props you might want to use (we also have all props available in Studio)
Questions?
tiffany@vicharayoga.com