Shamanism. Yoga. Expressive Arts. Social Change.
Christine Selda, Ph.D.
Founder and Visionary, Medicine Teacher and Yoga Teacher Trainer Expressive Arts Therapist, Registered Clinical Counsellor, E-RYT Gold
My yoga is one of shamanic roots from the songs and bones of the earth, the mountains and the medicine peoples. I have had the great honour of answering my vocational calling to teach yoga since 1998 and studying with many of the masters of yoga as we know them today: B.K.S. Iyengar, Pattabhi Jois, Sivananda, Geeta Iyengar, Dr. Karandikar, Swami Durgananda. As I journeyed deeper in the study of yoga, I have come to disentangle myself from all of these lineages. I am grateful for the experiences and teachings received and I am very consciously stepping away from old structures and pedagogies that possess within them patriarchy and violence against women, children, and boys. For my yoga to be in alignment with who I am and what I stand for, my positionality is post-lineage; by standing apart and groundless, with no lineage to lean on, I lean into my own work and hold steady here.
In the river of yoga, the openness of being guides my teaching. My classes are crafted to attend to the layers of the self, from the superficial to the deep, through the practices of singing, devotional contemplation, meditation, the studying of scriptures, embodied prayer and breath. To embrace the full range of human potential and the ultimate freedom beyond duality and suffering, the play between the masculine and feminine as consciousness and light permeates my classes. My teacher is Shakti in her multiplicity of forms; always bringing me back to nature HerSelf.
I have been a voice for social justice since I was a teenager, and my work has always been about Stopping the Violence inside and out. I resonate deeply with an aspect of my career with the Howe Sound Women’s Centre Society, where I am the clinical supervisor for the children and youth PEACE counsellors. PEACE stands for Prevention, Education, Advocacy, Counselling and Empowerment in Stopping the Violence Work. I teach in Arts, Health and Society from primary schools to universities. I hold a Ph.D. in philosophy in which my dissertation was titled: The Women, The Artist, and the Yogini: An Arts-Based Phenomenological Study on Yoga and Expressive Artswith special attention to their political implications. My study revealed much of the #MeToo movement in yoga. I also wrote a thesis on shamanism and expressive arts. The pedagogy I pass forward is based on these three pillars of practice and philosophy: 1. Yoga 2. Shamanism 3. Expressive Arts. I continue to engage with the interplay between these methodologies of practice and social change.
I am part of the long line of women contributing to yoga by bringing it off the mat and into the world. My intent is to train safe teachers to work with the underserved and marginalized populations. Being yoga and living yoga is the mission: I strive to do this with integrity. I pray that I can serve in some way.
For private healing sessions, mentorship or to learn more about Christine please visit christineselda.com
Christine Selda, PhD.
Founder and Visionary, Medicine Teacher and Yoga Teacher Trainer Expressive Arts Therapist, Registered Clinical Counsellor, E-RYT Gold
My yoga is one of shamanic roots from the songs and bones of the earth, the mountains and the medicine peoples. I have had the great honour of answering my vocational calling to teach yoga since 1998 and studying with many of the masters of yoga as we know them today: B.K.S. Iyengar, Pattabhi Jois, Sivananda, Geeta Iyengar, Dr. Karandikar, Swami Durgananda. As I journeyed deeper in the study of yoga, I have come to disentangle myself from all of these lineages. I am grateful for the experiences and teachings received and I am very consciously stepping away from old structures and pedagogies that possess within them patriarchy and violence against women, children, and boys. For my yoga to be in alignment with who I am and what I stand for, my positionality is post-lineage; by standing apart and groundless, with no lineage to lean on, I lean into my own work and hold steady here.
In the river of yoga, the openness of being guides my teaching. My classes are crafted to attend to the layers of the self, from the superficial to the deep, through the practices of singing, devotional contemplation, meditation, the studying of scriptures, embodied prayer and breath. To embrace the full range of human potential and the ultimate freedom beyond duality and suffering, the play between the masculine and feminine as consciousness and light permeates my classes. My teacher is Shakti in her multiplicity of forms; always bringing me back to nature HerSelf.
I have been a voice for social justice since I was a teenager, and my work has always been about Stopping the Violence inside and out. I resonate deeply with an aspect of my career with the Howe Sound Women’s Centre Society, where I am the clinical supervisor for the children and youth PEACE counsellors. PEACE stands for Prevention, Education, Advocacy, Counselling and Empowerment in Stopping the Violence Work. I teach in Arts, Health and Society from primary schools to universities. I hold a Ph.D. in philosophy in which my dissertation was titled: The Women, The Artist, and the Yogini: An Arts-Based Phenomenological Study on Yoga and Expressive Artswith special attention to their political implications. My study revealed much of the #MeToo movement in yoga. I also wrote a thesis on shamanism and expressive arts. The pedagogy I pass forward is based on these three pillars of practice and philosophy: 1. Yoga 2. Shamanism 3. Expressive Arts. I continue to engage with the interplay between these methodologies of practice and social change.
I am part of the long line of women contributing to yoga by bringing it off the mat and into the world. My intent is to train safe teachers to work with the underserved and marginalized populations. Being yoga and living yoga is the mission: I strive to do this with integrity. I pray that I can serve in some way.
Rochelle Quarry
School Director, Medicine Teacher and Yoga Teacher Trainer B.A., B.Ed., E-RYT 550
I have been studying the relationship between teacher and student as long as I can remember, and at present this seems more pressing than ever. My adventures in academia led me to complete a double Bachelor’s in Arts and Education, and my passion for philosophy, spirituality, social justice, and the arts guided me to travel and study with mentors from all walks of life. I have reverence for all of my teachers, but I am especially grateful to Christine Selda for continuing to be a source of immense support and inspiration as I continue to learn, unlearn, and respond to the shifting cultural context of yoga and shamanism.
I believe that these teachings and practices are antidotes to the disconnection we feel from ourselves, our relations, the Earth, and Spirit. My aim as a teacher is to share these tools with reverence and respect, and to offer others an experience of connection and devotion. It is my hope that from these encounters, students access new ways of seeing and being in the world. I’m so glad that I am not on this adventure alone! It is such a gift to be part of this school and an honour to collaborate with women of such high integrity, who encourage me to be a catalyst for change. Being in community propels me to continue this heart work–challenging my alignment, questioning whether I am in right relationship with power, and assuring that my efforts are contributing to the equality and equity for all.
I am also an educator at a place-based, outdoor program in the forest of Squamish. I spend my days alongside a group of wonder-filled elementary school children at the confluence of curriculum and emergent learning. I am a mother of two, Ophelia and Atlas, who teach me about love, humility and presence; the lessons I cherish most.
Being yoga and living yoga is the mission: I strive to do this with integrity. I pray that I can serve in some way.
Kristin Campbell
Alignment in Action Teacher, E-RYT 500® Yoga Alliance Certified Yoga Teacher (since 2000), Teacher Trainer (since 2006), E-RYTGold
I am a Mama, Yoga Teacher, Teacher Trainer and Mentor for yoga teachers. What I teach is informed and inspired by 14+ years of teaching yoga full-time, 9-years of studio owning, 8+ years of leading teacher trainings around the globe. Ultimately, my work is about supporting yoga-practitioners and yoga-teachers in living and practicing purposefully in accordance with their highest truth and vision. In addition to yoga, I source inspiration and influence from my continued studies in; Mountain Shamanism (as taught by the Q’ero Medicine People of Peru), Meditation, and Ayurveda.
Natalie Rousseau
History & Philosophy Teacher, E-Registered Yoga Teacher Trainer
Natalie is a passionate student of Yoga, Ayurveda, Eastern Philosophy, and Meditation. She currently lives in Pemberton BC and leads inspirational Teacher Trainings, Workshops & Retreats in British Columbia and beyond. You can expect her classes to be skilfully structured and infused with the teachings that inspire her most, namely the power of practice, the wisdom of nature, and the wonder of living an ordinary life lit up through mindful presence.
Gin Perry
Lead Yoga Teacher Trainer - SYTT 300hr - 2022 Co-Teacher - Outdoor Medicine Wheel 21/22 Owner Shala Yoga
I have completed my 300 hr yoga teacher training with Christine Selda and the Shamanic yoga institute. I continue to unpack the gifts that I received during that training and try to weave the wisdom within my practice. I am inspired by nature in the ways that it is cyclical. Death follows life, as life follows death. There is not one without the other, and we must shed the old in order to step into the shoes of our destiny.
Yoga reminds me of that place within that never changes, is always there, and is my sacred refuge. It connects me back to source where I can surrender with trust, knowing that whatever life brings, I have what I need to overcome.
Shamanism reminds me of my connection to this earth as well as to the stars. This great mother, who gives unconditionally and is constantly talking to us, is part of us as we are part of her. Our great father sky that guides us, constantly witnessing us as we move through challenges towards growth and intervenes when we have lost our way. It gives me strength, hope and trust that I am exactly where I need to be.
I love witnessing the overlap between yoga and shamanism. They are different words, developed in different regions of the world, but the overlap is proof of universal truths that remain through time and space.
Lorena Quintero
Lead Yoga Teacher Trainer - SYTT 300hr, 2022 Lead Teacher - White Global Mesa Mastery 2022
Lorena’s been a student of the path for over 10 years. She started her training in Mexico & soon, she was following her heart to dive deeper into her practice, Eastern philosophy & ancestral wisdom from the mountains & jungles.
Mexico, India, Nepal, California, Peru, Greece, Vancouver; these are the places where Lorena kept shedding layers & finding herself over & over again. Connecting to these sites’ potent energies, trekking sacred mountains, cleansing in the holy rivers, honoring her teachers, the land & wisdom keepers. Lorena understood she, too, was meant to carry these teachings forward in her own way.
I see myself as someone who has achieved “success through diversity” in Business and in Spirit.
Lydia Williams
Squamish Nation Ambassador
Hello my name is Lydia Williams. I come from the Squamish and Tsimshian First Nations. I grew up in Squamish with my parents Ray & Darlene Lebel on the Yekwaupsum reserve.
My maternal grandparents are the late Laura Williams nee: Collinson from the Tsimshian Nation and Chief David Williams of the Squamish Nation.
Growing up in Squamish was such a gift as I have had the privilege to learn from different aunts/uncles as well as respected community members how to take care of the plants/ animals and how to help preserve them for use of future generations.
I was taught things such as beadwork, cedar weaving, simple sewing, crocheting and other arts&crafts.
I would like to add special thanks to the Shamanic yoga institute & North yoga. Where I have completed 500 hours Registered yoga teacher training combined through both schools.
Thank you for honouring me and continuing to ask me to be a part of this community of learners!
Life is short, experience something new today!
Si-so-lia
Squamish Nation Elder
Donna Billy also known as Si-so-lia is from the Squamish Nation. She is a mother of two sons who have been her inspiration. From a very early age Donna was trained in her traditional ways by the Elders. Donna takes pride in her heritage and Culture. She truly lives up to her Ancestral name Si-so-lia which means “hard working woman”. Whatever she is working on-she works hard! Taking care of the people has always been at the heart of the work that Donna does. She believes in healthy, strong families and supporting and guiding them. Most of her jobs have been working with children & mothers in the community. She is currently working with the Howe Sound Women’s Centre Transition house in Squamish.
Life is short, experience something new today!
Verena Frutiger
Upcoming: Lead Medicine Wheel Teacher & White Global Mesa Teacher-California
Growing up in Switzerland in a mountain village called Adelboden, I developed a deep connection to Nature and its beauty. My curiosity to broaden my horizons brought me into the fashion industry where I worked for over 10 years as a stylist. This line of work made me realize how powerful transformations can be and awakened my hunger to study the soul.
In 2009 I started walking the path of self discovery through the sacred teachings of yoga, meditation, and mindfulness.Where I was trained by Alice Haenner, Marco Betschard and Karl Hutter . I went on to run a women’s meditation group and workshops to gain a deeper understanding of women and their place in society. I remembered my true calling is to stand in support of women.
Then in 2016, I left Switzerland and moved to Vancouver BC where I connected with Christine Selda and the Shamanic Yoga Institute. My life changed completely as I immersed myself in the 300 hour yoga training that gave me a deeper understanding of the Q’ero Mountain Shamanism of Peru.
Blaire Embrey
SYI Marketing Manager Upcoming: Lead Medicine Wheel Teacher & White Global Mesa Teacher- California
I have always known that the body has Wisdom. It has been through my personal practice and in-depth training that I have learned to cultivate and listen to this intelligence. Through Shamanic Practices using Sacred Art and Ritual, I will pass on tools to my community so that they too can create less suffering on this human journey. My training has taken many forms throughout my life. Starting at 4 years old I intensively trained for 17 years in various forms of dance. This began my foundational practice of movement as healing. In my 20’s I received my Childspace certification, a Feldenkrais based practice, that brings the trainees through their own physical re-birth. We work with children and their parents by fostering development through play, encouraging this internal Wisdom to develop and bloom from birth.
Simultaneously, I began Medicine Wheel trainings in 2012 and decided to take my own personal work seriously in 2016. These Medicine Wheels and Mastery derive from Andean Mountain Shamanism, a Q’ero lineage. In August of 2019 I completed my 300 hour Shamanic Yoga Certification and in December of 2019 completed a Soul Retrieval Mastery training. I’ve spent the last year continuing to train with SYI through Mentorship and White Global Mesa training; I also received my RCYT with Yoga Ed. I am the Community Engagement Manager for Prison Yoga Project as well as teach Yoga and Meditation at a middle and high school in Southern California. May all beings be free from suffering and the causes of suffering.
Carolyn Green
Current Assistant Teacher - Squamish Outdoor Medicine Wheel 21/22
Lead Teacher White Global Mesa 2022
Hi, I am Carolyn. I am a mother, community volunteer, teacher of meditation and ayurveda , a postpartum doula, a global nurturer, star connector, yogini, energy healer, music lover and forever student. I love empowering, guiding and supporting people on their journey to self-mastery. You’ll find me chatting, singing and playing with people (especially kids and babies) or honouring, singing and listening to nature. Walking the medicine wheel was the most concentrated healing and self-discovery I have encountered on my journey to wholeness, to freedom. My heart is full knowing I have reconnected with powerful and beautiful parts of myself and have formed new connections through my ayllu, my tribe.
Chelsie McCutcheon
White Global Mesa Teacher
Chelsie McCutcheon is Wet’suwet’en Nation from Northern B.C. and a member of the Laksilyu (Small Frog) Clan. Chelsie resided in beautiful Squamish BC with her family and is an inspiring entrepreneur, creating recreational and healthy lifestyle programs for First Nations youth and communities. With a vision of Aboriginal youth which are leaders in their communities. Actively inspiring themselves and others, to live healthy lifestyles and reach their full potential through Outdoor Recreation, sharing and embracing the First Nations culture.
Chelsie completed a year Outdoor Recreational Eco-Tourism Leadership Program and is currently a Program Coordinator for the First Nations Snowboard Association. Along with snowboarding, mountain biking, Chelsie would like to introduce yoga to First Nations youth and communities as a holistic tool to inspire a healthy community and social change.