Meet our newest instructor, Melissa Birnie

Hello there! 

I'm Melissa, and I am absolutely thrilled to share my journey with you as I embark on this exciting new chapter with our yoga community. My path to yoga has been a serendipitous one, shaped by a deep-rooted love for movement that began in the rugged beauty of the Yukon.

Growing up in the Yukon, a small community surrounded by wilderness, instilled in me a profound connection to nature and a resilient spirit. It was here that my passion for movement first took root.

From a young age, I was drawn to movement and exploration. I grew up on a lake and in the long winter months skating across the frozen lake with the wind howling in minus 30 degree weather and ice crystals forming on my eyelashes. Despite the harsh elements, the joy and freedom I felt gliding along the ice washed away any discomfort. My mom would call us inside to the log cabin my parents built log by log, where we would defrost by the wood fire and enjoy hearty meals like moose meat macaroni or salmon sandwiches, lake trout hamburgers, all foraged by my parents. It was a rustic world up there but to me it was my normal. 

It wasn't until I left the Yukon at 17 and ventured off to university, and would eventually land in Vancouver, where I had my first yoga experience. This was a pivotal moment for me, as I had never even heard the word "yoga" during my upbringing. 

I vividly remember that first class in Vancouver, back in 2010 when classes were packed beyond capacity. I walked out partway through, completely bewildered by what I was experiencing. The heat, the close proximity to others, the flying sweat, the instructor speaking English but me only understanding a handful of words – "chatrunga who?” Oh the chanting, the closed nostril breath…"Why am I plugging a nostril I can barely breath as it is, make it stop, please!"  Oh how the tables would turn. 

Time went on, and I would revisit yoga on and off, but it wasn't until I relocated to the beautiful and pristine island off the coast of Vancouver that I truly delved into the practice. This island, a paradise with endless access to mountains, lakes, rivers, forests, and oceans, felt like coming home.

One day, after an intense yoga class, a conversation with a yoga instructor changed everything for me. This simple exchange, would redirect the trajectory of my life. She said, “Have you ever considered becoming a yoga teacher?"

I signed up and drove all in. 

I immersed in philosophy, hanging onto each word, unable to stop. The depth of wisdom and insight found in the teachings captivated me, sparking a relentless thirst for knowledge and a burning desire to learn more. With each page turned, I felt myself drawn deeper into the profound truths and ancient traditions that yoga offered. The quest for understanding became a journey of self-discovery, leading me to unravel the intricate tapestry of philosophy that intertwined with the physical practice. The more I delved into the rich history and philosophy, the more I realized that this was not just a path of movement, but a path of enlightenment and transformation. 

I taught as much as I physically and energetically could; it became my passion. Teaching brought me back to the years I spent as a competitive figure skater. The movement, the creativity, the connection, the community – all of these elements intertwined to create a fulfilling career in yoga.

I journeyed east to study old lineages and traditions. In time, my journey with yoga would not only heal my severe battle with psoriasis but also settle my anxiousness and redefine my measures of success. After a decade of trying various treatments, I completely dissolved this autoimmune disorder, healing not just my skin but also my mind.

And fast forward to today.  

I am filled with endless gratitude. The journey has been enriched by the community around me, both online and in person, the connections made, and the experiences shared. I am truly humbled by the support and inspiration that surrounds me.

I am eager to connect with all of you, whether it's on the mat, in the comments, or online. Let's strengthen our bodies, empower our minds, and journey towards wellness together. 

My heart reaches out to yours, as we continue to explore the transformative power of movement and mindfulness.

With Gratitude 

Melissa B.

melissa

Comments

Existing Comments

robbinsralph
robbinsralph
January 8, 2025

Players can easily improve their batting abilities and score virtual home runs in google baseball, a simple yet intriguing game that perfectly captures the essence of America's favorite sport.

nexspantechnologies
nexspantechnologies
December 26, 2024

Integrating yoga into your daily routine is about creating space for yourself amid the busyness of life. It's not about the length or intensity of your practice but about the consistency and your presence during practice and in the rest of your life. By following these steps, you can bring the essence of yoga into every day, enriching your life with all that this ancient practice has to offer us. 

Gilly Vanilly
Gilly Vanilly
October 12, 2024

Welcome Melissa B 🤗 Nice to read your introduction, I look forward to trying out your classes 🙏

Kim65
Kim65
October 8, 2024

Melissa!!! I'm so happy to find you here at DYWM. I've missed your classes here in North Saanich and kept asking "when is Melissa coming back?" I was told you had moved and was so sad I wouldn't be able to take your classes...but here you are!! :) If It can't be in person, I am sure excited I'll be able to join you on the mat again online. Welcome to the DYWM community. 

Mim
Mim
October 1, 2024

Welcome and thank you for sharing your journey to becoming a yoga teacher Melissa! 

Gitti
Gitti
September 27, 2024

Such a nice introduction deserves a welcome. All my best!