Empower ME Yoga

03/03/2026

YOGA & MEDITATION RETREAT with MARLA
GALILEE CENTRE, ARNPRIOR ONTARIO
APRIL 5-8, 2026

Step away from the noise...Return to your breath...Reconnect with yourself.

Join me for a nourishing 4-day Yoga & Meditation Retreat at the peaceful Galilee Centre in Arnprior, Ontario. Surrounded by nature and overlooking the Ottawa River, this sacred space invites you to slow down, soften, and realign.

This retreat is designed for anyone craving rest, clarity, and deeper connection — whether you are new to yoga and meditation or looking to deepen your practice.

What You’ll Experience:

✨ Daily yoga practices (gentle flow + restorative)
✨ Guided meditations to calm the mind and open the heart
✨ Breathwork and grounding practices
✨ Time in nature and quiet reflection
✨ Meaningful connection in a supportive community
✨ Space to rest, journal, and simply be

April is a beautiful time of renewal — a perfect moment to release what no longer serves you and plant seeds for the season ahead.
Let this be your reset... Let this be your reconnection...Let this be your time.

Spots are limited. Message me or email marla@empowermeyoga.com to reserve your space 💫

Retreat Details
Dates: Sunday, April 5 – Wednesday, April 8
Location: Galilee Centre, Arnprior, ON https://www.galileecentre.com/
Price: $1250 - $1500 (depending on choice of accommodation)

In gratitude and anticipation…
Marla

02/23/2026

Hello Yoga Friends,

During the long winter months, the shorter days and colder nights often lead to a desire for connection and an influx of renewed energy in our practice. Gathering in person provides an excellent opportunity to invigorate and elevate our collective well-being. With this in mind, I am hosting an in-person mini-retreat designed to invigorate our winter practice through lifeforce enhancing yoga, breathwork, mantra meditation, and possibly some chanting. This event also allows us to reconnect with colleagues and friends, which is always beneficial for boosting your sense of belonging while being held in a supportive and positive environment.

LIFEFORCE BOOST
Mini-Retreat with Marla
Saturday, February 28, 2026
9:30am - 3:00pm
Registration: $95
Carleton Place, ON.

To register please email marla directly at marla@empowermeyoga.com

02/05/2026

YIN YOGA TRAINING with MARLA ERICKSEN
For Aspiring Yin Teachers & Dedicated Students

This training serves as an introduction to the essential teachings of Yin Yoga. We will examine this form of Yoga from philosophical, theoretical, and practical perspectives. Through intensive study and practice together, we cultivate the confidence and competence for sharing Yin Yoga as a teacher, as well as encouraging personal healing and spiritual evolution. Specifically, the course objectives are as follows:
• Define and contextualize Yin Yoga as unique & distinct within the scope of Yoga
• Present Taoist (Yin/Yang) cosmology as a spectrum of potential for healing & evolution
• Outline the essential teachings (purpose / method / application) of Yin Yoga
• Introduce the core Yin asanas and complementary Yang practices
• Emphasize the role of mindfulness
• Facilitate an embodied experience of shift, transformation, and healing

This training is suitable for anyone interested in deepening their understanding of Yin Yoga and broadening the scope of practice with the intent to heal, achieve balance and experience vibrant health. Yoga teachers, dedicated students, fitness professionals, therapists, coaches, healers, first responders and medical professionals will benefit both personally and professionally from this work. All are welcome!

Schedule:
Saturdays 10am – 2:00pm March 28, April 11, 18, 25
Wednesdays 7:00 – 10:00pm April 1, 8, 15, 22
Self Guided Study: 6 – 8 hours
Online Practices with Marla: Thursday & Sunday AM's @ 8:00am

Course Investment:
$850 (incl taxes)

Application & Registration:
Email MARLA directly: marlamericksen@gmail.com

09/05/2025

STARTS THIS SUNDAY! I am so excited to offer a virtual community gathering on the first Sunday evening of each month. The meetings will be via Zoom at 7:00pm (ET). This program is offered freely and anyone is welcome to attend. Our time together will include an opening meditation, a dharma (spiritual topic) talk, group meditation practice and if time allows, a period of open discussion or Q & A.

To register please email me marla@empowermeyoga.com prior to 5:00pm on Sunday (Sept 7th) to receive the Zoom link.

09/04/2025

MARLA’S ONLINE YOGA: Fall 2025

I can’t believe the crisp fall air is finally here! This is a stark contrast to the extreme heat and humidity that characterized most of the summer. The change in the weather is a clear reminder of how nothing stays the same. Just as the seasons shift inevitably, so too do our lives, reminding us that change is a constant we must learn to accept. This idea comes from Buddhist teachings on impermanence. Our tendency to resist change is what causes suffering, known as dukkha. Through our practice together, we discover tools that help us follow the Buddha’s Fourth Noble Truth—a path that leads us toward peace and ease.
This session will take us through to the Holiday season and will feature 4 classes per week. All classes are live-streaming and in real time (eastern) via Zoom. I will provide links to some pre-recorded classes for the rare occasion I am unable to teach or find a suitable substitution.

CLASS DESCRIPTIONS:
• YIN YOGA & MEDITATION: A deep plunge into the practice of stillness and surrender. This is a profound and powerful practice which aims to harmonize and balance all aspects of our being. Concluding with a period of guided meditation ensures an unwinding of stress and reorientation towards peace and serenity.
• GENTLE, THERAPEUTIC & MINDFUL: A yoga class mindfully practiced with the intention of enhancing strength, endurance, stability and mobility to optimize functional movement. This approach also aims to balance the nervous system, calm the mind and encourage the flow of life force.
• YIN YOGA: This passive yoga style encourages relaxation and stimulates energy systems through stillness and silence, promoting mental calm and emotional resilience.
• MARLA’S MIX: With experience across multiple Yoga disciplines, Marla thoughtfully designs each class by integrating various practices to promote a sense of wellbeing and vitality.

SCHEDULE: 14 Week Program / September 7 – December 20, 2025

Day Time Class Dates
Sunday 8:00 – 9:15am Yin & Meditation
Tuesday 7:00 – 8:15pm Gentle, Therapeutic & Mindful
Thursday 8:00 – 9:00am Yin Yoga
Saturday 8:00 – 9:00am Marla’s Mix
*No class on Thanksgiving Sunday, Oct 13
*No classes November 15 - 22 as I will be leading a retreat in Panama

***SPECIAL BONUS***
MARLA’S MANDALA: Community Gathering
I am so excited to offer a community gathering on the first Sunday evening of each month. The meetings will be via Zoom at 7:00pm on Sept 7, Oct 5, Nov 2 & Dec 7. Anyone is welcome to attend. Our time together will include an opening meditation, a dharma (spiritual topic) talk, group meditation practice and if time allows, a period of open discussion or Q & A.

FEE:
Full Program Flat Rate: $350.00 (~$6.50/class)
Single Class Rate: $150.00 (~$11.00/class)
*Please note that the new fees are reflective of a longer session and a slight increase in my rates

CONTACT
Email me at marlamericksen@gmail.com for information with questions or more information.

07/07/2025

Come join Marla Ericksen in the natural sanctuary of the Gemmell's greenhouse for some summer yoga. Classes are at 9:30am on Wednesday mornings starting this Wednesday!

xYoga in the Greenhouse with Marla Ericksen An Inclusive Practice for All LevelsWednesdays 9:30a-10:30aGemmell's Garden Centre Smiths FallsSummer Pack: 8 classes $175Drop-in 1 Class: $25Bring your own mat + No props needed. Step into the tranquil oasis of our new greenhouse at Gemmell's Garden Centr...

03/26/2025

I have a couple spots left in a mini-retreat that I am hosting at my home in Carleton Place THIS SATURDAY! I would love to share in some grounding community energy through yoga and meditation. Info below...

Saturday, March 29th
9:30am - 2:30pm
Snacks included
Contribution: $95

To secure your spot, please let me know you would like to come and send along an e-transfer to marla@empowermeyoga.com (auto-deposit enabled). I will confirm your registration as soon as I receive payment.

I'm so excited to be able to host an in-person event and share in the love and light we will generate together.

Namaste,
MARLA

01/07/2025

Is YIN YOGA TEACHER TRAINING on your bucket list? Learn from one of Canada's most celebrated Yin teachers - MARLA ERICKSEN. All the information you need is below...

YIN YOGA Foundation Training & Practice Intensive
ONLINE COURSE with MARLA ERICKSEN

This training is designed to be a comprehensive introduction Yin Yoga. Through intensive practice and study, you will learn the purpose, apply the methods and experience the profound effect that Yin Yoga provides. While exploring the foundational elements of Yin Yoga, you will discover surprising new potentials that exist in your body, mind and heart. Whether you are sharing the practice as a teacher or guiding yourself, you will feel supported with clarity, confidence and competence in your efforts. This training is suitable for ANYONE interested in expanding their understanding of this profound collection of practices in universal balance, human energetics and spiritual evolution. All are welcome.

COURSE INFORMATION
Weekends: Feb 22 & 23 / Mar 8 & 9
Time: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Course Fee: $750.00
30 hours of in-depth practice and study
Livestream online format (opportunity for in-person pending)
Course manual & asana guide
Additional Yin classes with Marla
Class limited to 12 students
30 YACEP® Yoga Alliance credits available

Course Instructor: MARLA ERICKSEN
Marla is one of the first Canadian yogis to be formally trained in Yin Yoga in the esteemed lineage of teachers who first introduced the practice in its popular western expression (Paul Grilley and Sarah Powers). She has been practicing and teaching Yoga for over 25 years. Marla is an integrative wellness professional who teaches, presents and offers retreats through Empower ME Yoga. She is an award-winning fitness presenter and holds E-RYT® 500 and YACEP® designations through Yoga Alliance.

REGISTRATION
For more information regarding the training or to register for the program, please contact Marla directly via email: marla@empowermeyoga.com.

01/02/2025

Marla's WINTER ONLINE YOGA program starts this Sunday... Still time to register!

Marla’s Winter Online Yoga 2025

It’s time to give yourself the gift of Yoga! I have switched the Tuesday evening to Gentle Therapeutic Yoga and the Yin & Yang class will now be Thursday mornings. I have found that many people are dropping off early for the Yin & Meditation class, so I have shortened it slightly. You can choose your favourite class or take the entire program.
If you have any friends that you think could benefit from my program, please feel free to share this information… the more, the merrier!

Here is a brief description of the classes:
• YIN & YANG: Longer held, passive Yin yoga poses combined with brief interludes of Yang movements to ensure balance and harmony on all levels of our being.
• GENTLE YOGA: This class aims to make the practice of yoga accessible and sustainable for everyone while exploring breathwork and various styles of yoga with a gentle approach.
• GENTLE THERAPEUTIC YOGA: A yoga class mindfully practiced with the intention of enhancing strength, endurance, stability and mobility with the intention to optimize functional movement.
• YIN YOGA & MEDITATION: A deep plunge into the practice of stillness and surrender. This is a profound and powerful practice that results in physical regeneration. Concluding with a period of guided meditation ensures an unwinding of stress and recalibration towards peace and serenity.

SCHEDULE: 12 Week Program / January – April 2025
Sundays 3:30 – 4:45pm Yin & Meditation
Tuesdays 7:00 – 8:00pm Gentle Therapeutic Yoga
Thursdays 8:00 – 9:00am Yin & Yang Yoga
Saturday 8:00 – 9:00am Gentle Yoga
* No classes between January 25 - February 7

FEE:
Full Program Flat Rate: $300.00 (~ $6.25/class)
Single Class Rate: $115.00 (~ $9.60/class)

CONTACT
Email me at marla@empowermeyoga.com for information with questions or more information.

12/17/2024

Please join MARLA for a gentle ONLINE yoga class to honor the essence of Winter Solstice. Email Marla directly to register. marla@empowermeyoga.com

Saturday, December 21
3:00 - 5:00pm
Contribution $25

ALL WELCOME

10/01/2024

MINI-RETREAT with MARLA THIS SATURDAY!

Time of seasonal change is a lovely time to gather as a community to let Yoga support us while elevating our personal and collective energy. I am offering an in-person mini-retreat consisting of Gentle Yoga, Yin Yoga, Meditation and Contemplation on Saturday, October 5th from 9:30am - 2:30pm. We will meet at my home in Carleton Place (30 minutes west of Ottawa) for a nurturing day of practice and celebrate the beauty of autumn in a loving community. These days spent together tend to be very nurturing and transformative. Please review the information below and follow the instructions to register.

Saturday, October 5, 2024
9:30am - 2:30pm
Snacks included
Contribution: $95

To secure your spot, please let me know you would like to come and send along an e-transfer to marla@empowermeyoga.com (auto-deposit enabled). I will confirm your registration as soon as I receive payment.

I'm so excited to be able to host an in-person event and share in the love and light we will generate together.

Namaste,
MARLA

09/08/2024

STARTS TODAY!!!
Hi Friends... Allow me to guide you in a nurturing Yin Yoga & Meditation class on Sunday afternoons from 3:30 - 5pm (ET). We start Sept 8th (TODAY!) and conclude on September 15th (classes paused for Oct 20 & 27).
Email me to register: marla@empowermeyoga.com