Sangha Yoga Collective

Sangha Yoga Collective Come flow with us at Sangha Yoga Collective! Yoga Teacher Training & More.

I was excited and nervous coming in to teach the first full day workshop at the Yoga Show in Toronto after 3 years of mi...
08/20/2025

I was excited and nervous coming in to teach the first full day workshop at the Yoga Show in Toronto after 3 years of missing the event post-pandemic. A lot had happened in those few years, and individually and globally we were carrying a lot.

I introduced myself and the topic for the day - Becoming Trauma Aware: How to better support your students in Yoga. I then asked the group to introduce themselves, but before the introductions began, I dropped in a small but meaningful parameter to their shares. It went something like this…

“Pretty much everyone that is drawn to study trauma-informed practices, is because of lived experience. If you would like to share that you have experienced trauma, please do - BUT, please do not share how or what your specific experience(s) are. We can never know what others are going through, or have gone through, and what may no longer trigger us can easily trigger others. We are here to learn about the effects of trauma on our brain and nervous system, to gain perspective and compassion, not to get out the shovel and start unearthing all of our past pain.”

I will never forget the sigh of relief that came from everyone in the room!

Truthfully, I said this because I desperately needed to protect myself. I was still experiencing high symptoms of PTSD and I was worried that if I was triggered, I wouldn’t be able to deliver the session effectively. However, in laying this out for the group I helped to establish a space of safety for everyone there.

This is now how I begin every single discussion around understanding trauma. If this is what has prevented you from studying trauma, please know that I can hold space for you.

This is also why I have shifted the theory portion of our Yoga for Wellness training to a live/virtual session. So you can take this information in within the comfort of your own personal space. Cuddle with your pets, make a cup of tea in your favourite mug, do what you need to do to take in this learning that is equally empowering as it is educational.

I hope to see you Sept 6-7 at Yoga for Wellness: Trauma Theory for our next live/virtual training.

Congratulations to all the finalists, including our own  and  ❤❤❤
08/12/2025

Congratulations to all the finalists, including our own and ❤❤❤

08/11/2025

Ready to create some powerful shifts? Join us for one of our upcoming trainings this September...

✨Yoga for Wellness: Trauma Theory - September 6-7th 10am-6pm EST (virtual)
Learn trauma theory and better support yourself and your students on their wellness journeys. Training is included as part of the 125-hr Therapeutic Yoga Path + the 200-hr YTT.

✨Yoga in Practice: Biomechanics + Pose Breakdown - Sept 12-13th and Sept 26-28th 10am-6pm 483 Bay St., Toronto. This could be the start of your 200-hr YTT.

Registration closes 2 weeks before training start date. Links in bio for more info.

More ❤ from our students!!Ready to begin the journey of a lifetime? Our next Yoga in Practice training starts Sept 12th ...
08/09/2025

More ❤ from our students!!

Ready to begin the journey of a lifetime? Our next Yoga in Practice training starts Sept 12th in Toronto. This could be the beginning of your 200-hour YTT to become a certified Yoga teacher! (or take this training on it's own).

When we look at trauma’s impact on the body from the perspective of nervous system dis-regulation, we are often looking ...
08/07/2025

When we look at trauma’s impact on the body from the perspective of nervous system dis-regulation, we are often looking at someone who is either stuck in sympathetic nervous system also known as fight/flight or, a perpetual state of anger, anxiety, an overall tenseness or even fear.

Ultimately we want to guide our students/clients to feel safe, to be able to relax and truly enjoy exercising to help it become a lifelong habit, but how do we get them here? For many, it is so much more than setting up proper alignment with a few words of encouragement along the way.

First of all, I believe that every fit pro came to this industry for their passion for fitness and desire to help others, and this truly is the most important every time - your ability for kindness and compassion.

Knowing what signs to look for in our clients when they are feeling distressed, even when appearing quite calm is key. If your client continues to tell you they are fine, or the experience is fine without any other dialogue, questions or comments that is often a sign that they are just trying to do what is being asked of them without causing additional stress.

Stress in this case might be engaging in conversation, feelings of insecurity or not good enough, or even further dis-regulation from an increase in endorphins. Those who have experienced a recent trauma, often struggle just as much when they start to feel good, because it is a confusing sensation for their body to process.

Start here: Yoga for Wellness-Trauma Theory a live/virtual course running Sept 6-7th, 2025 10am-6pm EST

This could be your first step towards a trauma-informed certificate, the 125-hr Therapeutic Yoga path +/or your 200-hr YTT. links in bio.

Becoming Trauma Aware - but what does that mean? ✨Perhaps you’ve heard the buzz words around being trauma-aware, trauma-...
08/05/2025

Becoming Trauma Aware - but what does that mean?

Perhaps you’ve heard the buzz words around being trauma-aware, trauma-sensitive or trauma-informed. What’s the difference between all of these and why is it important in the fitness and wellness industry?

To be trauma-aware or trauma-sensitive are basically the same thing. It means that you have a general understanding of how our nervous system responds to trauma and how to help avoid triggers when working with your clients.

To be trauma-informed means that you hold a certificate of training and that you have a deeper awareness of not only how to support your clients, but also how to work with them to move through their trauma with somatic practices.

Why is this important? Because at some point in our life, we will all undergo traumatic experiences. We will all experience nervous system dis-regulation, whether from a single event, multiple layered events or simply ongoing longterm chronic stress.

We’ve come a long way as a society in our appreciation of taking care of our mental well-being, and this is an incredibly important step to help our overall ability for stress resiliency. But while, as fitness professionals we want to encourage everyone to practice healthy habits, start exercising or eating better to help our mental state, we don’t always have the tools we need to help those who potentially need us most.

Start here: Yoga for Wellness-Trauma Theory a live/virtual course running Sept 6-7th, 2025 10am-6pm EST

This could be your first step towards a trauma-informed certificate, the 125-hr Therapeutic Yoga path +/or your 200-hr YTT. links in bio.

These are the other parts of me you can't find on my bio... I spend nearly every waking (and often sleeping) moments thi...
08/01/2025

These are the other parts of me you can't find on my bio...

I spend nearly every waking (and often sleeping) moments thinking about Yoga, sharing Yoga, practicing Yoga, teaching Yoga, reading and writing about Yoga. Ask anyone who knows me, I'm not exaggerating.

In those brief other moments..

I play tennis in the mornings with the retired folks in my neighbourhood and it's my favourite part of summer. I love a great glass of red. I'm a certified cat lady (mom of 3) and will talk about them at any opportunity (It's Jasper's birthday today actually). Most Saturday nights I am cross stitching in front of the TV. But on others, I'm in the middle of a packed dance floor listening to a killer DJ with my eyes closed.

My friends and family are the most important thing in the world to me. I have PTSD and fibromyalgia and I have struggled with depression and anxiety. I have lived experience with addictions. I am a widow (I hate that word). I know the bitter hole of grief. I also know the most beautiful love they write poetry about.

We all have our layers..
xx Lisa.

How Sangha Yoga Collective came to be...They say: “Yoga finds you when you need it most.” Just as I began my 200-hour YT...
07/29/2025

How Sangha Yoga Collective came to be...

They say: “Yoga finds you when you need it most.” Just as I began my 200-hour YTT journey, my father became ill and my foundation as I knew it started to crumble beneath me. My Yoga studies became a lifeline for me during this time, helping me be present. I learned a new level of gratitude and trust within these dark hours.

In the same time, this new world of Yoga started to open doors for me in my career. In 2009, I began to lead Yoga Teacher Trainings across Canada for the company I had studied with. In 2011, I partnered with the founder and we opened a Canadian division.

It was a whirlwind of long hours, constant travel, constant meetings, constant teaching. It was incredible, until it wasn’t. The division between this beautiful heart centred practice we were sharing, and the profit first mentality grew. I was running on burn out and I was losing my passion for teaching which was scaring me. It was time to move on.

After I left, I travelled and took a lot of time for healing and replenishment. In 2020, I decided to run a mini 4-hour virtual training on becoming trauma-aware. I woke up the morning of that training so happy and excited, I surprised myself! It was the first time in a very long time that I had felt that same excitement.

It was shortly after that, deep in a meditation, when my own voice spoke to me – you are an educator. This is what you always wanted to do. Why are you letting one experience change this for you, this is who you are.

The curriculum began to pour out. I led my first trainings in the fall of 2022. That first group will forever hold a special place in my heart. As much as I gave to them, they filled me right back up.

And here we are three years in. We've partnered with Canadian Fitness Professionals Inc. (canfitpro) and become a preferred CEC provider. We have launched in the USA thanks to Sara Kooperman and SCW Mania events. Built a student/community portal, launched a 300-hr YTT and a 125-hr Therapeutic Yoga Path. We've met so many incredible people, shared many laughs and few tears too.

Can't wait to see what the next three years bring..
xx Lisa.

A little more ❤ from our students...
07/26/2025

A little more ❤ from our students...

Why Study with Sangha Yoga Collective?We value authenticity, integrity and connection.How do we show ✨authenticity?✨ Can...
07/24/2025

Why Study with Sangha Yoga Collective?

We value authenticity, integrity and connection.

How do we show ✨authenticity?

✨ Can you show authenticity, or do you just feel it? Come chat with us at a conference, try one of Lisa's online classes, book a call with Andrew or anyone on our team. That's how you will know.

✨ We want you to show up exactly as YOU! If you are interested in Yoga we are inspired by you. It doesn't matter how long or little you have practiced for, how in or out of shape you think you are, if you have a fancy outfit or get your nails done. We just want to see YOU!

✨ Diversity and representation matter. Yoga is for EVERYONE! All people of all colours, shapes and sizes, of all religions and cultures, of all abilities both physical and mental – EVERYBODY. We should all see ourselves represented as Yoga Teachers, and if you aren't seeing it yet - maybe it's time for you to break that cycle.

Authenticity matters.

Why Study with Sangha Yoga Collective? We value authenticity, integrity and connection.How do we provide ✨ connection?✨ ...
07/21/2025

Why Study with Sangha Yoga Collective?

We value authenticity, integrity and connection.

How do we provide ✨ connection?

✨ All of our training modules, in particular with our 200-hr YTT have an in-person component. Nothing can replace coming together in community as we learn, absorb and practice this powerful material. This is where the real magic happens.

✨ We've built an entire student/community portal to support your training journey. Carry on discussions with class mates, meet other Yoga enthusiasts and enjoy the many free resources we provide including meditations and our Yoga for Mental Health course. We also provide 6-months free access to our class library for everyone registered in our 200-hr YTT program.

✨ Sangha means community in Sanskrit ✨ Sangha Yoga Collective was formed to bring community together, to build a network of heart-centred Yoga teachers (and lovers) and for the incredible friendships that blossom on this path.

Connection matters!

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Empower through Connection

My focus is to empower us to take ownership of our health and wellness so that we feel connected to Self and therefore to each other. I share this through education and building community online or in person through yoga classes, workshops and retreats as well as my blog: www.lisagreenbaum.wordpress.com and magazine articles.

As a Certified Yoga Therapist, I have worked with countless individuals, including my own personal practice, using Yoga based practices to release stored trauma from the body, finding ease from chronic pain and tension and a deeper connection to Self: mind, body & spirit. An avid writer and traveler, with regular contributions to Tonic, Optimyz and canfitpro magazines, I am known for bringing an easy-going style to my teaching, encouraging everyone to honour and listen to their bodies and stay in the present moment. I have over 750 hours of YTT education, and have studied in US, Canada and India.

I have taught group fitness and yoga in Toronto, Canada since 2001. The former Director of a Yoga Teacher Training school and YTT Senior Trainer, I have presented at numerous conferences Internationally including: canfitpro world fitness expo, Addictions and Mental Health Ontario Conference and The Yoga Conference and Show in Toronto, FILEX and the Ignite Yoga Summit in Sydney, Australia. I was the recent recipient of the canfitpro Delegates Choice Award for 2018 Canadian Presenter of the Year. I teach at various studios in the Toronto area, my current drop-in schedule is posted to this page or visit my website: www.lisagreenbaum.com

Founder of Sangha Wellness Retreats, I also host and lead retreats all over the world. www.sanghawellnessretreats.com