Guest Post by Erin Cassidy This weekend I attended The Yoga Conference & Show and got in touch with my inner yogi! The conference, from March 27 to 30 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, is the biggest yoga conference in North America, including 250 exhibitors, 80 master teachers and 70 classes. From juices to supplements to yoga mats and yoga wear, the conference offered so much information it was overwhelming. Over three days and for only $15, I could take yoga classes and workshops, and also attend demos and lectures to learn about new yoga trends and products. There was a ton to see and do. Having only taken one yoga class about three years ago, I signed up for beginner classes. Classes were held in the centre of the conference area, in the Yoga Garden, and hundreds participated. The first class I took was Wisdom of Yoga East and West and the second Yoga Sanctuary: Yoga with Mudra. I found a place in the Garden, laid my mat down, took off my shoes and began with a position called downward dog. There is something so peaceful and powerful about doing a yoga class with hundreds of people. I felt inner peace, connectivity with the rest of the participants and deep relaxation, both during the class and afterwards. What I appreciated is that while I moved through the positions, my body continually let go of tension, even as I executed strengthening movements. I de-stressed and felt at ease. During the The Yoga Sanctuary: Yoga with Mudra class, the teacher, Cynthia Funk, asked us to be the lotus flower and connect with our positive energy. It was a new meditation experience for me, and I felt totally relaxed. Others said they felt energized or experienced powerful positivity. In the Wisdom of Yoga East and West class there was a deeper focus on yoga (rather than meditation) that I enjoyed even more. The teacher, Cora Wen, asked us to live through our feet. The conference also offered classes for those who want to become yoga teachers–complete with certification. The Yoga conference had something for everyone, whether you were new to yoga or have been practicing for years. I’ll be returning to The Yoga Conference next year, and in the meantime I think my new yoga mat will get a lot of use! Want to know what to wear during yoga? Canadian Living tells you why you should try working out in wool!