Margot French, M.A.

In 1997, she rediscovered Yoga, and in 1999, she certified as a Kripalu Yoga Teacher. She has taken workshops at Kriplau with Sage Rountree and Alexandra DiSatio, and Breathing Practices with Tom Gillette, and most recently completed the Kripalu Yin Yoga Teacher Certification with Brahmani Liebman and Jashoda Edmunds. She studied under the direction of a Buddhist monk (Kadampa) while living in Kingston, Ontario, during 1997-2003. Margot has taught Yoga based strongly on the principles of Kripalu Yoga, and Yoga for many groups of athletes (runners, triathletes, swimmers, dancers, skaters, climbers, etc). "The blending of Yoga and Buddhism defines how I approach my role as a Yoga Teacher. I love to guide my participants towards body and breath awareness, and mindfulness of the present. I particularly enjoy teaching basic poses because they are the seeds that develop mindfulness, safety and body awareness”. Margot has always integrated physical activity into her life, from taking ballet, figure skating and swimming lessons throughout childhood and early adolescence, to many years of regular swimming, hiking, walking, cycling, skating, as well as wilderness canoeing, camping and hiking trips. She is an outdoor enthusiast and Nature lover. “Being outdoors, no matter what time of the year, actively immerses me in the very essence of being present in the moment”. In July 2019, Margot travelled to The Netherlands to participate in a MSC Course, with Chris Germer and Kristin Neff, and she has become a seasoned Practitioner of MSC, incorporating mindfulness and compassion in a Meditation practice; building on the foundation of Buddhism that was a central part of her life in Kingston, Ontario. In February 2022, Margot completed the Kriplau Yin Yoga Teacher Certification. She has also taught Aquatic Fitness, and has completed the CALA exam for Water Running.