Diane's exploration of yoga began in 1978 at the age of 19. While seeking direction for her life she discovered Kundalini yoga. Her fascination with yoga quickly became a catalyst for the redefinition of her life. Most significantly the practice of yoga sparked her awareness of the subtle energies within the body.

In 1980 Diane began formal studies is Eastern healing techniques with Mittsuki Kikkawa and in 1995 she graduated from the Kikkawa College of Shiatsu and Massage Therapy. Diane's yoga practice would provide a constant source of energy to fuel her work as a Shiatsu Therapist as well as an opportunity for studying the human body and its many interconnected layers.

In 1984 Diane met Lisa Schwartz. Lisa had recently returned from an intensive period of study with one of the world's foremost yoga teachers, BKS Iyengar. At that time Iyengar's teaching integrated the vinyasa style of his teacher Krishnamacharya, who was also the teacher of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. Lisa's classes were at once challenging, vigorous and compelling.

In 1993 the Yoga Journal began to cover a "new" style of yoga in its monthly. This was Diane's first introduction to Ashtanga. Shortly after she attended a workshop with Richard Freeman. It was Richard's exquisite teaching of breath and bandhas that inspired her to delve deeper into the eight-limbed practice of Ashtanga. At that time there were no Ashtanga teachers in Canada. Diane pursued her practice in isolation. Eventually her enthusiasm could not be contained and she began to share with her friends her insights into vinyasa yoga. Soon after she began to teach at the newly opened Yoga Studio.

In 1997 Diane and Ron Reid opened the Downward Dog Yoga Centre and Toronto's burgeoning Ashtanga community now had a home. The evolution of Downward Dog has provided Diane and Ron a forum for the development and exploration of this vital living tradition.

Diane brings a therapeutic approach to the traditional yoga context. She strives to understand and support the needs of the individual, approaching each class as a gateway to a magical healing journey.

Article link: The Upside of Downward Dog, girlphyte.com