NCR Yoga Program - Ottawa, ON

The application period for Soldier On members wishing to participate in the NCR YOGA PROGRAM on 23, 30 MAY, 6, 13 JUNE 2025 is now open. The application deadline is 20 April 2025.

AIM AND SCOPE OF EVENT: 
Soldier On will be partnering with Yoga and Wellness with Natalia to host a 4- week yoga program taking place on 23, 30 May, 6, 13 June from 1100hrs to 1200hrs in Ottawa ON. Up to 10 ill/injured serving or retired members of the CAF will receive certified yoga instruction and practice a variety of yogic movements throughout the sessions. This program will assist in the continuation of a healthy lifestyle. This activity will bring together both serving and retired ill/injured CAF members, allowing participants to connect through peer support and encourage a healthy and active lifestyle.   

This yoga series has been designed specifically to help ill/injured serving members and veterans.  These yoga sessions will consist of three aspects of yogic practice: movement, yogic breathing and mindfulness/meditation.  

The program will include explorations of techniques designed to assist with down-regulating the nervous system: 
- Targeted gentle and restorative yoga postures and movement sequences;

- Introduction of a variety of tactical breathing techniques that support relaxation of the body and mind; and

- Mindfulness and meditation (various, including Yoga Nidra (yogic sleep), concentrative, mindfulness and contemplative, Mantra, guided and self-led approaches etc.).

The number of Soldier On participants is limited to 10.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: 
Any serving member or veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) from the NCR REGION who acquired a permanent physical or mental health illness or injury while enrolled as a member of the CAF; whether attributable or not to service.

Selected Serving members will require the approval of their Chain of Command to participate. 

DRAFT SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
Inner Soul Yoga and Cycle Studio:
1050hrs – Arrival and introduction.                                                                                    1100hrs-1200hrs - Instruction and participation                                                              1200hrs – Depart on own.

TRANSPORTATION & MEALS:
Participants are advised that meals and transportation will not be provided by Soldier On for this event. Participants will be required to arrange their own travel to and from the event location, travel and meals are not eligible for reimbursement for this event

Mental & Physical Requirements:
Participants must be able to tolerate 1 hour of light paced activity. 
Participants will be joined with other ill/injured members and civilians, and therefore should be able to function in a social environment.