Sky Hellyar created Blue Lotus Yoga out of a desire to share her yoga experience with others and to spend time with her family. A mother of four young girls, Hellyar has opened the studio in the front room of her heritage house on Fifth Street.

鈥淚nviting students into my home makes it feel personal, I can offer more individualized classes than at a gym," said Hellyar, a yoga instructor more than 10 years.

Hellyar especially enjoys working with families. She has noticed skills learned in yoga such as self-awareness, breath control, focus and the ability to remain calm while challenged gives children and parents tools for working positively with emotions and obstacles in daily life.

Hellyar became hooked on yoga 14 years ago when dealing with a chronic shoulder injury. After practising six months, her shoulder pain and chronic migraines disappeared, and she was able to resume an active lifestyle that includes rock climbing, cycling and telemark skiing.

Hellyar trained as a yoga instructor in 2001. After teaching in Vancouver, she returned to the Valley in 2003. She has taught at Karuna Studio, the Asana Room, Courtenay Rec and privately.

Her instruction includes prenatal and children's yoga.

Hellyar鈥檚 daily practice allows her to remain centred through many of life鈥檚 challenges.

鈥淵oga keeps my mind and body strong, healthy and happy," she said. "Patience, compassion and gratitude are always part of what I practice and teach.鈥�

Blue Lotus Yoga is located at 811-Fifth St. It offers classes in vinyasa flow, ashtanga, prenatal, kids yoga and yoga together, a class for a child with an adult. Private sessions are available. Introduction to vinyasa yoga, a beginner class series beginning this month, is a nine-week program that starts with the basics.

Contacting Hellyar at 250-703-3398, skyhighyogini@yahoo.ca or www.facebook.com/bluelotusyoga.namastestudio.