Jill Dunkley Yoga

07/22/2026

This is my reality too. I’ve had to figure most of this out through trial and error.

07/22/2026

Join Us for Yoga at the Beach!

Our popular Yoga at the Beach program begins Thursday, August 6, offering four weeks of gentle outdoor yoga in the beautiful setting of Sharbot Lake. Join us for movement, mindfulness, and connection in nature. Pre-registration is required due to limited space. To register or learn more, call 613-279-2100 ext. 115.

This program is especially meaningful as it will be Jill Dunkley's final program with the Sharbot Lake Family Health Team before her well-deserved retirement. Over the past 13 years, Jill has touched countless lives through her warmth, compassion, and dedication. Her programs have been incredibly popular and truly life-changing for many participants.

Jill, thank you for the extraordinary impact you've had on our patients and community. We have been incredibly fortunate to have you as part of our team. You will be deeply missed, and we wish you every happiness in your well-earned retirement.

07/07/2026

Happy Summer Everyone!

This summer's workshops are both extra special and bittersweet. I am RETIRING in the fall after 26 years of teaching Yoga and Mindfulness. I will be teaching my LAST TWO Mindfulness Workshops in August and September with Tay Valley Township. The first workshop is Saturday August 22 from 9-noon called Mindfulness for Body and Earth at Forest Trail Park - 4337 Narrows Lock Road. This workshop is being offered through Tay Valley Township and you can register using this link:

https://forms.tayvalleytwp.ca/Recreation-Programs/Workshops-and-Events/2026-August-Mindfulness-Workshop

The second workshop will have the same content on Saturday September 19 from 9-noon. I will be sending out an email to register for the September workshop in early September if you are interested in that one.

This workshop is appropriate for both new and experienced mindfulness practitioners. We will take many of the more familiar mindfulness practices (sitting meditation, walking meditation, yoga, and loving kindness meditation) and stretch them into deeper connection with the natural world. By getting curious about the world around us we can enhance our relationships with the natural world. When mindfulness is practiced in this way I believe we are part of making the world a more caring, peaceful place. Let's do this together!

Rain date is Saturday August 29.

There is no fee for this workshop. Spots are limited so registration is required to save your spot .

The program is designed for ages 18 years and over with gentle movement included in the practice.

I look forward to this last opportunity to share the power of mindfulness in the natural world with you.

With warm regards,
Jill

06/10/2026

I have osteoporosis and for many years I lived in fear of breaking my bones. This fear kept me small, mistrustful and alone. Then, little by little, with the help of mindfulness, I began to get stronger - mind, body and heart. Somewhere in that journey I found a great trainer Jesse Swain who believes in making it fun and, most importantly, being in community, hey Kerstin Ring ?

Here’s a word to the wise, don’t believe everything this culture tells you, discern for yourself. 🙂

02/12/2026

The first MBSR program I participated in was an on-line program through Sounds True. After participating in another in-person program in Ottawa I knew I wanted to help others reduce stress through mindfulness. After teaching over 20 MBSR programs (both in-person and on-line) I know this to be true…Regularly practicing mindfulness can help reduce stress; improve your relationships; and help you find more joy, meaning and purpose in your life. The Health Team makes space for the wider community to join. For more information contact: Laura Baldwin at [email protected].

🌿 Upcoming Online Program – Sharbot Lake Family Health Team

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)

The Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program is an internationally recognized, evidence-based approach to managing stress and enhancing well-being.

Over 8 weeks, participants are guided through mindfulness practices such as:
✨ Meditation
✨ Gentle movement
✨ Body awareness

You’ll explore new ways of relating to stress, pain, and the challenges of daily life.

Research shows that MBSR can:
✔ Improve concentration
✔ Support emotional balance
✔ Enhance physical health
✔ Build resilience and peace of mind

Whether you’re managing work demands, illness, or everyday pressures, MBSR offers practical skills for a healthier, more mindful way of living.

📅 PROGRAM DETAILS

When: Thursdays, February 26 – April 16, 2026
Time: 6:00 – 8:30 PM
Location: Online via Zoom

💬 What Previous Participants Are Saying:

"I was hesitant about signing up because of the time commitment. I'm glad I did and I'm glad I put in as much time as possible toward making the program a successful experience. It will have a positive impact on my life, probably one of the most impactful activities I've undertaken in the last 5 years."

"The course was excellent, inclusive, safe, confidential, FREE... it impacted the lives of everyone who attended, and everyone who interacts with each of the attendees. It's amazing."

09/22/2025

Hi Everyone:

This may be of interest if you live in the West Lanark/Sharbot Lake area. I will be offering an 8 week in-person Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program through the Sharbot Lake Family Health Team beginning Thursday September 25 in the afternoons from 1:30-4:00 pm. The Health Team is generously offering a few spots to the wider community. No previous meditation experience required, and those interested in an MBSR refresher are always welcome. There is no fee for this program. If you are interested in more information or registering for the program, please contact Laura Baldwin, Program Director at 613-279-2100 or email: [email protected] .

With warm regards,
Jill Dunkley

Upcoming In-Person program at the Sharbot Lake Family Health Team:

The Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program is an internationally recognized, evidence-based approach to managing stress and enhancing well-being. Over 8 weeks, participants are guided through mindfulness practices such as meditation, gentle movement, and body awareness to explore new ways of relating to stress, pain, and the challenges of daily life. Research has shown that MBSR can improve concentration, emotional balance, and physical health while fostering greater resilience and peace of mind. Whether you’re dealing with the demands of work, illness, or everyday pressures, MBSR provides practical skills to support a healthier, more mindful way of living.

Details:
Thursdays, September 25th-November 13th
1:30-4:00pm

Space is limited. Please contact us at [email protected] for more information and/or to register.

Comments from previous participants:
"I was hesitant about signing up because of the time commitment. I'm glad I did and I'm glad I put in as much time as possible toward making the program a successful experience. It will have a positive impact on my life, probably one of the most impactful activities I've undertaken in the last 5 years."

"The course was excellent, inclusive, safe, confidential, FREE... it impacted the lives of everyone who attended, and everyone who interacts with each of the attendees. It's amazing."

09/15/2025

Happy September, Everyone!

I am offering a half-day workshop on Saturday September 20 from 9-noon called Mindfulness for Body and Earth at Forest Trail Park - 4337 Narrows Lock Road. This workshop is again being offered through Tay Valley Township .

This workshop is appropriate for both new and experienced mindfulness practitioners. We will take many of the more familiar mindfulness practices (sitting meditation, walking meditation, yoga, and loving kindness meditation) and stretch them into deeper connection with the natural world. By getting curious about the world around us we can enhance our relationships with the natural world. When mindfulness is practiced in this way I believe we are part of making the world a more caring, peaceful place. Let's do this together!

9am - 12pm on Saturday September 20 at Forest Trail Park - 4337 Narrows Lock Road. (Rain date is Saturday September 27.)
There is no fee for this workshop. Spots are limited so registration is required to save your spot .

The program is designed for ages 18 years and over with gentle movement included in the practice . Here's the link to register on-line.

https://formbuilder.tayvalleytwp.ca/Recreation-Programs/Workshops-and-Events/September-2025-Mindfulness-Workshop

Warm regards,
Jill

07/11/2025

Slowing down and paying attention to the natural world is a wonderful way to see beyond our own challenges and feel connected to something much greater. There are still a few spots left in the Mindfulness for Body and Earth workshop on Wednesday August 20 from 9-noon. Come join me. We can be part of making the world a more caring, peaceful place. 😊 There is no fee for this workshop. Registration is required with limited enrolment.

Join Tay Valley Township and instructor Jill Dunkley on this journey of self-discovery where inner nature connects with outer nature.

01/30/2025

MBSR Program Begins On-Line Thursday February 13, 2025. For more information contact Laura Baldwin, Program Director, at 613-279-2100 or email at [email protected] .