If you’re a yoga enthusiast in Calgary, you’ve probably heard Jeff Mah’s name tossed around, taken a class or two from him or seen his picture sprawled across a Lululemon store. I first met Jeff a year ago when I aimlessly wandered into the Bodhi Tree with a girlfriend, not having ever practiced in a proper studio setting before. I imagined sinewy men and women on macrobiotic diets twisting and contorting their bodies into circus freakdom as I stared at my toes, desperately trying to touch them.

Jeff has a sensibilty to take you under his wing and turn your practice into the best it can be. His classes are covetted, and with good reason. He will make you sweat, he will stir up emotion inside you didn’t know existed, but most importantly he’ll make you see that yoga can be for everyone, and we should all lighten up a little already.

What makes Calgary awesome?

Calgary is awesome for many reasons!

1. We live in a beautiful place, where the sky is big, the sun shines joyfully, and incredible mountains are just around the corner.

2. There is a growing collective of “real” people in this city. People who rather than complain, put their energy into shaping this city into something special. I have friends who are artists, restauranteurs, business-owners, etc, who are all trying to be the change they want to see in the world.

3. Calgary has one of the finest yoga scenes in Canada - if not the best! There’s a select group of studios run by people with integrity, who are really trying to take yoga further. I see many of my students moving beyond just flexibility and appearances, but trying to find actual meaning to their lives.

How long have you lived here / reasons for moving to Calgary?

I was born in Calgary and have been here 33 years. Along the way, I had a short stint living in Kelowna, and a few years  ago, my partner Hilary and I lived in Toronto for a year.

Calgary is ”growing up”, and right now it’s like we’re moving through the painful teenage years. This place at times has been  awkward, ignorant, and desperate for attention. We’re hanging in the balance right now. Will this city grow up to be a jerk? Or will it mature into something beautiful.

I believe that Calgary really needs good examples (like the Bodhi Tree!) and that’s why I moved back. I feel that I can really make a difference here.

What do you think about the yoga culture that Calgary has to offer?

There are a few studio owners who have fine intentions, and do this for the love of it. The quality of teaching in the city is consistently rising and there’s a small handful of teachers in this city who could easily stack up with the finest out there - that’s just keeping perspective on our city! I look at my staff and sometimes I can’t help but smile – they are all out there pushing the boundaries, and sharing what they know.

In terms of practitioners, Calgarians rock. There are many people who practice a lot, and really put a ton of energy into growing. Not only do you see it in their bodies, more importantly, you see it in how they carry themselves, treat others, and in their interactions with the world.

What inspired you to open the Bodhi Tree in Calgary?

Actually, I didn’t open the Bodhi Tree! The Bodhi Tree came about from the creative genius of my business partner, Celeste Needham.
She started the studio 8 years ago and nurtured it through some really challenging times.

A few years ago, Celeste needed a partner to help evolve the Tree – and I was honored that she wanted to work with me! I’m a part owner here because I see  the Tree as a place where new ideas can be brought forth, and I love the challenge of nurturing a community.

Where did you take your yoga training?

I did my first training with Ian Buchanan of Yoga Dot Calm, down in Canyon Meadows. A few years later I spent a very serious year working with Ron Reid  and Diane Bruni at Downward Dog in Toronto. Later I spent a month with Richard Freeman down in Boulder, Colorado. Currently, I’m completing an advanced training with Hart Lazer – one of Canada’s most senior teachers.

I attend a lot of workshops as well. Hmmmm – I guess I’ve probably got over a thousand hours of training! I love constantly learning – it’s fundamental to being a good teacher.

Can you take yoga training / courses here in Calgary?

Yup! Check around, and there’s certainly a lot going on. Right now, I’m doing a teacher training / practitioner development with Kevin Elander.

As always, the Bodhi Tree has guest teachers and workshops coming in. Probably the most excited upcoming thing is our 40 Day Revolution and 60 Day Evolution starting in late October. Practice for 40 (or 60!) days in a row and see what can change in your life! It’s a fun, supportive time, with lots of challenge, laughter, and some great prizes along the way.

Best place to “zen out” in Calgary?

Well, you can pretty much “zen out” anywhere, but I’d have to say either during savasana at the studio, or finding a nice secluded spot along the river and just sitting down and listening to the water flow.

Favourite place to eat in Calgary?

Hmmmm – that’s a really tough one. I really enjoy the sushi at Wa’s on Centre Street. Those guys are the real thing! If I could sneak in a second place, Hilary and I really were impressed by Petite, on 10^th Ave SW.

Describe the perfect Jeff Mah day in Calgary

Wake up to a beautiful sunny day. Head down to the Bodhi Tree and teach the 9:30am class. Wish everyone an awesome day, and then meet up with some friends and go ride bikes out at Moose Mountain. Come home, do a yoga practice, and then go out for dinner with Hilary. After that, catch a really good movie at the Uptown or Globe, and then chill out at home with a book. Eat some cookies and then off to bed. That would be pretty darn sweet!

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