Ning Gao

HOW Y&B CAME TO BE, THE YOGA AND BEYOND STORY – NING GAO

I grew up in Harbin, a small city in far north eastern corner of mainland China. My childhood was beyond what most in western culture could imagine. My early childhood was impacted by the strong influence of communism and Chairman Mao. Though my childhood occurred on the cusp of a monumental proletarian cultural revolution and the beginning of enormous change, in my early years communism was still very strong. For instance, during my infancy, my parents were reported by neighbours for supposedly Western supportive comments, arrested, and sent to a work camp for almost 3 years. I lived on the street from age 4 to 7.

Following that ordeal my family moved cities, my father educated, and ultimately became the equivalent of a Magistrate in Chairman Mao’s ‘no-legal’ system. But our family struggled many years. We lived without many comforts. We never knew television, phones or a car. Our family of five lived in one room for 18 years. Those years were the happiest of my life. I remember the warmth and contentment when my mother would cook rice for us. I still recall the joy and excitement when Spring Festival came, and I could have a new piece of clothing, a few candies, or a dumpling dinner. It took little to make us happy. And, some of my youngest memories also included an inexplicable great emotion when I would move my body to music. Without understanding its origins, I began to love dance.

When I was 17, my father informed me dancing would not provide for me. With that admonition, and his stern guidance, I turned my attention to my studies. I studied hard becoming ultimately one of the 2% qualified for acceptance to University. I moved on to become one of the few accepted to Law School. And again, becoming one of the rare few accepted as legal counsel to work in the High Court of China. Sacrifice had become my constant companion. For personal elation, growth, and joy I returned often to the music in my heart that blossomed into movement of my feet and body. My love of music, cadence and rhythm never stopped growing. It became and remains an intrinsic part of my soul.

After 9 years of law, a failed marriage, and a yearning for change, I chose to leave China. This adventure required that I leave behind me all I knew and loved. With one suitcase, and only my memories, I bade farewell to my family, my successful career, and the only country and culture I knew. But I moved to Canada with with two new friends: dreams and hope . Not knowing one word of English I began again.

I arrived in Vancouver in 1996. I saw blue sky, breathed clean air, and immediately sensed freedom and opportunity. I fell in love with Canada instantly. Challenges were routine. I could not find work. I could not communicate. I failed an interview for a dish washing position. I feared public situations because of my language barrier. I overcame it, and studied for eight months to learn English. I next attended massage training, began a business, and soon after, yoga found me, but this time re-united with my old friend: joy of music, rhythm and body movement. In 1997 A very dear friend who I will never forget offered me free basement commercial space. I used it to begin my first yoga studio. The newfound outlet for the expression and flow which came from my heart grew rapidly. As the yoga grew, so did many beautiful friendships. As I look back on that little basement studio which continued 13 years, those years forged the skills and foundation of my yoga practice, and showed me how to maintain and grow a yoga business.

In our life experience we touch many lives and find many friends. Few people in my life have provided a more meaningful place for change and growth as did that dear friend who gave me that free practice space. He selflessly gave a gift which I feel a duty to ‘pay it forward’. Yes, it may be said we need to survive and earn a living. But to me, I am honoured with my struggles and life experiences, and am also honoured to create opportunities and places for change in others now. I believe in the miracle of Yoga.

I continued my quest for excellence, for peace, for harmony and for flow and expression from the heart. I trained continuously. As the ability to travel the world in search of excellence grew, I continuously sought to learn, and pass my lessons forward, in honour of those who have been and are models for me. I sought out the best conferences, retreats, workshops and as many varieties of teacher training as I could find. This quest gave me many great experiences. In the meantime I had the privilege of instructing over the years in numerous Calgary yoga studios. I have been blessed be invited to guest host Chinese yoga conferences and training programs. I have now hosted many many yoga retreats, and, the joy of them is indescribable. Of the many joys of life, few match the conclusion of an intensive retreat occasioned with tears, embracing, beautiful new friendships, and new