Why Five?
The number five is richly encoded within the depths of yogic practice, the whisper lineage of wisdom tradition and the fabric that makes up the human body and mind.
The Five Elements of earth, water, fire, air and space constitute the organic framework of the universe, life and our human bodies. Five Senses allow us to receive information (energy) about our inner and outer environments that is digested and assimilated through Five Vayus (wind channels) and the inner Five Chakras (energy centers). When we receive, digest, assimilate and respond to this information (energy) we are in relationship with the direct experience of life.
These direct experiences are delivered to us through the Five Koshas; Physical, Energetic, Emotional, Mental and Spiritual levels that make up our whole being.
And so, there is the material we are made of, and the material we experience that allows us to create, maintain, and reconstruct the life we want. At Inner Five you will be provided: time and space to learn about yourself, attention to your specific needs, and practices to help you build the lifestyle you want to self realize your goals.
Meet Ronna
Owner/Founder
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She believes that there is an art to living and that our relationship to our experiences is key in honing a life that is harmonious to one’s true nature. By using the wholistic system of yoga and loving kindness, Ronna is committed to sharing her experiences to teach, mentor and support others in establishing their complete well being through a connection to self and an integrated lifestyle.
Ronna is a proud Metis/Icelandic woman living on Treaty 6 land and is grateful to have received her spirit name, ee ‘ wass ‘ ee ‘ ao neepo Iskwew, (standing in a good place, in a bright light, woman) in Alexander, Alberta on 08/14/21.
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There is a powerful mantra that comes to mind “Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha”, which is used to inspire transformation by calling upon the energy of Ganesh, remover of obstacles and lord of new beginnings.
Exploring my relationship to nutrition and digestion through the lens of Ayurveda, helped to highlight how the elemental (Fire, Air, Space, Earth, and Water) qualities of the food I eat is assimilated into a part of who I am, then transformed into my life experiences. You literally are what, and how you eat. With food being a micro level opportunity to move you towards your goals.
As a nutritionist I can provide education and insight into your relationship with food to support your goals and lifestyle through: Dosha Analysis (understanding your elemental makeup), meal planning, nutritional properties of food and their health benefits, eating to support recovery and spiritual nutrition.
Food is medicine and prevention.
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Since I was a young child I felt very comfortable and confidant in a knowing that I was connected to a source energy and that this same source energy moved through me, all sentient beings and life. It is a great gift to have been taught and certified in the practices of channeling energy for others so they may connect to higher states of balance and harmony to initiate their own healings.
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A draw to buddhism and the Tao in my youth led me to a self taught and learnt meditation practice. From there it naturally unfolded into learning about a variety of wisdom traditions and healing modalities.
2004 marked the beginning of my physical posture practice and I understood right away that there was more to it than exercising your body. From that point on, I explored yogic practices with consistency and dedication including taking a yoga teacher training program.
Upon completing the program, I assisted senior teachers, began to teach my own classes, and assisted and managed a yoga teacher training program. I am registered with the Yoga Alliance of North America as an ERYT and YACEP and will continue on as a lifelong student of yoga.
With gratitude.
Meet the Team
Yoga Teacher
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Blazenka, aka Blaze, first started practicing yoga in 2012 and it was not long after that she stepped into her first Rocket Yoga class. She loved the flow of the class and how she was able to see progress in her practice each time she stepped onto the mat. She was also a big fan of all the opportunities to add inversions and arm balances – especially since most other yoga classes did not offer many chances to go upside-down.
Blaze completed her first 200hr YTT in 2017 and quickly followed up with a second 200hr YTT in 2019. In that time, she also founded a local yoga community, Rocket Yoga YEG, and quickly became more immersed in practicing Rocket yoga. Blazenka currently has over 100 hours of Rocket training and is certified as a level 2 Rocket Yoga teacher.
Blaze is always looking to expand her practice and share what she learns with other practitioners.
Katonah Yoga Teacher
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Christie has been practicing yoga for years but it wasn’t until she found Katonah Yoga that her practice became truly life encompassing. She was instantly hooked and knew that she needed to help spread the powerful and pragmatic information that the practice has to offer. She loves the formality and functionality of Katonah Yoga and believes that your yoga practice should be measured so it can always measure up. Christie is a Registered Massage Therapist for over 15 years now and is a certified Katonah Yoga instructor. She loves working with bodies and approaches it in a light hearted manor, the same way she tries to approach life.
Registered Yoga Teacher
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Jake is passionate about building community through movement, breath, and connection. Growing up on a farm near Holden, Alberta, he was immersed in team sports before discovering yoga as a powerful way to cultivate both strength and mindfulness.
With a background in theatre, Jake holds a BFA in Acting from the University of Alberta and is currently pursuing a PhD in Creative Practice through the Transart Institute and Liverpool John Moores University. He is an RYT-500, having completed his most recent training with My Vinyasa Practice in Austin, Texas.
For over a decade, Jake has taught yoga, spin, fitness, and theatre, bringing a unique blend of energy, creativity, and focus to his classes. His teaching style is grounded yet playful, emphasizing strength, breath awareness, and a touch of quirkiness. He’s thrilled to be part of the team and looks forward to sharing the joy of movement with you!
Yoga Teacher
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Kevin Gaudet has been guiding yoga classes in the Edmonton and Western Canadian yoga communities since 2015. He enjoys sharing and communicating ideas, and loves the experience of bringing diverse groups together to study, discuss, practice and/or experience an interest shared among the group.
Kevin likes the challenge of integrating a variety of his passions into his classes and offerings, such as gongs and drums, Eastern and Western philosophy, and a multitude of yoga and meditation approaches. He is honoured to be a part of the team at Inner Five, and looks forward to offering a variety of yoga classes, sound baths, retreats, and community building events.
Kevin will also be offering a yoga-informed approach to Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) for community members who are motivated to mindfully work through interpersonal conflicts and improve their listening and communication abilities. Appointment openings coming soon.
Karma Team
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Landis has been practicing yoga since 2006, and participating in karma yoga programs going on 8 years. It has been a rewarding part of her practice development, while allowing her to care for the sacred space and community members that fill it. Cleaning and caring for others is her happy place.
In 2017, she took part in a Katonah Yoga teacher training. Landis helped the teacher host 12 other students in her 1-bedroom condo, each weekend for 4 months. The experience taught Landis that no matter how small a space is, there always seems to be room for 1 more mat.
For someone that doesn't often have social gatherings and likes her space a certain way, sharing her home was both one of the biggest challenges, and largest rewards.
In 2019, Landis and several other yoga students embarked on an adventure to New York to continue training from the founders of Katonah yoga. It was an A-MAZING time! Beautiful friendships were developed in these years, while stretching the comfort zone both in the mindset and the yoga practice. Most importantly, Landis learned that being a student suits her best. Teacher training doesn't mean you have to become the one in front of the class, sometimes the training is to teach you something you need to see more clearly in your practice and in your life.
Yoga Teacher
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Melissa’s passion for yoga began as a way to keep her body flexible after years of competitive cheerleading. She quickly discovered that yoga meant so much more to her in terms of creating overall balance for her mind, body, and spirit. In 2023 Melissa took a 200hr Yoga Teacher Training certification in Mazunte, Mexico with AUM Tantra Yoga where she got to experience the benefits of a consistent practice.
Melissa loves to travel, spend time outdoors, connect with friends and family and volunteer. She also enjoys reading and furthering her education. She is currently working towards her certification as a Somatic Sex Educator, with a desire to provide safe spaces for others to explore the importance of connecting to self and listening to the wisdom within their bodies.
Melissa intends to bring an open heart and curiosity to her yoga classes. Her main inspiration has always been love which she weaves into all aspects of her life. She is so grateful for this opportunity to share herself as she continues to learn and grow as an individual and as a teacher.
