I’m Ning Gao, the creator of Yoga Beyond. Here, I would like to invite you to the intimate
chapters of my yoga journey.
Ning’s Childhood:
To truly understand what Yoga Beyond means to me, we need to rewind a bit, back to
my early years in Harbin. I grew up in Harbin, a small city in northeastern China, not far
from the Russian border. My upbringing differed significantly from the norm in North
America. My childhood was deeply weighted with the influence of Communism and
Chairman Mao. A seemingly trivial incident from my early years, singing a kindergarten
song incorrectly, had devastating consequences. With one innocent mistake, led to my
teacher reporting my parents (for treason? – please specify the crime) to the
enforcement authorities. With one innocent mistake, resulted in my parents’ arrest and
a three-year sentence in a labor camp. With one innocent mistake, the 4-year-old Ning
was left to fend for herself on the unforgiving streets in Hei Long Jiang Phoenix Mountain
farm. During those years living
as a wanderer, I discovered an inexplicable connection to music and dance. Even
without comprehending its origins, I fell in love with dancing. I stumbled upon a group
of travelling performers that offered me food in exchange for dancing. This
serendipitous encounter not only kept me fed but set me on a path of love and
fulfillment that I continue to cherish.
Upon my reunion with my parents, our situation did not get any easier. We lived in a
one-room dwelling for 18 years, completely devoid of luxuries like television,
telephones, or cars. Despite the financial distress, those years were among the happiest
years of my life. To this day, I can still feel the warmth and contentment as my mother
cooked a simple meal of rice. I remember the joy and excitement that Spring Festival
brought, allowing us to indulge in small pleasures like a new article of clothing, some
candies, or a meat dumpling for dinner. These years of hardship taught us gratitude and
contentment. It truly only takes so little to fill our hearts with happiness.
Ning in Canada:
When my parents were finally released, I resumed my education, and I dedicated myself
to my studies. In 1982, I achieved what was a rare accomplishment at the time: gaining
admission to Law School. I graduated and served as a lawyer at the High Court of China
for eight years. However, a failed marriage and a persistent yearning for change drove
me to leave China—a daring adventure that meant leaving behind everything I had
known and cherished. With just a single suitcase and a mind packed with memories, I
bid farewell to my family, my successful career, and my homeland.
I arrived in Canada in 1996. The sight of the clear Canadian sky and the freshness of the
air immediately evoked feelings of freedom and opportunity. I fell in love with this land,
even though challenges were a constant companion. Finding work was a struggle, and
language was a gigantic barrier as I didn’t know a single word of English. I vividly recall a
failed job interview for a dishwasher position. Then, in 1997, an act of kindness from a
stranger changed my life. He offered me free basement space in a downtown building,
which I used to launch my first yoga studio. Looking back at that humble basement,
which I operated for 13 years, it laid the foundation for my yoga practice and taught me
how to run and grow a yoga business.
Ning Met Yoga:
My quest for excellence never waned. I committed to continuous training and gradually
saved up to fund my world travels. I had the burning desire to seek out the best yoga
instructors in the world. With each course and year that passed, my skills advanced and
excitement swelled within me. During my journey, I had the privilege of meeting yoga
master Ana Forrest in Hong Kong. Her unique yoga practice and Eastern wisdom left me
in awe. I immersed myself in her teachings, reading all her books and attending all her
training sessions. Her influence remains deeply woven into my present practice and the
classes I conduct in my studio. I am eternally grateful for her wisdom and guidance.
In 2009, during the Bali World Spirit Festival, I crossed paths with a woman in a coffee
shop who ignited a fire in my heart with her words of encouragement. When I returned
home, I embarked on a daring endeavor. I mortgaged the house I had toiled and
sacrificed for, using it as collateral for a business loan, and took a colossal leap of faith.
With unwavering determination, I opened the first Yoga and Beyond studio on
Kensington Road in Calgary, AB. It was a tumultuous journey filled with challenges and
setbacks, but I persevered and waited for yoga enthusiasts to support my vision. The
students came, they found me. These beautiful souls gave life to my dreams and my
love for teaching.
Yoga Finds Us:
This story repeated itself in October 2014, as we opened a second Yoga and Beyond
studio at Centre Street and 16th Avenue North. Then, in 2019, a third location in
The mission was born.
And yet, in the year 2020, the world was gripped by the COVID-19 pandemic. I watched
with a heavy heart as two of my studios closed their doors. Disputes with landlords led
to a 2-year lawsuit. When the storms were calmed, only our Kensington studio
remained, and we renamed it Yoga Beyond.
Life begins with nothing and ends with nothing. I’ve come to treasure the joy of every
beautiful gift, whether it’s friendship, the opportunity to share, the chance to learn, or
the experience of love. These gifts, I believe, will accompany us through eternity. With a
heart filled with gratitude, I extend a heartfelt invitation to you. Yoga Beyond is not just
a studio; it’s my home, and I invite you to make it your yoga home too.
Namaste,
Ning Gao