Tina James

An expressive and inspirational teacher, Tina includes the mystical, spiritual and philosophical aspects of the ancient art of yoga as essential components of a complete practice. She utilizes a dynamic Vinyasa flow of asana sequences, fueled by an emphasis on precise alignment, perfect breath, and powerful intention.

The Director of Loka Yoga in Whistler BC, Tina is an Advanced Certified Jivamukti Yoga Teacher, E-RYT 500 teacher, and certified Ashtanga teacher, and holds a degree in Sports Science. Tina first began her journey towards the enlightenment principle 25 years ago through her first teachers Shri K. Pattabhi Jois and Manju Jois, in Mysore, India. Tina later found her place in the Jivamukti Yoga lineage, with her beloved teachers Sharon Gannon and David Life, who continue to inspire and influence the evolution of her work. Tina was a mentor at the 2008 Jivamukti teacher training and runs her own 200 hour teacher trainings, workshops and retreats around the world.

Tina grew up in England, where physical activity was an integral part of her daily life, including professional show jumping, hard core high altitude mountaineering, the martial arts and personal training. Tina currently volunteers with Whistler Blackcomb Ski Patrol, and enjoys getting out in nature and the mountains as much as she can. 

A dedicated life-long animal activist, particularly in regards to bears and wolves, Tina is passionate about inspiring her students to contribute to the wellness of the beautiful blue planet and all its beings. 

I give thanks for all my beloved teachers and their lineage, my wonderful family, and all the students and teachers who I encounter on the mat and off, as we continue our journeys to self-knowing and bliss.

Join Tina as she leads "Mountains of the mind hikes and meditations," hiking on sacred journeys which include Gong meditation. Have you ever been in the wilderness, enjoying your surroundings, and a feeling of utter peace and expansiveness came over you? As this new perception took hold, all your worries felt far away, almost trivial and you felt a deep relaxation come over you. Or, as you gazed out at a bank of low clouds wrapping around a mountain peak and something shifted in your soul—and a feeling even deeper and more profound emerged.

The feeling may have been fleeting. It may have lasted a few hours. It may have even jolted your perception of the world and your place in it. However long it lasted, it affected you. You suspect that for that brief moment in time, you had touched the Divine. Whether you call it God, Spirit, Universe, or simply Nature, you knew that you wanted to experience more of it.