Yogis Smoking The Intention Joint At Wonderlust In Whistler

It is a picture that makes you stop and pause. A group of yoga practitioners in Whistler, BC smoking what is being called an "intention "joint."

Yoga blogger Roseanne Harvey  first wrote about the conversations and crticsism the photo has sparked in her blog It's All Yoga Baby She interviwed Eoin Finn, the yoga teacher behind the gesture. (Full Disclosure: Eoin Finn is a friend ).

Finn tells Harvey "The Intention Joint idea came from a student in our Yoga Teacher Training (YTT), Sheena Ritchie, who now owns a yoga studio in Tel-Aviv.One thing I really try to stress to people – besides great alignment – is how to weave moments of zen with levity in their classes. Authenticity is so key. I find that the more truly yourself you are while teaching yoga, the more you tap into that “mysterious x-factor” that really makes your classes powerful.  Obviously the lesson was taken to heart because Sheena started her final YTT class with an “Intention Joint."

The joint cuased a flurry of activity on Facebook and now on the It's All Yoga Baby blog. With some says it was simply "silly" to others saying it was "The dumbest thing they have seen..." Others, chimed in with supportive comments "This action was a fun & simple way to get people to breathe lightly and maybe feel silly just for a second. Just because we’re “adults” doesn’t mean we can’t be goofy, even in yoga class! RELAX already!" wrote one commentator.

What does Eoin Finn have to say about all of this? Well, he posted this on his Facebook activity stream.


"there is so much context around this photo and if you look at the responses on facebook from the people who were actually there. they are so different than people's reactions here. i told my friend roseanne that even the criticisms don't sting. i watch people's response with interest + curiosity.

I am certain of what the whole purpose of my teaching is: more love on the planet. i know i use unconventional means like puppy pile savasanas, hugs before classes and "intention joints." they all work for me and MOST (but not all) of the people who come to classes even though they push boundaries.
chime in to this blog - criticisms are welcomed too - tell us how you feel. conversation is good. there is a lot to this topic:"

So what do you think of the intention joint?