Pranayama weekend with Mayavan; $55

Pranayama class: July 25th and 26th,  Saturday and Sunday 7-8am (online)

Workshop: July 25th, Saturday, 4 pm-6 pm (at the center or online)

Classes are suitable for beginners, as well as students who would like to return to a steady pranayama practice.

Morning Pranayama classes will begin with gentle stretches and simple movements to help release tension and prepare the body for sitting. We will then do gradual pranayama practice.

We will explore:

• Anuloma Viloma / Nadi Shuddhi – alternate nostril breathing for balance and steadiness
• Bhramari – humming breath to calm the mind
• Ujjayi – to increase awareness of the breath and for inner focus
• Introduction to Kapalabhati – introduced gently and in a beginner-friendly way

We will also introduce simple mudras (hand gestures) and explain how they can support concentration and stillness.

Why practise pranayama?

Pranayama is the yogic practice of working with the breath and prana, or life energy. Regular practice can help steady the mind, improve focus, balance energy, and prepare us for meditation.

Workshop will include:

• individual corrections and guidance
• time for questions and discussion
• practical tips for home practice
• support in developing a simple personal routine

Handouts will be shared before the class. They will include the practices we will cover, their traditional benefits, and suggestions on how to prepare.

Teacher: Mayavan is a Sivananda Yoga teacher and director of Yoga Salai, a community-based yoga center in Scarborough. He holds a Master’s in Yoga Therapy from Annamalai University, India, where he serves as a faculty member. Mayavan has been practicing and teaching Yoga since childhood.

Pranayama Workshop with Mayavan

July 25th , Saturday 4pm-6pm; $38 (at the center or online)

This workshop is part of our Pranayama Weekend and can be taken individually or as part of the full package, which also includes the online morning practice sessions.

This workshop offers an opportunity to deepen your pranayama practice with individual guidance and corrections. Pranayama can support steadiness of mind, balance of energy, concentration, and a deeper connection to the inner practice of yoga.

Often, students learn the techniques but rush through the process or miss important details, which can reduce the benefits of the practice. In this workshop, we will slow down and explore techniques such as Kapalabhati, Anuloma Viloma, Bhramari, and Ujjayi with more care and attention.

We will also discuss how to choose the right pranayama for different situations. While a regular practice may include the traditional foundational techniques, at times we may need a different approach depending on the state of our mind and energy, the demands of the day, or the particular stage and circumstances of life.

The workshop will include time for questions, discussion, practical tips for home practice, and support in developing a simple personal routine.

Teacher: Mayavan has been a dedicated yoga practitioner since childhood. He holds a Master’s degree in yoga therapy and is the director of Yoga Salai, a community-based yoga center in Scarborough.