Yoga for Beginners

Introduction to Meditation

May 22nd – June 19th;  Fridays , 6.30pm-7.45pm , $120

Meditation is an invaluable tool for emotional balance and peace of mind. This course will provide step-by-step guidance for starting a meditation practice. It is helpful for those who are just starting  as well as those who would like to renew their commitment to this practice.

Topics covered  include:

-What is meditation and what are the benefits?

-How to start a meditation practice: The three fundamentals.

– Meditation for beginners and tips for those who are returning practitioners

-Mechanics of the mind: How the mind works and how meditation helps

-Mantras as tools for meditation

May 30th – June 27th, Saturdays 1:00pm – 2:30pm, $120

This course builds on the foundation laid in our Yoga 1 course and gives the opportunity to build up a solid practice, including all the basic postures and breathing exercises.

Emphasis is placed on holding postures longer and making smooth transitions between postures. You will also discover some variations of the basic Yoga postures.

This is an ideal refresher course for those who have lapsed in their practice. It is also suitable for experienced practitioners who are new to Sivananda Yoga Center.

Ayurvedic Cooking Workshop

Saturday, May 30th; 1:30 – 4:30 pm, $75

Dr. Sonal Bhatt M.D.

Dr. Sonal Bhatt M.D. (Ayurveda) is a highly qualified Ayurvedic physician and Panchakarma specialist from one of the leading Ayurvedic universities in India, Jamnagar Ayurvedic University. She is also a Registered Holistic Nutritional Consultant from CSNN Toronto. She has been practicing as an Ayurvedic consultant, Panchkarma specialist, teacher and researcher in India, Canada and North America for over 30 years.  She is currently practicing and teaching Ayurveda and offering holistic health services in Toronto.Tel 1-647-283-9070 www.ayurvedafortotalhealth.com

Bhagavad Gita Course with Maheswari (ONLINE)

June 2nd -June 30th; Tuesdays 7pm- 8pm $120

Explore the profound wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita, a foundational scripture of Vedanta philosophy, and embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and spiritual growth. Together, we will discuss selected verses, drawing inspiration to apply their timeless teachings on life, duty, devotion, and self-realization in our daily experiences. All levels are welcome to enrich their understanding of Yoga as a holistic way of life, finding clarity, purpose, and inner peace. Join us as ancient wisdom meets modern life, unveiling timeless truths for a more fulfilling existence.

Participants will receive the Zoom link a few days before the course.

Teacher: Maheswari has been teaching yoga and philosophy at the Sivananda Yoga Center and ashram for over twenty years . She is an experienced and compassionate teacher who connects with students of all levels.

Pratipaksha Bhavana – cultivating the opposite

Saturday, June 6th, 1pm-2.30pm, $30

Pratipaksha bhavana, taught in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, literally means “the cultivation (bhavana) of the opposite (pratipaksha).” It is the practice of introducing contrary tendencies in order to neutralize movements of the mind that lead in harmful or unhelpful directions. In this practice, thoughts rooted in harm, agitation, or imbalance are countered by reflecting upon their consequences and consciously turning the mind toward their opposites. This process is guided by discrimination (viveka), through which such tendencies are recognized as arising from ignorance and are gradually replaced by attitudes aligned with clarity, non-harm, and steadiness. This is not a form of positive thinking, but a deliberate reorientation of the mind based on clear understanding.

In direct application, states such as anger or fear are met with their opposites -compassion, courage, and goodwill, so that inner harmony may be restored. Pratipaksha bhavana is therefore not suppression, but a conscious refinement of mental tendencies that steadies the mind and prepares it for meditation.

Teacher: Sarasvati

Restorative Yoga Workshop  with Sundari

Saturday, June 13th; 1pm-3pm; $50

Replenish Your Energy • Restore Inner Balance • Renew Your Spirit

This 2-hour Restorative Yoga class is designed to help you unwind from daily stress, reconnect with your body’s natural rhythms, and experience true inner peace. Through gentle, supported yoga postures, mindful breathing, and guided relaxation, you’ll learn to release tension, calm the nervous system, and restore balance to mind and body. Sundari’s restorative sessions create a safe and nurturing environment where healing can naturally unfold – whether you are recovering from burnout, seeking emotional harmony, or simply craving stillness and self-care.

This workshop is perfect for anyone ,  whether you are new to yoga or an experienced practitioner who wishes to pause, reset, and reconnect with their inner light. Come rest, release, and rejuvenate – so you can return to your life renewed, centered, and glowing from within.

Facilitator: Nora Benian (Sundari)  is a multifaceted healer, teacher, and guide dedicated to empowering individuals on their journeys to wellness and self-discovery. A certified Sivananda Yoga teacher, Sundari teaches classes, workshops, and teacher trainings both online and at Sivananda Ashrams worldwide. Nora’s specialties include Yin Yoga, Restorative Yoga, Therapeutic Yoga, and Hatha Yoga—each practice tailored to nurture the body, mind, and spirit. Nora is also an author. Her upcoming book, 10 Effective Methods to Heal Yourself, is a practical guide designed to help readers unlock their innate healing potential and cultivate lasting well-being.

Intensive Asana Class with Mayavan

June 14th, Sunday, 8 am-11 am; $55

*(Intensive asana classes are offered once a month. To register for a package of 3 and receive 20% discount please click HERE)

Deepen your practice with an engaging three-hour class that combines practice and theory, taught by special visiting teacher Mayavan. Suitable for intermediate students, this class is an opportunity to challenge yourself and go further in your practice. And don’t worry: the time flies by! You will leave feeling uplifted and full of energy.

This class will allow you to:

• Fine-tune your practice, through personalized corrections
• Strengthen the legs, open the hips and mobilize the spine
• Tap in to more energy through the practice of Sun Salutations and dynamic asanas
• Increase overall strength and stability through standing poses
• Achieve steadiness and comfort in classical asanas
• Gain practical knowledge about the yoga practice and yogic lifestyle

Teacher: Mayavan has devoted his life to learning and teaching the art and science behind yogic practices. He has spent the past three decades in dedicated practice and service to his community. He holds a Masters in Yoga Therapy from Annamalai University in India and has earned the prestigious designations of Yoga Siromani, Yoga Acharya and Yoga Baskara. Mayavan is the director of Yogasalai, a yoga centre in Scarborough.

5Day Morning Pranayama practice

June 15th – 19th, 6am-7am, $55 (online)

Here are some of the benefits of pranayama:
-Optimal gas exchange (O2 and CO2)
-Oxygenation of tissues thanks to breath retention
-Harmonization of metabolic rates and chemical balance of the body
-Clearness of mind and stimulation of the parasympathetic system
-Improvement of digestion and fortification of the immune system

In order to benefit from this program, it is important to participate in all 5 sessions.

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.

Introduction to Meditation

June 26th-July 24th Fridays 6.30pm-7.45pm; $120

in person and online

Meditation is an invaluable tool for emotional balance and peace of mind . This course will provide step-by-step guidance for starting a meditation practice. It is helpful for those who are just starting  as well as those who would like to renew their commitment to this practice.

Topics covered  include:

-What is meditation and what are the benefits?

-How to start a meditation practice: The three fundamentals.

– Meditation for beginners and tips for those who are returning practitioners

-Mechanics of the mind: How the mind works and how meditation helps

-Mantras as tools for meditation

Course includes theory and practice, and is interactive.

Online participants will receive Zoom link a day before the course.

Headstand Workshop with Anantya

June 27th, Saturday, 1pm-2:30pm; $35

Headstand is the first of the 12 yoga poses practiced in our open class sequence.

This posture benefits the brain, spinal cord, and sympathetic nervous system, and strengthens the circulatory and respiratory systems.

If you are struggling with this pose, come for this workshop and receive additional assistance and support. We will review the eight steps for coming in and out of the pose safely and systematically and how to overcome common mistakes.

Teacher: Anantya has been a long time teacher who teaches regularly at Sivananda Yoga Center. He is able to connect with students of all levels and assist them in their yoga journey.

Therapeutic Yoga Workshop with Sundari

Saturday, July 11th. 1pm-3pm, $50

Join this Therapeutic Yoga workshop to breathe into deep spaces, release tension, support organ detox, and strengthen the small stabilizing muscles that restore alignment and boost energy flow. Using therapeutic sequences and strategic prop placement tailored to individual needs, we’ll gently work through tightness, stiffness, injuries, and pain.

The practice focuses on shoulders, hips, and spine with gentle rotations, undulations, stretches, and mild strengthening to improve mobility and resilience. These techniques enhance vitality, freedom of movement, and a felt sense of mind–body integration.

Leave feeling relaxed, rejuvenated, and blissful.

Facilitator: Nora Benian (Sundari)  is a multifaceted healer, teacher, and guide dedicated to empowering individuals on their journeys to wellness and self-discovery. A certified Sivananda Yoga teacher, Sundari teaches classes, workshops, and teacher trainings both online and at Sivananda Ashrams worldwide. Nora’s specialties include Yin Yoga, Restorative Yoga, Therapeutic Yoga, and Hatha Yoga—each practice tailored to nurture the body, mind, and spirit. Nora is also an author. Her upcoming book, 10 Effective Methods to Heal Yourself, is a practical guide designed to help readers unlock their innate healing potential and cultivate lasting well-being.

An Evening of Kirtan with Shell and Anton

August 17th, Monday 7pm-9pm. $50

Step into a warm, welcoming space and discover the heart-opening practice of Kirtan with Shell and Anton, who are on their Canadian Kirtan Tour and are coming to our Yoga Center as one of their stops to share in this Bhakti Yoga practice.
Kirtan is a simple, joyful form of group meditation that blends live music with call-and-response Mantra chanting. You don’t need any singing experience, just a willingness to listen, repeat, and be part of the shared sound. There’s no pressure to perform. We repeat the mantras to express, not to impress.

With the musical guidance of harmonium and percussion, Shell and Anton will lead us through each mantra at a relaxed pace. They will share short stories and clear explanations so you can understand the meaning and intention behind what you’re chanting. You are always welcome to join in, listen quietly, dance, or simply soak in the atmosphere.

Whether you are  completely new to Kirtan or returning to a beloved practice, this is a space to unwind, connect, and experience the calming, uplifting power of chanting together. Come as you are – your voice and your presence are enough.

Facilitators: Shell and Anton are Yoga Educators and international touring Kirtan artists who walk the joyful path of Bhakti Yoga. With over 35 years of combined practice, they have found their deepest inspiration in Kirtan – musical Mantra chanting that both soothes the mind and lifts the spirit. Feeling called to share the transformative power of Mantra with others, they blend tradition,
music, and heartfelt explanation with warmth and devotion, so communities feel at home in the Kirtan experience to sing, connect, and open their hearts. They have deepened their studies on several spiritual journeys through India guided by their beloved Guru and teacher, Sri Prasad Rangnekar based in Mumbai.

You can learn more about Shell and Anton at the links below:
 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@shellandreayogakirtan
 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shellyogakirtan/
 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shellyogakirtan
 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shell_and_anton
 Website: https://www.shellandreayoga.com/