Yoga Workshops, Courses and Events

Overcoming Fear and Anxiety

with Saraswati

Saturday, October 4th 1pm-4pm; $50

Many of the challenges we face in daily life come from the way our minds interpret and react to experience. Both Yogic philosophy and modern psychology describe how unhelpful patterns of thinking can create suffering, and how we can learn to shift them.

In this workshop, we will:

• Reflect on common patterns of distorted thinking, drawing from both Yogic wisdom and psychology, and examine how they contribute to fear, stress and disconnection.

• Learn the “cognitive triangle” – the interplay of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors – as a practical path for change.

• Practice simple breathing and meditation to calm and focus the mind, and explore why these tools help with inner transformation.

Teacher: Saraswati has been a long-time staff member of the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta organization and is the director of the Toronto Yoga Center. She has taught Yoga to students of all ages.  Saraswati also has a background in social work and psychotherapy, and she is happy to facilitate workshops focused on supporting mental well-being.

5Day Morning Pranayama practice

October 6th – 10th, 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.

Headstand Workshop with Anantya

October 18th, 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.

Bhagavad Gita Course with Maheswari (ONLINE)

October 18th- December 6th (8 classes) ; Saturdays 1pm-2.15pm $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.

Students will receive Zoom link for this course two days before the course start date.

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.

Ayurvedic Cooking Workshop

Saturday, October 25th; 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

Intensive Asana Class with Mayavan

October 26th, Sunday, 7 am-10 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.

Meditation level 2

November 1st-29th; Saturdays 1pm-2.15pm;  $85

Meditation is considered the most important of all the Yoga techniques and is an invaluable tool for emotional balance and peace of mind.

In this course you will continue to be guided in your meditation practice and in creating a lifestyle conducive for successful meditation. You will thus be encouraged to bring your meditation practice in more areas of your life in order to build greater resilience, inner peace and focus, specially in these challenging times.

With Meditation 2:

• Learn how to better integrate meditation into your life
• Deepen your understanding of the nature of mind and thoughts
• Discover and overcome the various obstacles to meditation
• Mantra practice and how to find suitable mantra for personal practice

Suitable for students who have completed our Introduction to Meditation, or who are intermediate meditation practitioners.

The course is offered online and in person. Online students will receive Zoom link two days before the course.

Introduction to Meditation

November 7th-December 5th ;  6.30pm-7.45pm , $85

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

• Online participants will receive a Zoom link two days before the course

Hip Opening Variations with Chandrika

Sunday, November 9th, 9.30 am-11.30am; $35

This is intermediate level  class that focuses on releasing tension in the hips, a common area of tightness from prolonged sitting and daily stress. Students will learn variations of yoga asanas specifically designed to open the hips, improve flexibility, relieve lower back discomfort, and increase overall mobility. Through gentle stretches, variations of basic yoga postures, and guided breathing, students explore safe, accessible techniques to support their body and wellbeing.

Teacher: Chandrika has been a dedicated staff member at Sivananda Ashram Yoga Camp for many years, supporting teacher training courses and guiding students in their yoga practice. Her extensive knowledge and years of committed practice help students deepen their understanding of yoga, while her encouragement and supportive approach inspire them to grow, learn, and bring out their best selves.

Introduction to Meditation
Wednesday, November 12; 7:00 – 8:30pm; $35

Meditation can be practiced by anyone. With regular practice, it can have many benefits:
. reduced stress
. anxiety management
. improved focus and attention
. lowered blood pressure
. improved sleep
. improved memory
. emotional balance and peace of mind

In this workshop, you will learn about meditation, how to start a meditation practice, and how
to incorporate it into your daily life. You will also have an opportunity to practice meditation. This workshop is suitable for beginners and is a good introduction to our five-week meditation course.

Teacher: Padmini is an experienced Sivananda Yoga teacher who has been practising and teaching at the Yoga Centre for many years and is dedicated to supporting students in their practice by offering her knowledge and guidance.

Yoga for Fascia Stretch and Release with Padmini

November 22nd,  Saturday: 1pm – 3pm

Cost: $38

Fascia is connective tissue in the body that supports muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, bones,
organs, blood vessels, and nerves. It plays a key role in flexibility, mobility, and posture.

In this workshop, yoga poses (asanas) will be held in a yielding and meditative manner for longer periods in order to stretch and loosen fascia in selected areas of the body. To enhance the benefits of the asanas, breathing exercises and a short meditation will also be included.

Benefits:
. improved mobility and range of motion
. improved flexibility
. improved circulation
. removal of blockages, which allows Prana, the vital energy, to flow more freely
. deep relaxation and inner stillness
. reduction in stress and tension

This workshop is suitable for yoga students of all levels.
Please feel free to bring your own blocks, cushions, belts, bolsters, and/or blankets.

Teacher: Padmini is an experienced Sivananda Yoga teacher with a special interest in Hatha Yoga. Padmini has been practising and teaching at the Yoga Centre for many years and is dedicated to supporting students in their practice by offering her knowledge and guidance.

Urban Hatha Yoga Retreat with Mayavan

November 23rd , Sunday 7 am-4.30 pm; $108

Chanting and Kirtan with Ramdass

Saturday, November 29th; 1pm-2.30pm; $30

If you love kirtan or are curious to explore this form of devotional chanting, this workshop provides a welcoming space. You will have the opportunity to learn traditional Sivananda chants, discover new ones, understand the meanings behind the chants, and, most importantly, sing together while experiencing the uplifting vibrations of shared practice.

Kirtan is a form of chanting rooted in the Bhakti Yoga tradition of India, where sacred mantras are sung in an accessible call-and-response style. By combining music, rhythm, and repetition, kirtan helps quiet the mind, open the heart, and foster a sense of community.

Teacher:  Ramdass has been involved with the Sivananda Yoga Centre for a couple of years, teaching yoga and participating in satsang. Ever since he heard kirtan for the first time, he has felt connected to its uplifting vibrations. Chanting kirtan has helped him open his voice, release emotions, and connect with higher energy. Ramdass hopes to share what he has learned and help others experience the benefits of chanting.

Yoga for the Lower Back with Padmini

Saturday, December 6
1:00 – 3:00pm; $38

Lower back tightness and aches are often the result of sitting or standing for long periods of
time and/or of insufficient physical activity. To address the tightness and aches, this workshop
will include breathing exercises (pranayama) and focus on specific asanas (yoga postures) and
exercises that:
– stretch and strengthen muscles and connective tissue in the back
– stretch and strengthen muscles and connective tissue in the legs
– strengthen core muscles
– promote flexibility and range of motion
– relieve physical and emotional tension
– promote efficient breathing and mental focus
This workshop is suitable for yoga students of all levels.

Teacher: Padmini is an experienced Sivananda Yoga teacher with a special interest in Hatha Yoga. Padmini has been practising and teaching at the Yoga Centre for many years and is dedicated to supporting students in their practice by offering her knowledge and guidance.