Programs

Sun Salutation Series: The Cycle

Sunday, May 5th 9am-11am; $45

REGISTER HERE for all 3 workshops (Sunday, May 12th and Sunday , May 19th): $100

This is the first in the series of Sun Salution workshops  in which students will learn how to break down the Sun salutations practice to create a structured plan for approaching it. Sun Salutations involve a sequence of 12 steps repeated in cycles, reflecting its rhythmic nature. These cycles synchronize with the body’s biological rhythms, aligning with the universal flow. By becoming attuned to your biological rhythms, you can systematically build your practice, enhancing its effectiveness.

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

Meditation level 2

May 10th- June 7th, Fridays, 6:45pm-8pm, $75

In Person at the Yoga Center and Online via Zoom

Sun Salutions Series: Adapt the Practice- Sunday , May 12th, 7am-9am; $45

This is the 2nd workshop in the Sun Salutions series.

To REGISTER  HERE for all 3 workshops (The Cycle-May 5th, and 108 Sun Salutations on May 19th): $100

(offered in person and online)

Tailor your Sun salutations practice according to the ancient elemental principles. Understand how different constitutions—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—affect your approach and experience of the practice. Learn how Sun salutations influence the body and mind’s bio-rhythms, and recognize potential limitations based on your constitution.

In our workshop, we’ll provide personalized guidance to craft a practice plan that aligns with your individual constitution. We’ll explore how to set goals based on your strengths and strategically overcome biological limitations. This approach ensures that your Sun salutations practice optimally supports your well-being, considering your unique biological makeup.

Online students will receive Zoom link a few days before the workshop.

About the Teacher: Mayavan is the 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 faculty. He is an experienced yoga teacher and dedicated student who has spent many years in serious practice and service to his community.

Introduction to Meditation

May 17th-June 14th, Fridays 5.30pm-6.30pm

In person and Online

Meditation is an invaluable tool for emotional balance and peace of mind. This course will provide step to 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

The Course includes theory and practice, and is interactive: participants are welcome to ask questions.

Please find a quiet place where you can take the course so you can enjoy the effects of the practice.

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

Sun Salutations Series: 108 Sun Salutations- May 19th, Sunday, 7-9am; $45

This is the 3rd workshop in Sun Salutation series.

REGISTER HERE for all 3 workshops (The Cycle, May 5th and Adapting, May 12th: $100

(offered in-person and online)

In this class, Mayavan will lead us through 108 rounds of Sun Salutations. It is an ideal way to increase your energy and welcome the spring.

The Sun Salutation is a graceful sequence of twelve positions performed as one continuous exercise. Each position counteracts the one before, stretching the body differently and alternately expanding and contracting the chest to regulate breathing. You have to be familiar and comfortable with the practice of Sun Salutations to follow the class. However, you do not need to do each round continuously. Stay comfortable and rest in a relaxation posture (savasana) when you need to and rejoin after that.

In Hindu mythology, the sun god, Surya,  is worshipped as a symbol of health and immortal life. The Rig Veda declares that “Surya is the Soul, both of the moving and unmoving beings”. The Sun Salutation originated as a series of prostrations to the sun. Traditionally, it is performed at dawn, facing the rising sun. In time, each of the twelve positions came to have its own mantra, each celebrating an aspect of the sun’s divinity.

(Online students will be sent a Zoom link a couple of days before the class)

Teacher: Mayavan has been practicing yoga since childhood. He holds a Master’s in Yoga Therapy degree from Annamalai University, India, and is a director of Yoga Salai, a community-based yoga center in Scarborough.

Clearing Energy and Balancing Chakras