Introduction to Meditation

June 20th-July 18th, Fridays 6.30pm-7.45pm; $75

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

Certified Pranayama Training Course:  Understanding the Science and Practice of Breath Regulation

June 21st and 22nd; $375

Schedule: Saturday: 7am – 2pm with a break for lunch;  Sunday: 7am – 12 noon with a break for breakfast

Open to Yoga teachers of all traditions and yoga practitioners with regular pranayama practice. 10 continuing education hours and certificate of completion recognized by Yoga Alliance is awarded to all students who complete the course

This course offers a structured approach to understanding pranayama, the yogic practice of breath regulation. Open to yoga teachers of all traditions as well as yoga practitioners with a regular practice, the course provides both theoretical foundations and practical applications. Students will study the concept of prana (vital life force) and examine how the energy body interacts with the physical and mental states through breath. The curriculum explores how specific breathing patterns influence the autonomic nervous system, affect physiological and psychological functioning, and can be applied to support emotional regulation and physical well-being.

Course content includes:

• The physiology of breathing and its connection to the nervous system

• Mechanisms of prana and its role in yogic and scientific models

• How specific pranayama techniques activate or calm different systems in the body

• Application of breath regulation for stress, anxiety, and attention

• In-depth study of practices and techniques such as anuloma viloma, kapalabhati, bhastrika, and kumbhaka

• Safety, contraindications, and how to adapt practices to different populations

Pranayama is increasingly recognized as a somatic intervention with measurable health benefits. Research has shown that slow and regulated breathing can improve heart rate variability, reduce cortisol levels, activate the vagus nerve, and enhance parasympathetic function. These changes are directly linked to improved mental focus, emotional balance, and reduced symptoms of anxiety and trauma-related conditions.

Despite this evidence, pranayama remains underutilized in mainstream therapeutic settings. As noted in The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk, many people living with trauma require body-based interventions to help regulate the nervous system. Breath control is one such tool, yet most clinical recommendations are limited to basic techniques like square breathing or longer exhalations. This course addresses some of that gap by offering a more comprehensive understanding of pranayama’s therapeutic potential, rooted in both traditional yogic frameworks and contemporary research.

TEACHER: Mayavan is an experienced Yoga teacher and dedicated student of Yoga who has spent many years in dedicated practice and service to his community. Mayvan is a director of Yoga Salai, a yoga center in Scarborough,  and holds a Master’s degree in Yoga from Annamalai University, where he also serves as a faculty member.

Bhagavad Gita Course with Maheswari

June 21st – July 19th; Saturdays 1pm-2:15pm $75

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.

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.

Intensive Asana Class with Mayavan

June 29th, 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.