Japanese Cooking Workshop (Spring Menu)

with Nalini

Saturday, April 5th, 1.30pm-4.30pm, $65

In this workshop, we will use tofu as the main ingredient for a light, spring menu. From crispy tofu balls to savoury miso soups, you will learn how to create plant-based meals using fresh, seasonal ingredients. Whether you are new to cooking or looking to expand your skills, Nalini will lead you in creating  easy and healthy Japanese recipes.

Bring your aprons and chopsticks!

Teacher: Nalini has long time yoga practitioner and staff at the Sivananda yoga Center. She is originally from Japan and will bring her expertise to all yogis in order to craft meals that are balanced and nutritious.

April 9th – May 7th, Wednesdays 6:30pm – 8:00pm. $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  Yoga Retreat: April 13th , Sunday 9am-3.30pm; $150  (Please register by FRIDAY, April 11th!)

Escape the noise of everyday life and immerse yourself in  Ayurveda and Yoga retreat. Yoga and Ayurveda are complementary Vedic disciplines that have many therapeutic benefits for the health of the body and mind. This urban retreat will start with meditation , followed by Yoga class and workshop on Ayurvedic nutrition and cooking. We will all share breakfast and Ayurvedic lunch . You don’t have to be familiar with meditation to participate and should have a basic practice of yoga postures and breathing techniques.

SCHEDULE:

• 9am Meditation
• 9.30am Yoga Class
• 11am Vegetarian Breakfast
• 11.30 Ayurvedic Nutrition and Cooking workshop with Dr Sonal Bhatt
• 2.30 Ayurvedic lunch
• -3.30 pm Tea

Introduction to Meditation

April 25th-May 23, Fridays 6.30pm-7.45pm

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

Bhagavad Gita Course with Maheswari

April 26-May 24; 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.

Adapted Yoga Teacher Training with Mayavan

April 26th Sat 9am-3pm (with lunch break)

April 27th Sun 9am-3pm (with lunch break)

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

Yoga forFascia Stretch and Release with Padmini

May 10th,  Saturday: 1pm-3pm

Cost: $38In this workshop we will begin with breathing exercises and then hold yoga poses (asanas) in a
passive, yielding and meditative manner for longer periods in order to stretch and release
fascia, the connective tissue that supports muscles, tendons, ligaments, tissues, organs, nerves,
joints, and bones.
Benefits:
. improved mobility, flexibility and range of motion
. improved circulation
. removal of blockages, thus allowing Prana, the vital energy, to flow more freely
. deep relaxation and inner stillness
Please feel free to bring your own blocks, cushions, bolsters and/or blankets.
Caution:
If you have or have had hip, back, pelvic, or leg injuries or surgery, or if you have spinal disc issues, please talk
to your doctor to determine if this workshop is appropriate for you.

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

Meditation level 2

May 10-June 7, Saturdays, 1pm-2.15pm, $75

In Person at the Yoga Center and Online via Zoom

Intensive Asana Class with Mayavan

May 11th, Sunday, 7am-10am; $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.

Kirtan and Chai

Saturday, May 17th, 1-2.30pm; $30

Join us for an afternoon of chanting and connection. We will learn simple kirtan and use music to express our inner journey. As we share our experiences, enjoy a warm cup of Ayurvedic chai served by our center staff. No experience is needed – just an open heart!

We look forward to seeing you all!

Integrative Approach to Managing Stress and Anxiety with Saraswati

Saturday,May 24th  1pm-3.30pm; $55

Learn practical techniques to manage stress and anxiety. This workshop explores the sources of stress and suffering from both Western and Yogic perspectives. Through reflection exercises and guided practices, you will develop skills that you can apply in daily life to build a more supportive connection with yourself and others. No prior yoga experience is required.