Programs

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

5Day Morning Pranayama practice

December 1st – 5th, 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.

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.

Chanting and Kirtan with Ramdass

Saturday, December 6th; 3pm-4.30pm; $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.

Christmas Party with Ken Whiteley

Friday, December 12th, 8pm

Join us to celebrate the Holidays with the Sivananda family!  We will start the evening with Satsang, followed by Christmas Carols with our long-time teacher, dedicated yogi,  and acclaimed musician, Ken Whiteley (https://www.kenwhiteley.com/).

Bring a dessert or finger food to share for our potluck dinner.

If you would like to participate in the talent show, sign-up sheets will be available at the reception. No talent is too small or too big to share!

***We are collecting lightly used winter clothing (especially gloves and hats!!) for TrueNorth Medical Center – addiction medicine program. Please bring with you if you can!

Introduction to Meditation

January 9th – February 6th, Fridays 6:30pm – 7:45pm; $85

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

POST-HOLIDAYS DETOX YOGA with Padmini

Saturday, January 17, 2026; 1pm-3pm cost: 45$

After the busyness, festivities, and indulgences of the holiday season, take some time to
unwind, recharge, and detoxify in this workshop. Emerge with a sense of equanimity and
serenity.
The workshop will include breathing exercises, yogic exercises, and asanas (yoga poses) that:
– support detoxification of the body
– aid digestion
– stimulate the circulatory, lymphatic, and immune systems
– improve the flow of prana (the vital energy)
– calm and focus the mind
It will conclude with a short meditation practice.
For optimal benefits, it is recommended to participate on an empty or nearly empty stomach.

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.

February 12th – March 12th,  Wednesdays, 6:30 pm $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.