Programs

Headstand Workshop

April 20th , Saturday, 1pm-2:30pm; $30

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.

Pranayama practice

April 27th-May 5th, 6am-7am, $85 (online)

Start your mornings with an invigorating  practice!

The challenge will include Sun Salutations to warm up the body, 40 minutes of pranayama (Kapalabhati and Anuloma Viloma), and guided relaxation. These practices help to strengthen the respiratory system, increase stamina and  keep good physical health. They also help keep the mind calm and peaceful.

You have to be well  familiar with these practices  in order to participate in the course. If you have any questions regarding the course  please contact us and we will be happy to help you

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 9 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.

Intensive Asana Class with Mayavan

April 28th, 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 asana practice with this special class. The classes will aim to:

• Strengthen the legs, open the hips and mobilize the spine
• Bring 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

Challenge the mind, increase your awareness, and enjoy the many benefits of hatha yoga practice!

Suitable for intermediate practitioners wishing to go further into their asana practice.

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 holds Masters in Yoga Therapy from Ammalai University, India and is the director of Yoga Salai, yoga center in Scarborough.

Sun Salutation Workshop

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.

Sun Salutions (Adapt the Practice): Sunday , May 12th, 7am-10am; $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.

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.