The Fourth Trimester: Postpartum Reflections

The Fourth Trimester: Postpartum Reflections

By Brittany Webster, owner of Consciously Curated Home As an expectant mother, I found that the focus of maternity seemed to be on preparing for childbirth and creating a beautiful nursery room for my baby.  I could find books, guides, blogs and advice on morning sickness, birthing techniques, baby equipment and decorating - but those post-birth weeks when a mother is at her most vulnerable, when days are filled with feeding, changing, naps (and if you’re lucky you sneak in a shower) are shrouded in mystery. We don’t talk about the Fourth Trimester. Only a few select girlfriends imparted some honest words of wisdom having recently struggled through this time themselves.  In the Western world, by and large, we’re encouraged to get back to routine, work, our ‘pre-baby’ body.  These impossible standards, glorified in the media, on social, even by friends and family, are ridiculous. “You can’t even tell she had a baby!” “So when are you heading back to work?” In reality, we should be...
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Discovering the Path to Teaching

Discovering the Path to Teaching

Being a yoga teacher is more than poses. It's about guiding and inspiring others on their transformative journey. If you aspire to be a yoga teacher, here are some essential qualities to cultivate: 1️⃣ Dedication: Commit to personal practice. Continuously deepen your knowledge and refine your skills to provide authentic guidance to students. 2️⃣ Authenticity: Let your teaching reflect your genuine passion for yoga and create a space where students can connect with your authenticity. 3️⃣ Compassion: Create a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. 4️⃣ Communication: Develop communication skills to clearly articulate instructions, provide meaningful feedback, and create dialogue. 5️⃣ Adaptability: Be open to different needs and abilities. Adjust your teaching to the challenges of the class to create an inclusive and accessible practice. 6️⃣ Continuous Learning: Never stop learning. Explore diverse yoga styles, attend workshops and trainings to expand your knowledge and keep your teaching fresh. 7️⃣ Mindfulness: Cultivate presence and mindfulness. Lead...
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Yoga for Arthritis by Tracy Corneau

Yoga for Arthritis by Tracy Corneau

Yoga For Arthritis (YFA) You have likely heard the phrase: “I’m not flexible enough to do yoga”.  However, yoga also improves strength, balance, range of motion, and can lower levels of stress, anxiety and depression by contributing to better heart health and sleep. Yoga can be especially helpful for those living with a chronic illness. Background According to the Arthritis Society, 1 in 5 or 6 million Canadians are living with arthritis and as many as 25,000 children seek healthcare for arthritis.  Women are more likely than men to have arthritis.  It is Canada’s most common chronic disease for which there is currently no cure and by 2040, it is estimated that 50% more people will have arthritis. Leading Types of Arthritis The two leading forms of arthritis are Osteoarthritis (OA) and Rheumatoid arthritis (RA).  Osteoarthritis is traditionally viewed as wear and tear on the weight bearing joints such as the hips, spine and knees as well as in the hands, feet, ankles or neck. ...
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Ginger Cookie Recipe

Ginger Cookie Recipe

Always a hit and these make the house smell so amazing. Devinder's Mom, Josephine, baked these cookies for well over a decade for students to enjoy with tea after yoga class on Sundays. We're looking forward to bringing this tradition back to the Centre in 2023! Ingredients: 3/4 cup vegetable shortening or butter1 cup sugar2 eggs (or egg substitute)2 cups flour2 tsp baking soda1 tsp each ginger, cinnamon and clove1/4 cup molasses1/2 tsp salt Directions: Blend together shortening and sugar, then add eggs and molasses.Mix all dry ingredients together and slowly add it to the wet mix.Spoon into small balls and flatten on a cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees F for 10 to 12 minutes. ...
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Yoga Teacher Training FAQs

Yoga Teacher Training FAQs

Our yoga journey is a very individual experience transpiring within a community practice, or at least that’s our perception. You may find in discussion with other yogis similarities to your internal practice, reactions and questions. This is certainly true when it comes to choosing a yoga teacher training! We may all have a very unique experience, but we often have the same curiosities and questions ahead of the training itself. To help you make the right decision for your yoga teacher training experience, here are some questions we frequently get asked and the best answer we can supply without knowing you and your context individually. Is my yoga practice advanced enough to do a yoga teacher training? Although we have had students with very little experience ahead of their training, it’s best to have a regular yoga practice ahead of your yoga teacher training. The more experience you have, the more information you have to apply to what you learn. When yogis...
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Work Exchange and Scholarship Program

Work Exchange and Scholarship Program

We recognise that Yoga Teacher Training is a life commitment and that it can also present financial challenges. Since 2008, through the generosity of donations and believing in the concept of serving one’s community, we have been offering Work Exchange and Scholarship positions for our 200-hour Hatha Yoga Teacher Training and 200-hour Kundalini Yoga Teacher Training Programs. As of 2021, over 125 individuals have participated in this program. In the spirit of community and to support students becoming yoga teachers we welcome you to explore and share in these amazing opportunities. Work Exchange Program In exchange for working with the teacher trainers, this program offers the ability for a student to earn full certification at no monetary cost, (excluding the cost of textbooks, retreat accommodations, and food). Participation in this program requires full attendance on all weekends and the commitment of approximately 40 hours of seva or service hours. The work exchange program is available to students with an annual income of less than...
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950 Gladstone Ave. Opens December 27!

950 Gladstone Ave. Opens December 27!

Announcing our OPENING DATE! SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27! We’re happy to announce that PranaShanti Yoga Centre will open at 950 Gladstone Ave. on Sunday, December 27! As we wrap up construction and get ready to receive you, we will continue with our current Class Schedule and Wellness Appointments from our 45 Eccles Street location until December 23. We will be closed December 24, 25 and 26 for the holidays. December 27-30: We will offer our current Class Schedule of Interactive Live Stream Classes and In Person Classes plus Wellness Appointments all from 950 Gladstone Ave. December 31: Closed for New Year’s Eve. January 1: Open for 8 Specialty Classes to celebrate the New Year! January 2 and Onward: Open with our NEW and EXPANDED Class Schedule and wellness offerings. To learn more and stay up to date, keep an eye on our website and sign up for our newsletter at www.pranashanti.com ...
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10 Great Reasons to do Teacher Training at PranaShanti!

10 Great Reasons to do Teacher Training at PranaShanti!

10 GREAT reasons to do your Teacher Training at PranaShanti! 10. A Spacious Centre Our Centre has four practice Studios, which means that Teacher Training is always in the largest space reserved just for trainings. The consistency and preparation of a space makes training a comfortable experience! You'll always have the kitchen available to you so you can bring your own food to prepare, and there's no moving around to other spaces to accommodate classes. 9. We're Well Equipped We're really equipped because of the diversity of trainings and classes we host!  Whether you want to teach Hot Yoga or Restorative Yoga in the future, your Teacher Training will have many yoga props so you can be supported in your training and learn the full spectrum of how to support yoga students. 8. In A Great Neighbourhood Enjoy free parking evenings and weekends, so if you're not locking your bike up outside, you don't need to fuss with parking tickets. There are two vegan restaurants, two...
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10 Great Reasons to do 300 Hour Hatha Yoga Teacher Training at PranaShanti

10 Great Reasons to do 300 Hour Hatha Yoga Teacher Training at PranaShanti

10 GREAT Reasons to do your 300 Hour Hatha Yoga Teacher Training at PranaShanti 1.  Yoga Alliance PranaShanti Yoga Centre is a Registered Yoga School.  We are registered with Yoga Alliance for 200 and 300 Hour Programs. Upon completion, you are eligible to register as RYT 500 with Yoga Alliance. 2. Past Courses Count Previous courses you have taken at PranaShanti Yoga Centre may count towards your 300 Hour certification. Check in with us because you may be well on your way to completion! 3. Our Faculty We have an experienced teaching team of local and international faculty including Max Strom, Anodea Judith, Bryan Kest, Bo Forbes, Barrie Risman, and more... 4. Choose Your Path The program is modular with a wide variety of course options to explore. A well-designed schedule means that you can customize your learning path based on your needs and interests. 5. Time is On Your Side We know that learning is a process and acknowledge that life can have ups and downs so we allow...
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300 Hour Hatha Yoga Teacher Training Program Launch

300 Hour Hatha Yoga Teacher Training Program Launch

We're excited to be featured in the December 2017 issue of ON Yoga Magazine.  There's a great article about our upcoming 300 Hour Hatha Yoga Teacher Training Program that we are launching in January 2018.  The program is set and registration is OPEN! PranaShanti Yoga Centre’s HYTT 300-Hour Program is a comprehensive course of study that delves deeply into all aspects of Yoga, thus, building on the knowledge and skills developed at the 200-Hour Level. This self-paced modular approach to advanced Yogic education allows you to customize a pathway based on your own unique needs. Believing in studying with a variety of highly trained teachers increases everyone’s knowledge and depth of experience, our dedicated and skilled faculty deliver a well-rounded curriculum that enables you to refine your expertise in particular areas of interest due to their areas of specialization. Read the ON YOGA article Learn more about the 300 Hour Program Meet the Teaching Team Program Schedule Program Registration...
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