Ottawa Yoga Blog - PranaShanti Yoga Centre Ottawa

The Basics of Kundalini Yoga

August 29, 2019August 29, 2019 by Devinder Kaur7 Comments

Kundalini Yoga is the fastest growing Yoga. It's known as the Yoga of Awareness – it consists of simple yogic techniques that can be enjoyed by everyone, no matter their age or physical ability. Kundalini is a holistic practice that includes breathwork (pranayama), yoga postures (asanas), sound (gong), chanting silently or out loud (mantra), and meditation. This is a wonderful yoga practice that is done at your own individual pace, and everyone can do. From your very first class you’ll start reaping the rewards, whether you’re new to yoga, or you’re looking to expand your yoga practice to include some more spiritual and meditative work. Here's some Q&A's to help get you started in learning more about this style of Yoga. Why do we cover our head? In Kundalini yoga it is recommended to keep the hair up and to wear a white headcover to better receive the solar energy, which will merge with the Kundalini energy rising from the root chakra and help...

10 Great Reasons to do Teacher Training at PranaShanti!

August 27, 2019August 27, 2019 by Devinder Kaur2 Comments

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...

What is Therapeutic Yoga?

August 27, 2019January 7, 2024 by Devinder Kaur6 Comments

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=601s4_k6yaw Hello, my name is Kathleen! I’m a Certified Yoga Therapist (C-IAYT) and Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT). You can find me guiding Therapeutic Yoga classes at PranaShanti Yoga Centre and helping to coordinate the Hatha Yoga Teacher Training 300 Hour Program. The front desk receives plenty of questions about Therapeutic Yoga classes so I’d like to share information and dispel any misconceptions. People sometimes ask: “am I signing up for talk therapy?” or “is this physiotherapy?” – no, Therapeutic Yoga classes do not incorporate talk therapy or physiotherapy. Therapeutic Yoga weaves together ancient yogic tools including, breath techniques (Pranayama), hand gestures (Mudra), vocal tones (Mantra), gentle movement (Asana), and different forms of meditation. From my studies of Hatha Yoga at PranaShanti, Integrative Yoga Therapy at Kripalu and other training, I recognize that all facets of yoga contribute to health and healing on all dimensions of being. I’m passionate about creating inclusive spaces and sharing simple yet powerful self-healing practices. Therapeutic Yoga classes are trauma-informed...

Summertime Fun SAVINGS! Enjoy FREE Yoga in August!

July 1, 2019August 29, 2019 by Devinder KaurNo Comments

Our annual Summertime Fun Savings begins on July 1st! We're always so impressed how dedicated our yogis are through the Ottawa winter, that when it comes to summer, we want to help you maintain the benefits of a regular yoga practice for health and vibrancy through the warm months. That's why between July 1st to August 31st, 2019, when you purchase a 10 or 20 class package, you'll receive some FREE yoga in the month of August. The class packages do not expire and the bonus classes are valid for use between August 1 to August 31st, 2019. When you purchase... A 10 class package = 5 free August classes. A 20 class package = 10 free August classes. You can purchase online or at the Centre, and your classes will be added to your account. It's a tremendous thing to get extra support in maintaining your practice! Yoga's a little like regular tune ups and oil changes on your car: even if you do it really...

Yoga in the Park 2019

June 9, 2019September 4, 2023 by Devinder Kaur7 Comments

Summertime Yoga in the Parkdale Market Park! Every Saturday morning in July and August come join us over at the Parkdale Market for Yoga in the Park. We begin on Saturday, July 6th! Take classes with your favourite PranaShanti Teachers! These classes are FREE and ALL ages and levels are welcome! Bring your yoga mat or beach towel and get ready to practice yoga outdoors in the summer sunshine! Rain or shine, we’ll be there! Time 9:45 am to 10:45 am Location Parkdale Park, Hintonburg - 223 Armstrong St., Ottawa, ON. From Parkdale Avenue, the park is located behind the Parkdale Market vendors. There is street parking available....

Community Yoga – Fridays at 7:30 pm

May 22, 2019May 22, 2019 by Devinder KaurNo Comments

Every Friday evening enjoy a Yoga class that supports our Community. Each week different Teachers-in-Training from our 300 Hour Hatha Yoga Teacher Training Program volunteer to guide an all levels Hatha Yoga Class. All of the teachers are already 200 hour trained Yoga Teachers and your participation helps them to further refine their teaching skills. Classes are suitable for all ages and abilities! Day: Fridays Time: 7:30 pm to 8:15 pm Cost: $5.00 + tax or use your PranaShanti Class Card. Community Yoga classes are a great way to connect with others, support a Teacher-in-Training and the ongoing PranaShanti Work Exchange and Scholarship programs. Sign Up...

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

May 22, 2019October 6, 2025 by Devinder KaurNo Comments

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...

Family Day at PranaShanti

February 13, 2019February 25, 2019 by Devinder KaurNo Comments

This Family Day bring a family member or friend & spread love with YOGA! All PranaShanti package-holders and members are invited to bring a friend or family member for FREE to any of our drop-in classes. When: Monday, February 18th, all day and all Drop-In Classes. Details: Your guest may be new to us or a student who has been here before as long as they do not have a current class package or membership. Limit 1 family member per package holder/member. Please check in at the Front Desk when you arrive! Class Schedule...

Exploring Empowerment with Power Yoga

February 4, 2019August 7, 2020 by Devinder KaurNo Comments

International Speaker Bryan Kest: This March 29-31, 2019, at PranaShanti we have the pleasure of hosting the founder of Power Yoga, Bryan Kest, for an exhilarating full weekend seminar. This is sure to be a Power Yoga weekend like no other but before we get into the details let’s debunk the true meaning behind this powerful practice as explained by the founder himself. For many students this style is often overlooked as the term "Power" is often attributed to negative thoughts of physically challenging sequences with no end. When Kest created this style in the 90's he named it Power Yoga after it's incredibly Empowering nature. Instead of thinking of this style as just Power Yoga, shift your perspective to think of it as EmPOWERment Yoga. To Kest, Power yoga is not only about the physical nature of his classes but of the post- yoga feeling of complete empowerment. How many times have you stepped out of a class feeling...

Minecraft and Mindfulness

January 10, 2019February 4, 2021 by Devinder KaurNo Comments

Minecraft and Mindfulness - Navigating our kids through the digital world and how yoga and mindfulness can help. By Victoria Lynes, Certified Children's Yoga Teacher and Mindfulness Educator Maybe you have you heard the latest catchphrase in regards to kids and technology? “Digital Heroin”. Whoa. It’s a harsh term. Very scary if you are a parent watching your child loose themselves in cyberspace…and it plays into our parental guilt and fear. Dr. Nicholas Kardaras, used this terminology recently in his article that went viral last summer from the New York Post, titled ‘It’s ‘digital heroin’: How screens turn kids into psychotic junkies’. The article suggests that, “iPads, smartphones and Xboxes are a form of digital drug. Recent brain imaging research is showing that they affect the brain’s frontal cortex — which controls executive functioning, including impulse control — in exactly the same way that cocaine does. Technology is so hyper-arousing that it raises dopamine levels — the feel-good neurotransmitter most involved in the addiction dynamic.” ...