Aromatherapy & Hot Stone Restorative Yoga | In-Person
Saturday, April 1st, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
In-Person
Join Anne Wanda Tessier for a special 90-minute Restorative Yoga practice combined with the use hot stones and aromatherapy!
In this all-levels yoga practice, Anne will begin with aromatherapy and a meditation to calm the mind and allow you to drop in to the experience.
You will then be guided in a restorative yoga practice, which will be enhanced with essential oils and the use of hot stones. The heat and weight from the stones will help ground the body and assist is releasing muscle tension while we explore various supported poses.
Relax, restore and renew the body, and soothe the mind and nervous system with this unique yoga experience.
Cost: $55.00 per person in advance, $60.00 per person, day of.
"If you just allow your body and mind to rest, the healing will come by itself”. Thich Nhat Hanh
Join Sharon Pitawanakwat for an afternoon of deep relaxation and healing as you immerse yourself into the sound vibration of the Gong.
The Gong is sometimes referred to as the instrument of healing. The incredible sound vibration of the Gong supports a deeper ability to relax, balances the nervous and glandular systems of the body, opens the Chakras to revitalize energy pathways, soothes emotional and physical pain, can even support an overall emotional transformation AND it just feels wonderful.
In this world of rapid change, incredible stress and uncertainty, isolation and disconnection from our true self; taking time to rejuvenate and heal yourself in mind, body and soul is crucial.
During our 75-minute practice, participants will engage in a warm up sequence of Kundalini inspired pranayama and physical movement, rest and rejuvenate to the sound current of the Gong and practice a healing meditation known as the Siri Gayatri Mantra - Ra Ma Da Sa, Sa Say So Hung.
Cost: PranaShanti Drop-In, Class Package or Membership. All levels and abilities welcome.
Tuesday, March 28th to Tuesday, April 4th, 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Online and/or In-Person Course
For Yoga Teachers of ALL disciplines and Students interested in Teaching Yoga!
Yoga is growing, evolving and becoming more widely available.
Yoga Teachers need to be of service to their communities but also need to navigate the challenges of ensuring their own sustainability.
In this course, we will explore:
The key aspects to consider when developing a Yoga Teacher business plan and your approach to teaching
Tools for the effective day-to-day management of your Yoga Teaching business
Identifying and articulating your unique offerings as a Yoga Teacher
How to establish yourself as a professional in field of many Yoga Teachers
Determining the most practical paths to gain teaching experience and professional development
Tips and techniques for teaching online classes
Learning Objectives:
Identify your core strengths as a Yoga Teacher.
Learn about the various niche areas of teaching and explore where you want to take your teaching focus.
Receive guidance on your plan/approach for your yoga teaching career and business.
Dates and Times:
March 28, 2023 and April 4, 2023
Two (2) Tuesday evening sessions: 6 pm ET to 9 pm ET
Cost:SAVE with the Early Bird! $250.00 per person before January 31, 2023, $295.00 per person thereafter.
If you live away from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, and would like printed training materials to be sent to you, please ensure you sign up at least 10 days before the course start date in order for us to ship the materials to you. Otherwise e-documents will be provided, where possible.
Note:This course is open to the general public. 6 months to 1 year of regular yoga practice is recommended for participation.
There will be pre-reading and an assignment between the 2 sessions.
300 Hour Program - Core Module - 10 Hours
Location: PranaShanti Education Centre, 45 Eccles Street, Ottawa, Ontario, (Chinatown).
Our 2,500 square foot Education Centre offers a large open concept training area with high ceilings and an abundance of natural light and excellent ventilation. There is a kitchenette with fridge, microwave, kettle and dishware. We have a dining/boardroom with conference table and chairs, 2 gender neutral bathrooms, reading room, mini Boutique and our Administration Office.
The full moon is a special time, especially for those who are following a yogic path, because it is an optimum time for clearing and balancing our mind and our energy.
The moon is deeply and intimately connected with our mind and our thoughts. Meditation can help to cleanse feelings of agitation, and can even provide us with a great opportunity to let go of the mental or emotional baggage that has been weighing us down.
Meditating at the full moon also help us to unleash our creativity, whether we are focused on specific creative projects or we need new ways of thinking about the problems and issues we are facing. This practice can help us to release old, stuck, energy that no longer serves us.
During the class, we will clear our mind and balance our body’s chakras (energy centers) through a variety of Kundalini Yoga practices including breath work (pranayam), meditation, and a yoga nidra savasana (relaxation).
Cost: PranaShanti Drop-In Fee, Class Package or Membership.
Using sound as a form of healing dates back to ancient cultures. Records of using gongs have surfaced from as early as ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman times.
A Gong Meditation, is a form of sound healing designed to offer:
relaxation;
emotional release;
pain relief.
Participants lie down and get comfortable on their yoga mat in a yoga relaxation pose (savasana). As the teacher plays the gong or gongs, a disc-shaped percussion instrument, using a mallet, participants are invited to relax and to passively soak up the benefits of the sound and vibrations.
Cost: PranaShanti Drop-In Fee, Class Package or Membership.
This class is held in our warmly heated studio, the Body Room, with the lighting dimmed for a restful and restoring experience.
Yoga blocks, blankets and bolsters are available in the studio room. Please bring with you the additional props you require to rest comfortably for the 60 minute session. Dress comfortably.
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) | In-Person
Tuesday, April 11th to Tuesday, May 30th, 6:00pm - 8:30pm
In-Person
An 8-week Course in Mindfulness
What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is a way of being in our lives as it is right now. Often we are not focused on the now and spend much of our energy anxiously anticipating the future or chronically stuck in the past. Mindfulness is an approach to self care that encourages us to connect more fully with our mind, body, and spirit. The course involves a commitment to daily meditation practices.
What are the benefits of Mindfulness?
Research has shown that mindfulness practices have a multitude of benefits including ability to respond more effectively to stress and pain, ability to make choices with greater clarity and awareness, and increased sense of well-being and appreciation for life.
Who is this course for?
This course is open to anybody interested in exploring Mindfulness as a way of reducing stress, developing greater balance and control, and participating more fully in life. It is suitable for people of all experience levels. This course will be offered to participants both online through Zoom and in-person.
What are the course objectives?
Methods to reduce stress and pain and to improve outcomes when used in conjunction with ongoing medical and physiotherapy treatment.
How to make changes in your everyday life and in the institutions that affect you.
How to increase your energy and concentration.
How to relax and be at ease.
Practical skills to calm your mind and help you think clearly.
Cost: $595.00 per person for the 8-week series which includes a 1-day urban Mindfulness Day Retreat on Saturday, May 13, 2023.
Some health insurance plans cover a portion of the MBSR fee. Because each health insurance plan is different, prior to signing up check with your insurance provider if you plan to seek coverage by your health insurance plan.
Course Instructors:
Dr. Steven Hick, PhD. Steven is a retired social work professor who is the founder of MBSR Ottawa as well as the Ottawa Insight Meditation community. He has over 40 years of experience in meditation and yoga practices, and has devoted his life to teaching mindfulness full-time since 2005. He has also written two books on mindfulness, and has worked to establish MBSR teacher trainings in several provinces across Canada.
Dr. Jason Bailey, MD. Originally trained as a family physician, Jason first encountered mindfulness in 2009 as a way to deal with stress more effectively. He is currently undergoing training in mindfulness-based psychotherapy through the US-based Nalanda Institute. In 2021, he took his MBSR teacher training at the Centre for Mindfulness in Toronto. He is also a member of the Ottawa Insight Meditation community.
Location: PranaShanti Education Centre, 45 Eccles Street, Ottawa, Ontario, (Chinatown).
Our 2,500 square foot Education Centre offers a large open concept training area with high ceilings and an abundance of natural light and excellent ventilation. There is is kitchenette with fridge, microwave, kettle and dishware. We have a dining/boardroom with conference table and chairs, 2 gender neutral bathrooms, reading room, mini Boutique and our Administration Office.
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) | Online
Tuesday, April 11th to Tuesday, May 30th, 6:00pm - 8:30pm
Online
An 8-week Course in Mindfulness
What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is a way of being in our lives as it is right now. Often we are not focused on the now and spend much of our energy anxiously anticipating the future or chronically stuck in the past. Mindfulness is an approach to self care that encourages us to connect more fully with our mind, body, and spirit. The course involves a commitment to daily meditation practices.
What are the benefits of Mindfulness?
Research has shown that mindfulness practices have a multitude of benefits including ability to respond more effectively to stress and pain, ability to make choices with greater clarity and awareness, and increased sense of well-being and appreciation for life.
Who is this course for?
This course is open to anybody interested in exploring Mindfulness as a way of reducing stress, developing greater balance and control, and participating more fully in life. It is suitable for people of all experience levels. This course will be offered to participants both online through Zoom and in-person.
What are the course objectives?
Methods to reduce stress and pain and to improve outcomes when used in conjunction with ongoing medical and physiotherapy treatment.
How to make changes in your everyday life and in the institutions that affect you.
How to increase your energy and concentration.
How to relax and be at ease.
Practical skills to calm your mind and help you think clearly.
Cost: $595.00 per person for the 8-week series which includes a 1-day urban Mindfulness Day Retreat on Saturday, May 13, 2023.
Receipts can be issued for health insurance purposes. All health insurance plans are different so please check with your insurance provider to see if this program is covered by your health insurance plan.
Course Instructors:
Dr. Steven Hick, PhD. Steven is a retired social work professor who is the founder of MBSR Ottawa as well as the Ottawa Insight Meditation community. He has over 40 years of experience in meditation and yoga practices, and has devoted his life to teaching mindfulness full-time since 2005. He has also written two books on mindfulness, and has worked to establish MBSR teacher trainings in several provinces across Canada.
Dr. Jason Bailey, MD. Originally trained as a family physician, Jason first encountered mindfulness in 2009 as a way to deal with stress more effectively. He is currently undergoing training in mindfulness-based psychotherapy through the US-based Nalanda Institute. In 2021, he took his MBSR teacher training at the Centre for Mindfulness in Toronto. He is also a member of the Ottawa Insight Meditation community.
200-Hour Hatha Yoga Teacher Training FREE Info. Session
Wednesday, April 12th, 7:30pm - 8:30pm
Live Stream - Online Session
Interested in deepening your yoga practice on and off the mat? Interested in taking your experience to the next level by becoming a Yoga Teacher?
To find out more about our upcoming Hatha Yoga Teacher Training, please join us and bring your questions!
This will be an online session. In advance of the session, everyone signed up will be emailed the meeting link and access code.
PranaShanti Yoga Centre offers internationally recognized Yoga Teacher Training programs in Hatha Yoga and Kundalini Yoga. We are an approved 200-hour and 300-hour Registered Yoga School (RYS) through Yoga Alliance.
At the intersection of Yin Yoga and Gong Meditation is a sweet spot where mind and body are totally relaxed and totally aligned. The Yin Yoga practice lengthens and opens the physical body, massaging deep connective tissue in a most relaxing way.
The gong’s warm vibrations envelop your entire being in wave after wave of preternatural sound that will affect you at the cellular level. Chances are you’ll feel pretty good after this practice.
Come share this experience, every third Saturday at 3:00 pm.
Cost: PranaShanti Drop-In Fee, Class Package or Membership.
This class is held in our warmly heated studio, the Body Room, with the lighting dimmed for a restful and restoring experience.
Yoga blocks, blankets and bolsters are available in the studio room. Please bring with you the additional props you require to rest comfortably for the 60 minute session. Dress comfortably.
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) | In-Person
Tuesday, April 11th to Tuesday, May 30th, 6:00pm - 8:30pm
In-Person
An 8-week Course in Mindfulness
What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is a way of being in our lives as it is right now. Often we are not focused on the now and spend much of our energy anxiously anticipating the future or chronically stuck in the past. Mindfulness is an approach to self care that encourages us to connect more fully with our mind, body, and spirit. The course involves a commitment to daily meditation practices.
What are the benefits of Mindfulness?
Research has shown that mindfulness practices have a multitude of benefits including ability to respond more effectively to stress and pain, ability to make choices with greater clarity and awareness, and increased sense of well-being and appreciation for life.
Who is this course for?
This course is open to anybody interested in exploring Mindfulness as a way of reducing stress, developing greater balance and control, and participating more fully in life. It is suitable for people of all experience levels. This course will be offered to participants both online through Zoom and in-person.
What are the course objectives?
Methods to reduce stress and pain and to improve outcomes when used in conjunction with ongoing medical and physiotherapy treatment.
How to make changes in your everyday life and in the institutions that affect you.
How to increase your energy and concentration.
How to relax and be at ease.
Practical skills to calm your mind and help you think clearly.
Cost: $595.00 per person for the 8-week series which includes a 1-day urban Mindfulness Day Retreat on Saturday, May 13, 2023.
Some health insurance plans cover a portion of the MBSR fee. Because each health insurance plan is different, prior to signing up check with your insurance provider if you plan to seek coverage by your health insurance plan.
Course Instructors:
Dr. Steven Hick, PhD. Steven is a retired social work professor who is the founder of MBSR Ottawa as well as the Ottawa Insight Meditation community. He has over 40 years of experience in meditation and yoga practices, and has devoted his life to teaching mindfulness full-time since 2005. He has also written two books on mindfulness, and has worked to establish MBSR teacher trainings in several provinces across Canada.
Dr. Jason Bailey, MD. Originally trained as a family physician, Jason first encountered mindfulness in 2009 as a way to deal with stress more effectively. He is currently undergoing training in mindfulness-based psychotherapy through the US-based Nalanda Institute. In 2021, he took his MBSR teacher training at the Centre for Mindfulness in Toronto. He is also a member of the Ottawa Insight Meditation community.
Location: PranaShanti Education Centre, 45 Eccles Street, Ottawa, Ontario, (Chinatown).
Our 2,500 square foot Education Centre offers a large open concept training area with high ceilings and an abundance of natural light and excellent ventilation. There is is kitchenette with fridge, microwave, kettle and dishware. We have a dining/boardroom with conference table and chairs, 2 gender neutral bathrooms, reading room, mini Boutique and our Administration Office.
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) | Online
Tuesday, April 11th to Tuesday, May 30th, 6:00pm - 8:30pm
Online
An 8-week Course in Mindfulness
What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is a way of being in our lives as it is right now. Often we are not focused on the now and spend much of our energy anxiously anticipating the future or chronically stuck in the past. Mindfulness is an approach to self care that encourages us to connect more fully with our mind, body, and spirit. The course involves a commitment to daily meditation practices.
What are the benefits of Mindfulness?
Research has shown that mindfulness practices have a multitude of benefits including ability to respond more effectively to stress and pain, ability to make choices with greater clarity and awareness, and increased sense of well-being and appreciation for life.
Who is this course for?
This course is open to anybody interested in exploring Mindfulness as a way of reducing stress, developing greater balance and control, and participating more fully in life. It is suitable for people of all experience levels. This course will be offered to participants both online through Zoom and in-person.
What are the course objectives?
Methods to reduce stress and pain and to improve outcomes when used in conjunction with ongoing medical and physiotherapy treatment.
How to make changes in your everyday life and in the institutions that affect you.
How to increase your energy and concentration.
How to relax and be at ease.
Practical skills to calm your mind and help you think clearly.
Cost: $595.00 per person for the 8-week series which includes a 1-day urban Mindfulness Day Retreat on Saturday, May 13, 2023.
Receipts can be issued for health insurance purposes. All health insurance plans are different so please check with your insurance provider to see if this program is covered by your health insurance plan.
Course Instructors:
Dr. Steven Hick, PhD. Steven is a retired social work professor who is the founder of MBSR Ottawa as well as the Ottawa Insight Meditation community. He has over 40 years of experience in meditation and yoga practices, and has devoted his life to teaching mindfulness full-time since 2005. He has also written two books on mindfulness, and has worked to establish MBSR teacher trainings in several provinces across Canada.
Dr. Jason Bailey, MD. Originally trained as a family physician, Jason first encountered mindfulness in 2009 as a way to deal with stress more effectively. He is currently undergoing training in mindfulness-based psychotherapy through the US-based Nalanda Institute. In 2021, he took his MBSR teacher training at the Centre for Mindfulness in Toronto. He is also a member of the Ottawa Insight Meditation community.
Thursday, April 20th to Thursday, June 1st, 2:30pm - 4:00pm
Online and/or In-Person
7-Week Series
Yoga Reset: Principles and Practices of Safe Yoga for People with Osteoporosis is aimed at people who have osteoporosis or osteopenia (low bone density), an established yoga practice and who want to learn how to continue their practice safely.
The program is based on the principles outlined by Osteoporosis Canada in their Basic Bone Fit™ program and Too Fit To Fracture: Managing Osteoporosis through Exercise. Each 1.5-hour session will include education on relevant topics (see below), the exploration and adaptation of commonly practiced yoga poses, a yoga practice and guided relaxation.
In this 7-week program you will learn:
The importance of practicing safe yoga for people who have osteoporosis or osteopenia;
The principles of safer movement/exercise for people with osteoporosis;
Safe variations/modifications of commonly practiced yoga poses so you can attend classes with confidence;
The importance of posture, balance, back and core strengthening; and
How to incorporate posture, balance, back and core strength training into your practice.
If you don’t have osteoporosis or osteopenia but you know that you are at risk of developing this disease (e.g. it runs in your family, you are post-menopausal or you have another health condition that increases the risk of developing osteoporosis), your yoga practice would benefit from this program.
Dates and Times:
Thursdays, April 20, 2023 to June 1, 2023.
2:30 pm ET - 4:00 pm ET each Thursday for 7 weeks.
Cost: $325.00 per person before March 15, 2023. $350.00 per person thereafter.
Fee includes participation in the 7 weekly sessions and selected handouts/materials.
Location: PranaShanti Yoga Centre, 950 Gladstone Ave., Ottawa, ON, Soul Room.
Note: At least six months of yoga experience is recommended.
Join Cat for a 2-hour evening treat of Yin Yoga and Aromatherapy!
Yin Yoga is a grounding practice consisting of slow, held, reclined or seated postures that target the connective tissue of the body. Yin Yoga increases circulation in the joints, improves flexibility and range of motion.
Through the posture holds (3-5 minutes) our muscles are able to relax and loosen their grip. The connective tissue, joints and internal organs are nourished in a way that is similar to an acupressure massage or acupuncture session. Yin Yoga is a calming practice for the body and mind and allows us to move more inward to prepare for meditation.
Aromatherapy and breath work will be incorporated into our evening to further support our meditative and sensory experience. Four main essential oils will be highlighted and explained. We will explore the effects of how these amazing gifts of nature can melt away stress and sooth the body and mind.
This workshop is a gift for tight muscles and an over stimulated mind!
Come relax, stretch, feel the flow of Chi moving through you. Also, learn how to incorporate the benefits of Aromatherapy into your life and your yoga practice.
Complimentary gift of aromatherapy included for the first 10 students who sign up!
Cost: $45.00 per person in advance / $55.00 per person day of
Included: Herbal tea will be served during the evening.
Location: PranaShanti Education Centre, 45 Eccles Street (Chinatown), Ottawa, Ontario.
Our 2,500 square foot Education Centre offers a large open concept training area with high ceilings and an abundance of natural light and excellent ventilation. There is a kitchenette with fridge, microwave, kettle and dishware. We have a dining/boardroom with conference table and chairs, 2 gender neutral bathrooms, reading room, mini Boutique and our Administration Office.
Sound Healing with Tibetan Singing Bowls | In-Person
Saturday, April 22nd, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
In-Person Workshop
Explore the healing power of vibrational sound with Tibetan Singing Bowls
Sound healing is an effective and proven modality that uses vibrational sound to help reduce stress, alter consciousness and create a deep sense of peace, well being and better health.
During our workshop you will experience Restorative and Yin Yoga to soothe the nervous system and stimulate the connective tissues through body nourishing postures. Additionally, throughout the session you will experience sound cleansing at a cellular and auric level with the healing notes of Tibetan Singing Bowls and Gongs as they are played in the studio room.
This 90 minute workshop is limited to a maximum of 18 in-person participants. The lighting will be dimmed for a restful and balancing sound cleansing experience.
Cost: $40.00 per person.
Note: Please bring your yoga mat and any additional props you require to rest comfortably. We are providing bolsters and blocks. You may like to bring an eye pillow or cover, a blanket and meditation cushion.
Sunday, April 23rd to Sunday, May 14th, 11:00am - 12:30pm
Online Workshop Series
During this 4-week online immersion for the spring (Kapha) season, Sonia will share the basics of Ayurvedic nutritional concepts, recipes, medicinal spices, cooking classes and lifestyle hacks.
We will be engaging during the live sessions, as we move through the 4 weeks of the detoxification series. You will be doing this with a group so that you can experience this transformation together, discuss your experiences in the group and remain motivated, as you move forward.
Each participant will receive a grocery list and recipes few days before each weekly session. Everyone is invited, even if you have never done a detox for the spring season before. This workshop series understands that each person has their own limitations and capacities.
For anyone that joined in last year for this series, Sonia will be sharing new recipes this year.
Dates and Times:
Sundays, April 23, 2023 to May 14, 2023
11:00 am ET to 12:30 pm ET
Cost: $160.00 per person for the 4-week series of instruction (groceries not included).
Drop-Ins for individual sessions are not available as each session builds on the next.
Each session will be recorded and you will receive a link to the recording which is valid for 14 days.
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) | In-Person
Tuesday, April 11th to Tuesday, May 30th, 6:00pm - 8:30pm
In-Person
An 8-week Course in Mindfulness
What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is a way of being in our lives as it is right now. Often we are not focused on the now and spend much of our energy anxiously anticipating the future or chronically stuck in the past. Mindfulness is an approach to self care that encourages us to connect more fully with our mind, body, and spirit. The course involves a commitment to daily meditation practices.
What are the benefits of Mindfulness?
Research has shown that mindfulness practices have a multitude of benefits including ability to respond more effectively to stress and pain, ability to make choices with greater clarity and awareness, and increased sense of well-being and appreciation for life.
Who is this course for?
This course is open to anybody interested in exploring Mindfulness as a way of reducing stress, developing greater balance and control, and participating more fully in life. It is suitable for people of all experience levels. This course will be offered to participants both online through Zoom and in-person.
What are the course objectives?
Methods to reduce stress and pain and to improve outcomes when used in conjunction with ongoing medical and physiotherapy treatment.
How to make changes in your everyday life and in the institutions that affect you.
How to increase your energy and concentration.
How to relax and be at ease.
Practical skills to calm your mind and help you think clearly.
Cost: $595.00 per person for the 8-week series which includes a 1-day urban Mindfulness Day Retreat on Saturday, May 13, 2023.
Some health insurance plans cover a portion of the MBSR fee. Because each health insurance plan is different, prior to signing up check with your insurance provider if you plan to seek coverage by your health insurance plan.
Course Instructors:
Dr. Steven Hick, PhD. Steven is a retired social work professor who is the founder of MBSR Ottawa as well as the Ottawa Insight Meditation community. He has over 40 years of experience in meditation and yoga practices, and has devoted his life to teaching mindfulness full-time since 2005. He has also written two books on mindfulness, and has worked to establish MBSR teacher trainings in several provinces across Canada.
Dr. Jason Bailey, MD. Originally trained as a family physician, Jason first encountered mindfulness in 2009 as a way to deal with stress more effectively. He is currently undergoing training in mindfulness-based psychotherapy through the US-based Nalanda Institute. In 2021, he took his MBSR teacher training at the Centre for Mindfulness in Toronto. He is also a member of the Ottawa Insight Meditation community.
Location: PranaShanti Education Centre, 45 Eccles Street, Ottawa, Ontario, (Chinatown).
Our 2,500 square foot Education Centre offers a large open concept training area with high ceilings and an abundance of natural light and excellent ventilation. There is is kitchenette with fridge, microwave, kettle and dishware. We have a dining/boardroom with conference table and chairs, 2 gender neutral bathrooms, reading room, mini Boutique and our Administration Office.
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) | Online
Tuesday, April 11th to Tuesday, May 30th, 6:00pm - 8:30pm
Online
An 8-week Course in Mindfulness
What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is a way of being in our lives as it is right now. Often we are not focused on the now and spend much of our energy anxiously anticipating the future or chronically stuck in the past. Mindfulness is an approach to self care that encourages us to connect more fully with our mind, body, and spirit. The course involves a commitment to daily meditation practices.
What are the benefits of Mindfulness?
Research has shown that mindfulness practices have a multitude of benefits including ability to respond more effectively to stress and pain, ability to make choices with greater clarity and awareness, and increased sense of well-being and appreciation for life.
Who is this course for?
This course is open to anybody interested in exploring Mindfulness as a way of reducing stress, developing greater balance and control, and participating more fully in life. It is suitable for people of all experience levels. This course will be offered to participants both online through Zoom and in-person.
What are the course objectives?
Methods to reduce stress and pain and to improve outcomes when used in conjunction with ongoing medical and physiotherapy treatment.
How to make changes in your everyday life and in the institutions that affect you.
How to increase your energy and concentration.
How to relax and be at ease.
Practical skills to calm your mind and help you think clearly.
Cost: $595.00 per person for the 8-week series which includes a 1-day urban Mindfulness Day Retreat on Saturday, May 13, 2023.
Receipts can be issued for health insurance purposes. All health insurance plans are different so please check with your insurance provider to see if this program is covered by your health insurance plan.
Course Instructors:
Dr. Steven Hick, PhD. Steven is a retired social work professor who is the founder of MBSR Ottawa as well as the Ottawa Insight Meditation community. He has over 40 years of experience in meditation and yoga practices, and has devoted his life to teaching mindfulness full-time since 2005. He has also written two books on mindfulness, and has worked to establish MBSR teacher trainings in several provinces across Canada.
Dr. Jason Bailey, MD. Originally trained as a family physician, Jason first encountered mindfulness in 2009 as a way to deal with stress more effectively. He is currently undergoing training in mindfulness-based psychotherapy through the US-based Nalanda Institute. In 2021, he took his MBSR teacher training at the Centre for Mindfulness in Toronto. He is also a member of the Ottawa Insight Meditation community.
A class for all Queer, Trans, Non-Binary & Gender Diverse people to connect with each other and with ourselves. Our intention is to create a brave space to move and explore inner and outer landscapes in community as queer people.
Our practice will move us through a series of postures, breath-work, and meditation ending with a delectable, restorative rest.
Led by a gender queer bisexual, Kim (They/She) acknowledges that all coming-out stories are unique. Wherever you are in your coming out (or not coming out) journey, know you are welcome here.
Cost: PranaShanti Drop-In Fee, Class Package or Membership.
Location: PranaShanti Education Centre, 45 Eccles Street, (Chinatown), Ottawa, ON.
Our 2,500 square foot Education Centre offers a large open concept training area with high ceilings and an abundance of natural light and excellent ventilation. There is is kitchenette with fridge, microwave, kettle and dishware. We have a dining/boardroom with conference table and chairs, 2 gender neutral bathrooms, reading room, mini Boutique and our Administration Office.
A class for all Queer, Trans, Non-Binary & Gender Diverse people to connect with each other and with ourselves. Our intention is to create a brave space to move and explore inner and outer landscapes in community as queer people.
Our practice will move us through a series of postures, breath-work, and meditation ending with a delectable, restorative rest.
Led by a gender queer bisexual, Kim (They/She) acknowledges that all coming-out stories are unique. Wherever you are in your coming out (or not coming out) journey, know you are welcome here.
Cost: PranaShanti Drop-In Fee, Class Package or Membership.
Thursday, April 20th to Thursday, June 1st, 2:30pm - 4:00pm
Online and/or In-Person
7-Week Series
Yoga Reset: Principles and Practices of Safe Yoga for People with Osteoporosis is aimed at people who have osteoporosis or osteopenia (low bone density), an established yoga practice and who want to learn how to continue their practice safely.
The program is based on the principles outlined by Osteoporosis Canada in their Basic Bone Fit™ program and Too Fit To Fracture: Managing Osteoporosis through Exercise. Each 1.5-hour session will include education on relevant topics (see below), the exploration and adaptation of commonly practiced yoga poses, a yoga practice and guided relaxation.
In this 7-week program you will learn:
The importance of practicing safe yoga for people who have osteoporosis or osteopenia;
The principles of safer movement/exercise for people with osteoporosis;
Safe variations/modifications of commonly practiced yoga poses so you can attend classes with confidence;
The importance of posture, balance, back and core strengthening; and
How to incorporate posture, balance, back and core strength training into your practice.
If you don’t have osteoporosis or osteopenia but you know that you are at risk of developing this disease (e.g. it runs in your family, you are post-menopausal or you have another health condition that increases the risk of developing osteoporosis), your yoga practice would benefit from this program.
Dates and Times:
Thursdays, April 20, 2023 to June 1, 2023.
2:30 pm ET - 4:00 pm ET each Thursday for 7 weeks.
Cost: $325.00 per person before March 15, 2023. $350.00 per person thereafter.
Fee includes participation in the 7 weekly sessions and selected handouts/materials.
Location: PranaShanti Yoga Centre, 950 Gladstone Ave., Ottawa, ON, Soul Room.
Note: At least six months of yoga experience is recommended.
Teaching the Inner Posture: Designing Yoga Classes that Awaken the Heart
Friday, April 28th, 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Online and/or In-Person Course
Take your teaching to the next level of impact and depth by learning how to create class themes that inspire students to find greater meaning in their yoga practice on - and beyond - the mat. Think of the most inspiring and memorable yoga teachers you know. Undoubtedly, they’re teachers who convey the essence of yoga through their teaching and inspire students to embrace yoga as more than just a physical practice.
This is the power of teaching the inner posture of yoga, the approaches to practice that reflect the affirming and expansive vision of the yoga tradition. It’s the foundation of teaching that invites students to deepen their practice and experience yoga as a means to support their emotional and spiritual well-being as well as their physical health.
We’re thrilled to welcome back senior teacher and author Barrie Risman for this weekend training where she’ll teach you how to bring a deeper dimension to your classes and workshops by creating themes that are as uplifting and transformative as they are down-to-earth and relatable.
Barrie will share the tools and methods she’s developed over the past two decades that have helped thousands of practitioners around the world discover the depth - and delight - of yoga as a practice of sacred inner connection and more purposeful living.
We’ll dive into rich contemplative study practices and creative processes to call forth your authentic voice and your genuine, lived experience of yogic wisdom. Out of your own discoveries, you’ll learn how to effectively and naturally inspire students to find greater meaning and depth in their yoga practice, on and beyond the mat.
Course Outline:
This 20-hour course is designed for teachers who are ready to dive deeper into the vision and teachings of yoga.
This training, offered with both live and online options, will include a manual with templates for incorporating teaching themes into your classes, practical and experiential exercises, and tools for continuing to work with the concepts and methods presented.
Learning Objectives:
Participants will:
Learn and practice methods for creating clear and effective class themes
Learn and practice processes for contemplative inquiry into the teachings of yoga (Svadhyaya) and yogic self-inquiry (Atma vichara)
Reflect on and discuss foundational teachings of yoga and how they apply to postural yoga practice as a basis for creating effective teaching themes
Articulate the insights that come from contemplative study and inquiry
Learn how to lead an effective theme-oriented centering at the beginning of class
Prepare and practice presenting class themes in your centering
Learn methods for effectively incorporating yogic wisdom into your teaching and receive tools to continue to expand your skills in this regard.
Support and learn from fellow participants by offering and receiving feedback
Receive handouts and support materials to supplement your learning
Dates and Timings:
Friday, April 28 to Sunday, April 30, 2023.
Friday 6 pm ET to 9 pm ET.
Saturday and Sunday 9 am ET to 5 pm ET each day.
Optional Reading:
"Evolving Your Yoga: Ten Principles for Enlightened Practice" by Barrie Risman
Assignment:
There will be a written assignment that will include a written reflection and a class plan based on a teaching theme of their choosing.
Cost: $495.00 per person. Early Bird SAVINGS! Save $70.00 when registering before February 28, 2023.
If you live away from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, and would like printed training materials to be sent to you, please ensure you sign up at least 10 days before the course start date in order for us to ship the materials to you. Otherwise e-documents will be provided, where possible.
Please review the Course Outline and complete any requirements listed before the start of the course.
This course is open to the general public. 6 months to 1 year of regular yoga practice is recommended for participation.
For 200 Hour certified Yoga Teachers this course provides CEUs with Yoga Alliance. This course is also part of our Yoga Alliance 300 Hour Hatha Yoga Teacher Training.
PranaShanti Spring Yoga & Meditation Retreat | In-Person
Friday, April 28th, 3:00pm - 9:00pm
2 SPACES OPEN!
Connect with nature and unplug!
Absorb yourself in daily yoga practice and dive within through meditation, movement and healing sound vibrations. The weekend includes healthy meals, cozy accommodations, saunas, walks in nature, yoga, meditation and evening symphonic sound immersions.
Dates and Times:
Friday, April 28, 2023 to Sunday, April 30, 2023
Arrival time is 3 PM on Friday.
Departure time is 2 PM on Sunday.
First meal is dinner on Friday.
Last meal is brunch on Sunday
About Our Retreat Location:
Northern Edge Algonquin Nature Retreat & Wellness Centre
Come out and explore with us in Mother Natures finest beauty, Algonquin Park just a few hours north of the city. Escape the hustle and bustle of the everyday life to find peace and tranquility on a weekend getaway.
The weekend includes:
3 days and 2 nights private or shared accommodation
All nourishing meals and snacks
Morning and afternoon yoga and meditation classes, choice of afternoon activities or quiet time, evening sound immersions meditation/relaxations with Devinder
Use of Northern Edge's amenities
Saunas
Nature walks
Canoeing and kayaking (weather dependent)
Quiet time to unplug, relax and simply be!
Registration:
Contact Northern Edge directly to register.
Price includes accommodation, all delicious, locally sourced healthy meals, equipment, all materials, and program fees.
Starting from $760.00 CDN per person based on type of accommodation. Stay privately, invite a friend, or we can set you up with another Yogi to room with.
Registration closes at 5:00 PM on Friday, April 21, 2023.
Sunday, April 23rd to Sunday, May 14th, 11:00am - 12:30pm
Online Workshop Series
During this 4-week online immersion for the spring (Kapha) season, Sonia will share the basics of Ayurvedic nutritional concepts, recipes, medicinal spices, cooking classes and lifestyle hacks.
We will be engaging during the live sessions, as we move through the 4 weeks of the detoxification series. You will be doing this with a group so that you can experience this transformation together, discuss your experiences in the group and remain motivated, as you move forward.
Each participant will receive a grocery list and recipes few days before each weekly session. Everyone is invited, even if you have never done a detox for the spring season before. This workshop series understands that each person has their own limitations and capacities.
For anyone that joined in last year for this series, Sonia will be sharing new recipes this year.
Dates and Times:
Sundays, April 23, 2023 to May 14, 2023
11:00 am ET to 12:30 pm ET
Cost: $160.00 per person for the 4-week series of instruction (groceries not included).
Drop-Ins for individual sessions are not available as each session builds on the next.
Each session will be recorded and you will receive a link to the recording which is valid for 14 days.
This class is an opportunity to learn & practice various mindfulness techniques, yoga postures and breathing exercises that will aid in developing their sensory awareness, focus and concentration, as well as help cultivate compassion and peace for themselves and all sentient beings.
Each class will include yoga postures, a yoga game and a mindfulness practice based on the theme of the month:
200-Hour Hatha Yoga Teacher Training FREE Info. Session
Sunday, April 30th, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Live Stream - Online Session
Interested in deepening your yoga practice on and off the mat? Interested in taking your experience to the next level by becoming a Yoga Teacher?
To find out more about our upcoming Hatha Yoga Teacher Training, please join us and bring your questions!
This will be an online session. In advance of the session, everyone signed up will be emailed the meeting link and access code.
PranaShanti Yoga Centre offers internationally recognized Yoga Teacher Training programs in Hatha Yoga and Kundalini Yoga. We are an approved 200-hour and 300-hour Registered Yoga School (RYS) through Yoga Alliance.
