Themed Yoga Classes

Thursday, August 11, with Monica Voss, 10:00am-11:30am, no charge
field trip

Walking a labyrinth increases focus and concentration. As we walk in contemplation, we pay more attention to our breathing and our thoughts and sometimes the less helpful thoughts decrease and by the end, the mind feels refreshed.

Those taking public transit will meet outside the High Park Subway Station (toward High Park Av.) at 9:30am and walk to the Labyrinth together. If you are travelling by car enter the park from Bloor Street West (not the Queensway) and follow the road to the Grenadier Restaurant parking lot. Let’s convene just outside the entrance to the Restaurant at 10:00am.

Please register for this event. You will be contacted by email by 8:30am should we have to cancel due to inclement weather.

Monday, August 22 – Thursday, August 25, with Monica Voss, 7:00pm-8:15pm ET, $80/week, $23/class
on Zoom

Enjoy an early evening practice of yoga postures, breath awareness, pranayama, relaxation and meditation as the light softens, the crickets chirp and we hold summer close for a few more weeks.

Image: Halley’s comet seen by Giotto by Paterson Ewen

Tuesday, September 6 – Friday, September 9, with Della Croteau, 8:00am-9:15am ET, $80/wk, $23/class
on Zoom

We traditionally refer to fall as that period after the Labour Day weekend when we return to school, return to work, return to our yoga routine. Join us this week as we transition into fall – a time of transformation as the leaves begin to change colour and for celebration of the harvest and the harvest moon. 

Monday, September 12 – Friday, September 16, with Tama Soble, 8:00am-9:15am ET, $100/week, $23/class
on Zoom

The relationship between the cranium and sacrum fosters spinal movement and neurological connection. It has the potential to encourage balance and flow of movement throughout the entire body, and change our state of body and mind. We will explore the beautiful and subtle conversation between the top and (almost) bottom of the spine and discover the response throughout the body.

Photo: Jumping girls on a spring meadow by Hannes Killan

Mondays, September 12 – October 3, with Donna Oliver, 5:00pm-6:00pm ET, $60/ series of 4 classes, $20/class
at the Studio

Some simple routines to alleviate Depression, Arthritis, Anxiety and Insomnia. This practice can be adapted to sitting in a chair.

Sunday, September 18, with Lauren Anastasi
11:00am-12:30pm ET, 3 sessions/$75, $30 per class
on Zoom

Enjoy a gentle guided walking meditation. This can be done in your home, around your neighbourhood or in a park nearby. As you walk, you will be given suggestions for how to connect to your breath, to your stride and to your senses. We will explore gathas, hand mudras and practising with a soft smile.  The teachings are inspired by Thich Nhat Hanh. There will be time to pause, ask questions and make observations along the way.

If you are walking with us away from your home, you will need a cellular device with data and possibly headphones to free up your hands and arms.)

Lauren Anastasi has been teaching yoga and meditation for almost 20 years. She has an undergraduate degree in Psychology from York University and has a keen interest in the relationship between mind and body… 

Monday, September 19 – Friday September 23, with Monica Voss, 8:00am-9:15am ET, $100/week, $23/class
on Zoom

Spending time releasing the face will expand the breathing, lengthen the spine and create a shift in our outlook that may last the whole day. We’ll squeeze and stretch and palpate, soften and stimulate tissue, joints and sutures including our sticky jaw, furrowed brow, tender skull, the delicate throat and tenacious neck muscles. What a beautiful wake up for our yoga postures and our lives.

Image: Portrait of Dora Maar by Pablo Picasso

September 23, October 28, November 18, December 16, with Tama Soble, 1:00pm-3:00pm ET, $30/class, included in unlimited passes
on Zoom

Enjoy the pleasure of deepening your practice by taking time at the end of the week to unwind and revitalize. For students and teachers at every level.

“I really enjoyed your Friday Intensive yesterday. I look forward to your monthly classes and love the way you lead up to the theme, gradually encouraging us to open our rib cage as yesterday. I always leave inspired and encouraged in my ability to move into poses with more ease and comfort.” SM

Saturdays, October 1-22, with Julia Juhas, 11:00am-12:30pm, $80/four, $23/class
at the Studio

Although the shoulder girdle is brilliantly designed to be extremely mobile, more often than not, it feels the opposite due to the weight of the world we carry on our shoulders. Why not lighten the load? Let’s rediscover shoulder mobility through the exploration of movement of the bones and soft tissue that make up the shoulder girdle and how these movements impact the spine.

“I enjoyed ‘Awaken the Shoulder Girdle’ with Julia Juhas. I learned a lot about shoulders and mine have never felt so released and relaxed! The class was a perfect blend of information, instruction, and helpful feedback in a safe and friendly space. ” Jan Fleming

“If, like me, you’re recovering from the fatigue of a respiratory infection, attend (Awaken the Shoulder Girdle) with Julia Juhas. The focus on the shoulder blades, especially, helped open my torso and I have been able to breathe more deeply and come off the mat more energized as a result.” Candace S

Monday, October 3 – Friday, October 7, with Mar Jean Olson, 8:00am-9:15am ET, $80/week, $23/class (no class on Tuesday, October 4.)
on Zoom

Join us for fun and effective ways to improve our balance. We’ll develop the basics of balance through breathing, eyes, focus, hands and feet and stepping patterns. Plenty of ‘brain aerobics’ exercises are included that we can easily practise on our own.

photo by Raphael Renter

Mondays, October 17 – November 7, with Donna Oliver, 5:00pm-6:00pm, $64/series of 4 classes, $20/class
at the Studio

Use Tai Chi principles of movement to calm the mind, regulate the breath and align the physical body. This practice can be adapted to sitting in a chair.

Monday, October 24 – Friday, October 28, with John Campbell, 8:00am-9:15am ET, $100/week, $23/class
on Zoom

A morning practice – pranayama, guided and silent sitting meditation, finishing with yoga nidra. Start your day here, right here. Energized, grounded, present, free, easy, infinite capacity. Everyone is welcome – both those new to meditation and experienced meditators.
Contemplation image courtesy of Sarah Hunter

Saturdays, October 29 – November 19, with John Campbell, 11:00am-12:30pm, $80/four, $23/class
at the Studio

Exploring muscles, release, grounding and breath (and noticing the difference) as we move into and in poses, all with a view to effortless practice.

Mondays, November 14 – December 5, with Donna Oliver, 5:00pm-6:00pm, $64/series of 4 classes, $20/class
at the Studio

Consisting of 10 exercises, this set works to improve body alignment, develop power and increase bone density. This practice can be adapted to sitting in a chair.

Sunday, December 4, with Sandie Collins, 11:00am-12:30pm ET, $30
on Zoom

Derived from Zen Buddhism, the Enso circle symbolizes many things: strength, the circle of life, connection, letting go of expectations, the beauty in imperfection and simply a circle or circle of togetherness.  

We will begin with yoga including circular movements. Focusing on breath and awareness of thought and feeling, we’ll draw or paint and meditate on the process and the product. The very imperfections are what make the Enso so beautiful.

Materials needed :
– pencil, marker, brush any size or a large round brush, if you have one or are willing to invest in one
– paper: cartridge paper, any size newsprint or bond paper (18” x 24” suggested)
– black watercolour or tempera paint or acrylic or ink
– bowl of water, paper towel for clean up
– paper weight or stone to hold paper in place

Check out  The Zen Circles of Kazuaki Tanahashi

Enso/Zen Circle image by Sandie Collins