Yoga is a conscious way of learning to train the body and mind to move in a harmonious stream by using the breath. It is a Sanskrit word meaning to unite, yoke and bind. Originating from India, the practice spans over a 5,000 year period. There are four main schools or systems of yoga. However, the most widely practised today is hatha-yoga, a system of postures (asanas) that unites the body to the mind and the mind to the soul. Using the physical body, it is a complex practice that combines the breath (pranayama) with focus points (drishtis). The purpose is to control the energy of the sun (ha) and the moon (tha); the two most prominent energies in the universe. During the practice a deep heat (tapas) is produced that burns off toxins and impurities. The life force (the breath) is the source that moves the body and bridges the gap between the body and mind. But make no mistake in thinking that this is another form of exercise. It is only a part of a much bigger picture, which is concerned with training the body (hatha) and developing the mind (raja). Without the latter the practice is incomplete.
The Yoga Way offers 6-week structured programs limited to 5 students per class. Founded in 1997, The Yoga Way is the only Toronto yoga school to provide structured programs and to limit the class size. At the school, yoga is not offered on a drop-in basis and classes are not taught randomly. Because no two bodies are the same and because everyone approaches yoga with different goals, desires and interests, the practice should allow each student to evolve at their own pace. For these reasons, the 6-week programs were created and designed to offer the most effective system from which to learn yoga. Each class is built upon the last one taken and offers personalized instruction and guidance to each student. With smaller classes and progressive teaching, students experience a greater connection and level of intimacy, both to the practice and the teacher. Classes are structured to help students discover what works well for them; gaining confidence in exploring the path and finding the teacher from within.
The Yoga Way takes an active role in supporting both local and international charities as well as non-for-profit organizations. A personal interest and passion is children learning to read, write and speak English in under developed countries. As a part of karma-yoga (i.e., work done without monetary profit), The Yoga Way's role has included hosting fundraising events, making regular donations and volunteering. |
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