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power yoga

Feb 06
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Person Holding Sound Bowls - Why do we "om"

Why do we “om”

By Food for thought

Om is a sacred sound and a symbol in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. It is also transcribed as “Aum.” It is thought to be the primordial sound that created the universe and is regarded as the sound of the cosmos. Om is frequently recited in power yoga at the start and end of a practice as a way to connect with the divine and to foster calmness and clarity in the mind.

However, why is Om said throughout yoga? Here are some of the causes:

  1. Om stands for the supreme reality and the supreme truth. It is regarded as the greatest and most sacred syllable in Hinduism since it is thought to be the sound of the divine. By repeating Om, we are uniting with the highest reality and truth and attempting to make contact with the divine.
  2. Om promotes mental calmness as well as clarity and focus. We use the sound of Om to turn inward and concentrate on the here and now when we chant it. This can bring tranquility and clarity and assist to stop the mind’s incessant chatter.
  3. Om facilitates our connection to collective awareness. Om is chanted to unite oneself with the awareness of the universe, which is thought to resonate at the same frequency as the sound. This may contribute to a feeling of cohesion and kinship with something bigger than ourselves.
  4. The mantra Om stimulates and harmonizes the chakras. We might feel more rooted, centred, and at peace when the chakras—energy centres in the body—are in harmony. A sense of total well-being and equilibrium in the body can be attained by chanting Om, which can help to energize and balance the chakras.
  5. Om encourages the development of dedication and submission. We are giving ourselves over to the holy and developing a sense of devotion as we chant Om. As a result, we may be able to let go of any ego-driven aspirations and experience a greater sense of serenity and acceptance in our life.

We recite Om in yoga for a variety of reasons, as you can see. It stands for the highest reality and truth and promotes mental calmness, clarity, and connection to the universal consciousness. It also energizes and balances the chakras and fosters a sense of dedication and submission. A potent tool for fostering a sense of serenity and connectedness in our lives is the Om mantra.

Jan 30
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Connecting to a higher power with yoga

By Food for thought

With a history spanning more than 5,000 years, yoga has a strong foundation in spiritual tradition therefore connecting to a higher power yoga can be present. Numerous individuals discover that doing yoga enables them to establish a connection with a higher power, which may be a god, the universe, or simply a feeling of inner calm and clarity. In this article, we’ll look at how power yoga poses, in particular, can strengthen your connection to a higher power through both group and solitary practice.

A physically taxing and difficult kind of yoga, power yoga combines strength, flexibility, and endurance. It is well-liked by those seeking a more rigorous and athletic yoga practice and is frequently compared to a gym workout. Although power yoga can be physically taxing, it is also an effective technique for connecting with and growing spiritually.

The sense of community that is frequently present in power yoga studios and classes is one way that it might help you connect with a greater force. A sense of camaraderie and support can be found while practicing with a group of people who are all striving for the same level of physical and spiritual development. You can find yourself getting support from other yogis during a strenuous power yoga practice and developing a stronger connection to your own inner strength.

A higher power can be reached via the physical practice of power yoga, in addition to the sense of community it can foster. Power yoga’s physical challenges call for a readiness to let go of distractions and thoughts of the past or future as well as a focus on the present moment. By keeping your attention on the here and now, you may calm your mind and develop a stronger bond with both your inner self and the world around you.

Through the use of intention setting, power yoga can also assist you in developing a connection with a higher power. You might be asked to set an aim for your practice at the start of a power yoga session. Finding courage and strength can be part of this, as well as inner calm and clarity. Setting an intention can assist you in focusing your mind and heart on a particular objective, and as you make progress toward that objective through your physical practice, you might discover that you are experiencing a greater feeling of meaning and purpose.

Through the use of mantra and breathwork, power yoga can also assist you in developing a connection with a higher force. In order to establish a spiritual connection and achieve inner calm, mantras and breathwork are frequently used in power yoga programs. The repetition of a word or phrase, frequently in Sanskrit, as a mantra is a means to focus the mind and establish a connection with the divine. Breathwork, sometimes referred to as pranayama, is a method for controlling the breath to calm the mind and concentrate on the present moment. Either of these practices can help you find inner peace and a connection to a higher power.

Power yoga has the potential to be an effective method for locating a higher power through interaction with others, physical activity, setting goals, and breathwork. Regardless of your level of yoga experience, power yoga can help you forge a greater connection with your inner self and the world around you. So why not give it a try and see whether power yoga will help you in your quest to connect spiritually?

Oct 27
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200 hour Yoga Teacher Training Testimonials

By 200 Hour Teacher Training

Are you curious about completing your 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training certification? It’s important to do your research and to find the best program for you! We’ve put together some videos below so you can hear firsthand from participants of the 200 hour program that we deliver. Power Yoga Canada’s (PYC) 200 hour yoga teacher training program is a dynamic program led by PYC’s Co-Founder, Kinndli McCollum that will immerse you into self-inquiry, practice teaching, asana (practice), meditation and group discussions. You will learn the basics and the fundamental knowledge to go out into the world and to lead a Power Yoga class. You will be engaged from day one and you are able to choose from ONE of TWO options including In-Person & Online or Fully Online. Our 200 hour program is unique in that it attracts both yoga practitioners who are interested in becoming powerful yoga teachers and many people who are interested in self-inquiry and truth-seeking within themselves. Yoga Alliance certified this training will provide participants with the opportunity to teach at other studios across the globe (ensure you review other studio requirements). Click here for all of the program details for the Winter 2024 program!

  • Katya touches on her experience of the 200 hour Yoga Teacher program held by Power Yoga Canada!

  •  Stephanie shares a quick video of her experience with the 200 hour Yoga Teacher program held by Power Yoga Canada!

  •  Erica shares insight on her experience of the 200 hour Yoga Teacher program held by Power Yoga Canada!

  • Power Yoga Canada teacher Rechev shares his experience with the Diversity Scholarship offered by PYC and the impact it’s had on him

  • Tim provides an in-depth look at his Yoga Teacher Training experience and the impact it had on him from start to finish

  • Power Yoga Canada teacher Kayla’s passion comes through as she dives deep into the impact this program has had on her

  • 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Graduate Abbey’s feedback of the program is from the heart and touches on how the program helped her come out of her shell

Oct 26
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Your Questions Answered for Yoga Teacher Training

By 200 Hour Teacher Training, 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training

As Power Yoga Canada (PYC) excitedly prepares to host the hybrid 200 hour Winter 2024 yoga teacher training, a lot of questions come through from potential participants. 

  1. How does an online and in-person program function?
  2. Will I learn everything I need to in order to become a successful yoga teacher?
  3. Can online yoga teacher training be as effective online as it is in person?
  4. What if I don’t want to teach yoga? 

About Power Yoga Canada’s 200 hour Yoga Teaching Training

The PYC 200 hour teacher training is unique as it touches on our culture that has been created and developed since the first doors were opened in 2009. Throughout the training, so much of the culture is brought forth through the methodology, yoga philosophy, the poses, and all of the transformational activities. As we all know, teachers play an integral part in the magic behind what PYC stands for, and therefore in order to ensure our guests experience the magic, it’s important for all teachers to go through the PYC 200 hr training in order to teach at any PYC location or on the PYC at Home Zoom platform. And can we not forget that Kinndli McCollum leads the training? Like, come on. The unicorn of all unicorns! Do not let being tech-savvy stop you from taking this transformational program because we have an amazing team here at PYC who will support you and will ensure you are good to go.

The 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training program is the first step in your journey as a yoga teacher so continue reading to find out more!

1. How does an online and in-person program function?

Power Yoga Canada is providing multiple options for guests to engage in the 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training Program for Winter 2024 to make it accessible and to provide guests with the ability to take part in-person or online from anywhere in the world. With the use of technology and facilitation tools, we ensure that all guests, whether they are fully online or in-person and online, will have an engaging and transformational experience. Take a look below to understand what each option entails:

  1. In-Person and Online- participants choosing this option will be fully engaged with participants online and in-person. They will start online on Zoom Saturday morning for a few hours before heading to the PYC Oakville Studio in the afternoon and evening (all participants are given 90 minutes to head to the PYC Oakville Studio). On Sunday, participants will once again start on Zoom in the morning for a few hours before heading to the PYC Oakville Studio in the afternoon. On Wednesday, all participants are fully online from 6 pm – 9 pm EST.
  2. Online- participants choosing this option will be online for the full duration of the program interacting with people in person and on Zoom provided with the same experience and level of care.

It is important to us that all participants have a fantastic experience so if you have any hesitation for either of the options please let us know so we can do our best to accommodate for you.

2. Will I learn everything I need to in order to become a successful yoga teacher?

Yes, you most certainly will! All of the content is delivered to help ensure you are putting what you learn right to practice! There is LABBING where you go through each and every pose of the yoga sequence known as the Power Yoga Canada Flow and you will dissect the poses with all of your peers. Furthermore, you are engaged in experiential learning throughout the entire program by teaching yoga to your fellow peers. There are presentations on the history of yoga, the anatomy of yoga, the Hindu gods, and much more! Another important aspect of yoga teacher training is the self-inquiry work and activities that you take part in. The work and activities that you go through allow you to discover your true, authentic voice and help you find the confidence you had in you all along. We’ve received great feedback about the content of the program including two comments from recent graduates: 

“The content was fantastic. I really enjoyed all the topics we covered. I liked that every day had a theme and a quote. I also really enjoyed hearing others speak and spending time discussing our learnings in small groups. This helped me understand the content on a deeper level.”

“I honestly couldn’t believe how thorough this program was, to be honest. Even with the steps, we could take after the program! This program was so humbling because of the amount of trust PYC puts in their students and I felt the sincerity of wanting to support us after we come out of our cocoons. I wouldn’t change a thing (and I’m so grateful for all of it)!”

3. Can online yoga teacher training be as effective online as it is in person?

Before our first 200 hour Online Yoga Teacher Training took place in May 2020, we had no expectations going in. We hadn’t run one before and Power Yoga Canada is known for providing transformational, high-quality training so we had a lot on the line. We took the leap of faith just a month before the program began and put all of our focus on how it would be delivered. Weeks leading up to the program we had many people interested and kicked off the program with 37 eager yogi’s ready to take on a new journey. A transformational journey.  Below are a couple of comments from graduates of the program:

“The facilitation was amazing, I know it was a group program, but there were so many different times where I felt like the program facilitators were talking directly to me. This really enhanced my experience and was very stimulating. It opened me up to participate in ways I never thought I would.”

“I loved the online aspect! I thought I would miss out on taking the program online, but I don’t think I did at all! I feel like I made genuine connections, made new friends, and I was still able to hear others speak to the group and have small group discussions. I liked that there was no commute to and from training and that I didn’t have to pack everything. It was really nice to have the training in the comfort of my own home. I was very pleasantly surprised!”

4. What if I don’t want to teach yoga? 

PYC has had many individuals take part in our Yoga Teacher Training who simply want to learn more about their own yoga practice and have come out of the training with great knowledge and insight. The self-inquiry aspect is also proven extremely beneficial to all graduates who leave with more clarity in their life’s purpose and have become more self-aware in all areas of their lives. We have seen genuine connections and lifelong friendships created through the programs and we are extremely honoured to be able to lead such a transformative program online to people around the entire globe.

I want to leave you with one personal experience that was shared with us from a graduate of the Summer 2023 training:

“PYC Teacher Training has been pivotal in my own personal and professional transformation. I came to this program with zero expectations but fully submerged myself within the program and community. This program put me through many uncomfortable situations but soon these situations became more comfortable. I then began realizing my potential and possibilities are limitless. In turn, I have a new perspective of who I am. One that is closer to my core values. This new awareness helps me take pride in my attributes, loving what I have, and just being myself. I know If I’m faking it I can never be happy. With this perspective, I live with a new Mantra, “Now everything I do I do it with my heart and I do it so well.” Thank you PYC and the tools you have provided me to better myself and those around me.”

If you have any questions at all please feel free to reach out to PYC’s Director of Growth, Nick Vetro, any time at nick@poweryogacanada.com or by text/call at 905-808-3330.

Aug 04
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300 hour Yoga Teacher Training Testimonials

By 300 Hour Yoga Teacher Training

Are you curious about completing your 300 hour Yoga Teacher Training certification? It’s important to do your research and to find the best program for you! We’ve put together some videos below so you can hear firsthand from participants of the 300 hour program that we deliver. Power Yoga Canada’s 300 hour yoga teacher training program will help you take your Yoga Teaching to the next level! You will learn advanced techniques, further develop your leadership skills and build on the foundation you already have with your 200 hour Yoga Teacher certification. Deepen your understanding of how to use yoga as a healing modality and utilize powerful tools for personal transformation. Yoga Alliance certified, this training will provide participants with the opportunity to participate either in-person & online, or fully online! Click here for all of the program details for the Fall 2021 program!

  • Anathèle Zamor shares her experience during the Fall 2020 program that was fully online! She also went on to state that “Doing the 300 hours program has launched my career in yoga in a way I didn’t imagine could be possible! It’s been really amazing!”

  • Power Yoga Canada teacher Vicki Fiddler touches on the impact that the 300 hour Yoga Teacher Training program had on her including discovering her voice and making lifelong friends!

Mar 01
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Community Feature : March 2019

By Community Feature

Author : Ashley Burton

My name is Ashley Burton … and before PYC, I was someone who really didn’t realize who I actually was. I felt like what I did for a living, my culture, age and heritage – all these exterior attributes – made up WHO I WAS. At the time I was living a life for myself really and much less self-aware than I’ve become after diving into the culture of personal development and self inquiry.

PYC community feature March

Power Yoga Canada has profoundly changed my life. I recently lost my partner at the age of 33 who had an accidental death… which has been by far the most challenging time for me in this life. I didn’t know it all these years but the work I have put in previously has helped prepare me for today. The tools I have learned and my daily practice have enabled me to manage the rollercoaster rides that come my way. There are highs and lows; through self-inquiry work with PYC, when there are lows, I know what to do to work my way back to a place where I feel powerful and present again. I’m more compassionate with myself, more forgiving with my family and friends. I’ve learned how to really listen, not only to others but also myself. I remember being in traffic pre-PYC or at the lineup at the bank feeling anxiety and tension run through my body. Today I’ve learned how to calm down, how to really breathe especially during the challenging moments I experience.

I love being a part of the PYC family because I feel completely supported in every way. I believe in how lives are impacted because mine has been; and for that I will forever share PYC with everyone in hopes of their transformations as well. I want to share my story because of YOU. Yes, you reading this… that you know whatever it is you’re going through in your life, coming to this place is the best thing you can do for yourself. Show up and trust this process. I promise you will discover something beautiful along the way.

Ashley Burton is the founder of Yoga to You, a Power Yoga Canada Affiliate. They are a mobile yoga service specializing in bringing the yoga you love to corporate offices and creating customizable classes for any event. Learn more about Yoga to You at yogatoyou.ca

Dec 31
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Get a Real Job

By Uncategorized

Author: Aneta Pietruszko

 

“Get a real job” someone said. Get a real job

I have experienced this personally, but I have also heard it said to my fellow teachers. The conversation around teaching sometimes shows up like, “I teach 4 classes a week but my real job as a financial analyst.” If teaching yoga is a second job for some, why does it take the back seat in conversations? Most likely if it’s a second job, it’s because it fuels part of us that we don’t have access to at our full time job. Does it mean teaching yoga is not a real job? I think opposite.

I’d be lying if I said I never have stepped back and questioned what am I doing this all for. Maybe they are right? Maybe the corporate life I had before is THE way. Maybe I need to find my happy with money being the primary driver instead of my purpose? I start feeling doubt and anxiousness when I forget my feet are planted in right here and now. Building. Rebuilding. Connecting. Learning. Growing. Rome was not built in a day.

“Get a real job.” someone said.

No. I say.

This is my calling. If I build it, they will come. Landing a job that pays is easy. Landing a job that aligns with your passion, requires a thirst for action, a yes for patience and a whole lot of courage. Is all of THAT possible? I would have had a different answer a year ago. Today, I can confidently say YES IT’S POSSIBLE!

Get a real jobTo all my yoga teachers who impact lives, that is REAL. 

To all those who have rolled out their mats and have been left inspired, that is REAL. 

To our favorite teachers that really see their students and are of service to us, that is REAL. 

To the times when my mat was my saving grace, that is REAL. 

I teach yoga. I teach too many or to one. I know almost every single students’ name and if I don’t, I make sure I remember them after that day. You want to know why? Because it matters. Because connection is very REAL for me. It causes miracles and I am witness to it everywhere in my life.

Right now in my journey is looking at what I am and what I am not to find what’s real. And what I AM is ready to align my career to my higher calling with whatever it takes. No one else will have as much of an interest in living out YOUR dream but YOU. What are you waiting for? Make the higher call. You got this!

Nov 02
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Community Feature: November 2018

By Community Feature

Author: Allison & Grant Graham

“Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in awhile, you could miss it.” – Ferris Bueller

Life has certainly been moving very fast for us. Looking for a release from the stresses of work and living in the big city, Allison stepped into the PYC studio in Oshawa and immediately felt welcomed into their community. The sense of belonging was so great that she practiced there every day bright and early at the 6am class before heading to work. The transformation had begun! Only a year later, Allison took the next big step in her development and attended the summer intensive teacher training and learned how to light up a room!

Seeing how awesome the transformation was in Allison, and wanting to be supportive of her new adventure, Grant agreed to give this yoga thing a try. The physicality of the practice was addictive and the results were amazing! Grant signed up for the 40-day program and followed that up right away with the assisting intensive course. Taking the teacher training was the next obvious step.

While all of this was going on, Allison’s mom was diagnosed with lung cancer. Part of her lung was excised but the cancer has returned and we are continuing our fight. Allison’s family all live up north in Sudbury. With this news, we decided to make a plan to leave the south to be close to the family. We wanted to be able to spend more time with Allison’s mom and also be with the rest of the family and help out where we could. Fortunately, our shared love for PYC propelled us towards this goal and we embarked on our quest to empower the Sudbury community into action!

It isn’t easy uprooting your family. Our two daughters, Ginny (13) and Charlotte (12), have been very supportive in our move. This is a big change for them having to leave their school and friends. They are looking forward to helping out at the studio and maybe even becoming teachers themselves one day! Moving houses was a giant ordeal, especially considering that Grant was off at teacher training a week prior to move day. In addition to changing where we live, Allison is also leaving behind a 20-year career as a dental hygienist to pursue this new beginning and be immersed in every part of our studio build and operation.

We have been very fortunate to have our family around to support and assist us with opening the business. They have been there with us every step of the way – helping with advice, painting, plumbing, flooring, electrical and even contract negotiations! They have been great ambassadors for us and have been spreading the word of our opening through their vast network of friends. We couldn’t be more appreciative of them for helping us make PYC’s most remote studio simply awesome! We are filled with joy and gratitude to be near our loved ones and to be able to take part in family life and are so looking forward to getting to know our community and flow and grow together!

Oct 04
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Community Feature: October 2018

By Community Feature

Author: Harris Beacock

I walked into Power Yoga Canada in Leaside about a year ago. I had tried Bikram Yoga at a nearby studio in 2015, actually staying with that practice for almost a year, but the 90 minute classes were simply too much of a time commitment to allow me to continue my practice.

Fast forward 2 years to the Fall of 2017. I weighed 238 pounds, was moving toward being diabetic and was not very active at all. Although my career is not exactly physically demanding, as I sit at a desk most of the day, mental stress is a definite factor. My only physical activity consisted of walking my dogs – on its own, it was not conducive to being truly healthy. I had noticed the Power Yoga Canada sign on Laird and decided to drop in and see what it was all about. I liked the concept of hot yoga, as I have always thought that a good sweat was good for a person. The first practice was a definite contest to stay with the flow, but I felt terrific after the class. I was hooked!

From there, I started slowly, finding it challenging to do 3 classes a week, but sixty minutes is a manageable time commitment and the classes provide a total body workout, as well as a great mental flush!

Fast forward to now, a year later. Combining my practice with proper nutrition, I have dropped 24 pounds, reducing my body fat from 29.7% to 20.5%. I have improved my physical fitness to the point where the classes are still challenging, but I get through them and the after-class buzz is well worth the effort. Walking my dogs is no longer a challenge. I sleep better, have a clearer head at work and home and I always look forward to the positive reinforcement that I get from the instructors and fellow yogis. My goal is to continue to practice at least 4 times a week and I have begun attending Sunday yin classes for variety. Perhaps there is 40 Day Challenge in my future!

I have found the instructors and my classmate to always be positive and helpful, from taking someone who is really new into their classes to offering hints on how to continuously improve my practice. The constant positive reinforcement from everyone has been extremely helpful with my yoga journey.

I want my story to act as a motivational point for anyone who thinks that they can’t change their situation, be it mental or physical. It can be done!