416-537-9115
Authentic Breath Focused Yoga for Everyone.
Sattva Yoga
Yoga
We move the body with care and attention synchronizing all movement with breathing. Based on what is suitable for students (see below for further information on meeting special needs) we practice standing, kneeling, lying, inverted (where head is below the heart), prone (on stomach) and seated Asanas (postures). This is followed by Savasana (relaxation) and Pranayama (breathing exercises). Periodically or upon the request of students we will practice Vedic Chant to complete a class. Along with flexibility and strength yoga balances, tones and promotes all systems of the body to work more efficiently. Most profoundly, yoga calms the mind clearing thoughts, worries and feelings that don’t support our ‘being in the moment’. With practice we become more attentive to subtle movements in body, breath and mind. Sage Patanjali, the author that composed the ‘Yoga Sutras’ tells us that yoga deals primarily with the mind refining it slowly so that we can focus deeply in a chosen direction. Some of the results of such work as listed in the Yoga Sutras are:
-Awareness to anticipate potential forms of suffering and reduce or prevent them.
-Sensitivity through awareness to improve our relations - to all in the world.
-Ability to take all action with great care.
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Namaste
Meet Steven
Steven Henderson is an Artist and Yoga Instructor pursuing commissioned work and teaching Yoga. Steven's deep love for yoga and connection to it go back to the 90's while he was studying at OCAD. Inspired and guided by his teacher Rosemary Jeanes Antze and the yoga lineage of Krishnamacharya-T.K.V. Desikachar, Steven brings Breath Focussed tailored Yoga practices to meet the needs and desires of the students that he teaches.
Teaching
I teach a gentle breath focused yoga practice that comes through my teacher - Rosemary Jeanes Antze, from her teacher T.K.V. Desikachar who was the son and long time student of the legendary yogi T.Krishnamacharya who is known as the grandfather of modern yoga. Classes are designed to meet the level and needs of the student and/or group - often themed. I will happily help people individually when necessary. I do not adjust people at all. I do not touch students but use language and tone to advise on how a student can become 'aware' of where they are (in their body) and adjust their own posture to get further benefit from the asana. This develops a special quality of mindfulness. I encourage that an asana should provide a 'function' rather than striving to fit into a fancy yoga - 'form’. Modifications can be made so that every student receives the energetic intent of each pose. Periodically I teach with visual aids - a small chalk board i will bring to class and draw on, or bring drawings that i have done to teach a concept. I continuously encourage breath awareness which leads to more subtle and deeper forms of body and mind awareness.
Individual Lessons
I welcome any inquiries about individual lessons. I offer a thorough analysis of your lifestyle and yoga goals, and then create a tailor made practice suited to you. You receive a hand drawn take home practice to work on suited to allow yoga to become a part of your life seamlessly.
Intent
I love yoga ! I am completely inspired by how the breath can inform the depth of discovering an asana that is perfect for each person. I have come to know and am still learning about how powerful yoga is as a tool for health and personal growth. My teacher taught me that through careful observation and through tailoring practices yoga is accessible to everyone at every stage in life. This process as a collaboration through student and teacher is of great interest to me and i feel has ongoing depths to be discovered. Thus my interest in teaching.
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I've been doing yoga for over twenty years. My love of yoga guided me to teach it through the lineage of Krishnamacharya. I participated in teacher training from 2011-2013. Since then, I've been teaching at Hart House U of T for 4.5 years, and at St. Matthews Community Church for 4.5 years, at Stella's Place - Centre for Young Adult Mental Health, Lululemon Athletica and Na-Me-Res support center for aboriginal men rebuilding their lives.
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Where I Teach:
St. Matthew's United Church
Open to the Public
You are welcome to join me in these community classes for all levels.
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Tuesday 6-7:20pm
Wednesday 6:30 - 7:50pm
Wednesday 8:00- 9:20pm
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729 St. Claire Ave. West
​www.Yogah.ca
University of Toronto
Hart House Fitness Centre
These are registered classes through UofT.
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Tuesday 8:10-9:25am
Tuesday 12:10-1:25pm
Thursday 8:10-9:25am
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7 Hart House Cir, Toronto, ON M5S 3H3
Lululemon Athletica
Stella's Place Young Adult Mental Health
These are private classes focusing on yoga as a complimentary theraputic modality/support. They are offered to young adults facing mental health challenges.
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Tuesday 3:45-5:15
(bi-weekly)
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318 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5V 2A5
Sattva
A Life of Balance
Is a quality the yoga practitioner aspires to live fully. Sattva is one of the Gunas which Indian philosophy describes as one of three qualities that exists in the universe and in the mind. Sattva can be described/likened to the following words:
-Illuminating
-Tranquil
-Steady
-Clarity
-Mental Serenity
-Peaceful
With regular yoga practice, awareness and determination the practitioner discovers - Thoughts, Words and Actions that lead to Sattvic living by locating and moving away from thoughts, words and actions are damaging to our world, other people, and ourselves . Its a journey. The process is slow and gradual and a very powerful transformation. The right yoga practice shows the way.
Rumi
"Let the beauty of what you love be what you do"