July 26, 2018: Yoga in the Park (July to August); Fresh air, sunshine and peaceful exercise.

This is an advance preview of a soon to be published print article.
July 26, 2018: Yoga in the Park (July to August);
Fresh air, sunshine and peaceful exercise.

By Devinder Kaur, Director, PranaShanti Yoga Centre

Ottawa’s Yoga in the Park, kicked off its second year on Saturday July 7, in Parkdale Park just behind the Parkdale Market. The goal of this series is to have the community come out and practice yoga together. Whether you are an absolute beginner interested only in seeing what yoga is all about, or a seasoned yoga practitioner, you are welcome to join us for an hour of peace and tranquility each Saturday morning with your neighbours and perhaps some friends you haven’t met yet.

As a Yoga Teacher and organizer for the line up of teachers for this year’s Yoga in the Park series, I can confidently say, based on the popularity of last year’s successes, that if our first weekend’s turnout is any indication of how the season will unfold, we can expect to have well over 100 participants each Saturday for the remaining 7 weeks.

This series of FREE yoga classes is being offered every Saturday in July and August, come rain or shine, from 9:45 am to 10:45 am. The series is presented by the Parkdale Pops and is also sponsored by a number of community-minded organizations and businesses which include the Hintonburg Community Association, the City of Ottawa, PranaShanti Yoga Centre, Wellington West Business Improvement Area, Hintonburger, Exit Excel Realty, Cyclelogik, Happy Goat Coffee, Merge Printing and the Hintonburg Public House.

Bernard Prevost who attended the first class of our 2018 series, commented, “It was a beautiful practice with a great crowd. Wonderful easy breezy weather teacher attitude with a yoga practice for the Radiant body. What a great way to start the weekend. Then off to the stands for fresh vegetables. Marvelous community and spirit!”

The classes are definitely growing in size and popularity, and the outdoor sessions are unique in their atmosphere, which is highlighted by the Parkdale Market being just a few feet away.

Overall, Yoga in the Park has been a hit with area residents. Yoga in the Park will be conducted every Saturday through August 25, 2018. The classes are open to all levels and are FREE. Everyone is welcome.

For the most satisfying experience possible, participants are encouraged to arrive 15 minutes early to get set up. You are encouraged also, to bring a yoga mat, beach towel or blanket, and to dress in comfortable clothing in which you can move about easily. As with all activity in the outdoors it is wise to bring a bottle of water to stay hydrated.

Parkdale Park, Hintonburg – 223 Armstrong St., Ottawa, ON.

Schedule and Instructors:

July 7: All Levels Yoga (Devinder Kaur),
• July 14: Gentle Yoga (María Figueroa),
• July 21: Beginner Yoga (Barbara Long),
• July 28: Intermediate Yoga (Philippe Landel),
• August 4: All Levels Yoga (Stephanie Turple),
• August 11: Gentle Yoga (Barbara Long),
• August 18: Beginner Yoga (Gitanjali A-Hutcheon),
• August 25: Intermediate Yoga (Stéphane Ippersiel),

Devinder Kaur is the founding director of the PranaShanti Yoga Centre located in Hintonburg at 52 Armstrong Street. Accessible online at http://PranaShanti.com , and on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Photo Caption: Devinder Kaur of PranaShanti Yoga Centre leads the first of 8 Yoga sessions in Parkdale Park on July 7th. A group of community businesses join with the City of Ottawa in sponsoring a summer of FREE 1-hour Yoga sessions in the park, Saturdays at 9:45 a.m. from July 7 until August 25. Photo by Larry Hudon.

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Devinder Kaur, Lead Trainer
Director PranaShanti Yoga Centre
613-761-9642 (YOGA)
www.pranashanti.com .

“Our intention is to provide an oasis in the city. Slip through our doors and feel an ease in the air. A home that heals your body, calms the mind and strengthens the spirit.”