Heart of Yoga: Practice, Presence, & Purpose | Day Retreat with Michael Hutkins

Name: Heart of Yoga: Practice, Presence, & Purpose | Day Retreat with Michael Hutkins
Start: 2026-05-09T09:00:00-04:00
Location: PranaShanti Education Centre

Schedule

Sat, 09 May, 2026 at 09:00 am

UTC-04:00

Location

PranaShanti Education Centre | Ottawa, ON

In-Person Day Retreat
Step away from the busyness of daily life and return to what yoga is truly about.
This Day Retreat is an opportunity to slow down, turn inward, and connect with yoga as a living practice — one that supports peace of mind, self-awareness, and purposeful living.
Whether you are a dedicated yoga student or a practicing teacher, the morning session offers space to deepen your relationship with yoga beyond the postures. The afternoon session is designed specifically for teachers wishing to refine their skills, confidence, and connection to the teachings.
Morning Session: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
For yoga students and teachers
The morning is devoted to cultivating inner awareness, calmness, and a deeper understanding of yoga’s timeless wisdom.
We begin with a welcoming opening circle, setting intention and creating a shared container of presence and connection. From there, you’ll be guided through a meditative yoga practice that emphasizes breath, mindfulness, and inward attention rather than external performance.
Breathwork and guided meditation will support nervous system regulation and mental clarity, followed by a dharma talk and group discussion exploring how yoga works with the mind and supports inner peace. We’ll discuss the Eight Limbs of Yoga as a practical framework for living with greater balance, awareness, and purpose — both on and off the mat.
The morning concludes with a gentle integration period, including herbal tea, reflection, and collective gratitude.
This portion of the retreat is suitable for all levels and does not require prior knowledge of yoga philosophy.
Afternoon Session: 1:30 PM – 5:30 PM
For yoga teachers, recent graduates and teacher trainees
The afternoon offers a supportive, skill-building environment for teachers who want to strengthen their confidence, refine their teaching skill, and integrate philosophy into real-world teaching.
There will be a Q&A circle where questions and challenges around sequencing, communication, confidence, and the practical realities of teaching are welcomed openly. A hands-on adjustments refresher will revisit ethical, consent-based, and trauma-informed touch, with time to practice alignment-based assists for foundational postures.
Through a philosophy session rooted in the Bhagavad Gita, you’ll explore how ancient teachings can be translated into meaningful class themes and accessible language for modern students. The afternoon also includes peer teaching practice, allowing you to cue, sequence, and receive constructive feedback in a nurturing, non-judgmental setting.
We close the day with reflection, gratitude, and a grounding closing circle to integrate what you’re taking forward into your teaching and personal practice.
This retreat is an invitation to remember why you came to yoga — to reconnect with presence, purpose, and the heart of the practice.
Cost:
Morning Session: $145.00 per person before March 31, 2026. $160.00 per person thereafter.
Afternoon Session: $145.00 per person before March 31, 2026. $160.00 per person thereafter.
Full Day Retreat: $270.00 per person before March 31, 2026. $320.00 per person thereafter.
Note:
For 200 hour certified Yoga Teachers the credits for this training are eligible for CEUs with Yoga Alliance.
This course is also part of our Yoga Alliance 300 Hour Hatha Yoga Teacher Training.
300 Hour Program Elective Module: 6 Hours
Location: PranaShanti Education Centre, 950 Gladstone Ave., 2nd Floor, Ottawa, Ontario.
Our 3,000 square foot Education Centre offers a large open concept training area with high ceilings and an abundance of natural light and excellent ventilation. There is a kitchen with fridge, microwave, kettle and dishware. We have a dining area tables and chairs, 2 gender neutral bathrooms, lending library and our administration offices.