889 Yonge has also built a reputation on the strength of our beginner programs. We love introducing beginners to the benefits of a regular yoga practice, and a healthier lifestyle. We offer signature Healthy Living Programs taught by our faculty of yoga professionals and holistic practitioners. These programs include learn to Relax' Whole Body Bootcamp' and Eat Well Feel Well' and our well respected Beginners Yoga'. These 4 6 week programs are your perfect introduction to 889 Yonge and our fabulous community!

W: I've come to admire the rather seamless way you weave between an inner and an outer experience in your classes. Share with us the genesis of the more spiritual component to your style.

NP: For me, first and foremost, Yoga is a spiritual practice. The first lesson I learned, and what I strive to impart to my students is to always begin with the breath. This is the link between the physical and spiritual. Establishing a connection to the simple process of breathing in and breathing out, is to understand the rhythm of our entire life! From here, the yoga movements and postures unfold and flow organically.

W: Please share with us a defining moment for you in your yoga practice.

NP: The ultimate yoga moment for me, was the first few minutes I held my babies after giving birth. I felt as though the entire point of a yoga practice was revealed to me as we stared into each others' eyes. Yoga means union, and what greater experience of union is there than bonding with a little person who has been living inside you? The whole process of being born as a Mother has been enlightening. I have learned to let go of all my expectations, relax into the moment, and go with the flow. I have learnt that really the point of it all, (maybe even the entire reason we are here) is simply to love, to love deeply and to love more and more and more!

W: I like that in your world view - yoga has nothing to do with flexibility. It's about opening the body however far and exploring - moreover enjoying - that resistance. Many people are under the impression that they have to be super flexible to practice yoga. We have the mainstream media to thank for that. Because of this misrepresentation, people resist trying it because they think they're not "bendy" enough. How do you deal with this in your teachings?

NP: Yoga doesn't have anything to do with flexibility! Was Mahatma Ghandi a flexible guy? I don't know but probably not. He only practiced one small but important aspect of yoga, ahimsa or the art of non-violence. If we could all perfect that simple task of non violence we would all be enlightened and live in blissful, peaceful society. Who cares how long our hamstrings are in the grand scheme of things!?

But we must accept that we live in a body conscious, western society, and for most people their first steps into yoga come from the physical practice. There isn't anything wrong with that, and let's face it, it is easier to sell yoga with fit trim, sexy healthy women than it is with nobel peace prize winning, sandal wearing, moustached Indian men! I think if people find a teacher who is able to impart some yoga wisdom in between the downward dogs then some of this is going to seep through into the lives of our students. We all have to start somewhere!

With a regular practice your physical strength and flexibility will improve. There is no doubt about that. But what often suprises people new to yoga is how quickly other more important aspects of their lives begin to transform.

W: Based on your experience in the field, what qualities are you looking for in building the 889 Yonge community of instructors?

NP: Bringing new teachers into our community is an exciting part of our expansion and growth. I look for teachers who have a committed personal yoga practice, and are continually refining and expanding their understanding of yoga through study, and who also cultivate a strong relationship with their own teacher. You can't be a good teacher unless you are a dedicated student.

W: You have good command with a large class and keep it on track. How do you maintain such amazing chemistry, energy and collectivity?

NP: Thanks Sisi! I just do my best always. I teach only what is true for me, and what I have learnt through my own practice and life experience. I carefully select themes, music and language to enhance the flow of energy in the class, and I develop a great rapport with my students enabling me to personalize the experience to each individual, even in a group setting. This is the art of teaching and of being a good teacher.

W: Why is that when I go to yoga class I am most of the time in a sea of women? Why do you think so few men take yoga classes and is this trend changing at all?

NP: I think this relates back to the misconception that yoga is all about flexibility! However, I have noticed an increase in the number of men attending classes. Usually women come first and eventually they manage to drag their boyfriends, husbands or lovers along! Once we actually get them in the door, (that is the difficult part!) then they usually become some of our most committed practitioners.

W: There's a whole lot of giddy excitement building for 889 Retreats. Tell us a little more...

NP: We are off to the Standard Spa, South Beach from November 18 21. For the second year, 889 Yonge is hosting a long weekend away with daily sunrise and sunset yoga sessions, and a full menu of hydrotherapy from the Standard Spa's extensive menu of healing treatments. The Standard Spa, is Miami's retro yoga oasis; equal parts hip and holistic. The food is organic, nutritious and divine. We have some exciting things in store for our guests including bonfires, live music, and I am teaching Miami's most happening yoga event, the Friday evening H2Om yoga class! We have plans in the pipeline for a spring happening also stay tuned!

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