Mantra • Yoga with April

Mantra • Yoga with April www.mantrastudio.ca For the last 20 years, April Cantafio, mother, lover and devotee, has steadily walked the path of a yogic lifestyle.

Through Dharma’s unfolding, she has become a steward of Yoga and aims to preserve Yoga's tradition and integrity. April’s dedication to these timeless teachings and consciousness enables her to weave what is needed through each class, inviting the practitioner to discover and enhance the balance and harmony within and without. Gifted at offering accessible classes, April opens one to awaken to the greater connection of wholeness in all. To learn more visit mantrastudio.ca

03/27/2026

From Sensitive to Stable: Unlock Inner Resilience

Are you ready to shift your nervous system from sensitive to stable?

The relationship between the air element and the nervous system offers us great insight into how we can support our overall health and wellbeing.

In today’s video, we’ll explore how balancing the air element can help you adapt to changing circumstances with ease and cultivate resilience from the inside out.

Here's a sneak peek at what you'll learn:
🌬 The wisdom of the subtle nervous system and how to shift the nervous system from sensitive to stable
🌬 How to rise above the mental limitations of anxiety and fear to access peace
🌬 A yogic key to develop resilience from the inside out

Agni 🔥 | The consciousness of Agni illuminates, guiding us through the doorway of transformation. It serves as the motiv...
03/26/2026

Agni 🔥 | The consciousness of Agni illuminates, guiding us through the doorway of transformation. It serves as the motivation to perceive our true nature as whole and complete, and defines our willpower.

Tuning into Agni's vibration allows us to reclaim our innate ability to digest emotions, experiences, and impressions accumulated over our lives. This mental digestion opens the door to inner sight, helping us distinguish between illusion and truth, leading us back to the freedom of our Self.

As we cultivate a foundational understanding of the elements, they manifest in our lives in unexpected ways and become magical guides that promote the wellbeing and enlightenment of life!🌟

How does Agni empower your daily morning routine, midday activities, and evening rituals?
How does Agni's power transform and evolve throughout the day?
Can you discern Agni's presence in your speech? 🔥✨

🌸 So excited to share that in April I will be opening up registration for a 6 week exploration through the elements, one of my most favorite immersions! This will be for practitioners and also for teachers. There is so much support that can be gleaned from the elements that simply does not get touched on in 200 or 300 YTT. If you are interested join the waitlist (link in bio)

https://www.mantrastudio.ca/opt-in-wait-list-elemental-wisdom

The Sanskrit alphabet is surprisingly simple to learn with the right guidance.And if you can believe it, it only takes 1...
03/22/2026

The Sanskrit alphabet is surprisingly simple to learn with the right guidance.

And if you can believe it, it only takes 1–2 minutes to chant from beginning to end. In that short time, the sequence of sounds are designed to balance and harmonize the entire cakra (chakra) system

In other words, you have a complete cakra meditation tool that can be practiced simply and efficiently. (Assuming letters have not been omitted… which is commonly the case in scholar-led Sanskrit studies)

Those who take it on as a regular practice experience its transformative benefits, plus, its power deepens over time.

Through learning the alphabet, we not only access the power of pronunciation — which can be applied to the rest of our yogic terminology and mantra, but it also elevates and enriches our yogic journey.

Join me for this 2 hour Online Sanskrit Pronounciation Lab!
We’ll explore:
• The sounds of the Sanskrit alphabet
• How the sequence relates to the cakra system
• Guided practice so the sounds become natural and embodied
You’ll leave with the entire alphabet, a clear pronunciation foundation, and perhaps one of the quickest and most elegant tools the yogis used to harmonize the cakra system.

If you’ve studied with me before, this will also be a great practice session to strengthen your pronunciation and the energetic benefits

➡️ Link in bio to learn more and register
https://www.mantrastudio.ca/sanskrit-pronouncation-lab

03/21/2026

Lighten the heaviness of the world: How-to video 🌈
Feeling weighed down by the world 🤪 ? A couple minutes with this posture, and you’ll feel your energy lift and expand.

This posture movement is designed to infuse buoyancy into your inner world, creating a ripple effect of positivity for you, and those around you.

Here's a glimpse at what you'll learn:
🤍 A simple yet powerful posture to shift your mind from dull to bright
🤍 How embracing the air element supports clarity, lightness, and joy
🤍 A practical technique to swiftly return to your lighthearted and compassionate nature in just a few minutes.

I trust that you’ll find joy and inspiration in practicing this posture. Its effect on the subtle (astral) body makes it a fast and efficient way to bring about positive change from the inside out.

Āpas 💧| Exploring the consciousness of Āpas reveals qualities of hydration, fluidity, purification, and creativity.The w...
03/19/2026

Āpas 💧| Exploring the consciousness of Āpas reveals qualities of hydration, fluidity, purification, and creativity.

The water element symbolizes emotional balance, guiding us to navigate life's obstacles, adapt to ups and downs, and forge new paths. Embracing a mindset of allowing and flowing, we cultivate smooth and charismatic qualities. 🌊

As our awareness expands to embrace the play of the water element, we naturally witness its presence in daily life.

Do you recognize its value in nature, whether in the form of rain, the vital essence in tree leaves, clouds in the sky, or snow on the ground? 🌧️🍃❄️

💧 Consider the role of pure water in quenching the mind.
💧 Reflect on how the water element manifests in your speech, conversations with others, and in your emotions, actions, and behaviours.
💧Embrace the fluidity of the water element and explore its impact on your holistic well-being.

I’m excited to offer a live online mini-lab on one of my favourite teachings: the sounds of the Sanskrit alphabet.Often ...
03/19/2026

I’m excited to offer a live online mini-lab on one of my favourite teachings: the sounds of the Sanskrit alphabet.

Often Sanskrit is approached only intellectually, but the ancient yogis understood it as something much more, a living science of sound that can influence the mind, astral body, and consciousness itself.

In this interactive workshop we’ll explore the Sanskrit alphabet in a way that is practical, embodied, and surprisingly fun.

What you’ll learn:
• The sounds of the Sanskrit alphabet and proper transliteration
• Practice words to integrate the sounds
• Common pronunciation misconceptions
• How the Sanskrit alphabet relates to the cakra / astral body system
• How the alphabet itself can become a meditative practice for the brain and subtle body

Who this is for:
Yoga practitioners, mantra lovers, yoga teachers, or anyone curious about learning or reviewing the Sanskrit alphabet.

When: Thursday, March 26 |6–8 pm MST
Live on Zoom
Energy Exchange: $50
Includes detailed handouts + support materials

*Registration closes Sunday, March 22.

April, a yogini for over 25 years, has been teaching Sanskrit within yoga trainings for the past decade, helping practitioners connect not only with pronunciation, but with the deeper power of sacred sound as a blueprint of consciousness.

✨ What students say:
“Learning something as ‘simple’ as the Sanskrit alphabet became a surprisingly beautiful experience — not just memorizing letters, but meeting sound in its purest form.”

“It’s eerie how good you are at teaching Sanskrit lol.”

“April has made my journey as a mantra yogi fun, inspiring, and filled with ease and grace. She weaves vulnerability and a wicked sense of humour into knowledgeable classes that are not only enlightening but make you feel like you’ve come home.”

➡️ Link in bio to learn more and register
https://www.mantrastudio.ca/sanskrit-pronouncation-lab

03/19/2026

I don’t publicly correct Sanskrit pronunciation, we’re all on our own journey and simply doing the best we can. (Plus, that would be weird! LOL.)

I’m definitely not the Sanskrit police. I also don’t claim to know or pronounce everything perfectly, and I’m very aware that if I can’t access the actual transliteration, there’s no real way to be certain something is correct.

That being said, I’m always happy to support those who are curious and interested in learning, as best I can. I only teach what I know and what I’ve studied.

Lately I’ve been hearing mantra pronounced in some interesting ways, so I thought I’d share a little guide that might help, you can listen above 👆

What is a mantra?
A mantra is a combination of sacred sound syllables.
One helpful distinction: it’s different from an affirmation. Affirmations are usually spoken in one’s native language and are often phrased as positive statements.

The roots of the word mantra:
Manas = mind
Trām = to protect/liberate

So a mantra is that which protects or liberates the mind.
But from what?

Mantra protects the mind from the bo***ge of the phenomenal world, from the addictive outward pull of the senses and from the suffering woven into the kleśas:

• Avidyā – ignorance of our true nature
• Asmitā – mistaking the limited self for the true Self
• Rāga – attachment to what we perceive as pleasurable (yet often leads to suffering)
• Dveṣa – aversion to what we perceive as painful
• Abhiniveśa – fear of the unknown and fear of the dissolution of the body that arises from avidyā, as though the body were the Self.

Mantra can be incredibly effective at gently dismantling the unserving conditioning that shapes how we see the world and ourselves.

When it becomes part of one’s practice, it’s not uncommon for a person to one day realize that the thoughts which once caused so much suffering have simply… dissolved.

https://www.mantrastudio.ca/sanskrit-pronouncation-lab

03/19/2026

Your body is already speaking Sanskrit — if you know how to listen.
Most people think Sanskrit is an external practice, something to memorize that gives no tangible benefit. But the truth is, it’s an inner practice, and your body already speaks it.
From the physical perspective, the sounds map to the body — shoulders, knees, hips — supporting alignment and subtle healing. This is the universal blueprint. Beyond that, they resonate through the cakras (chakras) and subtle body, helping to harmonize energy and deepen awareness.

Curious to learn more, listen in 🙂

And join me for an accessible 2-hour Sanskrit Pronunciation Lab to cultivate the power of vibration together! Plus, you’ll learn proper pronunciation, a skill that amplifies the potency of all yogic vibrations.

https://www.mantrastudio.ca/sanskrit-pronouncation-lab

03/14/2026

Light the Inner Flame: Game-Changing Posture 🔥

This Kundalini posture is one of my favorites. It's so effective that I regularly pull it into my sādhanā, especially when my energy is feeling low, or I’m holding a lot of space for others.
Join me for this mini-practice, where I’ll guide you through this transformative posture designed to re-energize your body, sharpen your mind, enhance your capacity and stamina!

Here’s what awaits you in this practice:
🪔 Tap into the potent energy of the fire element
🪔 A posture designed to fuel transformation of the mind
🪔 Why incorporating this pose into your daily routine is a game-changer

03/07/2026

A calm mind isn’t just a gift to yourself, it quietly spreads to everyone you meet.

The earth element is our foundation. It represents the stability of our body, the evenness of the mind, and the container where our life, practice, and inner exploration unfold.

If you’ve joined my classes or trainings before, you know how central this “container” is. In today’s short video, we’ll explore a mini meditation to deepen your roots and cultivate inner steadiness.

Here's a sneak peek at what you'll experience:
🌎 A meditation to reduce the symptoms of stress, worry, fear
🌎 Insights into why the earth element is essential on our inner journey of consciousness
🌎 Tips for achieving a balanced, grounded, and peaceful mind

This meditation is one of my favorites: effective, easy to integrate, and perfect to do in just a few minutes.

Pṛthvī | (Pṛithvī) 🌍 Exploring the essence of the earth element reveals profound insights into the consciousness it nurt...
03/07/2026

Pṛthvī | (Pṛithvī) 🌍 Exploring the essence of the earth element reveals profound insights into the consciousness it nurtures: stability, grounding, holding, caring, and evenness.

In a world of constant change, the earth element acts as a steadfast guide, teaching us resilience amidst rapid shifts. Its foundational presence ensures consistency and balance in our thoughts.

As the mind experiences fluctuating tides, the earth element becomes a stabilizing force, leading us back to mental ease and peace.

To awaken the consciousness of the earth element, we begin with awareness:
🌍 Can you recognize its subtle influence in your everyday life?
🏡 Can you perceive it in the objects that adorn your home?
🤝 How does the earth element manifest in your interactions with others?
🌱 What role does it play in your relationship with yourself?

🌸 So excited to share that in late April I will be opening up registration for a 6 week exploration through the elements. This will be for practitioners and also for teachers. There is so much support that can be gleaned from the elements that simply does not get touched on in 200 or 300 YTT. If you are interested join the waitlist (link in bio)�
https://www.mantrastudio.ca/opt-in-wait-list-elemental-wisdom

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