meditation Archives - Page 2 of 2

5 Jun

You’re Invited: Guided Meditation and Adaptogen Iced Tea Workshop

By Lauren Crummey Wellness adaptogen, events, good space, guided, meditation, parkdale, stress free, studio, summer, workshop, yoga No Comments

We are so excited to announce our first curated wellness experience hosted at Good Space where we will enjoy a guided meditation, followed by an Adaptogen Iced Tea Workshop led by Lee Capatina, founder of Lee’s Tea to get us cool and stress-free for summer.

Tickets are available for purchase here and limited! We are looking forward to connecting with you.

10 May

What’s Good: Inside Toronto’s Newest Studio Good Space

By Lauren Crummey Events , Lifestyle , Toronto , Wellness good space, good space toronto, hygge, meditation, mindfulness, neighborhood, parkdale, toronto yoga studio, yoga No Comments

We know a good space when we see one and Parkdale’s newest neighbourhood studio is not only one of the most aesthetically pleasing spots to practice yoga in town, it’s carefully crafted atmosphere makes it an ideal location to find calm and headspace through the practice of meditation.

All Images By Lindsay Duncan

Aside from its Instagrammable qualities, we’re drawn to the ethos behind Good Space and the approach to class descriptions on the schedule. Good Space defines its classes under the three categories of move, ease and still.

We spoke with Megan, owner of Good Space to learn more about her background and why she chose this particular direction.

What brought you to open Good Space?

I’ve been practicing yoga for ten years but it was in the last three that I came to realize the benefits of the whole yoga philosophy beyond just the asana (physical postures).

I was working at a studio in Melbourne, Australia, that I really connected with. The space was beautiful and what I learned, both on and off the mat, was invaluable. I wanted to create a community of people that would share, and participate in, an understanding of modern yoga philosophy: using lessons from a practice that has been around for thousands of years and applying them to handling stresses and seeing contentment + happiness in the modern world.

The philosophy and schedule of Good Space is different to a typical yoga studio. Can you explain a little bit about why you went with this three-tiered direction of offerings; Move, Ease, Still?

The simplicity of the class schedule was the first step in developing an approachable and accessible space for devout practitioners and newbies alike. I want the benefits of the practice to be digestible for everyone so instead of overcomplicating the names of classes, I left it quite simple: do you want to move your body, relax in restorative poses, or meditate? Choose one and take class accordingly.

As the concept of mindfulness and the idea of a routine meditation practice continues to permeate the mainstream conversation, what would you say to people who may view it as a “just a trend”?

I think those people should try it for 30 days and then make the call whether they want to treat it like a passing trend or not.

For people who are new to yoga and the idea of meditation, why is Good Space a good place to start?

We’ve designed our classes to be approachable for everyone, even those looking for a space to simply move around in. The mindfulness sneaks its way into the instruction so the classes feel reflective and soulful without being preachy. Our meditation classes are also offered by donation so there’s not a financial barrier if you’re looking for some quiet space.

On the Good Space website, you ask each of your instructors to share what defines a “good space”. What defines a good space for you?

Connection between people, curiosity, open-mindedness, music, good lighting, warmth, hygge.

1 May

Toronto: Begin Your Meditation Journey On A Budget

Lena Bell

With our city’s fast-paced energy, it can be challenging to take a step back. An inherent need to keep moving and doing can often keep us from tending the most important parts of our being. Through the practice of meditation, we can work towards creating calm and finding breath, focus and clarity.

And while the importance of meditation may seem to be another buzzy idea used to sell books and apps, there are many ways to ease into the practice without spending much, if anything at all. In honour of achieving enlightenment through mindfulness, we’ve rounded up a few places in Toronto that can help you start your meditation journey while on a budget.

The Quiet Company — Check out their calendar of events here

Every Friday between 12:15 pm and 12:45 pm, The Quiet Company offers a $10 drop-in meditation class called Reset with Meditation. This lunchtime class can help bring back that concentration to tackle the last few tasks on your to-do list before the weekend starts.The session will include two guided meditations and encourages all levels to come and participate.

Image Credits: The Quiet Company

Meditation Toronto — 766 College St, Toronto, ON M6G 1C4

Meditation Toronto gives you something to look forward to at the start of your work week. Every Monday between 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm learn three simple and effective mantra meditation techniques at Mantra Meditation. All of the classes that Meditation Toronto offers are free of charge. Simply contact them for directions or show up.

Image Credits: Meditation Toronto

Toronto Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre — 77 Harbord Street Toronto ON M5S 1G4

Start your morning off bright and early at one of Toronto Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre’s free Satsang Group Meditation class. This class is held every Monday to Friday from 6:00 am to 7:00 am. Meditating in a group builds a stronger spiritual atmosphere which creates a more in-depth experience of meditation. People of different level are all welcome from newcomers to experienced yoga teachers.

Image Credit: Toronto Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre

Centre Place Toronto — 101-320 Richmond St. E. Toronto ON M5A 1P9

Every Tuesday and Thursday between 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm Centre Place Toronto creates a peaceful and relaxing space for Zen and Mindful Meditation. Using the Zen Buddhist traditions and the mindfulness technique, this class works to assist with managing anxiety and depression to achieve deep relaxation. These classes welcome all levels and are free of charge, however, if you wish to donate to give back to the community there is an opportunity to do so.

Image Credits: Zen and Mindful Meditation

25 Apr

Toronto: Local Ceremonies and Circles Happening for April’s Pink Moon

While April’s full moon goes by many names such as the Full Sprouting Grass Moon, the Egg Moon or the Fish Moon, our favourite name by far is The Pink Moon. As true believers in the spiritual power of the colour pink, we cannot help but be slightly disappointed that Sunday’s full moon will not actually be the colour pink. April’s full moon is called The Pink Moon as a nod to one of spring’s first flowers to bloom; the wild ground phlox.

Ritual is always important during a full moon, as this is when we are meant to move into full action to support our intentions set in the new moon cycle. It is also when energy and creativity are at peak, making it important to leverage our inner momentum towards the direction we want our life to go.

However, if the intentions set during the new moon cycle are not coming into fruition as we had hoped, it is perfectly ok to accept that with love and kindness. This means we must take the time to check in with ourselves, see where we are emotionally and physically and honour our progress.

As we head into spring, we are invited to embrace this opportunity on Sunday to shed anything negative that may be holding us back. It is time to truly let go of winter’s darkness and embrace the light, stepping into who we are and who we are wanting to become.

We’ve rounded up some of the opportunities in Toronto to gather with like-minded individuals and embrace ritual together on Sunday:

Soul Space Toronto — College Street and Ossington Avenue Toronto

Soul Space Toronto is holding a Tantric Kundalini Dance: Full Moon Sacral Healing Ceremony on Saturday, April 28th, 2018 from 3:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. The ceremony costs $44 and will show you a combination of Kundalini Tantra yoga, guided meditation, sound healing, and rainbow energy healing to self-heal the entire energy body (Women Only)

Image Credit: Soul Space Toronto

Full Moon Meditation — 310 Bloor Street West, Toronto

On Sunday, April 29th from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. there will be a free full moon meditation class that offers Kundalini yoga and mantra meditation. This healing practice takes place at Tartu College as the full moon lights up the sky. All levels are welcome, even those who have no meditation experience and instructions will be given to you. This event is a fundraiser, part of a four full moon meditation series that raises funds for charity: water and attendees have the option of donating online or bringing something to the studio.

Misfit Studio — 761 Queen St. West, 3rd Floor Toronto

Misfit Studio is hosting an evening of rising together and creating a new love of courage and clarity. Full Moon Goddess Circle: Pink Moon takes place on Sunday, April 29, 2018, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. This event is intended to reprogram our bodies to feel nurtured and worthy of deep love. In this full moon circle, you’ll encourage yourself and others to shed their old skins. By the end of the evening, you’ll leave supported, renewed and ready to take on the world. Tickets are available online for $44 and will be sold at the door $55

SMPLFY Studio — 890 B Dundas Street West, Toronto

Get the family involved in the Family Full Moon Gathering event that SMPLY Studio is hosting on Saturday, April 28, 2018, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Connecting each family member’s intention can lead to one of the greatest and healthiest transformations. For only $20 your family can enjoy an environment for families to play, heal and learn together; along with taking part in guided meditation and enjoying live music. A guided journey will take place teaching junior and senior minds about the Full Moon, Spring Teachings and lessons on self-empowerment.

Are you hosting an event for the Full Moon? Get the word out and feel free to share it to our events listing page.

20 Apr

Amethyst: A Powerful Peace of Violet

A Brief History

Recognized for its violet beauty and spiritually guiding powers; Amethyst is known to be a calming and meditative stone that brings in a balanced peace. Zambia, Brazil, Uruguay and the U.S are the most frequent places Amethyst is mined.

Linked to the Crown Chakra, these crystals hold power to minimize negativity while at the same time radiating positivity. Amethyst’s serenity enhances higher states of consciousness and meditation; which can help align and unblock chakras for those who are on their path to enlightenment. Use its energy of contentment to soothe the conscious mind and relax after a long stressful day.

Daily Application

In the Workplace

Amethyst’s healing energy is especially useful for work-related stress. Since it is linked with communication, intuition and The Crown Chakra; it’s believed to have the power of increasing work effectiveness. Amethyst in the office facilitates not only the decision-making process but also brings in common sense and spiritual insights into practice.

In The Home

Amethyst in the living room can help grow families bond together and create positive, open communication with them. Placing an amethyst somewhere in the bathroom is another way to relieve stress during a soothing bath.

Meditate

In a room with calm energy and soft lighting, you can use an amethyst cluster or an amethyst point to send energy and intentions into the universe. Place the amethyst in the palm of your hand, and breathe in the violet energy of amethyst. Before finishing take one last breath and slowly open your eyes as you breathe out.

Below are easy ways to incorporate Amethyst into your daily life: