What is mindfulness and why is it helpful?
Mindfulness is a way of being cultivated through a capacity for moment-by-moment awareness. It is about teaching yourself to be more aware, present and focused in your experience of life. Through a practice of mindfulness, we are better able to see when we are not being present.
What does a mindfulness practice look like?
Mindfulness comes in many forms. Our classes offer you a formal mindfulness practice, which involves a sitting meditation. You may also know of informal practices that involve bringing more focused attention to an activity of your choice, such as walking or eating. Over time, you may find that you’re able to bring mindfulness into any part of your day. For example, that conversation with your colleague, spouse, neighbour, child or parent? A great time to practice being mindful by bringing awareness to how you are actually feeling.
I don’t think I’m any good at meditation.
The mindfulness meditation practice is exactly that - a practice. Whether in class or elsewhere, you have a moment to step back from your daily life and observe your thoughts. Meditation is an opportunity to experience our inner world in a more conscious way. There is no right or wrong way to meditate.
What is the link to religion?
Mindfulness does not belong to any one culture or tradition. Mindfulness training draws on the ancient traditions of meditation and yoga and also often includes insights from modern medicine.
Any tips before coming to class?
Be curious. Have an open mind. Realize that this is a gift you are giving yourself - enjoy it! After class, take some written or digital notes about your practice. Be kind and patient with yourself and how your practice develops.
What do I wear to class?
We do not have a dress code. You can wear the clothes you wore to work or change into other, perhaps more comfortable, clothes. With that said, very tight clothing will likely not be the best for your practice. We ask that shoes are left at the door so feel free to wear socks or go barefoot.
What is provided in class?
Each person will be provided with a 100% rubber yoga mat with a great grip, a 100% cotton cushiony blanket, and a chair to support you during your practice.
Can I organize a class for my colleagues, friends, community group?
Absolutely. If you are interested in setting up a virtual session, organizing a class in your workplace or community, or holding a class outside of Toronto, please get in touch.
How is this program different from other fitness concepts?
Our classes are designed to keep the schedule of a time-starved professional in mind. We know it is difficult to fit in movement, wellness and self-care practices on a busy day and our goal is to make it easier for you to do so.
What if I have never done yoga or meditation?
You do not need to have any prior experience. Each class is designed to be an accessible practice that helps you reconnect with your body, through movement, and your mind, through meditation. To ensure your health and safety, you’ll need to fill out a waiver before your first class for the purpose of sharing any issues or concerns with the teaching team.
What is the benefit of coming to a class when I could do the practice at home by myself, through an App or using another form of technology?
Practicing with others in a group format gets you away from your professional or personal to-do list and gives you a sense of being in community. There are lots of self-care options available and it’s about figuring out what works best for you… go and explore!
What products do you use?
We make conscious sourcing decisions and are proud to work with Canadian companies like Lole, Saje and Halfmoon to provide each participant with a great experience in wellness.
What is your refund policy?
Class purchases, retail products and packages are non-refundable. For an individual class, you are able to transfer your registration to another person of your choice and simply notify our team of this decision. With that said, if your purchase does not meet your needs, please let us know by contacting the team here.
Sources
Mindfulness: A Practical Guide, Tessa Watt (2012)
Mindfulness, Harvard Business Review Press (2017)
