ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING COVID-19 - MARCH 14TH, 2021 (one year later)
"If one dream should fall and break into a thousand pieces, never be afraid to pick one of those pieces up and begin again". St Bernadette
Just over a year ago, at the start of 2020, I rebranded my business. Moving from Root2Rise Yoga & Fitness to Sole Strength - Mindful Movement was more than just a name change. Over the past couple of years, my personal practice had significantly shifted along with my professional studies and my teaching. As I moved away from "traditional yoga" towards a more somatic / therapeutic movement style, anatomy and the nervous system were foundational underpinnings for building inner and outer strength and resiliency. I had finally niched down and established a vibe that was more inline with my authenticity as a human and a teacher of movement.
At the same time as I rebranded Sole Strength, I also moved all of my Long Sault classes into a beautiful church hall. Although I had taught in some amazing spots all over SDG throughout the past 9 years, it was time to have my own personal space; this venue was exactly what I had been seeking. In the heart of town, Christ Church Seaway offered a large parking lot with snow removal, a ramp, accessible washrooms, and a clean, spacious hall big enough to accommodate about 25 people! With 10 windows and wooden cathedral beams, it felt like Kripalu, the Yoga retreat centre I love so much.
In late February, after 5 years of Yoga Tune Up trainings, I completed my final immersion and became an "Integrated" Yoga Tune Up Teacher. I was assigned to spend a weekend assisting Tune Up Fitness founder and mentor, Jill Miller, at the Yoga Conference in Toronto in April. Life was looking GOOD and "rolling" in sync with my hopes and goals.
Like all of our plans and dreams, everything came to a halt in March 2020.
Never did I expect that these exciting changes would overlap with a global crisis. Nor did I think that I would be moving from this amazing space I just claimed to teaching virtually...in my basement!?!
Within a week of lockdown (and a few very depressing days), I managed to transition my classes online. First using Vimeo, then live streaming through Zoom. Given that many participants are rural, not everyone's internet speed was compatible with all streaming platforms, I also uploaded all my classes to YouTube. There were many tears and frustrating moments, but I knew that I wasn't alone, as all over the planet, teachers like me were struggling with the same experience. I also was reminded that THIS IS LIFE! Teaching authentically and living in the moment, with kids and dogs in the background, is as real as it gets.
I also never imagined that the studies and training I completed would be a helpful antidote during a global pandemic. Being infected with a virus or not, bouncing from different restrictions and limitations, rules and measures while navigating these continuous changes takes its toll on the body and mind. Isolation, sedentarism, increased screen time, and lack of touch negatively affects us all. The Roll Model Method therapy ball techniques, the Breath and Bliss nervous system regulation training, and all of the courses and studies on somatic movement and meditation have never been more important and impactful. The name Sole Strength Mindful Movement has never felt more fitting!
I'm so thankful I have remained healthy enough to offer my services over the course of this Covid19 situation. Despite the stresses that come with technology, sharing ways to manage the mind and body effects of this past year has helped me just as much as it's helped you. I love seeing everyone's ventral vagus excite when we gather live via Zoom. I love that I have been able to reach and (re)connect people from far away. I appreciate all of the feedback and messages of how these practices have benefited you. I admire your dedication and effort to show up, despite the struggles and challenges in your own lives.
So, although our dreams and plans were shifted last March, I hope we can look back and see the growth from the challenges we have overcome. I hope we can pick up the pieces, or maybe even just one, and move on with new hopes and goals. I'm not sure what kind of year 2021 will be, but I have optimism and faith, and I am committed to the work I do.
This winter, the guiding intention was Move More, Move Forward. It has nudged me to get up, get going, and stay the path when things get stagnant or sticky. We have made it through 7 weeks of January and February Sole Strength classes, and we are now 2 weeks into an 8 week March/April session....and we are BACK IN THE CHURCH!!
There are unlimited spots available for online classes and still a few spots open in the Long Sault in-person classes, if you are looking to join in. We have 6 weeks left between now and May and the cost is only $75 for 6 classes. To register, the link is below or you can reply directly to this email.
We also have a Monday morning "Sole Motion" walking group that is free to all participants. Walking is one of the best ways to move and manage your physical and mental well-being! It is also empowering to walk with a group of people!
schedule: http://www.solestrength.ca/march---april-session.html
register: http://www.solestrength.ca/contact--register.html
Thank you for your continued support and encouragement, as well as patience! Sending you and your loved ones all the best in health during these times.
Sincerely,
Sheena
Just over a year ago, at the start of 2020, I rebranded my business. Moving from Root2Rise Yoga & Fitness to Sole Strength - Mindful Movement was more than just a name change. Over the past couple of years, my personal practice had significantly shifted along with my professional studies and my teaching. As I moved away from "traditional yoga" towards a more somatic / therapeutic movement style, anatomy and the nervous system were foundational underpinnings for building inner and outer strength and resiliency. I had finally niched down and established a vibe that was more inline with my authenticity as a human and a teacher of movement.
At the same time as I rebranded Sole Strength, I also moved all of my Long Sault classes into a beautiful church hall. Although I had taught in some amazing spots all over SDG throughout the past 9 years, it was time to have my own personal space; this venue was exactly what I had been seeking. In the heart of town, Christ Church Seaway offered a large parking lot with snow removal, a ramp, accessible washrooms, and a clean, spacious hall big enough to accommodate about 25 people! With 10 windows and wooden cathedral beams, it felt like Kripalu, the Yoga retreat centre I love so much.
In late February, after 5 years of Yoga Tune Up trainings, I completed my final immersion and became an "Integrated" Yoga Tune Up Teacher. I was assigned to spend a weekend assisting Tune Up Fitness founder and mentor, Jill Miller, at the Yoga Conference in Toronto in April. Life was looking GOOD and "rolling" in sync with my hopes and goals.
Like all of our plans and dreams, everything came to a halt in March 2020.
Never did I expect that these exciting changes would overlap with a global crisis. Nor did I think that I would be moving from this amazing space I just claimed to teaching virtually...in my basement!?!
Within a week of lockdown (and a few very depressing days), I managed to transition my classes online. First using Vimeo, then live streaming through Zoom. Given that many participants are rural, not everyone's internet speed was compatible with all streaming platforms, I also uploaded all my classes to YouTube. There were many tears and frustrating moments, but I knew that I wasn't alone, as all over the planet, teachers like me were struggling with the same experience. I also was reminded that THIS IS LIFE! Teaching authentically and living in the moment, with kids and dogs in the background, is as real as it gets.
I also never imagined that the studies and training I completed would be a helpful antidote during a global pandemic. Being infected with a virus or not, bouncing from different restrictions and limitations, rules and measures while navigating these continuous changes takes its toll on the body and mind. Isolation, sedentarism, increased screen time, and lack of touch negatively affects us all. The Roll Model Method therapy ball techniques, the Breath and Bliss nervous system regulation training, and all of the courses and studies on somatic movement and meditation have never been more important and impactful. The name Sole Strength Mindful Movement has never felt more fitting!
I'm so thankful I have remained healthy enough to offer my services over the course of this Covid19 situation. Despite the stresses that come with technology, sharing ways to manage the mind and body effects of this past year has helped me just as much as it's helped you. I love seeing everyone's ventral vagus excite when we gather live via Zoom. I love that I have been able to reach and (re)connect people from far away. I appreciate all of the feedback and messages of how these practices have benefited you. I admire your dedication and effort to show up, despite the struggles and challenges in your own lives.
So, although our dreams and plans were shifted last March, I hope we can look back and see the growth from the challenges we have overcome. I hope we can pick up the pieces, or maybe even just one, and move on with new hopes and goals. I'm not sure what kind of year 2021 will be, but I have optimism and faith, and I am committed to the work I do.
This winter, the guiding intention was Move More, Move Forward. It has nudged me to get up, get going, and stay the path when things get stagnant or sticky. We have made it through 7 weeks of January and February Sole Strength classes, and we are now 2 weeks into an 8 week March/April session....and we are BACK IN THE CHURCH!!
There are unlimited spots available for online classes and still a few spots open in the Long Sault in-person classes, if you are looking to join in. We have 6 weeks left between now and May and the cost is only $75 for 6 classes. To register, the link is below or you can reply directly to this email.
We also have a Monday morning "Sole Motion" walking group that is free to all participants. Walking is one of the best ways to move and manage your physical and mental well-being! It is also empowering to walk with a group of people!
schedule: http://www.solestrength.ca/march---april-session.html
register: http://www.solestrength.ca/contact--register.html
Thank you for your continued support and encouragement, as well as patience! Sending you and your loved ones all the best in health during these times.
Sincerely,
Sheena
ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING COVID-19 - MARCH 15TH, 2020
Hello, friends.
I spent most of the weekend outside, immersed in nature, moving and thinking about this situation we are in right now. Although I still feel movement and community are a KEY part of our wellbeing, I also feel that during a pandemic, I need to be considerate of the movement WITHIN our community.
Of 100+ participants / clients I see weekly, many are 60+, many with compromised immune systems, many take care of elders (like my own mother who cares for my grandparents), MANY have recently travelled internationally. Many are first responders, have infants at home, and/or are pregnant. I can implement the best infectious control procedures; however, at this time, I really don't know if it's enough to protect our vulnerable populations.
So, it's with this uncertainty and with great sadness to share that our winter sessions are postponed until further notice. In lieu of our live classes, I will be setting up some online options so that we can continue to move and build (an online) community together. This may take a day or two, but an email will be sent shortly. Don't worry, even though there were only 3 weeks left in this winter session, your missed classes will be supplemented with online offerings.
I'd like to thank everyone for understanding. I will deeply miss our and your face-to-face interactions (hello, ventral vagus!), but as an educated and respected Regulated Health Professional in Ontario, I do feel that this is the right decision for the health, safety, and well-being of our COMMUNITY.
Be moved, be well, be safe...and, as much as you can be, be respectfully social. Also, be OUTSIDE...the sun, fresh air, birds, etc are all so healing. X Sheena :)
https://www.coko.ca/CKO_Public/News/Information_on_COVID_19.aspx
I spent most of the weekend outside, immersed in nature, moving and thinking about this situation we are in right now. Although I still feel movement and community are a KEY part of our wellbeing, I also feel that during a pandemic, I need to be considerate of the movement WITHIN our community.
Of 100+ participants / clients I see weekly, many are 60+, many with compromised immune systems, many take care of elders (like my own mother who cares for my grandparents), MANY have recently travelled internationally. Many are first responders, have infants at home, and/or are pregnant. I can implement the best infectious control procedures; however, at this time, I really don't know if it's enough to protect our vulnerable populations.
So, it's with this uncertainty and with great sadness to share that our winter sessions are postponed until further notice. In lieu of our live classes, I will be setting up some online options so that we can continue to move and build (an online) community together. This may take a day or two, but an email will be sent shortly. Don't worry, even though there were only 3 weeks left in this winter session, your missed classes will be supplemented with online offerings.
I'd like to thank everyone for understanding. I will deeply miss our and your face-to-face interactions (hello, ventral vagus!), but as an educated and respected Regulated Health Professional in Ontario, I do feel that this is the right decision for the health, safety, and well-being of our COMMUNITY.
Be moved, be well, be safe...and, as much as you can be, be respectfully social. Also, be OUTSIDE...the sun, fresh air, birds, etc are all so healing. X Sheena :)
https://www.coko.ca/CKO_Public/News/Information_on_COVID_19.aspx