• Creating a Path to Serenity: Group Therapy

    Transforming Stress and Anxiety into Peace and Calm, through Therapeutic Arts and Mindfulness!

    This six-week virtual group on Saturdays from March 16 to April 20 is for anyone looking for support with anxiety and stress. We’ll give you tangible tools and resources to grow a sense of inner peace. The group will support clients in developing self-discovery and have a shared experience that leads to a deepening of wisdom and connection. The total cost is $240 for six, two-hour sessions.

    Therapeutic modalities applied, include integrative, therapeutic/expressive arts, mindfulness-based, strengths-based, existential, person-centered, and holistic.

    To register, contact me at [email protected]

    Facilitated by Tiina Kivinen, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) and Irish Dhindsa Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

    Facilitators

    Tiina Kivinen

    Hi, I’m Tiina Kivinen, and I’m a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying). I work with people seeking help for feelings of overwhelm or emotional pain. Some are managing emotions like anxiety, stress, and depression, while others are healing from past trauma. But there’s hope. The path toward understanding and emotional well-being is something we can walk together. I focus on helping those who are navigating various life transitions, healing emotional pain, or simply want to understand themselves better. In partnering with me, we’ll open doors to new possibilities of healing and growth. In our sessions, we’ll work together to make your life tangibly better.

    With my over 20 years of experience guiding people to connect with themselves and others, we’ll use the most effective tools to help you heal and grow emotionally. We’ll integrate insights from my background in meditation, yoga, and guided relaxation to help you tap into deeper states of awareness for a well-rounded approach to mental-emotional wellness.

    My role is to offer a kind and respectful space where together, we can identify the healing tools that resonate with you and the best strategies to improve your life. Reaching out is often the first step in creating a better future for oneself. I invite you to join me on this journey, and together, we’ll navigate the path toward your best self.

    Psychotherapy or Psychological Services covered by most extended health insurance, or Sliding Scale options available

    Irish Dhindsa

    As you move along your journey of life, you may encounter two things: challenges in life and the desire for personal growth. I am here to work with you through both of these, side by side, to support the development of authentic living, as you need. Our work together is mindfully and intentionally focused on supporting you in becoming the person you want to be and exuding the ripples of that into your life. I approach therapy with an integrative and holistic belief and passionately value an emphasis on the whole-person, mind, body, and soul healing.

    Our work together will integrate a deep understanding of your past, present, and future goals through a culturally responsive and strengths-based lens. I use a variety of therapies through an integrative method which includes, various talk therapies, and alternative therapies such as therapeutic arts, somatic practice, and mindfulness practice. I prioritize your sense of safety, support, and care in every session and throughout all our communications.

    As we work together, we join hands to bring forth the power of compassion, acceptance, empathy, understanding, and empowerment in relation to you and your life. In the therapy work, I incorporate Jungian psychology, existential therapy, poly-vagal theory, person-centered therapy, transpersonal psychology, and parts work as a part of the integrative approach. Through the application of these therapies, I work with clients experiencing depression, anxiety, grief, loss, life changes, attachment wounds, relational concerns, trauma, work-related challenges, self-worth concerns, and the desire for personal growth.

    I have four years of experience in working with people experiencing loss and trauma through individual and group support. I have a certification in working with Highly Sensitive People
    (HSPs), I am a WellCoaches Certified Coach, a Peer Support Canada Certified Peer Supporter, and a Therapeutic Arts Practitioner. I am presently pursuing my Master’s in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University. In addition, I have completed a Trauma Certificate from Laurier University and a Somatic Attachment Therapy Certificate from The Embody Lab.

    I strongly believe in the power of the Self and the innate capacity every person contains to transform, heal, and grow into their fullest potential. I respect the initiative and courage it takes clients to reach out for support and I am committed to being present with them throughout our time together.


  • Free 5 Day Immersion: Yoga for the Nervous System

     

    Join us for a FREE 5-Day Immersion Yoga for the Nervous System, from May 27 – 31, and you can do the practices anytime! Experience Yoga, Yoga Nidra, Meditation, Breathwork, and Relaxation all designed to support you in feeling calm, centered, and improving stress resilience!  SIGN UP HERE!


  •  

    JOIN US FOR A FREE ONE WEEK TRIAL

    I am excited to share with you all some big news. We are closing the doors of our physical space Peterborough Living Yoga downtown. It has truly been an amazing 8 years of holding space and being held by the space, in yoga classes, Yoga Teacher Trainings, events, and community gatherings. The spirit of the space will live on in new offerings, one of which is something I am so so excited to tell you about!

    Closing the doors of the physical space to open the doors to a new, virtual Yoga Space; The School of Living Yoga Circle Studio.

    The School of Living Yoga Circle Studio is a collaboration of our lead faculty; Ally Boothroyd, Tiina Kivinen, Kristyn Rose Foster, and Lauretta Dunford. This online studio brings together a global community of humans who are curious, open, and inspired by the deeper teachings of yoga, whether beginner practitioners, dedicated students,  or teacher trainees, all are welcome to join us. Our online studio unites a vibrant global community of people who share a passion for the profound wisdom of yoga.

    The membership offers an accessible way to have access to a variety of transformative teachings throughout every week, to enjoy live or recorded from the comfort of your own home. Classes and workshops deepen the exploration of yoga on and off the mat, with an emphasis on connecting with inner wisdom, fostering resilience, self-inquiry, personal empowerment, and creating more peace in your life and in the world. We will be offering classes in Yoga Nidra, Meditation, Restorative Yoga, Gentle Yoga, Yin Yoga, Flow Yoga, Savasana, and monthly workshops that deepen practice, connect with natural cycles, and inspire transformation.

    JOIN US FOR A FREE ONE WEEK TRIAL


  • Yin Song with Chris Mapstone and Iselin

    Date and Time: Friday May 12, 7 – 9pm
    Price: $50 + HST (56.50)
    YIN SONG is an integrated journey of yin yoga, live music, cacao blessing, and sound bath; weaving restorative asana postures and meditation with the healing vibrations of sound and song. It is our intention to create a deeply relaxing, healing & restorative experience that enriches all of your senses, nourishes your mind, body and spirit and leaves you feeling revitalized, balanced and harmonious.
    We weave Cacao, Yin Yoga, Live Looped Music, Sound Bath and Aromatherapy to enrich, enliven and inspire you in mind, body, heart and soul.
    Yin Song is a 2 journey. It is for anyone and everyone, all are welcome.
    All you need to do is arrive and we will guide you through the experience.
    **Please watch this short video to take a glimpse into what we offer with YIN SONG
    YIN SONG is a collective creation by Christopher Mapstone and Iselin Amanda Stoylen
    MAPSTONE ~
    Mapstone is a Sonic Traveller. Weaving Sound and Ceremony through the power of music.
    A song carrier, a musical mystic, a weaver of melody and rhythm. Chris Mapstone has spent a decade travelling in multi dimensional musical realms. He has shared his heart and music around the world at festivals, events, retreats, teepee’s, fires and ceremonies. His music continues to grow and flourish as he follows the music and the muse to where it is needed. Having shared stages and space with other visionary artists such as Murray Kyle, Darpan, and Lulu and Mischka. Chris’s musical path is one of healing and service; It is a deep dive into the mystery, wrapped in a warm blanket of love and grace.
    Combining Voice, Yidaki (didgeridoo), Percussion, Guitar and Flutes, Mapstone weaves an uplifting and enchanting sound. The lyrics and music are transformational; connecting the body and spirit in a multi dimensional sonic journey of the heart; for the heart and from the heart.
    His sound journeys are soundscapes of the Mystics. Woven from inspiration of the earth and mysteries of the soul.
    ISELIN AMANDA STOYLEN
    As an experienced yoga and meditation teacher, herbalist and women’s health educator, Iselin is passionate about assisting people in reconnecting to their bodies innate wisdom and the natural state of health and well-being that resides within.
    She works intimately with the medicine of cacao through ritual and ceremony, and as a tool for deepening the mind/body/spirit connection.
    Iselin is originally from Norway, but has spent the last 6 years living in Byron Bay in Australia, and today she teaches classes, workshops and retreats internationally.

  • Sacred Sound Journey

    with Rebecca White Raven

    Date and Time: Saturday April 8, 3 – 4:30 pm

    Price: $40 + HST

    Rebecca White Raven is joining us from Ottawa once again!

    A beautiful and meditative sound experience. Rebecca will provide a sacred soundscape to help guide you into alignment and allow your inner light to shine. Come bathe in the sweet sounds of crystal singing bowls and many other lovely sound-healing instruments. Sweet sounds and songs will carry you into a deeply meditative experience, while you simply rest and relax in a comfortable position. Please bring a yoga mat and blanket/ pillow or anything you need to be comfortable (or use some of ours).

    More about Rebecca:
    rebeccawhiteraven.wordpress.com

     

    REGISTER HERE


  • Every time we gather for our Heart of Practice overnight retreat, there is such a great energy and we feel so uplifted and rejuvenated. Retreats can offer an amazing reset – a chance to reflect, open the body and heart, relax the mind and rejuvenate our focus so we can return to life with fresh perspective and clarity. Join Tiina Kivinen and Fraser Macdonald for this one-day mini-retreat at Peterborough Living Yoga, with Dana Salahub offering her angelic voice for live music and kirtan.

    REGISTER HERE

    In this Heart of Practice mini-retreat, you will experience:

    *Deeply relaxing and enlivening Yoga classes for all body types.

    *Energizing and joyful Kirtan (group chanting)

    *Qi Gong session specifically tailored to sustain us through the winter season, calling upon traditional chinese medicine to find optimally health in connection with the seasons.

    *Caring, fun, and heart-centred community connection.

    *Chakra chanting for activating and aligning central energy centres

    Tentative Schedule

    10:30 am (Arrival, Tea, and Community Connection time)

    11:00 am Opening Circle intention setting, Kirtan

    12:00 pm Breathwork Meditation and Gentle Yoga with Tiina

    1:30 pm Lunch (a simple, nourishing lunch will be provided)

    2:30 pm Kirtan for Activation of Chakras

    3:00 – 4:00 pm Qi Gong for optimal health in the winter season

    4:00 pm Tea Break

    4:20pm – 5:15pm Restorative Yoga

    5:20 – 6:00 pm Closing Circle and Kirtan

     

    Tiina Kivinen 

    Tiina has over 18 years of experience guiding yoga experiences, retreats, and trainings. She has a specialization in a variety of yogic modalities. See her full bio and training here.

    It is one of her passions in life to come together with others, in the spirit of Yoga, self-inquiry, healing, and connection. Tiina loves curating retreat experiences that deepen our experience of Yoga in transformational ways, cultivating practices and ways of being that support thriving in life. Holding space alongside Fraser is a dream come true, as he is a truly wonderful friend and teacher!

     

     

     

    Fraser Rishi Mcdonald 

    Fraser Rishi grew up in Toronto, Canada, working for many years as a youth worker, writer/performing artist, and teacher.

    He has sat with people from all walks of life and witnessed a transformational power enliven these encounters. Inspired by the joy inherent in helping others discover their true nature and curious to deepen his own discovery, he has studied with masters in Hatha yoga, Bhakti yoga, Self-inquiry, and Tai Chi/Qi Gong traditions. This brought him to the feet of his beloved teacher, Sri Mooji, from whom he received the name Rishi. These practices have helped him heal from two serious accidents, manage chronic pain, and most importantly, they have revealed a space of profound peace within his own heart.

    He also offers Bio-Dynamic Cranial Sacral Therapy, which can be profoundly helpful for relaxing and nourishing the nervous system, as well as bringing health to the physical, emotional, mental, and energetic bodies. In addition to being an Ontario certified teacher and award winning writer and performance artist, he has completed a mindfulness certification with University of Toronto, 180 hour AYT, 200 hour RYT.

    Dana Salahub

    Long before Dana discovered spiritual music, listening to music felt like a spiritual experience. Beautiful songs compelled her to clear her mind, open her heart, and tune in to the deepest level of her being. At a young age, she discovered a presence in music that inspired her to be as present as possible with each subtlety of sound and nuance of feeling. Then, almost a decade ago, she started singing Kirtan. Soon she realized: There is some power in the mantras that can’t be defined, and when that power is mixed with music, it brings everything to silence and enlivens the heart.  Now that same intimacy and presence she experienced while listening to music in solitude are felt in community, in Kirtan, singing with others, and this is a beautiful thing.


  • Gentle Flow and Restore Online Yoga

    with Tiina Kivinen

    *This class takes place over Zoom. You are welcome to have camera on or off, and a recording is provided afterwards, so no worries if your schedule changes!

    Date and Time: Tuesdays 7 – 8pm, 7 weeks Tuesday, September 13 – October 25 2022

    Price: $128 + HST for 7 Weeks, Drop-Ins available $18 + HST

    This gentle, restorative-style Yoga class is open to all levels of experience. The class integrates meditation, breath awareness, gentle stretching, and restorative postures to support wellness on all levels of your being. Restore balance in the nervous system, clear the mind, and let go of cumulative tension in your body. Free up your vital energy, inhabit your body in a loving way, and cultivate feelings of peace, compassion, and harmony.

    *The link will be sent out prior to the class, please register no later than 15 min before class. The recording is sent out by the next day.

    REGISTER HERE


  • Sign up Here to join us for 7 Days of FREE Yoga and Yoga Nidra practices for the 7 Chakras,

    starting August 8th!

     


  • Heart of Practice Retreat 2022

    with Tiina Kivinen, Fraser Mcdonald, and Dana Salahub

    Lotus Heart Retreat Centre, Brighton ON (less than an hour from Peterborough, accessible to Ottawa, Kingston, Toronto)

    Date and Time: Friday, Oct  28– Sunday,  Oct 30, (Check-in 4 pm or after on Friday, Check out 2 pm Sunday)

    Price: Early Bird (until September 1): Sliding Scale $120 – $180 + HST, Regular: Sliding scale $150+ HST – $220 (Retreat Deposit)

    Follow the link below to register for your chosen price, or pay via e-transfer or Paypal/ Credit Card (our preferred method of payment is e-transfer to [email protected])

    Price for accommodation and food paid to Lotus Heart Centre: $390+ HST, Private rooms have a $50 fee for the weekend. When you register via the ‘Retreat Deposit’, we will send you instructions for making payment to LHC.

    *The Price for LHC  and retreat fees have gone up a bit from our last retreat, due to increased operating costs and inflation.  We truly cherish this opportunity to practice and share space together, so we don’t want cost to be an obstacle, so we have created a sliding scale option. Please contact us if you need to explore a scholarship. 

     

     

    Join us this Fall for a weekend immersion in the heart of practice. Located at the beautiful and tranquil Lotus Heart Retreat Centre in the Brighton area. This retreat – with the fall colours and crisp air and wonderful community connections – is quickly becoming a highlight of the year. It is for those with all levels of experience with yoga.

    Throughout the weekend, Tiina Kivinen and Fraser McDonald will hold space together, creating a retreat container for wisdom and connection to emerge from your own inner experience. Within this container of sacred space and intention, you will experience a variety of practices, including Yoga, Meditation, Qi-Gong/Tai Chi, Pranayama (breathwork), Yoga Nida (yogic sleep meditation), Japa and live music Kirtan (chanting). We are excited to welcome guest musicians for Kirtan as well, including Fraser’s beloved partner, Dana Salahub.

    Our intention for this retreat is to foster a space to deepen current practices, cultivate new practices for inspiration, or simply rest within the space of being and see what emerges. Connecting into the heart of our practice, we have the potential to bring a felt sense of peace and presence into our bodies, minds, and hearts. Together as a community, we create space for wisdom, clarity, and spirit to arise from within. Community forms as we connect and create, self-inquiry with a focus on compassion and curious contemplation, and the heart brightens with music, chanting, movement, and expression.

    The weekend will include:

    • 2 nights stay in a lovely retreat centre, private and shared accommodation
    • Delicious and nourishing vegetarian meals
    • Inspired Yoga and meditation classes and workshops for deepening your practice, with Fraser Mcdonald, Tiina Kivinen and guest musicians
    • Other highlights include Yoga with live music, campfire Kirtan and Concert, fire ceremony, and a contemplative forest walk w/ Qi Gong practice.
    • Spacious time to just be.

     

     

    Tiina Kivinen 

    Tiina has over 18 years of experience guiding yoga experiences, retreats, and trainings. She has a specialization in a variety of yogic modalities. See her full bio and training here.

    It is one of her passions in life to come together with others, in the spirit of Yoga, self-inquiry, healing, and connection. Tiina loves curating retreat experiences that deepen our experience of Yoga in transformational ways, cultivating practices and ways of being that support thriving in life. Holding space alongside Fraser is a dream come true, as he is a truly wonderful friend and teacher!

     

     

     

    Fraser Rishi Mcdonald 

    Fraser Rishi grew up in Toronto, Canada, working for many years as a youth worker, writer/performing artist, and teacher.

    He has sat with people from all walks of life and witnessed a transformational power enliven these encounters. Inspired by the joy inherent in helping others discover their true nature and curious to deepen his own discovery, he has studied with masters in Hatha yoga, Bhakti yoga, Self-inquiry, and Tai Chi/Qi Gong traditions. This brought him to the feet of his beloved teacher, Sri Mooji, from whom he received the name Rishi. These practices have helped him heal from two serious accidents, manage chronic pain, and most importantly, they have revealed a space of profound peace within his own heart.

    He also offers Bio-Dynamic Cranial Sacral Therapy, which can be profoundly helpful for relaxing and nourishing the nervous system, as well as bringing health to the physical, emotional, mental, and energetic bodies. In addition to being an Ontario certified teacher and award winning writer and performance artist, he has completed a mindfulness certification with University of Toronto, 180 hour AYT, 200 hour RYT.

    Dana Salahub

    Long before Dana discovered spiritual music, listening to music felt like a spiritual experience. Beautiful songs compelled her to clear her mind, open her heart, and tune in to the deepest level of her being. At a young age, she discovered a presence in music that inspired her to be as present as possible with each subtlety of sound and nuance of feeling. Then, almost a decade ago, she started singing Kirtan. Soon she realized: There is some power in the mantras that can’t be defined, and when that power is mixed with music, it brings everything to silence and enlivens the heart.  Now that same intimacy and presence she experienced while listening to music in solitude are felt in community, in Kirtan, singing with others, and this is a beautiful thing.

    REGISTER HERE!


  • Embodied Wisdom Online 200 hr Yoga Teacher Training

    Embodied Wisdom 200 hr ONLINE Yoga Teacher Training is Yoga Alliance approved and adapted from our decade of experience teaching transformational 200 hr Yoga Teacher Trainings and our past two years of discovering best practices for online yoga teacher education. It has been so amazing to experience the depth that is possible online with students from around the world!

    This training includes everything you need to know in order to skillfully lead authentic and unique Yoga classes that are true to YOU and to the roots of Yoga. You will become confident at leading and delivering this inspired practice that creates benefits to all of the different layers of the self. Supporting each human experience from helping keep our physical bodies healthy to creating emotional resiliency, mental health and regulating the nervous system, to fostering a connection to all of life and that mysterious intelligence that creates live itself. This online training will teach you everything you need to learn to teach others empowering and inspiring yoga classes that come from your heart. You will be guided towards a philosophy of ongoing self-inquiry that empowers your unique gifts and supports your well-being, whether you choose to teach or not. For those that choose to teach, this training is highly focused on developing your own practice so that you can teach through transmission and true wisdom. Deepen your own practice and understanding of this ancient science that brings clarity, peace, resilience, fulfillment and purpose.

    It is our belief that transformed people transform this world and that Yoga is a way to spread the tools necessary to create healing, peace and a brighter future for our planet. This is what the Embodied Wisdom Teacher Training was born from, this calling of the heart to serve the planet in this way that seems so needed at this time.

    Do you feel the call to dive in to this training with us? Sign up here for updates and to download our information package, or reply to this email with any questions!

    With excitement,
    Tiina

    Words cannot truly express the wealth of knowledge, expertise, and loving-kindness of this group of beautiful humans and teachers! I am in awe of them and the positive effect they have on their participants. Look no further if you are serious about becoming a bonafide yoga teacher, graduating the course with the best of curriculum, delivery, encouragement, constant support, modeling, rapport, and authenticity. ~ Karin D

    I expected to come out of this training with the knowledge and experience to start me on my journey as a yoga teacher. What I did not anticipate was the lifechanging transformation I would get through while taking this class. Yoga is so much more than postures and while we did learn the physical aspects of yoga, it was the emotional and spiritual journey that touched me the most..~ Marie G