Body and Mind
Thursdays in SSJ Advent 2023 are devoted to taking care of body and mind. This means dancing, steaming, stretching, walking, and so much more.
A Morning at Othership
Today, I’ll be heading out to Othership’s new 5,000 square foot Yorkville location for a “Journey Inward.” This consists of a 75-minute guided journey to explore the saunas to sweat, ice baths in which to plunge, and a commons to be mindful or to commune with others. I’m looking forward to an early-morning guided sound experience with in-sauna towel waving, aromatherapy, breathwork, vocal toning, periods of complete darkness and sound healing instruments.
I absolutely live for a sauna. And, since my first cold plunge in Lake Ontario this September, I’m really interested in mixing hot and cold. Since we’re car-free, Othership’s new Yorkville location is now the closest thermal experience to our home. So, I’m very much looking forward to trying out this new space! Since I’m looking more to relax and be mindful rather than be social today, I’ve scheduled a quieter (yet sound-based!) experience. However, I’m really looking forward to going back with a few girlfriends during the evening social journeys.
Thanks to Othership Yorkville for a complimentary pass to try out the new space! And thanks to the fabulous women at Auburn Lane for introducing me to Othership!
Results to follow here and on Instagram.
UPDATE
This a.m.’s guided-down sound journey at @othership Yorkville exceeded expectations! I wasn’t sure I would enjoy a guided sauna/cold plunge as opposed to free flow, but the low-key 75 minute session was empowering. Ellie/Arkaya led us through a musical breathing series while scented ice balls were dropped onto the sauna rocks and their steam towelled into the space. A guided entry into the individual baths made the 2 minutes in the cold water incredibly resonant and restorative.
I’m a huge fan of aufguss-style sauna experiences (hot saunas with essential oil-scented ice and towelled steam) and this particular session, with its focus on sound, provided a really wonderful way to help the group sustain that experience for a good 25+ minutes before completing one of two cycles in the cold baths. (Othership has more upbeat social guided experiences as well as tons of free-flow to suit various tastes.) All bodies and adults (over age 18) welcome.
Notably, as a car-free household, this is a transit-friendly destination. You don’t even have to walk outside to get from the west end of Bay station to the entrance on the lower level of 110 Bloor West. (Parking is available, too, mbs!)
As a morning person, I could think of no better way to start a day. Can’t wait to go back and try a few other sessions.
(Notes: If you don’t want wet hair, bring your own dryer. Change-rooms are co-ed but with individual loos and draped changing stalls. Turkish towels, tea and water, shower soaps, and choose-a-combo lockers are provided.)
ON THIS DAY
2022: Mail the Holiday Postcards
2021: Give to the Toronto Wildlife Centre
2020: Mail Christmas Cards and Plan Christmas Eve Dinner
2019: Carols, Cocktails, and Cookies, a.k.a. Winterize the Song of the Summer
2018: Mail the Christmas Cards
2017: Photograph the Toronto Christmas Market
2016: Design Santa in a Masterpiece Cards
2015: Make Whisky Fig Cranberry Sauce and Carrot Cake Jam
2014: Create Your Own Illustrations of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol
2013: Lego Christmas Party! Lego Christmas Building Challenges and Lego Christmas Cookies
2012: Double Feature & Kringle Corn
2011: Imagining Santa’s Workshop
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