The Doghouse
1690 Carron Rd V9N 9K5 Courtenay, BC, Canada

God turns you from one feeling to another and teaches by means of opposites so that you will have two wings to fly, not one~ Rumi So looking forward to our first class of our 6-week dance with paradox tonight. If you want to join in on the session send me a message, there’s still time to join.... If you aren’t sure about the offering, you can drop in for tonight’s class to see if it’s a good fit. $15. See you on the mat at 530pm. Toni

Both, Together: A Dance with Paradox 6 week online yoga session with Toni @tonesdunne ... Carl Jung said, ‘only the paradox comes anywhere near to comprehending the fullness of life.’ I couldn't agree more. We are living in divisivetimes, being blasted with information, looking for ground in the groundless. It's my experience that by exploring paradox I can more gracefully lean into the 'not knowing.' Traversing the uncomfortable terrain of both, together. I can open up to and include the many joys and sorrows, I notice with greater clarity the nuanced relationships that bind us, rather than simplyfocusing on the polarities that pit us against one another. It is my hope that by straddling the tension of opposites, we can deepen our conversation with life, cultivating inclusion and care for ourselves, for others and for the planet. Join me for weekly classes starting this Thursday. Live stream classes, available for download. Weekly inquiries for journaling. Jan 7-Feb 11 Tier 1: $70 Tier 2: $55 #yogatoni #paradox #love #practice #livestreamyoga

THANK YOU A big shout out to all of you who participated in the Winter Solstice class.... We collectively raised over $325 for Dawn to Dawn: Action on Homelessness Society. This is a great organization, and you can donate easily at any time through their website. https://dawntodawn.org I am so grateful for your involvement and care. -Toni #community #wintersolstice2020 #gratitude #support

The current reality of growing divisiveness and isolation, may leave us searching for ways to connect with something larger than ourselves, a reference point on which to return in moments of fear, overwhelm, hopelessness, and grief. I have found the work of exploring paradox to be such a reference point. Working with paradox offers the opportunity to embrace, and include all facets of what it means to be human. As we expand our capacity to include all aspects of ourselves, we... begin to include others experiences with increasing empathy and concern, to know ourself as the other, as the Earth itself. "Only the paradox comes anywhere near to comprehending the fullness of life" -Carl Jung Join me for a 6 week journey into paradox. Details on our website and in our story. #rilke #paradox #bothtogether In gratitude, Toni

Winter Solstice Take a moment today to get curious about your interior landscapes. Touch in with the quiet spaces, the potentiality, the deep nourishment in the soil of the belly.... I am leaving the link to my solstice class in the bio for the next 24hrs. It’s yours to practice along with and/or download. Please consider donating to Dawn to Dawn through us or independently through their website. This new style of live stream will be similar to my offering in January. For more info head to our website. Artist: unknown, anyone?! #fallowtimes #deepdark #wintersolstice2020 #shadowandlight #rejuvination

Solstice Eve Practice Live Stream Sunday, 330-5pm ... Link in bio Class by donation. You can donate directly through the website https://dawntodawn.org OR by email transfer to [email protected]

Mao just wanted you to know that he misses yoga too. #yogacat #cathouse #thedoghouseyoga #yogacatsofinstagram

The perfect evening for THIS. Join Toni this Sunday evening, on the eve of the Winter Solstice for a nourishing afternoon practice. 330-5pm... Live stream on Vimeo. Email us to get linked up. Class by donation. of proceeds go to Dawn to Dawn, a local non-profit here in the Comox Valley. #bestill #stillness #restore #darkmonths

The roots. the good earth. How it supports and nourishes us, allows us a reference point to ground and settle. Tonight’s practice is an invitation to come into your roots. Again and again.... Over and over. Zoom practice with Toni @tonesdunne 530-7pm If you are t registered and want to drop-in, please send us a message and we can link you up. $15 So looking forward to another week of moving and resting together. apart. Both. Together.

Hi friends. We miss hugging you. Truly. It will be so nice to gather again, won’t it feel extra special?!... We have a few online offerings coming down the line. Check out our website and/or recent posts for the details. Toni has been working with her tech guy and yogi friend @vespersmusic to ensure this next round of videos is of super high quality in the audio/visual department. Also, we have GCs, so if you want to gift someone an online yoga session, that’s an option. That’s all. Peace #onlineyoga #wemissyou

Lights. Camera. Action

This Tonight we gather online for our 2nd of 4 classes with Toni @tonesdunne in the series entitled : Holding the Tension... We will explore the paradox of our humanness. And this beautiful mantra: Strong Back Soft Front Wild Heart Originally introduced by Roshi Joan Halifax @joanhalifax and fleshed out further by the brilliant Brene Brown @brenebrown, we will weave this embodied exploration through class. 515-530 Open social and check-in 530-7pm Class If you’d like to drop in for class, send me a DM and I will link you up. Drop-in: $15 (includes recording) #brenebrownquotes #roshijoanhalifax #strongback #softfront #receptive #tender #wildheart #paradox

Both,Together. A dance with paradox 6-week yoga session with Toni Dunne... Live Stream Class: January 7-Feb 11th 530-7pm (Thursdays) How can we approach ourselves and others with inclusiveness and care? How can we broaden our bandwidth to hold the tension of polarities and all the curious space in between? What does it feel like to get comfortable with the uncomfortable? How might we more skillfully lean into life’s complexities and inherent challenges? In this 6 week session, we will touch on these questions, and explore the tender territory of what it means to be human. Each 1.5 hour class will begin with a brief talk, and a led meditation, followed by a full spectrum movement practice to cultivate presence and curiosity. The live class takes place weekly 530-7pm. A video recording for download is sent out the following day and is available for download. Bonus journalling prompts, reference links, and recommended podcasts will also be included in a weekly email. Tier 1: $70 for folks who have not been financially impacted by Covid-19 Tier 2: $55 for folks who have been financially impacted by Covid-19 *if you are unable to pay the second tier, and would like to participate, please contact me by email to discuss other opportunities.

Solstice Yoga Offering Zoom Class by donation With Toni @tonesdunne ... 100% of proceeds will go to Dawn to Dawn. Sunday, December 20th 330-5pm Let’s acknowledge and honour the sacred turning of the season. In the fallow months of winter we asked to pause and rest. Let’s lean into the dynamic dance of light and dark. This class will be mostly restorative, and speckled with a little bit of poetry. Make yourself a sweet nest, light a candle, and let’s welcome in the unique holiness of winter. To register, send us an email. Zoom link will be sent out on Saturday. Please help us spread the word by sharing this post Art: @android_jones #wintersolstice #wintersolsticeeve #solsticeyoga #restorativeyoga

On PRACTICE I used to be very rigid in defining ‘yoga practice’ and would easily get caught in the wheel of self sabotage, imposter syndrome, apathy and judgment. As I’ve grown into my practice and myself over the years, I’m happy to report that my definition has changed immensely. ... Anything that invites me home to myself counts, I say. The bath and my breath. Slow walk home from dropping kid at school. The dishes, cold hands in warm water, feeling. Feeling what I feel. Dance. Silence. Listening from my bones. Moon gazing. Laundry folding. People so often share with me their own struggles in finding time to practice. I usually tell them yoga is not meaningful in and of itself (sorry! ) Its the flavour you infuse it with that countsyour intention and care. Today I invite to notice the subtle and numinous opportunities to lean into mystery, to listen to the deep call from your centre. Take a second to come home, you might even find it’s easier than you think. #practice #getcreative #payattention #comehome

Behind the scenes. Feeling pretty jazzed up about my first Zoom class, a few hiccups and some insight gained on how to navigate this new (to me) platform for connecting. If you missed out on registration, know that you can join anytime, as classes are recorded and accessible for download.... Live class: Thursdays 530-7pm Recorded class released on Friday morning. A big shout out to my dear friend, roommate and tech support Drew @vespersmusic I could not do this without his sage wisdom and Jedi tech skillz #virtualyoga #resilience #learningnewthings

WOW!! Thank you for your thoughtful and inspiring nominations. I have decided on 7 people instead of 3, because how could I possibly pick and choose?! ... It was truly heartwarming to hear about your beloved friends, family members and coworkers. It gives me hope in humanity to read loving testimonials about those who you hoped to give a boost to; How you appreciate them, and all the generous ways they show up in the lives of others. Heart Burst I will see (many of) you lovelies in class tomorrow. There’s still time to register for the 4-week session with access to each recorded class. May you be peaceful. : @jipsitree

Online Classes begin TOMORROW There’s still time to register for Toni’s 4-week yoga session. @tonesdunne ... Thursday nights 530-7pm LIVE CLASS Plus you will be sent a recording of the class to practice with at your convenience. $50 for 4 classes All levels welcome. A healthy mix of movement and relaxation. DM to register.

Scholarship Opportunity I am offering a 4-week Zoom class beginning this Thursday. I am thrilled to be in the spirit of teaching again, and want to share my enthusiasm by offering 3 people a ... GIFTED Yoga SESSION. If you’d like to nominate someone who would benefit from yoga or gathering online in conversation and movement, please send me a private message. I know the past 8 months have affected us all, in varying degrees. My hope is that you can direct me towards a special person in your world who might need a little lift! Much Love Toni : @gordonrossphoto

TONI is back!! 4-week yoga session begins this Thursday. Nov 19-Dec 10 $50... Live class is held 530-7pm. If you can’t attend live the recorded class will also be released the following day. The earth is asking us to move inward, and this session is an invitation and a support in that essential process. 2020 has been a tumultuous year, and it’s likely you are feeling all the feels (or trying your best not to). Either way, let’s settle into what is, and do our best to include and care for the tender parts. Send an email or DM here for more information or to register. All the love, Toni #letsgather #virtualcommunity #yoga #tenderparts #care #inclusion #love #connection

How to access ground in the groundlessness? This year is really dishing out a generous dollop of increased uncertainty, no? Exhaustion, fear, numbness, anxiety, apathy, grief, anger how can we include and work with these parts of ourselves that may feel overwhelming or debilitating? These are some of the inquiries we will work with in the upcoming Yoga Offering on Zoom.... Toni @tonesdunne is offering a 4-week Zoom Session, available live on Thursdays, and/or Recorded Version to practice at your convenience. Nov 19th - Dec 10th Investment $50 In this course we will work with foundational practices to sit in uncertainty, to meet this time with increased steadiness and focus. We will gather. We will move. We will rest. My hope is that we will acquire some good medicine from our time together. Email of DM us to register. Much love Toni

I’m feeling so giddy about teaching again. It’s been a long while. The emails have been rolling in, and even though we can’t meet in person, I’m delighted by all of you reaching out, and as always your enthusiasm and commitment to practice ... If you are not able to attend for the Live Zoom class on the Thursday, do know that the $50 investment gives you access to the recording of the class as well. This way you can practice all week long (and forever, really). Zoom Class with Toni Thursday’s 530-7pm Nov 19-Dec 10 Investment: $50 (Includes access to recorded class if you can’t attend live and/or for future use) The class is all levels and will be a healthy mix of movement and restoration. Missing you all so much Toni : @jipsitree #yogaonline #adaptation #imreadytoteach #innerspace

ZOOM Yoga Session with Toni Dunne @tonesdunne Thursdays... Nov. 19, 26, Dec 3,10 530-7pm Class Description: As we move into the darkest days of the year, I offer this class as a support, a tether, a sacred space to move inward with a spirit of curiosity and inclusion. Each session is an invitation to come home to the deep abiding middle space that has the capacity to hold it all. Each 1.5hr session will include: -a short talk/reading/theme to paint our practice with direction and clarity -led meditation for embodied presence -foundational movement practice to enliven and shake out the cobwebs -restorative postures and breath work to settle and release Live classes will be held Thursdays 530-7pm. I will also be recording each class so that you may access it at your convenience. Investment: $50/4 classes I’m feeling excited to see your smiling happy faces again, even if it’s in Brady Bunch screen form Please DM me here to register or email us through the website (link in bio) #zoomyoga #practice #grounding #support #community #thedoghouseyoga

HOPE Can you feel it?! I feel like I’ve awoken this week from a fog, or a tight jacket I didn’t know I was wearing. Anyone else feel a loosening, a deep sigh, increased space?... I’m tenderly leaning into this time with curiosity, courage, and compassion. As the dark days take hold and we are being asked to remain somewhat contained in our lives, it’s possible that we may well be met with what @tokopa calls ‘the dark guests’: Anger, Disappointment, Restlessness, Impatience, Shame and Grief This is ok. This is normal. You are not alone. After a long break from teaching, Toni @tonesdunne is thrilled to offer a 4-week offering beginning Nov. 18th. This class is intended to guide you into body, accessing the ground and steadiness required to navigate the dark (and light!) times ahead. Stay tuned for more details on times, dates, class description and cost in the coming days. Looking forward to reconnecting with my yoga community. Toni

Hi there It feels like forever since we’ve posted anything yoga related on social media. Kristen is offering a small class/workshop this weekend, and there are a few available spots.... Fall into Practice: strengthening resilience Join Kristen for a 3 hour exploration into learning how to create a nourishing home practice. We will honour the season of fall by cultivating contemplative practices that nourish us in this fallow season of grief and downward movement. In this safe container you will have the option to share your challenges, connect with your community and learn grounding techniques. We will work with the 3 true grounds, nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing), the 3 centres of intelligence, gentle flowing sequences, and restorative postures. We will also journal and you will have the opportunity to create a home practice to support you in strengthening your resilience in the months to come. Saturday October 24 2-5pm Investment: $40 Cash and ETF accepted

Hi folx. While there may not be yoga this fall, there are flowers. Flowers are heart medicine.... Gorgeous earthly miracles. Balm to what ails you. Being with the blooms helps me to ground and appreciate the beauty that is here, all around, within. I’m stocking up the farm stand Sunday am. $10 bouquets packed full of dahlias, snapdragons, zinnias, China asters and cosmos. 1690 Carron Rd. Come treat yourself (or a beloved) to something beautyFULL. All the love Toni

FALL ANNOUNCEMENT After much consideration, we have decided to suspend regular weekly classes for the 2020 Fall session. This was not an easy solution to arrive at, as we value the opportunity to gather in person and know the benefits of being with one another, especially during this time of deep uncertainty. However, because of the intimate nature of the space, and both Kristen and Toni’s potential interactions outside of the studio, in work and family, we feel this decision... is the right one. Alleviating unnecessary exposure, and honouring our home space as a private sanctuary is a priority at this time. This September marks the 8th year The Doghouse has been in operation, and while we continue to rejoice in our sweet space and all the amazing studentship and beloved friends, we also welcome a pause to pursue greater personal learning and development. Our plan moving forward is to utilize this season as a welcomed sabbatical, to feel into the space, the shifting season, settle into the uncertainty, trust in the mysterious unfolding, so that we may vision into the future with more clarity and space. It is with heavy hearts that we post this announcement, and we know that this is the most sustainable and responsible decision for ourselves, our household and our community. Moving forward, our sincere hope is that we are able to offer intimate workshops and/or pop up classes this season, if and when it feels safe to do so. Thanks so much for your understanding, your continued support, your love, In deep gratitude, Kristen & Toni

Come and get some flowers! 1690 Carron Rd. $10 bouquets.

Flowers @ the farm stand. $10 and $5 bouquets So many pretty blooms. 1690 Carron Rd....

Fresh Flowers! Sweet $5 bouquets. 1690 Carron Rd.... Wishing you all a beautiful hot summer weekend.

Fresh Flowers! $5 and $10 bouquets. 1690 Carron Rd, Courtenay

Happy BC Day folks. I have some beautiful bouquets out at the stand today. Small dahlia bundles $5... Bigger Bouquets $10 Plus some outdoor succulents in tetra cotta pots $5, or plastic pots $3. Come on by #dahliaseason #zinnias #cosmos #snapdragons #luciferstongue #sunflowers

It’s a flower kinda day. We just stocked the farm stand with 5 GORGEOUS bouquets. $10 each... 1690 Carron Rd. #lakspur #zinnia #dahlia #cosmos #snapdragon #sweetpea #poppyheads #flowertherapy

Good Morning! Setting up the stand today. Come get your bouquets and sweet pea bundles while they last! 9am-6pm... 1690 Carron Rd. #flowerpower #bestkindofmorning #beautymatters #suportlocal

Plant Sale July 1st stock up at the farm stand will include: potted dahlias ... lettuce starts patty pan starts nasturtium starts yellow wax beans green bush beans ground cherry starts Also sweet pea bouquets, lavender bundles, fava beans, garlic scapes and More!!! Come say hello. 10am-6pm 1690 Carron Rd. Courtenay #comoxvalleyfarmstands #tinyfarm #biggarden #drivewaycommerce

Farmstand OPEN! Today I have dahlia plants for sale. I’m not so good at remembering their fancy names, but have red, yellow and salmon available. Also bouquets.... Also kale. Open until everything is gone.

Hi Doghouse Community. A little note to say hello, we are still here, despite a long stretch of silence. We have been busy bees in the garden, and with a pause on the spring session we have recalibrated, softened into the quietude and spaciousness of this uncertain season in our collective lives.... Kristen and I were reflecting this week about how potent and relevant the theme of PARADOX, explored this past fall at the studio was for us. Have you been able to lean into joy and sadness simultaneously? Have you experienced moments of freedom when traversing the space of not knowing? In these heightened and uncomfortable times, we are reminded of the many rich and insightful conversations shared over this past year. All of this to say, Thank you As many businesses are opening their doors again, this is the week we were originally scheduled to close ours for summer holiday. We have opted to stick with this original expression of our business model and re-open in late September. Despite missing our weekly check ins, this extra long break is a welcomed sabbatical for both Kristen and I, as we are going on our 8th year of business here. It’s hard to believe! We want to reiterate how much we adore our yoga community and the light you bring to our lives. Again, many thanks. We hope to catch your smiling faces at the river, on a passing bike, around town. Toni has set up a farm stand at the end of the driveway and will be using this account to update about flowers, food and other goodies for sale. Feel free to poke your head into the backyard and say ‘hello’ Big big love. Toni & Kristen

Hello Doghouse Family. A note to say hello, we are still here, feeling into this time, being with the plants. Not sure what the next few months have in store for us, but we are curious to know where you are at? ... Typically we do not teach through the summer months, but if/when restrictions are lifted, would you attend a class? Inside? In the yard? Would you commit to a 4-6 week session? Curious to know as we vision into the future. Sending love and steadiness as we navigate uncertainty with deep breaths. In deep gratitude, Toni & Kristen #iris #springrain #love

Permission to feel.

Online Course ALERT!! Our beloved friend and teacher Carly Forest @carlyforest_ is offering an amazing online course. Intro to the Enneagram... May 7-June 25 Head to her website www.carlyforest.com to read all the details and take a look at the three tiered payment options. The Enneagram has been such a profound map for us at The Doghouse. Both Kristen @ladyk108 and I @tonesdunne can attest to the deepening of self knowledge, relational growth and compassionate inquiry that this system has brought into our worlds! Carly is a deep well of wisdom and her style of teaching is inclusive, wise, authentic and poignant. #enneagram #carlyforest #knowyourself #humaness

Ganesha and the blossoms, Spring at the Doghouse. Missing our community ... #removerofobstacles

In honour of this forced pause, The Doghouse is taking a break from Facebook. You can reach us by email [email protected] Stay Well, friends In honour of this forced pause, The Doghouse is taking a break from Facebook. You can reach us by email [email protected] Stay Well, friends

New day. New perspective.

For something a little different, check out Toni’s new Instagram page @tones.ofhome Toni was meant to have a pop up thrift shop in the studio this last month, but like so many events it was cancelled. Learning to be adaptable and innovative in these strange and spacious days.... 10% of all profit goes directly to the forest @thecumberlandforest Because. Trees. Missing you all so much, Toni and Kristen

A adaptation of an old favourite MARY OLIVER for CORONA TIMES (thoughts after the poem Wild Geese) Adrie Kusserow ... You do not have to become totally zen, you do not have to use this isolation to make your marriage better, your body slimmer, your children more creative. You do not have to maximize its benefits by using this time to work even more, write the bestselling Corona Diaries, or preach the gospel of ZOOM. You only have to let the soft animal of your body unlearn everything capitalism has taught you (that you are nothing if not productive, that consumption equals happiness, that the most important unit is the single self, that you are at your best when you resemble an efficient machine). Tell me about your fictions, the ones you’ve been sold, the ones you sheepishly sell others, and I will tell you mine. Meanwhile the world as we know it is crumbling. Meanwhile the virus is moving over the hills, suburbs, cities, farms and trailer parks. Meanwhile The News barks at you, harsh and addicting, until the push of the remote leaves a dead quiet behind, a loneliness that hums as the heart anchors. Meanwhile a new paradigm is composing itself in our minds, could birth at any moment if we clear some space from the same tired hegemonies. Remember, you are allowed to be still as the white birch, stunned by what you see, uselessly shedding your coils of paper skins because it gives you something to do. Meanwhile, on top of everything else you are facing, do not let capitalism coopt this moment, laying its whistles and train tracks across your weary heart. Even if your life looks nothing like the Sabbath, your stress boa-constricting your chest, know that your ancy kids, your terror, your shifting moods, your need for a drink have every right to be here, and are no less sacred than a yoga class. Whoever you are, no matter how broken, the world still has a place for you, calls to you over and over announcing your place as legit, as forgiven. Even if you fail and fail and fail again. remind yourself over and over, all the swells and storms that run through your long tired body all have their place here, now in this world. It is your birthright to be held deeply, warmly in the family of things, not one cell left in the cold

Regrets. Hope you’re all settling into whatever life is offering you right now. It may feel new, scary, uncomfortable, exciting, terrifying, strange or spacious.... Change can be deeply uncomfortable. Change can take us into new frontiers, unknown territory, have us feeling groundless. Change is happening. We’ve been leaning into this pause, putting all our practices to good use. Gardening, forest and ocean frolicking, reading, sitting, playing, writing, cooking and eating. What are you doing in this pause?! Please share how you’re doing, we want to know. #welovehugs #change #yoga #practice

‘Hope inspires the good to reveal itself’ -Emily Dickinson #spring #trillium #hope #trust #ishvarapranidhana

Taking (and giving) all the socially responsible HUGS we can. (Niyama recap )... SANTOSHA, or contentment. Contentment differs from happiness; closely related to Equanimity: the ability (or skill) to meet the present moment without interference or resistance. But it’s even richer and more nuanced than that... Donna Farhi defines it as ‘the ability to feel satisfied within the container of one’s own immediate experience’ Deborah Adele says it is the practice of falling in love with your life. Contentment allows us to meet each moment with an acknowledgement of it being enough. Santosha challenges us to take a courageous stance in the uncomfortable (and magical) middle space; where one is no longer jostled around by preferences, stifled by expectation, or paralyzed by rigid storytelling. Cultivating Santosha aids us in acceptance, in meeting each moment as it is, not how we think it should be. It generates our capacity for hopefulness, and can help us fortify a deep reserve of faith and trust in our unfolding lives. It’s a difficult time to hold steady in the middlefeels like we are in a storm, awaiting a hurricane, circling just off shore. The details, the plans, the itineraries, when they fall away, may leave us suddenly with more space to notice all the greatness, all the simple pleasures, the true abundance that is already right here. Santosha is cultivated through gratitude, our rejoicing in the reverent gift of this life. The hue of red buds. Early morning bird song. Warm afternoon sun on skin. The promise of renewal. Hope. Deep gratitude. Toni and Kristen #yamasandniyamas #santosha #hugtrees #giantfir #gratitude #love #hope #trust #surrender

This perspective from the ever insightful @brenebrown It’s true that everything is happening quickly, and that we are in new and unfamiliar territory. In these times, it may help to remember the first Yama: AHIMSA; non-violence; compassion for all living things.... Ahimsa asks us to recognize the ways we act with aggression in our relational world. Ask yourself: can I communicate the same message with kindness rather than cruelty? When the collective energy has a charge as it does, this becomes an especially challenging practice. Aggression doesn’t have to present as out right violence or intensity, often what we experience more consistently and subtlety is our own micro-aggressions towards self. Many of us are dressed in many hats, many heavy coats at this moment in time. How to be a parent, teacher, good neighbour, cautious community member, loving and attentive partner, and still have time and energy to look inward, to attend to your own needs and anxieties? How can you be kinder to yourself? Ahimsa asks us turn our attention towards the cultivation of kindness and compassion to ourselves and others. This first Yama, in the first limb of yoga, is a foundational practice. Not just in the tradition of yoga, but in so many spiritual and religious traditions throughout history. I find solace in these ancient teachings. Despite being written thousands of years ago, I find them as relevant today, as ever. It infuses me with hope to believe in the heritage/legacy of human resilience (the delightful Traci Skuce’s words @traciskuce.thewritingjourney) A reminder that this expression of peace and compassion (ahimsa) is not some new thing you need to add to your roster of self help strategies. Ahimsa is your natural state. Peace and Compassion are who you are, when you are aligned with your true nature. Sweet dreams, dear ones. #highsandlows #bekind #wearealllearning #ahimsa #compassion #hope #trust

This reminder. Again and again. Return to the heart. Which might mean feeling really sad, tender, raw, down. Or perhaps, deep gratitude. ... Feel what you feel. It’s all included. Thanks for the image @ceeforest via @elizabeth_gilbert_writer

Hi friends, Yesterday I took a day off social media and news, and dropped into the garden and my favourite podcast. This episode gave me so much hope and perspective in these turbulent times. Have a listen.... https://podcasts.apple.com//on-being-with-kri/id150892556

Our dear friend Traci Skuce @traciskuce.thewritingjourney wrote a book, a compilation of short stories, an incredible accomplishment, something worth celebrating AND it’s published and available for you to enjoy. Traci had originally planned a book launch mid-April, and of course, like so many events, it has been postponed. Please consider supporting a talented local writer, and pre-order a copy of Hunger Moon wherever you buy your books.... This is the time to turn our attention towards the genius and innovation alive in our very own communities, to spend our precious dollars with intention and love. Big love to you all in these big times filled with big feels. #traciskucewriter #traciskuce #supportlocal #hungermoon #love

The Local Refillery Since we are not currently spending our energy promoting and informing you of upcoming events at The Doghouse, we’ve decided instead to highlight amazing humans in our Valley community. @localrefillery is my go-to place to stock up the pantry and get fresh local amazing products! They are a very new business, just getting their systems in place, and I sense this transition is going to be really hard on them (as it is for so many of us). ... They are closed to the public, BUT are currently taking online orders, or you can roll up general store style with your vessels and your list and they will personally shop for you. This is an incredible service! I stocked up today on local Pattison greens/arulgula, eatmore sprouts, big Ds honey and community world coffee. All locally sourced. This moment in time is an incredibly opportune time to consider food security. Your own, and that of the community you live in. I firmly believe in the energetics of consumerism. I love giving my money (energy) to small businesses. There is a less quantifiable value in relationship, in recognizing the intention and integrity reflected in the products and the people who stand behind them. Plus no packaging!!! This business needs your support. Please consider spending your precious dollars here rather than the bigger grocery chains that will inevitably survive this road block. (Side note: BIG shout out to all the incredible humans working at all the groceries stores. ) Thank you @localrefillery for your heartfelt commitment to providing us with quality food, and considering Mother Earth in your business model. Deep gratitude #smallbusiness #iseeyou #nopackaging #zerowaste

Hi friends. Just a little note to say Hi. It’s such a conflicting time, where we might feel the natural pull to gather with loved ones and community, to hold out our hands, to hug. And yet, our distancing is crucial in this time.... As yogis we train in being in the discomfortnow is the time to tune into your inner resources, the practices that help to fortify your centre, calm your nervous system. Having spent the last 10 weeks exploring the Yamas and Niyamas, take some time to contemplate how you can be most impactful in the relational world? Plant a garden, give generously to those in need, notice your consumption patterns, enjoy simplicity. Slow down. We are scheming some online offerings, in lieu of being together in real time. Stay tuned for more on that. It’s unlikely we will be heading back into session March 30th, looking at taking April off and reassessing for May. It’s all uncertain for now. May we trust in the mysterious unfolding of our lives #allthelove #takegoodcare #stayhome

SPRING SESSION March 30th-June 5th The Elemental Journey ... We are nature. It is true, and yet we can spend a good part of our life disconnected from the powerful source energy that permeates our universe, that animates our embodiment. This Spring we invite our attention towards the elements as a way to re-member our essential nature. Investigating the mind-body-spirit in this way will allow us the opportunity to feel into and observe the subtle nuances of Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Space within (microcosm) and without (macrocosm). Panchamahabhutas or the five great elements are the building blocks of life and as such serve as metaphors to aid us in knowing ourselves at our depths. This broad theme will allow us to investigate many aspects of the human experience through conversation, asana and meditation. Sub topics covered in this session may include: the subtle body and the chakra system, Ayurveda and the doshas, the nature of the mind, yoga philosophy and the nervous system. The deep wisdom of mother nature can be a grounding and guiding force in this world that deeply needs our devoted attention and compassion. *please note: we are launching this session as planned knowing that current health concerns and measures are uncertain. For now, we are simply gathering names for registration, and as the session nears we hope to have a clearer sense of the protocols required to hold space for class. All the love, friends.

Hi Friends, It seems our scheduled two week break has come at the ideal time, as we are being asked to pause in these uncertain times and await what effect COVID-19 will have on our Island communities. Toni @tonesdunne will be holding the last class tomorrow ... Sunday Flow into Yin 4-530pm There will be opportunity to check in and discuss concerns pre-class, before we move deeply into a grounding practice to help regulate and settle in these unsettling times. The Spring Session begins March 30th, and we are open for registration, we are not currently taking payments until we can feel out the right course of action for holding classes. We will keep you informed as we feel into these next weeks. Please take the next few weeks to slow down and connect with loved ones. Plant seeds, make art, rest, take good care of each other. #yinyoga #pause #love #reimagine #resilience

Prana Vinyasa 930-11am @sexlovecoach This is the last Friday of the session before we go in Spring Break. ... Bring a friend if you have passes to burn through. Times are a little crazy right now, come get focused on the mat.

Our dear friend Heather @heatherdurward is coming from the West Coast to offer you this inspiring workshop. She’s magical.... Email us to register Investment: $40

Spring cleaning really does start from within. We are entering the time when yang energy (active, warming, & creative) begins to increase after the restorative and sleepy yin season of Winter. As nature around us shifts, so should our internal environment. Depending on our constitutions, emotional states, and if we were able to slow down during Winter, this change can be either be harmonious or challenging. Join Toni Dunne @tonesdunne from The Doghouse Yoga Studio and Casey ...Parsons from The Fix Acupuncture and Wellness @thefixacupunctureandwellness as we explore the Chinese Medicine and Ayurvedic perspectives of Spring. This energizing and inspiring season is one of upward and expansive movement of creativity, future planning, vision and perspective, and our goal as always is to harmonize ourselves during the transition of the prevailing season. This 3 hour offering will balance the body/mind/spirit through rejuvenating, meridian-based yoga postures focused on the energetically dominant organs of the season: Liver and Gall Bladder. Let go of held anger, resentment, tension, and/or stress, while moving Qi through the channels in preparation for this new phase of the year. Expect conversation regarding the Chinese Medicine and Yogic views of spring, intention-setting, meditation, and discussion around food energetics and fostering healthy relationships with food. The class will end with a long and restful savasana with acupuncture. This event is limited to 12 people, so please contact us ASAP to reserve your spot Investment: $60 #springcleaning #acuyoga #emerge #vision #liver #lightentheload

Ishvara Pranidhana I resonate so deeply with this Niyama I decided to get it forever on my body. My translation: stops trying to control everything in your effin life, Toni.... Its a daily reminder of my sacred smallness, and the deep liberation that is the result of allowing, trusting and surrendering to the great mystery of this life. There’s space in all the classes to drop in/make up before the session ends on Sunday. Until then: May you trust the mysterious unfolding of your life @ceeforest Ink: @colinwiley @jipsyrose #ishvarapranidhana

Save the Date! The Doghouse Yoga is taking a 2 week holiday and being the spring baby that I am, I’m filling that space with another kind creative venture. Come score some sweet vintage and contemporary fashions, pottery, housewares, art, bags and jewellery. ... Come hang out with me!!

Spring Acu-Yoga is on the horizon!

SPRING SCHEDULE A few little tweaks on times and class title, and a hiatus from Sunday class for the session. Registration is open.... And check out our Spring Special: $250 unlimited classes for 10 weeks of yoga!! #springyoga #thedoghouseyoga #elements #wearenature

This is what class prep looks like: tea, brainstorming and ALL the books This is our last week of classes before our two week spring break. Room to drop-in and make up classes anywhere in the schedule. Bring a friend along to help you burn through your pass.... This weeks theme: Ishvara Pranidhana or Surrender to the Great Mystery/to God/to the Unseen Dimensions/to something greater. Stay tuned for our spring newsletter (sign up on our website), and other posts launching our spring schedule, workshops and theme. #ishvarapranidhana #yamasandniyamas #study #trust #practice

Just 4 spaces remaining in this INCREDIBLE Beltane Offering with really devoted and inspiring teachers.

For you last minute types. 12-3pm today. Still room to hop on.

There’s still some space left in tomorrow’s offering. If you have outstanding credit for the session, you can use it towards this workshop.