IT IS TIME THAT YOU THRIVE
*Connection*Creativity*Compassion*
remember who you are
thrive
/THrīv/
verb: thrive;
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to grow or develop well or vigorously.
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to prosper; flourish.
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to progress forward despite or because of circumstances.
SUNFLOWER SYMBOLISM AT JOYRISE.CA
Our non-profit organization was founded in 2012 by me, Fotini Chandrika, under the original name of The Big Red Barn Creativity and Wellness Centre Inc., inspired by my special herd of Horses. Over the years, the organization has grown and evolved and has greatly mirrored our collective growth and evolution.
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From the time I was a child, Sunflowers have been my favorite flower. They have always represented joy and happiness as they smile and turn their face toward the sun. They have a deep tap root system and vigorously grow a long stem capable of reaching over 8 feet tall! They nourish the pollinators and their seeds feed the birds and animals. Whatever is left sinks into the darkness of the Earth's soil and brings new life in the Spring. Sunflowers reach for the light, while also bowing to their shadow. The winds and rains make their stems strong enough to hold flower heads weighing up to 2kg!
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Sunflowers are remarkable examples of our own natural wisdom and innate ability to root, nourish, grow, become strong and resilient, reach for light while honoring our own shadow..and to realize that sometimes we need to fall so that we can rise up again and thrive with joy! Even when it seems heavy, we, too, can lift our heads toward to light to rise and shine!
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Sunflowers help us remember who we are in our true nature, and remind us of our interconnection with the more-than-human world. We are not only part of nature..we are nature and just as you rarely see a Sunflower growing alone, we, too, grow stronger together and shine even brighter when we rise in community!
THE JOYRISE.CA INTENTION ('SANKALPA')
"The JoyRise.ca intention is to empower individuals on their journey to holistic wellness by providing personalized healing experiences that nurture the mind, body, and spirit. Through compassionate care, integrative therapies, and a commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive space, we inspire transformation and help our clients cultivate balance, vitality, and lasting well-being so that they may evolve from surviving to thriving!"
At JoyRise,ca, we offer you the opportunity to explore:
relationship with NATURE as your true NATURE
mindful MOVEMENT and conscious BREATH
heart CONNECTION and creative EXPRESSION
With mindfully crafted and intuitively curated experiences integrating movement, nature and expressive arts, we support the remembering of forgotten knowledge and insights that bring back the wisdom of nature and our ancestors. We are reminded of the incredible wisdom of our mind, body and spirit, when in harmony with our authentic and truest nature.
MEET JOYRISE.CA FOUNDER &
RESTORATIVE WELLNESS SPECIALIST,
FOTINI CHANDRIKA
(CYT, E-RYT 500)
Fotini Chandrika was called to the practice of Yoga in 2002, during a health crisis which became the catalyst for her journey of self discovery and holistic healing. Her dedication to the practice continued through pregnancy, post partum and with her newborn baby (now a teenager!) joining her on the mat. The Yoga path led Fotini to a higher level of consciousness where she found a deeper understanding of her lifelong connection with Nature and, in particular, Horses Fotini's path has led her to becoming a multi-certified Yoga and Meditation Teacher, Expressive Arts Facilitator, Ayurvedic Lifestyle Counselor, Trauma Informed Yoga Therapist and Holistic Wellness Guide, with internationally recognized accreditations. Most of all, Yoga has helped her build a bridge from her head back to her joyful heart where she has experienced a profound remembering of who she is, in her truest nature. Fotini aspires to share her unique and intuitive practice with others through her heart centered classes, workshops, retreats and trainings from her studio nestled among the maple trees in Colgan, Ontario and virtually with clients from around the globe, Fotini is dedicated to lifelong learning and continues to pursue ongoing education through Yoga related, healing arts and trauma informed trainings. Fotini has fulfilled the requirements of the International Association of Yoga Therapists and has received her certification as a Yoga Therapist. Fotini is the founder of non-profit organization, JoyRise.ca, which is a supportive space for self-discovery through nature’s wisdom, movement therapies and expressive arts. Fotini continues to honor the Horses and their incredible wisdom through the co-creation of The Sacred Horse Cards and her work with Awaken With Horses International.
Private Services
Thrive Package: Restorative Wellness Sessions for Individuals:
Includes 12 sessions with Fotini. The one hour sessions involve a combination of gentle movement, intuitive coaching, holistic wellness and expressive arts. A supportive container to reconnect with the true nature of your joyful heart. $2222 plus hst. This package is available in-person or virtually - or a combination of both.
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Breakthrough Package: Restorative Wellness Sessions for Individuals:
Includes 6 sessions with Fotini. The one hour sessions involve a combination of gentle movement, intuitive coaching, holistic wellness and expressive arts. A supportive container to reconnect with the true nature of your joyful heart. $1111 plus hst. This package is available in-person or virtually - or a combination of both.
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Single Private Restorative Wellness Sessions for Individuals:
Sessions are approximately one hour and involve a combination of gentle movement, intuitive coaching, holistic wellness and expressive arts. $197 plus hst.
Sessions available in-person or virtually. Multi-session packages available.
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Single Partner Restorative Wellness Sessions (couples, colleagues, friends or family members):
Sessions are approximately one hour and involve a combination of intuitively designed exercises to deepen connection, enhance communication and explore co-creativity together. Private session rate plus an additional $50 plus hst per person.
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Private and Group Retreats (half day and full day options):
Retreat packages are 4 - 8 hours in length with customized facilitation for up to six people. Retreats include refreshments, snacks and a wholesome plant-based lunch. Please contact us for details. ​
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Private Experiences for Home/Nature/Forest School groups:
Sessions are approximately 2 hours and involve a combination of nature-immersion, expressive arts and energy movement. A fun, enriching experience in conscious connections for small groups (up to 8 children) age 8 and up. $333 plus hst
Multi-session and custom packages available.
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Single Private Energy Balancing Sessions:
Approximately 40 minutes in length, these sessions combine the modalities of Reiki, Pranic & Sound Healing combined with Aromatherapy. $111 plus hst. ​Multi-session packages available.
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Please Visit our Public Events Calendar for upcoming offerings including our Classes, Retreats, Wellness Workshops, Healing Circles, Special Events and Training Opportunities!
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All of our classes and events require pre-registration and space is limited.
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Please contact us to register for an event and to book a private session or retreat.
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Please note that WE ARE OPEN BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. We love to meet new people and know you may be curious, but, given the sensitive nature of our work, we ask that there are no 'drop-ins' please. We appreciate your understanding.
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If you love Horses, are an Equine Guided Professional, or aspiring to become one, please visit our sister organization, Awaken with Horses International, for more information about our Equine Guided sessions, readings from The Sacred Horse Cards, business coaching & training programs with Horses.
“Each session has elevated me and facilitated profound emotional, mental and physical transformation.
From the heart,through the heart, heart to heart.
...The best therapy I can imagine...
amazingly profound.”
— Jo-Anne Beggs, RSW, Trauma Therapist, Private Client (in-person)t
"Every session I have with Fotini not only brings me new insights and clarity, but also facilitates a profound sense of healing, making the entire experience enriching and transformative, while in the comfort of her relaxing studio or, virtually, in my own personal space."
— Renata Correia, Human Resources Manager, Private Client (in-person and virtual)
Acknowledging the Land & Honoring the Horses
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JoyRise.ca acknowledges that we are situated on the traditional land of the Petun Territory and the Anishinaabe peoples, with great respect and reverence for the Native History held by the Land.
JoyRise.ca honors the great wisdom of Horses and the guidance they provide for JoyRise.ca and our offerings.