Come Gather

Restore your joy.

A 6-week container for newly* menopausal women who want to Move, Breathe and Connect their way to more suppleness and ease in their body and mind.

*Women in peri-menopause and within 4 years post menopause, generally between the ages of 47-57.

"Menopause is a massive rearrangement of a woman's endocrine system and a time when shape shifting happens on a mental, physical and emotional level."

~Dr. Claudia Welch, Author 'Balance your hormones, Balance Your Life' and founder of 'The Menopause Chronicles'.

If you're like me, you're listening to podcasts while doing the dishes, following experts on social media, read at least one book, and sought good medical advice to navigate this big shift in your physiology.

It can feel lonely putting the pieces of our unique hormonal puzzles together. And I don't think we're meant to do this alone.

"The medicine is in the gathering." It's in moving intentionally, breathing wisely, and sharing authentically. We learn from each other's stories and shared experiences. Join me and 11 other women this Fall for a unique learning opportunity. ~ Joy

Sept 20 - Nov 4, 2025
Tuesday 7:00 - 8:30 pm
In-Person @ Seine River Studio
600 St. Anne's Rd. (St. Vital)
Somatic Movement, Functional Breathing,
Embodied Nervous System Literacy & Authentic Dialogue.

'Interoception is a way of monitoring ourselves so that we can ease the felt pain, expand the felt joy and make sure we get the resources needed in any given moment.' - Alan Fogle

Are you experiencing;

More stiffness, inflammation or pain due to hormonal changes?
Always in your head, hard to slow down, feeling burnt out?
Immobilized, stuck, hard to get going, depleted?
Low capacity to handle daily stresses?
Confusion about various breathwork trends, not sure what's right for you?
Mentally scattered, brain fog, poor memory?

Are you looking for;

A more intimate relationship with your own body
Gentle, mindful movement practice to dial down the stress
Youthful suppleness and better range of motion
Improved breathing for focus, memory and sleep
Learning through stories and shared experiences

During our 6 weeks together, you will;

Increase your connection to your body's inner felt sense (interoception)- a key component to long term health and recovery from chronic stress and burn out recovery and prevention.
Learn gentle, simple movements that release tension efficiently
Improve awareness of your nervous system states and your patterns
Develop a tool-box of body-based tools regulate your nervous system.
Learn breathing habits that support optimal respiration, assisting with better sleep, improved memory and focus.
Befriend your body and increase your self-trust.
Practice speaking intentionally and gain wisdom from others' experience.

'The quickest way to get out of your mind is to get into your body.'

-Joanne Avision

Details;

In-person: Tuesday 7:00-8:30 pm
600 St. Anne's Rd, Winnipeg, MB (Seine River Studio, 2nd floor)
In-person weekly format includes brief body-based check in, Bodymind Ballwork (self myofascial release using rubber balls), Somatic Movement, Breath practices, embodied nervous system literacy & community connection in structured dialogue.
Weekly email with 15-30 min theory videos (learn about The Polyvagal Theory, the role of fascia, burnout recovery tips)
Self reflection, light journaling
Access to a library of mindful movement classes (yoga, bodymind ballwork and somatic movement) in case you miss a class.
Important: Clients need to be able to get up and down from the floor as we'll spend a lot of time moving and breathing from here.

What this isn't:

Therapy for trauma or rehab for injuries.
A yoga class. Instead, expect gentle guided movements to help you go inward, feel your body and eventually, learn to move from inner felt sense.
Advice regarding medications or supplements, although sharing of personal experiences is welcome.
A course about menopause. The objectives are to increase your connection to inner felt sense, increase your nervous system awareness, and learn to self-regulate in a supportive community of women navigating a similar phase of life.
This is not suitable for women struggling with complex psychological challenges (ie PTSD/cPTSD, BPD) or in crisis.

'We breathe the way we live and we live the way we breathe.' ~ LV Kusch

What's included:

6 weekly 90 min gatherings, consisting of somatic movement, Bodymind Ballwork, Breathwork practice and time in guided authentic dialogue (small groups & circle) - (Value 6x$40 = $240)
Private 1:1 Breathing Behaviour Analysis with Joy (Value $180)
Weekly emails with digestible theory videos (Value 6x$25= $150)
Access to library of somatic audio and videos (Value $100)
Follow up Zoom integration call (Value $40) - Anticipated Nov 18 or 25th
$710 Value for $444 (Early Bird Rate)

Early Bird $444 by Sept 8th
After $522 after.
Register with a friend and use coupon code xyz and you both save %10
Max 12 participants
This is Joy's first group class offering in a few years and it's expected to fill up quickly.

Nothing to book at the moment

What is Somatic Movement?

'Soma' is a Greek word that means 'to perceive the body from within'. Somatic movement is a practice of moving from inner felt sense and becoming aware of what you sense as you move. Simple and efficient, some benefits include;

Improved interoception (inner felt sense) vital to our wellness and ability to take care of needs.
Improved suppleness and adaptability,
Increased 'gut' and emotional sense,
More calm, improved ability to be present, and focus.

What is Functional Breathing?

Many women develop over breathing habits as a result of trauma, hormonal influences, or to 'manage the moment' during acute stress. This over breathing can create deficits in oxygen perfusion that may cause or contribute hundreds of symptoms mentally, physically and emotionally. Functional Breathing is learning how to optimize your respiration and restore your Open Healthy Breath.

All participants receive a private Breathing Behavior Analysis with Joy prior to the the session beginning. This ensures participant suitability and assists Joy in providing a personal touch in our group learning environment. Breathing isn't one size fit's all.

What is 'Structured Authentic Dialogue'?

Each class we'll be spending time in story, listening and sharing our experiences with one another. At times this will be done in small groups of 2-3 and also in full talking piece mode, incorporating elements from The Circle Way. Confidentiality is essential.

Common Questions;

What if I miss a class?
- Given classes are in-person, and to respect participant privacy, there are no recordings. However, you will have access to the weekly theory and home practice emails, along with access to a library of movement videos.
Can I drop in?
- No. Participants need to register for the entire session.
What do I need to participate?
No special equipment or prior experience. Dress comfortable and bring a yoga mat (although at times, you'll prefer the wooden floor).
Your curiosity, willingness to slow down, and add your wisdom to the group.
Weekly time involvement: 90 min class, 15-30 min to watch weekly theory videos and whatever time you want to spend on journaling and/or engaging in self-care.

'I wish I had found this practice years ago. The benefits go beyond my yoga practice and with such little effort.'

- Zareeda Awang

"This practice takes me back to being a kid. Finding movements I enjoy."

~ Claudia Keating

"Your teachings have been really impactful for me. You've given me the tools I need to truly care for myself in difficult moments"

- Jocelyne Nicolas