Libby+focus mindspace is new to the Ossington strip, but somehow already feels like it belongs. The wellness studio is honing in on what seems to be the forefront of everything, mental health. Torontonians are notorious for rushing, pushing and generally being complete anxiety sponges. And while we all know we should be meditating and taking time away from our devices, how often do you make time to do these things? Yeah, that’s what I thought.
Some of the +focus mindspace team – artist Patrick Skals, Kiko Sounds, and Talib Hussain
Setting the intention, and rising to the occasion, +focus mindspace is setting the tone for quiet contemplation. The second floor studio is welcoming and bright. Guests are invited to relax into their cushion, gaze at the ceiling and take a pause, with a blanket and a clear definitive goal: contemplative meditation.
+focus mindspace hardware
Founded by Heather Cameron, a mental health advocate and creative arts professional, the space takes a multi-disciplinary approach to achieving zen. The soaring canvases by local artists, like Patrick Skals, lend a museum like feel to the space. With meditation, yoga, sound bathing, yin, Thai massage and breathing as part of the core focus, the evolution of learning to press pause, and explore your collective awareness and shared energy, begins here.
+focus mindspace make waves
So what does that actually mean? For the uninitiated, it’s not all crazy crystals and chanting (but there is some crystal and rhythmic elements) to the experience. Depending on the class, you can expect about an hour of screen free ‘me-time’, in the presence of people who are committed to the same goal. It is in this energy and space that you learn to let go, get lost in your own rhythmic breathing and carve out a new definition of wellness and health. We aren’t defined by our Lululemon pant size after all, connecting to your spirit and enhancing your calm will have profound effects beyond that terror-dome spinning class that we all subject ourselves to. This is truly the wellness space that Toronto needs, and just in the nick of time.
+focus mindspace Kiko Sounds
+focus mindspace has closed permanently.
All photos by Libby Roach.