Here in Canada, we are about 33 days into quarantine. If you’re anything like me, you may feel like you’ve experienced every emotion imaginable this past month. Some days I feel I’ve adapted quickly to this new, slow life but others, finding motivation is impossible and thinking of all those that are suffering is hard to deal with. The internet has certainly helped to feel connected and entertained. It’s awesome to see friends and family sharing what they are up to. Whether it’s cooking bread, learning new skills, expressing with art, even all the Tik Tok uploads has opened my eyes to how much talent and resilience we all have through this worldwide pause. Companies, organizations, events are quickly adapting their services to the virtual space at large discounts or even free. It is a reminder that we are all in this together and this small sacrifice for those more vulnerable, is an opportunity to go inwards, grow and even learn something new to share.
I concentrated on creative events and attractions as well as spiritual and wellness spaces. I will keep this list as updated as possible and invite you to reach out if there is anything you feel should be on this list.
Fitness
Fitness classes to wellness challenges, here are my top finds to keep you moving and stay clear from the quarantine- fifteen.
DG Studio 77 Xtreme Kinetix
The fit, vegan and loveable couple behind this studio is offering their classes FREE on Zoom. From Pole Dance Fit to Martial Arts Form, join the fun with Nikita and Sara. I took pole fit classes with Sara last year and her teaching style is fun and inspiring. Bonus: They have the cutest dog, named Tofu, who is sure to make a cameo and will make you smile. Guaranteed!
The schedule changes weekly so its best to join the Facebook group here. By now, I’m sure we all know how to use zoom. You can join a meeting with this code 6853183384.
No password, so no excuses 😉
Arabesque Burlesque
If traditional workouts bore you, I feel you. In the fall, I went to a Wiggle Room in Montreal, which is a Burlesque bar and was so inspired by the confidence and sass of the dancers, I enrolled in classes at Arabesque Burlesque. It was the most fun I’ve ever had and the most intense workout while also feeling sexy. Sounds impossible but I dare you to tell you I’m wrong. Josephine is giving burlesque fitness classes live online every night at 6:30 pm EST Monday-= Saturday until the 3rd week in April. Classes are only $10. Much less than they are normally. Find out all the info here
Leisure/ Attractions
It is still possible to enjoy these attractions. Go on a virtual trip and enjoy!
National Theatre Live
I couldn’t believe this when I first read it. The National Theatre in London is broadcasting a play every Thursday on its YouTube channel, at 2 p.m. Eastern for FREE. I encourage you to get dressed up and enjoy the show. You can see the full schedule here
Monterey Bay Aquarium live cams
I know a lot of us are not huge fans of zoos or aquariums. Especially now, but this is a non- profit organization that does a lot of education and awareness programs on climate change and ocean pollution. You can tune into the live cams of sea otters, sharks, penguins, oh my!
New Skills
Coming out of quarantine with a new skill is pretty ideal and so many companies are helping make that possible.
HomeSchoolPiano
Normally $17 dollars a month, these guys re offering free Level 1 Piano lessons until September 1st. I will certainly be taking advantage and channeling my inner Alicia Keys. Link to signup is here
Rosetta Stone
Subscription is normally $12 but currently Rosetta Stone is offering three months of free access to students.
DuoLingo
For those of us who are done school but still want to learn a new language, Duolingo is always free and a fantastic app to learn with gamified activities.
Skillshare
Want to learn to draw, the fundamentals of design or just how to take awesome photos? Skillshare is a hub for creatives to learn and share skills. Right now, they are offering 2 months free and the classes are endless.
Mental Health
Isolation, lack of routine and structure and the uncertainty that is surrounding us all right now can take it’s toll and more than ever, it’s important to keep our mental health in check.
Centre of Applied Neuroscience
For those that don’t already know, I’m currently studying at the Centre of Applied Neuroscience in their Life Coach Certification program. This centre has been pivotal in my own journey of healing and in response to COVID-19, they have implemented a series of free Online Community Clubs. If you are looking to learn, discuss or just feel support, there is sure to be a club you will enjoy. You can check out all the info and register here
University of Toronto
Mind Control: Managing Your Mental Health During COVID-19
Starting April 27th, Univerity of Toronto is offering this course for free to gain a deeper understanding of the anxiety surrounding this new way of life and strategies to manage the stress to gain control over our emotions. All the info to register is here
I know many universities are currently offering free courses and I’ve linked several at the end of this post.
Holistic Psychotherapy
If you feel you need more one on one support, my friend Laurita, who is both a psychotherapist and Feminine Embodiment Coach is working with clients online via video as well as workshops on anxiety, the nervous system, relationships as well as leading classes such as yoga, breathwork and meditation.
You can reach her on Instagram @iamlauritagorman
Career Development and Education
Harvard University
I’m not sure if this is due to the pandemic, but to say you spent the isolation studying at Harvard sounds pretty cool. I have not personally enrolled in any classes yet but from a quick search, it seems they have quite of variety of options. Head over to the site for more info, smartie pants!
Coursera
Normally around $50, Coursera is offering certificate courses for through May. Courses are from top universities like Yale and Standford and leading companies such as Google.
YES
Career Hunting during isolation is quite challenging but the Youth Employment Centre is offering all their workshops online.
Using this opportunity to build your own business? YES is also offering their entrepreneurship workshops which normally cost about $20 each for free of charge for the month of April.
Check out the full list and schedule here
Spirituality and Energy Healing
Raja Yoga Meditation.
My spiritual journey began at age 14 with Raja Yoga, a path of yoga primarily concentrating on meditation. This year, I decided to return and take the classes again through the Centre D”Emergence here in Montreal. I cannot speak highly enough of this meditation and philosophy and right now The center is offering the classes on their YouTube channel. Classes for Level 1 are at 7 pm live every Friday until May 1st. The first class was last Friday but you catch a recording here.
Humanity at a Crossroads
This is a 3-hour interactive workshop hosted by award-winning author & channel Paul Selig. The class will include Q&A sessions where you can submit written questions in advance or ask their questions live via voice during the class.
Paul Selig and his Guides will lead you on a journey of self-development, at once building awareness of your own life purpose and building your ability to improve life for others.
It is a pay-what-you-can and you can register on Eventbrite here
Events
One World: Together At Home
April 18
Global Citizen is hosting a global broadcast & virtual concert to support frontline healthcare workers and the WHO. It is completely free thanks to pre-organized donations and will feature artists such as Alicia Keys, Lady Gaga, Billie Eilish, Stevie Wonder and many, many more. Click here to learn more and take the pledge to stay home.
** Global Citizen is a movement of engaged citizens who are using their collective voice to end extreme poverty by 2030. **
Science and Spirituality Worldwide Conference June 12-19
Originally planned to be held in Ottawa, this event featuring leaders and visionaries in spirituality, science, healing, and consciousness s now a global LIVESTREAMING Event and is 70% off. Check out the full schedule and information here
Cabin Fever Events
Cabin Fever Events is creating community and inclusive space through this pandemic by assisting through fun activities (online) such as poetry reads, house parties, discussion groups
Check out the Facebook group or MeetUps page
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That’s it for now folks! I will update this as much as possible and hope you are staying safe and healthy. I’m so happy and grateful for all the ways we can stay connected. We are social creatures and it’s normal to feel strange when that is suddenly but rushing through our days and packed schedules had become our normal and sometimes the most productive thing we can do is be still. Introspection through meditation, a walk in the park without headphones or dare I suggest it, a break from the screen for a day is something we all have time for now. I believe that is what will make us stronger on the other side of this.
Love and light.
