JoyRise.ca

08/03/2025

The first time I lay in Savasana…

tears began to stream down my cheeks. The mysterious thing was I really had no clue why. I mean, I had been through a lot of hardship in my younger years but there was nothing specific coming to mind in that moment. The tears were coming from my body.

It was 2002 when I had walked into my first Yoga class. I so clearly remember rolling my mat out right by the door, just in case I wanted to quietly leave.

I was like that.

In flight mode for years. Always looking for the quickest way out.

Little did I know, Yoga would be the way ‘IN’ and I had no idea what I was about to walk into.

My heart. My soul. My Self.

And….

All the things that stood in the way of my true essence that Yoga was about to dig up and move out of my body.

A soft smile became of my lips as I allowed the tears to flow that day in Savasana, despite not knowing what I was crying about.

My body knew.

I just needed to lay there and allow it. And I did. Starting from that very day.

From then on, I practiced Yoga on my mat almost every day, moving in and out of poses, feeling my heart beat, and exploring the spaces in between, attuning to the life force that we call ‘breath’.

It wasn’t long before Yoga became a fluid way of living, on and off the mat. Acknowledging my emotions, being aware of my breath, walking softer, loving deeper, learning to move a little bit slower, embracing the beauty between the ‘here and there’.

And I find such great joy in the privilege of sharing Yoga as a guide, mentor, teacher trainer and certified Yoga therapist.

The JoyRise.ca Studio Sanctuary is merely a few weeks away from opening its doors to you and embracing you, wherever you are on your wellness path.

Whether this is your first time rolling out a mat or you have been practicing for years, I promise, when you are here, you will feel the love and support of this sacred space I have very intentionally co-created for you to feel safe enough to let the tears roll down your cheeks as your body remembers its incredible power to heal in the felt sense of coming home to your Self.

And I am always here to save you a space by the door, if you need one.💛

07/29/2025

Wow 8 years ago today! 🙌🏽So much has changed and so much is still the same - including my special work with Horses! Please visit Awaken with Horses International or www.awakenwithhorses.com to learn more about how to invite Horse Wisdom into your wellness and healing journey! 🖤🌻

07/26/2025

If you want to live the life of your dreams, create it. And you can! 🌻

When I took my first Yoga Teacher Training (YTT), I told my teacher that I had no intention of actually teaching Yoga. I embarked on the YTT journey for my own personal development and holistic healing. I wanted to understand myself better and remember the parts of me that I had forgotten through the high demands of society.

Let’s face it, the world isn’t always a kind place for sensitive souls so I sought out spaces where I would be accepted and be able to heal and flourish as my authentic self.

It wasn’t always easy to find this type of space, so I created one. I opened my first studio in 2015 and began guiding Teacher Trainings in 2018. Since then, I have guided many individuals on their journey of personal and professional development in the field of Yoga & Wellness and have had the absolute privilege of witnessing them blossom into their authenticity through the powerful, ancient practice of Yoga.

Yoga is so much more than movement and meditation. Yoga is art, Yoga is nature. Yoga is a pathway to reconnect with your true nature.

This Fall, remember who YOU are and find your JoyRise as we walk alongside one another on the journey of mind, body and spirit through the practice of Yoga!

Become a Registered Yoga Teacher with the and receive tax credit through the Ministry of Education (Canada) by joining our accredited, recognized program!

Please visit our website at www.JoyRise.ca to learn more about me, your guide, and download our inquiry package and application.

“Fotini’s teaching style is inspiring, fun and authentic. She allows each student to fully immerse themselves in the practice of Yoga, creating a safe and nurturing space to explore their personal growth and development. The combination of Fotini’s expertise, the beautiful surroundings and the supportive community makes this a truly exceptional program!” Leah Howes, RYT 200

It is time to T H R I V E! 💛🙌🏽

07/13/2025

It has been a LONG time since I shared a blog post…here is the first one in two years! I hope you enjoy it and, if it serves you in some way, please feel free to share with someone else you feel it may serve too! 💛

https://www.joyrise.ca/post/grief-as-a-pathway-of-growthe fey

It is hard to believe it has been two years since I posted here on my blog.A LOT of growth has happened since then...mostly through the catalyst of the depths and darkness of grief.On May 24, 2024, our sweet Mare, Penny ascended to Spirit Realm after a long journey of illness and dis-ease. It was 11...

06/26/2025

SUMMER SLOW FLOW & RESTORATIVE YOGA SERIES 🌻

Join Fotini Chandrika, Certified Yoga Therapist and Educator, for this gentle 6 week series focusing on slow, mindful movement and deep rest and relaxation.

Enjoy the support of various Yoga ‘props’ and your experienced Yoga guide within a warm, welcoming Yoga community.

No experience is necessary for this gentle, slow paced class.

Come as you are. All are welcome 🌻

Please message us here on social media or email thrivewithjoyrise@gmail.com to reserve your space.

06/05/2025

I am excited to invite you to join me, Fotini Chandrika - Restorative Wellness Specialist, for A Mindful Morning, Together With Horses...

Immerse yourself in the healing energy of gentle movement, the beauty of Nature, and the wisdom of Horses!

We will be welcoming special guest, Shannon from , who will be sharing a high frequency sound healing!

This experience will take place at Horse Spirit Connections in Tottenham, Ontario.

Please dress comfortable, bring a journal, refillable water bottle, yoga mat and anything else you feel will serve you during this experience.

$77 plus hst per person.

Come as you are! All are welcome here...

Please contact thrivewithjoyrise@gmail.com to register.

05/26/2025

🌻THIS IS YOUR SIGN to celebrate Summer Solstice with us! 🌻

Join Fotini Chandrika, Restorative Wellness Specialist and Naomi Simpson, Professional Astrologer, surrounded by Nature and Horses as we embark on a Soul Stories journey of Solstice Celebration! This experience includes an Astrology Update, Horse Wisdom Connection, Fire Ceremony (weather pending) and ‘Soui Stories’ Expressive Arts facilitation to help you connect with your Summer Solstice Intentions!

When: June 21, 2025
Time: 10am-12noon
Where; Naomi Simpson’s 80 Acre farm in Tottenham

All are welcome with an open heart and curious mind!
Please contact thrivewithjoyrise@gmail.com to register

SPECIAL SOLSTICE RATE: $88 plus hst per person

05/21/2025

“You’ve seen my descent. Now, watch my rising”-Rumi

In 2002, my world came tumbling down through a major health ‘crisis’ - which I prefer to call a ‘catalyst’ - that left me debilitated in mind, body and spirit.

A history of childhood and ancestral trauma had come to the surface as soon as life was becoming somewhat stable for me as a young woman.

Life was better, but there was no easy way to escape my past. There was no way out of my own body or experiences. In 2002, I learned, the hard way, that the ONLY way out is through.

I devoted myself to the practices that helped me, that healed me. Yoga, Meditation, Expressive Arts, Horses, Nature, Aromatherapy, Energy Healing, Community…

Things got better.

A lot better.

Until 2024 when another ‘crisis’ (catalyst) collapsed my world as I knew it.

After the death of two of my very best friends, only one year apart, I was struck by grief like lightning to a tree, falling to the ground. Looking up at my life, I felt the weight of all that I was carrying - realizing it was all built on a weak foundation. One that just couldn’t hold it up anymore.

It all collapsed.

For the past year, I’ve been picking it back up, one piece at a time. Pausing with each piece’s rising to ensure I rebuild with a solid foundation. It is the healed parts of me that know how, as I haven’t experienced a life that is secure, stable - so I am continuing to build one…from the inside out.

What I know for sure is that we rise from the depths of dark, uncomfortable, and even painful places, stronger-wiser than ever before. The sprout breaking through the soil-we rise.

Like the sprout, we reach for light; the warmth and joy we know as familiar, for it is where we come from. It is who we are.

Sometimes we stretch so far outside of ourselves to search for Joy- only to realize it was within us the entire time, giving us the strength to keep going, even when we have wandered far enough to forget it was there all along.

I know you can relate to my story. I know you have been there too in tbat soace between what you once knew and what is becoming And I am here to remind you that Joy is always within you. Even when it’s dark inside.

JoyRise 🌻

05/01/2025

Our last Zoom Full Moon Circle is just around the corner before we get back together in person again this June 💛

Thank you so much for being a part of our powerful sisterhood and continuing to support my practice during this time of transition!

Please DM to join 🌻

04/25/2025

We live in a society that has hardened many Women into living more from their masculinity while drifting farther and farther from the incredibly soft yet powerful Divine Feminine. This can create an imbalance in Women that can manifest in many areas of our lives. ☯️

This has become a frequent topic of conversation between Shannon and I, along with many other colleagues and friends of mine. The word ‘softening’ has come up time and time again in private sessions as well as the last few Moon Circles, in particular.

After the last Moon Circle, one of the beautiful, wise and intuitive participants called me (yes on the phone! 📞) to share how much she felt the importance of guiding Women back to their Divine Feminine by helping rebuild the bridge of remembering that has been forgotten by so many of us.

So….THIS happened!🔥

An opportunity to reconnect, remember and reclaim the Divine Feminine within through expressive arts, movement, sacred sound and the healing power of Nature.

Taking place at the very special lodge space at Horse Spirit Connections on May 31, we will come together to experience a softening and awakening of the Self through:

🌹 Cacao Ceremony guided by Shannon

🌹Yoga to awaken the Sacral Chakra (Divine Feminine energy centre) guided by Fotini

🌹Sacred Sound healing in the frequencies of the Divine Feminine guided by Shannon

🌹Mother Earth/Gaia meditation and softening through the Expressive Arts guided by Fotini

🌹Sisterhood Support and Conscious Connections guided by YOU!

If you are feeling called to share in this very special experience, please contact thrivewithjoyrise@gmail.com or direct message via social media to reserve your space.

Together, we will soften into self and co-create the magic of remembering who we truly are as Women! 💃🏻

When: May 31, 2025
1-4pm

Where: Horse Spirit Connections
Tottenham, Ontario

Exchange: $144plus HST

Includes: snacks, refreshments, expressive arts takeaway, special gift to carry with you to always remember your Divine Feminine softness and power!🌹

Please bring a journal, dress in something comfy that feels feminine to you, bring a refillable water bottle and a sense of curiosity!❤️

Softening into Self- Embodying the Feminine through Art, Movement, Sound & Nature

03/23/2025

SOLD OUT 🙏🏽thank you! I cant wait to see you in April! 💛

Ask and Receive! ✨

Finally, a Yoga offering (since the closing of my farm studio in December) for my lovely students and clients in the Tottenham area who have been asking for ‘Fotini Yoga!’ I love you and was determined to make it happen. Please join me in a temporary space that has personally imprinted my heart for this special Slow Flow series. And stay tuned for JoyRise.ca official studio opening coming soon!

You are invited to join me for a ’Slow Flow & Restorative’ series designed to guide you through foundational poses in the Yoga practice with a therapeutic approach. Close the practice with restorative poses to calm the mind and regulate the nervous system. Classes take place at a temporary location in rural Tottenham (10th sideroad/Hwy 9). Excellent for beginners or seasoned practitioners alike,

$144 for 6 weeks
Tuesdays from 7 - 8pm
April 8 - May 13

03/19/2025

Another beautiful gathering of Sisters under the Light of the Moon…

Come as you are and be welcomed, honored and loved 🧡

Please contact us to reserve your space.