Svalja Whole-Being

Svalja Whole-Being Svälja Whole-Being is a trauma-conscious healing center in downtown Duluth. We offer yoga, fitness, Qigong, meditation, and YTT. Yoga means to unite.

Dedicated to accessibility, a free recovery program, and partnerships with nonprofits so all connect to their innate wholeness At Svälja Yoga (pronounced “svehl-yah”) all of our offerings are trauma-conscious. Through our Whole-Being Well-Being approach, we support people on their own unique healing journey. We share the wisdom and practice of yoga in a way that is accessible, inclusive, and honors choice. Yoga is a pathway to well-being and to the realization of our innate wholeness. We guide participants to connect with their internal resources and potential for healing, transformation, and growth. Through this exploratory journey we rediscover home, deep within: our true selves. We offer classes, workshops, retreats, and a 250-hour Yoga Teacher Training program.

𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗧𝗵𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆!⤞ 10-Step Tai Ji with Shaun Floerke⤞ Slow Flow / Yin with Kate Horvath⤞Yin & Deep Rest with Melly Weidendo...
02/25/2026

𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗧𝗵𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆!

⤞ 10-Step Tai Ji with Shaun Floerke
⤞ Slow Flow / Yin with Kate Horvath
⤞Yin & Deep Rest with Melly Weidendorf

Join us for a 𝗩𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗻𝗼𝘅 𝗖𝗮𝗰𝗮𝗼 𝗖𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘆, where we gather to honor the return of the light and the wisdom of the hear...
02/25/2026

Join us for a 𝗩𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗻𝗼𝘅 𝗖𝗮𝗰𝗮𝗼 𝗖𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘆, where we gather to honor the return of the light and the wisdom of the heart.

Receive a warm cup of ceremonial-grade cacao, paired with a personal mantra to carry through the season.

Experience slow sipping and communal sharing as we welcome the Spring together.

Step out of the winter hibernation and into the clarity of the sun. ☀️

More info + Register: https://www.svalja.yoga/special-events/heart-in-balance

⋇✦⋇ 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗪𝗶𝘀𝗱𝗼𝗺: 𝟰 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗮𝗸𝗲 ⋇✦⋇Moving between the quiet of the Svälja studio and the ex...
02/24/2026

⋇✦⋇ 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗪𝗶𝘀𝗱𝗼𝗺: 𝟰 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗮𝗸𝗲 ⋇✦⋇

Moving between the quiet of the Svälja studio and the expansive shores of Lake Superior, this four-week journey invites a practice of honesty, storytelling, and self-reflection. It is an opportunity to deepen your connection—both to your own internal narrative and to the community around you.

The series follows a deliberate rhythm, alternating our environment to help us listen more closely to what the water (and our own hearts) might be saying.

Wednesdays, April 8, 15, 22, 29
6:00 - 7:15pm

with

More info + Register: https://www.svalja.yoga/special-events/water-wisdom

✨The pull is so strong we will not believethe drawing tide is meant for us,I mean the gift, the sea,the place where all ...
02/23/2026

✨
The pull is so strong we will not believe
the drawing tide is meant for us,
I mean the gift, the sea,
the place where all the rivers meet.

Easy to forget,
how the great receiving depth
untamed by what we need
needs only what will flow its way.

—

Tomorrow seen today, for itself,
the sea where all the rivers meet, unbound,
unbroken for a thousand miles, the surface
of a great silence, the movement of a moment
left completely to itself, to find ourselves adrift,
safe in our unknowing, our very own,
our great tide, our great receiving, our

wordless, fiery, unspoken,
hardly remembered, gift of true longing.

excerpts from 'The Sea' by David Whyte

𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝗠𝗲𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗬𝗶𝗻 & 𝗗𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘁!Melly is a beautiful soul whose guiding is accessible, inclusive, and honors choice. They...
02/23/2026

𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝗠𝗲𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗬𝗶𝗻 & 𝗗𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘁!
Melly is a beautiful soul whose guiding is accessible, inclusive, and honors choice.
They would love to have you join them this Thursday for a therapeutic, deep-release Yin class.
Thursday, February 26th, 7:00 - 8:00pm

We welcome a new week! Would you care to join us?
02/22/2026

We welcome a new week! Would you care to join us?

We would love to see you this weekend!𖤓 Saturday morning: 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝗴𝗮 with Sarah M𖤓 Sunday morning: 𝗤𝗶𝗴𝗼𝗻𝗴 with Sarah M𖤓...
02/21/2026

We would love to see you this weekend!

𖤓 Saturday morning: 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝗴𝗮 with Sarah M
𖤓 Sunday morning: 𝗤𝗶𝗴𝗼𝗻𝗴 with Sarah M
𖤓 Sunday evening: 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗯𝗮𝘁𝗵 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 with Pau

𝗚𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝗴𝗮 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗪𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻 𝗟𝗼𝘁𝘂𝘀Thursday, March 5, 20265:00 - 6:15 pmwith Melissa HepokoskiThe class will begin with Gen...
02/19/2026

𝗚𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝗴𝗮 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗪𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻 𝗟𝗼𝘁𝘂𝘀
Thursday, March 5, 2026
5:00 - 6:15 pm
with Melissa Hepokoski

The class will begin with Gentle Yoga where postures are practiced gently and slowly with a combination of moving and stillness accompanied by ambient music. In the second portion of the class, your guide Melissa will offer grounding exercises, short readings, and writing prompts followed by a time for free writing. At the end of the session, there will be space for a check-in and option to share writing and/or experiences. Please bring a journal and pen or other materials for the writing portion of the session.

Are you curious about the Sacred Cacao Ceremony we're holding next month? Read on if so!𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗖𝗮𝗰𝗮𝗼 𝗖...
02/19/2026

Are you curious about the Sacred Cacao Ceremony we're holding next month? Read on if so!

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗖𝗮𝗰𝗮𝗼 𝗖𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘆:

⟢ 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲: Sharing in a simple moment of thanks to lay a foundation for our practice.

⟢ 𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁: As the days grow longer, we’ll explore what we want to invite into our lives, using gentle hand gestures (mudras) to help those intentions feel more real and present in our bodies.

⟢ 𝗥𝗶𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝗢𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Connect ourselves in time and space to the four cardinal directions: the sky, the earth and the balance of day and night.

⟢ 𝗔 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗺𝗲𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Using a comforting hand placement - mudra - to coax the heart forward.

⟢ 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗶𝗳𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗮𝗰𝗮𝗼: We'll receive a cup of cacao paired with a mantra.

⟢ 𝗦𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 & 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴: We'll conclude by enjoying our cacao together in a relaxed meditation, sipping and sharing.

𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗕𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲: 𝗩𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗻𝗼𝘅 𝗖𝗮𝗰𝗮𝗼 𝗖𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘆
𝗦𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝟮𝟭, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲
𝟭:𝟬𝟬 𝗣𝗠 𝟯:𝟬𝟬 𝗣𝗠

More info + Register: https://www.svalja.yoga/special-events/heart-in-balance

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗬𝗶𝗻 & 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗼?Yin Yoga is a therapeutic, slow-paced practice where we move past the muscles and into the connectiv...
02/18/2026

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗬𝗶𝗻 & 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗼?
Yin Yoga is a therapeutic, slow-paced practice where we move past the muscles and into the connective tissues (fascia, ligaments, and joints). By holding passive postures for longer periods—anywhere from 1 to 10 minutes—we use the support of props to activate sensation and release long-held tension.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗩𝗶𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻:
While you hold these shapes, the live cello acts as a second teacher. Its healing vibrations travel through the air and into your body, gently "breaking up" energetic blockages and encouraging your physical form to soften more deeply than it could in silence.

𝗬𝗶𝗻 & 𝗟𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗼 𝗩𝗶𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀
𝗧𝗵𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗙𝗲𝗯𝗿𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝟭𝟵, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲
𝟳:𝟬𝟬 - 𝟴:𝟭𝟱 𝗽𝗺
With Rebecca James Alsum + Kyle Leia Heyesen

More info + Register: https://www.svalja.yoga/special-events/yin-cello-january2026-dyhmc

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗶𝘇𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗿 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀:For our Sustainable Movement for Chronic Pain series, we are choosing intimacy and dep...
02/18/2026

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗶𝘇𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗿 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀:

For our Sustainable Movement for Chronic Pain series, we are choosing intimacy and depth. A small group is an intentional therapeutic choice.

⟢ Personal Attention: With only a few of us in the room, we can see you and help you find the subtle adjustments that make a movement feel sustainable for your specific body and history.
⟢ Grounded Energy: A smaller group allows the collective nervous system to settle. There is less "noise," more room to breathe, and a shared sense of safety.
⟢ Intentional Intimacy: You are a vital part of the energy we create together.

We would love to have you join us where you can move at the speed of your own healing.

𝗦𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗰 𝗣𝗮𝗶𝗻: 𝗬𝗼𝗴𝗮 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗔𝗹𝗹 𝗕𝗼𝗱𝗶𝗲𝘀
𝗪𝗲𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆𝘀, 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝟰 - 𝟮𝟱, 𝟲:𝟬𝟬 - 𝟳:𝟭𝟱𝗽𝗺
𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗕𝗿𝘆𝗻𝗻𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝘀𝘀

More info + Register : https://www.svalja.yoga/special-events/sustainable-movement

I know I am only a guest in this landof dying, I am a stranger to this languageof leaving, but I will walk next to you.I...
02/16/2026

I know I am only a guest in this land

of dying, I am a stranger to this language

of leaving, but I will walk next to you.

I will hold your hand in the dark, I will

listen to the silence between your words.

excerpt from Without Knowing by Gary Boelhower

Address

Duluth, MN
55802

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 8pm
Tuesday 8am - 8pm
Wednesday 8am - 8pm
Thursday 8am - 8pm
Friday 8am - 8pm
Saturday 8am - 8pm
Sunday 8am - 8:45pm

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Our Story

House of the Gathering Yoga School is Duluth’s only trauma conscious yoga school and offers a comprehensive 250 hour yoga teacher training program that integrates classical yoga, trauma conscious yoga, depth psychology, and sustainable practices. Together, these studies embody a practice that take a holistic, expansive look at the human experience-mind, body, psyche, spirit, and soul. Through classical yoga, we explore the Self, mind/body connection, develop flexibility and strength (mental and physical), and develop self-awareness through postures, meditation, and the study of ancient yogic philosophy. Our YTT curriculum is based on Patanjali’s ‘Eight Limbs’ of yoga which include ethics, self-discipline, yoga asana, breath work, meditation and more.

Through trauma conscious yoga we explore the root of trauma, as well as the way that trauma is stored and shows up in our bodies, patterning, relationships, culture, and lives. By informing our practice of yoga and meditation through a trauma conscious lens, we are better able to assist ourselves in healing, as well as to be able to see what might be unfolding for a student in a classroom setting. Through depth psychology, we learn about the psyche, both the conscious and unconscious aspects, and how to navigate the rich language of our unconscious self through dream tending, active imagination, and shadow work. Depth psychology gives a rich toolbox through which to experience the psychological, mythical, poetic, and soulful sides of life.

Through sustainable practices we learn how to bring yoga off of the mat and out into our homes, communities, and cities. We live in uncertain times in which the threats posed by unstable weather patterns are very real. By visiting farms and urban homesteads that are already engaged on the front lines of sustainable agriculture and herbalism, we can learn what we can do to live our values while making an impact on the whole. Join us on retreat, for a workshop, a private session, or one of our Yoga Teacher Training Programs!