Get Your Groove On - ecoCULTURE
Walking into the Buddha Groove Toronto Social Salon at the Balmy Beach Club was akin to wandering down a secret path, to a highly exclusive yet totally inclusive party…. This was our first experience at a Buddha Groove party, and as we wandered our way down the dimly lit path to the giant wooden doors of the Balmy Beach club, we didn’t know what to expect. Once inside you felt an immediate sense of groundedness… Greeting us upon entry in the foyer was a lovely complimentary selection of green goodies for the reusable bags we had in tow (you’re encouraged to bring them along!). We then wandered into a room full of energy that embraced you as soon as you walked in. A Romanesque buffet table fit for kings and queens lay in front of us …a veritable organic playground of deliciousness to be discovered as you settled into the vibe.
We missed the wicked tabla ensemble and drumming lessons that ended just as we got there (Rhythmic by Nature’s Drumming Ensemble …kind of a drag as our fiery one was keen on getting her bongo on).
After a quick stop for some delish ecoeats we wandered to survey the surroundings… Helen Goldstein, founder of Buddha Groove, ensures to bring presence to the best of all things eco and ethereal to her guests – from fresh baked deliciousness from Lesia’s LPK (some of the best vegan melt-in-your-mouth cupcakes) and Kangen Water (literally the best water you’ve ever let past your lips… the owner is awesome – he serves you your pure-elemental nectar in a personally sharpie-inscribed cup) plus his added infusion of energy channeled specifically for you.
The room was filled with diverse activity and goings-on… from personal to philosophical connections to business networking… Otherwise diverted by the bustle, we then tuned into the music – wow, Prosad (the multi-instrumentalist and world music specialist.) began his trance sitar set and suddenly a great magnetism seemed to draw people to the core of the venue…the dance floor.
The vibe was warm and inviting - I don’t think we saw anyone not wearing a smile.,. taking it all in, celebrating being alive, being aware and being connected with the world and each other.
The greatest thing about this party was that it truly was an eco-commune of sorts, from the green networking opportunities to the Manna Matrix Harmonic Chamber (Circle of Healing & Meditation) taking place outside adjacent to the unrivalled beach views…. (also noted: we felt some awesome energy taking part in this circle.
This truly was was a gathering ground for those on the verge of enlightenment and those well into the fold of channeling that conscious-mind into a better (bluer) world… totally inclusive, the Buddha Groove is a key vibrational frequency that inspired minds and sustainably minded souls can align on with one another.
And true to its claim- it was unlike anything we’ve experienced before.
Likeminded people connecting in a relaxed, forward-thinking, atmosphere - charged with positivity. Bringing people together is what Helen Goldstein does best. A pioneer in the Toronto yoga community, she founded the Toronto Yoga Studio in ’95 forging the integrated offering of various yoga styles and pilates that led yoga to take its place as a household word in our community. As a yogini and mind body wellness expert herself, she has deep respect for yoga’s path and tradition (Helen was one of the first people to be personally certified by Dr. Deepak Chopra to teach his Primordial Sound Meditation). Toronto Yoga was a unique facility at the time, it was the first to bring people together through teachings of various styles and disciplines. (never before under one roof together had that been done… it was considered unorthodox at the time). It was an instant success. Most of Toronto’s current yoga teachers got their start at The Yoga Studio. It became a community hub, a place to connect, spiritually and physically (there was a meeting area open for anyone’s use where people were encouraged to linger while tea and oranges were served – a tradition still practiced to this day).
The Yoga Studio became a place of spiritual growth, the equalizer for the fusion of eastern and western perspectives. It was embraced so quickly, that the need for a lifestyle around this community was made expressly evident. People want to venture out and connect with others that understood and philosophically connected with each other…. Goldstein, a social connector in her own right, (and notorious for hosting many an elaborate party) took that need and transformed it into a real experience, an event where people can gather to enjoy great music, quality people, and good conversation…. thus Buddha’s groove has evolved to become the new hub for those who want to live an inspired mindful lifestyle.
Attending Buddha Groove left us with an awesome afterglow, many new friends and of course…wanting for more. Get your own Buddha Groove experience on this Friday at their upcoming Halloween event. It’s a 60’s & 70’s theme, so make sure to dress in the era and get in the fun. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door - 10% of profits will go to WellSpring.
Get in the groove:
www.buddhagroove.ca
®copyright2009 Ecocentric Guide all rights reserved
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