Balm for the Hero's Journey

Something is waking up.

Blinking in the new light of spring, a little groggy, a little tender. You can feel it there, underneath the noise. Something that wants to move through you.

This creative energy is like a bear coming out of hibernation. She will not be forced or rushed out into the cold. She responds to warmth. A gentle voice. She’s not asking you to coax her out. She’s asking you to sit down with her instead.

Soul Care Sunday invites you to descend into the inmost cave to meet with her.

A 90-minute journey. Cross the threshold through gentle movement, meet your allies in community, face your inner critic with breath and voice. Spacious songs from the imaginative world of Studio Ghibli will hold you in stillness as you surrender to what's there. Where the wisdom that lives in rest will meet you.

The treasure you find here is yours to take back. More resourced. More whole. You're the hero in this story.

WHAT TO EXPECT

This guided experience flows through chapters of movement, stillness, reflection, and sharing.

10:15-10:30 get cozy, sip tea10:30 welcome + attunement10:35-10:55 guided movement, breath, voice11:00-11:50 the inmost cave, a Studio Ghibli musical journey with vocals by CECILIA and guitar by Jay Yoo11:50-12 reflection + community connection

ABOUT US

Hi, I’m Karen Choi (founder of Balm & facilitator) - I created Balm because I needed it too. After years working behind the scenes in classical music, I craved something deeper. I wanted a relational experience you could feel in your body, not just watch from a seat.

I design and host restorative music experiences. A space that soothes overstimulation and disconnection. The kind of emotionally safe container that's rare in a performative and productivity-driven world. Live music, movement, breath, voice, poetry, and guided reflection, all in service of one thing. Rest.

In addition to hosting Soul Care Sundays every month in Toronto, I bring this work to conferences, community events, and wellness spaces.

It's a pleasure to introduce you to my collaborators:

Jay Yoo (guitarist & arranger) - Active in the Toronto music scene, Jay performs at clubs, festivals, and concert series across Ontario. His fluid guitar lines move easily between jazz, pop, and cross-cultural sounds. He also collaborates with Pansori artists, a traditional Korean genre of musical storytelling. The term combines "pan" (gathering place) and "sori" (sound). Member of city pop band Next Perfect Day.

CECILIA (vocalist) - Inspired by Japanese city pop from the 1980s, a genre that blended funk, soft rock, and R&B into something warm and distinctly urban. CECILIA merges that nostalgic sound with sweet modern melodies. Member of city pop band Next Perfect Day.

You can hear Jay and Cecilia as a guitar-voice duo in The Walnut Waltz.

​IMPORTANT NOTES

​All bodies and levels of mobility are welcome. No prior experience needed. ​Wear comfy clothing (or even cosplay) you can move and rest in. You’ll be invited to take off your shoes.​Bring a mat or blanket to lie down on. Bring a stuffie to snuggle with if that's fun for you. Chairs will also be available. ​The vibe is casual, curious, and supportive. No pressure, no judgement. ​There’s no expectation to share, perform, or reach an outcome. You’re always invited to participate in ways that feel right for you.