Kira Liss, Birth & Movement

06/08/2020

The time for my all levels Wednesday morning movement class has changed to 8am (it used to be 8:30am). The class is $3-20, but anyone that wants to come and move is welcome, whether they’re in a place to pay or not. No questions asked. IBPOC folks are invited to join for free.
I’m thoughtful that as a white settler teaching a movement class inspired by yoga and Pilates on stolen Indigenous land, this space may inherently never feel safe for some folks. While I attempt to teach in ways that try not to replicate some of the culturally appropriative and racist things that occur in many fitness spaces, I want to do better at acknowledging the origins of what I’m teaching and the land that I’m on, continue to be thoughtful of the music I play and how I describe what I’m teaching (for example, I never use Sanksrit or say Namaste). There’s always more work to do, and I’d love to hear how other teachers are attempting to decolonize their work. In the meantime, I strive to be humble and reflective about what I share in my classes and how I share it, and take responsibility for my mistakes.
See you on the mat? 💕✨
Image from canva.

06/08/2020

From the BIPOC Midwifery Collective: "We are creating the Ontario Black Midwifery Student Relief Fund to ease the financial burden of aspiring Black midwives. The Black midwifery community has indicated that there is a need for this financial relief as it is often paired with overwhelming stress amidst other obstacles and hardships that arise when applying for and completing their studies."

Considering donating if you're able?

“In a racist society, it is not enough to be non-racist, we must be an… BIPOC Midwifery Collective needs your support for Ontario Black Midwifery Student Fund

05/29/2020

05/19/2020

"The pandemic running wild through this country has not only altered our day to day activities, but has also changed the plans that we may have had for our pregnancy. This peer-led support group will offer a space for us to touch on the subject of impending pregnancies and deliveries, and what that looks like with the current climate of the country as it relates to the COVID-19 precautions and restrictions."

COVID-19 has changed the way of life for us, but not enough attention is paid to those of us who will be bringing new lives into this world.

04/28/2020

Wednesday mornings, 8:30am EST. All levels, slow flow yoga inspired classes infused with a little pilates. Suitable for all bodies and experience levels. It’s ideal if you have a yoga mat, blanket/towel and blocks/books. Follow the Zoom link (in profile☝🏼) and type in the date of the class (no space, no caps, ie april29) as the password. Before or after the class, please send an e-transfer for $3-20 to hello@kiraliss.com if you’re able. Trades are also welcome. If that’s not accessible, you’re welcome to join anyway, no questions asked. See you on the mat 💕

03/28/2020

Teaching over IGTV yesterday was so fun, and such a nice way to feel connected. So, I’m gonna offer a weekly online class! All levels, slow flow yoga inspired classes. Suitable for all bodies and experience levels. We’ll use a yoga mat, blanket/towel and blocks/books. Send an e-transfer for $3-20 for the unique weekly Zoom link (and if that's not accessible, let me know and I'll happily send you the link anyway).

01/19/2020

It's not too late to get a midwife! We have spots available in February and March. Share to your networks, family and friends!

01/17/2020

"Unknowingly, white birth workers do a disservice in not giving credit where credit is due. The issue here is not white birth workers being white, it is the power structure and social hierarchy in which white people are able to easily commodify, financially benefit, and are seen as "specialists" in having access and using indigenous knowledge for their gain. The very people who we must thank for these birth tools and knowledge are left ignored, impoverished, and erased from the birth worker movement."

Since starting my journey as a first generation Mexican-American birth doula, I have seen another form of neo-colonialism take form in birth work spaces, unsurp