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.

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗱𝗼 𝘄𝗲 "𝗦𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲"?In our busy lives, we are often taught that movement is only valuable if it’s "productive." But in th...
01/14/2026

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗱𝗼 𝘄𝗲 "𝗦𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲"?

In our busy lives, we are often taught that movement is only valuable if it’s "productive." But in the tradition of restorative practice, the most productive thing we can do is let the nervous system land.

Did you know? When we consciously slow down, we shift from the "Sympathetic" (fight / flight / freeze / fawn) to the "Parasympathetic" (rest and digest) state. This isn't just "relaxing"—it’s physiological maintenance. It allows our hearts to find a steady rhythm and our minds to process the day.

Svälja's 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training Registration Opens TODAY!Deepen Your Practice and Share It with OthersSeptember ...
01/12/2026

Svälja's 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training Registration Opens TODAY!

Deepen Your Practice and Share It with Others

September 2026-January 2027

Our 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training stands on a balanced tripod of Raja Yoga, sustainability as healing, and a life of service. Rooted in the spirit of the North Shore and the depths of ancient wisdom, our curriculum is built upon three core pillars:

Pillar I: Yoga Fundamentals & The Eight Limbs
Pillar II: Sustainability & Nature Study
Pillar III: Spiritual Connection & Service

Find out more and register at: https://www.svalja.yoga/250hour-yoga-teacher-training

It doesn't have to bethe blue iris, it could beweeds in a vacant lot, or a fewsmall stones; justpay attention, then patc...
01/12/2026

It doesn't have to be
the blue iris, it could be
weeds in a vacant lot, or a few
small stones; just
pay attention, then patch

a few words together and don't try
to make them elaborate, this isn't
a contest but the doorway

into thanks, and a silence in which
another voice may speak.

"Praying" by Mary Oliver

Last chance to sign up for this amazing workshop, coming up this weekend!Mantra + Nada Yoga with Mary Bue, eRYT 500, YAC...
01/12/2026

Last chance to sign up for this amazing workshop, coming up this weekend!

Mantra + Nada Yoga with Mary Bue, eRYT 500, YACEP

This Saturday & Sunday!
January 17 & 18, 2026
8:00 am - 5:00 pm

𝗬𝗼𝗴𝗮 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 is an immersive dive into the power of sound, music, and mantra, focusing on their energetic effects to help you create a holistic personal practice. You will learn a brief history of mantra origins, including a discussion of deities and their respective mantras, and explore the physical and neurological effects of these sounds.

20 Yoga Alliance CEUs
$350
𝘗𝘢𝘺𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘗𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘴 + 𝘭𝘪𝘮𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘴𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘢𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱 𝘴𝘶𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵 𝘢𝘷𝘢𝘪𝘭𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦
more info + register: https://www.svalja.yoga/mantra-nada-yoga

We got to practice yoga today with the amazing  ✨✨✨We love them and hope you will check out their schedule- support them...
01/11/2026

We got to practice yoga today with the amazing ✨✨✨We love them and hope you will check out their schedule- support them this season!

Join us this week in the studio or online!
01/11/2026

Join us this week in the studio or online!

𝗬𝗼𝗴𝗮 𝗪𝗶𝘀𝗱𝗼𝗺: 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗺Yogash chitta vrtti nirodha — Sutra 1.2 from the Yoga Sutras of PatanjaliThe ...
01/07/2026

𝗬𝗼𝗴𝗮 𝗪𝗶𝘀𝗱𝗼𝗺: 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗺

Yogash chitta vrtti nirodha — Sutra 1.2 from the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali

The essence of all Yoga is to quiet the turbulence of the mind. When we still the internal storms and quiet the impulses of our thoughts, we can finally experience our true nature: steady, calm, and clear.

𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗺𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗽𝗵𝘆𝘀𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗽𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲?

The "seat of meditation" can be found within the center of every pose (asana). Here is one way to explore this:

𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗦𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲: Begin in the most comfortable of poses for your own body.

𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗥𝗵𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗺: Remain here, noticing if your breath shifts to feeling elongated, smooth, and steady.

𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗹𝘆: Observe if the rhythm of breath and quietness of mind can be maintained when very slightly transitioning to another shape.

𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳: Would a wall, a blanket, or an eye pillow be supportive? Supports offer invitations for the nervous system to settle.

𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝘀𝘀: If the breath becomes shallow, rapid or uncomfortable, it is a signal from your body. Respect that signal by coming out of the shape and returning to stillness. You might try again, or wait for another day.

Concepts, excerpts and inspiration from: The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali; Living the Sutras: A Guide to Yoga Wisdom Beyond the Mat and Patanjali's Yoga Sutras: Gateway to Enlightenment.

❋ 𝗔𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗪𝗶𝘀𝗱𝗼𝗺 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗠𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 ❋Meet Glenn Tobey: A bridge between ancient wisdom and modern healing. ✨With over ...
01/06/2026

❋ 𝗔𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗪𝗶𝘀𝗱𝗼𝗺 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗠𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 ❋

Meet Glenn Tobey: A bridge between ancient wisdom and modern healing. ✨

With over three decades of experience as a Licensed Psychotherapist, Glenn brings a deep understanding of the human heart and mind to our community. But his journey doesn't stop there.

For over 20 years, Glenn has been a dedicated student of the founder of Spring Forest Qigong. Having traveled the world to study under a Grandmaster, he has spent countless hours absorbing the teachings of ancient wisdom literature and gaining unique, personal insights into high-level Qigong practice.

We are so honored to have Glenn’s blend of clinical expertise and deep spiritual lineage here at Svälja.

𝗢𝘂𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗼𝘀, 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗺 & 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴:
Thursdays in January & February, 5:30 - 6:30pm. In-person or virtual.

More info & register: https://www.svalja.yoga/special-events/inner-calm

The silence says use your eyes now.A leaf is just a manifestation of green,a leaf has its own geometry.What is the theor...
01/05/2026

The silence says use your eyes now.
A leaf is just a manifestation of green,
a leaf has its own geometry.
What is the theorem for basswood?
What is the maple leaf's proof?

The silence says the beating in your wrist
is the rhythm you are always listening for
in the tabor and drums, in a blues note bending.
What is the time signature of loneliness?
What is that syncopated joy?

The silence hints that it has more to say,
it wants to ask you out to dinner,
or spend the weekend with you.
It needs you, is pointing a finger
In your direction, hoping to be irresistible.

It says these things in other languages;
it hisses, fills up with static, and sometimes it
goes off the air, leaving a long trail of quiet,
clean as newly braided rope and useful for
what it pulls behind, what it ties together.

'The Silence Says' by Joyce Sutphen

𝗦𝗲𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗮𝗹 & 𝗦𝗲𝘅𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀: 𝗔 𝟰-𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀with Rebecca James AlsumSensuality and sexuality are essential parts of the hu...
01/05/2026

𝗦𝗲𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗮𝗹 & 𝗦𝗲𝘅𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀: 𝗔 𝟰-𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀
with Rebecca James Alsum

Sensuality and sexuality are essential parts of the human experience—whether you’re sharing them with a partner or coming home to yourself. ✨

We know these topics can feel challenging. We often navigate harmful societal messages and deep vulnerability right alongside our longing for freedom.

This workshop is a space to engage with your fullness with:
○ Gentleness & Care
○ Playfulness
○ Radical Honesty

Join us to move past the binaries and reclaim your own sensual journey. You’ll leave with practical tools and take-home exercises to support your embodiment long after we leave the studio.

Wednesday evenings 6-7:15pm
Cost: $80
Virtual and In-Person

More info + Register: https://www.svalja.yoga/special-events/sensual-sexual-wellness

Welcome a new week with us!
01/04/2026

Welcome a new week with us!

𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗸:➤ 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼 𝘁𝗼 𝗭𝗮𝘇𝗲𝗻: This half-hour session is perfect for those new to Zazen (seated meditatio...
01/04/2026

𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗸:

➤ 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼 𝘁𝗼 𝗭𝗮𝘇𝗲𝗻: This half-hour session is perfect for those new to Zazen (seated meditation) and offers a focused introduction to this pillar of the Rinzai Zen tradition. This session is offered on the first Monday of the month immediately before the main Zazen class. Free to attend.
➤𝗦𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗬𝗼𝗴𝗮 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗶- 𝘁𝗼 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝘁-𝗠𝗲𝗻𝗼𝗽𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲: 𝗔 𝟰-𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀: This special series uses yoga as the lens to focus on 4 important topics: strength, balance, function, and restoration as a way to smooth your transition into, through, and out of menopause.
➤𝗚𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝗴𝗮 & 𝗪𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻 𝗟𝗼𝘁𝘂𝘀: This monthly guided yoga and writing session combines gentle movement with a creative writing practice to help you connect with your body and mind.
➤𝗢𝘂𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗼𝘀, 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗺 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴: 𝟳-𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀: Cultivate an unwavering center of peace and a personalized healing plan through the ancient wisdom of Spring Forest Qigong and heart-centered awareness.
➤𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝗴𝗮 & 𝗗𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘅𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: A restful practice that holds yoga poses with no effort for a longer duration using props with the intention of deep relaxation.

More info + register: https://www.svalja.yoga/schedule

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!