Led By: Ed Heisler & Sean Elmquist
Location: Svälja Whole-Being’s Lotus Studio
This series is offered in-person only; no virtual registration.
Dates: Wednesdays, November 4, 11, 18 & 25
Time: 6:00 - 7:30 PM
Cost: $80 for 4-Week Series
Why Am I Yelling? Am I OK? Can I Fix This?
…and other manly discussions
Most men keep these questions locked away inside—yet so much clarity and healing are discovered when we gather to share our unique and overlapping experiences. Whether you find yourself reacting with outward frustration or directing a silent, critical storm inward, this workshop series offers a grounded space to step back, reconnect, and move forward.
Together, men from all walks of life will examine the very human habits that pull us off center, explore the root patterns behind emotional reactivity, and build practical tools to help us live into our fullest potential.
In this special collaboration between Men As Peacemakers and Svälja Whole-Being, facilitators Ed Heisler and Sean Elmquist blend reflective dialogue with accessible physical and meditative practices tailored to the needs of the group. This series is for anyone identifying as a man seeking community, emotional clarity, and practical self-care tools—no prior yoga or movement experience required.
What to Expect
Guided Group Discussion: Honest, supportive dialogue exploring reactivity, internal pressure, and male emotional health.
Accessible Movement Practices: Gentle physical and somatic tools to release tension and ground the nervous system.
Emotional Pattern Awareness: Insights into identifying triggers before they turn into outward blowups or inner criticism.
Actionable Personal Growth: Simple, effective habits you can carry into daily life, relationships, and community.
Meet Your Guides
Sean Elmquist
Sean is the Executive Director of Men As Peacemakers. He has spent 19 years at MAP working to prevent sexual and domestic violence,
as well as supporting restorative responses to gender-based harms in diverse community contexts. A musician and artist in Duluth for more than twenty years, Sean also partners with local arts organizations and venues to create safer environments and shift culture. He is a statewide and national trainer on preventing sexual and domestic violence and on restorative practices, and has helped MAP develop processes to help partners identify needs, networks of support, and pathways to healing and collective well-being.
Ed Heisler
Ed is a storyteller, shaped by the South shore of Lake Superior,
whose practice and teaching is rooted in curiosity, love, joyful learning with others, and his own journey with healing and spirit reconnection. With a background in violence prevention and peacemaking, Ed’s daily work focuses on nourishing individual and community connection to spirit, healing, and wholeness as a pathway to thriving for future generations–and ourselves. Ed (Koshin) Heisler was Ordained as a Rinzai Zen Priest in Anko-in, an Independent Branch Temple of Chozen-ji by Norma Ryuko Kawelokū Wong Roshi in 2022. He loves learning and sharing spirit and wholeness practices with others. Ed’s core practices include Zazen (meditation), Kado (flower arrangement), Ten Step Tai Ji, Okyo (Chanting), Shodo (Calligraphy), Reiki, and everyday storytelling that connects the depths of our wisdom, ancestors, and spirit.
Workshop & Special Event Cancellation Policy:
We understand that plans can change. Because our workshops and special events require significant preparation and often have limited space, we adhere to the following cancellation policy:
Cancellation up to 48 hours prior to the workshop will be refunded less a 10% Administrative Fee.
Cancellation 24-48 hours prior to the workshop receives a 50% refund.
Cancellation less than 24 hours prior or a no-show receives no refund.
To request a cancellation, please contact us at hello@svalja.yoga or (218) 595-0762.