Ora Goldin is the founder and lead facilitator of Living Rhythm. She is profoundly inspired to make a positive impact on people’s lives and in their well-being. It was her passion for rhythm, wellness, fostering deep connections and building team cohesion that led her to create her company over 14 years ago. Ora is a certified holistic practitioner and has had extensive international training as a drum circle facilitator including as a certified HealthRhythms facilitator, which is an evidence- based protocol using drumming and rhythm as a way to impact people’s health.
Ora has led programs and workshops in myriad settings including community centres, retreats, corporate conferences, camps and more. Ora has worked for multiple school boards, focusing on students and teachers. She designed a school mental health and mindfulness-based program called ”The Beat of Now.” Her goal is to be a catalyst for a paradigm shift as to how schools support well-being for their staff and students, helping to make mental health more than a buzzword. This program focuses on the relationship with the self while focusing on the relationship with the group. “We know that ...we are hardwired for connection… and that feeling a sense of community and belonging can truly affect how we heal…” Ora knows that teachers require self care and the tools to support their students. She has already helped many educators and looks forward to the opportunity to support and empower more teachers. Ora’s expertise in facilitation, being a wellness leader, and drawing on her personal life has helped her create powerful interactive experiences.
Ora began her company with a focus on bringing rhythm and heartbeat to the various communities with whom she worked. In the past few years, she has been developing a path for using these tools to promote wellness and well being. For Ora, it had been a calling for a long time. Ora has found her true calling and loves creating opportunities for children and adults to feel successful, connected and empowered. Being able to help people ride the waves of life through rhythm and learn to pause and check in with themselves are some of the skills she teaches. “When I think about rhythm, I think about the life force that keeps us alive. So, we can think of drumming and rhythmical wellness experiences as a way to connect to that deep force, that heartbeat, that not only is my own life force but is the life force that connects me with every human being on this planet. It is such a powerful tool to explore for connection and well being.”
Mental health is something Ora has works for most of their life. When speaking about preparing for her appearance on The Personal Playlist Podcast, she echoed the experiences of many guests commenting on the intensity and meaningfulness of the journey. “Navigating through mental health has been a big part of my life. Early on, certainly between the ages of 18 and 25, there were some extremely dark times for me...There are endless albums and songs that were a part of my healing and riding the waves of those songs...is what helped me...supporting me through the darkness.” Music really is a powerful tool; it’s a way and a way out.
Ora’s nostalgic song is one that used to help her cry out in her darkness. “It was a deep and profound song for me.” Having a new lens on the song allows Ora to feel her growth and a provide perspective on her experiences. “To be able to listen to this song, still feel it to the depths of my core at the same level and yet from a totally different place… the song itself represents process for me.” Here is Four Non-Blondes with What’s Up:
The one song that Ora changed on her playlist was reflective of her evolution, learning to let go of what other people think. Her identity song was going to be one by India Arie called I Am Light because her name means light. Through her sense of presence and the phase she is in right now, this song called to her when she first saw it on the Oscars, before she has seen the film. “This song is about stepping into my power and my light.” Here is This is Me performed by Keala Settle and the cast of The Greatest Showman:
Ora shared that music can take you to many different places. In introducing her pick-me-up song, Ora explained that music and movement are synergistic for her. “Movement is a huge part of my wellness toolkit.” This songs goes slow and then fast, and it is celebratory and empowering for our guest. She had always thought the word “dog”in the title was “dark”, so the song allows her to declare her persevered and succeeded in making peace with her darkness. Here is Florence and the Machine’s Dog Days are Over:
One of the things that surprised Ora when reflecting on her choices was that each artist in her P3 was a powerful female voice. “I appreciated that stepping into my feminine power...is very indicative of where I’m at.” This is around when another female voice, her sister’s, revealed the relationship between the guest and host. Hearing Ora, my only my sister, voice her voice and share her power was incredible. The experience also illustrated just how intimate and individual the P3 really is. Her podcast made this playlist even more personal.
If you want to learn more about Ora and Living Rhythm, reach out. You can read more testimonials and view all of the programs she offers for schools, community groups, corporations, camps and more on her website. Living Rhythm is on the list of approved service providers for many boards including the TDSB and YRDSB. You can also join her Facebook Group, or follow her on Twitter, though she doesn’t use it often. You can also call her at 647-444-DRUM. Ora Goldin and her company are making a difference by ‘beat’ing burnout, reducing stress and improving wellness. Ora often reminds people that we are all living rhythm.
