About Sarah Louise
A listening ear.
A raw truth teller.
An advocate for self care.
An experienced gentle presence.
An encourager to change & live differently.
A warm embrace to cry with & process loss.
A companion in discovering personal passions.
Join me in the cycles of new birth, unfurling growth, change, and death, as we leave behind what is no longer needed and step forward into what is truly life.
Guided by the unwavering support of my mother and husband through the births of my three children, I understood the value of feeling truly cared for during the postpartum period. As I reflected on this, I realised how rare and precious my experience was, as far too few women have the privilege of feeling surrounded by a true village of care during this precious season. This inspired me to become a doula, passionate about empowering and supporting others through this transformative phase.
Drawing from a wellspring of love and care passed down through generations, I offer you steadfast support. By encouraging families to embrace rest and well-being, I hope to facilitate a journey where women find their power, their voice, and their worth in the postpartum period and beyond.
My mission with The Koru Journey is to share the tangible love and support that I have received with others.
As your companion and guide, I'm no stranger to life's dark valleys. Together, we'll journey through those shadows, sitting in the uncomfortable in-between spaces without rushing through the hard parts. In the face of death, fear, and shattered dreams.
I'll share the hope of resilience and the miracle of self-discovery. Your pain will become your power as we navigate laughter, tears, sorrow, and joy together, forming an unbreakable force of interconnectedness.
We are all at different stages of our journey of self discovery, and we have so much to offer to each other as we learn to become whole.
I believe a focus on postpartum well-being will shape a brighter future for generations to come. Together, let's create a more beautiful world.
Vermont
Fall 2018
Costa Rica
Spring 2022
New Zealand
January - June 2023
Toronto
July 2023 - August 2024
My Koru Journey
Finding Solace
In the midst of motherhood's demands, an unexpected invitation to a Himalayan salt cave sparked a transformative journey. With the support of family, I embarked on a solo adventure to the salt caves of Vermont. This marked my first deliberate choice to truly prioritise myself since becoming a mother. Nestled in an infinity chair, wrapped in a cosy blanket, I found solace. This experience served as a catalyst, pushing me to seek more quiet and peaceful moments of solitude. Soon after, I started booking regular trips to explore every bath house + spa around the GTA, overnight trips to clean, quiet hotels, and a serene beachside Airbnb in Collingwood. These escapes provided a quiet space to hear my thoughts, enjoy quality sleep, savour meals, soak in hot water, and simply bask in the beauty of nature.
Travels and Epiphanies
It was amidst the lush landscapes of Costa Rica that the importance of rest became clear. While I savoured a glass of crisp white wine beneath a hot shower, I was flooded with the understanding that this level of rest and rejuvenation was not just a luxury but a crucial need for women. As tears streamed from my eyes, my heart was moved to share this essential message with other women, strapped down by the constant hustle of doing. This truth opened me up to discover the passions that laid dormant within me. A new fire within, I began to risk and dream bigger.
A Journey Within
Following my longing for adventure, my family and I took a six-month break from city life to visit Titahi Bay, New Zealand. This extended period of rest opened up a new realm of creativity within me. I started writing, culminating in a mini guide for postpartum moms and a journal. New Zealand's unique lifestyle, resembling a step back in time, with its communal spirit, rugged landscape, indigenous culture, and barefoot living, transformed my perspective. It became clear that I couldn't revert to my previous life; the newfound creativity was too precious to abandon. I found inspiration in the ocean's nurturing embrace and the wisdom of elder women. This transformative experience birthed a desire to share the gifts of introspection and connection with others, culminating in the inception of The Koru Journey. Read more about the meaning of Koru.
Towards the end of my New Zealand adventure, I attended a retreat with older women who served as spiritual directors. A day spent in meditation and nature revealed the concept of the koru fern, symbolising new life. Sitting at the feet of these wise women, I experienced profound wisdom, companionship, and a shift in my perspective on ageing.
Escapes Amidst Everyday Life
I find it essential to convey this aspect of my journey — the idea that regardless of our physical location, we can transport ourselves back to moments of beauty and meaning. Now, in Toronto, I step outside with my coffee, feeling the earth under my feet, pausing to soak in the morning hues of the sunrise, to listen for the birds. It's about taking the time to be still, notice, awaken to our senses and immerse ourselves in nature, even within the city. By doing so, I believe we can draw strength and beauty from those memories, fostering a connection to joy, peace, and tranquillity. Remembering, no matter how dark the night, new mercies come in the morning.
