Mission

My name is Ceta Gabriel, and I am the founder of Yoga by SimpliCita.

I am a mother of two amazing people, a partner, a writer, and creative soul who is kind and supportive. My close friends and family would describe me as a "Black Gypsy,"  for my love of travel, music, dance, and anything artsy, crafty, natural, eccentric or soulful. 

Born and raised in Montréal’s Historical Black community Little Burgundy, I’m proudly an 80’s baby. I had excellent role models such as my Glamahs, Gwen Tolbart, David Austin, Steven Hennessy, Frances Waithe, Dr. Horace Goddard ( RIP)  and later in life exceptional teachers such as: Elizabeth Emberly, Donna Farhi, Anne Dyer, Richard Rosen, Baxter Bell, Kreig Weiss, and Bruce Smalls. 

Growing up wasn’t always easy, and although I experienced many rough times, I still managed to grow in love, and as a result I have an abundance of love to give. My community and childhood experiences played a huge role in making me who I am today. We are resilient, and yet, still joyful as a people.

I had no idea what I wanted to do when I grew up and I thought  “I” was the problem. As it turns out, it was just the beginning of a series of events that would continue to unfold as I was being taught to accept that it is okay to be diversified. 

Education and Background, 

I pursued my BAC majoring in women’s studies, my natural area of focus was critical race theory and I minored in interdisciplinary studies and sexuality. A few credits shy of graduation, I fell upon very difficult times, causing me to pause my academic pursuit and begin to re-educate myself as I healed from my trauma. While addressing my mental health issues 2013-2016, I decided to try an in-studio hot yoga class and it was the beginning of a new era in life for me. I’ve been officially teaching since 2018. 

Passions & Inspiration 

I didn’t choose yoga, yoga chose me. My father has roots in India but growing up I wasn't aware of the cellular connection I had with these ancient teachings. As I began to grow deep into my spirituality,  I felt wholeheartedly committed to cultivating my higher self, things just started making sense, I felt liberated and able to share what I am learning to inspire others to do the same. In that connection is where I was able to see just how interconnected I am to everything else.  

My personal and Professional path were full of ups and downs, I often felt like a rebel without a cause.

 My experiences are multidisciplinary, ranging from hotel reception, residential property management to community resource coordination. Combined, these positions groomed me, to welcome, accommodate, and guide people towards a fresh start on a new journey. 

My greatest lesson, a colleague, reminded me to “meet people where they are at.” It gave me the compassion I needed to also meet “myself ” where I was at.  

I know now that it’s the integral life ingredient. It’s liberating!

Projects & Collaborations

I recently collaborated on a project with Horizons Highschool called Not All Heroes Wear Capes. It started as a Black History Month initiative to allow the youth to have their voices heard and celebrate local community members who embody their perspective of excellence. It inspired me to continue to expand the project, to reframe and celebrate diverse multi- cultural excellence. (more to come soon.)

Another project which I am extremely proud to have been a part of was working with an existing group of single moms later coined as Sista Sista. It was an honor to be a part of empowering these intuitive, talented, and multi-skilled ladies, who together, we raised money for personal development and transferable skills workshops. 

Motivations and Inspirations

I’m fascinated with the beauty within excellence. Whether excellence is a skill, talent, virtuous goodness or moral beauty. It inspires me to pursue my own goals and cultivates a great admiration in me for others. It drives my commitment to foster beauty within people.

I share my Growth, Impact & Influence as a woman and BIPOC, on a spiritual journey to "unbecome" and I’m also a living testimony of radical acts of self-love. 

I propose that we shift our focus, embark on a journey through inquiry, by way of connecting with “self” and “oneness,” aligning our true nature using the eight limbs of yoga. We explore what that looks like in the current world we live in today, on and off our mats. I show up as myself and meet you where you are, and we explore what it means to step outside/ or inside of your storyline. 

You can contact me at info@simplicita.ca

On Facebook @yogabySimpliCita

Insta Yogabysimplicita