The “official” bio… education, experience, and all that… is below. But first let me share something more personal with you.
I am a straddler. Through much of my adult life, I’ve found myself bridging the poles of contrasting notions, lifestyles, and values. A prime example: over ten years ago I sold my conventional house on a 40’ suburban lot with a tiny perfect lawn in favour of an off-grid homestead surrounded by 50 acres of forest to steward. Friends back in the GTA think I’m pretty rustic and woodsy, but my rural neighbours no doubt see me as quite urban (perhaps even a “citiot” as the saying goes). In the same day you might find me doing yoga or meditation, and then felling trees or splitting firewood. I’ve done hands-on courses like chainsaw operator and master naturalist but also attended labyrinth facilitator and advanced pranayama (breathing) trainings. I do practical things with my hands, and esoteric things with my soul.
Being both a “left brain” (practical, detail, linear, realistic) and “right brain” (conceptual, intuitive, possibilities, creative) person can be challenging, even confusing, sometimes but it opens interesting worlds, thoughts, experiences, and feelings. And this dual perspective is my gift to share with you. The services I provide through SoulTrail can be useful to pretty much anyone. But I believe that my particular way of being and doing are especially helpful to the “left brain” folks who want to stretch beyond themselves but still stay grounded, and to “right brain” people who want to connect with some practical application and not feel like a lost pedestrian in the esoteric world.
Official Bio: Neil Baldwin
Neil combines graduate-level education, professional training, and almost three decades experience as a Counsellor with his longstanding fascination for the natural world to provide a unique approach to helping and personal development.
Neil holds a B.Sc. Hons. (Psychology), and M.Ed. (Counselling), both from University of Toronto. He was granted the Canadian Certified Counsellor designation in 1991 by the Canadian Counselling & Psychotherapy Association (CCPA) and until retiring in 2018 maintained it without lapse in accordance with CCPA’s standards of ethics, professional conduct and continuing education. He is a Certified Personality Dimensions™ Facilitator and has extensive experience using a variety of psychometric assessments, including Myers-Briggs Type Indicator™.
Neil was employed at a public college as a Counsellor for over 25 years, at first providing general academic, personal & career counselling and then specializing in career counselling and life direction. Along with 8 years in private practice career counselling with adults in transition, Neil has provided guidance to 10,000+ clients of almost every imaginable age, life stage, and background.
Completing a 16 month part-time program, Neil earned a Certificate in Teaching Hatha Yoga, graduating with High Honours (Sheridan College), and has continued his yoga journey with a variety of trainings including 50-hour Bhakti Yoga Teacher Training (Deva Tree School of Yoga) and Advanced Pranayama & Physiology of Breath Teacher Training (Awakened Spirit Yoga School). Neil has been a Yoga Alliance™ Registered teacher (RYT-200) since July 2018. Broadening his learning experience, Neil completed Labyrinth Facilitator Training (Veriditas) in San Francisco and attended experiential workshops in core shamanism (Foundation for Shamanic Studies). In 2017, Neil completed the Ontario Nature Master Naturalist program (Lakehead University).
Neil currently volunteers with VON’s SMART (Seniors Maintaining Active Roles Together) program as a Certified Fitness Leader, instructing community classes which include aerobic, balance, strength and flexibility components. He also volunteers with St John Ambulance accompanying his pup Luna, a certified Therapy Dog, on regular visits to a retirement home as well as other local settings.
Neil weaves all this diverse life and work experience into a distinctive perspective that engages mind, body and spirit in an eclectic yet practical way.
™ Myers-Briggs Type Indicator and MBTI are registered trademarks of The Myers & Briggs Foundation in the United States and other countries. Personality Dimensions is a registered trademark of Career/LifeSkills Resources Inc. The Yoga Alliance name, trademark(s) and logo(s) used herein are the intellectual property of Yoga Alliance.
Soul Trail 