ALTERNATIVE THINKING STORY
Inspirations to Grow: Providing customers a new variety of information to build their own lifestyles, allows our community to grow by striving to be the foundation for better living
2006 SENSING AN IDEA
A feeling emerged from the desire to centralize the knowledge that was under-represented in conventional institutions. This notion was led on by a personal quest, like many of us, to better understand the nature of the human experience.
The more we seek to become aware of the phenomenology of being and our understanding of ourselves, part of the journey becomes to review the work of the spiritual teachers and the scientists in the lab, all the seekers of truth. It soon becomes apparent that it's not the lack of science and spiritual understanding that is limiting progress on a species level, but more so the way we cooperate from the perspective of the entire hive. The way we relate and exchange amongst ourselves as a 'neural network' is what sets the stage for our ability to advance as a collective. Current co-operative dynamics between business entities are self-evidently recognized as a hard limit for the flow of research and development.
The realm of commerce and business seem to direct and limit the capacity of laboratory research for scientific advancements. Similar can be said about the the way spiritual text is shared or sold as content for entertainment and/or educational. The monetary aspect ingrained in the conception of exchange has set us on a journey in the study and simulation of economics. The challenge becomes to integrate economics into our ideal vision of the future...
2007 FORMULATING
The process of fusing relevant components had commenced. Influenced heavily by the psychedelic culture in both aesthetic, lifestyle and philosophy helped provide a backdrop for the language, culture and stylistics. Psychedelic literature and culture has coined the 'multidisciplinary' approach, a practical framework to help explore alternatives in regards to perspectives and ideas. The great psychonauts in the early 70's also laid the foundation for integrative models for approaching the concept of how the mind works by interface/hacking the inner realms. Integrative theories became the common element in presenting bodies of work. The visual decor and music was influenced by the electronic psychedelic music culture and visionary art culture, forming a fine resonance, sharing appreciation of the sense of oneness.
2009 INCEPTION
A book collection representing the scope of a 'multidisciplinary thinker' felt like a natural start. Thus opening as part of another bookstore (Willow Books) with a small collection of a few hundred books to start with. Topics were not limited to meta-physics and extended to fringe sciences, earth sciences, ecological sustainability, nutrition and psychedelia. Mostly covering recent publications on the mind-body-spirit connection and insights.
The timing of our grand opening coincidentally aligned with the closing of the largest metaphysical bookshop that was located in Yorkville at the time. The discovery of our shop by the same community sparked a word-of-mouth message of a 'new' spot in Toronto with a similar vibe. Our collection started growing and our initial response from those suddenly stumbling upon our little shop was encouraging enough to gain trust in expanding the operation.
2011 FIRST STEPS
Marking the point where Alternative Thinking had expanded fully into the entire space. Willow Books had moved to another location, allowing us to manage a larger container and feel the bounty of ideas and possibilities. Our first steps were to add a holistic section to the shop and start carrying complementary products to our book library, such as ceremonial tools and tarot decks.
A big role in our development had to do with leaving the back space open for community gatherings. We developed an idea for a sharing space where all events were operating under the 'Gift Economy' model. Meaning most of the sharings/gatherings were free or by donation. This concept propelled the ever-present excitement from the community to share moments with each other in group meditation, discussion, sound jams, performances and workshops. Our biggest event was on 11/11/11 when we live streamed premiered the 'Thrive' documentary. Attracting well over 100 people to the shop, this was when a real sense of the alternative community hub was manifested. A gathering celebrating the 11/11 synchronicity!
2013 GROWTH POTENTIAL
On the heels of Winter Solstice 2012 being perceived as the global shift in consciousness, spirituality and the new age movement started reaching a broader audience. Well being and conscious lifestyle setting a trend for a new generation of urbanites. Balancing the pollution of the city life with healthy food choices, listening to our body closely and mindful practices. At this point the shop evolved into being represented as a holistic lifestyle boutique. We introduced crystals, jewelry, clothing and food, eventually growing into a one-stop-shop for all alternative lifestyle choices including many nutritional options. The cross-pollination propelled the growth factor of our customer base of health enthusiasts, energy workers, crystal lovers, psychonauts and the rest of the communities in Toronto that fall under the 'alternative' sphere in western society. This allowed us the opportunity to expose others to lifestyle options that naturally resonated.
Our focus was aimed at providing the best value for the highest quality and an abundant selection. In addition, a sense of belonging was established by supporting ideals that often get tabooed. Cultivating the sense that 'we can be ourselves' in this container and journey together to see where that may lead. A level of resonance had grown among the shop staff and the customers, a hint of a bright and purposeful future had seeded.
2015 REALIZATION
Our extensive selection of hand-made clothing and the opening of our very own organic vegan take-out cafe were the completion pieces that embodied the scope of our understanding to fully support one's quest for self realization. A retail flagship for the 'conscious' crowd had the feel of a busy, friendly marketplace where shopping for essentials and house-hold items became more accessible and fun. The values and ideals were felt in our approach to doing business. We gained trust in our community for being the go-to place for numerous items by maintaining our excellent reputation of quality goods and fantastic prices.
Up until this point, the nature of this experiment was to allow organic growth for the natural unfolding of consciousness, viewing ourselves as agents operating on behalf of the Universe. This meant taking in the feedback that was provided and merging it with our intuitive feeling of the 'right' path towards a higher purpose. The moment had arrived where the entity that was formed needed definition, recognition and representation. This began our journey of understanding our real value being derived from all our experimentation and assessing the substantial feedback gained.
2017 PURPOSEFUL VISION
Admittedly, as a retail shop, our aim has never been to develop great selling skills as per the traditional 'salesman' school of thinking, for the sole purpose of making a sale. Disguised as a 'for-profit' corporation, we investigated deeper into the inquiry of the nature of exchange, rooted in the fundamentals of business. What would it mean for us to regard ourselves a 'conscious business'? That’s the question that steered our curiosity. We quickly adopted the theory that greater exchange theoretically lays in a mutually beneficial relationship, a symbiotic exchange. Well, how do we become aware of such relationships?
Awareness manifests when we connect to pieces of new information, sparking an information relay, formulating a perception and getting a better sense of what's already there. Informing ourselves with data to better the neural network of relationships and associations of the brain, actually produces more 'consciousness' in some sense. This notion clarifies our function and duty as catalysts for enhancing understanding by sharing ways to interface with information, boosting awareness.
Integration has been the overlaying method for us merging various practices and ideals into daily operations, generating better flow and direction. Following integration is the process of synthesization and distillation of the pure essence of the most effective possible framework.
2019 BEYOND SET STANDARDS
10 years of operating at 758 Bathurst St denotes the point for our vision, mission and principles being published. We look forward to communicating, implementing and together enjoying this journey dubbed as 'Alternative Thinking'.
We are beaming with excitement and anticipation of what's to come! We have taken the liberty to develop a profound vision that excels and goes well beyond current industry practices, philosophy and operating standards. The motto of 'the only limits are one's that we set for ourselves' has served in furthering the exploration to provide solutions for better living. November 2019 being the point where we give rise to a formal identity with purposeful intentions and messages... We promise it wouldn’t disappoint!
THE CULTURE:
ART: Visionary art culture is growing and evolving with modern day digital tools, opening new possibilities to dive deeper in the realm of expression. We're delighted to be ambassadors to some of the most talented artists in this genre and we look forward to sharing more visions through their dedicated efforts to extend our collective imagination.
CRYSTALS: Our mission with surrounding ourselves with crystals is founded in the desire to create greater sense of beauty. Crystals are a reflection of the index of possible colors and formations, signifying the essence of creative forces. Embedded with the formation is a code or signature of it's energy structure, providing a language into the natural world, a connection to the matrix of earth.
BOOKS: The 'words' themselves act as fundamental tool for self reflection and examining consciousness. Communication of information is the principle mechanism to the thoughts of the universe, creating meaning through symbols and sounds, expressing shared intentionality. As we transcend the limits of what was thought to be possible, new maps of meaning emerge from uncharted territories. Our selection of books connects us with recent publishings on theories and information by authors exploring various subjects in the spectrum of alternative thinking.
FOOD: Based on the idea that hand-picked specialty products that offer great nutritional value with minimal eco packaging and clean pantry ready look, results in a closer to the source experience. Our unique product selection process allows for the highest end value to the customer with a focus on quality and density of nutrition. A one stop shop for organic bulk foods and various nutrients.
HOLISTIC: A range of products covering essentials to a lifestyle based on holistic ideals. Ceremonial sacraments and tools are offered as well as products for home, including decor, altar pieces, and kitchen & bath products. With an influence towards unique styles and locally sourced crafts, with the intention to support a more conscious lifestyle with better alternatives. Amongst the crafts, we house a great collection of jewelry, styles including recycled materials, as well as hand made pieces with silver and brass, and jewelry with crystals.
CLOTHING: Representing international designers from many corners of the world, all hand made in select shops in Bali, Indonesia, where there's a long tradition of quality craftsmanship with fine fabrics. The designs are influenced by sacred geometry, crop circles and ancient symbols as well as earthy, forest-y elements. There's a level of resonance that radiates when wearing the designs, an avatar forms as a reflection by communicating a frequency of the designs.
EVENTS: Structured around a sense that in-person interactions allow for higher forms of understanding being transmitted. We gather to experience the magic that happens when we share special moments with each other, co-creating collective story by opening a channel to a larger group mind. Having established a form of resonance with the community of like minded network of individuals, we open doors by examining our potential as a collective in what's possible.
We thank you all once again for being such a bright expressions of light
