These workshops are designed to create a space for new techniques, ideas and perspectives to be shared and tried—a place to present various exercises in doing, being, seeing and feeling. I believe that play is an integral piece of life, and by giving ourselves the space to experiment, to risk, to make a mess, we can become comfortable being in a state of uncertainty and we can learn how to move forward from anywhere.

Some techniques might be uncomfortable and others may become your favorites, but be sure to try them all. Sometimes doing the thing you hate the most can bring the greatest insight. Those techniques that resonate with you can be taken home and tried again and again, you can modify and tweak it so that each technique becomes entirely yours. These classes are just a starting point—the beginning of learning that never ends.

notice your breath {quiet, focus, reflect}
Learn to use your breath as a tool to quiet the mind. With focused attention on the air filling our lungs and feeding each cell of our bodies, the breath can produce in us a state of vibrant energy or tranquil calmness. This controlled breath can be used as a bridge connecting body and mind, allowing the practice of reflection and emotional awareness to take root. It is easy to allow our feelings and emotions to carry us off, because they’re constantly reacting to this or that. Instead, take a moment to breathe and settle—create peace in busy moments or stillness in midst of chaos.

For this class, wear loose comfortable clothes. Bring a water bottle, yoga mat, and a pillow or two if you would like.

make it simple {explore, discover, play}
These workshops are about nurturing the creative core in each of us. We all have the ability to create and make art— it just takes some gentle practice and patience to bring these talents to life. Through learning a new technique and helping each other take a leap and try something challenging, we can make mistakes, learn to fix them and share a lot of laughs. Art allows us to practice being in the flow of the moment.

Many of us have forgotten the joy and freedom that comes with some simple art supplies. By sitting down and trying something new—experimenting, we connect to our imagination and the joyful, playful part of ourselves. When play is encouraged, our imagination is strengthened and our learning is enhanced. Learning through play is about having the space to make mistakes, to mess up and to take chances. It is play that supports our ability to take chances and to be flexible. And as these playful qualities develop and grow into habits, they will begin to permeate other areas of our lives, sprinkling a touch of creativity everywhere.

For this class, wear comfortable clothes that would be okay with a little paint (just in case). Bring your favorite pen or pencil if you have one, a water bottle, and a pillow or two if you would like.

posture play {ground, stretch, reach}
How often are you able to notice your connection to the ground  through your feet? A full, hectic life can impair the communication between our bodies and mind, leaving our physical selves feeling heavy and our thoughts burdened—dullness slowly takes over.

As we use our bodies every day, negative habits can form—how we sit at our desk, how we stand while cooking dinner or the way we lean over while brushing our teeth. These little patterns add up, and our muscles ‘remember’ how to hold our physical structure in these positions. Begin to shake up those routines by trying new ways of holding your body in order to help engage different muscles and let those hardworking muscles relax and lengthen fully. Even a little nudge in how we hold our bodies can affect our skeleton from head to toe.

For this class, wear loose comfortable clothes. All movements are slow and simple. The purpose is to bring a gentle awareness and appreciation to the body, from bones to muscle. Bring a water bottle, yoga mat, and pillow if you would like.

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circles {weave, share, inspire}
Life is a circle. Lessons come round and round to help us strengthen our learning. By joining together, we can share our experiences and discoveries. When our strength as individuals is woven together with our friends and the community, our collective power is immeasurable and our growth is unstoppable. In a circle, we build a space to share and create a ritual for learning and growing, a sacred space to honor the teacher in each of us. Here are some of the themes to guide our conversations and our self-reflection.

Balance in our bodies, balance in our lives: combining posture work with creative visualization to enhance our lives and bodies.

One-degree shifts: not all change has to come in big bundles; even the smallest modification can have an enormous impact.

Choosing the present: bring together the practice of awareness and breath to be in the present moment and enjoy the gift of the here and now.

Living with the The Four Agreements: discussions on the book by Don Miguel Ruiz and how to practice putting agreements into place in our lives.

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