Amidst so much world-wide stress it can be hard to believe the spiritual truth that JOY is our true nature. What can we do when stress and overwhelm take away our natural, God-given capacity to feel joy, connection, safety and belonging to each other and to God? This workshop will explore this topic while offering actual practices for healing, nervous-system regulation, creativity, connection and the embodied experience of JOY.
 

WISE Practices for Awakening Joy is a no-cost congregation and community-wide invitation to an afternoon designed to present ideas and experiences of gentle movement, song, and creativity. These practices are shown to promote an improved sense of well-being.

 

Participating with others increases a sense of connection among us but is also an invitation to learn research-backed, physical practices that strengthen us in being the individuated and unified creations God made us to be.
 

This workshop will start with a brief presentation on stress, trauma, and AWAKENING JOY from Certified Yoga Therapist, Erin Alexander, who will then guide us in a gentle movement practice. Next, Dave Hibbert will help us explore music as an easily available tool for improved life experience. To further pique the creative brain, we'll either explore a fun and relaxing drawing practice, called Neurographic Art, with Ree Waller, or respond to personal reflection writing prompts led by Ann Walkup. We’ll close together with time for group discussion, song, and prayer.

 

All materials will be provided and no prior training is necessary. Sign-up sheets are in the church office. Register soon! Though space is unlimited, preparing materials takes planning. For questions, please contact Gayla Hibbert or Erin Alexander.  We look forward to seeing you there!