Events
BECOME A WELLNESS INSIDER
Rite Of The Womb Ceremony
With Dawn Little Torres of Dakini Yoga & Healing
Saturday, August 29 at Cedar Sanctuary
Investment: $50 in-advance / $55 day-of (limited space and must pre-register)
Registration will be open once we enter WA State Phase 3 for outdoor gatherings.
When program is full, we invite you to join the waitlist by emailing Susan Creighton
Join mailing list for Wellness Connects newsletter here.
We are so excited for this first re-opening program at Cedar Sanctuary, and since we’ve moved the ceremony outdoors, cross your fingers that the weather cooperates!
Regarding COVID-19 precautions at Cedar Sanctuary, we take prevention measures very seriously and in addition to mandated or recommended safety measures, we’ve implemented additional precautions such as wall-mounted paper towels, motion-sensor soap dispensers, spray sanitizer/disinfectant at bathroom entry, and more. As mentioned, this program will be outdoors on a grassy area encircled within a majestic grove of trees. Please bring a mask, your own mats for spots marked at least 6’ apart with an aisle left open for bathroom access, a water bottle, and anything else that you’d like for your comfort.
PROGRAM INFO:
Marcela Lobos of The Four Winds Society first transmitted the seeds of the 13th Rite of the Munay-Ki or “the Rite of the Womb” when she shared it to over two hundred Women at the Omega Institute with the intent that it would continue to be passed on from Woman to Woman.
We come together as a Sacred Circle of Women, open to receive this rite as it was transmitted to me by my teacher, Julie Hannon, who received it directly from Marcela Lobos. This evening incorporates ceremony, transmission of rites, mantra, sacred offering, connecting and sharing. This will be an evening of healing, blessing, inspiration and hope.
Since the beginning of time, women have experienced deep pain and suffering related to the womb, passed down through the lineage of our Mothers, Grandmothers and beyond. Whether we have birthed children or not, the unhealed pain that remains in our wombs blocks our creativity and passion and in essence our ability to birth and create our full potential in life.
The Rite is intended to heal all women of the suffering they carry in their wombs as well as the collective womb of our planet. There is now a lineage of women who have freed themselves from this suffering and who will continue to share this healing around the world.
Please join us and take your place in the circle.
About Dawn: As a yoga and meditation teacher, energy and sound healer, Dawn blends her love of teaching yoga with many years of studying alternative healing modalities. She guides clients and students to wake up their deeply rooted inner guidance system through Yoga, Reiki and Sound Healing. She has come to know that the body’s natural inclination is towards wellness, it is her passion to assist others in becoming aware of and removing the obstacles in the way of that movement. www.dakinihealing.com
Happy Guts Workshop – Back by popular request!
With Kathleen Yow-Wells of Eastside Wellness Center
Saturday, September 26, 9am-1pm at Cedar Sanctuary (21407 NE 6th Place, Sammamish, WA)
Investment $158 (limited to 12 participants and pre-registration required)
Save-your-spot here
The Happy Guts class is based on the practice of Chi Nei Tsang developed by Taoist monks in ancient China. Modern Chi Nei Tsang is abdominal organ massage meant to aid elimination & detoxification while building gut health and vitality, stabilize our emotions, and has a grounding effect on our well-being.
We live in a fast-paced stressful world. Fast food, prolonged sitting, and forever ‘to do’ lists, undigested ‘emotions’, and chemicals everywhere play havoc with our nervous and digestive systems. Overtime, our overall gut functioning directly affects our basic levels of physical health, emotional well-being, and spiritual vitality. We can become aware of ways we can maintain it ourselves. Abdominal self-massage is an excellent tool for improving and maintaining overall gut health. And an excellent tool to move stress, tension, and unexpressed emotions through our systems.
During our time together, you will learn a deeper understanding of how the digestive system works, what can go wrong, and how to support your own digestive health and emotional well-being through slow, mindful self-belly massage. We will learn and experience the power of breath, gut awareness, and purposeful abdominal self-touch to reduce tension, pain, and discomfort. You will learn a ‘your hands on your guts’ self-care routine for daily use. This can be wonderful for family members, young and elderly alike. Learning resources will be provided. If you want to learn life-long tools to take care of and love your guts or diminish symptoms of digestive discomfort, this class is for you.
Kathleen Yow-Wells, LMT has been practicing therapeutic bodywork since 1982. She brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, passion, and humor to her teachings. Kathleen loves to teach self-care techniques to help people build their own little black bags of healing techniques. info@eastsidewellnesscenter.com / www.eastsidewellnesscenter.com
6/15/20 Update re Cedar Sanctuary: While CS is not yet re-opened for public functions, we take COVID-19 prevention measures very seriously. In addition to mandated or recommended safety measures, we’ve already add our own precautions such as wall-mounted paper towels, motion-sensor soap dispensers, and more. We will monitor the situation as the date for this program gets closer and provide updates here.
High Frequency Meditation and Healing Sound Bath
With Dawn Little Torres of Dakini Healing
Saturday, October 3, 5-7pm at Cedar Sanctuary
Investment: $50 in-advance / $55 day-of (limited space and must pre-register)
Registration link will be provided once WA State phasing allows for group gatherings.
Join mailing list for future program updates here.
UPDATE: Regarding COVID-19 precautions at Cedar Sanctuary, we take prevention measures very seriously and in addition to mandated or recommended safety measures, we’ve implemented additional precautions such as wall-mounted paper towels, motion-sensor soap dispensers, spray sanitizer/disinfectant at bathroom entry, and more.
PROGRAM INFO:
Everything is Energy in motion…even those things that appear to be still. There is a vibration that permeates all things in nature, including the thoughts, feelings and emotions that course through us. When these streams of energy flowing through us are in harmony with nature, it is energy flowing at a high and beautiful frequency. When those thoughts and emotions are not in sync with nature’s balanced rhythms, we find ourselves Feeling out of sync. The stresses and fast pace of life can create anxiousness, fear, depression, fatigue and even physical illness, these are feelings NOT in harmony with nature and the body suffers when exposed to them long term.
As we gather in circle and ceremony, Dawn will then guide us through some gentle movement to allow the body to release stress and tension of the day. We will then come into a comfortable Savasana position (lying on a yoga mat) to receive the healing vibrations and sounds of the Tibetan Singing Bowls, Crystal Bowls, Giant Gong and various healing sound tools to open us up completely and penetrate our being at the deepest level.
Please bring a mask, yoga mat, water bottle, and anything that will make your experience more enjoyable, such as blanket, pillow, eye pillow, etc. Dress in cozy layers. (Not necessary to print eventbrite ticket, but please arrive early to get set up.)
About Dawn: As a yoga and meditation teacher, energy and sound healer, Dawn blends her love of teaching yoga with many years of studying alternative healing modalities. She guides clients and students to wake up their deeply rooted inner guidance system through Yoga, Reiki and Sound Healing. She has come to know that the body’s natural inclination is towards wellness, it is her passion to assist others in becoming aware of and removing the obstacles in the way of that movement. www.dakinihealing.com
Discover The Art of Meditation
3rd-Saturdays (beginning Jan 2020) 9:30-10:30am at Cedar Sanctuary
Sonia Weirich of One to One Yoga
Investment $25 (limited to 12 participants)
Save-your-spot here or email Sonia at onetooneyoga@gmail.com
SoulDance
Move Your Body. Dance Your Dance.
3rd-Thursdays 7-8:30pm at Cedar Sanctuary
Investment: $20 (limited to 10 participants and pre-registration required)
UPDATE: This program has been moved online until further notice. Contact Brenda Loukes to save-your-spot: bloukesb@gmail.com or 425.435.9498
We were born to move, and SoulDance is a safe and creative space to dance your dance ‘like nobody’s watching”. Dancing with no judgment of ‘right’ ways to move, this is a place for you to be you. To dance your soul with a freestyle movement experience that will light up your body, your smile, and your life. Come as you are.
“In a society that worships love, freedom, and beauty, dance is sacred. It is a prayer for the future, a remembrance of the past and a joyful exclamation of thanks for the present.”
-Amelia Atwater-Rhodes
(Co-ed. No fitness or dance experience is necessary. Dance barefoot or wearing socks.)
Brenda Loukes-Johnson creates a juicy free-flowing journey for each SoulDance session using voice and soul-stirring music, while drawing on her experiences as a dance instructor, Kahuna transformational bodyworker, and holding space for creative Soulpainting programs.
Restorative Meditation – Yoga Nidra
Last Fridays Monthly, 6:30pm-8:00pm at Cedar Sanctuary
Sonia Weirich of One To One Yoga
Investment $25. Space is limited and reservations required.
Reserve your date/spot here or email Sonia at onetooneyoga@gmail.com
UPDATE: This program has been moved online until further notice. To save-your-spot, email Sonia at onetooneyoga@gmail.com or call/text 206-422-1317
Constant mind chatter keeping you awake is no match for the healing experience of Yoga Nidra Restorative Meditation. An ancient practice, Yoga Nidra, is a guided meditative inquiry into the states of being, and what is beyond these states.
Nothing is expected of you, no need to be a meditator, bendy, or even fit. You’ll be guided into a resting position while suggestions and prompts guide your mind into relaxation.
What to bring: Please dress comfortably and bring anything that would be helpful while lying in Savasana on a yoga mat (yoga mat provided or bring your own, and you may want a bolster/pillow for knees/head or comfy blanket).
Amigas
Stay-tuned for next gathering date!
Potluck (Store-bought is aok!)
Amigas Group on Facebook
Amigas is a multicultural community of women who know that there is more that connects us than divides us. We connect to grow meaningful and enriching relationships, create a sense of belonging for everyone, and have fun together.
As we remember our strengths and reconnect with our vibrant selves and each other, we benefit both as individuals and the evolution of our planet as a whole. To quote female role model Mamma Gena, “The joy of life is not simply in serving oneself. The true joy of life is in being able to be a part of a larger community of service, taking one another higher.”
Amigas meets regularly at Cedar Sanctuary to surround each other with the support of sisterhood, community, connection, and inspiration. For more information contact Susan Creighton: susan333@live.com / 425.298.6428
Relax & Renew Mini-Retreat
A mixed-modalities afternoon of necessary indulgences and modalities. Our most recent program included Aromatherapy, MELT Method, Gyrotonic, and a Gong Sound Bath. Heavenly! Schedule your own Relax & Renew Mini-Retreat.
⇒ Join our mailing list for updates or contact Susan Creighton to schedule your own event.
COMMUNITY MATTERS: Kindness Rocks
February 2018: Do you believe that kindness rocks? This Community Matters program was a crafternoon of community connecting through art.
Kindness Rocks is a fun project that’s spreading all over the country. Here’s the idea: you paint rocks with positive and encouraging images or messages; then inspire others by dropping the rocks in random places for them to find them and play it forward.
We connected as a group, included a meditation to inspire creativity and inspiration, created uplifting treasures to share in our neighborhoods, and had a great time together!
This program was sponsored by Wellness Connects Providers Susie Hindle Kher, Susan Creighton, and the Redmond Library to support community connections, wellness, and a sense of belonging for everyone.
⇒ Join our mailing list for program updates or contact Susan Creighton to schedule your own event.
COMMUNITY MATTERS
What We Have In Common: 3 Faith Traditions
November 2017: This Community Matters panel discussion was sponsored by Wellness Connects Providers Debbie Lacy and Susan Creighton, Eastside Refugee and Immigrant Coalition, and the Redmond Library to support community wellness by building connections and bridges, and creating a sense of belonging for everyone.
Interfaith Leaders:
Aneelah Afzali, Interfaith Leader, Director at Muslim Association of Puget Sound (MAPS)
Rev. Ellie VerGowe, Pastor at First Covenant Church
Rabbi Ruth A. Zlotnick, Senior Rabbi at Temple Beth Am
A supportive community is vital to a healthy society. Community Matters gatherings are opportunities for people of all cultures, races, faiths, and gender identities to connect and converse about wellness and everything that entails; personal wellness, family wellness, and wellness in the world.
COMMUNITY MATTERS: You Belong
The Redmond Library hosted this free program in Sept, 2017.
You belong. Whether you’ve lived somewhere your whole life or just recently arrived in your new home, a sense of belonging can be hard to come by. This sense of belonging isn’t just good for personal health and happiness; it’s critical for community health as well. How can we create a stronger sense of belonging for ourselves and others?
During this evening of conversation we explored how to overcome challenges that can keep us isolated and even divided from one another, and:
· Brought people together who may not normally get a chance to know each other
· Engaged in meaningful conversation that honors our diverse perspectives
· Inspired small, but powerful actions that strengthen our sense of belonging and the health of our community
Event sponsored by the Eastside Refugee and Immigrant Coalition (ERIC), Wellness Connects providers Debbie Lacy and Susan Creighton, and the Redmond Library as part of Welcoming Week, a national celebration that brings together U.S. born residents, established immigrants, and newcomers to increase awareness and to build stronger unity across differences.
SoulCollage for Community Wellness
SoulCollage is an opportunity to foster community wellness with a creative, fun and meaningful art activity. Meet new people and learn an art form you’ll be able to easily do on your own whenever you feel the urge to create.
We’ll gather together to identify internal resources to build the kind of community we want to live in. You’ll then leave with a visual representation and reminder of your gifts – gifts you can consciously draw upon to strengthen community and your connections with others.
Making SoulCollage® cards is a creative and intuitive practice. Using found images from magazines and an easy cut and paste process, you’ll create a unique collage card that supports your goals and desires. No prior experience necessary. (Note: We won’t be teaching the pure SoulCollage method originally created by Seena B. Frost, but we’ll use SoulCollage techniques.To learn more about Seena’s method and to view a sampling of SoulCollage images, visit www.soulcollage.com)
Facilitators:
Debbie Lacy is a certified life coach, community facilitator, and Director of the Eastside Refugee and Immigrant Coalition. Debbie learned about SoulCollage from Noelle Remington, a certified SoulCollage facilitator, and has been incorporating SoulCollage techniques in her workshops for 15 years.
Susan Creighton is the Chief Inspiration Officer for our event sponsor, Wellness Connects. WC practitioners provides a network of support services from a wide range of wellness modalities. Members focus on creating, restoring and maintaining wellness through professional service and tools, cross-referrals to complementary practitioners, and public programs for education, outreach, and community connection.