Events
BECOME A WELLNESS INSIDER
Breath Centered Viniyoga
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)
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
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).
Yogaspirit Teacher Training: Begins April 2020
Free Information Sessions at Cedar Sanctuary
With Suzanne Silvermoon of Indigo Lotus Yoga
Free Information Session for the 2020 yogaspirit® 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training. For nearly 20 years, yogaspirit® has been providing a comprehensive yoga immersion that leads to professional and personal development as a yoga teacher and student. We provide a learning environment with an atmosphere of safety and compassion. A sacred space is cultivated as student teachers dig deep into themselves and intertwine their study of yogic philosophy and spiritual principles creating a foundation for student teachers to gain the self awareness and actualization to teach this art to others.
Experience a short yogaspirit® style yoga practice, learn details of the training, get answers to questions, and meet your instructor Suzanne Silvermoon. Check out Yogaspirit Teacher Training details here or contact Suzanne at ssilvermoon@yogaspiritstudios.com / (207) 831-0868.
Amigas
Saturday, February 29, 6-9pm at Cedar Sanctuary
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
Kahuna Bodywork Training
With Brenda Loukes Johnson LMP of AlohaFLOW at Cedar Sanctuary
Wednesday 12 March 1pm – Sunday 15 March 4pm
Investment details coming soon. Contact Brenda with questions: Brenda@alohaflow.net or 425.435.9498
Kahuna bodywork is often called the “dance of breath and life from the heart”. This heart-centered form of massage uses loving touch, dynamic music, movement and breath to unblock stuck energy in the body, to create more flow in your body and your life. It will take you on a journey and can facilitate real and lasting change on a physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual level.
Also called ‘Temple Style Lomi’, Kahuna is always practiced in the spirit of aloha, with deep respect for both giver and receiver.
Learning Kahuna bodywork is an ongoing journey and an art that is mastered over time. A Kahuna Bodywork Level 1 Training Retreat is a gentle beginning, a first step towards greater connection, joy, balance, openness, love, wellbeing and authentically living a life with more aloha. The work is taught in a relaxed, supportive style and infused with joy and play.
On Level 1 we will:
- Do gentle and healing stretching each morning
- Dave delicious shared meals to satisfy body and soul
- Get connection to nature, silent walks in the woods
- Have fun and laughter
- Listen to beautiful music
- Connect new people, forge new friendships
- Give and receive massage
- Do meditations for balance and peace of mind
- Recharge your battery and reignite your passion and enthusiasm for your life
You will learn:
- How to give a Kahuna massage on the back of the body focusing on the back, shoulders, head, neck and feet
- Joint rotations for health and wellbeing
- Correct use of energy and posture during a massage session to stay vibrant and healthy as a therapist
- Breathwork to release stuck energy in yourself and your clients
- Tools to access your real power and potential
- Powerful techniques to break unhealthy habits and create new habits
- About yourself, your belief systems, habitual patterns and how they affect your life
- Special movement forms to balance and align body, mind and soul
- How to build and maintain abundant vital energy (mana)
- How to bring simple meditative movement and flow back into your daily life
About Brenda: I believe that only when we come home to being in our bodies, and connect to the whisperings of our souls, can we live truly creative, authentic and wholehearted, heart-centered lives. My journey with Kahuna has softened my hard edges, and helped me to live with more ease, creativity, joy and gentleness, so that I can be a better functioning human being, contributing to the greater good.I teach Kahuna Bodywork as it was taught to me by Anthea Hardwick of the Aloha Life Centre, in South Africa. She teaches the style of Hawaiian Lomi Lomi that was introduced to the global mainstream by Hawaiian Kahuna, Abraham Kawai’i.
Among many other roles in my life, I have been a Kahuna practitioner for nine years in my homeland, South Africa, and was initiated into teaching this work in 2013. I love sharing this sacred, beautiful heart-centered form of bodywork, as a way to heal myself, and to spread more love, aloha and healing in the world. I love that it is possible to heal with less words, through loving touch.
After living in Johannesburg for 50 years of my life, I am now lucky enough to be living in the Seattle area, surrounded by all this incredible beauty and abundant nature, so close to Hawaii. I look forward to journeying with you. The Kahuna journey is an extraordinary and exquisite, life-enhancing experience.
Contact Brenda for more info, or to reserve your spot: Brenda@alohaflow.net
MELT For Mobility Workshop
With Susan Creighton of Subundance Wellness
Sunday, March 22, 11:30am-1pm at the Bellevue Y
Investment $35 members / $45 non-members
Save-your-spot online here or contact the Y at 425.746.9900
Bonus: Appropriate for all levels, no pain, and feels great.
Wear: Comfy exercise wear such as layered tops, yoga pants or sweats, wearing socks or barefoot.
With Kathleen Yow-Wells of Eastside Wellness Center
Saturday, March 21, 12:-4pm at Cedar Sanctuary(21407 NE 6th Place, Sammamish, WA)
Investment $158 (limited to 12 participants and pre-registration required)
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
Water Blessing and Sacred Cacao Ceremony
With Dawn Little Torres of Dakini Healing
Saturday, March 28, 5-7pm at Cedar Sanctuary
Investment: $50 in-advance / $55 day-of (limited space and must pre-register)
Save your spot here.
When program is full, we invite you to join the waitlist by contacting Susan Creighton
Join mailing list for future program updates here.
We begin to thaw out and flow into the energy of spring with the heart expanding energy of cacao, movement, High Vibrating Sound and a water blessing.
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 we will share the plant medicine Cacao, and 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 anything that will make your experience more enjoyable, such as blanket, pillow, eye pillow, etc. Yoga mats provided, but feel free to also bring your own. 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
Rite Of The Womb Ceremony
With Dawn Little Torres of Dakini Healing
Saturday, April 25, 5-7pm at Cedar Sanctuary
Investment: $50 in-advance / $55 day-of (limited space and must pre-register)
Save your spot here.
When program is full, we invite you to join the waitlist by contacting Susan Creighton
Join mailing list for future program updates here.
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
High Frequency Meditation and Healing Sound Bath
With Dawn Little Torres of Dakini Healing
Saturday, May 30, 5:00pm – 7:00pm at Cedar Sanctuary (21407 NE 6th Place, Sammamish, WA)
Investment: $50 in-advance / $55 day-of (limited space and must pre-register)
Save your spot here.
When program is full, we invite you to join the waitlist by contacting Susan Creighton
Join mailing list for future program updates here.
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 anything that will make your experience more enjoyable, such as blanket, pillow, eye pillow, etc. Yoga mats provided, but feel free to also bring your own. 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
Release, Restore, Renew, Retreat
Saturday, February 8, 9am-5pm at Cedar Sanctuary
Investment: $350 – Earlybird $325 if registered by July 18 (use code RRR).
Reserve your spot here (max 10 participants)
Step into sanctuary, where you will be nourished in love, moved with joy, and surrounded by beauty, as you release tensions, restore wonder, and renew your spirit.
You will be held in the arms of the magnificent trees of Cedar Sanctuary and supported by three wise women with a lot of heart who weave a patchwork of experiences, including movement medicine (yoga, easy guided dance, MELT Restorative Rolling), breath work, meditation, reflective ritual, solo time, heartfelt journaling, and fun! We invite you to remain present within yourself while connecting to others in ways that will enliven your senses and soften your heart. Come. Let your whole self be touched by this rich and restorative day of necessary indulgences..
Bring: Your beautiful self. Dress in comfortable layers for movement.
Included: Vegetarian lunch, snacks, beverages, and materials for the program.
Testimonial: “There are moments in your life when you find yourself faced with the unexpected. Whether it be a positive or negative experience. I was processing a negative experience when I walked into Cedar Sanctuary one morning. The energy of the three instructors Susan, Brenda and Sonia was welcoming. Rather than doing the planned class, the anger playlist was turned on and the invitation was to move our bodies with our emotions. It naturally transitioned from a fluid movement experience to breathing and meditation. The energy in the room was so different at the end, with the movement beginning the healing process for me. It never ceases to amaze me how focusing on movement and breathing and listening to your body’s needs changes your outlook on the universe and your surroundings.” -KT
Susan Creighton, Brenda Loukes-Johnson, and Sonia Weirich combine their skills and years of experience in holistic mind-body practices, somatic awareness, creative ritual, and intuitive processes to bring you this gift of nourishment. We promise you a day of deep release and gentle restoration. You will leave feeling completely renewed from the inside, out.
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.