Events
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Mindful Movement Yoga
Explore Meditation
First-Thursdays, 8:15am-9:15am at Cedar Sanctuary
(3rd Saturdays 9:30-10:30am beginning January 2020)
Sonia Weirich of One to One Yoga
Investment $25 (limited to 12 participants)
Save-your-spot here or email Sonia at onetooneyoga@gmail.com
Yoga Nidra, a Guided Meditation
or reserve your spot here:
Constant mind chatter keeping you awake is no match for the healing experience of Yoga Nidra. An ancient practice, Yoga Nidra, is a guided meditative inquiry into the states of being, and what is beyond these states.
In an hour and a half group session, 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 a pillow for your head while lying in Savasana.
SoulDance
Move Your Body. Dance Your Dance.
3rd-Thursdays 7-8:30pm at Cedar Sanctuary (No program December 19)
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.
Yogaspirit Teacher Training
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.
Moving Through Grief with Grace
Friday, December 13, 7-8:30pm at Cedar Sanctuary
Jennifer Soames of Santosha Bodywork|
Investment $30 (limited to 10 participants). Reserve you spot here (scroll all the way to bottom of listings)
*Class size is limited to 10 students. A minimum of 6 students must register in order for the class to proceed.
*Pre-requisite: ability to get down to and up from the floor.
The Holiday Season is not “the most wonderful time of the year” for everyone. When we are missing a loved one who is far away or no longer with us, grieving the loss of a relationship, job, pet, or anything else, processing the grief and knowing we’re not alone are essential to healing and moving forward.
Moving through Grief with Grace is a special yoga class created to allow you to connect with your body and feelings in a safe space, release tension and stress in your body, and be supported by others who understand.
The class includes guided meditation, Yoga Nidra (guided awareness practice), and slow, gentle (Yin) yoga suitable for all levels of yoga experience. Beginners are welcome.*
Winter Solstice Ocean of AUM
With Suzanne Silvermoon of Indigo Lotus Yoga
Saturday, December 21, 7-9pm at Cedar Sanctuary
Investment: Donations warmly welcomed at event (cash/check, please). Limited seating- save your spot now via complimentary online registration here or email Susan Creighton at WellnessConnects@outlook.com
Cacao Ceremony, New Year Intentions (Sankalpa) and Sound Bath
With Dawn Little Torres of Dakini Healing
Saturday, January 11 (1/11), 5:00pm – 7:00pm at Cedar Sanctuary (21407 NE 6th Place, Sammamish, WA)
Investment: $50 in-advance / $55 day-of
THIS PROGRAM IS FULL. Contact Susan Creighton at WellnessConnects@outlook.com to join the waitlist.
Join mailing list for future program updates here: https://cedarsanctuary.net/subscribe
We begin the year with a powerful ceremony that incorporates the yogic practice of Sankalpa, a vow and commitment we make to support our highest truth. Sankalpa differs from a goal in that it should honor the deeper meaning of our life. We amplify our intentions with a sacred Cacao Ceremony, to invite us deeper into the energy of the heart, supported by a little heart expanding movement and finally, come into a comfortable Savasana position 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 to allow our sankalpa to penetrate our being at the deepest level.
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. But 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.
Please bring 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
Release. Restore. Renew.
Saturday, February 8, 9am-5pm at Cedar Sanctuary
Investment: $497 if registered by Jan 18 (use code RRR) / $547 after Jan 18
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 yoga on Thursday morning. The energy in the room was welcoming. Rather than doing the planned yoga class, the group turned on music and moved our bodies with our emotions. It naturally transitioned into a nia experience, followed by 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.
Embody Music House Concert with James Howard
Saturday, February 29, 7:15-9pm (doors open at 7pm) at Cedar Sanctuary
Investment: $35. Reserve your spot online here.
(Earlybird ticketing $10 discount if reserved by February 14 using code EARLYBIRD. We wish to make this program available to all and limited discounted scholarships are also available. Please contact Susan Creighton at wellnessconnects@outlook.com with your request.)
Award winning guitarist and singer/songwriter James Howard returns with his acoustic guitar-voice solo concert at Cedar Sanctuary.
James inspires his audience with his emotive charismatic style, shape shifting his singing voice from sexy crooner, to blues shouter, to indigenous wailer. Whether he’s singing a cover or jamming on an original tune, it is his unique style of delivery that captures the ear and eye, transcending the song itself. This interactive experience with James, the music, your inner rhythms, Cedar Sanctuary, and each other, is truly not to be missed!
Amigas
Saturday, September 28, 6-9pm at Cedar Sanctuary
Potluck (Store-bought aok!)
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.