Change Is Coming... Are You Ready?

October has arrived! The black moon graced the sky. Change is in the air. Many of us resist the changes of cooler temperatures and longer days that bring more darkness. And as we all know, what we resist persists, which then causes us to suffer. Truly, who likes to suffer anyhow? But to release suffering we have to do our work. At EmbodyGR we choose to do the challenging of becoming more awake and aware in our individual lives. We do the intentional work of yoga, meditation & service, living our "feel better do good" mantra. 

And that does not come easily... there is a price. We must be brave and act. We must face the struggle, the challenge, the darkness. ​​

Healing and transformation do not come from avoidance but by walking through the fire. As CG Jung says, "There is no coming to consciousness without pain. People will do anything, no matter how absurd, in order to avoid facing their own Soul. One does not become enlightened by imagining figures of light, but by making the darkness conscious."

As the seasons change, as we change, grow & struggle, transformation and healing is possible. Many people do not know this kind of healing at EmbodyGR is available; every week with no monetary charge. This makes the dark days tolerable, makes the work possible. Life is too difficult to do alone. EmbodyGR is here for you. The cost is in showing up. The cost is doing the work. The cost is knowing life is worth living. Many do not feel loved or like they belong. There is deep suffering in our communities, among our families, friends, and even many of us at EmbodyGR who wrestle depression, anxiety, stress, PTSD, loneliness, isolation. Please share the message of our community far and wide! Bring your friends, share this with your neighbors & coworkers, tell your personal story of healing and transformation. We at EmbodyGR want to be part of the solution.

Our October community partner, iUnderstand, is a local nonprofit organization dedicated to eradicating the darkness and stigma around suicide & depression. iUnderstand is for living in peace and understanding associated with losing a loved one by suicide or those suffering with a mental illness. They along with us at EmbodyGR believe love heals. Join us this week to hear guest speaker Emily Underwood of iUnderstand as she tell us more about the power of their work in our community and ways we can #DoGood! ​

Mark your calendars for our big event with iUnderstand on Wednesday, October 26 from 6:30-8:00pm. Our communities will come together for yoga, meditation, education, action and celebration of the life we live & share. We will have special musicians, a presentation, and food! 

May October bless you, may the power of the black moon bring you peace & tranquility, & may EmbodyGR be place of love and belonging for you to come home to yourself!

New moon blessings,
Dana

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October 5, 2016
***IMPORTANT: WE DO HAVE CHILDCARE. We will gather in the "TREE HOUSE!"

Who: YOU and friends
What: EmbodyGR free weekly gathering with special guest speaker Emily Underwood, iUnderstand  
Where: TREE HOUSE - Fountain Street Church 3rd floor 
When: Wed Oct 5, 2016- 6:30-8:00
Why: To raise awareness, education, & action. To feel better do good.
Bring: You + one!

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Upcoming Events

​October

October 5- 6:30 EmbodyGR weekly gathering w/ Special Guest
What: Tom Gunnels, of Waiting on Division, will share his experiences on Division Ave with the homeless in our city and ways we can become involved to help our brothers & sisters who live in this struggle. Also, our very own Jaron Art Siegel will join us to celebrate Teshuvah through live performance, meditation, and music. 

October 19- Guest teacher!
Peri will lead our weekly gathering while Dana is off learning more skills to lead our community.

October 23- GR Feminist Film Festival- FREE
Where: Wealthy Theater 
When: 12:00 pm
What:

• 43 Local and international short films
• 12 Panels, speakers, and workshops
• 4 Film blocks with 2 kid-friendly blocks

October 26- EmbodyGR & iUnderstand Special Event
Where: Fountain Street social hall 
When: 6:30-8:00pm FREE

October 27- Yoga & Sacred Song Event to benefit EmbodyGR 
Where: Fountain Street social hall;
When: 6:30-8:30pm
Tickets: Early bird tickets $15 until Oct 14

Looking ahead to November

November 16- Housing First talk by Dr. Sam Tsemberis
What: EmbodyGR is encouraged to attend the talk to learn more about housing as a basic right.
When: 6-7:00pm Our regular weekly gathering will begin immediately following the talk in the social hall ending at 8:00pm

November 18- Waiting On Division Art Exhibition
What: Photography by Tom Gunnels @
Where: The Collective Artspace, 40 Division Ave S. Grand Rapids, MI 49506