Tribe of Belonging

Tribe of belonging,

Another school shooting? Really America? In turbulent times where we are unsure, scared, sad, alone, down-trodden, grief stricken, sick, lonely, or otherwise feeling like junk.... let us acknowledge the event, the resulting emotion(s), any necessary actions needing to be taken & to utilize our tools to stay healthy, positive, and grounded. How you might ask? Well, two words: "mindful belonging."

For those of you who were not with us last week, our special guest April Hadley, led us through a series of mindfulness teachings. Deep bow to April!! We all left the evening more tooled up to ground & navigate powerful emotions. She gave everyone a length of red yarn & asked us all to make a circle around our meditation seat to signify it as a sphere of safety for ourselves. It was beautiful to witness a room full of yogis mindfully placing a circle of protection around themselves; reverence in motion. Her gentle teachings were a reminder to sit down. Feel the earth. Place one hand on your heart & one hand on the ground to connect with mother earth. She asked us to call ourselves a name someone beloved might call us- "sweetheart." Her reminder to be tender to self as an act of compassion for not only ourselves but also the world almost felt like a revolutionary act. Wow, we can and should be tender to ourselves? In that moment, everything shifted in the room. Our inhales were grounded to mother earth & our exhales were whispers of sweetheart. 

Remember in troubled times to ground, create a safe space, to call yourself sweetheart & give yourself a chance to sit with challenging emotions. You can do this. And when you feel like you cannot, like it's way too much- reach out! Call on a friend, gather in community. Get out of isolation into belonging. 

At EmbodyGR we live out what researcher & author Brené Brown shares as her antidote for being 'pissed off and disappointed', isolated and lonely: TRUE BELONGING! 
"Show up for collective moments of joy and pain so we can actually bear witness to inextricable human connection. Women and men with the strongest true belonging practices maintain their belief in inextricable connection by engaging in moments of joy and pain with strangers." To which I add, strangers who are only beloved yet unknown. That is who we are at EmbodyGR. A people who offer a place of true, mindful belonging- for all the joy, all the struggle. Just as you are you are welcome and celebrated. Together may we navigate this bumpy, beautiful journey called life. All that begins on the mat, so I'll see you Wednesday :)

Your fellow traveler,
Dana
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Upcoming Events

 Wednesday, May 23, 2018

What: EmbodyGR 
When: May 23, 6:30-8:00pm
Where: Fountain Street Church Social Hall
Who: YOU - That is ALL humans & your 18+ peeps

Cost: FREE of charge
Ask: One hour of community service in return

Let's celebrate & DO GOOD!


Ongoing event! UPDATED NEEDS:
We are collecting donated goods for Dégagé! The list will change as the season does, so check in often to see what the new needs are. Please bring the following to a Wednesday gathering if you are able *please note, all items must be new*:
Current needs - Body wash (can be large bottles), rain ponchos, and belts!

May 31
Local Food Systems Fair -FREE
When: Thursday, May 31, 5:30-7:30pm 
Where: Grand Rapids Children's Museum
What: In partnership with Kids Food Basket, come learn about all the food resources available in our community.

June 14
Relax at Rosa Parks Circle With May Erlewine- FREE
When: Thursday, June 14- Noon-1:30pm
Where: Rosa Parks Circle
What: FREE lunchtime music featuring May Erlewine, Max Lockwood & Michael Shimmin

June 23
Grand River Water Festival- FREE
When: Saturday, June 23, Noon-10pm
Where: Riverside Park, Boat Launch #2
What: This not-to-be-missed FREE event features some of Michigan's finest folk, bluegrass, blues, klezmer, and roots music, featuring headliner Grammy-award winner Peter Madcat Ruth. In between bands are short informational presentations on environmental issues. Vendors, yoga, beer, food, music, and community!

 
“The willingness to show up changes us, It makes us a little braver each time.”  ~Brené Brown