Contemplative Reflections Upon Race Workshops: Time to Move Part I ♥ ✚

Part I: Transforming the Inner Turmoil Around Race and Racism with Valerie Sheppard

Valerie understands that “All transformation begins with acknowledgement of what is real and present, and moves through additional stages of acceptance , forgiveness, and commitment.” In this experiential, interactive session, attendees will be guided through a process that enables them to move through these four stages in a safe , compassionate heart-centered space. Whether feelings and thoughts are connected to things happening in the present or the past, this session gives the participants an opportunity to learn how to manage difficult situations when social triggers or memories resurface in the future. Central to this suppleness is developing the mindful capacity to respond rather than react.

Part II: Dancing the Diaspora: Exploring the African Diaspora is a Movement with Sakina Ibrahim

This workshop allows us to engage with traditional practices such as West African dance , latin dance , Social dance ,and Hip-hop as a global art form. The Africanist aesthetic is found throughout American and non-American dance forms; this workshop allows us to embody and identify them in a way that builds community, develops identity, and creates self-awareness about the human experience. The workshop is for all levels of experience and all movers, disabled and non-disabled participants are welcome. It is an invitation to the community to connect in a different way.