You are invited!
“Mind-Body Skills Groups are educational, supportive groups built upon developing self-care skills. They are highly experiential and integrative techniques–such as meditation, guided imagery, autogenic training, breath work, movement, self expression and other approaches–are taught in a supportive environment.” You can read more here: https://cmbm.org/onlinegroup/
The first meeting will be Oct 30th and we will plan to continue for 8 weeks. There will be 1 hour information sessions on Oct 16th and 23rd. I completed training to facilitate these groups from the Center for Mind-Body Medicine. Previously, I have been leading groups in this format on Zoom, and over the last 3 years, I have led 6 rounds of these groups. You can read about the experiences of past participants here:
https://waterbirdmedicine.wordpress.com/2023/07/13/mbsg-testimonials/
Why am I offering this?
The conventional, allopathic model of medicine that I trained in is outdated and misunderstands important fundamentals of holistic health. When I learned about Mind-Body Medicine at a retreat with the CMBM at Esalen Institute in California, I understood that holding space for group work can have a profound effect because it addresses our present moment consciousness directly. We are energetic beings, and addressing our energetic nature can be more effective and thorough than limiting our attention to the body as a constellation of mechanical processes.
In the future, I am aiming to lead in-person healing retreats for healthcare workers to address trauma and burnout. I am especially interested in working with performing artists and creatives because they are already on the path of embodiment, and I am learning to be on that path for myself too.
What To Expect During Our Groups
We will meet on Zoom and will start on time. You are invited to arrive up to 5 minutes early to settle in. Keep in mind that you will be asked to bring your full attention for our two-hour sessions. We will start with a simple relaxing breathing technique and go over guidelines for our time together. There will be time for introductions, and “check-ins” for every group. Anything shared will be confidential.
Each week, we will practice one technique of self exploration, and then share about our experience with the group. These techniques can provide powerful insights in a group setting even for individuals with vast experience with similar techniques. They are also accessible to beginners and thus adaptable for many different kinds of groups.
The group will end on time, and we will close with a gentle relaxation technique. My role is to manage time, lead activities, and support all participants for the best group experience. I am not serving as a therapist or doctor for anyone in the group. Instead we are trusting and allowing for insights and healing to occur spontaneously. Borrowing from Stella Eisenstein’s “Resonant Attention” technique, we are leaning in for miracles. As a facilitator, I will also participate in the exercises and share my experiences.
Price, Commitment:
I offer these groups as a service to Charles Eisenstein’s Sanity Project. There is no course fee. In the past, I have held this group as a closed container, with consistent members committed to attending for all 8 sessions. I am interested in experimenting with an open group dynamic that I expect might work in the context of the surrounding container of the Sanity Project.
Thanks for reading, and I hope you can join me!
-Drew
Waterbird Medicine 