Sweet Life Dwells Here ~ Afternoon Singing Retreat with Steph & Paul

Join us at Runnymede United Church in the west end of Toronto on Saturday, May 4th for an afternoon of nourishment with Steph & Paul. Whether you’re a seasoned songbird or someone who only ever sings in the shower, this event is open to all. As Mary Oliver would say, “You do not have to be good.” Your messy human self is more than enough.

Steph & Paul first fell in love with community singing over 7 years ago and have been writing songs for communities ever since. Their songs touch upon themes of resilience, embracing ourselves as we are, and standing in awe of the natural world.

Look forward to singing songs like "I Am Me," "Not a Lone Wolf," and "Stepping Lightly," which have been sung all over the world. You will also be some of the first people to sing newer, lesser-known songs that Steph and Paul are excited to share with you. After the song circle, we will send you the lyrics to all the songs we sang, so you can carry them with you wherever you go.

Here's what to expect:

• A welcoming environment that embraces you and your voice as they are.
• Permission and encouragement to explore your voice at your own pace.
• Opportunities to connect with like-hearted humans and experience a sense of community.
• Easy-to-learn, heart-softening songs, ranging from playful to powerful and sacred, that will leave you feeling oh-so-OK in all of your tenderness.

There may be tears. There will certainly be laughter. Come prepared for the full range of feelings.

Light snacks and tea will be provided. ♥

Since ancient times, people have gathered to sing as a way of caring for themselves, each other, and the more-than-human world. Let's reclaim our collective wellness through the practice of community singing. Come find joy, strength, and solace in song with us.
For more information about Steph & Paul and the gifts they bring to the world:
https://www.fiercelyok.ca/
http://www.paulbartonmusic.com/

A: All voices and levels are welcome. No musical experience is necessary. In fact, people who only sing in the shower or car are especially welcome. We are all capable of making beautiful sound, and we would love to help you experience this birthright.

While we deeply value the presence of children in our community, this event is geared toward adults. Young people over the age of 10 who can remain engaged or entertain themselves quietly throughout the 3-hour event are welcome. Pre-crawling babies are welcome. If bringing a young child would support you to show up, please be in touch with us and we will navigate the way forward together.

Please note that our rental with Runnymede United Church only permits the use of the Kingsbury Room and bathrooms. Brief use of the kitchen is permitted to fill water bottles. We are unfortunately not allowed to linger in the hallway. When leaving the Kingsbury Room to use the bathroom or kitchen, children must be accompanied by an adult.

A: For this particular offering, the suggested or "sustaining" contribution is $65-85 per adult. We use the term "sustaining" to let you know that this is the amount we need to receive per person on average to sustainably continue offering our workshops. The beauty of community is that where some can give less, others can give more, and it all works out.

If the suggested contribution is a barrier to your participation, please reach out to us. We would be happy to discuss other exchange options with you (e.g., volunteering your time).

To avoid payment processing fees, you may pay with cash at the door or send an e-transfer to [email protected] (no password required). To pay with cash, please select "Pay at the event" at the checkout. To pay via e-transfer, select "Pay by invoice" at the checkout and send your e-transfer before completing your registration or immediately after. Thank you!

A: While we acknowledge that we have work to do, we are endeavouring to create spaces in which folks of all abilities, identities and singing experiences are able to participate in ways that are satisfying to them. All songs will be taught in the repeat-after-me style and will be simple enough to learn in one sitting.

If you feel concerned about being able to pick up the lyrics, rest assured that we will teach the songs in bite-size chunks and check in with you often. If a chunk is too long, we will teach a shorter chunk. We will move at a human pace and leave no one behind. If visual aids are helpful for you, please bring along a little notebook to jot down the lyrics and let us know if you would like any assistance catching the words. We're here to support you!

Unfortunately, the space is not wheelchair accessible. We apologize, and we hope you will find reassurance in knowing that we will offer events in accessible spaces in the future.

When we host events at Runnymede United Church, we treat all bathrooms as gender-neutral, inviting all participants to use the bathroom closest to the Kingsbury Room. This bathroom contains two toilet stalls.

While we are working to anticipate your needs, we warmly invite you, if and when you feel safe enough, to let us know how we can best support you to show up. Together, as a community, we will grow.

A: We are currently asking that participants complete their own wellness self-assessment prior to attending Fiercely OK events. Please attend only if you are feeling well and have not recently been sick or been in contact with someone who was sick. If you are unsure of whether you should attend, please complete this self-assessment: https://www.ontario.ca/self-assessment/ and reach out to Steph. If any symptoms of COVID-19, flu or other contagious illness become apparent during the event or in the 5 days after the event, please notify Steph right away.

Decisions regarding if and how to practice physical distancing at Fiercely OK events are left to the discretion of individuals in attendance. Masks are optional and most likely *will not* be worn by most participants. We ask that all participants exercise caution and sensitivity with regard to masking, maintaining physical distance, and practising hand hygiene in the presence of other participants. In case the circumstances require masking, we recommend that you bring a well-fitting N95 mask with you to the event. Please note that these guidelines and protocols are subject to change at any time without notice.

A: While we do not guarantee refunds for cancellations, unplanned absences or no-shows, we are committed to our relationship with you! Please be in touch with any concerns; we will work together to find an agreeable solution.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to [email protected].

There is Fierce OKness in all of us. Let's find our way back to it together. ♥

Host or Publisher Steph & Paul