Wellness Retreat for Women of Color: Mind-Body-Spirit Resourcing

Join us for an intimate, mini-retreat on a Saturday afternoon to connect deeper with our mind-body-spirit connection in the heart of downtown Ottawa, inside the beautiful Micaela Fitch room at Arts Court. (Capacity: 5-10 people.)

The retreat brings together elements that can support us with connecting with a state of rest, creativity, joy, sensuality & community through: Trauma-informed yoga, creative writing, breathwork / guided visualization, meditation and a community sharing circle, along with delicious tea & snacks.

Some themes we will explore during this retreat include:

• How we can prioritize our wellness, rest & pleasure in our daily lives (even when we are mothers or busy professionals),
• Reclaiming our sensuality and connection with our bodies
• Learning to listen to our bodies' wisdom and messages
• Exploring the role of spirituality and mind-body connection in daily life.
• Embracing creativity & authentic self-expression
• Navigating social systems & inequities from a place of connection to our core values and self-confidence

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Why this Mini Retreat?

Women, particularly Women of Color, are often subjected to narratives that frame our bodies and self-expression as existing primarily to serve the desires and expectations of others. These harmful messages can disconnect us from our sense of self-worth, self-expression, autonomy, and connection to our own bodies' wisdom.

This workshop creates a space to challenge these narratives, empowering us to reclaim our stories and redefine our relationship with our bodies and wellness on our own terms. Through trauma-informed creative writing, yogic practices, and discussion, we will explore honoring these parts of ourselves as sacred and worthy of respect & care.

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What to expect:

• Yoga & yogic practices: breathwork, meditation and gentle movement to support grounding and connecting with your body’s inner wisdom and guidance.

• Guided trauma-informed creative writing exercises designed to help you create empowering narratives surrounding connection with your body, true desires, authentic self-expression.

• Community Discussion: Opportunities to reflect, share, and connect with other women of color in a compassionate, non-judgemental space.

No writing or yoga experience is needed—just come as you are.

Tea & snacks will be provided but feel free to bring a lunch if needed.

Children & babies are welcome.

Gentle Reminders:

Who this is for: Women of Color interested in exploring their relationship with their bodies through creative expression, yogic practices and community.

What to bring: A yoga mat, journal, pen, and comfortable clothing.

Traditions & Teachings: The yoga practices and teachings offered during these workshops are based in the Yoga - Himalayan Tradition, Ayurveda & Theravada Buddhism that I carry & pass on from my ancestral lineages and am a student of.

*** Sliding scale: A sliding scale is available to accommodate different financial situations. Please choose the rate that feels right for you, keeping in mind your own resources and the value of this offering. When you choose a higher ticket price, you help subsidize lower-cost spots for those who may not otherwise be able to participate. This creates a community of mutual care and support, ensuring this offering is available to as many people as possible.

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ABOUT THE FACILITATOR: Shalyn Isaacs, M.Ed Counselling Psychology, Kundalini & Hatha Yoga Instructor

I hold a private practice offering Spiritual Counselling, specializing in working with women of color, racialized & 2SLGBTQIA+ communities on issues related to mental health & wellness, life transitions, career direction & purpose, and grief.

I have been facilitating mental health and trauma education workshops every year for academic, corporate and non-profit organizations since 2016. I hold a Masters of Education in Counselling Psychology from the University of Toronto.

I carry ancestral teachings from Theravada Buddhism, Yoga & Ayurveda, passed down by my matrilineal lineage. I was initiated into the Kundalini Yoga - Himalayan Tradition in 2021 and completed my Kundalini Yoga Teacher Training with traditional lineage keepers based in Rishikesh India at Samadhi Yoga Ashram. As my knowledge and practice of these ancient traditions grows, I seek to honor what I receive by sharing the teachings and practices with others to support them towards healing and collective liberation, while continuing to be a student on this path simultaneously.

My approach is based in an understanding of how trauma is held within the body. Some of my trauma-informed practices include: Honoring your autonomy and pacing, checking-in regularly, and allowing you to choose the practices and pacing we engage with.

Host or Publisher Shalyn Isaacs