In this workshop, we will design our very own Mindfulness Toolkit by drawing awareness to some or all of our five senses. You will be guided through grounding meditations and arts-based activities to prepare for the holidays. 

Holiday time can be fun and meaningful. At the same time, it can generate anxieties and feelings of overwhelm. Sometimes old wounds can be triggered as well. This workshop is for folks who might feel a little anxious about seeing family and relatives, who are worried about isolation and loneliness, and those who can get overwhelmed by the hecticness and pressure that comes with the season. 

Together, we will breathe through feelings that come up in the present moment and equip ourselves with a set of resources that is specific to our own needs and preferences for safety and comfort. The Mindfulness Toolkit will anchor ourselves as we ride the waves of emotions in challenging or uncomfortable situations. It can be used during the holiday time and beyond. Prompts and materials will be provided to help design your own kit.

Please note that the facilitator is not a mental health professional. The workshop is focused on bringing awareness to our existing resources using mindfulness and arts-based activities, and it will be facilitated in a peer approach. We will not be discussing any details of trauma or mental health triggers.

All are welcome. Queer and trans folks to the front. POC to the front.
This is an experiential workshop. Please dress comfortably. Meditation exercises will be short (no more than 5 minutes each). No experience of mindfulness or meditation (or art) required. 

About the facilitator Alvis:

Alvis (they/them) is a retired artist who identifies as queer, trans masculine, and non-binary. Their experience with mindfulness began with a meditation app and the teachings of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh. Their mindfulness practice is guided by the S.N. Goenka Vipassana meditation technique and the Plum Village sangha tradition. Alvis’ goal for this workshop is to create space for folks to pause and plan ahead of what could be a difficult time.