This workshop is a weekend of exploration and celebration. It is the season to express ourselves and play as we celebrate Black History Month together. We will also honor and recognize our own humanity as we explore what triggers us, and learn to respond in ways that lead to our own inner healing.

Using empathy exercises, interactive drama, visualization, song, and movement, we will work to uncover our layers of internalized bias and gently work through them. These pursuits are openings for us to move towards resilience and empowerment without shame or blame. This workshop can be helpful for those in leadership roles as well as those working with diverse populations.

During this workshop, we will experience:  

• Empathy exercises. A pathway to healing, this is an opportunity to roleplay a scenario and “walk in another’s shoes” to understand a viewpoint different from one’s own perspective.
• Interactive dramatic presentations. These experiences give participants a way to introspect but will be entirely voluntary. They can choose or not choose, if they feel comfortable, to take a minor non-talking role. That way, participants do not feel they are on the “hot seat” or being pointed out. Also, participants can choose to make comments (or not) afterward based on their comfort level. This type of presentation also helps inspire one’s sensory perception as this learning style is visual and kinesthetic.
• Trigger management. An important element when we deal with oppression of any sort is how we respond. Rather than react in a way that will be regretful, one can benefit from learning ways to manage triggers. Oftentimes, underneath the reaction is fear. When we learn how to manage our triggers, we can become more comfortable, which helps dismantle fear.

This workshop can be especially useful for educators, therapists, and anyone interested in a new and gentle approach to addressing unconscious bias and trigger work. Together, we shall build a bridge to connect our heart centers to the path that nourishes and heals us.