Homecoming

As women, we are born with the ability to create, grow, and give birth to powerful things from within our bodies. In many ways, this power that is uniquely ours means we are each carrying a potent piece of the universe within us, and are part of a long line of women who have done the same. It is our birthright. Come celebrate the skin you're in as we tap into the ancient and authentic expression of women's power and sensuality. Move and be moved by the rhythms and curves of your own inner wisdom and reactivate your pride and confidence in being born a woman. Let the place within you that holds the key to the universe guide you in this experience and let it awaken your spirit and body to itself and its fullest expression.

Leader: Jeanne Handy (Jamileh) of Maine Belly Dance

Using writing as a means to free yourself, you will be invited to access and explore some of deepest and most potent recesses of your mind, body and spirit, finding a place of fertile ground, ripe with potential and possibility. Let your imagination guide you in this story-board process as you conjure up the setting, main characters, plot line and subtle nuances of the story of your life yet to come. Watch as your deepest longings, authenticity and expression begin to take shape through the power of your pen. Be reminded of the power you hold to write your own script and manifest a life of your dreams with some well-chosen words, heart-felt intentions and love. All writing comfort levels and experiences welcome.

Leader: Elisa Doucette, writer of Ophelia's Webb

Be welcomed into this sacred gathering place to explore and express your own heart through the ancient art of yoga. Through gentle postures, deep breathing, authentic movement and guided meditation, we will quiet the chattering of the mind and hear what it is we truly need and desire. Get your juices flowing as you peel back the layers and connect to your heart. Be reminded that we are active participants in creating our life experiences and that we always have a choice. No prior yoga experience necessary. Mats and props will be provided.

Leader: Kara Seymour, certified yoga instructor of Open HeART Space

As women, we often associate our sexuality with our bodies or those with whom we are intimately engaged. But what if it were all in our minds? What if everything began and ended with you and your thoughts, having surprisingly little to do with your physical body or other people? In this provocative and sassy circle, you will play with the notion of the mind as your primary erogenous zone, with the intention of tapping into and harnessing the life force and "eros" energy that lives within us as women. Be amazed at how easily old paradigms give way as you reframe your sexuality as being about you and in service of you, as you unearth new ways to honor, celebrate and be in relationship with your sexual self.

Leader: Krista Haapala, certified sexuality educator and coach of Living Balance Life Coaching

Experience this playful and intuitive method of using movement to discover and celebrate our inner strengths. Using the impulses of music and our own inner impulses, we will be moved to honor the spirit within us as we cleanse our bodies and minds with sweat and breath, laughter and prayer. We will feel our power and aliveness. We will learn to love ourselves. We will find balance and blessings. We will become bright, shining, radiant. Embark on this journey with us as we seek to fully express ourselves as soul. No prior dancing experience necessary.

Leader: Traca Marshall, certified Journey Dance instructor

In our hectic lives, with all the distractions and demands of modern day life vying for our attention, it can be really challenging to be alone with ourselves - to listen, to think, to dream, to catch our breath and get a bit of perspective. And yet it is something we crave deeply as women. It's how we ground ourselves, how we reinvent ourselves, how we make conscious choices and ready ourselves. Knowing that "finding time" is not a likely scenario for most, we will up the ante with ourselves to "carve out time", discussing the various components and manifestations of a personal retreat - from simple daily rituals to annual sojourns. Discover ways to find a quiet corner in your busy life on a more regular basis, making Homecoming more of the rule than the exception.

Leader: Lael Jepson, certified coach and consultant of SheChanges

Whether or not we realize it, our roots as women are deep, far reaching and enduring. In the context of our ancient archetypes as women, we are timeless. Be reminded of the places you've called home and the people with whom you belong, and rediscover the threads that connect us as women. Though reflection, the visual guidance of tarot, and discussion, plug back into the proud, rich and potent lineage of women, recalling the strength and clarity that has been there all along waiting for you. Recognize the parts, pieces and places in you that hold power and wisdom and listen to the messages they have for you in today's context. Let yourself have more of yourself as you sing her flesh back onto your bones

Leader: Karen Wyman, intuitive reader and storyteller

Ever get the sense that others see you more clearly than you see yourself? As we move through our busy days, it's easy to lose sight of who we are - our essence, our light, what makes us special. Moreover, as women we're often encouraged not to, for fear of seeming arrogant or self-absorbed. But that reflection is just waiting for you to open your eyes and see how all the unique and beautiful pieces come together as one, allowing you to shine brightly in the world. Using a number of creative mediums and techniques, you will be invited to create a figurative (and perhaps literal) self portrait of yourself in today's context, and will reveal and rediscover yourself in the process. No creative or artistic talent necessary.

Leader: Anita Dore, artist