UPCOMING
SCHEDULE
THE HIBERNATIVE CALL HOME
Solstice Continuum Movement 5 hour Workshop, facilitated by Sarah Grace RCST, SEP
Dec 21st 11am – 4pm PST
Sacred Investment: $88
Early Bird savings by 12/12/22: $75
In this day long retreat, during the darkest time of the year, we enter into the Hibernative Call Home of the Heart, Soul, and Soma. When we step out of time and enter into the vast mystery of what it means to be human, we submerge ourselves within the fluid resonance of sound, breath and timelessness.
Join us on this Sacred Day to be reborn, re-communed & remembered within the sacred practice of Continuum Movement (R) and with our somatic-based sangha.
BIRTHING INTO FLUID ORIGIN, A Continuum Movement® Exploration with Sarah Grace RCST, SEP
4 WEEK TELE DIVE SERIES
February 1, 8, 15, 22
Sacred Investment $133
Register by 1/11/2023 and save $33.
6pm-8pm PST
New students welcomed.
Drop in FIRST CLASS ONLY in the series.
Join Sarah from the comfort of your home for this 4 week live tele-dive series. Within commUnity, Sarah will be guiding you with moments of silence, sharing Continuum and Somatic based practices and with check-ins before the group dive.
About:
Using breath and sound, we explore our fluid bodies through subtle movement, wave motion, and the language of sensation. Within sacred Space, together, we have the opportunity of allowing time to slow down, to shed that which needs to shed, and to come through anew, refreshed, and reborn. When we access the Innate Intelligence of the deeper Forces that sustain us, we tap into the pulsating streams of life as they ripple through our system and we enter The Mystery of what it means to embody.
Sarah Grace is a Registered Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapist, Authorized Continuum Movement Teacher, Somatic Experiencing Practitioner and Birth Doula. She has been deeply involved in Pre & Perinatal somatic therapies and has a passion for facilitating a connection to the inherent Health that is our birthright.
ENTERING THE RIVER OF LOVE
A CONTINUUM MOVEMENT® EXPLORATION with Sarah Grace RCST, SEP
WEDNESDAY 6.00pm – 8.00pm PST Nov 16 -Dec 7, 4 week series
Nov 16, 23, 30, Dec 7
Join Sarah from the comfort of your home for this 4 week live tele-dive series. Within CommUNITY, Sarah will be guiding you with moments of silence, sharing Continuum and Somatic based practices and with check-ins before the group dive.
New students welcomed.
Drop in FIRST CLASS ONLY in the series.
About
Using breath and sound, we explore our fluid bodies through subtle movement, wave motion, and the language of sensation. Within sacred Space, together, we have the opportunity of allowing time to slow down, to shed that which needs to shed, and to come through anew, refreshed, and reborn. When we access the Innate Intelligence of the deeper Forces that sustain us, we tap into the pulsating streams of life as they ripple through our system and we enter The Mystery of what it means to embody.
- Connect to the Sacred Within
- Awaken Embodied Presence
- Slow down and release stress
- Renew into your Wholeness
Sacred Investment: includes 4 live classes & 4 recordings to keep
- $133
*Early bird pricing $100 paid by Nov 1*
Drop in $30 FIRST CLASS IN SERIES ONLY
Registration: please pre-register to receive conference call # and password.
Online https://somaticsanctuary.com/
Email, support@somaticsanctuary.com
Phone: +1 (805) 633- 9230
Preparation:
- Set up own mat, pillows, blanket
- Allow for at least 2-hours quiet time
- Create uninterrupted space where you can nourish and plug into your own essence
OPENING TO LOVE RETREAT
A powerful Family Constellations program with MARITZA LUZ VEGA M.Div.
FRIDAY SEPT 9 – SUNDAY SEPT 11
Pre-registration Required (for intentions to be set and meals prepared) Registration closes Friday Sept 1
Limited to 5-7 people
No previous experience necessary
Registration and more information found at Opening to Love Retreat Page AND email OpeningtoLoveRetreat@gmail.com
In a culture where Love is overshadowed with trauma, “broken” families and overwhelming stress and chaos, how do you live a life of Love and Purpose? This family constellation intensive is designed to anchor participants in their true Essence & Wholeness instead of their ancestral, conception, birth and family woundings so they can live in greater connection, confidence, purpose, joy, trust & Love.
“When you find the love, you find yourself.” Shaykh Sidi Al-Mohammed
This is for singles or couples who:
- want to deepen into Love& foundations for healthier relationships even if they did not get much of it as a child
- were adopted
- have a toxic or absent bio-parents(s) ( even if they have passed)
- can’t find their beloved
- keep attracting the “wrong”partner
- want more self-love and worth
- grew up with divorced parents, thinking about divorce or are divorcing
- don’t want to repeat their childhood with their future children ( even if you don’t have a partner yet)
- want to release ancestral patterns
Maritza Luz Vega, CMT, M.Div. focuses on the well-being of individuals to create the strong loving families, communities & societies we know possible. She is a trained and certified family constellation facilitator with JoAnne and Dyrian Chartrand-Benz’s Relational Constellation Institute of California. She integrates trauma resolution, pre & perinatal psychology (the early non-verbal experiences/patterns that affect our adult lives), and ancestral work as needed.
Maritza was also made a Sufi teacher in 2006 in the Shadhiliyya lineage that focuses on healing and restoring connection to the Divine – the place of Wholeness within that allows for greater trust, peace, meaning, and activation of one’s role in this great gift of life.
She was able to break old family patterns and reclaim her heart and life from a tragic trajectory. She’s the mother of an amazing young adult man and has lived in Ojai for nearly 30 years. She has a passion for regenerative living.
INFANT MASSAGE 4 CLASS SERIES with Maya Kokatay
Mondays, New series dates coming soon…
1.00pm -2.00pm PDT
$160 (sliding scale available)
This class series is for parents and caregivers of pre-crawling babies who want to learn the art of infant massage in a loving and supportive environment. Come learn how to incorporate infant massage into your daily routine to enhance bonding and attunement, reduce colic and stress, promote deeper sleep, weight gain, brain development, and more.
What to Bring:
*An adult sized bath towel
*Baby blanket
*Extra cloth diaper, wash cloth, or burp cloth
*Waterproof pads (optional)
*Oil will be provided, or you may bring your own.
*Natural, unscented, cold-pressed and organic oils are recommended. Grapeseed, almond, sunflower, and coconut oil are good choices.
Maya Kokatay, RCST®, CIMI, is a biodynamic craniosacral therapist, infant massage instructor, childbirth educator, doula, and mother of two. She has been supporting babies and families for 20 years through their birth and postpartum journeys.
FOUNDATIONS OF FREEDOM Iyengar Yoga Workshop with Pat Sperry & Sound Healing with Alarra Saress together
Sunday July 24 2.00pm – 5.00pm PDT
$45 Pre-registration
$55 at the door
Iyengar Yoga is based on the teachings of world-renowned guru, B.K.S. Iyengar, and focuses on three key aspects: precision in alignment, innovative sequencing, and timing. Mr.Iyengar said, “If the foundation is firm the building can withstand calamities. The practice of yoga is the foundation so that the self is not shaken under any circumstances.” This workshop will explore the philosophical and physical foundations of how to create a healthy, safe, and long-enduring yoga practice. We will conclude in deep relaxation through an immersive sound healing experience guided by the magnificent, Alarra Saress.
About Your Guides:
Pat Sperry is the founder of Flourish Well-Being. He is a Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher, Professional Wellness Coach, Men’s Work Facilitator, and world traveler. With over thirteen years of teaching experience including four years in India, China, and Southeast Asia, his commitment to practice paired with his playful and impassioned spirit makes him an approachable and impactful teacher. His mission is to serve and empower his communities to flourish by showing up as an example of embodied, integrated, and whole-hearted living. Learn more @patsperrylove @beflourish and peaceloveflourish.com
For two decades, Alarra Saress has developed potent skills as a healing artist.Working with sacred sound has become a primary focus in Alarra’s healing practice. Her musical journey started early as a classically trained pianist. Over the years she has cultivated a multi-layered approach towards healing through the use of touch, voice, singing bowls, tuning forks, and most notably gongs. The magnificent and powerful 38″ Sedna gong has become one of her principle healing instruments. Alarra’s passion is to aid each individual toward the fullest possible expression of their unique purpose by skillfully employing her specialized healing techniques within a safe, intuitive and compassionate space.
SOMA SHAKE SHINE with Cindy Aikman
Mondays 6.00pm – 7:30pm
An internal inquiry through breath, bones, sounds, movement & imagination. Making this class a creative journey into better relationship with ourselves & all our relations. Making space for non reaction & more gentleness to be available to us.
Cindy has been teaching consistently since 2006 her special mix of movement, breath and meditation garnered from her years of study in and with the world of dance, yoga, therapy and the healing arts. It is with complete joy that she shares the body’s ability to experience healing through physical and spiritually integrated practice and her passion for wellness for all.
SOULFUL FLOW & REPOSE with Terry & Alarra
Monday May 9
10.00am -11.30am PDT
$33
Join us for a blissful 90-minutes with Terry and Alarra.
Your experience will begin with a 30-minute Qi Gong movement session lead by movement master and dedicated practitioner Terry Kvasník. Then resting on our mats to enter into a transformational, nervous system reset Gong Meditation with Sound Ceremonialist Alarra Saress. After setting our personal intentions, Alarra will serenade you with her dynamic palette of instruments from gong to bowls to chimes and voice. Come to reawaken and integrate your heart’s intention through soulful flow and repose.
To learn more about Terry & Alarra please visit Harmonic Earth
QIGONG & ENERGY HEALING CIRCLE with Lepeng Li
Tuesday June 14
6.00pm – 7:30pm PDT
$20-$25
Whether you are completely new to energy healing or you have always benefited from it, this energy healing circle will provide you a new healing experience.
We start the circle with 30-minutes gentle Qigong movement to open up your energetic pathways and calm your mind. The healing experience will be initiated with a short guided meditation and DEEPLY relaxing music. Then you simply lie down on a yoga mat or sit comfortably for another 30 to 45 minutes to allow the healing energy to flow through you and around you.
As the energy has its own intelligence and each experience is individually guided by the energy to address the specific needs of the participants, you will receive healing from the past as well as gain insights and guidance for your current situations.
There is no physical touch and contact necessary for this healing experience.
Lepeng is a Reiki Master, Qigong movement and Yoga teacher and massage therapist with intuitive understanding of people’s habitual patterns and energetic imbalance. With all the tools, knowledge and her unique gift as an empath, Lepeng provides personalized healing sessions to help her clients heal from physical, mental and emotional imbalance, blockages and trauma. The typical healing sessions include bodywork, Reiki energy healing and compassionate listening.
Lepeng is passionate about servicing the world with her healing gifts. She is here to help you relieve and heal from physical and emotional pains and to assist you to return to your natural equilibrium and well-being.
To learn more about Lepeng please visit Alignment Healings
BECOMING ONE
A Tele-Dive Continuum Movement® Series with Sarah Grace
Dates: Sept 8, 15, 22 & 29
Time: 6pm – 8pm PT
Join Sarah from the comfort of your own home for four live sessions of this tele-dive series. Within CommUNITY, Sarah will be guiding you through Continuum and Somatic based practices with check-ins before and after the group dive.
Becoming One
In these times of big global shifts, the body holds and reveals concerns, worries, tension, feelings of being unsettled and possibly, deep-rooted patterns that may no longer serve us. Continuum Movement is a practice supporting self-learning and self-healing, grounding in experiences and building capacity to Be one with the ONE.
• Connect to the Sacred Within
• Awaken Embodied Presence
• Slow down and release stress
• Renew into your oneness
About Continuum
Using breath and sound, we explore our fluid bodies through subtle movement, wave motion, and the language of sensation. Within sacred Space, together, we have the opportunity of allowing time to slow down, to shed that which needs to shed, and to come through anew, refreshed, and reborn. When we access the Innate Intelligence of the deeper Forces that sustain us, we tap into the pulsating streams of life as they ripple through our system and we enter The Mystery of what it means to embody.
Sacred Investment: Includes 4 Live sessions & 4 recordings
• $88 USD *early bird pricing $77 USD paid by Aug 15*
• No one turned away due to finances, ask about scholarships
Registration: must pre-register
• Email: support@somaticsanctuary.com
• Phone: +1 (805) 633- 9230
Upon registration you will receive the call details.
Preparation:
• Connect to audio call by phone or online
• Set up own mat
• Allow for at least 2-hours quiet time
• Create uninterrupted space where you can nourish and plug into your own essence
• Good news, you get to keep the recordings for life!
FINDING SOLUTIONS IN THE MIDST OF CHANGE Mini ( but so mighty ) Constellation weekly workshops with Maritza Luz Vega
Tuesday 10:00am – 1.00pm
June 21, 28, July 5, 12
$45 / session
NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY
Join us in this series of explorations in finding solutions in the midst of chaos.
This series will combine family constellations, spiritual healing, and other complementary modalities that allow for insights from the inside out in a very organic way.
When done in a group setting, Family constellations are a powerful way of seeing the underlying causes of any situation and condition. When combined with an ancient lineage of Sufism, the results are supersized leading back to trusting Self, Life, and living with a more open heart.
During our time together, support is woven throughout, allowing for groundedness, connection, and a wider range of capacity to meet the experience(s).
If the group is small enough, everyone will have the opportunity to participate; a larger group will allow some to watch and still benefit.
Dress comfortably to be able to move around easily and to accommodate possible temperature fluctuations.
Please arrive early so that we can start on time. Important info on constellations and how to participate will be shared in the beginning.
Maritza Luz Vega, CMT, M.Div. focuses on the well-being of individuals to create the strong loving families, communities & societies we know possible. She is a trained and certified family constellation facilitator with JoAnne and Dyrian Chartrand-Benz’s Relational Constellation Institute of California. She integrates trauma resolution, pre & perinatal psychology (the early non-verbal experiences/patterns that affect our adult lives), and ancestral work as needed.
Maritza was also made a Sufi teacher in 2006 in the Shadhiliyya lineage that focuses on healing and restoring connection to the Divine – the place of Wholeness within that allows for greater trust, peace, meaning, and activation of one’s role in this great gift of life.
She was able to break old family patterns and reclaim her heart and life from a tragic trajectory. She’s the mother of an amazing young adult man and has lived in Ojai for nearly 30 years. She has a passion for regenerative living.
ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE WORKSHOP with Carol P Prentice
TUESDAY July 19
6.00pm – 8.00pm
$40
Invite natural balance and freedom of movement with The Alexander Technique.
Carol P. Prentice is a senior teacher of the Alexander Technique specializing in somatic education and health for 35 years.
SOMATIC STRETCH® FOR SELF HEALING (in studio & via zoom)
with Sultana Parvanta PhD
Thursday 11.00am – 12:45pm
Somatic Stretch® is for the flexible or the very inflexible. Most exercises are done on the mat as we work gently into areas of need – some of which you never knew you had! This class can be adapted to a chair, too.
BACK TO BASICS
Based on The Feldenkrais Method
Guided by Shivani Jane
Virtual Tuesdays, 9:30 – 10:30 am PT
Back to Basics is a synthesis of Somatic education based on the Feldenkrais Method using gentle movement and restorative breathing to relieve tension along Your entire spine. Recognize and relieve tension – regain mobility and ease – restore balance in All ways.
45-min class with optional time for Q&A at the conclusion. The series runs from 11/10 – 12/22. Drop-ins welcomed.
AWARENESS THROUGH MOVEMENT (in studio & via zoom)
Movement as a Personal Practice with Mary Jo Healy
Monday 4.00pm – 5.00pm
Feldenkrais lessons use gentle mindful movements that enhance coordination, strength, balance, flexibility and neuroplasticity. Each lesson is unique, a mini-learning adventure about one’s self. Facilitating letting go of tensions and concerns that may be held in the body and supporting our health and flexibility.
SOMATIC WALKING, a mindful movement practice (OUTDOORS) with Sultana Parvanta PhD
Friday 8.00am – 10.00am OJAI MEADOWS PRESERVE (North end of Nordhoff High School Hwy 33 entrance)
We invite you to join us for this nourishing and invigorating somatic awareness time, that includes:
- On the bar stretches (using the wooden fence in the preserve)
- Somatic Walk
- Sitting quietly meditating while listening to the birds under the eucalyptus trees in the Meadows.
This outdoor class is offered to support your somatic practices outside, get you out in nature to stretch; practice good alignment, and create a way for us to be together.
Sultana shares insights from the depth of her somatic principles and experiences. We learn how to walk, and move with greater ease and strength to improve flexibility and enhance structural integration while walking and negotiating gravity. A great deal of focus is placed on the foundational aspect of feet, legs and pelvis.
This morning class is good practice for body, mind, and spirit. Allowing the power of somatic understanding and applications to propel us forward into our weekend. There will be moments for pauses and silent observations of ourselves and nature.
All safety guidelines are encouraged: Masks and physical distancing; please bring a hat and water for your comfort, and wear soft comfy sneakers. During our walk, you determine your pace, and we will walk on flat surfaces.
This somatic walking class is offered on basis of donation. This outdoors class is offered as a way to promote and contribute to the health of our community.
TAI CHI, ENERGY & STAYING YOUNG with Chris Vogel & Mary Jo Healy
Saturday August 13
10.00am – 4.00pm
$80
Learn the inside of Tai Chi and How To Stay Young in this Tai Chi & Feldenkrais workshop
- How to build energy
- Silk Reeling drills to enhance your internal connections
- How to develop your “Qi Ball”
- How to develop the use of your energy using 2 person drills
- How to discover, build, and use Intention in 2 person drills
- Feldenkrais Awareness Thru Movement to improve your movement freedom and efficiency
The Workshop will be tailored to the needs and desires of the specific group of attendees.
Chris Vogel has studied human movement and learning, Tai Chi, and Qi Gong for over 30 years. Chris completed a 4-year Feldenkrais Training in 1990 and then went on to personally work with accredited Trainers Anat Baniel, Paul Rubin, Russell Delman, and Dennis Leri. In his Martial Arts journey, Chris has studied with a number of Grandmasters of several Tai Chi styles: Wu, Yang, and Chen. Chris has combined his various studies to produce a program for how anyone can improve their energy level, efficiency of movement, and balance. Actively maintaining these skills can extend our “youth” into our “Golden Years”. In 2007 Chris completed the E-Book series: The Art of Using Energy, with achieved international distribution. Chris has taught variations of his program in Asia and the USA for over 20 years. Chris is also active in the business world, currently holding CXO positions in 3 different companies. Chris holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Electrical Engineering.
Mary Jo Healy is a Guild Feldenkrais Practitioner here in the Ojai Valley serving a private practice since 1995. She graduated from Somathematics 4 year training in 1991. She is a graduate of Cal State Long Beach in Dance and has continued to study movement her whole life with complementary teaching credentials in dance, yoga, pilates and meditation.
She has taught at UCLA, Long Beach City College and Humboldt Summer Arts programs sharing her passion for learning and growing our human awareness through movement.
Mary Jo is thrilled to be able to support Chris’ mastery in Tai Chi with a floor experience that will help us integrate and personalize the experience this unique workshop offers.
TRANSFORM YOUR MOVEMENT: DISCOVER THE ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE
Workshop facilitated by Carol Prentice, guest presenter
To be Rescheduled
(class is limited to 8 participants)
The beauty of this technique is it helps you to do whatever it is better! Less strain, less tension more freedom of movement. Life just gets easier!
The Alexander Technique offers a clear, systematic look into the underlying principles that govern human movement and shows you how to use your body more effectively. How we “use” ourselves affects our overall functioning. When you have poor posture, it affects your whole balance and well being. Great for performers to people with back and neck pain, to all of us who want to age with grace! Hope to see you there!
SPECIAL SERIES, WORKSHOPS & EVENTS
INCOURAGE CHORUS
12-week spring season with Britta Gudmuson & Bend Gould
Next season: Fall 2020
Raise your voice, vibration and spirit in a non-audition community choir. Songs are taught in the oral tradition, no experience necessary. Singers & recovering “non-singers” are welcome! Note: Mondays – entire chorus, Tuesday – sectionals. Rather than a benefit concert, once we may meet together again the Chorus will hold a Big Sing for the community for family and friends. Drop-ins are welcomed once per season. Contact office for zoom info.
HOW WE AWAKEN: AN INTRODUCTION TO MEDITATION
Guest Presenter – Teja Earthson
Free Intro & Meditation: stay tuned
Series: stay tuned
The Direct Path uses deep self-inquiry, witnessing mediation, and expanding awareness to awaken to our true nature in body. Together with our body’s natural wisdom these three simple practices reveal full aliveness and liberation is our natural state. No experience needed.
THE ART OF INTIMATE CONVERSATION
A couples workship facilitated by partners of 17-years,
Gloria Zeltzer, MA, MFT, and Leon Berg
Next Retreat: stay tuned
Have you been longing for something different in your relationship?
Would you like more intimacy? Enjoy a lovely day with your partner while learning tools to deepen your love.
Would you like more intimacy? Enjoy a lovely day with your partner while learning tools to deepen your love.
THE DEEP MASCULINE
Men’s Deep Inner Work & Embodiment Series in 5-parts
Facilitated by Zat Baraka, Stay Tuned
Life changing practices for men seeking to live a life with more depth, from the heart.
The series will loosely follow these themes: part 1 – The Embodied Warrior, part – Men’s Shadow Work, part 3 – The Deep Masculine, part 4 – Emotional Mastery, and part 5 – Fierce Loving.
Participation: $20 pre-registered or $25 as drop-in. Participation is encouraged in the series.
GATHER FOR RESILIENCY
A Somatic Resource Day with Shivani Jane – Guest Teacher
Workshop: stay tuned
• Relieve Pain, Stress and Tension
• Learn simple daily Somatic Self Care
• Enhance your Comfort and Performance
• Move into Balance through Breath and Awareness
• Learn simple daily Somatic Self Care
• Enhance your Comfort and Performance
• Move into Balance through Breath and Awareness
You are invited to an afternoon of restorative Somatic Self-care. Experience breathing and movement lessons from the Feldenkrais Method® which is scientifically proven to rewire your brain for optimum health and resiliency in all ways.
CORE EMBODIMENT
Developed by Ajaya Sommers – Guest Teacher
Workshop: stay tuned
Essential Intimacy practices for Radiant Health, Clear Guidance and Fulfilling Connection. This offering is a weaving together of somatic and Continuum Movement™ practices. For more info, visit AjayaSommers.com
RESPONSIVE BODY: EXPERIENCE YOUR DYNAMIC ALIVENESS
Holly Johnston, Biodynic Somatic Specialist – Guest Teacher
Workshop: stay tuned
Exploring your body as an intelligent response system that guides you and others towards health and healing. Please visit the registration link for more information about Holly’s significant body of work, ‘Responsive Body.
A SACRED JOURNEY THROUGH TIBET
An 11-day journey through the Ancient Lands & Monasteries of Tibet
with Sarah Grace and Matthew Kocel
June 2022
Join Sarah Grace and Matthew Kocel for this Pilgrimage of a Lifetime as we journey through Tibet’s Monastic Buddhist Land, stepped in Sacred Tradition. Together with a local guide, we will visit ancient monasteries, local villages and communities, mountain ranges and Sacred Glacier lakes. Throughout the journey, Sarah and Matthew will guide us through Healing Sound and Somatic experiences for an integrated balance of exploration, awe and restoration.
PAST EVENTS
