A lifelong practitioner and teacher of Eastern philosophies & spiritual practices, Deva worked with Portland Indymedia starting in 2001 in order to counter the false narrative of corporate media following the WTO protests in Seattle. He then collaborated on an urban based organic farming project for 5 years. Deva built & helps maintain 350PDX’s website as well as providing ongoing mentorship and trainings for 350PDX interns, fellows and volunteers. Deva considers the integration of activism and spirituality essential to the goals social movements aspire to.
Mary Rose will be offering a variety of games and improvised experiences that transport us from our normal trains of thought (often stuck in memories of the past, anticipation/fear of the future, or judgements of ourselves and others), into the sensory moment that we are experiencing in the present. A certified teacher of Action Theater–a practice of improvisation that has its roots in physical theater, meditation and dance–she is passionate about uncovering and activating the human potential for connection in the moment. We will move our bodies, tune in to our breath, focus on what we are sensing and experiencing, share stories, laugh, connect. We will play with movement, sounds and words. We will sometimes try exercises in a group, sometimes with partners, and sometimes alone. You will always have the option of being a witness instead of participating if that is what you need at that moment. You will always be encouraged to take care of your body and not push beyond its limitations.
The value of this work shows up in so many ways. In this time of many intense emotions, it is important to have ways of connecting joyfully with others with no need for anything but your self. It is also so valuable to tap into a larger sense of self–once you experience your own body in the moment, you gain an ability to explore movement and vocal expression in ways that are not usual for yourself and liberate you from any boxes you or others put you in, connecting you with the greater human/life experience. Additionally, many of the games offer an experience of being seen and heard and having your experience reflected back to you in such a way that you can let go of feelings of isolation and helplessness. We are all in this together! Let’s find ways of playing with what we have!
Hope is what we do, not something we have. In reclaiming hope as a stance and an embodied intention, we free ourselves to choose how we will live with integrity, no matter the circumstances. The ongoing work for justice calls us to grow our capacities to resist the messaging of consumer culture, oppression, powerlessness, and polarization. We are also called to strengthen our personal and collective capacity for connection, creativity, and commitment to ourselves and the larger world community.
This gathering offers an opportunity to examine our relationship to hope, to our natural emotional reactions to world events, and to new ways of seeing and being in community. Combining creative arts, contemplative practices, movement, and interactive practices, we start to grow a deeper understanding of ourselves of part of a resilient living community striving for a just and sustainable world.
About Barbara Ford
Barbara is an activist, facilitator, singer, songwriter, and artist with over thirty years of experience working with individuals and groups, including faith groups, activists, intentional communities, non-profits, and schools. She is a leader at 350PDX on the Arts team, and coordinates the 350PDX Climate Odyssey Program. She offers workshops for activists and others struggling to stay present to the destruction and injustice of our world.
For the Activist: An Evening of Heart-Centered Meditation
May 2, 2017
7 – 9 pm
Central Lutheran Church. 1820 NE 21st Ave.
Rev. Jayna Gieber, Meditation Teacher in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh, offers this experiential workshop with guided meditation to crystal bowls designed to support and balance the passionate hearts and minds of activists.
Much is asked of us as lovers of the earth and life. It is imperative as we do the work of tending the world, we tend ourselves, keeping our hearts soft yet strong, even in the midst of heartbreaking planetary developments.
In a supportive atmosphere with climate and social justice companions, come take refuge. All are welcome.
Rev. Jayna Gieber
Spiritual Director of People of the Heart, www.PeopleoftheHeart.com
Senior student of Thich Nhat Hanh, Al Gore, Spotted Earth Woman, and Joanna Macy, Jayna addresses the concerns of our planet with a spirit of engaged love and compassion. As grandmother to Pepper and Kai, she devotes her lifeforce to creating a just and sustainable world for present and future beings of all species.
