Sacred Transitions:
On Grief, Death, and Dying
1-5 pm; Sun, Sept 15, 2024
with Jessica Lohrey
MINI RETREAT
Join us for an immersive mini retreat as we delve into ancient yogic perspectives on mortality. In Western culture, there is often a reluctance to face the reality of death, but this immersive experience offers a unique opportunity to explore and reflect on this universal aspect of life. The retreat-style format offers a space for open discussion and personal reflection. Participants will engage in meaningful dialogue, share their experiences, and connect with others navigating similar paths. The workshop will culminate in a partner-led meditation that guides us through the process of letting go and embracing the impermanence of life. If our yoga practice is practice for living, it may also be practice for dying!
Whether you are grieving a loss, facing fears about your own mortality, or simply seeking a deeper understanding of life’s transitions, this mini retreat offers an opportunity for profound insight and healing.
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Bring a journal, water, and your yoga mat. The afternoon will include discussion, gentle movement, breathing and meditation practices. All are welcome. No previous yoga experience is necessary. Facilitated by Certified Yoga Therapist , Jessica Lohrey.
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Investment in Self: ​$60
AUTUMN ONE-DAY RETREAT
Who Am I?: An Intuitive Self-Discovery Retreat
9 AM - 5 PM, Sunday, October 13, 2024
at Big Song Music House, 6267 Buckley Rd, Oxford, OH 45056
Join facilitators Christy Wesselman and Jessica Lohrey for an intimate and transformative journey of self-discovery and inner exploration. This retreat is crafted to guide you through the profound inquiry, "Who am I?", inviting you to connect with your deepest essence and integrate it into the creation of a life that is authentically yours and truly cherished.
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This retreat is an invitation to pause, reflect, and reconnect. No yoga experience is necessary. Whether you are new to yoga or a seasoned practitioner, you will find a welcoming space to explore the depth of your being in a supportive and nurturing environment.
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Morning Yoga Practice
Begin the day with a mindful yoga session, thoughtfully designed to deepen your inner perception, relax your body and open your heart. The practice will set the stage for the day's inquiry, beginning our exploration of the profound question, "Who am I?", through movement, breath, and presence.
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Facilitated Labyrinth Walk
Next, take part in a guided labyrinth walk, a meditative journey that mirrors the path to self-discovery. Labyrinths can be found in almost every spiritual tradition throughout the world. A labyrinth can be seen as a metaphor for life. As the path turns, it appears you’re going in the wrong way. At times we walk slowly. At other times we feel called to walk more quickly. The labyrinth is a symbol of our journey into our inner self. As you walk, reflect on your inner landscape, allowing the winding path to lead you closer to your true self.
Bring Your Own Lunch
We will break for a casual "bring-your-own" lunch, offering you time to nourish your body, connect with fellow participants, or simply enjoy a moment of solitude in nature. We have a refrigerator to keep your lunch cold.
SoulCollage®
In the afternoon, we will come together for a SoulCollage® session, an intuitive and creative process that invites you to explore the many facets of your being. Using imagination, openness, and simple materials, you’ll create collaged cards that represent different aspects of who you are. No artistic talent is required—just a willingness to explore and express.
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Atman Puja
The day will conclude with an Atman Puja, a sacred ritual to honor and recognize the "Atman" within each of us. The Atman is considered the innermost essence of an individual, beyond the physical body and the mind. In the yoga tradition, it represents the eternal, unchanging part of a person that is one with the divine. This ceremony is a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of all beings and the sacredness that resides within.
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Investment in Self: $125
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PLEASE BRING: a yoga mat, water, a packed lunch, paper or journal
PROVIDED: supplies and materials for SoulCollage® and Atman Puja
About Your Guides
Christy Wesselman is a trained spiritual director/companion, SoulCollage®, Veriditas labyrinth and HealthRhythms® workshop facilitator. Christy has earned degrees in religious education, pastoral ministries, and law. In 2018, she earned a certificate in spiritual direction from Benedict Inn in Beech grove, Indiana and founded Listening Heart, LLC through which she offers holistic spiritual direction and companioning services, workshops in SoulCollage®, labyrinth, HealthRhythms®, and other soul-tending practices including mindfulness and Reiki.
She serves as a retreat spiritual director at several retreat centers, and sometimes volunteers for hospice sitting vigil with patients transitioning from this life. Christy received training in September 2022 from INELDA to serve as an end-of-life doula.
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Christy and her husband, Charlie, live on a 40-acre farm in Ohio. She enjoys walks in the woods, contemplative photography, creative spiritual practices, and music.
Jessica Lohrey is a former naturalist, certified aromatherapist, and has been a dedicated student of yoga for the past 25 years. She holds teaching certificates from Yoga of India (Gurmukh Mike Noury), Pranakriya School of Yoga and Healing Arts (Yoganand Michael Carroll) and The Center for Integrative Yoga Studies (Marlysa Sullivan.) Jessica is a Certified Yoga Therapist (C-IAYT) with the International Association of Yoga Therapists and is certified at the highest level as an E-RYT 500 and Continuing Education Provider (YACEP) with Yoga Alliance. She specializes in private yoga, teacher training and mentoring those who are interested in living a more balanced life. Jessica is also the owner/founder of Oxford Community Yoga and Tree of India Aromatherapy. She is also the Director and Lead Trainer at the Tree of India School of Yoga.
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Jessica believes that the broadly-accepted pace of modern American life keeps us disconnected -- not only from diverse activities, social interaction and healthy food, but from our own emotional and physical well-being. Experiencing new ways of viewing ourselves and the world around us can bring us back to a profound recognition of our true nature. Jessica's life and work reflect her deep commitment to helping others find inner peace and self-acceptance.
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Mindful Blooms:
Creating Table Arrangements with Sogetsu Ikebana
with Michelle Rogers
2:00-4:00 PM, Sunday, October 20, 2024
Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arranging, has a history that spans several centuries. The practice began over 1,400 years ago during the Nara period (710-794 AD). Initially, it was influenced by the Buddhist tradition and used in religious ceremonies. Over time, ikebana evolved and developed into various schools and styles.
Established in 1927, Sogetsu ikebana is one of the largest, yet youngest schools in existence. While founded in Japanese tradition, it takes a very modern approach to floral design. It encourages the use of non-traditional materials and permits us to alter floral materials, such as branches, in creative ways. The school emphasizes that Sogetsu ikebana can be created anywhere, anytime, with anything…and by anyone.
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Ikebana instills valuable life lessons through Japanese principles, including wabi-sabi (embracing imperfection) and shoganai (accepting things as they are.) It emphasizes respect for nature and deepens our connection to the natural world. ​​​
About Your Teacher
Michelle Rogers is a student and teacher of Sogetsu ikebana and has spent more than 25 years learning this art form. ​​Michelle lives part of the year in Columbus, OH, and part of the year in Hollywood, FL. She enjoys
running, yoga, walking the beach, reading, paddle boarding, and scuba diving.
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Michelle began her journey of growth and development in Sogetsu ikebana by attending workshops, eventually joining the Sogetsu School in Columbus. She then found a teacher and began studying for certification to become a Sogetsu teacher. She loves creating, designing, and most of all teaching!
Michelle has decided that in this chapter of her life, she wants to share her knowledge, inspire and aid others in developing their own creativity. She shares how ikebana allows us to connect with nature and with our own mind and spirit. Ikebana can be a meditative art and a practice of being present.
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Having spiritual roots in Shinto and Buddhism, ikebana inspires us to find peace and mindfulness through the process of creating. It encourages us to discover and grow as we admire the art form, as well as become personally engaged at various levels through our own creativity. We share ideas, learn from one another, and build a sense of community while we appreciate and practice together.
You will be provided with all the necessary materials to create your seasonal floral design, including the floral container, kenzan (metal needle holder/flower frog), and all the live, dried and contrived materials needed to create a lovely autumn tabletop design. You need only bring yourself and a bucket (container) to transport your arrangement home.
Beginners are welcome! Come discover something new about the natural world, your own creative nature and the beauty of Sogetsu, while experiencing peace and mindfulness in the process.
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Cost per person (includes finished arrangement): $55
Books & Brunch
Welcome to our free quarterly Book Club! Join us for a potluck-style vegetarian brunch and conversation about our chosen book!
NEXT MEETING: 12:30-2:30 pm, Saturday, Sept 14, 2024
BOOK SELECTION: See No Stranger by Valarie Kaur
HOW TO JOIN BOOKS & BRUNCH: Read the book and show up for the meeting. Please bring a vegetarian dish to share and a plate/bowl and silverware for your own use.
NOTE: Book selections do not necessarily reflect the beliefs and views of the teachers and staff at Oxford Community Yoga. Books are chosen by club members through a voting process.
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Why join OCY's book club?
Diverse Book Selections: Explore a curated collection of books that inspire, uplift, and align with the principles of yoga. Our selections are thoughtfully chosen to stimulate both the mind and the soul, and you are part of the book selection process!
Mindful Discussions: Immerse yourself in meaningful conversations about each book. Share your thoughts, gain new perspectives, and connect with like-minded individuals on a journey of self-discovery.
Discover Community: Our book club is not just about reading; it's also about creating memorable experiences together. Whether you're a seasoned yogi or just starting, everyone is welcome! Find your place within our community and gather over a potluck style brunch.
Flexible Schedule: Life can get busy, and we understand that. Our club offers a flexible bi-monthly meeting schedule, allowing you to participate at a pace that suits your lifestyle.
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Book an event at the studio for your celebration.
Perfect for sorority gatherings, birthdays, graduations, group bonding, or to simply unwind together! Choose from: candle-lit restorative yoga, yoga with aromatherapy, a sensory yoga experience, partner yoga, yoga for stress/anxiety, or yin yoga.
Cost varies depending on the program and number of participants. Contact us to create your perfect experience!
