GATHER

First Fridays 2-3pmEST/7pmBST on Zoom. (Aug 7, Sept 4, Oct 2, Nov 6, Dec 4 and Jan 1)

GATHER is an international online community created by The Mind Body Project to bring people together for community, sharing and joy.

Each week we will open with 1-2 somatic tools to get in touch with our body and our needs. You may like to think of them as tools for a mini break. (Somatics is a field that integrates touch, breath and movement to help individuals find personal insight and integration in the body. We practice these tools help regulate the nervous system and reconnect with our “felt sense”, the comfort and human wisdom beneath the layers. It’s like learning to be a child again.)

Then, each guest has 2-3 minutes to share in small groups in response to pre-arranged prompts in a an open, non-judgmental environment. There is no expectation to heal or fix the sharer, only to show up for their reflection. For the next round, we dive deeper into what came up for us personally as a result of showing up for the moment. Gatherers are encouraged to submit prompt themes before the program.

We will end with a meditation or breath work.

How can we assure an inclusive, trauma-sensitive, non-judgmental space? During month one (Aug 7) we will explain the agreements of the group and the sharing rounds. Friends and new members are welcome to join anytime, but must first watch a video of this session and sign off on the agreements.

First GATHER is free.
Additional programs: $10-20/session, pay what you can.

Short intake and registration: erin@themindbodyproject.com

The Mind Body Project has been running mindfulness programs in the US and China since 2015. Recently, we have been asked to help others learn to teach these programs, and we think that’s a great idea. We can’t wait to get a group of like-minded people together to explore science-backed solutions for personal growth and applied practice.

Who? This program will be led by Erin Lee Henshaw, American mindfulness facilitator, who has studied internationally with Mindful Schools, Rishikesh Yog Peeth, LifeForce Yoga for Anxiety and Depression, and Zap Chen with Janet Evergreen. Erin has worked for the Mind and Life Institute, taught mindfulness programs for the Contemplative Sciences Center at the University of Virginia and received multiple grants to teach and study in the US. Most recently, she facilitated programs with Anne Arundel Medical Center, the International WELL Building Institute and The Affiliated High School at Peking University.

This 30-hour program runs over two weekends and is the first step towards becoming a TMBP certified trauma-sensitive facilitator. We will explore the science behind basic mindfulness practices (sitting, journaling, labeling, body scans) and how to bring these tools to diverse populations. It it suitable for anyone who has at least one year personal practice with self-regulation tools such a yoga, meditation and breathwork and at least two years facilitation experience such as teaching, nursing, leading or parenting.

Where? ZOOM

What? 30-hr Mindfulness Facilitator Training including:

-Introduction to MBSR theory and evolution
-Introduction to Basic Neuroscience
-Introduction to Growth Mindset and Mindful teaching theory
-Daily Deep Relaxation through Yoga, Breathwork and more
-Daily Reflection on personal growth and application of new skills

When?
Saturday, July 18 (Evening): Welcome and Storytelling
Sunday, July 19: 10am-5pm (1-hour lunch break)
Monday, July 20: 10am-2pm

Peer practice session during week

Sunday, Aug 2: 10am-5pm
Monday, Aug 3: 10am-4pm
Final Assessment to be issued for TMBP certification (written or video accepted)

Why?
In order to heal and lead others, we must first learn to heal ourselves. This program will teach the art of emotional regulation and many research-backed skills to bring into personal and professional settings for enhanced focus, clarity, resilience and overall happiness and health.

Weekend 1 Skills:

1. Sitting and Self-Reflection (Journaling)

2. Body Scans

3. Emotional Labeling

4. Gratitude

Weekend 2 Skills:

1. Mindful Movement

2. Intentional Thinking

3. Visualization

4. Breathwork

   Sample Day:
   1-hr Morning movement, breathwork and self-reflection practice

   Intro to Science and Practice for Skill 1 followed by Pair Practice Intro to Science and Practice Skill 2 followed by Pair Practice LUNCH
   Meditation
   Intro and Practice for Skill 3 followed by group demo
   Intro and Practice for Skill 4 followed by group demo or discussion Deep Relaxation

Cost: $449/participation or $649/certification
Pay HERE
Need-based scholarships available, email erin@themindbodyproject.com

More INFO and previous grads!

Join breathwork masterclass teacher, Erin Lee Henshaw
Mondays 10amEST/ 3pmBST/ 10pm CST on Zoom
June 22-July 27

Breath is a powerful entry point into deep healing.  Our nervous system responds to signals from our breathing.  Learn to control your breath, and you will learn to control your body, your sensory reactions and your life.  No, we can never choose what will be coming our way, but we can gain access into our responses.  In this course we will practice time-tested breathing techniques from around the world, which only confirm our shared humanity. 

This program is not intended for beginners to breathwork and it is likely to bring up strong sensations.  Before you begin, check out this “Week 0” video and see if you feel ready for more.

Weeks 1-6 Include:

Yogic Breathing (India)

Tones and Cleansing (America)

Breath Locks (India)

Hyperventilation + Cold Exposure (Netherlands) 

Breath Retention, Free Diving + Visualizations (Russia)

9 Breaths of Clarification (Tibet)

$25/class or $149/series. (Limited time pricing) PAY HERE
This is a brand-new program, limited to 20 participants. Sessions will be recorded for future use.
Week 0 Intro to Breathwork VIDEO is available for FREE to all.  

Fridays 2pm EST/ 7pm BST on Zoom
June 12-July 17

Zap Chen Somatics might look like play.  We yawn, and nap, we laugh and jiggle, but beneath these playful exercises are deeply healing practices used for centuries by all cultures to bring about healing.  We are not only connecting with other journeyers as we practice, but our deep felt sense that reminds us what it felt like to be a child; full of confidence, comfort and conviction.  We remind ourselves that in spite of it all, true health is never truly lost.

Julie Henderson, the creator of Zap Chen, calls this practice "Feeling good in spite of everything." Erin learned Zap Chen Somatics from Janet Evergreen in Charlottesville and has used it personally and in her teachings around the world. Erin likes to say it's the wisdom of children through the lens of adults. This trauma sensitive program is highly recommended for individuals, therapists, teachers, parents and nurses.

No materials needed but you may like to have a notebook and some cushions/mats available to soften harder surfaces. This course is available to all levels of experience and movement, it can be done from a chair or bed! You will have the option to join the group discussion, or learn more about the art of napping. Whatever your body desires.

$25/class or $149/series. (Bring a friend for 50% off) PAY HERE
Work trade available, no one will be turned away for financial reasons

FIRST class is free for all new students, please email erin@themindbodyproject.com

Join Erin Lee Henshaw of The Mind Body Project Fridays 2-3:15pm EST from May 1-June 5 on ZOOM

Zap Chen Somatics is a series of light-hearted practices with deep emotional and health benefits. Each week we will learn 2-4 tools to support mental and physical health for ourselves and our communities. Together we'll yawn, nap, jiggle and laugh our way to better health. Julie Henderson, the creator of Zap Chen, calls this practice "Feeling good in spite of everything."

Erin learned Zap Chen Somatics from Janet Evergreen in Charlottesville and has used it personally and in her teachings around the world. Erin likes to say it's the wisdom of children through the lens of adults. That being said, this course includes skills and discussion of tools that you may bring into real-life challenges. Highly recommended for therapists, teachers, parents and nurses.

No materials needed but you may like to have a notebook and some cushions/mats available to soften harder surfaces. This course is available to all levels of experience and movement, it can be done from a chair or bed! You will have the option to join the group discussion, or learn more about the art of napping. Whatever your body desires.

$20/class or $100/series. (Bring a friend 50% off)
PAY HERE
If cost is an issue, email erin@themindbodyproject.com to discuss work trade.

The Yellow Door would like to introduce an innovative practice integrating concepts of both art and yoga. This series incorporates contemplative art projects in between meditative, restful Yin/restorative poses. This introspective practice will help you delve deeper into yourself and find new avenues for self-discovery and exploration, while also providing all the benefits of Yin/restorative yoga and meditation. More Details

Restorative yoga is a very accepting practice appropriate for beginners and advanced yogis alike. (No prior art or yoga experience is necessary for either series. Props and art supplies are included in the cost of class.)

Thursdays May 3-May 24 at The Yellow Door, Charlottesville, VA

5:30-6:45 (75 mins)

$60/series, $20 drop-in including tea, mat, supplies and props

RSVP: erin@themindbodyproject.com

Take time for some well-deserved self-care with a restorative series dedicated to cultivating love and healing from within. In this passive practice, restful, relaxing poses are held for longer periods of time with the support of props. This helps to find to find stillness in the mind, triggering deep relaxation, reducing stress and anxiety. The longer holds also help us delve deeper than muscles to open up the connective tissues of the body. As parents and caregivers, we often sacrifice our own care for the sake of others. This series makes self-love and care a priority and will bring understanding that when we truly love and accept ourselves, we are able to love others more fully. More Details. 

Tuesdays April 17-May 22 at The Yellow Door, Charlottesville, VA

5:30-6:45 (75 mins.)

$90/series, $20 drop-in including tea, mat and props

RSVP: erin@themindbodyproject.com

Our intention: To facilitate an incredible week of learning and sharing with an international community of inspiring people (yogis, teachers, expats, explorers, entrepreneurs and more) who want to practice mindful habits to enhance their lives and the lives of everyone in their presence.

"Collaboration is not about gluing together existing egos. It's about the ideas that never existed until after everyone entered the room."

Daily: Morning Yoga (Hatha + Breathwork), Breakfast, Evening Meditation, Beach Access

Scattered: Group Lunch (1-2) , Creative Innovation and Thriving Sessions (2-3), Cardio Sessions, Group Welcome + Closing Dinner (2)

Optional: Day Trips to Ubud, Rice Paddies and other nearby areas (additional charge for driver) + Cooking Classes (self-pay) 

Price: 
$110/night including all activities, breakfast and some additional meals. 
$40/day for day programs without accommodation.

The Mind Body Project isn't seeking profit from this event, but rather covering our costs to organize and collaborate. You may stay for a flexible period within the July 14-22 time frame. Invite friends! Families and children ages 12+ welcome.

To secure your spot (limit 20 guests):
1. Email erin@themindbodyproject.com for a pre-program survey and any outstanding questions.
2. Send $110 times number of desired nights: https://www.paypal.me/themindbodyproject 
3. Book your flight to DPS (Denpasar Airport) in Bali

VIDEO from past retreats.

*This program is being brought to you via a collaboration with our partner and friends, Nuts and Bolts Speed Training for Powerpoint! https://nutsandboltsspeedtraining.com/

The Mind Body Project: REAL Rebels

Wear this shirt to remind the world that a mindful world begins with kindness. 

Over the past three years, The Mind Body Project has offered mindfulness programs to schools, companies and communities from China to the USA. To date, we have worked with Lululemon, Bloomberg, the University of Virginia, Ivy Schools, The Langley School and more. We personalize science-backed breath, movement and intention programs to help people stress less and live more. Our focus is to enhance resilience and focus, and plant seeds for better mental health.

This year, we will continue incubating our programs at The Yellow Door in Virginia and The Red Door in Beijing, create instructional videos and curriculum, and broaden our scope of offerings.

Inspired by Sharon Salzberg, our 'REAL Rebels' campaign was created to spread awareness about how we can re-wire our brains for kindness. We'd like you to buy a shirt (or a few) to fund development of a mindful future, and to remind everyone that kindness towards ourselves and others is essential towards creating a more peaceful world.

Interested in traveling to Bali with us next summer? Please take this survey to help us better understand your desires! (No commitment, just ideas.)

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RLYMYYW