Schedule

Feb 1               Nutrition

Feb 8               Karate (Full)

Feb 15             Tai Chi (Full)

Feb 22             Yoga (Full)

Feb 29             Sleep

Mar 21             Massage (Full)

Mar 28            Writing as Release              

Apr 4               Juggling                           

Apr 11             Mindfulness Meditation

Apr 18             De-Stress Techniques

Apr 25             Guided Imagery                      

May 2              Sexual Healing

May 9              Aerobics    

Descriptions

Nutrition for Thriving Health:
This class will give nutrition basics for those desiring to know more about how to be both healthy and happy. We will discuss eating on the go, being a mindful eater, support for dietary changes and ways to incorporate therapeutic lifestyle changes aka TLC.   
Instructor: Jillian Bird

Karate
Karate, too often thought of as violent, is in fact a beautiful, highly disciplined ancient art form that can help you to relax and refocus your energies. This hands-on beginner workshop will introduce you to some of the basic forms of Shotokan, an ancient Japanese Martial Art, under the guided instruction of a Yudansha (aka “Black Belt”). And fear not: no one is going to be throwing you on the mat!
Instructor: Patrick Vora (University of Pennsylvania)

T’ai Chi for Health
Since ancient times, the soft flowing movements of T’ai Chi have been used to improve and maintain health. Golden Breath T’ai Chi is an internal art whose emphasis is movement with breath control. This moving meditation is also great for improving general fitness, balance and co-ordination. Change how you move and improve how you feel with only minutes of daily practice. A gentle, complete workout to relax the Mind, restore the Body and rejuvenate the Spirit!
Instructor: Kirsten Erwin (University City Arts League)

Yoga for Vitality and Joy:
This class will include an introduction to yoga as a moving meditation. We will cultivate awareness of "being present" and learn about the practice of yoga "off the mat," transformative techniques, and having fun! The class will be a complete Yoga practice, with participants being guided through Asanas, Pranayama, and Meditation techniques.
Instructor: Jillian Bird

Sleep
Don’t sleep well? Don’t know how much sleep you should be getting? Worried you sleep too much? Confused by conflicting advice about napping? This one-off workshop will answer all your questions about that most vital of stress-reducing activities: sleep. It will unpack the myths about sleep and give you tips for a happier, healthier sleep. Led by a sleep expert from Penn’s Counseling and Psychological Services.
Instructor: Brad Wolgast (University of Pennsylvania)

Massage
Learn a variety of massage and stretching techniques that anyone can do and from which everyone can benefit. Practice on each other and learn a sequence you can take to share with others. We will discuss the quality of touch and how to follow your intuition with massage.
Instructor: Jillian Bird

Writing As Release
This unstructured, ungraded, unstressful workshop offers you a chance to reach back for some sustaining memories, and put them into your own words.  We'll use color prompts -- scarlet, iceblue, chartreuse, smoky gray -- as a gentle way of opening our minds. You'll be able to share your writing, or keep it entirely to yourself as you please.
Instructor: Dr. Deborah Burnham (University of Pennsylvania)

Juggling
Taught by one of Philadelphia’s premiere Juggler/Performance Artists, this workshop is
for people of all levels from beginner to advanced. The coordinationally-challenged are especially welcome. Everyone will learn something they didn’t think they could do. Leave the silk shirt at home and get ready to sweat. A fun and unusual way to relax.
Instructor: Sara Felder (www.sarafelder.com)

Mindfulness Meditation
Western medicine is increasingly realizing the role of stress in health and diseases and Mindfulness Meditation is one of the world's most ancient and widely practiced mind-body therapies. In this workshop you’ll learn the basics of how to meditate: a structured mental process that steadies and deepens attention by bringing it to rest on a stable focus - allowing your mind to settle and your body to rest. By cultivating a nonjudgmental, non-reactive sense of self, mindfulness helps you to develop a clearer picture of your life and an enhanced understanding of how to care for yourself.
Instructor: Mara Wai (Penn Program for Stress Management)

De-Stress Techniques
Stressed? Distressed? Get De-Stressed - In this class you will pick up tools to help address high stress levels, to effectively decompress and promote relaxation. You don't want to miss this. You'll take a mini-vacation and be able to recreate it for yourself again.
Instructor: Jillian Bird

Guided Imagery
This workshop will teach you that your very own mind – that thing that you think drives you crazy sometimes -- is capable of creating comforting spaces for you to retreat to in times of stress. All you need is imagination and an open spirit. During this workshop, participants will learn how to work with metaphors and images (perhaps drawing on personal experience/spirituality) to create a strong sense of inner peace and well-being.
Instructor: Rev. Beverly Dale (University of Pennsylvania)

Sexual Healing
The workshop – for women only (sorry guys!) – will discuss the A-Z of making your body feel gooooooooood. Nothing more relaxing than a little self-love and this fun-filled workshop will give everyone an opportunity to trade tips, talk about toys and celebrate the simple joy of loving your body.
Instructor: Erme Maula, RN, MSN

Aerobics
The word Aerobics means simply "using oxygen" and, surprise, surprise, this class will remind you to BREATHE! Come jump around, move your body and feel just how relaxing a good workout can be. Beginner Level. No experience needed. Gym clothes recommended.
Instructor: Jacqui Sadashige (University of Pennsylvania)