Could recognition be the secret ingredient to letting go?
There is a strong societal taboo against discussing trauma and difficult life experiences, and if you haven’t managed to avoid negativity and disaster, there is an implicit sense of having failed. Therefore, being in lament can feel isolating and defeating. But it doesn’t have to be this way.
Trauma as Initiation
Not only is the experience grief is unique to each of us; the process contains a myriad of emotions. Sadness is the hallmark, but we may also feel also guilt, confusion, shock and even anger. Loss of connection with the body is also a common and usually unconscious way to protect ourselves from these feelings. Grief can be caused by other forms of loss besides death. Relationships coming to an end, loss of a job, and other major life changes can all elicit grief.
Community Acknowledgement
When communities provide space for one another to acknowledge each other’s traumas it provides a level of completion, as if the individual has reacher a personal milestone in their healing journey. Indigenous cultures take this approach, and regard traumatic events as necessary gifts, and essential to your destiny. These communities recognize the individual for their journey, and provide ritual acknowledgment for each members. Going through a major crisis in life is treated as an initiation into a path of healing, aligning an initiant with their soul’s purpose.
Nothing prepares you
When my mother passed away suddenly and with no warning, and then my dog got sick and had to be put down six weeks later; I felt like the bottom had dropped out. My body became wrecked, along with my mind and emotions. The shock was slow to wear off and my physical experience had become overwhelmingly locked, as if I was literally bracing for “the worst” to continue happening. I was fortunate to have already had a yoga practice when it happened, so I had knowledge that the strong emotions that accompany trauma would impact my embodied experience. And because of Marijuasana, my yoga practice was already integrated with cannabis, and both extremely supportive to my well being in the aftermath of these experiences.
The supportive nature of cannabis
Besides supplementing my movement practice, cannabis facilitated my ability to proceed through several extremely difficult real life experiences through giving me a healthy level of emotional and mental space. It was also beneficial in helping me to process the resulting trauma, by tapping me into a feeling of wellbeing and ease. Over time, this enabled me to gradually access feelings of love and gratitude again, in spite of my bereavement. Unlike alcohol, cannabis did not give me an escape. Cannabis managed to paradoxically deepen what I needed for my healing, yet soften the harsh reality in such a way, to allow me to re-engage with my life and get through it.
For anyone ready to transmute their grief into something beyond
During the workshop I’ll give a short discussion on the topic of initiation and then lead the class through an exploration of yoga poses, and mindful movement with the intention of honoring our respective personal grief. Then, I’ll provide a unique community exercise that provides every participant with recognition for moving through the difficulties that have initiated us into our lives. The community exercise will not require any personal sharing, nor will it single any individual out in front of a group. (Sharing is completely optional at the end of the workshop).If you have been nursing any grief, and feel ready to mark a level of healing in your journey, you are encouraged to come to this workshop. The overall tone of the class is intended to be cheerful and lighthearted, but there’s a possibility that emotions will arise. Please treat yourself and others with kindness should this be the case.
All attendees must be over 21. Classes taught by Stacey Mulvey of Las Vegas, NV. Guests are welcome to “bring their own” cannabis to this private event.
The yoga class is formatted so that participants can socialize and build community with each other, while doing an accessible yoga style. Stacey Mulvey is a gifted movement teacher who emphasizes a somatic approach to yoga, meaning we focus on the quality of your bodily experience, rather than the shape your body is making. You'll receive education on the benefits of cannabinoids throughout the class, and get to meet a diverse group of like-minded people. You will feel accepted and encouraged to consider cannabinoids as integral to a healthy lifestyle.
F.A.Q.
What about cannabis?
This venue is cannabis friendly. Participants may bring their own, but it is not provided by the organizers.
ID or minimum age requirements?
You must be at least 21 and show proof with ID at the door. (No ID, no entry. Please do not show up without your valid ID, you will be turned away and no refund will be offered)!
Can I get my money back?
NO.
No refunds are offered unless the event is cancelled by the organizer. If you are unable to attend, you may transfer your ticket to another person but you may not get a refund. By making a purchase you are assuming the risk that an unexpected event may prevent you from attending. If you are unable to attend for any reason, do not ask to get your money back.
What can I bring into the event?
Bring-your-own everything, especially a yoga mat. If you don’t own a mat, you can rent one from the venue for $2. Also recommended are a water bottle, and comfortable clothing.
How can I contact the organizer?
Please email info@marijuasana.com.