Rekindle the Roots

Shamanic Stretch is a self-care, therapeutic movement class designed to help you connect with your most Natural Self. In this class we’ll explore how to listen to the body and intuitively give into what it's craving through deep stretching, self-massage, breathwork, sound healing, and ecstatic-somatic movement. This class will provide you with a safe container to remember what it means to be wild, free, and fully embodied. The practice itself is guided but very much self-led as far as the quality and intensity of activity. Think of this experience as a "Choose Your Own Adventure Story". Shamanic Stretch is for ANY BODY, ALL genders, ages 18 and up. Movements and stretches can easily be modified for anyone with injuries or physical limitations.

Soma Stretch is a therapeutic movement and breathwork practice that focuses on the body's sensations and experiences. It involves exploratory movements that help to release tension, improve body awareness, and promote relaxation while integrating your mind-body connection. A perfect way to end the week!

This class is intended to encourage you to trust your body’s innate wisdom while empowering you to move in new dynamic ways. Throughout the class we’ll work with recorded music as we traverse various movement themes. The quality and intensity of these activities is completely up to the individual. Soma Stretch is accessible to ANY body and ALL experience levels. Activities can easily be modified to accommodate injuries or physical limitations.

Join us for a traditional Midsummer Eve Sauna Ritual!
Sauna for our Nordic ancestors was a holy event. This was a practice steeped with intention and reverence for the healing and purification abilities held within the sauna itself. Songs were sung, offerings were given, prayers were made, and the elements were venerated. On the eve of Midsummer (summer solstice) we will come together as our ancestors did with the intention of seeking healing for ourselves and the collective within the four walls of the sauna. We'll also turn our hearts to the sun, readying ourselves for the return Summer.

This event is co-ed and clothing optional, 18+. Modesty must be upheld when outside of the sauna or cold plunge area.

What to Expect: Upon arrival you'll meet Ida in the Lobby located through the back basement door. She'll show you where to undress and tell you how to prepare. She'll then guide you and the group through the entire sauna ritual. The ritual will include a song, offerings to the Tomte/Tontu (a gnome-like land spirit that tends to and protects the sauna), working directly with the elements, and formulating individual and collective prayers. After the ritual is complete, we'll take adequate time to rest and then enjoy some time around the fire to integrate our work together.

What is a Nordic Sauna? Nordic Sauna is a process of 15 minutes in the hot sauna (165°F - 200°F) followed by either a cold water plunge or dousing which is then repeated 2-3 more times depending on tolerance. The entire process takes approximately 75 minutes to complete. A sauna whisk made of birch, oak, or eucalyptus is used to gently beat and whisk the body to encourage circulation and blood flow while offering protection and purification. (Whisks are available for purchase when in stock)

About the Amenities: Our sauna is located in an urban backyard within the heart of Clackamas County. The sauna itself is a 10x10ft tent style sauna with cedar benches and a wood-fired stove. The cold plunge area is an open air pergola with privacy curtains containing two claw foot tubs and a shower. There are several outdoor lounging areas great for relaxing and cooling off, including a covered gazebo. Weather and seasonally permitting, we’ll have a fire going in the fire pit for our guests to enjoy.

Located inside is a welcoming lobby with plenty of storage and hooks for your belongings. There’s a half bath adjacent to the lobby (no shower available). Beyond the lobby you’ll find “The Cave”; a cozy 150 sq ft room full of ambiance that will transport you to another place and time. The cave will be open to guests who would like to lay down to rest and/or stretch during their stay. Yoga mats and props available.

How to Prepare: Please arrive recently showered and well hydrated. It’s recommended that you have at least 16oz of water prior to arrival and continue hydrating throughout your sauna session. Abstain from alcohol the day of. Eat lightly/avoid being overly full prior to sauna.

What to Bring:

• An offering for the Tomte (flowers, spirits, beer, bread, porridge, fruit, and/or honey)
• Water bottle
• A towel
• Slip on shoes
• Swim suit, tank & shorts, or sarong (sarongs available on site)
• Bathrobe (optional)
• A sauna hat & whisk (if you own one)

What NOT to wear:

• Body lotions, oils, or perfumes
• Metal jewelry
• Glasses

Benefits of Nordic Sauna:
Improved circulation

• The heat from a sauna dilates blood vessels, which improves circulation and oxygenation
• The cold water after a sauna makes blood vessels contract, which helps return blood to vital organs

Pain relief and recovery

• The heat and cold of a sauna and cold plunge pool can help reduce muscle soreness and speed up recovery
• The combination of heat and cold is called contrast therapy

Stronger immune system

• Nordic saunas can help detoxify the body and improve the immune system

Other benefits

• Lower blood pressure
• Strengthen the cardiovascular system
• Improve mood and reduce stress
• Reduce swelling
• Improve endurance
• Prevent dementia and Alzheimer's

When: Friday 6/20 from 6:30-9pm

Location: Caveside Wellness
525 E Fairfield St.
Gladstone, OR 97027

Cost: $50 per person
light snacks & refreshments provided around the fire

Tickets MUST be purchased in advance to secure your seat. Once you click "attend' you will be asked to pay through PayPal using your PayPal account or a credit/debit card.

Hello, Fire Starters! Death Cafe is being facilitated by my friend Courtney and her colleague, Pamela. You'll be in excellent hands. All details below!

Please join us for Death Cafe to openly discuss death and dying in a nonjudgmental space with the hope of destigmatizing these inevitable events within an overtly death phobic society.

From the Death Cafe Website:
At a Death Cafe people, often strangers, gather to eat cake, drink tea and discuss death.

Our objective is 'to increase awareness of death with a view to helping people make the most of their (finite) lives'.

A Death Cafe is a group directed discussion of death with no agenda, objectives or themes. It is a discussion group rather than a grief support or counselling session.

Our Death Cafes are always offered:
- On a not for profit basis (donations are gratefully accepted)
- In an accessible, respectful and confidential space
- With no intention of leading people to any conclusion, product or course of action
- Alongside refreshing drinks and nourishing food – and cake!”

Facilitated by two Death Doulas, Courtney Ponsford and Pamela Rathbun.

When: Saturday, June 21st from 2- 3:30 PM

Where: The Way Home Studio
8435 SE Stark Street
Portland, Oregon 97216

Bring your curiosities, experiences, fears and an open mind as we bravely explore together the one true guarantee in life.

Tea and cookies served

Donations gratefully accepted to support the costs of hosting the conversation

RSVP here on Meetup or text Courtney at 360.910.6493