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.

Something to Ponder: Across all cultures, there was a time when we made music for one another, moved and danced for one another, more often than not, for the sake of healing and deepening our spiritual connection. When we bring in the energy of live music and sound alongside our journey practice, we remember.

The Shamanic Sound Journey experience is an opportunity to be immersed in live music; Rhythmic drumming, rattles, bells, and vocals, with the intention of entering an altered state of consciousness known as the ‘Shamanic State of Consciousness (SSC). This meditative trance state can range from very light to very deep and anywhere in between. It can be as light as a daydream, something that we can easily snap out of, to something so deep that we temporarily step out of ordinary reality. In this journey session, we’ll drop our stories, open ourselves up to the great mystery, and allow ourselves to take a ride.

What to Expect: This practice can be done completely still, seated or lying down comfortably. Some may find that allowing rhythmic movement like rocking, jostling, or shaking can help bring you into the SSC. While this will be a floor based practice (not standing), you will be free to move through any positions that feel supportive to you and your process, ie; seated on your bum, seated on your knees, being on all fours, or laying down in any position. As in many of my classes, you have the power to choose your own adventure, and I encourage you to trust the wisdom of your body throughout this experience.

Previous Experience: While no experience is necessary, it can be helpful if you already have an existing journey or meditation practice in place. If you don’t, this may feel a bit foreign at first but with consistency, dropping in will get easier over time. Alternatively, even if this work is completely new to you, it could feel like the most natural thing you’ve ever done! You just never know until you jump in.

If you already have an active meditation or shamanic journey practice in place and you’ve never experienced these practices under the influence of live music, get ready! On a personal level, I believe there are many ways to achieve the SSC state and I ask you to trust your own intuition. I invite you to bring along any tools and techniques that already work for you in your current practice.

Itinerary: The night will start off with some gentle movement, stretching, and breathwork as we get acquainted with one another and feel into the community dynamic. The sound journey itself will last roughly an hour, leaving us with thirty minutes of group integration time to connect and share before releasing the container.

Join us for Nordic Sauna Night! This event is co-ed and clothing optional, 18+. Modesty must be upheld when outside of the sauna or cold plunge area.

As the Finnish proverb states "All humans are equal, but nowhere more so than in a sauna". The sauna is a uniquely capable holding space where all of the elements come together for support (earth, air, fire & water) . Within this space, we come as we are. We come for washing, for good health, and for healing. We come to connect to ourselves, our community, and to nature.

What is a Nordic Sauna? Nordic Sauna is a process of 15 minutes in the hot sauna (170°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)

Sauna is a HUGE part of everyday Nordic culture. Fun fact: There are more saunas than cars in Finland!

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 Nordic Sauna process. Once complete, you’ll have plenty of time to relax and enjoy the indoor and outdoor amenities.

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:

• Water bottle
• A towel
• Slip on shoes
• Swim suit, tank & shorts, or sarong (sarongs available on site)
• Comfortable clothes to stretch in
• Bathrobe (optional)
• A sauna hat (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: Wednesday 7/30 from 7-9pm

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

Cost: $39 per person