Embodied Community Agreements Facilitation

YogaRoots On Location /The Cussin’ Yogini presents Embodied Community Agreement Facilitation Atlantic Center For The Arts Mentoring Artist Residency Community Agreements Facilitation 2/12/24, 5/13/24, 6/24/24, and 10/7/24 Felicia Savage Friedman, M.Ed. 500-hrs Experienced-Registered Yoga Teacher Founder and CEO, YogaRoots On Location, LLC

FELICIA SAVAGE FRIEDMAN M.Ed., E-RYT 500, RYT 500 Wellness Thought Leader & Raja Yoga Guide Creating pathways toward Collective Liberation

Smile@yogarootsonlocation.com Yogarootsonlocation.com IG & FB: @YogaRootsOnLocation LI: Felicia Savage Friedman

Transforming lives for over 30 years with embodied antiracist organizing through Raja Yoga. Teaching integrative practices for individual and collective wellness, centered in communities of accountability. Standing firm on the belief that we are all bound and dehumanized by systems of oppression and envisioning a humankind where we have dismantled these systems of oppression and humanely rebuilt new systems together.

EDUCATION TRAINING CERTIFICATES 2013–2014 Foundations in Buddhist Contemplative Care New York Zen Center for Contemplative Care, New York City, NY 2013 Urban Zen Integrative Yoga Therapist, 500 hours Registered Yoga Teacher Donna Karan’s Studio: Urban Zen, New York City, NY 2008 M. Ed. in Elementary Education University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 2007, 2008 Yoga Specialty Teacher Certification NETA-National Exercise Trainers Association 2007 Pilates Instructor Specialty Certification NETA-National Exercise Trainers Association 2001 PA Instructional I Teachers Certification University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 2001 B. S. Natural Sciences: Mathematics, Geology & Biology University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA

“Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare” * borrowed from “A Burst of Light” by audre lorde ** audre lorde is a phenomenal Black, lesbian, mother, warrior and poet

The Cussin’ Yogini https://www.thecussinyogi ni.com/about

YOGAROOTS ON LOCATION

MUSEUM OF FEELINGS Affectionate

Compassionate, Friendly, Loving, Sympathetic, Tender, Warm, Cherishing, Devoted

Confident

Empowered, Open, Proud, Safe, Secure

Engaged

Peaceful

Calm, Comfortable, Centered, Grounded, State of Equanimity, Fulfilled, Mellow, Quiet, Relaxed, Relieved, Satisfied, Serene, Still, Tranquil, Trusting

Refreshed

Enlivened, Rejuvenated, Renewed, Rested, Restored, Revived

Today I feel...

Fatigue

Burnt-out, Depleted, Exhausted, Lethargic, Sleepy, Tired, Weary

Pain

In Agony, Anguished, Bereaved, Devastated, In Grief, Heartbroken, Hurt, Lonely, Miserable, Lonely, Miserable, Regretful, Remorseful

Sad

Absorbed, Alert, Curious, Engrossed, Enchanted, Entranced, Fascinated, Interested, Intrigued, Involved, Stimulated, Passionate, Admire

Afraid

Excited

Annoyed

Aggravated: Dismayed, Disgruntled, Displeased, Exasperated, Frustrated, Impatient, Irritated, Irked

Anxious, Cranky, Distressed, Distraught, Edgy, Fidgety, Frazzled, Irritable, Jittery, Nervous, Overwhelmed, Restless, Stressedout, Disquiet, Agitated, Alarmed

Exhilarated

Angry

Vulnerable

Animated, Aroused, Dazzled, Eager, Energetic, Enthusiastic, Giddy, Invigorated, Lively, Passionate, Surprised, Vibrant

Energetic, Euphoric, Overjoyed, Blissful, Ecstatic, Elated, Enthralled, Exuberant, Radiant, Rapturous, Thrilled

Grateful

Apprehensive, Dread, Foreboding, Frightened, Panicked, Scared, Suspicious, Terrified, Worried

Enraged, Furious, Incensed, Indignant, Irate, Livid, Outraged, Resentful

Confused

Appreciative, Moved, Thankful, Touched

Ambivalent, Baffled, Bewildered, Dazed, Hesitant, Perplexed, Puzzled, Torn

Hopeful

Disconnected

Expectant, Encouraged, Optimistic

Joyful

Amused, Delighted, Glad, Happy, Pleased, Tickled

Inspired

Amazed, Awed, Wonder, Zealous, Thoughtful

Alienated, Aloof, Apathetic, Bored, Cold, Detached, Distracted, Indifferent, Numb, Removed, Withdrawn, Discombobulated, Disconcerted, Disturbed, Rattled, Restless, Shocked, Startled, Surprised, Troubled, Uncomfortable, Uneasy, Upset

Embarrassed

Ashamed, Chagrined, Flustered, Guilty, Mortified, Self-conscious Pub. 8.2020

Depressed, Despairing, Dejected, Disappointed, Forlorn, Gloomy, Hopeless, Melancholy, Unhappy

Tense

Fragile, Guarded, Helpless, Insecure, Leery, Reserved, Sensitive, Shaky

The Original Poem: Where I’m From By George Ella Lyon

I am from clothespins, from Clorox and carbontetrachloride.

I am from the dirt under the back porch. (Black, glistening it tasted like beets.)

I am from the forsythia bush, the Dutch elm whose long gone limbs I remember as if they were my own.

I am from fudge and eyeglasses, from Imogene and Alafair.

I'm from the know-it-alls and the pass-it-ons, from perk up and pipe down.

I'm from He restoreth my soul with cottonball lamb and ten verses I can say myself.

I'm from Artemus and Billie's Branch, fried corn and strong coffee.

From the finger my grandfather lost to the auger the eye my father shut to keep his sight.

Under my bed was a dress box spilling old pictures. a sift of lost faces to drift beneath my dreams.

I am from those moments -- snapped before I budded -- leaf-fall from the family tree.

Where I Am From Poem (George Ella Lyon) Use this template to draft your poem, and then write a final draft to share on blank paper.

I am from ______________________________ (specific ordinary item) From ________________________ and __________________________ (product name) (product name) I am from the ______________________________________________ (home description) ___________________ , _________________ , ________________________________ (adjective) (adjective) (sensory detail) I am from _________________________________________ , (plant, flower, natural item) _________________________________________________________ _______________ (description of above item) I'm from ____________________________ and ______________________________ (family tradition) (family trait) From ______________________________ and _________________________ (name of family member) (another family name) I'm from the ____________________________ and ______________________ (description of family tendency) (another one) From _________________________________ and ________________________ (something you were told as a child) (another) I'm from ___________________________ , __________________________________ (representation of religion or lack of), (further description) I'm from _______________________________________________ (place of birth and family ancestry) ______________________________________ , ________________________________ (a food item that represents your family) (another one) From the _________________________________________________________ _____ (specific family story about a specific person and detail) The _________________________________________________________ (another detail of another family member) _________________________________________________________ ________ (location of family pictures, mementos, archives) _________________________________________________________ _________ (line explaining the importance of family items)

___________________________________“Where I Am From” poem your name _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________

YOGAROOTS ON LOCATION

COMMUNITY AGREEMENTS 1. Bring your healthiest self to our collaborative space The day before the meeting sleep and rest well, eat wholesome and nutritious foods, and drink plenty of water. Access a joyful or inspirational activity — something that honors your life.

2. Honor your needs

Physically tune in, listen and be obedient to your body. Void when you feel the urge.

3. Listen for understanding, not to respond

Practice whole being listening and being fully present with each other in the space.

4. Translate meaning

Patiently explain what you mean.

5. Check for literacy

Speak up and ask when you are not sure what someone means or if a term or phrase that is being used is unfamiliar to you.

6. Speak your truth

Be honest with yourself and others. Address disagreements and hurt feelings here and now.

Do not hold them in your mind and body.

7. Respect yourself and others

Honor the feelings and perspectives of yourself and others.

8. Practice body autonomy

Ask for consent prior to touching others and offer immediate feedback if others cross a boundary.

9. Make space, take space

If you are a talker, allow space for others to speak. If you are quiet, speak up.

Pub. 8.2020

10. Practice confidentiality

What is said here, stays here. What you learned here leaves here with no names attached.

11. Struggle together

We are in this together. Stay committed to this community space throughout this intimate process and beyond.

12. Curiously engage with your growing edge

Honor your feelings of discomfort and be committed to your growth.

13. Recognize comfort vs. safety

Feeling discomfort is not the same as feeling unsafe.

14. Stay present the whole time

Stay with us the whole time in body, mind, and soul, especially when it gets hard.

15. Speak from your own experience

Share stories and examples from your own life rather than sharing other peoples’ stories.

16. Acknowledge offense and harm w/ “ouch! oops”

If someone offends you say “ouch,” which is an opportunity to explain why. “Oops” is an acknowledgement of the harm and offers space to make mistakes and begin to heal.

17. Honor the process

Change takes time. Trust the unfolding.

How do you wish to change, add, or delete from the YROL community agreements so that your Atlantic Center For The Arts Mentoring Artistic Residency is whatever you want it to be? ______________________________________ ______________________________________ ______________________________________ ______________________________________ ______________________________________ ______________________________________ ______________________________________ ______________________________________ ______________________________________ ______________________________________ ______________________________________ ______________________________________ ______________________________________ ______________________________________ ______________________________________ ______________________________________ ______________________________________ ______________________________________ ______________________________________ ______________________________________ ______________________________________ ______________________________________ ______________________________________ ______________________________________ ______________________________________ ______________________________________ ______________________________________

No Mud, No Lotus •

borrowed from How To Fight by Thich Nhat Hanh

Transforming our anger and suffering makes happiness possible.

Without suffering, there can be no happiness. We need mud to grow lotus flowers; otherwise, they cannot take root. Our anger and suffering are the mud we can use to cultivate happiness, compassion, and understanding. If we know how to handle and transform our suffering, we will suffer much less. The mud will become lotus flowers. To generate compassion, you have to understand and embrace your suffering. Don’t try to throw your suffering away. Hold it tenderly like a mother holding her crying baby and look deeply into it. Then insight blooms. Each person has a lot of anger and suffering. When we don’t know how to handle our suffering, we continue to suffer, making other people around us suffer. But when we understand that others are already suffering, we don’t want to punish them anymore.

Listening to the suffering inside of you and inside of the other person allows understanding and compassion to be born. When compassion is born in your heart, it begins to heal and transform the anger and suffering in your heart and every cell of your body.

• • •

Gentle Movements and Restorative poses to contemplate Universal Meditation Check out with the YROL Museum of Feelings and the name of a song that inspires you to be your healthiest version of yourself alone and in community.

YOGAROOTS ON LOCATION

MUSEUM OF FEELINGS Affectionate

Compassionate, Friendly, Loving, Sympathetic, Tender, Warm, Cherishing, Devoted

Confident

Empowered, Open, Proud, Safe, Secure

Engaged

Peaceful

Calm, Comfortable, Centered, Grounded, State of Equanimity, Fulfilled, Mellow, Quiet, Relaxed, Relieved, Satisfied, Serene, Still, Tranquil, Trusting

Refreshed

Enlivened, Rejuvenated, Renewed, Rested, Restored, Revived

Today I feel...

Fatigue

Burnt-out, Depleted, Exhausted, Lethargic, Sleepy, Tired, Weary

Pain

In Agony, Anguished, Bereaved, Devastated, In Grief, Heartbroken, Hurt, Lonely, Miserable, Lonely, Miserable, Regretful, Remorseful

Sad

Absorbed, Alert, Curious, Engrossed, Enchanted, Entranced, Fascinated, Interested, Intrigued, Involved, Stimulated, Passionate, Admire

Afraid

Excited

Annoyed

Aggravated: Dismayed, Disgruntled, Displeased, Exasperated, Frustrated, Impatient, Irritated, Irked

Anxious, Cranky, Distressed, Distraught, Edgy, Fidgety, Frazzled, Irritable, Jittery, Nervous, Overwhelmed, Restless, Stressedout, Disquiet, Agitated, Alarmed

Exhilarated

Angry

Vulnerable

Animated, Aroused, Dazzled, Eager, Energetic, Enthusiastic, Giddy, Invigorated, Lively, Passionate, Surprised, Vibrant

Energetic, Euphoric, Overjoyed, Blissful, Ecstatic, Elated, Enthralled, Exuberant, Radiant, Rapturous, Thrilled

Grateful

Apprehensive, Dread, Foreboding, Frightened, Panicked, Scared, Suspicious, Terrified, Worried

Enraged, Furious, Incensed, Indignant, Irate, Livid, Outraged, Resentful

Confused

Appreciative, Moved, Thankful, Touched

Ambivalent, Baffled, Bewildered, Dazed, Hesitant, Perplexed, Puzzled, Torn

Hopeful

Disconnected

Expectant, Encouraged, Optimistic

Joyful

Amused, Delighted, Glad, Happy, Pleased, Tickled

Inspired

Amazed, Awed, Wonder, Zealous, Thoughtful

Alienated, Aloof, Apathetic, Bored, Cold, Detached, Distracted, Indifferent, Numb, Removed, Withdrawn, Discombobulated, Disconcerted, Disturbed, Rattled, Restless, Shocked, Startled, Surprised, Troubled, Uncomfortable, Uneasy, Upset

Embarrassed

Ashamed, Chagrined, Flustered, Guilty, Mortified, Self-conscious Pub. 8.2020

Depressed, Despairing, Dejected, Disappointed, Forlorn, Gloomy, Hopeless, Melancholy, Unhappy

Tense

Fragile, Guarded, Helpless, Insecure, Leery, Reserved, Sensitive, Shaky