Jen’ll Tell Ya Featuring

Jen Redpath & Jessica Terezakis

Ethical or consensual non-monogamy is an umbrella term used to describe relationships wherein folks may have more than one sexual and/or romantic partner at a time. The terms ethical and consensual are used because everyone involved is enthusiastically consenting to the relationship boundaries and dynamics.

There are many different expressions and types of nonmonogamy and we would love to share just a few. These terms are meant as a guide and not as a way to label or box identities. The wonderful thing about expressions of sexuality and identity is that they can be self-defined. Some folks may identify with many of these types or none of them at all!

Polyamory: Having multiple romantic and/or sexual relationships with everyone’s knowledge and consent. This may be part of their identity or something they practice on and off.

Solo Polyamory: Values personal agency as a core value. They tend not to merge finances or domestic lifestyles with partners.

Hierarchical Polyamory: Involves having primary and secondary partners. Some relationships may take priority over others or be their central focus.

Non-Hierarchical Polyamory: A form of polyamory that rejects a ranking system. The value of each relationship is the same with each partner.

Polyfidelity: A type of romantic relationship with more than two people that are dating each other. It is a closed relationship dynamic to other relationships.

Relationship Anarchy: There is no hierarchy between friendships and/or romantic or sexual partnerships. All relationships have equal value. This model is centred around personal freedom, autonomy, and community interdependence.

Monogamish: Primarily monogamous but has agreedupon exceptions.

There are so many wonderfully creative ways that people choose to express their sexuality and be in relationships with one another. Although monogamy and expressions of non-monogamy are often shown as being on opposite sides of the relationship spectrum, they actually have a lot more in common than is often presented. Healthy expressions of any kind of relationship all have foundations of respect, trust, honesty, consent, and communication. All the way from romantic and sexual relationships to the ones we have at work or with friends and family.

For more information about this topic, we recommend reading this article by Scarleteen. https://www.scarleteen.com/article/ relationships/a_first_polyamory_guide

Have a specific question? Check out our Sex Sense Line at 1-800-739-7367

If you’ve got more than questions that are burning, feel free to make an appointment at our clinic!

Stay Sexy Salty!

Options for Sexual Health is open on Tuesdays from 4:30-6:30 pm. For appointments, please call (250)537-8786 or email opt.ssi@gmail.com

May Offerings

Please register at staroftheseassi@gmail.com

All our programmes are held at St. Mary’s Church, 2600 Fulford-Ganges Road, unless otherwise listed. Donations for participation in these events are welcome. For details, visit our website at www.staroftheseassi.ca

Sunday, May 7th 9:30 am – 3:30 pm

Day Long Meditation Retreat with Nicola Bishop

‘Thoughts and Sensations are Innocent’

Thoughts and sensations in the body are taken to be ‘me’, and that identification causes unnecessary distress.

Experientially, when we see and feel what’s there, without trying to fix, change, or ignore it, a discovery is made that changes our relationship to experience. It becomes a happier, more ease-full relationship, and from there, the deepest change can occur.

Instructions and guided meditation will be offered, with periods of walking and sitting meditation. There will be a group discussion/sharing, with Q & A.

Please arrive by 9:20 am. Lunch between 12:00 and 12:45 pm. Please bring your lunch. Tea is available. Participating for a half day from 9:30 am – 12:00 pm, is an option. Requested donation of $15.00.

Nicola is looking forward to spending a meaningful day with you. For more information, please contact her directly at: nbwrite1000@hotmail.com

Tuesday, May 9th 7:00 pm

Spiritual Conversation: God and Gods, Theism and Atheism

Join us for a conversation on the place of God and gods in the spiritual life and how a spiritual path takes shape with or without a deity. Facilitated by Heather Martin and Brian Day.

Saturday May 13th 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm

All Saints Church, 110 Park Drive, Ganges

Mother’s Day Labyrinth Walk

At this auspicious time, we’ll walk the labyrinth for deeper insight, peace, and inspiration, honouring the mother within, those in our families, community, and around the world. We’ll begin with a short introduction before we enter the labyrinth to walk in silence. Afterward, we’ll have time for reflective writing and sharing if desired.

Facilitators are Lorraine Gane and Lolla Devindisch.

Participants are asked to bring a notebook and pen, to wear either socks, slippers, or soft soled indoor shoes when walking the labyrinth. Participation is by donation.

Monday, May 15th 7:00 pm

Gospel, Vespers, Kirtan

Marilyn (Em) Walker on guitar, percussion, vocals; Edgar Hann on button accordion; Adam Huber on guitar, vocals; and Terri Wyllie on tabla/drums, vocals. They draw on various spiritual and cultural traditions and faiths - Christian, Tibetan, Hindu, gospel, Celtic and folk - from traditional and contemporary artists such as Krishna Das and Emmy Lou Harris; and from Mātā Amritānandamayī Devī who is known as Amma, the Hugging Saint.

This is an ongoing programme, offered every 3rd Monday evening.

Tuesday, May 16th 7:00 pm

Sacred Poetry, Facilitated by Brian Day

This is an ongoing programme, recurring every 3rd Tuesday evening.

Saturday, May 27th 10:00 am – 1:00 pm

St.Mary's Spring Cleaning Work Morning

Everybody is invited to come together to spruce up the Churchyard and the church, inside and out, and share lunch afterwards.