Each week, I have the honour to facilitate movement and mindfulness classes for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV). The Revitalize and Reconnect program is offered through the Ottawa Rape Crisis Centre (ORCC), which provides 5 weeks of free classes to the survivor community.
The vibe
This is a space for survivors to be, just as we are. Without apology, this is our practice; this is our place to take up space, to share, to speak, to be. It is with gentleness and compassion that we come together in community and connect.
What to expect
The classes are a mix of gentle movement, mindfulness, and sound. All the equipment is provided. We practice for 75 minutes, then have some time to chat, put away the mats, blocks, etc.
As a trauma-informed practitioner, I only facilitate with verbal cues; there is no touch.
Movement
Sometimes, we don’t always have the words for what’s going on, but we feel it; we feel something. The movement is gentle and helps us to discharge that energy.
I invite participants to modify their practice and move in a way that feels comfortable to them. Everyone is welcome to move as quickly or as slowly as they like. We are all welcome to take a pause as it feels right for us, and continue as we’re ready.
Mindfulness
Each week we try a mindfulness practice together in community, and if participants would like, they are welcome to try it in the week between classes. These practices can range from journaling, to meditations, to vocal toning, and breathwork.
Sound
We end the class laying on our mats to integrate our practice and bring in rest. I usually play crystal singing bowls to create a soundscape that helps with release and balancing the nervous system.
Grounding
The practice can be very powerful, and I take great care to make sure that participants are held in a safe space before they leave the class. We come out of the restful sound bath very, very gently. We take the time to do grounding practices and activate our senses to bring ourselves back into the present space.
Weekly check-ins
Every week, I email participants some information on the mindfulness practice that we tried in class. This can help to offer some guidance to those who would like to try it in the week between classes.
As we open space in each class, we will check in on how the practice went (or didn’t, that’s ok!), if anyone has any questions, or has anything they would like to share.
The space
We are fortunate this season to have our classes at The Grove Studio. This is an inclusive community space that welcomes us with kindness.
It’s an accessible space, so there are ramps and elevators to get to the second floor.
For health and safety reasons, being a COVID-conscious space, there are always air filters running, and KN95 masks are freely available to all participants to use (or not) as they feel comfortable.
For more information
The Revitalize and Reconnect program is the heart child of the amazing Roselin Dixon, Community Outreach and Communications Lead of the ORCC. The program is made possible by funding through Women and Gender Equality (WAGE) Canada.
If you’re curious about what the program is like, I invite you to check out either the ORCC or Nourish The Yin social media accounts, where you’ll find posts about ongoing classes:
If you are interested in joining the practice, I invite you to sign up for a class. You’ll find any open/available registrations on the ORCC Eventbrite page. Alternatively, you can email Roselin Dixon at roselin.dixon@orcc.net, or the ORCC’s general inbox orcc@orcc.net.
Nourish The Yin 