Sacred Oak Healing Arts

06/27/2024

I'm excited to be offering an immersive place-based meditative writing series with the Pennsylvania College of Art and Design in Lancaster, PA Thursday evenings from 5-7pm in July (Jully 11, 18, and 25). Registration is now open and filling fast. Sign up for 1 or all 3. $45 each. Please help spread the word! 🙏

Walk and Write at Buchanan Park
https://pcad.edu/product/walk-and-write-meditative-writing-at-buchanan-park/

Walk and Write at Demuth Gardens
https://pcad.edu/product/walk-and-write-meditative-writing-at-demuth-gardens/

Walk and Write at Gardens of the Five Senses at Lancaster County Park
https://pcad.edu/product/walk-and-write-meditative-writing-at-the-garden-of-the-five-senses-at-lancaster-county-park/

Coming soon:
Online movement, writing, and relaxation classes in July/August through Sacred Oak Healing Arts: https://sacredoakhealingarts.com/

non-credit - in person Dates: July 11 Times: 5 - 7 PM Meetings: 1 Days: Thursday Instructor: Dana Jain

04/28/2024

Spring 2024. Let the gardens begin!

Bachelor's buttons, sweet Annie, valerian, Archangel Angelica, comfrey, purple asparagus, tulips and forget-me-nots, bleeding heart, perennials and overwintered veg bed.

11/04/2023

When helping to create a space where students feel free and empowered to take ownership of the classroom, their actions, and the actions of their peers, language and perception are important.

Instead of "don't be greedy" with snacks, I support them to "not take more than you can eat."

Instead of "I don't care" or "it doesn't matter," I support them to recognise their triggers, identify what they need to make things right, and advocate for themselves.

Instead of keeping some students out because they're strangers or known adversaries, I support them to accept everyone, establish clear expectations and boundaries, and hold themselves and each other accountable.

Instead of looking to me to intervene in petty arguments or play that's gone too far, I support them to work through it with each other as burgeoning adults.

Instead of withdrawing, fighting, or running away from their problems, I support them to pause, find a safe space, get perspective, and consider their options.

Instead of rushing to grow up, I support them to have fun, play, and not take themselves or certain situations too seriously.

Instead of hating school, home, life, I support them to be willing to listen, learn, laugh, and love.

Instead of giving up or giving in to students with challenging behaviors and a system steeped in demoralizing and destructive practices, I am supporting myself with time alone, time in nature, and time with loved ones to remain present, kind, and careful with my words, thoughts, and expressions.

At the end of the day, I am both part of the problem and part of the solution.

This week's mantra: No good deed goes unpunished.

11/02/2023

10/30/2023

I started as a Restorative Practices Coach at a public city high school here in eastern PA last April and am slowly but surely finding my way in the role and school community. I was more than a little surprised to learn on my first day back this fall that I would have my own classroom, working with students assigned to In-School Suspension (ISS), among other things. The thought of decorating a classroom that would be attractive to a spectrum of students and reflective of my personality, interests, and role was overwhelming at first, but with attention and intention (along with the bright ideas and encouraging input of my amazing team) it is gradually coming together.

10/25/2023

We planted 150 saffron crocus or crocus sativus bulbs earlier this fall and are looking forward to harvesting our very own saffron this spring, very possibly sooner.

09/20/2023

Walking in nature, with all of its colors, sights, and sounds, is a powerful way to engage the whole body, one of the most important observation “tools” we have for making sense of our environment and experiences. The freedom to explore outside at our own pace, away from technology and other distractions, has the potential to stimulate our senses and rejuvenate our bodies and minds.

Join me Saturday, October 14 from 10am-12:30pm for an all ages, multi-sensory experience.

We will meet at Lancaster County Park. The exact location for this workshop will be provided upon registration. In the event of inclement weather, this workshop will take place on PCA&D’s campus at 204 N. Prince Street, Lancaster, PA.

Sign up before September 30, and use the coupon code ALLABOUTFALL at checkout on select classes to take 10% off: https://pcad.edu/product/sensory-walk-meditative-creation-and-reflection-workshop/.

I need another 5 people to register for the class to take place. Please help spread the word!

08/13/2023

Yuria's work and presence resonates in me so strongly, leading to much clarity and certainty in the muck and mire of our time. Definitely worth sharing, again and again.

“In community we pause, we open, we nourish, and we become.” Yuria Celidwen is of Nahua and Maya descent from the highlands of Chiapas, Mexico, born into a ...

07/24/2023

I'm excited to share some news about my new venture, Sacred Oak Healing Arts (SOHA), where we aim to help people experiencing pain, stress, or disconnection to develop a sense of calm, confidence, and well-being through activities that engage the whole person–body, mind, and soul.

Our programs are designed and priced to help students of all ages and backgrounds, including people with challenges and disabilities, people of color, and people who have come to the United States from other countries and cultures.

We offer sliding scale rates and alternative in-kind exchange/payment options, including scholarships, volunteer service, and donation-based community classes and circles.

We are now accepting clients for individual and group sessions. Reach out to me to discuss rates and availability. Our website is coming soon. Follow for more!