This summer, we’re centering in a time of chaos. Join us for somatic retreats in July and August. 💜

Political divisions; a war-torn world; mental health crises; hate-fueled violence; growing dehumanization; and a burning planet. These are some of the harsh realities coloring our daily lives as we try to navigate work, family, and being caring local and global citizens.  It’s no wonder that many of us feel overwhelmed, despairing, and exhausted. 

At Impact, we don’t claim to have the answers, but we are committed to being part of the solution. Through years of our own practice and experience, we are learning the importance of somatic work (techniques that focus on the body, especially the nervous system) to staying grounded and open in the face of personal, communal, and systemic challenges. We know that it’s from this place of calm and presence that we can be our highest and best selves and most impactful in the world. 

That’s why we are offering a three-part, online series called Somatic Retreats: Centering in a Time of Chaos led by therapeutic healer and artist Hiba Haroon. Hiba is the founder of (un)jaan which holds spaces for us to practice being in liberatory relationships with ourselves and others. She has also helped facilitate Impact’s Weaver Learning Lab. 

As we thought about this offering, we were inspired by the words of renowned author and psychotherapist Resmaa Menakem who said: “There’s a way out of this mess, and it requires each of us to begin with our own body. You and your body are important parts of the solution.”  We hope you will join us for one or more of the FREE sessions described below as we learn somatic tools and techniques for centering in a time of chaos.

While sessions are complementary, they are standalone. Feel free to register for one, two, or all three!

Sessions:

• RESTING TO REMAIN AWAKE

Tuesday, July 9, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Due to the culminating impacts of racism, capitalism and colonialism, we often prioritize and value work and effort over rest and ease due to which many of us, particularly People of the Global Majority and women, experience difficulties with digestion, weaker immune systems, and sleep. During this two-hour gathering, we will reflect on the impact of stress and insufficient rest on our nervous system, immune system, and overall physical, emotional and spiritual health. We will explore what it means to cultivate rest while remaining awake, engaged and present. We will conclude with a gentle movement and guided meditation practice to cultivate grounding and ease in our bodies. 

Click HERE to register for “Resting to Remain Awake” 

• HOLDING OUR ANGER

Tuesday, July 23, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Anger is often viewed as undesirable, something that needs to be stifled or ignored. Depending on our intersection of identities, our anger can be perceived as unattractive, threatening, and dangerous. Very rarely are we taught or encouraged to look deeply at our anger, to hold it and understand it, to be in a relationship with it. During this two-hour gathering, we will do just that, connect with the energy of our anger and explore what’s underneath, how it impacts us and how we can take care of it. This practice is not about overcoming but rather understanding and befriending our anger.

Click HERE to register for “Holding Our Anger”

• RESOURCING OURSELVES

Tuesday, August 13, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

We are living at a time of unprecedented exposure and experience to suffering and loss near and far. In addition to anger, frustration and grief, we may find ourselves feeling inadequate, insufficient, depleted. This two-hour gathering is designed to resource ourselves with universal elements (earth, water, fire, air, space), memories/lineage, and our dreams. We will incorporate journaling, reading, meditation, and gentle movement. 

Click HERE to register for “Resourcing Ourselves”

ABOUT HIBA HAROON:

Hiba is a writer, artist, healer and consultant. She was born in Karachi, Pakistan and immigrated to the United States when she was 7 years old and was raised in Houston, Texas. Hiba is the founder of (un)jaan through which she applies her training and experiences in many different healing modalities to work with folks in personal and group settings to strengthen, soften, and heal minds, bodies and spirits from the effects of colonialism and white supremacy. Hiba has also worked in the nonprofit sector for over a decade to address racial, gender, and economic inequities–working at a community-based refugee resettlement organization, a national intermediary organization, a national philanthropic institution and now as an independent consultant. She can be reached at hello@unjaan.com.