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Hosted by colleen thomas
Hosted by colleen thomas
30 episodes with colleen thomas
8 episodes with colleen thomas
5 episodes with colleen thomas
4 episodes with colleen thomas
2 episodes with colleen thomas
2 episodes with colleen thomas
2 episodes with colleen thomas
2 episodes with colleen thomas
Something About the Way She Moves with Heidi Henderson Vibrant, humble, and down-to-earth, Heidi Henderson is a Professor at Connecticut College and also the artistic director of elephant JANE dance, where she brings her unique vision and creativity to the stage. From Maine, to New York City, to Rhode Island, Heidi is a four-time recipient of the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts Choreography Fellowship. Her work has been performed internationally in London and Korea, as well as at renowned venues like Jacob's Pillow, The Flynn Space, and the Bates Dance Festival. She has danced with acclaimed companies and artists, including Bebe Miller, Nina Weiner, Paula Josa-Jones, Colleen Thomas, Peter Schmitz, and Sondra Loring, was a contributing editor at Contact Quarterly, a vehicle for moving ideas. Join the conversation to hear what inspired her dance journey, what her experience was like in New York, what it was like to figure out the intricate logistics of performing in a roller-skating rink, and what inspired the name of her company. We highlight some of the challenges, benefits, and peaks of her journey, what's next for her, and much more! Don't miss out, tune in now. Key Points From This Episode: · Heidi shares her dance journey throughout the years. · What ultimately sucked her into the world of dance. · She details her experience getting her M.F.A. at Smith and her plan after graduate school. · Heidi talks about her experience in New York with Bebe Miller, Nina Weiner, and more. · What Heidi did as a “job” during her time in New York (and how those skills are still in use!) · The logistics behind her recent show, Untitled Sad Piece, performed in a roller-skating rink. · Heidi's journey as she started making her own work. · The story behind the name of her company, elephant JANE dance. · How her teaching career came together and evolved over the years. · She breaks down some of the challenges she's faced over the span of her dance journey. · We discuss some of the benefits of starting a dance career later on. · Looking back, we highlight some of the peaks of her dance career. · What's next for Heidi. · How Heidi finds artists to work with. “I've never been a repertory dancer. There is something about the way I move that is the way I move.” — Heidi Henderson For more on this episode and Heidi: Movers & Shapers: A Dance Podcast For the latest, follow on Instagram and Facebook
Centering prayer is the topic of this special episode of Deacons Pod. The Paulist Deacon Affiliates' guest is Colleen Thomas, a spiritual director trained in the monastic arts of discernment, spiritual companionship, and retreat leadership, and a long-time practitioner of centering prayer. Colleen is Associate Program Director at Stillpoint: A Center for Christian Spirituality in Los Angeles. She also is Diversity Outreach Coordinator for Contemplative Outreach and host of the "Opening Minds, Opening Hearts" podcast. Colleen holds a Master of Arts degree in Theology and Art from Fuller Theological Seminary. ABOUT THE SHOW: Deacons Pod is a podcast for everyone. But, it's especially created to inspire and give hope to people on the “threshold of faith”: Those who are thinking about going to Church and those who are thinking about leaving Church. Deacons Pod is hosted by the Paulist Deacon affiliates. The podcast is a production of the Paulist Fathers. More at deaconspod.com
Welcome back to season three of Opening Minds, Opening Hearts. We are your hosts, Colleen Thomas and Mark Dannenfelser, and we're so excited to set the scene for the rest of the season in this episode. We'll be shifting the dialogue away from the method of centering prayer and centering prayer as a practice that leads us to a form of personal transformation into the impact of centering prayer on our relationship with others. In particular, our relationship with others inside and outside of the Christian tradition.In this episode, we explore the origins of the Snowmass Dialogues of 1984, the key points of agreement across various religious traditions, the importance of interfaith solidarity, the non-dual nature of God, and the interconnectedness of different sacred traditions.To connect further with us:Visit our website: www.contemplativeoutreach.orgFind us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/contemplativeoutreachltd/Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/contemplativeoutreachCheck out our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/coutreachTo learn more about the founding theological principles of Contemplative Outreach, visit https://www.contemplativeoutreach.org/vision/Stream and Download the Opening Minds, Opening Hearts Podcast NOW for FREE on Apple Podcast, Google, Amazon and Spotify!
Genesis 28:15a. September 2024 meditations are written and recorded by Colleen Thomas. Forward Day by Day is also a quarterly booklet produced and published by Forward Movement. Subscribe to the print edition, and explore more prayer podcasts, books, and blogs at forwardmovement.org.
In this episode of "Everyday Magic for Ukraine," Colleen Thomas guides us through a powerful visualization meditation to send strength to the defenders of Ukraine. Join us in a circle of compassion as we imagine transporting these brave defenders to a place of peace and relaxation, surrounded by the wisdom and strength of their Ancestors. This practice aims to provide emotional and spiritual support to those on the front lines, helping them feel rejuvenated and connected. At the end of the meditation, we also introduce United24's upcoming app, designed to help supporters stay connected with and support brigades on the front lines. Join us in this compassionate practice to honor and support the defenders of Ukraine. Your presence and energy make a significant impact in healing our world. Remember to breathe and expand your heart's capacity for compassion. Welcome to Everyday Magic for Ukraine, the meditation podcast that supports you as you support Ukraine. Debuting at #37 in the US and #11 in Australia on Apple Podcasts, the show invites you to pause, unwind, and channel your inner strength towards Ukraine. Proud to be one of the top 100 Spirituality podcasts on Goodpods. Magic works best with action! See this list for Creative Ways to Support Ukraine: https://ever-changing.net/ukraine We'd love to hear the creative ways you are supporting Ukraine! Email us at shamepinata@gmail.com. _________________ Follow Everyday Magic for Ukraine → Show Website: https://dailymagicforpeace.com → Subscribe in Your Favorite Player: https://kite.link/daily-magic-for-peace → Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-magic-for-peace/id1613640092 → Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6My8jcSF7g7IURys9nSkHi → YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@shamepinata → RSS Feed: https://feeds.libsyn.com/405185/rss → Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everyday.magic.for.ukraine/ → Rate/Review: https://ever-changing.net/rate-dmp _________________ Ways to Listen → Add Everyday Magic for Ukraine to the end of your news playlist. → Listen first thing in the morning to start your day with hope. → Listen before sleep to relax. _________________ Everyday Magic for Ukraine is hosted by Ritual Artist Colleen Thomas, a Certified Meditation and Mindfulness teacher who helps people make sense of life through ceremony. Learn more at https://shamepinata.com Opening & Closing music by Terry Hughes. _________________ Disclaimers: https://ever-changing.net/disclaimer
Mark 9:50. September 2024 meditations are written and recorded by Colleen Thomas. Forward Day by Day is also a quarterly booklet produced and published by Forward Movement. Subscribe to the print edition, and explore more prayer podcasts, books, and blogs at forwardmovement.org.
Luke 4:42. September 2024 meditations are written and recorded by Colleen Thomas. Forward Day by Day is also a quarterly booklet produced and published by Forward Movement. Subscribe to the print edition, and explore more prayer podcasts, books, and blogs at forwardmovement.org.
Acts 19:21a. September 2024 meditations are written and recorded by Colleen Thomas. Forward Day by Day is also a quarterly booklet produced and published by Forward Movement. Subscribe to the print edition, and explore more prayer podcasts, books, and blogs at forwardmovement.org.
Psalm 85:5a. September 2024 meditations are written and recorded by Colleen Thomas. Forward Day by Day is also a quarterly booklet produced and published by Forward Movement. Subscribe to the print edition, and explore more prayer podcasts, books, and blogs at forwardmovement.org.
Luke 4:13. September 2024 meditations are written and recorded by Colleen Thomas. Forward Day by Day is also a quarterly booklet produced and published by Forward Movement. Subscribe to the print edition, and explore more prayer podcasts, books, and blogs at forwardmovement.org.
Esther 5:3. September 2024 meditations are written and recorded by Colleen Thomas. Forward Day by Day is also a quarterly booklet produced and published by Forward Movement. Subscribe to the print edition, and explore more prayer podcasts, books, and blogs at forwardmovement.org.
Acts 18:3. September 2024 meditations are written and recorded by Colleen Thomas. Forward Day by Day is also a quarterly booklet produced and published by Forward Movement. Subscribe to the print edition, and explore more prayer podcasts, books, and blogs at forwardmovement.org.
In this episode of "Everyday Magic for Ukraine," Colleen Thomas leads us through a grounding exercise and a playful visualization to help us explore the art of balance. Together, we imagine ourselves on a playground, experimenting with different ways to find equilibrium, both physically and emotionally. This guided meditation is designed to help us connect with our inner strength and resilience as we navigate the challenges of life. Join us in this active and engaging practice, where balance becomes a metaphor for managing the many aspects of our daily lives. Welcome to Everyday Magic for Ukraine, the meditation podcast that supports you as you support Ukraine. Debuting at #37 in the US and #11 in Australia on Apple Podcasts, the show invites you to pause, unwind, and channel your inner strength towards Ukraine. Proud to be one of the top 100 Spirituality podcasts on Goodpods. Magic works best with action! See this list for Creative Ways to Support Ukraine: https://ever-changing.net/ukraine We'd love to hear the creative ways you are supporting Ukraine! Email us at shamepinata@gmail.com. _________________ Follow Everyday Magic for Ukraine → Show Website: https://dailymagicforpeace.com → Subscribe in Your Favorite Player: https://kite.link/daily-magic-for-peace → Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-magic-for-peace/id1613640092 → Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6My8jcSF7g7IURys9nSkHi → YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@shamepinata → RSS Feed: https://feeds.libsyn.com/405185/rss → Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everyday.magic.for.ukraine/ → Rate/Review: https://ever-changing.net/rate-dmp _________________ Ways to Listen → Add Everyday Magic for Ukraine to the end of your news playlist. → Listen first thing in the morning to start your day with hope. → Listen before sleep to relax. _________________ Everyday Magic for Ukraine is hosted by Ritual Artist Colleen Thomas, a Certified Meditation and Mindfulness teacher who helps people make sense of life through ceremony. Learn more at https://shamepinata.com Opening & Closing music by Terry Hughes. _________________ Disclaimers: https://ever-changing.net/disclaimer
James 3:13b. September 2024 meditations are written and recorded by Colleen Thomas. Forward Day by Day is also a quarterly booklet produced and published by Forward Movement. Subscribe to the print edition, and explore more prayer podcasts, books, and blogs at forwardmovement.org.
Proverbs 3:1. September 2024 meditations are written and recorded by Colleen Thomas. Forward Day by Day is also a quarterly booklet produced and published by Forward Movement. Subscribe to the print edition, and explore more prayer podcasts, books, and blogs at forwardmovement.org.
Esther 1:17. September 2024 meditations are written and recorded by Colleen Thomas. Forward Day by Day is also a quarterly booklet produced and published by Forward Movement. Subscribe to the print edition, and explore more prayer podcasts, books, and blogs at forwardmovement.org.
Acts 16:40. September 2024 meditations are written and recorded by Colleen Thomas. Forward Day by Day is also a quarterly booklet produced and published by Forward Movement. Subscribe to the print edition, and explore more prayer podcasts, books, and blogs at forwardmovement.org.
Acts 16:18. September 2024 meditations are written and recorded by Colleen Thomas. Forward Day by Day is also a quarterly booklet produced and published by Forward Movement. Subscribe to the print edition, and explore more prayer podcasts, books, and blogs at forwardmovement.org.
Psalm 62:2. September 2024 meditations are written and recorded by Colleen Thomas. Forward Day by Day is also a quarterly booklet produced and published by Forward Movement. Subscribe to the print edition, and explore more prayer podcasts, books, and blogs at forwardmovement.org.
Acts 15:39. September 2024 meditations are written and recorded by Colleen Thomas. Forward Day by Day is also a quarterly booklet produced and published by Forward Movement. Subscribe to the print edition, and explore more prayer podcasts, books, and blogs at forwardmovement.org.
In this episode of "Everyday Magic for Ukraine," Colleen Thomas invites us to gently wake up our bodies and hearts through movement and music. We begin by tuning into our physical sensations, gradually awakening with breath and gentle motions. Then, we connect with our emotions, making room for both the light and heavy feelings within us. Colleen encourages us to listen to our favorite song as a way to further open our hearts and bodies. Join us in this mindful practice of self-care, celebrating the healing power of music and movement. If you don't have a favorite song at the ready, consider these options: Цей сон цей сон - Леся Нікітюк & Степан Гіга https://youtu.be/x8DOfGW86sQ?si=V1rJ_PgvFtFrxAeF Планета - СКАЙ https://youtu.be/UbghMNLpopc?si=h3bcq-wKeIAt24c8 Я буду йти - СКАЙ https://youtu.be/LOl7OK-sZEc?si=e7zphHUZBg_HD042 Welcome to Everyday Magic for Ukraine, the meditation podcast that supports you as you support Ukraine. Debuting at #37 in the US and #11 in Australia on Apple Podcasts, the show invites you to pause, unwind, and channel your inner strength towards Ukraine. Proud to be one of the top 100 Spirituality podcasts on Goodpods. Magic works best with action! See this list for Creative Ways to Support Ukraine: https://ever-changing.net/ukraine We'd love to hear the creative ways you are supporting Ukraine! Email us at shamepinata@gmail.com. _________________ Follow Everyday Magic for Ukraine → Show Website: https://dailymagicforpeace.com → Subscribe in Your Favorite Player: https://kite.link/daily-magic-for-peace → Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-magic-for-peace/id1613640092 → Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6My8jcSF7g7IURys9nSkHi → YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@shamepinata → RSS Feed: https://feeds.libsyn.com/405185/rss → Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everyday.magic.for.ukraine/ → Rate/Review: https://ever-changing.net/rate-dmp _________________ Ways to Listen → Add Everyday Magic for Ukraine to the end of your news playlist. → Listen first thing in the morning to start your day with hope. → Listen before sleep to relax. _________________ Everyday Magic for Ukraine is hosted by Ritual Artist Colleen Thomas, a Certified Meditation and Mindfulness teacher who helps people make sense of life through ceremony. Learn more at https://shamepinata.com Opening & Closing music by Terry Hughes. _________________ Disclaimers: https://ever-changing.net/disclaimer
Isaiah 50:8. September 2024 meditations are written and recorded by Colleen Thomas. Forward Day by Day is also a quarterly booklet produced and published by Forward Movement. Subscribe to the print edition, and explore more prayer podcasts, books, and blogs at forwardmovement.org.
John 12:32. September 2024 meditations are written and recorded by Colleen Thomas. Forward Day by Day is also a quarterly booklet produced and published by Forward Movement. Subscribe to the print edition, and explore more prayer podcasts, books, and blogs at forwardmovement.org.
John 11:32b. September 2024 meditations are written and recorded by Colleen Thomas. Forward Day by Day is also a quarterly booklet produced and published by Forward Movement. Subscribe to the print edition, and explore more prayer podcasts, books, and blogs at forwardmovement.org.
John 11:22. September 2024 meditations are written and recorded by Colleen Thomas. Forward Day by Day is also a quarterly booklet produced and published by Forward Movement. Subscribe to the print edition, and explore more prayer podcasts, books, and blogs at forwardmovement.org.
Acts 14:22a. September 2024 meditations are written and recorded by Colleen Thomas. Forward Day by Day is also a quarterly booklet produced and published by Forward Movement. Subscribe to the print edition, and explore more prayer podcasts, books, and blogs at forwardmovement.org.
Psalm 45:18a. September 2024 meditations are written and recorded by Colleen Thomas. Forward Day by Day is also a quarterly booklet produced and published by Forward Movement. Subscribe to the print edition, and explore more prayer podcasts, books, and blogs at forwardmovement.org.
John 10:29. September 2024 meditations are written and recorded by Colleen Thomas. Forward Day by Day is also a quarterly booklet produced and published by Forward Movement. Subscribe to the print edition, and explore more prayer podcasts, books, and blogs at forwardmovement.org.
In this episode of "Everyday Magic for Ukraine," Colleen Thomas gently guides us into a space where we can safely honor our sadness. Through grounding and compassionate presence, we explore the tender parts of our hearts, acknowledging and releasing the heavy emotions we often carry. This meditation invites us to be kind to ourselves, to hold space for our losses, and to recognize the healing power of tears. Join us in this compassionate practice, where your vulnerability becomes a source of strength and transformation, contributing to the healing of both yourself and our world. Welcome to Everyday Magic for Ukraine, the meditation podcast that supports you as you support Ukraine. Debuting at #37 in the US and #11 in Australia on Apple Podcasts, the show invites you to pause, unwind, and channel your inner strength towards Ukraine. Proud to be one of the top 100 Spirituality podcasts on Goodpods. Magic works best with action! See this list for Creative Ways to Support Ukraine: https://ever-changing.net/ukraine We'd love to hear the creative ways you are supporting Ukraine! Email us at shamepinata@gmail.com. _________________ Follow Everyday Magic for Ukraine → Show Website: https://dailymagicforpeace.com → Subscribe in Your Favorite Player: https://kite.link/daily-magic-for-peace → Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-magic-for-peace/id1613640092 → Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6My8jcSF7g7IURys9nSkHi → YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@shamepinata → RSS Feed: https://feeds.libsyn.com/405185/rss → Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everyday.magic.for.ukraine/ → Rate/Review: https://ever-changing.net/rate-dmp _________________ Ways to Listen → Add Everyday Magic for Ukraine to the end of your news playlist. → Listen first thing in the morning to start your day with hope. → Listen before sleep to relax. _________________ Everyday Magic for Ukraine is hosted by Ritual Artist Colleen Thomas, a Certified Meditation and Mindfulness teacher who helps people make sense of life through ceremony. Learn more at https://shamepinata.com Opening & Closing music by Terry Hughes. _________________ Disclaimers: https://ever-changing.net/disclaimer
James 2:1. September 2024 meditations are written and recorded by Colleen Thomas. Forward Day by Day is also a quarterly booklet produced and published by Forward Movement. Subscribe to the print edition, and explore more prayer podcasts, books, and blogs at forwardmovement.org.
John 10:16. September 2024 meditations are written and recorded by Colleen Thomas. Forward Day by Day is also a quarterly booklet produced and published by Forward Movement. Subscribe to the print edition, and explore more prayer podcasts, books, and blogs at forwardmovement.org.
Job 19:4. September 2024 meditations are written and recorded by Colleen Thomas. Forward Day by Day is also a quarterly booklet produced and published by Forward Movement. Subscribe to the print edition, and explore more prayer podcasts, books, and blogs at forwardmovement.org.
John 9:14. September 2024 meditations are written and recorded by Colleen Thomas. Forward Day by Day is also a quarterly booklet produced and published by Forward Movement. Subscribe to the print edition, and explore more prayer podcasts, books, and blogs at forwardmovement.org.
John 8:54. September 2024 meditations are written and recorded by Colleen Thomas. Forward Day by Day is also a quarterly booklet produced and published by Forward Movement. Subscribe to the print edition, and explore more prayer podcasts, books, and blogs at forwardmovement.org.
Acts 12:16. September 2024 meditations are written and recorded by Colleen Thomas. Forward Day by Day is also a quarterly booklet produced and published by Forward Movement. Subscribe to the print edition, and explore more prayer podcasts, books, and blogs at forwardmovement.org.
Job 12:13. September 2024 meditations are written and recorded by Colleen Thomas. Forward Day by Day is a quarterly booklet produced and published by Forward Movement. Explore more prayer podcasts, books, and blogs at forwardmovement.org.
Song of Solomon 2:10-11. September 2024 meditations are written and recorded by Colleen Thomas. Forward Day by Day is a quarterly booklet produced and published by Forward Movement. Explore more prayer podcasts, books, and blogs at forwardmovement.org.
In this episode of "Everyday Magic for Ukraine," Colleen Thomas invites us to honor the Western media professionals who work tirelessly to keep Ukraine in our hearts and minds. Through a guided meditation, we extend our gratitude and love to those who bring us crucial information from the front lines. Colleen highlights two exceptional podcasts, the BBC's "Ukrainecast" and The Telegraph's "Ukraine: The Latest," as examples of powerful journalism. Join us in this circle of compassion to support and protect the journalists who help us stay connected to the realities of war. Your energy and intention contribute to a stronger, more informed community. Ukrainecast (BBC): https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0bqztzm Ukraine: The Latest (The Telegraph): https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJnf_DDTfIVCYlsANGtNkzMeM9Fdmqzxr ______________________ Welcome to Everyday Magic for Ukraine, the meditation podcast that supports you as you support Ukraine. Debuting at #37 in the US and #11 in Australia on Apple Podcasts, the show invites you to pause, unwind, and channel your inner strength towards Ukraine. Proud to be one of the top 100 Spirituality podcasts on Goodpods. Magic works best with action! See this list for Creative Ways to Support Ukraine: https://ever-changing.net/ukraine We'd love to hear the creative ways you are supporting Ukraine! Email us at shamepinata@gmail.com. _________________ Follow Everyday Magic for Ukraine → Show Website: https://dailymagicforpeace.com → Subscribe in Your Favorite Player: https://kite.link/daily-magic-for-peace → Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-magic-for-peace/id1613640092 → Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6My8jcSF7g7IURys9nSkHi → YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@shamepinata → RSS Feed: https://feeds.libsyn.com/405185/rss → Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everyday.magic.for.ukraine/ → Rate/Review: https://ever-changing.net/rate-dmp _________________ Ways to Listen → Add Everyday Magic for Ukraine to the end of your news playlist. → Listen first thing in the morning to start your day with hope. → Listen before sleep to relax. _________________ Everyday Magic for Ukraine is hosted by Ritual Artist Colleen Thomas, a Certified Meditation and Mindfulness teacher who helps people make sense of life through ceremony. Learn more at https://shamepinata.com Music by Terry Hughes. _________________ Disclaimers: https://ever-changing.net/disclaimer
In this episode of "Everyday Magic for Ukraine," Colleen Thomas centers Ukrainian media voices, guiding us through a grounding exercise and then introducing valuable sources of Ukrainian news and perspectives. She highlights the Kyiv Independent, a robust source of clear reporting on what is happening right now in Ukraine. She shares her personal experience with the Kyiv Independent community and reflects on how it has enhanced her experience of being a western ally. Colleen also recommends the "Explaining Ukraine" podcast by Ukraine World, which provides insights into Ukraine's politics, culture, and history in multiple languages, and also "Ukraine Calling" with Brian Bonner, which offers in-depth interviews with newsmakers in Ukraine. Join us as we place these media voices in our circle, sending them love and protection to continue their crucial work safely. After the meditation, Colleen encourages listeners to engage with these sources, fostering a deeper connection and understanding of Ukraine's current situation. Your presence and energy make a significant impact in supporting and honoring the defenders and storytellers of Ukraine. Remember to breathe, expand your heart's capacity for compassion, and explore the resources listed below. Kyiv Independent: https://kyivindependent.com Kyiv Independent on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kyivindependent Explaining Ukraine: https://ukraineworld.org/en/podcasts Ukraine Calling: https://hromadske.radio/en/podcasts/ukraine-calling Magic works best with action! See this list for Creative Ways to Support Ukraine: https://ever-changing.net/ukraine We'd love to hear the creative ways you are supporting Ukraine! Email us at shamepinata@gmail.com. _________________ Follow Everyday Magic for Ukraine → Show Website: https://dailymagicforpeace.com → Subscribe in Your Favorite Player: https://kite.link/daily-magic-for-peace → Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-magic-for-peace/id1613640092 → Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6My8jcSF7g7IURys9nSkHi → Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5saWJzeW4uY29tLzQwNTE4NS9yc3M → YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@shamepinata → RSS Feed: https://feeds.libsyn.com/405185/rss → Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everyday.magic.for.ukraine/ → Rate/Review: https://ever-changing.net/rate-dmp _________________ Ways to Listen → Add Everyday Magic for Ukraine to the end of your news playlist. → Listen first thing in the morning to start your day with hope. → Listen before sleep to relax. _________________ Everyday Magic for Ukraine is hosted by Ritual Artist Colleen Thomas, a Certified Meditation and Mindfulness teacher who helps people make sense of life through ceremony. Learn more at https://shamepinata.com Music by Terry Hughes. _________________ Disclaimers: https://ever-changing.net/disclaimer
In this episode of "Everyday Magic for Ukraine," Colleen Thomas guides us through a deeply restorative meditation to honor the exhaustion of ongoing war. Join us in a circle of compassion as we take a moment to deeply rest and recharge, providing emotional and spiritual support to ourselves and to our friends in Ukraine who are experiencing chronic, constant stress. Colleen begins by guiding us into a comfortable resting position and leading us through gentle breathing and stretching exercises to relax our bodies and minds. We then focus on sending love and strength to our Ukrainian friends, acknowledging their profound exhaustion and offering our solidarity and support. Join us in this compassionate practice to honor and support those affected by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Your presence and energy make a significant impact in healing our world. Remember to breathe and find moments of rest today. Please subscribe to our channel for more meditative sessions and follow us on social media for updates. "Everyday Magic for Ukraine" is hosted by Ritual Artist Colleen Thomas, a Certified Meditation and Mindfulness teacher who helps people make sense of life through ceremony. Learn more at https://shamepinata.com. Music by Terry Hughes. Disclaimers: https://ever-changing.net/disclaimer ____________________________ Welcome to Everyday Magic for Ukraine, the meditation podcast that supports you as you support Ukraine. Debuting at #37 in the US and #11 in Australia on Apple Podcasts, the show invites you to pause, unwind, and channel your inner strength towards Ukraine. Proud to be one of the top 100 Spirituality podcasts on Goodpods. Magic works best with action! See this list for Creative Ways to Support Ukraine: https://ever-changing.net/ukraine We'd love to hear the creative ways you are supporting Ukraine! Email us at shamepinata@gmail.com. _________________ Follow Everyday Magic for Ukraine → Show Website: https://dailymagicforpeace.com → Subscribe in Your Favorite Player: https://kite.link/daily-magic-for-peace → Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-magic-for-peace/id1613640092 → Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6My8jcSF7g7IURys9nSkHi → Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5saWJzeW4uY29tLzQwNTE4NS9yc3M → YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@shamepinata → RSS Feed: https://feeds.libsyn.com/405185/rss → Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everyday.magic.for.ukraine/ → Rate/Review: https://ever-changing.net/rate-dmp _________________ Ways to Listen → Add Everyday Magic for Ukraine to the end of your news playlist. → Listen first thing in the morning to start your day with hope. → Listen before sleep to relax. _________________ Everyday Magic for Ukraine is hosted by Ritual Artist Colleen Thomas, a Certified Meditation and Mindfulness teacher who helps people make sense of life through ceremony. Learn more at https://shamepinata.com Music by Terry Hughes. _________________ Disclaimers: https://ever-changing.net/disclaimer
In this episode of "Everyday Magic for Ukraine," Colleen Thomas guides us through a powerful meditation to honor the first responders in Ukraine. In honor of the July 27 "Day of Medical Workers", we send spiritual support to those who are first on the scene providing essential, life-saving care. Join us in this compassionate practice to honor those who do their heroic work despite the unique challenges and dangers they face. Your presence and energy make a significant impact in healing our world. Remember to breathe and expand your heart's capacity for compassion. Please subscribe to our channel for more meditative sessions and follow us on social media for updates. "Everyday Magic for Ukraine" is hosted by Ritual Artist Colleen Thomas, a Certified Meditation and Mindfulness teacher who helps people make sense of life through ceremony. Learn more at https://shamepinata.com. Music by Terry Hughes. Disclaimers: https://ever-changing.net/disclaimer ______________________________ Welcome to Everyday Magic for Ukraine, the meditation podcast that supports you as you support Ukraine. Debuting at #37 in the US and #11 in Australia on Apple Podcasts, the show invites you to pause, unwind, and channel your inner strength towards Ukraine. Proud to be one of the top 100 Spirituality podcasts on Goodpods. Magic works best with action! See this list for Creative Ways to Support Ukraine: https://ever-changing.net/ukraine We'd love to hear the creative ways you are supporting Ukraine! Email us at shamepinata@gmail.com. _________________ Follow Everyday Magic for Ukraine → Show Website: https://dailymagicforpeace.com → Subscribe in Your Favorite Player: https://kite.link/daily-magic-for-peace → Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-magic-for-peace/id1613640092 → Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6My8jcSF7g7IURys9nSkHi → Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5saWJzeW4uY29tLzQwNTE4NS9yc3M → YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@shamepinata → RSS Feed: https://feeds.libsyn.com/405185/rss → Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everyday.magic.for.ukraine/ → Rate/Review: https://ever-changing.net/rate-dmp _________________ Ways to Listen → Add Everyday Magic for Ukraine to the end of your news playlist. → Listen first thing in the morning to start your day with hope. → Listen before sleep to relax. _________________ Everyday Magic for Ukraine is hosted by Ritual Artist Colleen Thomas, a Certified Meditation and Mindfulness teacher who helps people make sense of life through ceremony. Learn more at https://shamepinata.com Music by Terry Hughes. _________________ Disclaimers: https://ever-changing.net/disclaimer
Guest: Courtney OzovekMovement Artist, Choreographer, Collaborator, EducatorIn Episode 6, our talk with Courtney covers topics ranging from how higher education for dancers tends to focus on everything we do wrong, to the impact unspoken expectations can inflict on someone's decisions...to the difficulties of maintaining multiple roles within one body and how we handle major life moments that have the ability to disrupt how and when we are able to move forward. ***Activation Warning: We want to give you a heads up that we do touch on themes surrounding cancer, loss, death and suicide. Please take care of your body and thank you for being here.*** Courtney (she / her) is a dance artist, choreographer, and educator rooted in the Los Angeles and Orange County area. She currently dances with Keith Johnson Dancers but has been the founding member of BARE Dance Company, RhetOracle Dance Company, and Solevita Dance Company. She has enjoyed choreographing for A Chorus Line, West Side Story, Heathers, Merrily We Roll Along, The SpongeBob Musical, and Lizzie. Courtney's elaborate works have been featured in California, Arizona, Alaska, and Guantanamo Bay, as well as in shows at Universal Studios, Disneyland, and private corporate events. She earned her MFA in Dance from California State University, Long Beach and currently serves as a Professor of Dance at California State University, Fullerton. Courtney has collaborated with a number of notable dance artists to include Keith Johnson, Andrew Vaca, Rebecca Lemme, Rebecca Bryant, Colleen Thomas, Gladys Kares, Debra Noble, and Macarena Gandarillas. Follow & Support:IG: @cozovekIf you're in the area, check out Cal State Fullerton's production of "A Chorus Line" running November 9th - December 2nd, 2023. For more info / to purchase tickets, check out the link below.https://www.fullerton.edu/arts/theatre/events/season.phpSupport the Show.M.O.V.E. with Eileen + Amy is a Kaia Evolutions Podcast.New episodes air on Wednesdays when in season.To learn more about Eileen + Amy, be sure to follow them on instagram at @ekielty + @amyreah and keep up to date on the podcast at @movewitheileenandamy. For more information about Kaia Evolutions, a culmination of Eileen's life's work and a love letter to her sister, Katie, who died by suicide in 2019 - visit https://www.kaiaevolutions.com/ or follow on instagram at @kaia.evolutions If you want to share part of your dancer / movement artist journey with us, email us at movepod@kaiaevolutions.comThank you for moving with us.-Eileen + Amy*If you or anyone you know is in need of support, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800.273.8255 OR text 988. You are not alone.
Welcome back to season two of Opening Minds, Opening Hearts. We are your hosts, Colleen Thomas and Mark Dannenfelser and our hope this season is to open the door for you to explore more deeply this powerful practice of Centering Prayer. Each week we will talk with a guest from the contemplative community and unpack Father Thomas Keating's principle: “Contemplative Outreach is an evolving community with an expanding vision and deepening practice of Centering Prayer that serves the changing needs of Christian contemplatives.”To connect further with us:Visit our website: www.contemplativeoutreach.orgFind us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/contemplativeoutreachltd/Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/contemplativeoutreachCheck out our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/coutreachTo learn more about Father Thomas Keating's guidelines for service and principles visit www.contemplativeoutreach.org/vision.Season 2 of Opening Minds, Opening Hearts was made possible by a grant from the Trust for the Meditation Process, a charitable foundation encouraging meditation, mindfulness, and contemplative prayer. This episode of Opening Minds, Opening Hearts is produced by Crys & Tiana LLC www.crysandtiana.comStream and Download the Opening Minds, Opening Hearts Podcast NOW for FREE on Apple Podcast, Google, Amazon and Spotify!
Welcome back to season two of Opening Minds, Opening Hearts. Co-host Mark Dannenfelser and Colleen Thomas framed their conversation around one of Thomas Keating's guiding principles:“Contemplative Outreach is an evolving community with an expanding vision and deepening practice of Centering Prayer that serves the changing needs of Christian contemplatives.” Throughout the season, Mark and Colleen will unpack this principle with guests who are involved in the evolving contemplative community. To learn more about Father Thomas Keating's guidelines for service and principles visit www.contemplativeoutreach.org/vision. To connect further with us:Visit our website: www.contemplativeoutreach.orgFind us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/contemplativeoutreachltd/Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/contemplativeoutreachCheck out our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/coutreachTo learn more about Father Thomas Keating's guidelines for service and principles visit www.contemplativeoutreach.org/vision.Season 2 of Opening Minds, Opening Hearts was made possible by a grant from the Trust for the Meditation Process, a charitable foundation encouraging meditation, mindfulness, and contemplative prayer.This season of Opening Minds, Opening Hearts is produced by Crys & Tiana LLC www.crysandtiana.comStream and Download the Opening Minds, Opening Hearts Podcast NOW for FREE on Apple Podcast, Google, Amazon and Spotify!
Season 4 of Shame Piñata launches in February! Join us as we continue to explore the rites of passage we've missed and how we can creating new ones. Find the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Radio Public, or your favorite player. Music by Terry Hughes Seasons 1-3 are available to binge now! https://shamepinata.com Full Transcript Hi there, it's Colleen Thomas from Shame Piñata. We're back from haitus and ready to speak with more industry leaders in the rites of passage world. Sheldon: There are so many points along the life cycle, both visible and invisible, that deserve to be ritualized. Mandelberg: We get to choose what we desire and focus our energy on that. And that intentionality can change our entire lives. Find the show on your favorite player and go to shamepiñata.com to learn more.
We sit down with Colleen Thomas, mom, author and wife to Brandon Thomas, Graduate Assistant Football Coach for Clemson University. We chat about what it was like going from a player's significant other in college to the NFL to a coach's significant other in high school and now in college. We also talk about: The process of writing a children's book Raising kiddos in the sports industry Dealing with injuries as a football player's significant other Facing transition in the sports industry Juggling work and being a mom The difference between the NFL and college Purchase Colleen's book! Sign up for our in person event! Get to know Colleen! Connect with us! More Than a Season Instagram Get to know Ashley Get to know Brittany Visit our website: www.morethanaseasonpodcast.com Email us: morethanaseasonpodcast@gmail.com
We sit down with Colleen Thomas, mom, author and wife to Brandon Thomas, Graduate Assistant Football Coach for Clemson University. We chat about what it was like going from a player's significant other in college to the NFL to a coach's significant other in high school and now in college. We also talk about: The process of writing a children's book Raising kiddos in the sports industry Dealing with injuries as a football player's significant other Facing transition in the sports industry Juggling work and being a mom The difference between the NFL and college Purchase Colleen's book! Sign up for our in person event! Get to know Colleen! Connect with us! More Than a Season Instagram Get to know Ashley Get to know Brittany Visit our website: www.morethanaseasonpodcast.com Email us: morethanaseasonpodcast@gmail.com
Are you seeking to deepen your interior life through the practice of Centering Prayer? Do you have a desire to develop a closer connection to the divine as well as those around you? Opening Minds, Opening Hearts is a podcast for both the curious meditator and long-time practitioner of Centering Prayer. On each episode, hosts Colleen Thomas and Mark Dannenfelser will reflect on the method of Centering Prayer with some friends of Contemplative Outreach who share their personal experiences of encountering God through the prayer, and through their work in the world. Topics discussed will include New Monasticism, the value of silence, the practice of contemplation and the call to social action. Through this podcast, we hope to provide new perspectives on the future of this prayer in the rapidly changing spiritual and technological landscape. Centering Prayer is a practice and a gift and we are excited to share this blessing with our listeners.
Colleen Thomas is a ritual artist who helps people make sense of life through ceremony. She produces Shame Piñata, a podcast focusing on rites of passage. She also produces Daily Magic for Peace, a podcast sending positive energy to Ukraine. Learn more: https://ever-changing.net/you
Choreographer Colleen Thomas's work “Light and Desire” draws on themes of family history, social politics and her own experiences. She also calls it “an act of resistance,” pushing back against oppressive forces. It debuted at New York Live Arts in September 2021. Contributor Trina Mannino spoke with Thomas about the piece.UnSequenced is a podcast in which we discover the stories and emotions behind the movement. Each episode dives deep into the creative process with a choreographer, documenting what compels them as an artist, what drives their artistic decisions for a particular work, and what unexpected things come up along the way.
The first episode of Season 04 will be in your feed very soon. In a new season of UnSequenced, you'll hear from dance artists like Colleen Thomas, Sarah Friedland, Rosie Herrera and more!UnSequenced is a podcast in which we discover the stories and emotions behind the movement. Each episode dives deep into the creative process with a choreographer, documenting what compels them as an artist, what drives their artistic decisions for a particular work, and what unexpected things come up along the way.
Daily Magic for Peace offers a quick and simple way to focus your intentions, prayers, and actions toward healing the crisis in Ukraine. By gathering one or two items and joining the circle, you will help send positive energy to counterbalance injustice, anger, and fear. Music by Terry Hughes. https://ever-changing.net/daily-magic Listen here on Apple Podcasts & Spotify
Material Feels turns two today! We reflect on the anniversary, acknowledge some feels regarding V-Day and focus on our feature: "A Brunch to Acknowledge Heartbreak," my interview on Shame Piñata, a show about creative rites of passage for real-life transitions, hosted by Colleen Thomas. I share a story of how I created a ceremony that helped me through a break-up. Listen to Shame Piñata wherever you get your podcasts! :) Celebrate the Material Feels' anniversary and get 10% off anything at Waveform Ceramics, our Etsy shop. Promo code is VALENTINE. Please consider supporting the show through our Patreon! We appreciate you
Season 3 of Shame Piñata launches in February! Join us as we continue to explore the rites of passage we've missed and how we're creating new ones to mark how we're changing today. Find the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Radio Public, or your favorite player. Music by Terry Hughes Seasons 1 & 2 are available to binge now at https://shamepinata.com Full Transcript Hey there, it's Colleen Thomas. On Season 3 of Shame Piñata, I'll continue asking my favorite question: What's a rite of passage you wish you'd had? Venegoni: A ceremony I wish I could have had would be something along the lines of a coming out ceremony. Sodos: The rite of passage I really wish I had was my first moontime. Definitely. I think it would have shaped me as almost like a different person. Find the show on your favorite player or go to shamepiñata.com to learn more.
Today on Sojourner Truth: In a message to white supremacist organizations and leaders of the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, a jury in Charlottesville awarded more than $26 million in damages after finding the white nationalists who organized and participated in the violent rally liable on a state conspiracy claim and other claims. Our guest is Susan Bro, a resident of Virginia, who is the mother of Heather Heyer, the young woman who was killed on August 12, 2017, when a car plowed into a crowd of counter demonstrators who were protesting the Unite the Right rally. Millions of people across the United States are gearing up for an extended holiday weekend. Thanksgiving has been an official holiday in the United States since 1863. Most use the occasion to gather with friends and family. Others volunteer to serve meals to unhoused people. But to Indigenous peoples, it is a day of mourning. Our guest is Shannon Rivers, who is a Native American rights campaigner. We also speak about Christian nationalism with Colleen Thomas, a Washington, D.C. native and the co-convener of the Faith Working Group of the Los Angeles Poor People's Campaign.
Today on Sojourner Truth: In a message to white supremacist organizations and leaders of the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, a jury in Charlottesville awarded more than $26 million in damages after finding the white nationalists who organized and participated in the violent rally liable on a state conspiracy claim and other claims. Our guest is Susan Bro, a resident of Virginia, who is the mother of Heather Heyer, the young woman who was killed on August 12, 2017, when a car plowed into a crowd of counter demonstrators who were protesting the Unite the Right rally. Millions of people across the United States are gearing up for an extended holiday weekend. Thanksgiving has been an official holiday in the United States since 1863. Most use the occasion to gather with friends and family. Others volunteer to serve meals to unhoused people. But to Indigenous peoples, it is a day of mourning. Our guest is Shannon Rivers, who is a Native American rights campaigner. We also speak about Christian nationalism with Colleen Thomas, a Washington, D.C. native and the co-convener of the Faith Working Group of the Los Angeles Poor People's Campaign.
Today on Sojourner Truth: In a message to white supremacist organizations and leaders of the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, a jury in Charlottesville awarded more than $26 million in damages after finding the white nationalists who organized and participated in the violent rally liable on a state conspiracy claim and other claims. Our guest is Susan Bro, a resident of Virginia, who is the mother of Heather Heyer, the young woman who was killed on August 12, 2017, when a car plowed into a crowd of counter demonstrators who were protesting the Unite the Right rally. Millions of people across the United States are gearing up for an extended holiday weekend. Thanksgiving has been an official holiday in the United States since 1863. Most use the occasion to gather with friends and family. Others volunteer to serve meals to unhoused people. But to Indigenous peoples, it is a day of mourning. Our guest is Shannon Rivers, who is a Native American rights campaigner. We also speak about Christian nationalism with Colleen Thomas, a Washington, D.C. native and the co-convener of the Faith Working Group of the Los Angeles Poor People's Campaign.
Today on Sojourner Truth: In a message to white supremacist organizations and leaders of the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, a jury in Charlottesville awarded more than $26 million in damages after finding the white nationalists who organized and participated in the violent rally liable on a state conspiracy claim and other claims. Our guest is Susan Bro, a resident of Virginia, who is the mother of Heather Heyer, the young woman who was killed on August 12, 2017, when a car plowed into a crowd of counter demonstrators who were protesting the Unite the Right rally. Millions of people across the United States are gearing up for an extended holiday weekend. Thanksgiving has been an official holiday in the United States since 1863. Most use the occasion to gather with friends and family. Others volunteer to serve meals to unhoused people. But to Indigenous peoples, it is a day of mourning. Our guest is Shannon Rivers, who is a Native American rights campaigner. We also speak about Christian nationalism with Colleen Thomas, a Washington, D.C. native and the co-convener of the Faith Working Group of the Los Angeles Poor People's Campaign.
Today on Sojourner Truth: In a message to white supremacist organizations and leaders of the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, a jury in Charlottesville awarded more than $26 million in damages after finding the white nationalists who organized and participated in the violent rally liable on a state conspiracy claim and other claims. Our guest is Susan Bro, a resident of Virginia, who is the mother of Heather Heyer, the young woman who was killed on August 12, 2017, when a car plowed into a crowd of counter demonstrators who were protesting the Unite the Right rally. Millions of people across the United States are gearing up for an extended holiday weekend. Thanksgiving has been an official holiday in the United States since 1863. Most use the occasion to gather with friends and family. Others volunteer to serve meals to unhoused people. But to Indigenous peoples, it is a day of mourning. Our guest is Shannon Rivers, who is a Native American rights campaigner. We also speak about Christian nationalism with Colleen Thomas, a Washington, D.C. native and the co-convener of the Faith Working Group of the Los Angeles Poor People's Campaign.
Today on Sojourner Truth: In a message to white supremacist organizations and leaders of the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, a jury in Charlottesville awarded more than $26 million in damages after finding the white nationalists who organized and participated in the violent rally liable on a state conspiracy claim and other claims. Our guest is Susan Bro, a resident of Virginia, who is the mother of Heather Heyer, the young woman who was killed on August 12, 2017, when a car plowed into a crowd of counter demonstrators who were protesting the Unite the Right rally. Millions of people across the United States are gearing up for an extended holiday weekend. Thanksgiving has been an official holiday in the United States since 1863. Most use the occasion to gather with friends and family. Others volunteer to serve meals to unhoused people. But to Indigenous peoples, it is a day of mourning. Our guest is Shannon Rivers, who is a Native American rights campaigner. We also speak about Christian nationalism with Colleen Thomas, a Washington, D.C. native and the co-convener of the Faith Working Group of the Los Angeles Poor People's Campaign.
Today on Sojourner Truth: In a message to white supremacist organizations and leaders of the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, a jury in Charlottesville awarded more than $26 million in damages after finding the white nationalists who organized and participated in the violent rally liable on a state conspiracy claim and other claims. Our guest is Susan Bro, a resident of Virginia, who is the mother of Heather Heyer, the young woman who was killed on August 12, 2017, when a car plowed into a crowd of counter demonstrators who were protesting the Unite the Right rally. Millions of people across the United States are gearing up for an extended holiday weekend. Thanksgiving has been an official holiday in the United States since 1863. Most use the occasion to gather with friends and family. Others volunteer to serve meals to unhoused people. But to Indigenous peoples, it is a day of mourning. Our guest is Shannon Rivers, who is a Native American rights campaigner. We also speak about Christian nationalism with Colleen Thomas, a Washington, D.C. native and the co-convener of the Faith Working Group of the Los Angeles Poor People's Campaign.
Today on Sojourner Truth: In a message to white supremacist organizations and leaders of the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, a jury in Charlottesville awarded more than $26 million in damages after finding the white nationalists who organized and participated in the violent rally liable on a state conspiracy claim and other claims. Our guest is Susan Bro, a resident of Virginia, who is the mother of Heather Heyer, the young woman who was killed on August 12, 2017, when a car plowed into a crowd of counter demonstrators who were protesting the Unite the Right rally. Millions of people across the United States are gearing up for an extended holiday weekend. Thanksgiving has been an official holiday in the United States since 1863. Most use the occasion to gather with friends and family. Others volunteer to serve meals to unhoused people. But to Indigenous peoples, it is a day of mourning. Our guest is Shannon Rivers, who is a Native American rights campaigner. We also speak about Christian nationalism with Colleen Thomas, a Washington, D.C. native and the co-convener of the Faith Working Group of the Los Angeles Poor People's Campaign.
Today on Sojourner Truth: In a message to white supremacist organizations and leaders of the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, a jury in Charlottesville awarded more than $26 million in damages after finding the white nationalists who organized and participated in the violent rally liable on a state conspiracy claim and other claims. Our guest is Susan Bro, a resident of Virginia, who is the mother of Heather Heyer, the young woman who was killed on August 12, 2017, when a car plowed into a crowd of counter demonstrators who were protesting the Unite the Right rally. Millions of people across the United States are gearing up for an extended holiday weekend. Thanksgiving has been an official holiday in the United States since 1863. Most use the occasion to gather with friends and family. Others volunteer to serve meals to unhoused people. But to Indigenous peoples, it is a day of mourning. Our guest is Shannon Rivers, who is a Native American rights campaigner. We also speak about Christian nationalism with Colleen Thomas, a Washington, D.C. native and the co-convener of the Faith Working Group of the Los Angeles Poor People's Campaign.
Today on Sojourner Truth: In a message to white supremacist organizations and leaders of the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, a jury in Charlottesville awarded more than $26 million in damages after finding the white nationalists who organized and participated in the violent rally liable on a state conspiracy claim and other claims. Our guest is Susan Bro, a resident of Virginia, who is the mother of Heather Heyer, the young woman who was killed on August 12, 2017, when a car plowed into a crowd of counter demonstrators who were protesting the Unite the Right rally. Millions of people across the United States are gearing up for an extended holiday weekend. Thanksgiving has been an official holiday in the United States since 1863. Most use the occasion to gather with friends and family. Others volunteer to serve meals to unhoused people. But to Indigenous peoples, it is a day of mourning. Our guest is Shannon Rivers, who is a Native American rights campaigner. We also speak about Christian nationalism with Colleen Thomas, a Washington, D.C. native and the co-convener of the Faith Working Group of the Los Angeles Poor People's Campaign.
Today's guest is Colleen Thomas. Colleen is a New York-based choreographer, scholar, teacher, and performing artist. She is the director of Colleen Thomas Dance, co-director of Bill Young/Colleen Thomas Co., and co-curator for LIT (loft into theater). She began her professional career with the Miami Ballet and went on to work with renowned contemporary choreographers such as The Kevin Wynn Collection, Nina Wiener Dance Company, Donald Byrd/The Group, Bebe Miller Dance Company, and Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company, among others. Her work has been seen throughout the United States as well as in Europe, Asia, and South America and has been presented in NYC at Danspace Project, Movement Research at Judson Memorial Church, Dance Theatre Workshop/New York Live Arts, and La MaMa MOVES! Dance Festival, to name just a few. She is currently a Professor of Professional Practice at Barnard College of Columbia University. For more on this podcast: Movers & Shapers: A Dance Podcast
Join me with ritualist and fellow podcaster Colleen Thomas in the realm of ritual-building. We explore how ritual and ceremony operate as a storytelling tool, a container for big emotions and a creative practice with a wide range of materials. This episode can get a little intense, and asks us to go to a vulnerable place. I discuss a range of mental health topics including suicidal ideation; coincidentally, this month is National Suicide Prevention Month. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal ideation or intent, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 at 800-273-8255. Show notes at www.materialfeelspodcast.com.
https://www.patreon.com/mechoradio (Support us on Patreon) https://www.mechoradio.com/ (Listen to other MeCHo Radio podcast.) Today, I am joined by Colleen Thomas. Colleen Thomas: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/shame-pinata-991692 (Shame Piñata) My Wax Museum: https://ratethispodcast.com/wax (Rate & Review) https://www.instagram.com/mywaxmuseum/ (Instagram) https://www.twitter.com/mywaxmuseum/ (Twitter) https://www.patreon.com/mechoradio (Patreon) Credits: Host: https://www.alexwilliamns.com/ (Alex Williamns) Guest: Colleen Thomas Music: https://www.instagram.com/jspr_productions127/ (Tanner Larson) Remember to make 5 minutes today to listen intently to the people around you.
Laura Osterhaus Rosenstone is a movement artist and educator, born and raised in the Midwest. Across all modes of creating, she strives to connect with and listen to people. While pursuing her bachelor's degree in dance and fashion studies at the University of Minnesota—Twin Cities, Laura had the opportunity to perform the work of modern/contemporary dance choreographers Nora Chipaumire, Gregory Dolbashian, Maurya Kerr, and Garth Fagan among others. As a member of Zenon Dance Company in Minneapolis 2016-2019, Laura performed the work of Danny Buraczeski, Michelle Boulé, Kyle Abraham, Colleen Thomas, Sam Kim and others choreographers throughout Minnesota and across the country. Laura is also grateful to be a member of creative trio, Kelvin Wailey, in addition to her on-screen and live performance roles alongside musical artists for John Mark Creative.As the founder and artistic director of Slo Dance Company, she collaborates with an ever-evolving group of artists to build performance work seeded in slowness, focused on embracing the rich process of intimate relationship-building and developing collective awareness that challenges perception of time. Laura is currently pursuing her Masters of Fine Arts as a Teaching Fellow at Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts.
In the words of Nick Venegoni, “Initiation is a moment when you can step into the next level of power.” Nick compares initiation to leveling up, like in gaming. You gain a new power. What if this is true? What if we can reframe the challenges in our lives as initiations that not only help us get through the hard moments but also help us to level up? Links: The Queer Spirit Podcast Website Facebook Twitter Instagram Rate This Podcast Music by Terry Hughes Full Transcript In the words of Nick Venegoni, “Initiation is a moment when you can step into the next level of power.” Nick compares initiation to leveling up, like in gaming. You gain a new power. What if this is true? What if we can reframe the challenges in our lives as initiations that not only help us get through the hard moments but also help us to level up? This is Shame Piñata. I’m Colleen Thomas. Welcome to Shame Piñata, where we talk about creating rites of passage for real-life transitions. Today we are going to explore a recent conversation I had with Nick Venegoni. Nick has been a guest on Shame Piñata and hosts his own show called The Queer Spirit Podcast. The Queer Spirit Podcast highlights conversations with artists, healers & activists who enliven, heal & empower the LGBTQ+ communities. In the following episode of The Queer Spirit Podcast you will hear a discussion focusing on ritual, initiation and change. Topics covered include the ritual I created to honor the 10 year anniversary of my father's passing, the first ritual I ever did, how rituals help us make sense of change and the power of initiation. We will also touch on coming out as one of the biggest queer initiations, my own coming out story and also, the story behind the name of the Shame Pinata podcast. Stay tuned through the end of Nick's show for a preview of what's coming on Shame Piñata this summer. And now, The Queer Spirit Podcast. Venegoni: Welcome to The Queer Spirit Podcast. I'm your host, Nick Venegoni. Here we have conversations with artists, healers, and activists who enliven the LGBTQ+ communities, and who empower our queer spirits to flourish. Before we get started with the interview, if you haven't heard, I've started a Patreon account for the podcast. Patreon is a way for you to help support the show and get special rewards in return such as a thank you shout out on the show, and an enameled button with the queer spirit logo. This year, I've also added access to videos of the podcast interviews and a free monthly live virtual sound bath. If you'd like to join in supporting the show, just go to patreon.com/queerspirit. You can also find the link in the show notes. Any Patreon funds remaining after the basic production costs will be donated to nonprofit supporting diverse queer communities. Once again that link is patreon.com/queerspirit. Thanks for your consideration. Venegoni: My guest today is Colleen Thomas. Colleen is a ritual artist and independent audio producer her podcast Shame Piñata focuses on creating rites of passage for real life transitions. Today we talk about the importance of ritual as a container and support for big and small changes in our lives. Colleen shares how she discovered the power of ritual to help her feel supported through life's challenges. She also shares some examples of the ways people have honored their relationships from the stories heard on her podcast. Find Colleen and her show at shamepinata.com. Venegoni: Hi, Colleen, welcome to the show. Thomas: Hi, Nick, it's so good to be here with you. Venegoni: Yeah, I'm excited to talk a little bit more about your podcast, having recently been a guest on it myself and share a little bit more about the vision that you're bringing out into the world. But before we do that, I wonder if you can just tell us a little bit about what inspired you to start a podcast about rites of passage? Thomas: Sure. Well, I guess it's sort of a roundabout answer. I have a very strong interest in radio and working in radio in some capacity, which there's a story around that too. But I'll just stick with this story. I was offered an internship with a local radio station and was so excited about it. But then I also started a new day job that exact same moment and I couldn't do both because one was 40 hours a week, and one was 20 hours a week and I was going to have a three hour a day commute so there's no way it was gonna fit! And so after about a year of getting my feet settled at the new job and learning all the new things with the commute and all the changes, life change, I found an audio coach and she helped me figure out a podcast project because I just wanted to be doing something. And I really wanted it to be about performance art, because I'm very interested in performance art and developing myself as a performance artist. But she said, “You keep telling me amazing stories about ritual.” And I decided… first I was like, “No… ritual... yeah, I do that all the time. I want to do this new thing.” And she's like, “No, no, I really think about it.” And then I thought about it and then I decided, “Yes, this is a thing. This is an important piece of my life. I have a master's degree in spirituality, I've put a lot of thought and energy into it. And I love to design ritual,” so I decided to make that the focus of the show. Venegoni: Great. So what is your history and your background with… or your just... your relationship with a ritual in general? Thomas: Well, I was an only child, I am an only child, so when I was a kid, I did a lot of things on my own. So I think a lot of my creativity comes from that. My friends say that I'm like, the most creative person they know. I'm like, sort of... that's like, “Oh, you're so creative.” They always say that. So I think I kind of had that already. And make believe it's been a really big part of my life, you know, I can see... I can entertain myself, I'm fine on my own. And I was religious when I was a kid but I wasn't... I guess really wasn't spiritual until I had sort of an awakening after college when I realized that my moon flow was a very sacred thing for me. And the time of the menstruation became a very big spiritual practice for me. And that led me to a school in Oakland, California, Matthew Fox's University of Creation Spirituality... well, that sort of spiritual, that awakening spirituality and me led me there. And then I got to focus on the blood mysteries for my master's thesis. So I got to really delve into the concept of the Red Tent during that time. And just sort of around that time, I just started, you know, honoring the new moon and the full moon and creating ritual for this and that and I just began to realize that rites of passage are super important, like whenever anything is going on in my life that you know is a little difficult or challenging, or I want my community around me... or it's usually for me, always things that nobody would understand. So like there's no ceremony for this weird thing is happening in my life, so I'm gonna have to create it. So that's kind of what prompted creating ceremony. Venegoni: Yeah. And for you what is important about creating some kind of ritual or ceremony for these strange or unique or significant things that are happening in your life? Thomas: Well, they're important, and they're usually scary and new, and I don't want to be alone in them. And they're all really important moments. And I guess it's basically I don't want to be alone. Venegoni: And even if it's something that's just happening to you, can you just share like how, by doing ritual, you don't feel alone? Thomas: Well, I usually do it in community. So that's kind of a built-in way. I do ritual by myself but lately, it's been more in community. I guess, what I do mostly when I'm alone, is I'm often planning something that I'm doing in community. So bringing people together... I just had a big ritual for myself about a month ago on the anniversary of my father's death, the 10 year anniversary of my father's death, honoring another step I felt I had taken in my own healing from that relationship. And it was really healing for me to plan it and to sense into what was changing exactly, and it was several things. And to honor... to figure out where those things wanted to go and exactly what would honor them. And exactly, then how would I bring community into that? And like, what would that look like? And it involved some jewelry, presenting myself with jewelry [LAUGHS] This is a typical theme for me - I have a whole bunch of significant jewelry. And I picked people to present me with the pieces. And those people, I gave them the full lowdown, “This is exactly what this means, and let's work together on how you will present this to me, you know, in ritual space.” And then I had... I also invited everybody to that particular ritual to bring something. So it's very important for me to have everybody's voice in the circle. And so everybody brought some kind of reading. Everybody got involved in some way. And the beauty of that is that at first I thought, “Oh, I'll just send out… please read that.” And then I was getting some… “Oh, that doesn't resonate with me... that doesn't… that feels weird”, or, you know, or “Can I read this?” and that was kind of I didn't want that. But then it actually turned into this really much deeper and richer involvement of each person so that they really showed up with this thing that meant something to them and then they contributed. So then it was like we were weaving, constantly weaving, this circle deeper and stronger with all of us. And it ultimately helped me achieve one of my big goals with ceremony, which is even if it's for me, for everybody to get something out of it as much as that's possible. And everybody always says things like, “Oh, you did this for us. This isn't for you, you engineered this for us” you know… It's like I'm always really happy when they they feel that way about it. Yeah, Venegoni: Yeah. Yeah. And you've used a word that I really resonate with when I think about ritual, which is weaving. You know, in pagan communities, when we talk about spellcrafting, we talk about weaving a spell. But even for those who don't resonate with the word spell, I do think even in ritual, particularly with other people, that there's this way that it feels woven together, like we all have a little a part of it, you know. I think about this idea of like the maypole at Beltane when people... everyone's holding on to a ribbon and they're all dancing together, and they're weaving this beautiful pattern around the pole. Or even if you're alone, and you are working with Spirit or other Deities, there's a way in which they are working with you and they're weaving this ritual with you together. And it could be the image I'm getting right now is, you know, weaving a blanket of protection or comfort around you if there's grief or sorrow, or some challenge happening. But the.. I really like that image and that sense of weaving. Do you have a special memory of one of your own rites of passage? I mean, you just mentioned this one about the anniversary of your father's death. But I wonder if there's something in particular maybe even like the first one that felt significant to you that really felt like, “Oh, this is for me, I'm really, you know, this works for me better than, you know, maybe this other religion that I was raised”? Thomas: Hmm. Well, I had a period of my life when I was just first in college, I met a woman who was a bi witch. And those both were new concepts to me - like as them as being legitimate was new to me. Like I had heard of bisexual people in my life, but it was always with, “Oh, yeah, that person is a little confused...” You know, like, it was never like, “Oh, that person's bi and they're cool.” or, “They're just a person”, you know, like, it was always like, there was a caveat that it was like - bad. And even from my gay friends that's what I was hearing. And later when I came out to some of my gay friends as bi, they were kind of like, “Oh, I'm sorry.” and I was like, “Just stop it!” So... but she was bi and so that was a little challenge for me, too. Like, you know, like, “Oh wait, she's really amazing” reprogramming you know, my brain. And then she was a witch and something about her being both challenged me in those ways at the same time. And I think I was always a witch and just didn't know it. When I was six or four or something like that, my mom made me a bad witch costume. The Wizard of Oz was big in our house. So she made me the bad witch costume. And the next year, she made me the Good Witch costume. And then I just, I literally wore them every year. I rotated the Good Witch, Bad Witch, Good Witch, just like and… I liked the Good Witch costume a little bit better because it had a like a princess... the hat was turned into like a princess hat and it had like a big piece of taffeta hanging down off the point, you know, so it sort of swirled around me. And so that felt very pretty to me, and soft, and blue was very blue. But other than that I didn't have a preference of the Good Witch, Bad Witch. And so I just feel like then later meeting this woman in college and realizing what being a witch meant to her being a pagan, earth based spirituality and learning what that was, that just felt like, wow, that makes so much more sense than, you know, the way I was trained to learn all the Christian things I was raised with. Those always felt very important to me, but I've never understood them and spent a fair amount of time banging my head against the wall trying to get them in. And it just never really it never fit. It never exactly made sense to me. And so then I met her and then I sort of moved into that space. And so that freshman year, I remember the spring of my freshman year in college, I remember, that was like a real time of awakening. And I was surrounding myself with pagan learnings and pagan experiences. And I had one, I don't usually refer to them as spells. Now, like you mentioned that word, I don't really resonate with that word. But when I first came to it, that word was used a lot. And so I was sort of involved in that word. And my first spell I did was it was this, like, “Let me be healthy and green. Love myself. Love the planet…” It was very, like, very, it was very good witchy! under a tree. And I just sort of like I read something out of a book, which is totally not the way I operate. Now, like I would never read something out of a book or a spell now, because it's like, “Wait, now what does that mean? And what was the intention behind that?” and I'm not going to read out of a book unless I really love it. But I was, you know, under this tree reading this spell, and it was something about having a green cord and tying it on a tree or something. And it was just basically a prayer. It was very simple. But I remember that as being a very profound moment of me moving into this nature-based place that felt so empowering and so lush and so real and immediate. Venegoni: So one of the things that you sort of tagline in your podcast as you want to talk to people about how rituals help us make a sense of change. And we sort of touched on that a little bit. But I'm curious, both through your own experience, and through the interviews you've had with people, like, how do rituals help us make sense of change? Thomas: Well, early on in my show, one of my guests, Betty Ray, she said, “Rituals help us create a container to hold the powerful emotions that come with change.” And that really, like I was like, Yeah. Like all my guests have been putting words to these things I've been feeling all this time and that is exactly… to me... that resonates for me. Because... if the other thing that I've been noticing is like if I'm developing this theory that we can handle change, and change is a very constant thing, but we don't like it. And we like to just tick tick tick tick along like normal and like, “Okay, I'm good if this like, you know, all these things in my life stay the same, and it's good, I'm good.” But then like something happens, then I go into this place of, “Oh!” and upset and fear. And it's like strong emotions. Basically like boom, strong emotions! So then maybe that's a situation... problems, not all of them. But maybe that's a situation where a ritual could help. You know, I was brainstorming last night, my next episode, which I'm thinking about calling, like, Do you need a ceremony? Or is it time for ceremony? Or how do you know you need to ceremony or something like that. And I was thinking about all the changes in our lives that happened, and maybe which ones of them, you know, how do we know if we want to ceremony around this or not? Like, like, if I need to move, maybe I don't have time for a ceremony because I'm busy moving so like, sorry, you know. But if somebody is that I love is sick and I can't be with them, maybe that's a perfect time for ceremony for myself, or to gather people around me to sit with me while I hold space for them, you know, across the miles or whatever is challenging. We can feel into like, “Would something be helpful? Would it be helpful to create a container for these emotions? Or would it just be helpful to like, write them all down in a journal and like, just put them somewhere?” You know, like, it doesn't have to be, you know, a zoom call with friends or people in my living room or you know, it doesn't have to be a big thing. It could be a very small, intentional act to help deal with a situation. Yeah. Venegoni: And I know that something You and I had discussed on your show a little bit was the concept of initiation. And I'm curious, you know, what sort of your ideas are about initiation, what initiation means, particularly in the construct of a ritual? Thomas: Well, you were the one who said that on my show, I thought it was Thom, but it was you. And it was really a magical moment for me when you said that I was like, “Oh, my gosh, this is that's exactly…” Like I had been framing it like that, like, when I think of initiation, I tend to think of, you know, Imbolc, or, you know, joining a group and, you know, going through something... being initiated into, like, a coven or something official like that, like… Not just like, “Oh, I'm going into phase 27A of my life now” You know, and, or my relationship now, right? And so that's an initiation. So like that, that just struck me as like, wow, that's beautiful way to put it, because, especially if something is coming up that I don't want, you know, like, this thing is like, “Oh god, this horrible thing is happening in my life!” Like, you know, how, yes, I'm changing, I'm being forced to change in this moment. How can I reframe this as an initiation? Or how is it initiation, or what I want to claim and is one now, like, and what's being ignited in me what's being birthed in me and needing to deal with this change, right? And then, of course, the we can, you know, becoming 40, becoming 50, becoming 60, getting married, having a baby, all those things, you know, initiations into a new phase of life, it just seems to me like using that word initiation makes it, it just feels really different than saying, “I'm going into a hard thing or changing in some way.” Venegoni: Well, what I'm thinking about right now, as we talked about, is if you just take the word initiate, usually to initiate something means that you are doing it of your own volition. You know, you've talked about some of these other things that just kind of happen that we don't have control over like death, or the cycles of our body… you know, those kinds of things that often we know that they're going to come but we have to just prepare and deal with it and so let's just create this container to have to work through it more easily. But to initiate something means that you are doing it because you have to. So that was just something I just thought of now is like that's a way to sort of take the power back. And that's also the way that I think about initiation. So it's a moment when you can step into the next level of power. You know, if you think about it from a sort of gaming perspective, it's a level up. You gain a new power, and what is that power? And how do you really sink into that and hold that? Or what is that new tool that you may acquire through this process of the ritual and what comes after that? Thomas: Yeah, definitely. Yeah, I think so too. It's like a choice. Yeah. Venegoni: And in our culture, you know, there are certain things especially from a religious perspective that we do initiate ourselves, you know, as you've talked... mentioned, and you talk about on your podcast is weddings and baptism and other things. But, you know, I also talked to people about like an initiation, like a graduation as an initiation. Thomas: Definitely. Venegoni: You know, you are completing something, you are gaining this certificate or this diploma, that's gonna give you power and allow you to, you know, level up in your career or in your work or whatever it is that you do, and you can bring that out into the world. Thomas: Yeah, they often call it matriculation. You know, I had a situation in my school where somebody didn't have a diploma because they had matriculated; they were in a different system. They were like, “Well, you didn't graduate.” It's like... it’s the same thing! Yeah, but that word has like going on, that means going on finishing. So it's like it's a different way of... we call it graduation, but it's really matriculation, which is going on. Venegoni: Yeah, yeah. And as I think I talked about on your show, and I'll just mention it again here for folks, as I think one of the biggest initiations that queer folks go through is coming out, you know, coming out in terms of your sexuality or your gender identity. And it's also something that, you know, a lot of queer people... we have to continue to come out to more and more people as we move on and, and that there is a way in which it's looked at as something scary, or, you know, because it can be a significant change for people if their family or their community or their loved ones are not accepting that, they could be rejected or abandoned. But there's also a claiming of power that can happen with that too, like I'm stepping more fully into my truth and who I am. And there may be some big changes that happen that I don't have control over. But what are the ways that I can take this forward with more power and feel more solid and myself? Thomas: Definitely. Definitely. I feel like the coming out stories are very powerful to hear. And when we go to that place and queer community where people share their coming out stories, it's like... it's that deep, powerful sharing that happens within a group where everybody in the group, you know, gets it. And they've all got their own, like really deep well from it. And there's just a very personal place. And so obviously, hearing coming out stories for anybody would be powerful, hopefully. But within the community, it's like... it's all kind of like... it's just so much. It's so powerful. Venegoni: Yeah. Now, I've noticed that on your podcast, you've had a fair number of episodes where you talk about weddings. And I understand because that's probably the most common, you know, whether or not people are spiritual or religious, they still go through that ritual of a wedding, even if it's just going to the courthouse and signing a document. There's still something ritualistic about it. But I'm curious to know, like, if you've learned anything interesting or unique by talking to so many different people about their weddings, or, you know, if weddings have taken on a new meaning for you, now that you've heard so many different stories about it? Thomas: Well, I chose weddings as a focus for season one, because I thought, just like you said, it could be a good entry point for folks and I thought I might stick with a theme for each season going forward. And then I decided that I didn't know I could get enough stories about like coming of age for season two, or whatever. So maybe I just needed to kind of go generic, but I wanted that to be an entry point for people. And I talked about two different sorts of ideas behind rites of passage on the show. One is the ones that there are and there aren't party decorations for. That’s kind of the way I see it, like, there are party decorations for weddings, and graduations, and well... not exactly funerals, but that's accepted as like, you know, a rite of passage or community time around a significant change. And then there's the personal ones, like the one I'm talking with my father, you know, the 10 year anniversary of my father’s passing, like, there’s no party decorations for that, right? So I got to create it myself. So I sort of want to have those two branches constantly in the show, right? So… but to your question about learning about weddings, I've just been inspired by people who have done it their way, which is kind of... and I have sought out those people. “You did it your way. Come talk to me!” you know… And your handfasting with Thom resonated so much with what I did, in my own experience, with my husband. It was like pretty much... we did a very similar thing of involving the community, being married by everybody. We invited, you know, big, huge ritual, you know, in a big space, big… nobody's sitting in chairs, everybody's super involved the entire two hours, you know, like so it was a really... it was a joy to speak with the two of you, because it resonated so strongly with my experience which I still have so much good feeling about. You know, and there was one interview with Betsy Weiss, she and her partner, Brandon, they had not gotten married, they had a ceremony which was not a marriage. And that was so she could be connected with her family before her mother passed. So it was as if they were getting married - it was sort of hard to conceptualize. And her aunts like had to make centerpieces because they didn't know what to do. They were like, “We're gonna make centerpieces!” you know, we're just like… “Okay, you're not getting married, but we're gonna make centerpieces…” because it was such a hard time for the family and her mother was passing away. But it was like... they did a wedding right before her mother died but they consciously did not get married. And they had one everybody understand that, and everybody was really confused. But like, they did exactly what they wanted. In the end, everybody kind of got it, you know, and they had this lovely... different levels of the ceremony where the deeper ceremony was very intimate, it was just the family. And then they had like, another level where they had was sort of like a reception, but it was like a gathering of more people. And then another gathering of more people, like sequentially throughout the day not like another day. And it was just really beautiful, the way that they involved everybody at different levels, you know, in different ways around the ceremony that was super meaningful to them that people really didn't get, but they showed up for anyway. And they were just kind of trusting, “I think this is what you want…” you know, like… So it was just … that was the most unique one. But they've all been super inspiring in terms of everybody doing it their own way. And really, it's kind of soul searching in the process, because a lot of people in the interview share their process with me, you know, how did you get from here to there, you know, and taking it apart and really finding what sparked for them, you know, what does this need to be for us? How do we make it happen? Venegoni: Yeah, I mean, one of the things that I like about that, and what you've sort of mentioned before, is that with ritual, it can usually be a lot more, a lot richer and more special if you are making it your own. You know, you talked about the first ritual that you did that you just kind of read out of the book, and you're like, “I don't really know, but I don't know how to do this. I'm just going to read something out of a book”, but now you only create it yourself. And that's one of the things that I talked to a lot of queer folks About especially queer couples or people who are in any kind of relationship, and they're like, “Well, I don't know if I want to get married…” or even if they do get married, like how they structure their relationship itself. It's like, you get to make it what you want. And I think that that something's unique that straight people can do too and they just don't think about it or know it. They just feel like, “Oh, I have to follow this formula,” you know? But you can make the ritual what you want it to be. It doesn't have to look like it looks in the wedding magazines or on TV, or that you can make your relationship look how you want it to look. And so, you know, that's just one of the things I think is really important to get across to all people, you know, just to keep sharing that. So I really like that, you know, that they created this unique thing for themselves. And like, this is not a wedding. I mean, it sounds kind of like a loosely, maybe a commitment ceremony. Thomas: Yeah, yeah. I don't think they would have used that word for some reason, but I think you could, it was like an acknowledgement of their relationship. Yeah. Venegoni: It's an announcement of like, this is who we are, Thomas: What you just said, was making me think that telling people you can do... I do that a lot, you can do anything. You know, out of the box, it’s up to you. And yet people like, “Okay, if I can do anything, then what does that mean?” Like I mean that's like, “Jump off a cliff!” You know? There's like, you know… anything's possible and so it can be helpful to have, I guess that's kind of another thing I'm hoping maybe my show would fill or things like my show, it's like, here's a bunch of examples of things people have done. And like when I work with people to help them create a ceremony, I'll sort of feel into… “Okay, exactly, what are you looking for here?” and then like, then I'll just start throwing out… “Listen, I'm just going to dump a bunch of ideas out and you're going to maybe like a couple, you're maybe not going to hate a couple, whatever, I'm just dumping them on the table, and then you can just sort of flip through them. And if anything resonates, you know…” Then, because we need like some building blocks, when we go from a total structure to total nothingness, that doesn't work unless you really like... you've got a thread to build on, or you've already kind of picturing something, you’ve got a felt sense of what you want, and brainstorm. And all that… it kinda doesn't come out of nowhere. Like it has to be built. So... or has that you have to let it build, right? So it's like, we all need examples, like we all need that. Like, as a woman, I would say, we need that strong woman that we're like, that's a woman who's married, and she's still completely in herself. That... I like that and I want to build on that idea. Like, I did that in my life, you know? And so, like, we need examples, and we need ideas to kick around. Venegoni: Yeah, yeah, and that's, you know, one of the things I think is really great about your show, that it helps people hear, oh, this is something different and that's possible. And maybe I want to do something kind of like that, but maybe not exactly the same and I'll take a little bit of this and a little bit of that. I mean, to me, that's also a ritual is a little bit of this, and a little bit of that. Throw it all together, and you see what happens. Thomas: Exactly and then you mix it all the people and yeah… Venegoni: And then the day of, you know, the magic comes together, and you're like, Oh, it's created something completely different. The alchemy of the ritual. Thomas: Exactly, yeah. You never know what's gonna happen. Venegoni: So Colleen, before we wrap up, can you share with us a personal practice or experience that has supported your career spiritual flourish? Thomas: You know, really, I would say, my mom. She... the short version of my coming out story is that my dad laughed, and my mom cried. And it was, you know, a hard moment. But then over the years, she became an advocate. It was like, extremely slow, from my perspective. You know, I would be at pride and I would see a PFLAG contingent and I would cry. I would always cry when I saw PFLAG because I just thought, “Oh my god, I'm so lost. My parents will never ever, ever, ever, ever be there.” And I just was just such a devastating to me that I mean, they hadn't been mean, they hadn't been cruel, but they were just never going to go there is what it felt like. And it mailed my mom one of the PFLAG books and I told her, “Listen, you got to find people to process with because I can't process this with you because I'm the problem in this, you know, equation for you.” And I sent it to her work because I didn't want like my dad to see it at the house. And she said she kept it in a drawer for a couple of years, I think. And then she read it. And then she found a PFLAG group in our town, which... Our town is very small so the PFLAG group was also like the gay group. So it was like both supporters and queer people. And there she met a woman who ran the Unitarian Church, and she was the pastor of the... minister of the Unitarian Church. She was a lesbian, and she thought she was amazing. And so then she joined the Unitarian Church... anyway, all this snowball effect, right? And that she was around a lot of queer people and, and then it... you know, years later, she sent me this picture of herself standing in front of the television. So my dad had taken it because my dad just watched TV 24/7 after he retired and, well that's not true but he was often watching TV. And so she stood in front of the TV. And she said, “Take a picture of me!” And she was wearing a like a sandwich board, like an advertising sandwich board that said, “I love my bisexual daughter”. And she was headed off to pride in some city nearby. And she said… she told me that she said to him, “There are five phases in, I don't know, acceptance or something”, you know. “The first is denial, that's where you are. The last one is advocacy, that's where I am!” And then she walked out of the room with her her sandwich board. You know, now she's still a big advocate when she can get out, she’ll go to pride stuff. And so she's jus... and she says to me, you know, it's really sad that my dad never really changed at all. And she said, “You know, it's really sad that your dad never really moved,” but she was just so… And, you know, and just knowing that when I was back at this Pride Parade, seeing the PFLAG, and it was just devastating to me, like, never ever imagining that she would end that there'd be any movement with them. It was just, she was really… She became a lot more comfortable with the witch thing too, eventually. So that was really scary, too. Of course, you know, we get it, we get a lot of messages about about witches that are bad. So she's continuing on an ongoing basis, being a very supportive person in my life. Venegoni: So one last question. Your show is called shame pan, yada. Can you help us understand what that's about? Thomas: Yeah, sure. So when I was coming up with names for the show, I was trying to think of like descriptive names, like, you know, reinventing ritual, things like that. And I was brainstorming with my husband, and he said, “Well, you could call it like blue dog. And it won't matter what you call it, as long as you then you know, put out your message and people associate your message with the words blue dog.” So he said, “So, you know, maybe think about that.” So I was thinking about that, and brainstorming with a friend at work. And I said, “Well, I don't know, like this blue dog idea. I don't know if I want to do that.” And she said, ”Well, okay, if you looked around, like what you do when you do ritual, and what do you see? You know, we don't see a blue dog, what do you see?” And I said, “Oh, I see a shame piñata because I had just done a ritual recently, which is how I had that job where I was with this new coworker on lunch talking about this, where I had been at my old job (and I'm going to do an episode on this, but I haven't yet) I had... I was at a job for 14 years and I stayed like 10 years longer than I probably should have. And each of those years, I ended up sort of dying inside and sort of a way, right? This happens. And when I didn't make the change I needed to make. And it got to a really critical moment and I needed to leave. And I had so many, so many, so many hard feelings. There were like 10 years of hard feelings about myself being at this job, which was crazy. And I decided that shame exposure was a tool I wanted to use, which is something I had learned about in therapy, where we talk about something we feel deeply shameful about in a safe place, with people who will be kind and not, you know, laugh and stuff. And so I created a ritual around... it was shame I was feeling about staying in this job. And I did a ritual around it and with some friends on on zoom. This was before the pandemic, but they were remote friends, I wanted to have them involved, just my like four closest friends in the world and... because I feel like, “I'm not gonna tell too many people about all this shame!” And so part of the ritual involves piñata that I bought on Amazon, that I put sort of the negative self talk... I just kind of let it all come out of my head and I pasted it all over this piñata and it was just all these awful words on this piñata. And I decided it was my shame piñata and part of the ritual involved finding it in myself to be ready to shift to like, “Let's make this change now!” And being not just an idea. It started with the idea, “Oh, I should go break the shame piñata.” And then it was like standing in front of the shame piñatawith a stick going, “I'm just… I want to die. I don't have any desire to actually do this.” And it was like, “Just let the ground open up and swallow me now. Whatever it is watching me like I'm still in it.” But then waiting, just waiting, just waiting and starting to hear this little voice say, “No.” It was very quiet. And then it got louder. And I just let it organically grow. And then pretty soon it was like “No!” and it moved into my arms. And then it was like smashing the piñata and then that magic happened, right? And then it like changed and shifted and a few other things in the ceremony facilitated that as well. But it was the like the moments, the ceremony was like the breaking of the shame piñata and it really worked. It worked. It got me like boom! out of that job boom! into another one really quickly. Everything just like lined up. It was one of those work rituals that like ended up working really well with the intention. So when I had that conversation with her, she said, “What do you see” and I said I see a shame piñata…” and nobody's gonna have that podcast name. Venegoni: That's true. It's a very unique and memorable name. Yeah. Was there anything inside the shame piñata? Thomas: Yeah, I had filled it with my favorite candy. And just as a side note on that was that I had, in my spirit of wanting everybody to get something out of their ritual, I had bought a separate set of little tabletop piñatas, these little tiny ones and I had asked my four friends who were participating in the ritual… I didn't want to tell them I was sending them a piñata, but I said, “What small thing do you like? What would be a nice small thing for you?” And one person wanted like bubbles that you blow out of a little tiny, you know, like in a wedding bubbles? One person wanted puzzle pieces. One person had told me some candy. So I stuffed these tiny little piñatas with whatever they wanted and I sent them off to them. And then I said, “Listen, you're getting this piñata, here’s this piñata. Everybody was to write something on their piñata that they want to let go of. And so then after I did my piñata, everybody did their own piñata. Venegoni: Nice. Thomas: We got to witness everybody you know, release a little something... because there's always something to release! Venegoni: So where can listeners find the Shame Piñata Podcast? Thomas: Anyplace you get your podcasts, it should be there. Very, very wide distribution, and definitely iTunes, Spotify, and then you can go to shamepinata.com Venegoni: And they can also find you on Instagram, right? Thomas: Yes, thank you Instagram and Facebook, mostly Instagram. And Twitter. Venegoni: Yeah. Well, we'll have those links in the show notes. Well, Colleen, thank you for being here and chatting about ritual and initiation and change and release and power with me. It's been a pleasure. Thomas: It has been Thank you so much, Nick. Venegoni: To find the resources we discussed today, find the show notes at the queer spirit.com and if you enjoyed the show, remember to subscribe rate and review on iTunes. This will help us reach and support more queer people all over. Thanks for listening and see you next time. You’re listening to a special edition of the Shame Piñata podcast featuring a recent episode of The Queer Spirit Podcast. I'm very happy to have the opportunity to share this conversation with you. If you are not already subscribed to The Queer Spirit Podcast, you can find it on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Podcasts. You can also find the show on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. See the show notes for links. And now, as promised, here’s a quick preview of what’s coming up on Shame Piñata in the next few months. Upcoming episodes will focus on reinventing ourselves, going deeper, everyday magic, releasing cords with a parent, and disability as initiation. Our music is by Terry Hughes. If you like the show, please visit https://ratethispodcast.com/shamepinata. Learn more at shamepinata.com. I’m Colleen Thomas. Thanks for listening.
Colleen Thomas is a ritual artist and independent audio producer. Her podcast, Shame Piñata, focuses on creating rites of passage for real-life transitions. Episode Highlights Colleen shares about her podcast Shame Pinata, and how it focuses on creating rites of passage for real life transitions. We discuss the importance of ritual as a container and support for big and small changes in our lives. Colleen shares how she discovered the power of ritual to help her feel supported through life's challenges. She talks about some ways people have honored their relationships from the stories on her podcast. We learn about Colleen's first exposure to the pagan community and how it challenged her to re-examine her conditioned assumptions. Web links Find Colleen's podcast at ShamePinata.com Connect with her on Instagram, Facebook & Twitter Help us support the queer community & keep the podcast going - Support us on Patreon. Grab your FREE Guide: The Self-Confident Queer - Download it here. Join the Queer Spirit Community Facebook group to continue the conversation and stay up to date on new episodes. And follow us on Instagram! Join our mailing list to get news and podcast updates sent directly to you.
When Reverend Tristy Taylor and her husband decided to stop trying to have a baby, she honored that loss with a special ceremony. During her time sitting shiva, "grief first" was her mantra. Then a dream inspired her to create a celebration of her decision to not become a mother. Links: Tristy's Blog Post on The UnBaby Shower Video Tour of Grief Ritual Art Journal Tristy Taylor The UnBaby Shower (KPFA International Women's Day Edit) Rate This Podcast Music by Terry Hughes Full Transcript Taylor: Yeah, it's a major life transition for women that's not acknowledged, you know, or talked about really. Thomas: It's just like a failing, or a loss, or a... Taylor: A giving up. Thomas: Yeah, exactly. On our journey through life, we will come upon moments that invite us to reinvent ourselves. Big changes can do this like moving away from home, getting married, starting a family or choosing not to start a family. How can we slow down in these moments and really honor what’s changing, really honor how we’re changing? This is Shame Piñata. I’m Colleen Thomas. Welcome to Shame Piñata, where we talk about creating rites of passage for real-life transitions. Today we’re going to go deep. Are you ready? We’re going to dive into one of those moments that’s really a rite of passage, an initiation, a change. One of those moments that ceremony is perfect for because it invites us to use all of our creativity and all of our heart. And what’s more, it invites us to use ceremony for what ceremony does best, to create the container to hold the strong emotions that come up with big changes. Tristy Taylor joins us today to share the story of her unbaby shower, a three-part ceremony she designed when she and her husband decided to stop trying to conceive. She took her time. She followed the threads of what was changing in her and she ended up creating a beautiful ceremony that both honored her grief and was also a celebration. Taylor: Yeah, I mean, I think... It does start with the journey my husband and I were on to make a baby together. And after trying the usual routes and discovering that nothing was happening, we entered the world of fertility treatments, medical intervention and started down that road, which included some pretty powerful hormone therapy that was... quite a journey to be on that. Basically, all my emotions were at 11 all the time. [LAUGHS] So like, you know, small inconveniences became like fiery, mountainous, rage-fueled tirades. [LAUGHS] And eventually did end up having a pregnancy, but then that pregnancy was... the pregnancy ended up being ectopic. So the fertilized egg and embedded in my fallopian tube. And, you know, we didn't know that and I ended up going to the emergency room one night with just intensive abdominal pain and they took one look at me and said, "You're bleeding internally, and we need to open you up immediately." And then that's when they discovered that... that my tube had ruptured... my fallopian tube had ruptured. And after that experience, we kept trying but it started to... all signs started to point to this was gonna be painful and challenging and not really get us where we wanted to be. And my husband and I talked for a long time about what that choice meant to be child-free. And he kind of took it in stride and sort of said, "Well,I'm gonna use that energy to do other things." And he, like started his own business and, you know, spent a lot of time away from me and away from home kind of diving into almost a little bit avoidant perhaps of his own feelings. But building this business that he'd always wanted to create and felt free to create now that we weren't trying to create a family and all the sort of pressures that might have come with being a parent. It kind of freed him up. And kind of the opposite happened to me where I just felt like my life had been pressed pause... like the pause button had been pressed on my life and I didn't know what happened next. And being someone who really tries to show up to what's happening in my life, regardless whether or not I understand it, I realized that I needed to honor this loss. So... and to really allow some space and time to feel the grief of the loss of being a mother and and even this particular pregnancy loss with the ectopic pregnancy. And being an interfaith minister, I read a lot about all sorts of rituals and I had recently read a really beautiful piece about the modern day of sitting shiva for someone who had passed away from the Jewish tradition. And, knowing that shiva means seven, seven days and I really like felt the like ritual power behind that. I mean, it's a ritual... but that seven days like I really felt how... to devote seven straight days to my grief where grief came first and nothing else had precedence over my sitting inside of my grief... My whole body just resonated with that. I just was like, Yes, that's what we're gonna do! And that's what I did. And I didn't, really... Other than my husband, I didn't talk to anybody. I ended up doing a lot of crafting, which felt really good. I ended up making these kind of heartfelt... heart-shaped sachets with like lavender and different herbs in them... calm... these sort of calming craft/sewing kind of stuff that would that was very focused, but I was also kind of putting my grief into these pieces that I was making. And yeah, it was... it was very powerful time and spent a lot of time in nature and just cried a lot. And didn't think about the future or what my life would look like, I just really tried to focus on the moment, which is challenging, you know. Our Western culture really pushes us to get over our grief as soon as possible and not to dwell and like... all of that stuff... When really, I think the more we can show up for our grief, the more can beautifully move through us. And we can truly let it go. We have to feel it first. During the time of sitting shiva with her grief, Tristy had a dream. In the dream, she was out in the snow looking into a kind of hut, a hut that felt very ancient. Inside the hut women dressed in animal skins were gathered around a very, very pregnant woman, putting oils on her and celebrating her. There was a fire in the hut but Tristy was outside in the cold and she knew through the knowledge that comes in dreams that she was not allowed into the ritual because she was not fertile and she would be bad energy for the pregnant space. Taylor: And I woke up crying, and hurt very hurt by the dream. And I also know from doing dream work all my life that no dream ever comes to hurt us and be like, "Look at you, you know, you're stuck, Haha!" You know... Our dreams always come for health and wholeness. And so I really sat with the dream. I drew pictures from the dream... I felt into it. And and the gift that came out of the dream, cause I do think all nightmares have a gift. The gift that came out of the dream was this idea for an unbaby shower. Because it didn't feel fair to me that I should be left out in the cold. And this transition that I was making is just as valuable as the transition of becoming a mother, the transition to not be a mother. And so I connected with two very good friends who are great ritual-makers and we started to piece together this whole ceremonial ritual around having this unbaby shower. And it started with the grief. It started with doing a grief ritual with these two women and really having their support and being in nature together, and making food together. And then that transitioned into this more celebratory shower-space where about 18 women came to my house and painted my body with body paints and gave me blessings. And it was so interesting because it was raining at the beginning of the shower ("the shower"). So we all had to like jam into my little, you know, 700 square-foot house. And then by the afternoon the sun had come up and then I was all like covered in body paint and we just went outside and we're just running around and it was so joyful. There was so much joy. And the way I kind of completed the ritual was making this dedication to being a creator, being a spiritual guide, being... offering my gifts to the world. If I wasn't going to be mothering a new life, then I would be holding this spiritual, creative space for others. And it always makes me think of that Dolly Parton quote, because she also couldn't have children. She tried and she couldn't have them and she just said, "Well, God just decided that I'm gonna be mom to everybody kids." You know, like, I just love that. And I love being, you know, an auntie to my friends', kids. And that feels really like a powerful and important role as as my auntie's were to me as a kid. So that's how that all came about. Thomas: I love... I love that. I love... I love the way that you love ritual, and you lean into it and into your dreams. And I love your stories, because I love to hear you listening. The layers at which you listen inspire me. And remind me what you discovered about your grandmother and your great grandmother. Taylor: Yeah. So my... my ruptured tubal pregnancy where I had to have emergency surgery was on March 3. And my... my mother told me that her mother, my grandmother, was born on March 3. And I remembered that her mother, my great-grandmother, died giving birth to her. So my great grandmother died on March 3 giving birth. And I had this emergency surgery that saved my life and I would have died through trying to become a mother. So there was this fascinating karmic Ancestral wound being healed, I believe. I didn't die, I survived. And I really do... from the ancestral work that I've done in my life, I've had visceral experiences. Because time is not linear in that world, like time is a spiral. It's past. It's present. It's future all at once. And so the healing that I did on that day and continue to do ripples back to my Ancestors. You know, and that's my female line. It's my mother's mother's mother, you know, that... all of that is relevant to my experience, you know. And of course, none of that was planned, it's just how it unfolded. It's one of those kind of magic, unexplainable moments, you know, where we've kind of put the pieces together afterwards. And it's like, oh, that seems significant! [LAUGHS] Thomas: I've always loved the physiological connection that we have to our grandmothers, because... I always have trouble saying it... I... the egg that became me in my mother's ovary... that... Taylor: ...was in your grandmother. Thomas: ...was in my grandmother's body - yes! Taylor: Isn't that amazing? Thomas: It's so crazy! Taylor: Yeah. Incredible. And the work they've done about how, like, the stress and trauma of our grandmothers are in those eggs within eggs, like we're literally physically inheriting that trauma. You know, which is, you know, powerful healing work that we all can do as women. Thomas: Mm hmm. Absolutely. Tristy's story inspired me so deeply because of the depth of her commitment to the process. Letting the grief ritual come to her, sitting shiva for the 7 days, then creating the unbaby shower to return to her society as a woman who will not be having children. Listening to her story reminded me of my own journey on the road to motherhood and my ultimate decision not to go there. Thomas: I so appreciate hearing the story of the baby shower because I went through my own process of figuring out... of having a moment in time in my life when I needed to decide which way am I going to go - towards somebody who might want to have a baby or stay with somebody I really like a lot who's very clear they don't want a baby. And I was at the age where I had to pick. And it was a little hard, you know, because I had... You know, I felt like I was losing a lot. But then when I sat with it, and sort of took apart all the pieces of being a mom, I realized that I only wanted certain pieces that were definitely not... didn't equate with having a child or trying to have a child... it just was like, not my thing, even though I felt so much pressure to be a woman in that way. And a lot of, like, legitimate grief and loss when I when I walked away from it, which isn't something I ever thought I would feel but it was there. It was like, wow, okay, to go through these feelings. And my partner was, really, really there for me. And I sought out community, I put an ad on Craigslist for women who had chosen not to have a child who wanted to chat with me about it and I had like four or five women have conversations with me. Taylor: Oh, I love that! Thomas: You know, there's nowhere to go to find those women. So I found a few and that really helped me feel like okay, I'm not alone. And then I asked my mom, you know, what do you think? And she said, "You never wanted kids, even when you were a little." And I was like, "Oh, okay, that helps. Thanks." [LAUGHS] Because you know, figure there was some wisdom there that she might be able to give me, plus she never pressured me to have kids, which was immensely helpful on the journey to decide, you know, what was right for me. So I... I know a little bit about I didn't go through the journey of trying, but I went through the journey of deciding, you know, deciding to walk away. Actually, I just had a flash... My parents loved antiques and they had this antique cradle. And my mom lived in Italy before I was born and she kept beer in it and she said the Italian neighbor would always come in and... I guess he'd bring her beer... I don't know... he would come in the house and he would say, "Where is the baby?" And she'd be like, "It's the beer goes in the cradle." Because at that point in her life, she didn't think she was going have a baby because they had tried and tried and tried and tried and given up and then they had beer in the cradle. Taylor: And then you're all, "Surprise!" [LAUGHS] Thomas: TYeah. Hi. Move the beer, there's a baby now. Taylor: That's amazing! Thomas: Oh, thank you so much for sharing this story with me and with us. And I look forward to sharing out your blog posts with which has the some of the images from your journal and you have the video walkthrough of your journal that you kept during that time. Taylor: Yeah. Yeah. Yeah, I'm glad to share it with you and anyone who resonates or is inspired to create their own ritual. And, you know, I mentioned the blog post, that part of it was inspired by a woman who had a ritual around starting menopause and what that meant to her so I really, I really love to encourage others to think about those major life transitions, like even like leaving a job and starting a new one or moving to another state, which I'm about to do, like, I've been thinking about, like, "Oh, I'm gonna be letting go of California, you know, and what does that mean, to me is born in San Francisco, and, you know, born and raised here. So I think there's lots of space for ritual in our lives if we make it. Yeah. If we have that conversation, we listen and respond. Tristy Taylor is an Interfaith Minister and Ritualist, providing support and companionship to those that live on the fringes beyond traditional religion. She firmly believes that ALL people deserve to have rituals and ceremonies that honor life’s transitions, regardless of their spiritual beliefs. She has had major personal life experiences around grief and death and is comfortable supporting others during these very human experiences. You can find out more about her work at www.createwithspirit.com. You can hear a longer version of this same interview where Tristy shares more about what her time sitting shiva looked like on the KPFA Women's Magazine Archives. Look for the link in the show notes. Our music is by Terry Hughes. If you like the show, please take a minute to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts. Learn more at shamepinata.com. I’m Colleen Thomas. Thanks for listening.
Colleen Thomas is an expert in rituals and rites of passage. She even started a podcast about it called Shame Piñata. She talks here about the importance of rituals and rites in our lives, and how creating your own rituals can be a powerful way to heal from trauma, grief, and stress. Colleen was a guest on the Let's Chat Live YouTube show focused on introductions to new podcasts, and I was lucky enough to be guest hosting that day. Check out Colleen's show and also the Let's Chat Live Show on Youtube. If you want to support the show and get some cool rewards, check out The Broken Brain Patreon page at www.patreon.com/brokenbrain.
Laurie and Brad talk to friend and fellow activist Colleen Thomas about a range of issues - from the racial reckoning facing this country to the work following the election of bringing liberals and conservatives together (or not) to how progressives have to keep pushing for American ideals of equality and freedom, exercising our right to vote and fighting against the tyranny Donald Trump has brought to the surface within the GOP and our democracy. It's a lot.
Since starting Zenon in 1983, Linda has earned accolades for developing thecompany’s unique modern and jazz aesthetic by commissioning repertoryworks from such choreographers as Bebe Miller, Dwight Rhoden, Bill T.Jones, Bill Young, Llory Wilson, Joe Goode, Stephanie Skura, David Dorfman,Doug Varone, Danny Buraczeski, Daniel Rousseve, Cathy Young, KeelyGarfield, Johannes Wieland, Seán Curran, Colleen Thomas and AndreaMiller. She studied at the Martha Graham School, Alvin Ailey Dance Center,the Juilliard School, and with Alvin Nikolais, Lynn Simonson and MerceCunningham. She holds a degree in dance and drama from Hollins College inVirginia. Linda has taught dance and creative movement since 1972, and hasdeveloped Zenon Dance School into a recognized training center forvocational and professional dancers. She is the mother of two amazingdaughters, Laura and Lily, and lives in St. Louis Park with her two cats, Ollieand Jack.
This weekend we launched our missions convention by welcoming one of our missionaries Brian and Colleen Thomas. They are missionaries to Macedonia. Our missions convention helps us participate with what God is doing around the world. He calls us to "Go into all the world." We do this through our prayers, giving and going. Our convention is highlighted by visiting missionaries, our international dinner and our faith commitment Sunday. Thank you for participating in this sacred opportunity.
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