The leader of a theatre and dance troupe in a small very poor village in Karur, India, following a Playback Theatre training led by Jennie.

Jennie is preparing for her next trip to Bangladesh and India in March.

Jennie writes:

In March 2012, I am returning to Bangladesh, this time to coordinate a team of skilled clinical professionals, and Psychodrama and Playback Theatre students as they work in the town of Mirsarai, which tragically of lost 43 children in an traffic accident following a soccer game. Over the last 5 months, parents, teachers and community members have been experiencing deep mourning and grief over the sudden loss. It is our hope that we can use community building action methods, Playback theatre, and art to support their healing and strengthen the community.

Since 2009, I have worked with the East West Centre for Counseling in Chennai, India, offering short courses in Playback Theatre and expressive therapies. Working with the Center’s Director, Magdalene Jeyarathnam, I have offered trainings to local and international NGO’s, including, World Vision. I have also trainings through area colleges, including Stella Maris and Women’s Christian College. Lastly, I have collaborated with the Centre for Counseling in offering programming for professionals directly through the Centre itself.

For the last year, I have worked with Magdalene to initiate a Certificate program in Expressive Arts Therapy. This program is currently underway in collaboration with Women’s Christian College. This is a wonderful and important step!  There are currently no other programs in India offering comprehensive expressive therapy programming at the collegiate level. This trip will allow us to continue to develop the program.

I will also be working  with the amazing, award-winning,  Your’s Truly Experimental Theatre group in Bangalore, offering training in Psychodrama and Playback Theatre.

For the first time, we are fundraising to support Jennie’s work! You can help Jennie support communities around the world. Visit our Support Jennie page for details.

As we approach the New Year, we wish you and yours a truly magical holiday season, and joy and health in the year to come.

Saturday, as part of Art Hop, we held a brief Ceremony of Remembrance for all people around the world impacted by the events of 9-11-01. Throughout the day visitors added candles and written prayers to the altar, and made prayer flags. Last night we put out the flags, and held a fire ritual to release the written prayers to the Creator and the Helping Ones.

A class for integrating Body, Spirit and Mind

An Open Art Studio

In this six week series, we will step through the doorway into the creative process.

Through the arts one can tap into the unconscious/ spiritual and emotional selves that work together to create our whole self. In this group, we are working with art materials as a process rather than for technique itself. Participants will use the arts as a way to understand, and make sense of our emotional and spiritual world and to listen to their deeper intuitive self that come from life experiences that might include separations, and life transitions.

Within the safety of our group, difficulties can find their way into poetry, dramatic enactments, dream theatre, movement or works of art using collage, drawing, sand tray or painting. The significance of our challenges will be explored as they are played out through the arts. Trusting in the creative process, we will strengthen our intuitive pathways and find healing, community and hope. No art or drama experience necessary.

No previous art experience is necessary.

The class will provide individuals the ability to explore different meditation practices, dream work, movement and dance and art materials such as drawing, painting, clay and the art of collage to engage with our creativity, both individually as well as a group. Technical guidance will be given.

Jen Kristel, M.A. C.E.T. is an Expressive Arts therapist with a private practice in Burlington. She is an international trainer of Expressive Therapies and Playback Theatre. She has worked in a variety of clinical and non-clinical settings. As an artist, therapist, and mother, Jen has studied and worked to integrate the arts as a form of healing in her own life.

Tuesdays: 3:30-6 pm

September 20-October 25th

$25.00 per session

JourneyWorks

Friday Evening, September 9, 5-8 p.m., and Saturday, September 10, 11:30-3.

Jennie’s prints will be on view. This is also a great opportunity to meet us, and experience the space at our office.

Ceremony of Remembrance for those Effected by the Events of 9-11-2001

 Saturday, September 10, 12-2:30 p.m.

A time for ceremony and shared stories.  We will remember, and conduct ceremony for,  those from all countries who died or were injured as a result of the September 11, 2001 attacks. Pictures, photos, writings, flowers, and other items for the altar are welcome.

Playback Theatre

 Tuesdays, 7-9:30 p.m., September 13-November 8

 (No class November 1)

Led by Jennie Kristel

 Moments of our lives can be touchstones, full of power and significance. Playback Theatre transforms personal stories told by audience members into theatre pieces on the spot using movement, ritual, music and spoken improvisation.

Participants will learn the basics of the Playback Theatre form; develop improvisation skills and share in the profound experience of hearing each others’ stories and bringing them to life. The Playback process develops intuition, insight, creativity and effective communication, while creating community and connection by honoring people’s personal stories. This training is for anyone interested in creating art from the specific and universal in our experience. The course will culminate with a performance given by the class participants on November 8th, 2011. Previous theatre experience is helpful but not required. This training fulfills the requirements of a core training through the Centre of Playback Theatre. Shy people are welcome!

Autumn Equinox Ceremony

Friday Sept 23,  6:30 p.m.

We gather to perform ceremony, acknowledge the changing year, and remember we, too, can return to balance. Bring vegetarian food, or a non-alcoholic beverage, to share at the potluck.

 Story Telling Circle:  “Hunting and Gathering: Autumn Stories “

Sunday,  September 25, 3-5 p.m.

An afternoon of shared stories, focused on the many ways we use the lovely days of Autumn to prepare for the challenging times to come.

Art for Healing: Time for Ourselves

Tuesdays, October 4-October 25^th, 3:30-6

A class for integrating Body, Spirit and Mind

An Open Art Studio led by Jennie Kristel.

$25 per session. Space is limited, for information please call: 860-6203 Email: jkristel61@hotmail.com

Six week series, to step through the doorway into the creative process.

Use the arts to tap into the unconscious/ spiritual and emotional self in a safe, supportive atmosphere. Working with art materials as process rather than for technique participants will listen to their deeper intuitive self that comes from life experiences that might include separations, and life transitions.

Exploring through poetry, dramatic enactments, dreams, movement and art, we will strengthen our intuitive pathways to find healing, community and hope. No art or drama experience necessary.

Story, Symbol and Ceremony: A Group for Healing

Wednesdays, 6:30-8:00, Beginning October 5  – November 9

Led by Michael Watson

Traditional healing looks to story, symbol, and ceremony to aid patients to heal. Healing is seen as a journey of growth and discovery. Each person’s journey is unique, yet we are all on the road and may be companions for a while. In this group participants will plumb their lives for stories and symbols that promise renewal and healing. Dreamwork,  creativity, and group ceremony will support each person’s journey towards healing. $300. May be covered by  insurance. Partial scholarships are available.

Story Telling Circle: “Ancestors”

Sunday, October 23, 3-4:30 p.m.

As we  approach the Days of the Dead, we share an afternoon of stories about Ancestors, and Guides in all their forms. Bring a story or stories to share, or just come and listen. No experience telling stories is necessary.

A Walk In the Woods

Saturday, October 29, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.  Postphoned

Led by Michael Watson

In Eastern Woodlands tradition, we turn to the forest for healing. Walking quietly calms the mind, and allows us to gather messages about our lives from the natural word.  In this four hour workshop, we will spend time in the forest gathering news and symbols that speak to our lives. Participants will have the opportunity to share their experiences, and unpack their meanings. Rain or shine. Preregistration required. $35

CANCELED: Story Telling Circle: “Gifting and Gratitude”

Sunday, November 13, 3-5 p.m.

Remembrance/Ancestors Ceremony

Sunday, November 6, 5-7 p.m.

Our annual Ceremony of Remembrance for the Ancestors, and for all loved ones who have passed. Bring photos, stories, and food or drink your Ancestors and loved ones would have loved. You may place these on the altar. Flowers are also welcome.The ceremony will begin at 5 p.m. We will ask for healing for any spirit that is suffering.

A potluck follows the ceremony and story-sharing.

Solstice Gathering

Wednesday, December 21, 5-7 p.m.

This year, the Solstice, Hanukkah, and Christmas  occur in the same week! As Yule approaches, the spirits and Ancestors remain close to us. They love acknowledgement, and the merriment of the Holidays. With this in mind, we gather, on this longest night of the year, for an evening of celebration, ceremony, and sharing. This year we will be holding the Solstice Celebration at our home. Please join us!  Bring food or drink to share, maybe a story to tell by the fire, and, if you wish something creative or beautiful to give to the Ancestors and spirits of the land.  RSVP by December 19th: 860-6203!

]]> http://journeyworksvt.wordpress.com/2011/08/05/autumn-2011-calendar/feed/ 0 michaelwatsonvt http://journeyworksvt.wordpress.com/2011/07/10/summertime/ http://journeyworksvt.wordpress.com/2011/07/10/summertime/#comments Sun, 10 Jul 2011 12:41:17 +0000 michaelwatsonvt http://journeyworksvt.wordpress.com/?p=265 ]]> Well, we had planned to offer several workshops and community events this summer. Summer is slipping by and it is clear our attentions this year are elsewhere. A new grandchild, family, a young adult preparing for the transition to college, and just plain play, have overtaken our various agendas. Check in with us in September to see our Autumn schedule of activities and events.

Have a great remainder of the summer!

A class for integrating Body, Spirit and Mind      

An Open Art Studio  

For centuries the arts have been used as a form of healing. Through the arts one can tap into the unconscious/ spiritual and emotional selves that work together to create our whole self. In this group, we are working with art materials as a process rather than for technique itself. Participants will use the arts as a way to understand, and make sense of our emotional and spiritual world and to listen to their deeper intuitive self that come from life experiences that might include separations, and life transitions.

Through an open studio process, we will use the arts as a way to help and the world around us.  Through meditation exercises, movement and the creative arts including journaling, visual art, movement, and storytelling, and open time to just be with the art process, we will explore our connections between self and the world.

No previous art experience is necessary.

The class will provide individuals the ability to explore different meditation practices, movement and dance and art materials such as drawing, painting, clay and the art of collage to engage with our creativity, both individually as well as a group. Technical guidance will be given.

Led by Jen Kristel.  3 Tuesdays: 7-9 pm, May 31, June 7 and 14. Fee: $100.00

Jen Kristel, M.A. C.E.T. is an Expressive Arts therapist with a private practice in   Burlington. She is an international trainer of Expressive Therapies.  She has worked in a variety of clinical and non-clinical settings. As an artist, therapist, and mother, Jen has studied and worked to integrate the arts as a form of healing in her own life.

3/20/11 An Equinox Gathering for Sharing Stories and Blessing the Earth

Jennie and Michael invite you to join us for a time of storytelling and ceremony to welcome the Spring. We will share stories and hold a brief ceremony acknowledging our debt to, and appreciation of, the land. We will also send prayers and blessings to Japan and the Middle East.

Beginning April 5: Women’s Therapy Group Utilizing the Arts

Jennie Kristel will lead this eight week woman’s therapy group to work on issues of anxiety, grief and trauma. She will integrate roleplay, art, movement and sounding into this 2 1/2 hour weekly group. Group members will be encouraged to access their creativity,  healing, empowerment and  sense of wellbeing.

4/12/11 Challenging Trauma: Using Expressive Arts Therapy to Support Marginalized Voices in South Asia

Please join us as Jen shares her experiences of  using Playback Theater and Expressive Arts Therapy in India, Bangladesh and Indonesia to promote healing and develop community.

4/16/11  Remembering Those Lost: An Arts Based Grief Workshop

Participants will use writing and the arts to create memories of, and messages to, friends and loved ones who have died. The first day (9-4) will be focused on sharing stories and creating beauty to be incorporated into a shrine. The second day (9-1) will be dedicated to the creation,blessing, and activation of a communal shrine of remembrance for those lost