Wellness: Body, Mind & Spirit

This course will give you a brief introduction to Maryland’s budding cannabis industry. Learn about the use of cannabis as medicine, different delivery methods, proper dosing, safety issues and more. We will provide you with resources on how to become a medical patient and cover the most popular legal topics regarding traveling with your medicine and what to do when confronted by law enforcement. Learn about cannabis in a safe space from experienced Maryland industry experts.  Gateway Campus Room 3   

Gentle Yoga is designed for those of us who feel we are too stiff, too out of shape, not the right shape or too old to start something new. Through creativity and compassion, you will learn to work with the body, not against it. Our bodies need to stretch and strengthen to find balance and ease, feel energized and relaxed, to be trusted and appreciated. Join in this exploration of new possibilities. Bring a blanket or yoga mat to class. Instructor: Helen Heffer.

This course is designed for those of us who want to build a strong and trusting relationship with our bodies and our minds, in all the ways they show up. Gentle Yoga stretches, strengthens, and balances the body. Meditation focuses, calms and enhances the mind. From this place, we can experience the fullness of life. Instructor: Helen Heffer

Take a break from the turmoil of daily life. Join a group of like-minded people for a half day of silent retreat. At the beginning of the class, the instructor will provide guidance to help you settle into silence. As the session continues, there will be less guidance as you learn to explore on your own. There will be alternate periods of seated and walking meditation. Both beginning and experienced mindfulness practitioners are welcome. Instructor Jerry Hartman is a graduate of the certificate program at the Meditation Teacher Training Institute, Washington, D.C.

Mindfulness meditation works by helping the practitioner achieve a better understanding of what is happening right now—whether positive, negative, or neutral—not what they want to happen or what think they should be happening. Recognizing that unconscious thoughts, feelings, and behaviors can undermine emotional, physical, and spiritual health, you will learn techniques to reduce stress and stress-related disorders. The class will consist of a presentation, opportunity to participate in guided meditation and time for discussion, questions, and answers. Instructor Jerry Hartman is a graduate of the certificate program of the Meditation Teacher Training Institute, located in Washington, D.C.

What if I lived my life fully present—to the falling of the snow, the laughter of a child, the taste of sugar snap peas fresh from the garden, the call of the wild geese returning, the fragrance of lilacs, and my own inner-most thoughts and feelings? I would not miss the exquisite richness of this life. I would be full, fulfilled, at peace. Yoga and meditation provide a path to this state of presence. Please bring a yoga mat and blanket. Instructor: Helen Heffer.

Join nia first degree black belt instructor Claudia Salomon for this movement-based wellness workshop. You will be guided through the nia chakra dancer's routine, with mindful movement, floor guidance, and somatic education focused on the energy centers (chakras). The workshop will also include journaling, drawing, and interactive exercises. You may bring optional materials: knee pads or floor mat.

Nia combines dance, martial arts, and mindfulness, based on the intelligent design of the body. Nia fusion fitness leaves you energized, mentally clear, and emotionally balanced - body, mind, emotion, and spirit. It is a holistic fitness practice for any fitness level and age. You can discover, explore,
unleash, and enhance your individual potential by engaging your senses and listening to your body. Come experience the Nia wave - let its music, movement, and magic engulf you. Wear comfortable clothing and bring soft-soled slippers if you choose not to go barefoot. Nia First Degree Black Belt instructor: Claudia Salomon.

Explore the world of personal coaching with certified Career Transition Coach and Goal Attainment Coach Bill Woodcock in this informative workshop. In a friendly group setting, learn how to identify your personal goals, and select one to focus on during the course. At the end of the day, walk away with tips, tools and strategies to work toward achieving your goal.

The word qigong literally means skill or cultivation of vital energy (qi). Traditional Chinese medicine believes that good health is the result of a free-flowing, well-balanced qi (bioenergy) system, while sickness, pain or physical disorders are the result of qi blockage, or unbalanced qi in the body. Qigong practice helps to balance the qi system in the body and break the qi blockages to recover health. It helps you develop a more relaxed, harmonious state of mind and body; reduce stress; resist illness; and heighten sensitivity to your body’s internal organs along with developing an energetic ability to regulate your own health and vitality. You will focus on body posture adjustment and gentle movement, mind-focused relaxation, and breath regulation practice. Instructor: David Foulk.

Discover t’ai chi, a form of active meditation that promotes calming, centering, and self-control. Instructor David Foulk introduces you to this practice of meditation and physical exercise, consisting of carefully coordinated, slow, natural movements proven to strengthen your body and mind. When the chi flows in a balanced fashion, you enjoy better physical and emotional health, increased longevity and inner peace. This course is appropriate for beginning and continuing students.

Mindfulness rests upon four foundations: the body, the mind, feelings, and thoughts. Mastering the four foundations is the best way to establish and sustain a meditation practice. Join us as we explore each of the foundations in turn, with short talks, guided meditations and group discussions
designed to increase your understanding of this way to practice meditation. No meditation experience is needed to participate in this workshop.

The Heart and Eight Extra Meridians is a powerful t’ai chi/qigong style, especially effective in dealing with birth trauma and early childhood developmental challenges. With regular practice, this style addresses many of the deep causes of today’s chronic stress and other symptoms originating in the earliest stages of fetal development. The genuine state of balance and vitality generated through practicing this form leaves students with a profound sense of well-being at the end of each class.

In yoga, the chakras are the seven major energy centers that parallel the spine. We will use the chakras as a map of human evolution, from survival consciousness to unity consciousness. Through classic yoga phases, breathing techniques, meditation, and discussion, we will explore how we and the human species are evolving toward our full potential. As we all experience challenges in relation to ourselves, our fellow human beings, and our planet, we are inspired to engage life from an ever-deepening and more conscious place. Please wear comfortable clothing and bring a mat or towel to class. Instructor: Helen Heffer.

Our explorations will be structured around the seven spiritual laws of yoga: Pure Potentiality; Giving and Receiving; Karma; Least Effort; Intention; Non-attachment; and Dharma or Life Purpose. These topics will spark our discussions and actions, guiding us to lead more conscious and fulfilled lives. The classic yoga poses, meditation, and relaxation will help us deepen our study. Please bring a yoga mat and blanket.

Spring is a coming to life after winter’s rest. It is the awakening of energy as new growth, new potential. Something is stirring in Nature and in us. The yoga poses, breathing, meditation, and relaxation will put us in touch with what is stirring and awakening, as outer and inner become one. Please bring a yoga mat and blanket. 

This course is designed for both novice and experienced yoga students seeking to understand the fundamentals and experience the benefits of a personal yoga practice. Yoga pose fundamentals including synchronizing breath with movement, optimal alignment, core strengthening, flexibility
and balance will be explored and students will create a personalized yoga sequence for regular home practice. Poses will be adapted for individual abilities. Please wear loose, comfortable clothing and bring a yoga mat or blanket. Instructor: Maura Conley.