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COMMUNITY YOGA DAY
THURSDAY, 9/19 - SATURDAY, 9/21
Our fifth group of 200-hr Yoga Teacher Trainees (YTTs), affectionately known as "EPSILON" are graduating on September 22nd! These past nine months have been nothing short of amazing so we're inviting you in on the celebration :) As part of their final practicum, YTTs are to: 1) lead a 60-minute community yoga class; and 2) create and facilitate a Sankofa Seva, a service project applying yoga's ethical principles to address social justice issues. Read below about their amazing work and join their community classes this weekend. Classes are FREE and held IN-STUDIO only! Pre-registration required, no late entry.​
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​Thursday
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12:00 pm: Carnival Flow w/ Madonna
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1:30 pm: Flow Outside the Lines w/ Nisha
Friday
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9:00 am: Flex & Flow w/ NaTasha
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1:30 pm: Mindful Hatha w/ Pachase
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5:00 pm: Strength, Flow, EmPower w/ Sophia
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5:30 pm: Self-Love & Gratitude Flow w/ Miatta
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6:00 pm: Hatha for Alignment w/ Amani
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6:30 pm: Crown & Clarity Flow w/ Krista
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7:00 pm: Week’s End Wind Down w/ Andi
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7:30 pm: Rest is Revolutionary w/ Stacey
Saturday
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2:00 pm: Flex with Ease w/ Olu
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2:30 pm: Truth in Harmony Experience w/ Gwendolyn
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3:00 pm: Balance & Strength Flow w/ Cindy
Madonna Burke
Community Yoga Class
Sankofa Seva Project
Carnival Flow
Thursday, 9/19
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Downstairs
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Join me for a carnival themed class as we celebrate LIFE and YOU – wherever you are within your journey. This FUN all-levels Vinyasa practice is designed to tune in your mind and body.
Discover Yourself: Who are you outside the role of MOM?
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Mothers play multiple roles to their children. Moms are the first teachers, influencers, and supporters, a love that is incomparable. Practicing the jewel of Svadhyaya, Madonna’s Sankofa Seva Project seeks to realign moms with the light and self-love within.
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MISSION: To share a yoga experience, guided meditation, sound bath and discussion to support self-care.
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GOAL: To create a community where moms feel supported in practicing self care.
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DATE: September 15, 2024
LOCATION: West Orange Public Library, New Jersey
Nisha Bruce
Community Yoga Class
Sankofa Seva Project
Flow Outside the Lines
Thursday, 9/19
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Downstairs
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Suitable for all experience levels, this Yinyasa class uniquely blends the meditative stillness of Yin with the vibrant flow of Vinyasa. Begin with long-held Yin postures that enhance flexibility and cultivate patience, then transition into a fierce warrior flow to build strength and endurance. This class redefines convention, offering inventive ways to enlighten and invigorate both mind and body.
BEYOND WORDS: A Novel Approach to an Inclusive Yoga Practice​
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Inspired by the jewel of Asteya (non-stealing), this interactive workshop unites the d/Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Hearing communities to collaborate, innovate, and gain practical skills and insights that ensure all yogis—regardless of hearing ability—can practice together without difficulty.
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MISSION: To make inclusion and equal access lived realities that are recognized and upheld as fundamental human rights.
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GOAL: To create a model for inclusion and equal access that bridges communication divides by educating the community on essential language skills and developing free technology to reduce communication barriers in integrated yoga classes.
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DATE: September 8, 2024
LOCATION: Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, MD
NaTasha Benjamin
Community Yoga Class
Sankofa Seva Project
Flex and Flow
Friday, 9/20
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Downstairs
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An invigorating and vibrant vinyasa flow class that will allow you to move and sweat while reconnecting with your heart, mind, and body. All levels welcome and prenatal friendly.
Prenatal Yoga for Mothers on Bed-Rest or Activity Restriction​
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Prenatal yoga has a number of benefits for pregnant individuals and their baby(ies); however, this is even more so for mothers who have been advised by their doctors to limit their activity or be on bed-rest (either complete or modified) due to a number of factors. Some benefits of prenatal yoga include enhancing physical health and mental wellbeing; as well as preparing for labor and delivery. According to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), “staying active helps moms mentally, increasing energy, mood and ability to sleep”. This effort is aligned with Ahimsa and Ishvara Pranidhana.
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MISSION: To provide accessible and guided yoga instruction for women who are experiencing pregnancy complications and are confined to limited movement due to being placed on bed rest/activity restriction. Additionally, the efforts of this project align with my personal mission to address the Black Maternal Health crisis by providing support to women who may be at heightened risk of fetal loss as well as have increased susceptibility of developing and experiencing perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.
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GOAL: To provide prenatal yoga for individuals on activity restriction or bed-rest to help counteract the risks and disadvantages of bed rest during pregnancy and enhance overall wellbeing.
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DATE: Various Dates
LOCATION: Private Locations
Pachase Simpson
Community Yoga Class
Sankofa Seva Project
Mindful Hatha
Friday, 9/20
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Downstairs
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Join us for a rejuvenating 60-minute Hatha Yoga class designed to cultivate strength, flexibility, and mindfulness. This class is suitable for all levels, offering a perfect blend of gentle movement and restorative poses, while focusing on breath.
Mindful Movement Workshop​
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Students will engage in an interactive wellness workshop that includes a discussion about affirmations and the benefits of positive self talk, introduction of meditation and conscious breathing. Lastly, students will participate in chair yoga. To end end the workshop. Students will receive a token of gratitude (a wellness bag). Each session will be 20 minutes.
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MISSION: To focus on the importance of self-awareness and awareness of the physical and spiritual body.
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GOAL: To discuss and implement tools for mindfulness (focus on mind, breath, and movement) with students. To encourage students to be mindful of self and thoughts, to be mindful in movement and to be mindful in breathing.
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DATE: September 16, 2024
LOCATION: PHILLIPS Laurel High School
Sophia Hill
Community Yoga Class
Sankofa Seva Project
​Strength and Flow: EmPower your Body and Mind
Friday, 9/20
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Downstairs
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Join me for a dynamic and energizing class designed to build strength, flexibility and balance while cultivating mindfulness and body awareness. This class is perfect for all levels and will incorporate a blend of functional movements and traditional yoga poses
EmPower Kids: Nurturing Resilience in Elementary School Children​
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Introduce the concept of emotional emojis to help kids identify their feelings about going back to school and learn ways to manage stress or challenges.
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MISSION: This Seva project aims to empower elementary school children by fostering emotional awareness, providing age-appropriate stress management tools (yoga practice), and promoting contentment (SANTOSHA) through gratitude in a safe environment to explore their emotions (AHIMSA).
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GOAL: Help kids identify and express their emotions about returning to school by engaging them in discussion about various feelings represented by emojis, sharing their thoughts, and understanding that their feelings are valid and shared by others.
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DATE: August 14, 2024
LOCATION: Bryant Woods Elementary School
Miatta Harris
Community Yoga Class
Sankofa Seva Project
Self- Love and Gratitude Flow
Friday, 9/20
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Upstairs
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End your week with a gentle vinyasa flow. This practice will focus on heart opening postures to unleash the love and compassion from within. It will also utilize breath awareness while cultivating a mindset of gratitude.
Black Joy Self-expression with Art and Movement​
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Through the lens of Ahimsa: Nonviolence, Satya: Truthfulness and Tapas: Self-discipline, Miatta’s Sankofa Seva Project addresses the rise of social/emotional and mental health concerns with our black and brown children and youth in our communities.
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MISSION: We were put on this Earth to self-express, be creative, dream big, and live our truth. There is freedom in our truth. My mission is to develop and increase self-awareness in children and youth by utilizing mindfulness and gentle movement combined with creative self-expression
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GOAL: My goal is to hold age-appropriate discussions in a safe space with Black and Brown children and youth on how to self-regulate and cope with the emotions of stress, disappointment, and frustration. And also cultivating joy through art and movement.
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DATE: Sept. 7, 2024
LOCATION: Creative Suitland Arts Center Suitland, MD
Amani Bisle
Community Yoga Class
Sankofa Seva Project
Hatha Alignment
Friday, 9/20
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Upstairs
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In this class we gradually build warmth while connecting breath, movement, and alignment to maximize the benefits of this healing practice. You will be offered a range of modifications as you honor your body. This is a beginner friendly class. I hope you walk away lighter and empowered to bring alignment into your life on and off the mat.
The "Content" Teacher: Build Your Own Self-Care Kit​
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Through a commitment to Santosha, also known as Contentment, teachers build space in their lives to step back and nurture themselves. This allows teachers to better appreciate all of their blessings while releasing all they cannot control. In our first workshop, teachers were exposed to asana, pranayama, meditation, sound bath, and journaling. We partnered with Gwendolyn Althea for Meditation & Soundbath. We also partnered with Think. Write. Heal. to expose teachers to the benefits of journaling. Much gratitude to these phenomenal healers for sharing their gifts with others.
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MISSION: To reduce teacher burnout in K-12 classrooms by equipping teachers with the tools they need to build and sustain a self care practice.
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GOAL: To equip teachers with the tools they need to build and sustain a regular self care practice by making space monthly to explore the eightfold path of yoga, namely asana, breathwork, and meditation. Through partnerships with local businesses, teachers will also be exposed to other self-care practices. This monthly workshop series will continue through the end of the school year. We will know this project is successful if teachers take these practices home and sustain them overtime.
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DATE: Sept. 5, 2024
LOCATION: Elementary School in Washington, DC
Krista Montgomery
Community Yoga Class
Sankofa Seva Project
Elevate: Crown & Clarity Yoga Flow
Friday, 9/20
6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Downstairs
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Step into Elevate: Crown & Clarity, a transformative yoga class designed to align your mind, body, and spirit. This practice focuses on activating the Crown Chakra and Third Eye Chakra through mindful movements, deep breathing, and empowering inversions like the forearm stand (Pincha Mayurasana). As we flow through grounding poses and work towards building balance and strength, this class will guide you in cultivating mental clarity, intuition, and a deeper connection to your higher self. Whether you're seeking inner peace, spiritual elevation, or simply want to challenge yourself with inversions, this practice is designed to help you elevate your consciousness and embrace your full potential. All levels are welcome, with modifications offered to support your journey.
Yoga on the Lake​
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Yoga on the Lake is a restorative and community-centered yoga session designed to connect Black individuals with mindfulness and nature. This project seeks to provide a peaceful space for participants to experience the benefits of yoga, promote mental well-being, and cultivate a deeper connection with the natural world. Hosted by a certified yoga instructor, this event offers a gentle, accessible practice suitable for all levels. Set by the tranquil waters of a local lake, participants will engage in mindful movements and breathing exercises aimed at reducing stress and fostering personal and collective wellness.
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MISSION: The mission of Yoga on the Lake is to create a restorative space where Black individuals can connect with mindfulness and nature, fostering both personal and collective well-being. By offering accessible yoga practices in a natural setting, this project seeks to promote mental and physical health, reduce stress, and cultivate a deeper connection to the environment and community.
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GOAL: Through this initiative, Yoga on the Lake aims to support healing, empowerment, and unity within the Black community.
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DATE: September 14, 2024
LOCATION: Lake Armeshia
Andi Johnson
Community Yoga Class
Sankofa Seva Project
Week’s End Wind Down
Friday, 9/20
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Upstairs
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This restorative class is a gentle and soothing yoga session designed to help you unwind and reflect on the victories of the week no as we transition into the weekend. Whether you’ve had a busy week or want to embrace a moment of tranquility, this class offers a serene space to reconnect with yourself and acknowledge your personal wins. All levels are welcome, no prior yoga experience is necessary.
Yoga on the Roof​
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Yoga on the Roof creates an accessible, yoga teaching space for the community including yoga teacher trainees.
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MISSION: The project aims to offer a free teaching space to remove a barrier to the success of the Epsilon YTT cohort, provide a location for yogis to practice, and provide free accessible yoga classes in a variety of styles to the community on a monthly basis while watching the sunrise on the roof.
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GOAL: Ahimsa embodies non-violence and supports compassion, which can be extended to ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to engage in activities that promote physical and mental well-being. Many communities face barriers to accessing wellness resources, and Yoga on the Roof helps to bridge this gap and promote equity in health resources for anyone interested. All are welcome and encouraged to participate including instructors and students.
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DATE: 6/30, 7/28, 8/18, 9/15, 10/13 (pending), 11/10 (pending)
LOCATION: The Arundel Rooftop, Hanover, MD
Stacey Dyce
Community Yoga Class
Sankofa Seva Project
Rest is a Revolutionary Birthright
Friday, 9/20
7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Upstairs
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Throughout history and for some of us now, rest has not been safe. So, we did or do not rest. While embracing rest as an act of self-care may be challenging, the old saying “you cannot pour from an empty cup” rings true as many of us suffer the mental, physical and spiritual effects of the lack of rest. Reminding us that rest is resistance and of the liberation that rest brings us, end your busy week with a Restorative Hatha flow to relax our mind, body and soul. In this class we will use breath, restorative poses focusing on deliberate movement and meditation to honor the act of resting to end our week and start our weekend. Join the Resistance!
Finding our Mind, Body, Soul Connections: Yoga as a Tool for Recovery​
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Guided by the principle of Swadhyaya (self-study) and through the lens of Ahimsa (non-violence), Finding our Connections will help Peer Recovery Specialists (PRS) explore the role of yoga in a holistic drug and alcohol recovery plan. Peers supported by the Maryland Peer Advisory Council will be introduced to yoga as a healing modality, engage in a facilitated discussion and activity to help them explore where yoga can help them in their own recovery journey, and experience a Hatha yoga practice and meditation.
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MISSION: To champion yoga as a healing modality that can be most successful when used in combination with evidence-based treatment to maximize the chances of lifelong sobriety and mental, physical and spiritual health.
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GOAL: To guide PRS in an experience where they see how yoga may help them on their own recovery journey in a safe and supported environment, fostering self-compassion and empowerment to continue working as a Peer Recovery Specialist along the way.
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DATE: September 17, 2024
LOCATION: The Peer Wellness Center, 902 Wheeler Ave, Baltimore MD, 21216
Olu Christian
Community Yoga Class
Sankofa Seva Project
Flex with Ease
Saturday, 9/21
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Downstairs
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A gentle yoga practice designed to help stretch and improve flexibility in commonly tight areas of the body.
Kindness After Cancer​
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Using Ahimsa as a guide, this free 2-hour workshop for breast cancer survivors and thrivers will create a space where we discuss ways we may have been violent with ourselves mentally and physically and ways to move towards kindness. Followed by a Yin practice that is designed to allow gentle and supported release of the upper body.
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MISSION: To support post-surgical breast cancer survivors and thrivers as they move through a life that looks very different after treatment.
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GOAL: To create a space where survivors can move towards being kinder to themselves physically, mentally and emotionally after the terrifying experience that is cancer treatment. To facilitate a discussion on letting go of expectations (internal and external) and honoring where our minds and bodies are each day.
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DATE: September 14, 2024
LOCATION: Columbia, MD
Gwendolyn Chambers
Community Yoga Class
Sankofa Seva Project
Truth in Harmony: A Satya-Inspired Yoga Experience
Saturday, 9/21
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Upstairs
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Centered on the principle of Satya, or truthfulness, this blend of yoga, meditation, self-reflection, and sound healing, invites you to explore your inner truth, align with your authentic self, and cultivate harmony within and around you.
Moms, Not Martyrs: Rest & Self Care Practices for Women at All Stages of Motherhood​
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This workshop is designed to empower mothers with practical tools for self-care, prioritizing rest, and nurturing their identities. Through guided activities and discussions, participants will explore ways to balance motherhood with personal well-being and fulfillment, build community and create a sustainable rest plan.
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MISSION: To support and empower mothers by providing them with the knowledge, tools, and community they need to prioritize their well-being, maintain their identities, and embrace self-care as an essential part of motherhood.
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GOAL: To create a safe, nurturing space where mothers can create and implement self-care practices, find community, develop a balanced approach to rest, and learn reconnect with and maintain their personal identities.
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DATE: September 17, 2024
LOCATION: Tha Harbor Bank Building, 25 W Fayette St, Baltimore, MD 21201
Cindy Waugh
Community Yoga Class
Sankofa Seva Project
Flow For Balance and Strength
Saturday, 9/21
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Upstairs
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This slow vinyasa flow will improve balance and build strength while slightly elevating the heart rate. Great for all yogis, regardless of where they are in their asana journey.
Joy Drive!​
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Provide “Joy Button” opportunities throughout the drive and lift up the moments of joy shared by participants. A “Joy Button” provided by myself will be in the form of images, videos, quotes, affirmations, etc…and participants are encouraged to do the same. This project aligns with the Yama of Non-Violence.
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MISSION: With countless reports of the negative impacts that social media has on individuals, the mission of this digital space is to intentionally uplift and share moments of joy and not harm to one's self.
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GOAL: Allow individuals to see the positive benefits of intentionally tapping into their joy and opening themselves up to better and more often experience moments of joy.
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DATE: September 6th - September 19th
LOCATION: Social Media/Instagram