About this Event
For the last three years we’ve all been strengthening bonds within the framework of community building, but what we found in our last podmapping session is that the concept of community is at times romanticised and nebulous - to the extent that many of us were lacking in real, genuine connections - how could that be?
Beyond feeling connected to the ESEA community at large, some only had significant and trustworthy relationships with very few actual people who may or may not be part of that community. The idea of community has radical roots that doesn't just describe a group of people with some commonality, but was also intended to be a daily practice within the framework of transformative justice.
So moving forward, how can we make practical use of the tools given to us by our elders, to go beyond community, engage with ESEA history to explore tangible ways of supporting each other?
What to expect on the day
Join us for a transformative day of inner well-being and community care:
11:30 AM - Registration, Welcome and Introduction - Begin your transformative journey with a warm welcome and introduction to the day's activities. Meet your fellow participants and prepare for a day of self-discovery and community care.
12.15 PM - Qi Gong (30 mins) - Led by our very own Jennie (@spectrawellbe), a certified Qigong instructor and sound therapist, for a rejuvenating Qigong session. Experience the power of movement meditation that promotes self-care, resilience, and emotional healing - a crucial foundation for our transformative justice journey.
12.45-3.00 PM - Podmapping* and Healing Circle - Get a deeper understanding of how podmapping strengthens our support systems and work with your fellow participants to create your own pod maps. This exercise may surface some feelings so we will have a healing circle to help us process, share insights, and experiences as we explore how inner well-being contributes to building resilient support networks. This interactive session will challenge us to uncover how radical and transformative our communities can actually be in our daily lives.
3.00 PM - Sound Bath (30 mins) - Conclude our transformative day with a soothing sound bath experience. Jennie's Tibetan singing bowls and chimes will synchronise with your brainwaves, fostering deep relaxation and mental clarity. This practice reinforces the importance of inner wellbeing in our collective journey towards transformative justice.
*The term “pod” refers to a specific type of relationship where people can turn to each other for support around harmful and/or abusive experiences, whether as survivors, bystanders, or people who have been harmed. Although it was initially envisioned to support people in these situations, this framework can be applied to all levels of harm and isolation and day to day life as marginalised people.
The practice of pod-mapping is developed by ESEA disability advocate Mia Mingus and members of the Bay Area Transformative Justice Collective.
Who we are
ESEA Sisters exist to cultivate a community where women, transgender, non-binary and genderqueer people of ESEA heritage feel empowered and joyful as their full selves. A few of our members will be facilitating this workshop drawing upon our combined experiences of grassroots organising, reimagining what community really means to us and enabling groups to design and implement transformative justice methods in practice.
Our fellow ESEA Sister Jennie (@spectrawellbe) is a qigong instructor and sound therapist, trained and certified in both practices. She connects with the natural energy around us and holds space so her clients are able to relax and let go in a safe, nurturing space. She offers Qigong, Sound baths and Qi healings, based in London. To find out more please visit: www.spectrawellbe.com
Important points to note:
- This is a free event for women, trans, non-binary and genderqueer people of ESEA heritage.
- This event is for people aged 18+.
- All activities are optional, if you are not comfortable participating that is welcome too.
- Please bring a yoga mat if you would like to participate and lie down during the sound bath session (although it is also fine to sit on a chair).
- You are welcome to bring your own water bottle to stay hydrated during the sessions.
- We recommend wearing comfortable clothing for ease of movement during the Qigong session. While lycra is not necessary, please choose attire that allows you to move comfortably.
- Refreshments and some snacks will be available.
- There will be photography and videography taking place that may be used by ESEA Sisters and organisations/individuals involved in the event for future marketing including social media. Please let us know at registration if you have questions/concerns.
Access Information:
We thank you in advance for your care and support by wearing a mask. At ESEA Sisters we prioritize accessibility & community care at our events, and ask that you wear a mask indoors so we can keep each other safe. Together we can make this a more intentional and safe space for everyone, including our immunocompromised attendees, volunteers, and organisers.
This event will be taking place at Museum of the Home. Full information about accessibility of the facilities is available here on their website (https://www.museumofthehome.org.uk/visit-us/access/).
This includes details about services available including:
step-free access,
accessible toilets suitable for wheelchair users,
wheelchairs available to borrow for use on the day,
textures of floors and paths,
mobility scooter access,
hearing / induction loops,
guide, assistance, and emotional support dogs,
and seating information.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Museum of the Home, 136 Kingsland Road, London, United Kingdom
GBP 0.00