A beautiful day of self-exploration, creativity, guided meditation and group work to explore the armoury we wear as part of our persona. By dismantling some our protective layers and working with our vulnerability, we can find renewed meaning and purpose in our life and the courage to allow our authentic self to be seen.
Facilitated by Inez de Vega and Mandy Laming
“You shall become aware, through daily practice, that what you imagine to be your self is concocted from beliefs put into you by others and is not your self at all.” Iskander of Balkh (Sufi Master)
Most of us think of ourselves via descriptions that were assigned by our families, sometimes even from birth. For example, the good child, the high-achiever, the rescuer, the scapegoat, the nurturer, the outsider, the baby…
While some of these roles may sound attractive, the truth is they all tend to lock us into an abbreviated identity long after its use-by-date resulting in a persona that feels fixed. Many times, we anxiously grasp on to these habitual roles for fear of losing who we think we are. We often wear our identity as armour — as protection.
“I’m just an anxious person, that’s who I am.” “Beyond being everyone’s mum, I don’t know who I am.” “I’ve always wanted to do something different but I'm scared.” "I’m a control freak.” “I’ve always been a perfectionist.” Each of these statements hint at a rigid core-belief that keeps us trapped in old behaviours and a narrow spectrum of self-identification. The more contracted we are, the more we seek to control our environment and relationships, and the more we fear change. Science tells us that contraction and fear also create inflammation in our brains and bodies.
While we build up our armour as children to protect ourselves from disappointment or pain; as adults we may intuit that to lead a meaningful life, experiencing renewed purpose and deeper connections, we can start dismantling some this steely protection and befriending our vulnerability.
Through guided meditation, creative art and group work, this soothing workshop will help us become more aware of our armoury and gently loosen our identification with it. Then, in the supportive embrace of the Sharing Circle, explore ways in this new year that we might move beyond what it is that has been holding us back from experiencing our own radiant, happy heart.
Inez is the founder of A Happy Heart. She is an experienced group facilitator, meditation guide and an award-winning artist. She is currently undertaking a Masters of Counselling.
Mandy is co-founder of the Creative Arts Therapy Collective at Studio One. She is a creative arts therapist with more than two-decades experience in clinical, community and private practice. Mandy also has a long-term practice as a visual artist.
Using creative expression and reflection, Inez and Mandy will offer participants the opportunity to challenge their existing concept of self and consider future possibilities.
Cost: $100 full price; $80 concession. Bookings essential as places are limited.
Venue: PRAHRAN, Breathing Space Yoga Studio, Level 1, 217 Chapel Street.
For more info, email ahappyheart@zoho.com or call Inez on 03 9824 6963 or 0468 369 824.