events

Monday, December 2nd from 5:00pm-6:30pm (PST)

From Necessary Trouble Collective and Building Belonging Event’s Site:

“Session Description: Are you a group or meeting facilitator, convener of spaces where things can get emotionally charged, where there are difficult conversations, or tensions between participants?

In Facilitating Under Fire, we will explore how to respond with care to:

Crying, upset, expressions of anger

Racist or oppressive language (and appropriately address the impact)

People who are marginalised

Diverging needs arising from the group”

Location: Online

Cost: Gift Economy

Thursday, December 5th from 4:00pm - 7:00pm PT

From the Center of Mindful Self-Compassion’s Site:

Think of all the generous, kind people you know who constantly give compassion and care to others, yet continually beat themselves up. Most of us are quite practiced at being supportive and giving to others, especially those of us who find ourselves in caregiver roles.  Whether we have a special needs child, a parent with Alzheimer’s, an ill partner, or are in a caregiving profession such as being a doctor, nurse, therapist, or teacher, we know how to give support, comfort, and compassion to the people who need us.  But how many of us offer that same level of compassion and care to ourselves? Whether caring for family members or professional clients, if caring just goes one way - out, but not in - you will eventually become drained and depleted.  Self-compassion is crucial for caregivers because it allows us to resource ourselves so that we can sustain giving to others without burning out. 

This workshop will present theory and research on the key role that self-compassion plays for caregivers. A variety of practices will be taught that can help individuals maintain equilibrium in difficult caregiving situations.  We will also explore how to meet our needs in a balanced and fulfilling manner. 

Learning objectives:

Describe the main components of self-compassion

Distinguish between empathy fatigue and compassion fatigue

Identify the link between self-compassion, stress, and burnout

Apply self-compassion in caregiving contexts

Location: Online

Cost: $125

Sunday, December 15th, 2024 from 11:00am - 2:00pm ET

From Lama Rod Owen’s Site:

“Join Lama Rod and community in a solstice ceremony to call in our intentions in preparation for the coming of winter and the approaching new year! 

When tuning into our bodies and to the earth, we connect with nature’s patterns and how change is embedded in every moment of our life and practice. The medicine of the season of autumn is harvesting what we’ve cultivated throughout the year, while letting go of what we no longer need and releasing  what no longer serves us. Like in practice, the inhalation of breath is followed by exhalation. 

As we approach the winter solstice, the longest and darkest night of the year, we can practice being with the times by embracing stillness and planting seeds for the future. The rhythm of nature holds space for these seeds of intention to be dormant and still in the wintertime. Through ritual, we too can practice slowness and stillness as a way to come back into ourselves and rest for what is to come. 

Join Lama Rod for a ceremony that intentionally works with the energies of this seasonal transition to celebrate the fruits of our labor while also leaning into the spirit of release. This live online offering will include ritual, ceremony, and practices that support letting go and planting seeds for ourselves and for our collective.  

This Pre-Solstice Ceremony includes:

Live Ceremony & Dialogue with Lama Rod

Video Recording of the session

Release, stillness, renewal, and connection.”

Location: Online

Cost: $105-$155

January 9-12th, 2025

“Discover the power of creativity and community at Animé Los Angeles (ALA)! This vibrant, fan-driven convention, held annually in Southern California, celebrates Japanese animation, comics, and pop culture. ALA offers a unique and welcoming space for individuals to express themselves freely and connect with like-minded enthusiasts.

Imagine participating in cosplay competitions, attending engaging panel discussions, exploring artist alleys, and joining exciting gaming tournaments. These experiences are more than just fun—they provide a sense of belonging. Especially in these times, you might be looking to overcome social isolation or lift your spirits, ALA can offer a supportive and inspiring environment.

Explore Animé Los Angeles to meet industry guests, participate in creative workshops, and immerse yourself in a community that celebrates individuality and creativity. Find joy and inspiration…engage in play as you connect with others who share your passions.

Animé Los Angeles, where creativity and community come together…”

Location: Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center

Cost: $45-$100