This series is a sanctuary for us living amidst collapse. It is about tending our nervous systems so we can stay present, connected, and alive together.
In socio-political, ecological, and cultural unraveling, we gather here to practice compassion as an embodied skill of resistance. Compassion supports our tenderness without bypassing reality. It allows us to sustain our courage and resilience without burnout.
Because:
Compassion is a political act; a way of resisting dehumanization, hate and numbness
art, color and beauty are not luxuries, they’re historically-rooted forms of resistance, survival and transformation
Nurturance is a birthright, and reclaiming it interrupts colonial, extractive logics
Compassion is a capacity skill (not a personality trait) and it can be strengthened even, and especially, in hard times
Through coloring and expressive arts, research-informed mindful self-compassion practices, and trauma-sensitive, embodied collective reflection, we cultivate nurturance, beauty, and care as practical skills for our personal and collective resilience and sustainability
session 1
Compassion as Resistance
SESSION 2
Barriers and Backdraft
session 3
Inter-Being in a Polarized World
Session 4
Discernment and Continuity
SESSION 5
Integration
This series puts in practice the research and visions from the
Cultivating Compassion in Times of Fascism Coloring Book
TIME & place
We’ll meet from 7pm - 8:30pm on:
Thursdays, March 12th, 19th and 26th
April 2nd and 9th
@ Soma Yoga and Wellness
9951 San Pablo Ave,
El Cerrito, CA 94530
Entrance: There are about 15 stairs from the ground floor to the 2nd floor where the studio is
Parking: There is a small parking lot in the back of the building, free street parking available after 6pm
Provided: water and tea are provided, as well as mats, blankets, bolsters, blocks, backjacks, and chairs.
Covid/sickness Policy: Masking is not currently required, although we require folks to take precaution if there’s been exposure to Covid or any other seasonal cold. We have masks if needed. We require folks to stay home and rest if there are early signs of a cold/Covid
Hello dear human,
thank you for being here…
It’s Chetna, I’ll be facilitating this series.
The last time I was teaching compassion courses regularly was during the pandemic. After publishing the Compassion in Times of Fascism coloring book (which we’ll use in this series) last year, these sessions feel like a necessary and timely offering.
Frankly, a big motivator for me in hosting this space is that I need it. The harm and suffering in the world feel ceaseless and overwhelming. It’s easy to succumb to hate and/or avoidance. It can even seem indulgent and pointless to prioritize grounding, art-making and rest.
Yet, from my lifetime as an artist and my years of study and training in mindful compassion, I know for a fact that art and compassion are big middle-fingers to colonialism, and significant portals for resilience, liberation and revolution.
I hope you’ll join me.
Love,
Chetna
INVESTMENT
all rate are first come first serve
early bird until 2/15:
$195
sliding scale until 3/10:
$225 - $475
This fee structure is set up to create a sustainable work model based in principles of resource redistribution and financial accessibility. The rate covers space rental, curriculum development and class preparation, art supplies and printed materials, curation of learning resources, communication/administration, and expert facilitation of sessions.
If you have access to wealth, please consider paying at the top of the scale, knowing that your funds will help cover partial sponsorships for others.
If the available sliding scale is not accessible to you to pay in full, we have a 2-installment payment plan. Please reach out if you’re interested in this.
TESTIMONIALS
“This space was healing, empathetic and moving. I’m walking away with a powerful energy, perspective and many tools to integrate and nourish self-compassion and discipline in my life. So much BIG LOVE + GRATITUDE for Chetna’s wisdom, energy, brilliance, love and nourishing knowledge and practices.”
— Caitlin
“A beautiful, uplifting, deep + humbling experience. I am leaving feeling more supported and inspired to continue this very important work. Much love.”
— Anonymous
“Chetna is a master facilitator and holds space for everyone’s humanness. I instantly felt welcomed and held in her space.”
— Paige