We are living in a particularly stressful time in Minnesota.
What we’re witnessing in our community — people being intimidated, families separated, and lives being taken — is traumatic. Our collective sense of safety has been eroded. It impacts all of us as individuals and our communities, and Neurobiology research indicates that it can be challenging to stay regulated when our nervous systems feel threatened or when our environment is unpredictable.
What helps?
Resilience research tells us that Self-regulation, co-regulation and community are strong protective factors that buffer stress and trauma. The good news is that there are simple daily practices that can help us regulate our nervous systems and support each other – even in stressful and uncertain times like these. Practicing them regularly, even in short bits, helps them become habits available to us when we need them most.
The invitation:
You are invited to join the weekly virtual Practicing Resilience in Community sessions that will be held on Wednesdays from 12:15 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
This 6-week series will be offered weekly, and will start on Wednesday, 2/11, and is scheduled to run through 3/18.
Register for the series here!
- Note that once you register, you will have access to the link for all 6 sessions
- You will have the option to add the invitations to your calendar
- Feel free to join what you are able! If you register, no level of attendance is expected. You are invited to attend as much or as little as you have capacity. Join any day you are available and come for as long as you are able.
What to expect:
At each session we will practice a new tool for calming our nervous systems and integrating all the parts of our brain so we can be at our best in the challenges that we face. At the end of each session, we will also provide optional space for connection and co-regulation for those who want to stay on for conversation.
At these sessions, we will use a consistent format each week (times are approximate):
- 5-minute opening and breathing together – This part is not recorded.
- 15-20 minute healing practice that soothes the nervous system – This part may be recorded and available online for later reference.
- 10-15 minutes of connection and community time with smaller group conversations and guided prompts – This part is not recorded. Prompts may include:
- What was your experience with the practice?
- What else is present for you?
- What is one action you can take to help you feel more joyful, connected, or grounded this week?
- 5-minute closing with breath and reading – This part is not recorded.
Closed Captioning is available for sessions.
Recordings
Recordings of some of these sessions will also be available on our website for you to access if you are not able to attend the weekly live session.
Facilitation Team
The facilitation team for these sessions will vary, and will include a combination of Peacemaker Resources staff, FamilyWise staff, and consultants.
- February 11 – Peacemaker Resources
- February 18 – Becky Dale and Susan Beaulieu
- February 25 – Susan Beaulieu
- March 4 – Becky Dale
- March 11 – Lisa Deputie
- March 18 – Peacemaker Resources
Sponsors & Funder Acknowledgements
This series is made possible with generous support from the following projects and funders:
- More Resilient Minnesota seeks to improve the health and resilience of current and future generations. This initiative is coordinated by FamilyWise Services is made possible with funding from Minnesota Department of Human Services.
- 80×3, an initiative of Greater Twin Cities United Way, is on a mission to create a community of trauma-sensitive adults committed to ensuring resilient and healthy futures for all children. They provide resources and transform systems so that our youngest Minnesotans can access quality early childhood education and compassionate care.
- The Tribal N.E.A.R. and Community Wisdom Project is a grassroots movement designed to build awareness and understanding regarding the root causes of the contemporary issues our tribal communities face today, and to honor and uplift stories of indigenous resilience. This project is coordinated by FamilyWise Services and Peacemaker Resources and is made possible with funding from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota.