with Evolyn Brooks

Make a luxury intention candle, personalize your creations with crystals, flowers and glitter at this beautifully tablescaped setting. After the event, this special candle designed by you, will serve as a gentle reminder of the promise you made to call forth love, luck and grace in all aspects of your life!

In this 90 minute workshop you will learn:

  • The difference between a goal and an intention.
  • How to set new life goals and intentions that support your aspirations.
  • How to create an intention candle that adds positive energy to your life and home, supports your goals and serves as a reminder to pursue what’s best for you in life.
  • How to practice kindness and compassion for yourself as you pursue your dreams.
  • How to release emotional blocks and thought patterns that no longer serve you.
  • How to create a daily mantra that connects you with the highest version of yourself.
  • How to center yourself with breath work, healing touch and the five reiki precepts.

Suggested Donation: $25

 

About Evolyn Brooks

In My Solitude LA began with the heartfelt desire of Founder and TV Producer, Evolyn Brooks to create a luxury, handcrafted candle, wellness goods and lifestyle line to help women relax and practice self-care.

As a breast cancer survivor and thriver, Evolyn shares through her book, “Her Name Is Cranberry,” a message of how to overcome obstacles and create the life of your dreams. She brings her ideas to life through intention based “self-discovery through DIY” candle making experiences around the world.

She created and used the Journey Candle Collection, a project she began to support her healing process while undergoing chemotherapy, surgery and radiation. “The Journey Candle Collection can be used to overcome any subconscious mental or spiritual blocks that diminish your power to focus on an area of your life that needs to be healed,” says Evolyn. By clarifying the intention and outcome you want in your life, it’s easier to claim your desire and create it with power and confidence.”

In My Solitude LA is a female owned, Los Angeles based company that is dedicated to creating mindful products and experiences. https://www.inmysolitudela.com/

This program is being offered virtually through Zoom. In order to participate and receive the Zoom link, you must register here or by emailing carla@smithcenter.org

with special guest artist Muriel Hasbun

barquitos de papel/ paper boats, installation view, American University Museum, Washington, DC, 2008.

Artist and educator Muriel Hasbun will lead a family history workshop. Participants are invited to bring copies of documents and family photos to add their stories to the barquitos de papel collective archive. Hasbun has been gathering migration stories from all over the world since 2006 and invites you to contribute a paper boat with your story as well. In the workshop, we are encouraged to remember, to (re)discover and to claim our individual stories, inscribing them in a communal space. Our barquitos stand on their own as documents of our diverse journeys. They highlight our individuality while gesturing that together, we may find our belonging.

Click here to download the Barquitos de Papel questionnaire and family tree graphic.

Materials:

  • Photocopies of family photographs, documentation, birth certificates, family trees
  • If possible, please print out the questionnaire and/or family tree graphic provided

Suggested Donation: $15


La artista y docente Muriel Hasbun facilitará un taller sobre historia de familia. Los participantes están invitados a traer copias de fotografías y documentos de familia para añadir sus historias al archivo colectivo de barquitos de papel. Hasbun ha estado reuniendo historias de familia de todo el mundo desde el 2006 y les invita a contribuir con su barquito también. En el taller, recordamos, (re)descubrimos y reclamamos nuestras historias personales, y las inscribimos en el espacio comunitario. Nuestros barquitos documentan nuestros viajes diversos. Destacan nuestra individualidad al mismo tiempo que nos demuestran que juntos podremos encontrar nuestro sentido de pertenencia.

Haga clic aquí para descargar el cuestionario de Barquitos de Papel y el gráfico del árbol genealógico.

Materiales:

  • Fotocopias de fotografías familiares, documentación, certificados de nacimiento, árboles genealógicos
  • Si es posible, imprima el cuestionario y / o el gráfico del árbol genealógico proporcionado

Outside the Lines is held Bi-Monthly on Wednesdays from 10:30am – 12:30pm. 

Upcoming sessions:

  • October 28 (Barquitos de Papel Collective Archive)
  • November 4 & 18
  • December 2 & 16

Our programs are open to the community, and tailored to meet the needs of people affected by cancer. Classes and workshops are free or low cost on a pay-as-you-can basis, ensuring that our programs are accessible to everyone.


About Muriel Hasbun

Muriel Hasbun, artist and educator, founder of Laberinto Projects, explores identity and memory through her work. Recipient of numerous distinctions such as Smithsonian Artist Research Fellowship, Howard Chapnick Grant, Corcoran’s Outstanding Creative Research Faculty Award, Fulbright Scholar Grant. Exhibited and collected internationally: Venice Biennale, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museo del Barrio, Art Museum of the Americas, Bibliothèque Nationale de France. 

with Kiersten Gallagher and special guest Denise Feldman

Traditionally, prayer flags are used to promote peace, compassion, strength, and wisdom. The flags do not carry prayers to gods, a common misconception; rather, it’s believed that the prayers and mantras are blown by the wind to spread good will and compassion to everyone the wind may reach. Therefore, prayer flags are thought to bring benefit to all. The prayers or a flag become a permanent part of the universe as the images fade from exposure to the elements.

In this workshop we’ll learn how to make multi-layer prayer flags to send our hopes and dreams out into the world. Each one will be unique – a personal reflection or wish for ourselves and our collective community/world.

Materials needed:

  • 5-8’ of strong string, ribbon or yarn
  • Old papers, children’s artwork, coloring pages, journal pages, etc. (note that these will be cut and ripped, so nothing that is ‘precious’ to you)
  • Scraps of ‘stuff’ that would otherwise be thrown away
  • Magazines for cutting out words or phrases (optional)
  • Stapler and staples

Optional materials:

  • Watercolor and paper, paint brushes
  • Scraps of fabric, yarn, string, felt, ribbon, etc.
  • Beads, charms, or other add-ons
  • Permanent marker, any color
  • Needle and thread or embroidery floss
  • Hole punch

Suggested Donation: $15


This series is held twice each month on Wednesdays from 10:30am – 12:30pm. 

Upcoming sessions:

  • July 8
  • July 22
  • August 5
  • August 19
  • September 2
  • September 16

Our programs are open to the community, and tailored to meet the needs of people affected by cancer. Classes and workshops are free or low cost on a pay-as-you-can basis, ensuring that our programs are accessible to everyone.


Wellness in the Time of COVID

The Washington Home

This 6-month integrative wellness series, sponsored by The Washington Home, will be offered to caregivers, those who are critically ill, and those facing cancer-related challenges during this especially difficult time.


About Denise Feldman

Denise Feldman is a local mixed media artist who discovered the power of creativity as a healing practice after her treatment for breast cancer in 2014. As a creative ‘dabbler’ who loves working with various materials and surfaces, Denise shares her altered book processes and soulful perspective with the hope of inspiring others to tell their stories ‘on the page’ and clear space for life’s chapters yet to come.

About Kiersten Gallagher

As the Cancer Support Program Director, Kiersten fully believes that through the arts we can expand our perspectives and explore new fulfilling ways of being. She invites you to make our space your own refuge, to circumvent your daily routine to spark creativity, to take time for introspection, and draw outside the lines.

This program is being offered virtually through Zoom. Please register here to receive the Zoom link to participate.

with Danielle Ferris, MS, OTR/L, CLT, Maude Fish, and Bonnie Vermillion

This ongoing healing circle will focus on the unique needs that people who are living with Lymphedema face. No matter where you find yourself on your journey you will have a chance to be with others who share in your experience. This shared experience will often lead to profound learning and healing.

Healing Circle for People Living with Lymphedema will be held Monthly on Mondays from 2:30-4:00pm.

Upcoming Dates:

  • April 6 (online)
  • May 4 (online)
  • June 1

 

What is a Healing Circle?

Healing Circles bring together small numbers of people impacted by a condition or circumstance to share experiences and harvest collective wisdom.  Healing Circles is a peer-led process by which people support each other through deep listening and shared learning. When working at its best, this collaborative conversation model leads to authentic and deep connectivity and can create wisdom and healing for participants.


About Danielle Ferris, MS, OTR/L, CLT

Danielle Ferris is an Occupational Therapist with a speciality in oncology rehabilitation. She provides one on one treatment sessions to clients at Body Wellness DC in Dupont Circle. She has experience in evaluating and treating differential diagnosis related to pre/post breast cancer treatments. Danielle is recognized by the Norton School of Lymphatic Therapy as a Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT). She has also completed training through Klose Training related to breast cancer rehabilitation, and is certified to implement and train individuals in the Strength After Breast Cancer exercise program.

About Maude Fish

Maude Fish has performed classical music throughout the DC Metro area since she moved to Washington in 1988. Currently, she plays regularly with the Amadeus Chamber Orchestra, the Virginia Chamber Orchestra, The Arlington Philharmonic, and the Tysons-McLean Orchestra. In prior years, she has worked with orchestras as distant as Roanoke, VA, and St. Mary’s, MD. She teaches piano and bassoon privately from her home in Chevy Chase, DC. She is no stranger to Smith Center having participated in a day-long writers retreat and yoga classes when she finished active treatment for breast cancer in 2004. Additionally, her chamber group performed at Smith Center at a gallery opening for the Alchemical Vessels Exhibit. In her spare time, she enjoys walking, cooking, knitting, and writing. She is married with two adult children, her dog Otto, and Cookie the Cockatiel.

About Bonnie Vermillion

I am a Cancer survivor/thriver since 1998 and have had lymphedema since 2002. I initially had so much trouble finding information on lymphedema that I went online and found an exercise program that was developed to maintain lymphedema. I became an instructor, then trainer, and finally acquired the program in 2014. I currently teach classes in central Virginia. I’m also a regional coordinator for Chronic Disease Self Management workshops, so actively work with small groups of participants for them to self-manage their chronic conditions. I am also a volunteer Ombudsman with the local Agency on Aging and a volunteer with the Alzheimer’s Association as a support group facilitator and speaker.

with Donna Smith, JD

Compassion & Choices will host a week of events to highlight the passing of the Death with Dignity Act

DC Week of Compassion

Tuesday, February 18th – Smith Center Presentation and Discussion

Donna Smith, JD, will present her passionate work with Compassion and Choices DC to Smith Center participants. Donna’s talk will focus on options for end-of-life journey options. Food and drink will be provided and all are welcome!

Other Off-Site DC Week of Compassion Events:
Thursday, February 20th –  Busboys and Poets forum
Sunday, February 23rd – Compassion Sunday- We are asking faith leaders to take a moment and honor all those who have passed within their congregation.

 

Compassion & Choices improves care, expands options and empowers everyone to chart their end-of-life journey. We envision a society that affirms life and accepts the inevitability of death, embraces expanded options for compassionate dying, and empowers everyone to choose end-of-life care that reflects their values, priorities, and beliefs. Their programs include: End-of-life Planning, Community Outreach, Legal and Political Advocacy, and Access Campaigns

 

About Donna Smith, JD

Donna Smith is an accomplished professional with over twenty years of experience in political consulting, legislative advocacy, public affairs, policy and program management.

Donna was the Chief of Policy and Community Programs for eight years at the Maryland Department of Aging. She led a team of program managers that implemented aging statewide programs for the aging and their caregivers.  She was also detailed to work on the White House Conference on Aging in as a public relations specialist.

In 2014 she was a political consultant to the Donna Edwards Senatorial campaign where she focused on organizing women and seniors.

Donna has been employed by Compassion and Choices (C&C) for 4 years.  She is the National African American Director and the Director of Political advocacy for DC and Maryland.  In this capacity she led the campaign to pass end of Death with Dignity legislation in both the District of Columbia (the legislation passed in Feb. 2017) and Maryland, where she organized and engaged over 17,000 volunteers to help pass legislation and acted as a spokesperson on behalf of C&C.

A graduate of Tuskegee University and George Washington Law School, she has one son and resides in Laurel, Md.

This event is being hosted virtually via Zoom. In order to participate live and receive the Zoom link, please purchase tickets below or email carla@smithcenter.org.

Join us to celebrate the beauty of life and survivorship. Come enjoy music, poetry and stories performed and shared in honor of cancer survivors, and in memory of our dear friend and colleague, Fatima Djalo Johnson.

Please stay tuned for an updated list of performances, speakers and other fun opportunities!

Fatima Djalo Johnson touched the lives of so many people around the world in countless ways. Her bravery to reach for the stars and to create a life of joy and fulfillment was truly inspiring. Knowing Fatima meant learning to see life through a brighter lens, to face challenges fearlessly, and to never surrender hope. Fatima lost her battle with cancer on February 12, 2019, two days before Valentine’s Day, a reminder to all who knew her to love and live as big as we can and to never take a single day for granted. The 1st Annual Survivor Voices was Fatima’s effort to uplift those who had persevered through cancer. It is our hope that the event will live on in her honor and carry her light for years to come. 


In honor of what would have been Fatima’s 31st birthday this year, tickets to Survivor Voices are available in increments of $31. Please be as generous as you can.

 

This program is being offered virtually through Zoom. In order to participate and receive the Zoom link, you must register or by emailing carla@smithcenter.org

with Chef Cathryn Pethick

Nourishing Ourselves in Harmony with Summer, the Season of Pitta: An Aryuveda-inspired Cooking Class with Chef Cathryn Pethick

The fundamental principle of Ayurveda is that our habits, lifestyle routines and dietary choices should ebb and flow with the seasons, in harmony with the cycles of Nature. Our bright, hot and humid summer climate is the time to stay cool and hydrated with appropriate food and preparation choices, and support our energy in being relaxed and grounded. The tastes Ayurveda recommends for summer are those foods that are naturally sweet, bitter and astringent, using fresh, local produce, and just lightly seasoning to allow their wonderful natural flavors to shine through.

Join us in creating a summer menu that features all the farmers’ markets best offerings at the height of the season! We will talk about Ayurveda, provide a dosha quiz for you, and demo some beautiful food and cooking technique for you to put to good use at home!

Suggested Donation: $25


About Cathryn Pethick

Cathryn Pethick, AYS, teaches yoga and Ayurveda in the Washington, DC metro area, and is a long-time professional chef. She is an Ayurveda Yoga Specialist through the Himalayan Institute, teaching the self-care basics of the traditional Indian science of Ayurveda and Ayurvedic cooking to groups and private clients. Since 1997, she has taught both traditional and gentle hatha yoga classes for adults and children, therapeutic classes for seniors and special-needs students, and restorative yoga. It is her deepest desire to offer tools that bring balance and well-being into the lives of those she touches.

This program is being offered virtually through Zoom. In order to participate and receive the Zoom link, you must register here or by emailing carla@smithcenter.org

with Julie McCarter

In this creative workshop, you’ll have the opportunity to learn and practice mindfulness through the art of image making. In a series of photographic assignments, we’ll focus on our internal experience of the present moment, alongside the visual components of photography.

This workshop will give you the tools to develop your own “practice” of mindful image-making that will be both nourishing and life-balancing. you will also have the experience of creating images that reflect your unique vision/voice that is often deeply meaningful.

Join us to discover new ways of being, seeing and expressing with mindfulness and your camera.

Please select one meaningful object for the workshop. Any camera, including a cell phone, is perfect for this workshop.

Suggested Donation: $20

 

About Julie McCarter

Julie is a fine art photographer and therapist, offering workshops that blend her two worlds of creative expression and emotional wellness. She is based in the Greater Washington DC area. Her photographic work may be viewed at: http://juliefischermccarter.com

Contact email: jfm@juliefischermccarter.com

with Erin Price, LGSW, and Samantha Evans

 “Cancer can be a lonely, isolating journey. I found a powerful community of fellow travelers at my Living Well with Cancer retreat and have returned home with hope and renewed energy, knowing we are all connected in a web of healing and love.”

This one day retreat is designed to empower cancer patients who have completed treatment and are in remission. The goal of the retreat is to build community and be a part of a supportive environment for healing.

During this retreat you will experience:

  • A respite from daily life
  • Delicious, whole foods, health-supportive lunch
  • An education session about healthy eating and nutrition
  • A creativity session to tap into greater self-understanding
  • A community of other individuals who have shared experiences

There is a $45 registration fee associated with this Retreat. Please contact erin@smithcenter.org to pay after you have completed the form below.

About Erin Price

Erin serves as Smith Center’s Director of Young Adult and Psychosocial Support Programs. She is trained in Integrative Patient Navigation, a Project LEAD graduate, and holds a Masters in Social Work. A seven-year breast cancer survivor, Erin is passionate about providing support and community to other cancer survivors, especially young adults. She works with Smith Center’s DC Young Adult Cancer Community and is also actively involved in the cancer community through Young Survival Coalition, Critical Mass, the Georgetown Breast Cancer Advocates, National Breast Cancer Coalition, and the DC Cancer Action Partnership.

About Samantha Evans

Samantha Evans is getting her Masters in Social Work at the University of Maryland. She will be joining the Smith Center as a Social Work Intern until April 2020. Samantha is excited to be joining the team at the Smith Center for Healing and the Arts. When not studying for graduate school, Samantha spends her free time with her dog, reading, and with friends.

This program is being offered virtually through Zoom. In order to participate and receive the Zoom link, you must register here or by emailing carla@smithcenter.org

with Debra Diamond, Ph.D.

In “Diary of a Death Doula: 25 Lessons the Dying Teach Us About the Afterlife,” psychic medium, and near-death experience researcher Dr. Debra Diamond presents the story of life as a hospice ‘Death Doula’, revealing 25 critical life lessons from those at the threshold of the afterlife, and those who have already crossed over, ultimately revealing a new way of understanding death.
Dr. Diamond will present for ~45 minutes, followed by a question & answer portion.
About Debra Diamond, Ph.D.

Debra Diamond, Ph.D. is a former Wall Street money manager, regular CNBC commentator and Professor at the Johns Hopkins University who left a high profile life to pursue a life of purpose and spirituality. She earned an MBA from The George Washington University and a Ph.D. from the Esoteric Interfaith Theological Seminary. She is a graduate of the Holistic Studies Institute of New York, has completed mediumship training at the Arthur Findlay College in the UK and trained at the Carl Jung Institute in Analytical Psychology in Zurich, Switzerland. Debra is the author of “Life after Near Death: Miraculous Stories of Healing and Transformation in the Extraordinary Lives of People with Newfound Powers” and “Diary of a Death Doula: 25 Lessons the Dying Teach Us About the Afterlife.” Debra is dedicated to the empowerment of her clients.