This program is being offered virtually through Zoom. In order to participate and receive the Zoom link, register by clicking <here> or email olivia@smithcenter.org.

You will receive the Zoom information no later than the morning of your program.

with Michaela Bekenn

in partnership with Tigerlily Foundation

*Please note that by registering for this program, you consent to have your name and email shared with Tigerlily Foundation. Tigerlily only collects this information for data purposes and it will not be shared with any other parties.

We come together in community to be supported by the soothing vibrations of breath, silence, and sound. The session begins with setting an intention for your practice, followed by gentle stretches and breathing techniques to guide you into deep relaxation and surrender. The remainder of the journey is a sound bath guided by crystal singing bowls, tuning forks, drum, guitar, and vocal toning channeling the frequencies of love.

Join Michaela on the first Friday of every month for an opportunity to nourish your body, mind, and soul. Give yourself the gift of loving care, attention, and a space to relax and release at the end your day. Sweeten your sleep by entering this sanctuary of self love and connection.

No prior experience with meditation or sound healing is necessary. Wear what makes you feel most comfortable, have a cushion and blanket near by. Bring a curious mind and an open heart.

Virtual Community Sound Bath is offered on the first Friday of each month.


About Michaela Bekenn

Michaela Bekenn (she/her/they) is a Toronto-based certified sound therapy practitioner, yoga teacher, meditation instructor, and singer-songwriter. She is a certified facilitator of Compassion-Based Resilience Training and mindfulness for stress reduction, addiction recovery, and chronic pain. Michaela offers a variety of wellness-focused experiences that are always informed by the needs and goals of each client and group. Her extensive interdisciplinary training in theatre, music, dance, yoga, mindfulness, and Traditional Chinese Medicine allows for an eclectic approach in her practice. Michaela sources great joy from serving a wide range of demographics including youth, neurodiverse adults, corporate groups, and seniors. She is currently expanding her practice through a Master’s in Music Therapy & Psychotherapy. Michaela believes in the power of integrative community wellness. She is committed to holding inclusive space for participants to feel supported and nourished, wherever they may be in their personal journey.

Stay Connected: @michaelabekenn

This program is being offered in-person. In order to participate, register by clicking the RSVP button above or by emailing programs@smithcenter.org.

with Melanie Edwards

This Musical Mending Workshop uses the Tibetan Singing Bowl to promote relaxation and powerful healing properties. This class supports mental, emotional and spiritual well-being which is integral for health as it balances and clears the mind, leads to a renewed sense of purpose, well-being, calm and happiness. Sound healing also lowers anxiety, depression, high blood pressure and more. The sound frequencies slow brain waves to a deeply restorative state, which calms the body’s parasympathetic nervous system. Participants will be led through the components of the sound bowl and learn how to play them.

No prior experience is needed and the class is taught with yoga mats and/or chairs in a circle for an opportunity to have fun in a communal setting and set intentions for the New Year. Wear comfy clothes.

Address: 1632 U Street, NW, Washington, DC 20009

For those who haven’t been to Smith Center before, Smith Center is a 15-minute walk from both the Metro Red Line (Dupont Circle) or Green Line (U Street Cardozo). For those driving, there is On-street, two-hour metered parking on U St and two-hour, non-metered parking in the surrounding neighborhood.

Suggested Donation: $15


About Melanie Edwards

Melanie Edwards

Melanie Edwards is an award-winning singer, songwriter, pianist, violinist, music practitioner and tv/film composer. She holds a master’s degree in music from The Savannah College of Art and Design and was awarded the Artistic Achievement Fellowship to secure her MFA in Musical Theater – Performing Arts at SCAD. Furthermore, she was a Morehead Scholar Nominee at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she secured a BA in broadcast journalism, furthering her news career as a Carolina Week Reporter and later becoming a weather anchor for local news in eastern North Carolina. Likewise, she was the NCSU’s Department of Nuclear Engineering Investigators’ Program Award Recipient in Nuclear Technology at North Carolina State University where she focused on nuclear engineering and physics. Additionally, she holds a BA in Spanish from Universidad de España, in Sevilla, Spain. Melanie is certified in Mental Health First Aid USA by the National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare and has 27 years experience as a performing artist and expressive, musical healer with several partner charities and organizations, such as: National Theatre DC and Smith Center for Healing and the Arts. She recently started a healing arts business providing “Musical Mending” workshops and services to nursing homes, assisted living quarters, hospices, hospitals and many underprivileged communities. In addition, she is the resident pianist for Clyde’s Restaurant and has performed at Gypsy Sally’s, The Henley Park Hotel, Beacon Bar and Grill and Peruvian Ambassador Castilla’s Residence in Washington, DC. She is also a regular performer at Rockwood Music Hall, in New York City.

https://www.melanieedwardslabs.com/

This program is being offered virtually through Zoom. In order to participate and receive the Zoom link, register by clicking <here> or email olivia@smithcenter.org.

You will receive the Zoom information no later than the morning of your program.

with Michaela Bekenn

in partnership with Tigerlily Foundation

*Please note that by registering for this program, you consent to have your name and email shared with Tigerlily Foundation. Tigerlily only collects this information for data purposes and it will not be shared with any other parties.

We come together in community to be supported by the soothing vibrations of breath, silence, and sound. The session begins with setting an intention for your practice, followed by gentle stretches and breathing techniques to guide you into deep relaxation and surrender. The remainder of the journey is a sound bath guided by crystal singing bowls, tuning forks, drum, guitar, and vocal toning channeling the frequencies of love.

Join Michaela on the first Friday of every month for an opportunity to nourish your body, mind, and soul. Give yourself the gift of loving care, attention, and a space to relax and release at the end your day. Sweeten your sleep by entering this sanctuary of self love and connection.

No prior experience with meditation or sound healing is necessary. Wear what makes you feel most comfortable, have a cushion and blanket near by. Bring a curious mind and an open heart.

Virtual Community Sound Bath is offered on the first Friday of each month.


About Michaela Bekenn

Michaela Bekenn (she/her/they) is a Toronto-based certified sound therapy practitioner, yoga teacher, meditation instructor, and singer-songwriter. She is a certified facilitator of Compassion-Based Resilience Training and mindfulness for stress reduction, addiction recovery, and chronic pain. Michaela offers a variety of wellness-focused experiences that are always informed by the needs and goals of each client and group. Her extensive interdisciplinary training in theatre, music, dance, yoga, mindfulness, and Traditional Chinese Medicine allows for an eclectic approach in her practice. Michaela sources great joy from serving a wide range of demographics including youth, neurodiverse adults, corporate groups, and seniors. She is currently expanding her practice through a Master’s in Music Therapy & Psychotherapy. Michaela believes in the power of integrative community wellness. She is committed to holding inclusive space for participants to feel supported and nourished, wherever they may be in their personal journey.

Stay Connected: @michaelabekenn

This program is being offered virtually through Zoom. In order to participate and receive the Zoom link, register by clicking <here> or email olivia@smithcenter.org.

You will receive the Zoom information no later than the morning of your program.

with Michaela Bekenn

in partnership with Tigerlily Foundation

*Please note that by registering for this program, you consent to have your name and email shared with Tigerlily Foundation. Tigerlily only collects this information for data purposes and it will not be shared with any other parties.

We come together in community to be supported by the soothing vibrations of breath, silence, and sound. The session begins with setting an intention for your practice, followed by gentle stretches and breathing techniques to guide you into deep relaxation and surrender. The remainder of the journey is a sound bath guided by crystal singing bowls, tuning forks, drum, guitar, and vocal toning channeling the frequencies of love.

Join Michaela on the first Friday of every month for an opportunity to nourish your body, mind, and soul. Give yourself the gift of loving care, attention, and a space to relax and release at the end your day. Sweeten your sleep by entering this sanctuary of self love and connection.

No prior experience with meditation or sound healing is necessary. Wear what makes you feel most comfortable, have a cushion and blanket near by. Bring a curious mind and an open heart.

Virtual Community Sound Bath is offered on the first Friday of each month.


About Michaela Bekenn

Michaela Bekenn (she/her/they) is a Toronto-based certified sound therapy practitioner, yoga teacher, meditation instructor, and singer-songwriter. She is a certified facilitator of Compassion-Based Resilience Training and mindfulness for stress reduction, addiction recovery, and chronic pain. Michaela offers a variety of wellness-focused experiences that are always informed by the needs and goals of each client and group. Her extensive interdisciplinary training in theatre, music, dance, yoga, mindfulness, and Traditional Chinese Medicine allows for an eclectic approach in her practice. Michaela sources great joy from serving a wide range of demographics including youth, neurodiverse adults, corporate groups, and seniors. She is currently expanding her practice through a Master’s in Music Therapy & Psychotherapy. Michaela believes in the power of integrative community wellness. She is committed to holding inclusive space for participants to feel supported and nourished, wherever they may be in their personal journey.

Stay Connected: @michaelabekenn

This program is being offered virtually through Zoom. In order to participate and receive the Zoom link, register by clicking <here> or email olivia@smithcenter.org.

You will receive the Zoom information no later than the morning of your program.

with Michaela Bekenn

in partnership with Tigerlily Foundation

*Please note that by registering for this program, you consent to have your name and email shared with Tigerlily Foundation. Tigerlily only collects this information for data purposes and it will not be shared with any other parties.

We come together in community to be supported by the soothing vibrations of breath, silence, and sound. The session begins with setting an intention for your practice, followed by gentle stretches and breathing techniques to guide you into deep relaxation and surrender. The remainder of the journey is a sound bath guided by crystal singing bowls, tuning forks, drum, guitar, and vocal toning channeling the frequencies of love.

Join Michaela on the first Friday of every month for an opportunity to nourish your body, mind, and soul. Give yourself the gift of loving care, attention, and a space to relax and release at the end your day. Sweeten your sleep by entering this sanctuary of self love and connection.

No prior experience with meditation or sound healing is necessary. Wear what makes you feel most comfortable, have a cushion and blanket near by. Bring a curious mind and an open heart.

Virtual Community Sound Bath is offered on the first Friday of each month.


About Michaela Bekenn

Michaela Bekenn (she/her/they) is a Toronto-based certified sound therapy practitioner, yoga teacher, meditation instructor, and singer-songwriter. She is a certified facilitator of Compassion-Based Resilience Training and mindfulness for stress reduction, addiction recovery, and chronic pain. Michaela offers a variety of wellness-focused experiences that are always informed by the needs and goals of each client and group. Her extensive interdisciplinary training in theatre, music, dance, yoga, mindfulness, and Traditional Chinese Medicine allows for an eclectic approach in her practice. Michaela sources great joy from serving a wide range of demographics including youth, neurodiverse adults, corporate groups, and seniors. She is currently expanding her practice through a Master’s in Music Therapy & Psychotherapy. Michaela believes in the power of integrative community wellness. She is committed to holding inclusive space for participants to feel supported and nourished, wherever they may be in their personal journey.

Stay Connected: @michaelabekenn

This program is being offered virtually through Zoom. In order to participate and receive the Zoom link, register by clicking <here> or email olivia@smithcenter.org.

You will receive the Zoom information no later than the morning of your program.

with Michaela Bekenn

in partnership with Tigerlily Foundation

*Please note that by registering for this program, you consent to have your name and email shared with Tigerlily Foundation. Tigerlily only collects this information for data purposes and it will not be shared with any other parties.

We come together in community to be supported by the soothing vibrations of breath, silence, and sound. The session begins with setting an intention for your practice, followed by gentle stretches and breathing techniques to guide you into deep relaxation and surrender. The remainder of the journey is a sound bath guided by crystal singing bowls, tuning forks, drum, guitar, and vocal toning channeling the frequencies of love.

Join Michaela on the first Friday of every month for an opportunity to nourish your body, mind, and soul. Give yourself the gift of loving care, attention, and a space to relax and release at the end your day. Sweeten your sleep by entering this sanctuary of self love and connection.

No prior experience with meditation or sound healing is necessary. Wear what makes you feel most comfortable, have a cushion and blanket near by. Bring a curious mind and an open heart.

Virtual Community Sound Bath is offered on the first Friday of each month.


About Michaela Bekenn

Michaela Bekenn (she/her/they) is a Toronto-based certified sound therapy practitioner, yoga teacher, meditation instructor, and singer-songwriter. She is a certified facilitator of Compassion-Based Resilience Training and mindfulness for stress reduction, addiction recovery, and chronic pain. Michaela offers a variety of wellness-focused experiences that are always informed by the needs and goals of each client and group. Her extensive interdisciplinary training in theatre, music, dance, yoga, mindfulness, and Traditional Chinese Medicine allows for an eclectic approach in her practice. Michaela sources great joy from serving a wide range of demographics including youth, neurodiverse adults, corporate groups, and seniors. She is currently expanding her practice through a Master’s in Music Therapy & Psychotherapy. Michaela believes in the power of integrative community wellness. She is committed to holding inclusive space for participants to feel supported and nourished, wherever they may be in their personal journey.

Stay Connected: @michaelabekenn

This program is being offered virtually through Zoom. In order to participate and receive the Zoom link, register by clicking <here> or email olivia@smithcenter.org.

You will receive the Zoom information no later than the morning of your program.

with Michaela Bekenn

in partnership with Tigerlily Foundation

*Please note that by registering for this program, you consent to have your name and email shared with Tigerlily Foundation. Tigerlily only collects this information for data purposes and it will not be shared with any other parties.

We come together in community to be supported by the soothing vibrations of breath, silence, and sound. The session begins with setting an intention for your practice, followed by gentle stretches and breathing techniques to guide you into deep relaxation and surrender. The remainder of the journey is a sound bath guided by crystal singing bowls, tuning forks, drum, guitar, and vocal toning channeling the frequencies of love.

Join Michaela on the first Friday of every month for an opportunity to nourish your body, mind, and soul. Give yourself the gift of loving care, attention, and a space to relax and release at the end your day. Sweeten your sleep by entering this sanctuary of self love and connection.

No prior experience with meditation or sound healing is necessary. Wear what makes you feel most comfortable, have a cushion and blanket near by. Bring a curious mind and an open heart.

Virtual Community Sound Bath is offered on the first Friday of each month.


About Michaela Bekenn

Michaela Bekenn (she/her/they) is a Toronto-based certified sound therapy practitioner, yoga teacher, meditation instructor, and singer-songwriter. She is a certified facilitator of Compassion-Based Resilience Training and mindfulness for stress reduction, addiction recovery, and chronic pain. Michaela offers a variety of wellness-focused experiences that are always informed by the needs and goals of each client and group. Her extensive interdisciplinary training in theatre, music, dance, yoga, mindfulness, and Traditional Chinese Medicine allows for an eclectic approach in her practice. Michaela sources great joy from serving a wide range of demographics including youth, neurodiverse adults, corporate groups, and seniors. She is currently expanding her practice through a Master’s in Music Therapy & Psychotherapy. Michaela believes in the power of integrative community wellness. She is committed to holding inclusive space for participants to feel supported and nourished, wherever they may be in their personal journey.

Stay Connected: @michaelabekenn

This program is being offered virtually through Zoom. In order to participate and receive the Zoom link, register by clicking <here> or email olivia@smithcenter.org.

You will receive the Zoom information no later than the morning of your program.

with Michaela Bekenn

in partnership with Tigerlily Foundation

*Please note that by registering for this program, you consent to have your name and email shared with Tigerlily Foundation. Tigerlily only collects this information for data purposes and it will not be shared with any other parties.

We come together in community to be supported by the soothing vibrations of breath, silence, and sound. The session begins with setting an intention for your practice, followed by gentle stretches and breathing techniques to guide you into deep relaxation and surrender. The remainder of the journey is a sound bath guided by crystal singing bowls, tuning forks, drum, guitar, and vocal toning channeling the frequencies of love.

Join Michaela on the first Friday of every month for an opportunity to nourish your body, mind, and soul. Give yourself the gift of loving care, attention, and a space to relax and release at the end your day. Sweeten your sleep by entering this sanctuary of self love and connection.

No prior experience with meditation or sound healing is necessary. Wear what makes you feel most comfortable, have a cushion and blanket near by. Bring a curious mind and an open heart.

Virtual Community Sound Bath is offered on the first Friday of each month.


About Michaela Bekenn

Michaela Bekenn (she/her/they) is a Toronto-based certified sound therapy practitioner, yoga teacher, meditation instructor, and singer-songwriter. She is a certified facilitator of Compassion-Based Resilience Training and mindfulness for stress reduction, addiction recovery, and chronic pain. Michaela offers a variety of wellness-focused experiences that are always informed by the needs and goals of each client and group. Her extensive interdisciplinary training in theatre, music, dance, yoga, mindfulness, and Traditional Chinese Medicine allows for an eclectic approach in her practice. Michaela sources great joy from serving a wide range of demographics including youth, neurodiverse adults, corporate groups, and seniors. She is currently expanding her practice through a Master’s in Music Therapy & Psychotherapy. Michaela believes in the power of integrative community wellness. She is committed to holding inclusive space for participants to feel supported and nourished, wherever they may be in their personal journey.

Stay Connected: @michaelabekenn

This program is being offered virtually through Zoom. In order to participate and receive the Zoom link, register by clicking <here> or email olivia@smithcenter.org.

You will receive the Zoom information no later than the morning of your program.

with Michaela Bekenn

in partnership with Tigerlily Foundation

*Please note that by registering for this program, you consent to have your name and email shared with Tigerlily Foundation. Tigerlily only collects this information for data purposes and it will not be shared with any other parties.

We come together in community to be supported by the soothing vibrations of breath, silence, and sound. The session begins with setting an intention for your practice, followed by gentle stretches and breathing techniques to guide you into deep relaxation and surrender. The remainder of the journey is a sound bath guided by crystal singing bowls, tuning forks, drum, guitar, and vocal toning channeling the frequencies of love.

Join Michaela on the first Friday of every month for an opportunity to nourish your body, mind, and soul. Give yourself the gift of loving care, attention, and a space to relax and release at the end your day. Sweeten your sleep by entering this sanctuary of self love and connection.

No prior experience with meditation or sound healing is necessary. Wear what makes you feel most comfortable, have a cushion and blanket near by. Bring a curious mind and an open heart.

Virtual Community Sound Bath is offered on the first Friday of each month.


About Michaela Bekenn

Michaela Bekenn (she/her/they) is a Toronto-based certified sound therapy practitioner, yoga teacher, meditation instructor, and singer-songwriter. She is a certified facilitator of Compassion-Based Resilience Training and mindfulness for stress reduction, addiction recovery, and chronic pain. Michaela offers a variety of wellness-focused experiences that are always informed by the needs and goals of each client and group. Her extensive interdisciplinary training in theatre, music, dance, yoga, mindfulness, and Traditional Chinese Medicine allows for an eclectic approach in her practice. Michaela sources great joy from serving a wide range of demographics including youth, neurodiverse adults, corporate groups, and seniors. She is currently expanding her practice through a Master’s in Music Therapy & Psychotherapy. Michaela believes in the power of integrative community wellness. She is committed to holding inclusive space for participants to feel supported and nourished, wherever they may be in their personal journey.

Stay Connected: @michaelabekenn

This program is being offered virtually through Zoom. In order to participate and receive the Zoom link, register by clicking the RSVP button above or by emailing programs@smithcenter.org.

You will receive the Zoom information no later than the morning of your program.

with Melanie Edwards

Musical Mending with Melanie Edwards

Singer, songwriter and musician, Melanie Edwards, recently launched Musical Mending Workshops which can be curated for any specific healing modality, be it collectively or individually. The workshops help with memory, cognition, expression, general wellbeing and are just plain fun for participants.

 

In addition, the classes focus on teaching techniques to manage grief, anxiety, depression and many more ailments by administering sonic techniques to relieve stress, help find inner peace and express authenticity. She often uses different instruments & singing skills to activate relaxation, calm the mind and nourish the soul. This is not about performing or being a professional singer, but rather a shared experience of collective sound healing in the present moment for the whole family.

 

Participants are free to join or simply observe in shared space, as well as bring their own mantras, words or poems to self-reflect and express via musical mending.

Suggested Donation: $10


About Melanie Edwards

Melanie Edwards

Melanie Edwards is an award-winning singer, songwriter, pianist, violinist, music practitioner and tv/film composer. She holds a master’s degree in music from The Savannah College of Art and Design and was awarded the Artistic Achievement Fellowship to secure her MFA in Musical Theater – Performing Arts at SCAD. Furthermore, she was a Morehead Scholar Nominee at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she secured a BA in broadcast journalism, furthering her news career as a Carolina Week Reporter and later becoming a weather anchor for local news in eastern North Carolina. Likewise, she was the NCSU’s Department of Nuclear Engineering Investigators’ Program Award Recipient in Nuclear Technology at North Carolina State University where she focused on nuclear engineering and physics. Additionally, she holds a BA in Spanish from Universidad de España, in Sevilla, Spain. Melanie is certified in Mental Health First Aid USA by the National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare and has 27 years experience as a performing artist and expressive, musical healer with several partner charities and organizations, such as: National Theatre DC and Smith Center for Healing and the Arts. She recently started a healing arts business providing “Musical Mending” workshops and services to nursing homes, assisted living quarters, hospices, hospitals and many underprivileged communities. In addition, she is the resident pianist for Clyde’s Restaurant and has performed at Gypsy Sally’s, The Henley Park Hotel, Beacon Bar and Grill and Peruvian Ambassador Castilla’s Residence in Washington, DC. She is also a regular performer at Rockwood Music Hall, in New York City.

https://www.melanieedwardslabs.com/