Common Ground Wellness Center

Our Community Learning Forum

We offer an accessible forum in which people share knowledge that helps others cope with the stresses of urban life, furthers community development, improves integrative healing practices, and increases ecological responsibility.

Click here to enroll in classes!

(After the link, choose the “Services” button and then choose “Classes” in the drop-down list)

Enrollment checks made out to CGWC are accepted at the front desk at our soak and sauna facility (5010 NE 33rd Ave) or by mail.

If mailing, send enrollment checks to:
Class Coordinator
2926 NE Flanders St.
Portland, Or. 97232

Please write the name of the teacher on the memo line of the check, and enclose a note with the name of the class and your contact info. Please pay for enrollment at least a week before the class you wish to attend.

Please contact our Class Coordinator, John Alex, with any questions - classescgwc@gmail.com or call 503.719.1626

Flower Essence Training

Level 1: March 8 (Monday), 6-9 pm.

Level 2: March 15 (Monday), 6-9 pm.

Level 3: March 20 (Saturday) 10 am – 1 pm.

Experience, explore, learn how to use flower essences for health and wellness with Camilla Blossom, author of Listening to the Wildflowers: A Flower Whisperer’s Guide to the Columbia River Gorge Flower Essences.

For more info., contact Camilla Blossom, 3 Flowers Healing, Hood River, OR  541.387.3528, or visit her website: www.3flowershealing.com.

Intuitive Heart Healing 1

March 27th, 10 am – 6 pm, Day1: Breathing Into Presence

March 28th, 10 am – 6 pm, Day 2: Reiki 1 Self-Healing

The sacred art of healing is about assisting others in receiving the energy needed to overcome pain, illness, emotional challenges and other energy that blocks full health and happiness.  In Breathing Into Presence you will learn to identify and remove the personal energies that do not serve healing in both the practitioner and the recipient.  As the first of the Embodiment Tools, breath will become the central mechanism for fully utilizing the mind/body connection as a technique for healing.  By learning how to create relevant clarity, awareness and connection you will be able to further open the door to a deeper realm of energy healing.  Breathing Into Presence is the first of four sessions in the Intuitive Heart Healing series.

The Reiki 1 Self-Healing session will begin with the history and origin of Usui Reiki, as well as information on how it works and how to use it.  The Reiki 1 attunement will further open your energy channel to flow Reiki energy and teach you the basics of self-healing and hands-on healing for working with others.

In this workshop you will learn to:

Day 1 Breathing Into Presence:

• Initiate full presence in yourself & others
• Create dynamic grounding techniques
• Use breath as a tool
• Awaken the inner voice
• Recognize & engage the mind/body connection
• Find and unlock emotional knots in the body
• Develop clearing techniques

Day 2 Reiki 1:

• History of Usui Reiki
• Understand the nature & function of Reiki
• Use Reiki on physical, emotional, energetic & spiritual issues
• Provide hands-on healing for yourself & others

Cost: $250 full class, $175 if already Reiki 1 attuned, $125 for Day 1 only

Instructor: Angel True  - Synergy Coach, and Reiki Master Teacher. 

Linking Passion & Purpose To…Do What You Love, Love What You Do! www.Truology.com; 503-784-9250

Life Drawing Course

Sundays (2-5pm), Feb. 21 – Mar. 14, 2010

Come draw from life and learn from one another in this fun ongoing workshop about drawing what you see. On the first week of the class, we will focus on tools, perspective, and proportion. On the second week, we will focus on formal construction and frame composition. The third week will be about a still life, and the fourth week will be about drawing models. Some materials will be provided, others you are encouraged to buy. Please offer small donations for shared materials.

Instructor: John Alexander Arnold.

$30/class, $100 for the four week course.

John Alex started drawing shortly after he was born in 1974, attended college-level art classes as a child, and placed 3rd in a congressional art competition at the age of sixteen. He received a BA in Visual Arts and Anthropology from Bennington College in 1996 and has been exhibiting and curating art work in small emerging galleries since 1999.

Intro to Constructive Conflict Resolution

April 16th (Friday ) 6-9 PM and

April 17th (Saturday ) 9 AM-5 PM

(1 hour break from 12-1pm on both days)

This weekend workshop will explore interpersonal and workplace conflict, and discuss tools and methods for constructive conflict resolution. Topics will include: conflict styles; listening and reframing skills; interest-based negotiation; and cultural variations in conflict management. This course will use activities and participants’ life experience to create an engaged learning community.

Instructors: Meredith Michaud and Tobin Krell.

$80, $65 if registered by April 2nd.

Meredith Michaud will receive her MA in Conflict Resolution and Mediation Masters program from Portland State University this winter.  She has over four years experience as an educator and small group facilitator. Her experience in intercultural communication includes two years in Benin, West Africa as a Peace Corps volunteer 2005-2007, and one year as an English teacher in Rome, Italy, 2003-2004.  She has over 200 hours training in education, group facilitation and mediation.

Tobin Krell has a MS in Conflict Resolution and Mediation from Portland State University. He has been working as an advocate and practitioner of appropriate dispute resolution, peace education, and violence prevention for over ten years in the educational, correctional, and community settings.  Currently he is serving as the Youth Mediation Specialist for Resolutions Northwest providing trainings, consultation, and support for youth and youth programs in Oregon.   Tobin has over 150 hours of training in mediation, restorative justice, and public consensus building and dialogue.

Getting What You Need in Conflict: Assertiveness Skills for Reaching Win/Win Solutions

May 15, 2010 (1pm – 5pm)

In this half-day interactive workshop, you will: 1) Practice saying “no” with strength and grace. 2) Learn the difference between being assertive and aggressive.  3) Explore the power of authentic communication. 4) Gain insight into your conflict responses. 5) Use games and role plays to prepare for real-life situations.

This class is offered by Kat Kirkpatrick and Toni Pierson, practicing Masters of Conflict Resolution.

$120 per person.

On the Mat Yoga

Sundays and Mondays 12-1:30pm, starting  Feb. 28

Classical Hatha series. 27 postures for beginners to advanced, designed to strengthen the spine, work all major systems of the body, and increase oxygen flow throughout the body. The room will be slightly heated above room temperature to increase flexibility and provide safety in deeper, longer held stretches than typical-flow classes. We will also work with breath, and create space for play and exploration within your practice.

$20 per person (need based sliding scale)

Instructor: Mateshwara has been practicing yoga for over ten years. He trained with the Bikram School of India, but has studied many schools and branches of yoga. He brings love, light, and laughter to his practice.

Your Yoga Soundtracks

Wednesdays 7-9pm, (March 3-24)

This course will enable each yogi/yogini to develop a biofeedback therapy soundtrack specifically designed to enable and enhance his or her own personal yoga discipline and sessions, and will feature interaction and input from each student – beginning where each person is at in their growth and development in yoga as the foundation to the music.

The workshop will begin with each student acting as a teacher to the rest of the class – sharing what they know and do in their own yoga practice.  Special attention will be made and noted by the other students as regards to breath and the rhythms of successive movements.  These gestures of bodywork will form the base of actual musical rhythms that will be recorded live in the studio and augmented into full musical pieces.

Brief information on the histories of music theory (as well as yoga) will be imparted to compliment the work the students present, and to lay the foundation for the actual music composition.  The group will use other members of the class as needed, with at least one member in each recording session contributing a “cup” of silence to hold the “wine” of the music itself. As the music develops, compact discs will be made and given to the creators, the student(s) who inspired and developed the sounds.

These gifts can be seen as the diploma for the course, or a talisman to yogic transcendence (or both, depending the student’s disposition)! In this way, this workshop will deliver several key unique features: student as teacher (each participant will convey to the other students some representation of their practice; this allows for crystallization of technique and integrates personal achievement within a social framework); feedback and biofeedback (each student will be asked to take notice of the timing of their breath, length of krias/kirtans, and momentum of practice, with the outcome of literally hearing their work come to life through music; this furthers the goal of individual healing and community development); music theory/practice (rhythm, scales, harmony, melody, etc. will be instantly and easily noted and used, making even “non-musicians” aware of their inherent creativity); media making (using laptop computer programming, the music that the students generate will be quickly made and reproduced for personal use and free choice of distribution….

This could be: to add one’s files – CD or mp3 – for further reproduction, promotion, or to sell, link, or post as needed; to use as an instructional source for potential future band or individual performance rehearsal; to hear repeatedly as therapeutic biofeedback or unconditional pleasure; to use for dancing and singing along with; and most importantly, to continue adding on live improvisations of movement and breath in personal yogic practice).

Instructor: Matthew Mathis

$100 per person

A-Parent-ly Science!

Saturdays 1pm – 3pm, (March 6-27, 2010)

The division between science and spirituality is a false line, and this fun, experiential, and experimental course (read: hands-on) will be a verifiable proof!  Each class will explore different aspects of life sciences, physical sciences, and earth (and space) sciences, with interactive demonstrations for every single talking point – all action, no distraction.  Learners and thrill-seekers of all ages are welcome, and every class will involve take-home objects that each person will make or test.  With an emphasis on the ordinary sacred and everyday miracles, these visionary perspectives on household science will have us speaking in tongues (scientific names)!

The cost for this course is two-for-one, with the idea that a parent will come with a child – and all ages will be welcome. Materials will be provided.

No mind/body dualism hierarchies here; the synergy of interdisciplinary sciences, multiple learning styles, and independent problem solving will be conceptually joined to aspects of subtle energies, religious and philosophical belief systems, and spiritual reality.

Instructor: Matthew Mathis,

$100 per person, parents bring kids for free

Learn-Into-Play: Creating Poetry and Music Flow

Saturdays, 4:30pm-6:30-pm (March 6-27)

This will be a combination creative writing/poetry course and music exploration workshop.  The first component will be lyric writing – using such poetic techniques and forms as: onomatopoeia, allegory, symbolism, alliteration, moral, rhyme scheme, acrostic, haiku, sonnet, limerick, etc.  Students keep a journal of notes, observations, ideas, and drafts to borrow from.  The second component will be music composition – using simple music theory concepts such as: beat count, rhythm, pulse, tempo, time signature, scales, flat and sharp notes, harmony, melody, minor and major chord progressions, etc.  Students will employ their hands (body percussion), voice, and an instrument of their choice.  Students of all abilities will be welcome; parents and children are encouraged to attend together.

$100 per person

Instructor: Matthew Mathis is an educator and recording engineer with over 30 years of hands-on teaching in schools ranging from pre-school to university, and museums of art, science, history, ecology, and museums for children.  He is a father, artist and dancer who keeps his multi-dimensional antennae transmitting and receiving.  Reading and writing on studies ranging from anthropology to zen, Matthew enjoys working with diverse frameworks and serendipitous cultivations.

Food Well Being: FERMENTATION

Saturdays, 11am-12:30pm (March6,  April 3, April 24, May 1)

Improve your Body’s State of Mind. Learn how to enhance your food supply by the ancient practice of fermenting and increase your own vitality. Did you know eating a diet of nutrient-dense and pro-biotic rich foods can make a dramatic improvement to your health? We will be making cultured veggies kombucha coconut water kefir coconut yogurt cultured salsa fruit kimchi and more….Participants will get to take home sample and the knowledge and skills to make these staples in your own kitchen.

$35 per person

Instructor: Ashley Kunesh is a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner and Certified Healing Foods Specialist. She has a practice in Portland OR where she seeks to bring optimal health and awareness to her community. Ashley is also founder of CultureBiota a company that produces a line of cultured foods and supplies them to a number of stores in the area including Mothers Market Farm Stand Peoples Co-op Food Front Northwest and Wholefoods!

Beginning Tarot Class

Mondaya 7-8pm in April 2010

(4 weeks) $15, register by March 24

Class material will build on itself each week

Class requires homework

Please bring notebook and deck (playing cards will do if you don’t have one)

Class Description:

April 5 Intuitive learning vs. rote learning/Elementals and numerology in relation to Tarot/Brief history, decks, responsible use of cards

April 12 Story and order of cards and their interconnectedness/ layouts

April 19 Astrology and the cards and further study of past topics

April 26 Kabbalah as related to the Tarot

Disclaimer:  Class will move at a rate determined by the people involved.  We may advance towards other topics not listed or stay on one for an extended time depending on interest.

I am motivated in reconnecting people with their intuitive natures and to the tools that have been forgotten in our culture.  It is my belief that by remembering these and ourselves we can re-establish our connection to the natural world.

Teacher: Regina LaRocca has been a professional reader for almost a decade and has studied metaphysics for 30 years.  I am a member of the American Tarot Association (www.ata-tarot.com), The Portland Tarot Study Group (www.portlandtarot.org), and currently use the Tarot in work with Fuego (www.gofuego.com), a non-profit serving homeless and at risk young people. I am available for readings at my office 1410 SW Columbia by appointment only. I can be reached for further information at my message phone 503-241-4357.

Supporting the Nutrition Needs of the Post-partum Mother

Monday, March 1^{st , (}6:00 to 7:30)

Providing nutrition for two is no easy task. The nutrition needs of a newborn baby are significant, but so are the nutrition needs of the of the mother, who may have been depleted of any number of essential vitamins and minerals as a result of providing nutrients to a growing fetus for 9 months. In this class, students will learn about the post-partum nutrition needs of the breastfeeding mother, as well as the nutrition needs of mothers who are trying to get their health back on track after pregnancy and breastfeeding. Students will leave the class with a packet of information that includes a 5-day meal plan that supports nutrition needs, recipes and nutritional recommendations for the new mother. Food samples will be provided.

Instructor: Traci Goodrich, NTP

$60 per person

Supporting Fertility and Reproductive Health Naturally

Tuesday, March 16^th, 6:00 to 7:30pm

‘Americans spend billions of dollars each year to enhance their fertility with costly fertility drug and invasive medical services that enhance reproduction. Nutrition plays a key role in an individual’s ability to conceive. This class will provide students with useful information to help enhance fertility naturally with the foods they consume. Students will leave with a packet of information that includes a 5-day meal plan, recipes and nutritional recommendations that support fertility. Food samples will be provided.

Cost: $60

Instructor: Traci Goodrich is a certified Nutritional Therapy Practitioner (NTP) who works in Portland, Oregon. Her nutritional philosophy embraces the use of whole organic foods and traditional fats that have supported the health of generations. Traci is passionate about food and helping others discover how to support the systems of the body with the foods they consume. Traci created the blog, Eat To Live Nutrition, for the general public to use as a resource on their path to improved health. For more information see eattolivenutrition.blogspot.com.

Conversational Spanish

Tuesdays 6-7pm, starting March 9

Learn how to talk to people using this beautiful Latin language. Books and CDs will be recommended during class.

Conversational Portuguese

Mondays 6-7pm, starting March 15.

Learn how to talk to people using this beautiful Latin language. Books and CDs will be recommended during class.

$16 per class, five for $75, partial trade negotiable.

Instructor: Nana Nash received her Master’s Degree in Conflict Resolution from PSU.  She has taught Portuguese 101 at PSU, ESL to Hispanics at EducateYa during the summer of 2009, and is currently working on the supertitles in English to be projected above the stage for the Milagro Theater’s “Entre Villa Y Una Mujer Desnuda.”

Upcoming Classes:

Wholefoods Nutrition

CLASS 1: The Basics- Discover macro and micro-nutrients & their importance. Foods to familiarize and Foods to avoid! CLASS 2: 4 Keys to Restore Balance- Elimination, Blood Sugar, Fatty Acids, & Hydration CLASS 3: Traditional Cooking Methods- Radiation & Feeling, Raw, enzyme rich foods, fermentation & cookware CLASS 4: Dietary Transition- Remove, Replace & Rediscover

Instructor: Ashley Kunesh, Date and time TBA.

$35 per class ($140 for full course)

Ashley Kunesh is a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner and Certified Healing Foods Specialist. She has a practice in Portland OR where she seeks to bring optimal health and awareness to her community. Ashley is also founder of CultureBiota a company that produces a line of cultured foods and supplies them to a number of stores in the area including Mothers Market Farm Stand Peoples Co-op Food Front Northwest and Wholefoods!

Self Care With Herbal Medicine: Safe, sustainable ways to care for yourself and your family with plants you can find in our bioregion and at the co-op!

Feb. 27, 2010 (10am – 4pm)

This class will cover simple, affordable, yet elegant home treatments for many body systems, including colds, coughs and flus; stomach bugs and indigestion; urinary tract concerns; women’s health and menstrual concerns; mental/emotional care and stress relief; skin problems; muscle and bone pain and first aid. We will also cover basic medicine making, to empower you to make strong, effective teas, tinctures and oils in your own home.

Instructor: Tania Neubauer, ND. Dates and times TBA.

$50 per person (need-based sliding scale).

Tania Neubauer, ND, is a naturopathic doctor and clinical herbalist. She studied herbal medicine with Michael Moore at the Southwest School of Botanical Medicine, as well as other herbalists along the west coast. She has extensive experience in community health, including practice at the Berkeley Free Clinic; a public hospital in Nicaragua; and La Clinica de Guadalupe, a Latino community clinic in Salem.  She serves on the Board of Directors of Natural Doctors International, a nonprofit working to bring natural medicine to global health. She practices naturopathic medicine at Common Ground Wellness Center.  She specializes in connecting people to the healing power of the plants all around them.  To learn more, visit www.corazonclinic.com.

Pre- and Post-Patriarchy: The Return of Matrifocal Feminism

Reading/discussion group (8 week course); books: “The Alphabet Versus the Goddess” (Leonard Shlain); “Woman: An Intimate Geography” (Natalie Angier). Through readings, discussion, and experimental exploratory activism, this class will provide insight to the basic human biological components of male and female chemical natures, the historical processes that have denied women’s rights, and how our global culture is transitioning back to a form of egalitarian communal harmony.  Attention will be paid to the major attributes of evolution and civilization, both figurative and literal.  The reconciliation of science with the spiritual, the potential for conflict resolution among higher primates, and how the lattice of time collapses will be three concrete goals in this visionary offering.  From entoptic phenomena to crop circles, from mushroom spores to Wikipedia, few stones will be left unturned as we prepare a fertile field to be plowed for our emerging future.  This course will be quite a third eye-opening – radical men will learn more about women than most women even know about themselves, and women will learn so many things about men that they will achieve a dimensional perspective befitting their internal Shakti essence.

Instructor: Matthew Mathis. Dates and times TBA.

$100 per person.

Astrology

Learn the basics of astrology from Audy Davison, LMT.

Dates and cost TBA.

Infant Massage for Parents

Learn about how to safely massage your child for health and relaxation.

Instructor: Kris Woolen, LMT.

Dates and cost TBA.

Click here to enroll in classes!

(After the link, choose the “Services” button and then choose “Classes” in the drop-down list)

Enrollment checks made out to CGWC are accepted at the front desk at our soak and sauna facility (5010 NE 33rd Ave) or by mail.

If mailing, send enrollment checks to:
Class Coordinator
2926 NE Flanders St.
Portland, Or. 97214

Please write the name of the teacher on the memo line of the check, and enclose a note with the name of the class and your contact info. Please pay for enrollment at least a week before the class you wish to attend.

Please contact our Class Coordinator, John Alex, with any questions - classescgwc@gmail.com or call 503.719.1626

© 2010 Common Ground Wellness Center.