Fire Life Circle
A program of powerful healing--bringing the rejuvenating processes of yoga, group sharing, and meditation to US veterans suffering from depression and PTSD.
Outline for First Program:
1. Introductions. We meet each other. Round robin, in a circle. (10 min).
2. Physical warm up. We warm up our bodies, stretch, loosen muscles, do light yoga together, shake out any stiffness that may be present. Similar to athletic warm-up. (15 min)
3. Gratitude Circle. We come into a circle and begin to develop more of a "group mind" or "teamwork consciousness" by going around the circle -- with everyone sharing one or two things they are grateful for today. One minute each, or less. Positive energy is ultimately created in the room, creating a space for something more. (15 min)
4. Kaleidoscope Community Yoga-- The group then initiates three or four group mandala poses in the Kaleidoscope yoga tradition. This is a group exercise that leads to feelings of interconnectedness and shared energy in a shared space. These mandala poses can also be very healing and stimulating, a form of platonic group care and love. Positive energy and feelings are further built in the room. (20 min)
5. Group meditation. Using bells and incense to further build positive energy in the room, we do a group meditation for 20 minutes. If the group elects to have a 10 minute "interval bell" the meditation can be broken up into two sessions. We let go of hurt, pain, resentment, suffering, guilt and shame, and focus on breathe, fire, and the present moment. (20 min)
6. Sharing. A speaker is selected from the group, to share their experiences with trauma, war, and violence. After a 15 minute share, everyone else in the group shares and relates to the speaker, usually pointing out similarities of experience. A feeling of commonality and brotherhood or family is developed. (30 min)
Total run time:
100 minutes
A program of powerful healing--bringing the rejuvenating processes of yoga, group sharing, and meditation to US veterans suffering from depression and PTSD.
Outline for First Program:
1. Introductions. We meet each other. Round robin, in a circle. (10 min).
2. Physical warm up. We warm up our bodies, stretch, loosen muscles, do light yoga together, shake out any stiffness that may be present. Similar to athletic warm-up. (15 min)
3. Gratitude Circle. We come into a circle and begin to develop more of a "group mind" or "teamwork consciousness" by going around the circle -- with everyone sharing one or two things they are grateful for today. One minute each, or less. Positive energy is ultimately created in the room, creating a space for something more. (15 min)
4. Kaleidoscope Community Yoga-- The group then initiates three or four group mandala poses in the Kaleidoscope yoga tradition. This is a group exercise that leads to feelings of interconnectedness and shared energy in a shared space. These mandala poses can also be very healing and stimulating, a form of platonic group care and love. Positive energy and feelings are further built in the room. (20 min)
5. Group meditation. Using bells and incense to further build positive energy in the room, we do a group meditation for 20 minutes. If the group elects to have a 10 minute "interval bell" the meditation can be broken up into two sessions. We let go of hurt, pain, resentment, suffering, guilt and shame, and focus on breathe, fire, and the present moment. (20 min)
6. Sharing. A speaker is selected from the group, to share their experiences with trauma, war, and violence. After a 15 minute share, everyone else in the group shares and relates to the speaker, usually pointing out similarities of experience. A feeling of commonality and brotherhood or family is developed. (30 min)
Total run time:
100 minutes
