Mindful Dance Presentation for the 2025 EDS Echo Summit

 This past fall I had the opportunity to present at the 2025 EDS Echo Summit on the topic of Mindful Dance. The ability to introduce a way for those living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome to enjoy movement in a manner that is safe for them, was such a special experience. I was on a panel with so many wonderful people within the EDS community, which was such an honor. I will hold this day dear for years to come. If you are interested in being mindful while moving, please watch the linked video to learn more. Following my discussion on the topic is a brief demonstration of mindful dance. 

Getting what you didn't know you needed

 Last Saturday I received an email from a future participant asking for the link for my Dancing MIndfulness practice later that day. Somehow I had completely missed her registration. I had a list of things to accomplish that day and facilitating Dancing Mindfulness was not one of them. But because I believe in what I do, I did what needed to be done to make it happen. 

The happy by-product of this was that I ended up receiving a really lovely healing experience for myself and facilitating one for the participant. Isn't it wonderful how that happens at times? A seemingly unfortunate, slightly annoying, or even an oops moment turns out to be just what you needed. Even if you didn't know you needed it. 

Now I won't say "everything happens for a reason" because I don't believe in toxic positivity. But I will say that sometimes life surprises you and what initially seemed annoying turns out to be the highlight of your day. So now I look forward to things not going to plan. Last Saturday, I meditated with someone an ocean away, received the release I needed, and rested instead of accomplished. I have no regrets. 

SB

Participant testimonials- Update

 Feedback is such a helpful part along the path to improvement. 

Below you will see some of the feedback I have received from my Dancing Mindfulness Practices. 

I love to hear that I have been a part of healing for someone. 

Especially those that have a complicated history with movement. 

As a reminder Dancing Mindfulness is Trauma informed and adaptable to differing levels of ability. 

Music selection is unique to each class, and a major part of the planning as well as setting the tone mentally and physically. 

Pain relief is such a good result.

 *Dancing Mindfulness is not a replacement for medical treatment of any kind*

When you attend a class with me, please make sure to provide feedback for improvement. 

It is also great to hear when you are doing something well. 

Do you ask for feedback in your personal and professional life?

Wellspring: April Dancing Mindfulness

 
April Dancing Mindfulness 

This month our class theme is:

• Wellspring

well·​spring 
: a source of continual supply

We will explore what our own wellspring is and how to feed it. 

In the poem below the author explores the renewable resource within us all. 

Wellspring

To the wellspring

I ask, 

"Where are you?"

As I pour out my last drops,

My last ounce willingly

To those who have forgotten the taste of water.

As I drain myself

Of all I have to share,

Now, I too join in the thirst.

To the wellspring

I ask,

"Where are you?"

Does this resonate with you?

We will focus on refilling out proverbial cup. 

Purchase your tickets here .

Click here for more information on Dancing Mindfulness

Jonathan. "Wellspring". 2020, Hello Poem, https://hellopoetry.com/poem/4054759/wellspring/ . April 7, 2021

Join my bi-monthly Dancing Mindfulness class

 The full calendar of upcoming Dancing Mindfulness classes now available on Eventbrite. Link to register for class

Dancing Mindfulness with Stacia will be held on the third Thursday of the month at 8 PM and the third Saturday of the month at 1 PM. Upcoming dates: 

• 
  March 18th
• March 20th
• April 15th 
• April 17th
• May 16th
• May 21st
• June 17th
• June 20th
• July 15th
• July 18th
• August 15th
• August 19th
• September 16th
• September 18th
• October 17th
• October 21st
• November 18th
• November 21st
• December 16th
• December 18th

In Dancing Mindfulness, participants use dance to achieve mindfulness. The act of noticing without judging how we move, feel and think is integral to the practice. During a dancing mindfulness class or individual session participants are not taught to dance or required to achieve any specific level of dance. Dancing Mindfulness is trauma informed and adaptable to different ability levels. You are accepted as you are and encouraged to do what you feel. The facilitator will make suggestions during the class, but they are just that suggestive. 

If you have questions about an upcoming class or would like to book me for a special event/one on one session please reach out at staciabarrett.therapy@gmail.com

December's Dancing Mindfulness Offering

Following the momentum that was created during Black Healing October, I made the decision to offer a monthly virtual Dancing Mindfulness Practice. During Black Healing October I was able to witness the connection that was possible even through a computer. It gave me hope for future sessions with a new group of people. 

This month our goal is to cultivate joy in our lives with our practice. 

    Joy noun,  "a feeling of great pleasure and happiness"

Join in December 19th at 2:00 PM for a joyful practice. The practice will be 30-40 minutes in length. 

Purchase your tickets here

Reminder on Dancing Mindfulness: Dancing Mindfulness is a movement based approach that doesn't ask you to be a "dancer" but to allow your body to be moved by the sounds you hear. No dance experience is required, one of our goals is not to judge our or others movement and I have been told it is a fun experience. Some of the benefits are: healing, relaxation, connection, and novelty. Please contact me with questions and be brave in exploring something new. Dancing Mindfulness is a Trauma Informed practice, feel free to let me know how I can support you during the practice. 

Participant Testimonials

Amanda participated in a Dancing Mindfulness Session I facilitated during Social Work Month. The theme was Beacon of Hope- in keeping with the School Social Work Week theme for this year. 

Dancing Mindfulness

What is Dancing Mindfulness?

In Dancing Mindfulness, participants use dance to achieve mindfulness. 

Mindfulness-

• a mental state achieved by focusing one's awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one's feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations, used as a therapeutic technique.

The act of noticing without judging how we move, feel and think is integral to the practice. 

During a dancing mindfulness class or individual session participants are not taught to dance or required to achieve any specific level of dance. 

Dancing Mindfulness is trauma informed and adaptable to different ability levels. 

You are accepted as you are and encouraged to do what you feel. 

The facilitator will make suggestions during the class, but they are just that suggestive. 

This great info graphic was created by Nicole Allen a fellow Dancing Mindfulness Facilitator. 

For more information please see the Dancing Mindfulness Website.