By Stefanie Little
The holidays are traditionally a time to get together with family and friends, share food, exchange gifts, practice gratitude, and celebrate the cold, snowy season. For trauma survivors, it can be a difficult time of year too, it could mean having to see family that may be toxic, or it could feel like a very lonely time of year. The holidays can be stressful enough, even without added family trauma to handle.
If you or someone you know is searching for some extra self-care, some extra healing, and some healthy community this holiday season, PMAB is the place for you.
Rise Above Violence has been teaming up with PMAB + Movement once a month to host Healing Circles at the PMAB studio, which are mini-workshops designed to introduce survivors to different healing modalities – such as movement, energy work, or art.
The next Healing workshop will be held tomorrow, Thursday, November 17 from noon-1pm… and we will be hosting a Drum Circle! Feel the beat of your heart and the rhythm of your soul. Bring a hand drum if you have one – we will have extras plus other rhythm toys. No experience necessary. Led by Michelle Chapman – pipe band drummer, violinist, and yoga instructor.
This Drum Circle workshop is a perfect way to learn how to use your body, your hands, and your soul to express yourself in a healthy upbeat way! Maybe we’ll even get up and dance to our heart’s desires too. We are so excited to host this particular workshop right before the chaos of the holidays commences. These workshops are FREE to attend for survivors in our community. With the exception of this month’s workshop being on the third Thursday of November, the Healing Circles take place every fourth Thursday of the month from noon-1pm.
If you or someone you know is a survivor in Pagosa, searching for community and alternative healing, we hope you will join us at PMAB for these amazing, transformative, and healing mini-workshops. If you have any questions, feel free to call PMAB at 970-903-9278.
These healing workshops are just one way that Rise works with the community to support victims and survivors. Advocates at Rise also offer safety planning, emotional support, help victims navigate the legal system, and much more. Research shows that supportive services that are trauma informed are the best way to get to those who have experienced domestic violence on the path to healing.
Rise Above Violence is a 501c3 non-profit that provides 24-hour support and advocacy services for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault or other forms of violence, serving around 400 victims each year. Rise also works to eliminate violence through education for youth and our community. All programs and services are free and confidential, including emergency prevention education and empowerment programs. Visit www.riseaboveviolence.org for more information, or call 264-9075 to talk to an advocate today.
We look forward to sharing some healing energy with you!
Other ways to support Rise this holiday season:
December 1st – Voting at the festival of trees. Each votes cost $1 and the trees with the most votes go up for live auction on Friday
December 2nd. 50% of the amount raised through voting goes to the non-profit. Free cookies and hot cocoa, at the Ross Aragon Community Center.
December 2nd – Festival of Tree’s Auction. Come out for a fun event with food and a cash bar and bid on the Rise Tree – sponsored by Alpine Medical Specialties.
December 6th – Colorado Gives Day – biggest giving day for Colorado.
You can be the light in the dark by donating today. One night of safety of domestic violence victim costs $100.00. Donate to our annual giving campaign and help Rise provide 365 night of safety so a victim can have a safe space any night of the year.