*Nov. 7, 14, and 21: Posttraumatic Growth: Wisdom and Practices for Surviving and Thriving

For Self-Identified People of Color

with Mushim and Melvin Escobar

People of color and people of mixed race heritage are subjected to potentially traumatic situations on a daily basis throughout our lives. This 3-class series will offer an understanding of the neuro-physiological science of trauma, plus embodiment practice tools and mindfulness-based skills that can be practiced in class and at home, and a supportive and compassionate community learning and healing space. In this social-justice-based approach, we will affirm that our communities can thrive and grow into healing, well-being, and joy. Talks, meditation, facilitated discussion, progressive relaxation techniques, and trauma-informed Dynamic Mindfulness gentle movement.

Melvin L. Escobar, LCSW, RYT is a psychotherapist and yoga instructor. Melvin has devoted his professional career to working with people from marginalized communities, drawing on his own life experiences as a queer man of color from a working-class background. Having found that the wisdom teachings embodied in Buddhism and Yoga were essential to working with his own trauma, Melvin is committed to bringing mindfulness and somatic awareness into his healing work. Melvin is also learning how drama therapy can empower people to claim agency over their own stories, and befriend their bodies in order to achieve genuine transformation.www.melvinescobar.com

Mushim Ikeda is a core teacher at East Bay Meditation Center, and guiding teacher of EBMC's yearlong Practice in Transformative Action program which teaches secular mindfulness practices for social justice activists and which includes trauma-informed somatic practices and learning. She has taught residential meditation retreats for people of color, women, and social justice activists nationally, and has published writing on socially-engaged Buddhism in various anthologies and journals. www.mushimikeda.com

The East Bay Meditation Center continues the Buddhist tradition of depending on a Generosity-based "All-Dana" model to fund our Center. This means that EBMC does not have specific fees for events, but rather relies on the generosity of individuals to keep the Center operating.

We believe that our Generosity-based model is an essential component of attaining spiritual freedom, and allows the greatest accessibility to the Dharma for the greatest number of people.

All classes at the Center come with a financial cost. When registering, please consider donating to support the center. There is also an opportunity to give Dana at the event. Please note that no one will be turned away for lack of funds. If you would like to explore any EBMC volunteer positions, please send an email expressing your interest to admin@eastbaymeditation.org

EBMC TEACHERS ARE NOT PAID BY THE CENTER. They offer their teaching on a Dana basis and you can offer Dana to them at the class.

In order to protect the health of community members with environmental illness, please do not wear fragranced products (including natural fragrances) or clothes laundered in fragranced products to EBMC.