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June events
June 4, 2022 from 10am-6pm ET
In-person
Easthampton, Massachussets
Digging for Gold:
A workshop for women of African Descent
‘Digging for Gold’ refers to the treasures, the cherished gifts, the talents, the “gold” that resides in the hearts and souls of the world’s women. Sometimes we have to mine very deeply to release those precious gems.” – Dr. M. Amai Clarice Munchus, Workshop Founder & Facilitator
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Normally a weekend or four-day retreat, Digging for Gold is a useful tool for women in the re-discovery or recollection that we are all Spirit, masterful creators, and possess the power within to create the lives we want. Experience a day-long introduction to our holistic approach to life that incorporates the mind, body, and Spirit (the Soul) as one; reconnect with the divine energy within and of the universe; and discover the healing found in meditation, ritual, dance, sound, breath, and touch.
Based on the premise that the Spirit/Soul is the driving force of our existence, Digging for Gold offers participants the opportunity to journey deeply into their mines of gold and to emerge inner-standing their power, connected to a global support of women, leading the way to their own personal healing and to the healing of our world.
June 5, 2022 from 11am-1pm ET
In-person
Easthampton, Massachussets
Umfundalai Contemporary African Dance:
A community workshop
Community Class: Ages 8 to Elder
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Amai’s African dance class is taught from the Umfundalai Technique, a contemporary Pan-African dance technique created in 1970 by Dr. Kariamu Welsh, in Buffalo, NY. Umfundalai means “essence or essential” in Kiswahili and stands on the shoulders of the Katherine Dunham and the Pearl Primus techniques of contemporary African-based dance styles. Umfundalai focuses on the commonalities found in the dances of Africa and informs and is informed by African cultures on the continent and in the diaspora.
Classes will have live accompaniment, where available. Proper class attire includes the lapa for women (large fabric to cover the waist, hips, thighs and legs) and kanga for men (drop-crotch, loose-fitting or flowing pants), for authenticity and cultural flavor. It will be helpful to have hair of any length dressed away from face and neck or secured in a gele (head wrap).
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June 10-12, 2022
In-person
Leyden, Massachussets
Introduction to Shamanic Breathwork
Use the power of the breath, chakra-attuned music, focused bodywork, mandala art, meditation, movement, and individual & group sharing to awaken your inner healer. The Shamanic Breathwork Soul Journey is a powerful process that blends ancient wisdom with contemporary healing techniques to help you to uncover the ‘real you.’ Awaken the vision of your soul’s purpose and give yourself a gift that you can share with your family, your community, and the world.
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Please bring blankets, comforters, pillows to build a pallet on the floor for your breathwork journey. You’ll use your pallet for the entire journey, approximately 60-90 mins.
You may wish to bring a non-glass water jug, hand towel, a Journal & pencil/pen, and a small sacred item to accompany you on your journey.
Participation Required All Three Days to Complete the Process
After a long, unintended sabbatical, we are excited that Crossing the Waters Institute for Cultural Exchange (CTW) is re-establishing educational programming in South Africa and beginning a new Youth Ambassador program in the United States. Part of this work includes establishing permanent residency at the Guga S’Thebe Cultural Centre in Langa township in Cape Town, South Africa. This residency not only benefits programming local to Cape Town, it also allows us to image infinite possibilities for youth in the United States to connect with Africa.
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As humans around the world experience great transformation in the way we relate to each other, CTW is working to facilitate this new way of being. This is our contribution in helping heal the trauma of colonization and enslavement through promoting understanding and reparations. We invite you to be part of this journey, whether through financial support or helping us broaden our networks and community connections.
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If you would like to learn more about our programming efforts, visit the CTW Programs page. As always, feel free to reach out to us using our Contact page.
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Ways to create connections
We love meeting new people and groups and expand our networks and communities. These connections are where the magic happens! ​
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If you would like to reach out to us, please use the Contact form on this website. You are also welcome to join our mailing list below to receive periodic updates.
We will very soon be able to offer more ways to join us. Stay tuned!!