Relational Health Fridays – Feb 14th, March 14th
a community building 2 part series in support of deeper connection and intimacy
6-8pm at the 4th Ave Coalition space
“Play is our brain’s favorite way of learning.” -Diane Ackerman
————————————————————————————————
February 14th: Cultivating Love and Intimacy through a Relational Path w/ Michelle Marks
March 14th: Increasing Joy and Laughter in your Erotic Life w/ Maria Rodriguez
Take yourself on a date. Bring a friend. Come with your lover(s)/mate/spouse. These Friday night offerings are open to anyone wanting to share in a community experience, with the intention for (re)connection, exploration, creativity, stress relief, and enjoyment. Each session will have an intentional theme in the spirit of relationality and connectivity. With our screens away, and in a space with other humans we will integrate relational skills with the element of play through experiential practices.
There is a sweetness and a simplicity in coming together for joy, with a high probability for laughter. And for some of us there can be an edginess when the environment/activities are veering from the norm of what we adults do on a Friday night. That element of newness is a wonderful way to sparkle healthy exploration within, and in our relationships. Doing something novel, social connection, and mindful awareness are elements that can create a natural feel good state.
Each Friday will begin with an initial skillshare in its most simple and relevant form. There will be time for questions, and conversation. The evening will be curated in a way that participants will then have options for more “parallel play” with writing and/or art prompts, or more interactive engagement through dyads and group explorations. (Think simple and stay curious.) All offerings are presented as choices, and each participant has the opportunity to stay in connection with what feels right for them. What might you discover about your relational self within a new experience? What skills can you hone, or even become aware of as a possibility in a group setting?
Feel free to attend one or both of these Friday nights. *All beings welcome.
Location: 311 E 7th Street
Cost: Scale $25 – $50 per session/ $50 – $100 for the series (*if this is not within your budget, please reach out)
Dress comfortably, option to bring a journal/notebook and pen, water bottle and/or cup for tea
*Please reach out with any and all questions, to register, or with any accessibility needs: michellehollymarks@gmail.com
Payments can me made through Venmo: Michelle-Marks-19 or through Zelle: michellehollymarks@gmail.com *Please mark payment “Relational Health Fridays” with date you plan to attend **if you are a new community member signing up for a first class with Michelle, or Maria, please send an email to same address
Michelle Marks is committed to a path of relational health with oneself, one another, and the world through playfulness and practicality. Her highest value is to be in service of love in its essence and its action, whilst still living with boundaries and integrity. Embodied listening, a deeper understanding of one’s biological rhythms, and the knowings of where one has been and comes from, a connection with Nature, a connection to the realm of love and grief, and attention to one’s unique path is where Michelle places her attention and curiosity. Over the past 20+ years, she has been offering experiential and skillful classes, heart-full workshops, and retreats as well as running a private practice working with and supporting individuals and couples.
Maria Rodriguez is the founder of Culture Shift Sex Ed, an organization dedicated to decolonizing sex education for adults. Her mission is to help individuals shift from shame to a holistic, sacred sexuality by integrating sex science, pleasure, and embodiment practices. With over 20 years of experience in the sexual and reproductive health field, Maria most recently served as the Senior Director of Education at Planned Parenthood Arizona. One of her most valued contributions is helping people realize they are not the problem; the problem lies in systems that spread misinformation about bodies and sexuality, dictating how things “should” be. Maria holds degrees in public health, psychology, and gender studies from George Mason University and the University of Arizona. However, her most meaningful education has come from engaging with communities that prioritize connection, collaboration, feedback, and growth. Outside of work, you’ll find Maria practicing yoga, hiking Tumamoc Hill, or wandering the desert howling at the moon.