Welcome to the resource page for the Rising Strong: Healing and Empowerment for People of the Global Majority in the Entertainment Industry workshop series!
Below you will find resources you can use during and after our time together. Please be aware that this page can change anytime, with new information and resources added. Feel free to visit this page continually during and after the workshop.
Rising Strong is a 6-week workshop series focused on processing and healing from racial trauma and promoting self-empowerment for People of the Global Majority in the Entertainment Business. This workshop is designed to provide a brave and empowering space for People of the Global Majority working in the entertainment industry to address and heal from the impacts of racism and discrimination and normalise experiences and assure participants that they are not alone in their experiences. Through interactive activities, group discussions, and self-reflection exercises, participants will gain a deeper understanding of systemic racism, develop strategies for self-care and resilience, and build a supportive community of peers.
Objectives:
- To provide a safe and supportive space for People of the Global Majority in the entertainment business to process and heal from racial trauma.
- To foster self-empowerment and resilience among participants, enabling them to navigate and overcome challenges related to racial trauma.
- To explore and develop strategies for self-care and self-advocacy within the industry, equipping participants with tools to navigate systemic barriers.
- To facilitate networking and community-building among participants, fostering a sense of solidarity and support within the industry.
- To create a platform for sharing stories and experiences, validating individual and collective journeys, and inspiring hope and resilience.
- To encourage participants to apply the knowledge and skills gained from the workshop series to their personal and professional lives, fostering a lasting impact and positive change.
Introduction to Brainspotting
Brainspotting is a highly effective and focused mindfulness treatment method that targets the neurophysiological sources of emotional and physical pain, including anxiety, depression, trauma, dissociation, and various challenging symptoms. Developed by Dr. David Grand in 2003, this innovative therapy identifies and processes "brainspots," specific areas where emotional and psychological issues are stored in the brain and body.
During a Brainspotting session, clients focus their gaze on these brainspots, activating the brain's self-healing mechanisms. Sessions often include the use of biolateral music with fixed eye positions to enhance the healing process. The therapist's role is to create a space where the client feels open to explore and pursue their healing.
One of Brainspotting's remarkable features is its ability to reduce tension and hyper-arousal linked to trauma and survival instincts. Clients can expect healing on emotional, somatic, psychological, spiritual, and even physical levels. It effectively rewires neural pathways, disconnecting traumatic memories from current experiences and relocating them to long-term memory storage. Through repetition and positive outcomes, the brain establishes new, healthier pathways.
In essence, Brainspotting offers a unique and immediate approach to diagnosing and treating emotional and psychological issues. By harnessing the power of our eyes as windows to the mind, it enables individuals to release and resolve the effects of trauma and distress, fostering healing and growth.
Viergelyn is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Expressive Arts Therapist, and Professional Life Coach. She is the founder of GroundingHearts, Inc. and Sacred Aura Co, both of which provide counseling and holistic wellness services. She offer individual, couple/multiple partner, and group coaching services.
In this video, Viergelyn discusses Brainspotting, what it is and how it can support you through your healing journey.
Alexis Overstreet is the Founder and President of Metaspace Counseling & Metaspace Wellness where she offers individual therapy sessions, coaching groups, corporate wellness, and retreats. She is a bonafide Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a passion to gift others with modern & traditional practices to heal their own bodies. It is her JAM to encourage daily practices of self-maintenance and care – especially for post-pandemic wellness.
In this video Alexis teaches Self Spotting (Self Brainspotting), how one can utilize and practice Brainspotting on their own.
Links to BioLateral Music
During the workshop, we will be utilizing music to help with supporting and enhancing processes. This includes bilateral music. Please click the links below to download or bookmark the music for use during the workshop.
If you have Spotify:
Rising Strong Workshop Biolateral Music (Playlist):
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2J1SV3vFJJ71Mqxd9wlP3l?si=78f75a155c7242c7&pt=8f70b4bc6e01d875b89a41ad494c3fa1
Links to the individual albums
- Brainspotting: BioLateral Sound Healing - Dr. David Grand
https://open.spotify.com/album/5IVVEoTyCTPA0SbeWtLPx3?si=nUqkgEqzSJSEoleoBLtckA - Sattva Sounds - Mark Grixti
https://open.spotify.com/album/40YBVm6nJrAtQo4u7kYQsI?si=2oTUNJLjQZql_zJgL2p7ZA
If you have Apple Music:
Rising Strong Workshop BioLateral Music (Playlist):
https://music.apple.com/ca/playlist/rising-strong-workshop-biolateral-music/pl.u-jV89bNJFE87W3
Links to the individual albums
- Brainspotting: BioLateral Sound Healing - Dr. David Grand
https://music.apple.com/ca/album/brainspotting-biolateral-sound-healing/818636415 - Sattva Sounds - Mark Grixti
https://music.apple.com/ca/album/sattva-sounds/1521817018
Introduction to Internal Family Systems (IFS)
- The human psyche is naturally composed of an internal system consisting of a "Self," "Protective Parts," and "Vulnerable Parts."
- The Self is present within each of us and is characterized by qualities such as compassion, curiosity, courage, connection, calm, creativity, clarity, and centredness (collectively known as the eight Cs of the IFS model).
- There are two types of Protectors. One is preemptive (Managers), and the second is reactive (Firefighters).
- The Parts that carry vulnerability are often suppressed within the system (Exiles).
- The internal system is designed to function collaboratively and harmoniously, with the Self leading and the Parts serving as essential resources.
- Problems arise when Parts assume maladaptive roles or burdens, or when the Self is not in the lead.
- The ability to identify and cultivate the experiences we most desire in life is key to self-determination and fulfillment. Viewing the human psyche as a system with different motivations, needs, and emotions assists in understanding how life choices are made.
Dr. Percy Ballard, MD, is a Harvard Medical School trained and educated, board certified adult psychiatrist and Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS) psychotherapist, as well as a meditator, martial artist, non-dual practitioner, and neo-tantra practitioner.
Introduction to Breathwork
Breathwork is a holistic and intentional practice that harnesses the power of conscious breathing to promote physical, emotional, and mental well-being. It's a centuries-old practice found in various cultures worldwide and has gained popularity in recent years due to its profound effects on stress reduction, emotional healing, and personal growth. Breathwork techniques can vary widely, but they all share a common focus on conscious, rhythmic, and controlled breathing.
Breathwork is a versatile and accessible practice with a wide range of benefits for physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Whether you are seeking relaxation, emotional healing, spiritual growth, or enhanced self-awareness, incorporating breathwork into your daily routine or wellness practices can be a transformative journey toward a more balanced and fulfilled life.
Conscious Breathing: At its core, breathwork involves being aware of your breath and manipulating it intentionally. It's often done through specific breathing patterns, techniques, or exercises.
Rhythmic Flow: Breathwork often emphasizes rhythmic breathing, where inhalations and exhalations are synchronized in a deliberate and repetitive manner. This rhythmic flow helps to calm the nervous system and induce a state of relaxation.
Mindfulness: Breathwork encourages mindfulness, which involves being fully present in the moment. As you focus on your breath, you become more attuned to your thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations
Stress Reduction: One of the most notable benefits of breathwork is its ability to reduce stress and anxiety. By slowing down and regulating the breath, you activate the body's relaxation response, leading to reduced cortisol levels and a sense of calm.
Emotional Release: Breathwork can help individuals process and release suppressed emotions. Deep breathing can unlock emotional blockages and provide a safe space to explore and heal past traumas or unresolved feelings.
Improved Mental Clarity: Regular breathwork practices can enhance mental clarity and focus. By calming the mind and reducing mental chatter, it becomes easier to make decisions, solve problems, and maintain emotional balance.
Enhanced Physical Well-being: Breathwork can have a positive impact on physical health. It can improve lung capacity, boost the immune system, and aid in detoxification by facilitating the release of toxins from the body.
Spiritual Growth: Some forms of breathwork are deeply spiritual and can lead to profound spiritual experiences. For those seeking a spiritual journey, breathwork can be a powerful tool for self-discovery and connection to a higher consciousness.
Self-Exploration and Personal Growth: Breathwork can be a transformative tool for self-exploration and personal growth. It provides a pathway to understand oneself better, overcome limitations, and unlock one's full potential.
Better Sleep: Practicing breathwork before bedtime can help with sleep quality. Relaxing breathing exercises can calm the mind and body, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night.
Emotional Resilience: Regular breathwork can increase emotional resilience, helping individuals better cope with life's challenges and adapt to stressful situations with greater ease.
Reading List
Links
Links Shared by Dhirendra
