Shades of Healing – Yoga & Art Therapy Retreat for Black Women & Girls

Hosted By: Nia O.

Program For Ages: 10 to 29 Years Old

Shades of Healing is a half-day retreat for low-income, Black women aged 18-29, focused on community healing through mindful movement, creative expression, and trauma-informed discussion with art therapy. Hosted in Toronto’s east end, this sanctuary offers self and community care, healing, and release. Led by Nia, a nurse and certified yoga instructor, the retreat starts with a trauma-informed slow yoga flow, grounding participants in the present. Guests enjoy nourishing food, connecting through conversation prompts, then delve into art therapy exploring self-esteem and mental health. A sharing circle and closing ceremony complete the day, promoting holistic wellness and community healing.

Addressing Community Needs:

1. Cultural and Social Isolation Black girls and women face unique challenges related to social isolation due to racism, economic disparity, and discrimination. Due to the highly unique nature of these challenges, they are not often addressed in a culturally relevant and accessible manner. Shades of Healing will address this need by specifically engaging Black girls and women as participants and as facilitators. The space will be guided intentionally by Black women who are embodied practitioners in their respective fields. The facilitators will be engaging the participants through movement, and art and guiding conversations amongst participants about different issues through a culturally relevant and trauma-sensitive lens.

2. Lack of Mental Health and Wellness Supports The event will aim to address the lack of mental health and wellness support by incorporating modalities such as mindful movement, therapeutic group discussion, and art therapy. The mindful yoga portion of the gathering focuses on mindfulness, breathwork, and gentle movement, which can help participants reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, and improve their overall mental well-being. Through art therapy, participants will be guided through different discussions with the help of a registered psychotherapist. This modality assists participants in processing emotions, thoughts, and experiences in a safe and supportive environment. Participants will also receive a take-home kit with resources and self-care supplies to extend the wellness focus after the event. This can empower participants to find more

3. Youth Empowerment and Self-Expression This retreat empowers young Black women by providing them with a safe space to build their confidence, explore themselves, and share their voices in a supportive environment. Participants can explore themselves through somatic healing modalities such as yoga and breathwork, and creative expression through art therapy. It also is a place where Black women can be empowered by other Black women who are pursuing careers in health and wellness. They can connect with us, and we can offer them guidance and support in their career paths.