Fri 2/14 @ 7:30pm
This Valentine’s Day, women all over the world are uniting to be part of One Billion Rising – a global effort aimed at raising awareness of the injustices against women everywhere. Local group She Speaks is joining forces with Inner Bliss Yoga Studio for a special opportunity for local women to participate in this worldwide movement.
“We at She Speaks believe women hold the power to transform the world,” says She Speaks founder Shelly Gracon [pictured, left]. “We must simply own and use our collective voice in order to work with our heart and minds to harness this power. Through extensive work and collaboration we can build a stronger and more mindful community.”
Pose and Prose is part-yoga class, part writing workshop. The evening will include a restorative Slow Flow yoga class by Inner Bliss yoga instructor Kimberly Urban Payne — with incorporated elements of music, writing experiences and inspiration readings presented by Gracon. This encouraging atmosphere offers an opportunity to share, release and support one another. Slow Flow yoga includes longer poses with specific emphasis on breath and alignment.
“This work is meant to be daring,” explains Gracon. “It is meant to challenge each of us as individuals to do the inner work that is so needed in order to heal ourselves and our communities. We have to be willing to show up. We have to be willing to take an active role in society, as equals in every way. This work is meant to help us grow and reach our full potential. Come along on the journey of self-discovery. You will not be disappointed.”
She Speaks began in the spring of 2010 as a monthly open mic poetry event at Visible Voice Books in Tremont, and eventually moved to the Café at Arts Collinwood (now Callaloo Café). Although these monthly events ended in the fall of 2011, She Speaks continues to organize events designed to organize and empower local women.
With locations in Rocky River and Westlake, Inner Bliss Yoga Studio offers a wide variety of classes for all skill levels and previous experience (or lack thereof), as well as a number of specialized workshops.
Reservations for Pose and Prose are reaching capacity, so contact organizers soon to confirm your spot. There may be another event in March, but an exact date is not available at this time.
Josh Usmani is a 27 year old local artist, curator and writer. Since 2008, his work has been featured in over 50 local and regional exhibitions.