water for fire
honey for wounds
flowers for my soul
kindness for your hate
burnt my anger into joy

Ijeoma Umebinyuo
from Questions for Ada

Since ancient times honey has been renowned for its healing qualities and spiritual connection. In ancient Egypt, the honeybee was considered sacred and was used as a gift for the gods. Even medical science recognizes that honey has anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. In fact, honey has been shown to rapidly decrease healing time in topical wounds and burns. I believe dedicated time for wellness can do the same thing for the emotional body that honey does for the physical body. It can jump start the healing process and give us the tools to continue our healing long after the retreat ends.

We are in a moment, especially in the field of education, where we can take the opportunity to transform ourselves...to transform this system that we all knew was pretty broken and try something new. Free ourselves from all of the restrictions that we have put on ourselves. So what will we do with that freedom?

A virtual mini-retreat for educators to take time to heal.

I created Honey for Wounds to learn from and with my fellow educators about how we can begin to be well for ourselves and for our students. It starts with meditation. When I sit, and I'm still, I'm able to differentiate between the noise I hear everyday...the noise that says continue doing what you're doing...follow the rules, and what my heart is really telling me to do. Whatever comes up for me in meditation is then transferred to my journal. This is where I process those feelings. Where I grapple with those questions and begin to develop my own answers. Then I move into my yoga practice, my physical practice, and that's where the spirit and mind connect with the body. So if I had any doubt, I feel that strength that's in my body, and I know that I can move forward in my purpose.

BODY

Through yoga we learn to connect our body and breath. Combining seated, long-held postures (Yin) with movement (Flow) and rest (Restorative), we give the body everything it needs to sustain us when we go back into our schools and classrooms.

MIND

Through discussion and reflection we are able to process our feelings and go deeper into understanding ourselves. We can learn from each other as we identify wellness practices that can nourish us in the long-term.

SPIRIT

Through meditation we connect to source. In stillness, we can hear what the universe is trying to say to us. We can remember that in our hearts lives all the truth and power that we need to heal.

"Just so's you're sure, sweetheart, and ready to be healed, cause wholeness is no trifling matter. A lot of weight when you're well."

Toni Cade Bambara
The Salt Eaters

I've never meditated, am I going to be lost?

Of course not! This is for all educators who need a place where they can just begin to heal. A place to let go. A place to just be. To reconnect to source. To reconnect to your heart. To heal yourself.

I've never done yoga, am I going to be able to keep up?

Absolutely! Honey for Wounds is focused on moving the body as a form of wellness, not for the purposes of burning calories. The physical practice is designed for everyone to be able to participate.

What stuff do I need?

Everyone will need a comfortable place to sit, a clear floor space to lay down, a yoga/exercise mat, and a journal for reflection. Other items you'll want to have are 2-3 pillows and 1-2 blankets. You will also need access to a computer and a reliable internet connection, as this retreat will be hosted through Zoom.