Ever have one of those days where it all feels too much? Or, ever have one of those days where it DOESN’T feel too much? These kinds of days are when I try to find the balance. Sounds simple, right? Except on those special days when my loved ones die, or children are being starved to death in my name, or when sex offenders are leaders of countries and gang r##e is ignored… These are times when I can’t smile and breathe. David Suzuki isn’t giving cute waves anymore so it’s not as easy for me to downward dog my way out of this.

My spirit seems to be the yang, and my soul the yin. They need one another. My shadow self gets down, angry and downright ashamed of my species in all of this; but my spirit keeps her eyes closed in a calm nothingness. Is this the spiritual bypass that everyone keeps warning me about? It’s only when I bring out my soul, shadow, the uncomfortable part, that I start to feel the actual change in myself, the growth that exists inside pain AND joy at the same time. It’s not the one or the other it’s the both, the mix, the salad dressing of it all. Not too tangy, not too sweet.
There are days when I cannot, must not look at the news because it will put me into a state of freeze paralysis where I’m no good to anyone. There are days when I need to feel the sun and hear my own voice the very loudest. I need to lift and strain just a little bit less so that I can go back into the fight for our planet, our women, our trans kids, our communities and us. It’s the balance, the delicate balance that we need for change.

At OutWitch we ask our community to co-create a list of agreements that we all try to honour. We shout them out, write them down, and put them up on the wall. The initiating question that aids in the creation is usually something like, “What would I need to feel safe enough to learn and contribute?” It seems an obvious thing to ask until you realize how infrequently these important conditions are considered (let alone agreed upon) by members of our own families, our employers, or even our relationship partners.

I’m remaking this list for myself in this way, “What do I need, for and of myself, to feel safe enough to learn, contribute and grow?” This is a living list and always changing so I can add to it, or take away depending on the day.
It’s mine.
love
accountability
affirmation
to be believed
gentleness
humour
joy
movement
open-mindedness
permission for conflict
play
vulnerability
faith

What’s on your list? What surprises you about mine? What’s missing? What do you have in abundance?

Thank you to Kiki and Ryan for having Community OutWitch at ABUNDANCE DAYS in Chelsea, Quebec. We learned so much, mostly that we have an “a bun dance” every day and that the Witches are rising. We can’t wait for next year!
As Ryan said: Abundance Days, Abundance Daze, Abundance stays!
Let us continue to gather, share our wisdom, stories, and our unknown selves.

And so it is.
OFFERINGS:
(you don’t need to be a Witch or have experience in anything)

Own Your Edges: Somatic & Expressive Arts Boundaries Workshop
Learn what boundaries are (and aren’t), Develop relational and interpersonal skills, map your nervous system, uncover the reasons for boundary confusion, discover your authentic “yes” and “no”, practice letting in the good, discover healthy boundaries after trauma or adverse events.
Led by Sarah Berneche- a nutritionist, Certified Intuitive Eating Counsellor and Somatic Experiencing Practitioner and Kiki Kennedy- a dance theatre artist, doula and ceramicist and Shoshana Sperling a healing healer who teaches shape-shifting, choir and is a community builder. We are expressive arts student therapists at The Create Institute under the supervision of a Registered Psychotherapist (RP).
Saturdays –  August 2/9/16 (1-2:30pm)
small group setting

EVERY SUNDAY at 12 noon The Witches Peace Choir
Emily Shelton, Lisa Brooke and Shoshana Sperling lead us in moving our voices through our bodies and releasing tension as we connect in community. We will learn some songs, move our bodies and laugh a lot. No singing experience needed.

SAT Aug 23rd 4pm – Conversations That Nourish is a sacred, intimate gathering designed for those ready to deepen their self-awareness, speak truthfully, and reconnect with what matters most. Rooted in soul-shifting conversation and nourishing food, this unique 4-hour experience centres around the theme of Unconditional Trust—with self, Spirit, and others.
In a warm, curated space, we’ll gather for a shared meal and dive into meaningful questions that awaken clarity and connection. Through guided dialogue, storytelling, and reflection, we’ll explore. Led by Areta Marshall

SUN Aug 24 3-6pm RIPEN monthly Radical Conversations to explore Sensual, Intimate and Sexual Selves. For middle aged and mature women (femme/non binary folk) about sex and sexuality, desire, bodies, pleasure, adventure and relationships. Led by Gretel Meyer Odell, a sex educator/sexuality expert, who will facilitate and provide current education and resources as well as sharing practical and personal experiences. There will be laughter and fun as we challenge (or banish) the shame and stigma that has been holding us back and get curious about what could be.

SUN Aug 24 Fem Power Beats :: Women’s Drumming Circle 7pm-8:30
Explore rhythms and free-flowing drum beats and have FUN!
Drumming circles introduce a rhythmic flow to empowerment, a pure emotional release for many, and a sense of belonging for all. The freedom to create different beats, tones and rhythms is a powerful feeling that is extra special when shared with a group of women.

SUN SEPT 7 Full Moon Vocal Sound Bath
For centuries women’s bodies have been aligning with the moon and marking this connection with ritual. We gather in circles under the moon to share our journeys, joys and grief and to shed what is no longer serving us. It’s just like coming home. You belong here. Sharing circle, Guided Meditation, Intuitive harmonies musical sound bath.
7pm-9:30pm

SAT Sept 27th 10am – ENCHANTMENT : The Art of Songwriting is a one-day immersive workshop led by Lily Frost.
Whether you’re taking your first steps into songwriting or refining your craft, this experience is designed to inspire, support, and elevate your creative voice. By the end of the day, you’ll leave with:
• A completed original song
• New creative tools to take with you
• Meaningful connections with fellow songwriters
• A deeper trust in your voice and process

All events take place at 25 O’Hara Ave and open to all!! If you are femme, woman-identifying & non-binary you are safer here. Sliding scale avail.
Much love, magic and strength. You belong.
Blessed Be!

Love, Shoshana
Founder and Out Witch of Community OutWitch