Life Between Lives/Past Life Workshop

The goal of this workshop is to provide a deeper understanding of life cycles from birth to death to rebirth, reincarnation and in-between life stages from a metaphysical, spiritual and philosophical standpoint. Specifically, this workshop will give you insights about your own celestial selves and the journeys we take exploring our true identities. The workshop will consist of a morning lecture/workshop and open discussion followed by an afternoon group hypnosis session for Age & Past life Regression with a Q&A to follow. It promises to be a very eventful day of discovery. Bring a brown bag lunch. Refrigeration will be available and for those with sleeping bags you can bring those also for the afternoon age and past life regression exercise. For information contact instructor Regina Rapelyea: reginar138@yahoo.com

Freedom Writers Workshop

This is a chance to expand your horizons and display your writing talent. Everyone has something they are trying to break free from. Come find your voice with us. The format is: Read, Write, Read, Rap. Contact: takumascope@gmail.com for information.

Rain Barrels and Water Conservation

The ECAC Intergenerational Arts and Education Program Environmental series continues with a water conservation workshop. Our bodies are made from mostly water so we are intimately tied to nature in this way. Water is an integral part of our lives that we sometimes take for granted since we are so fortunate to have so much here. But in many parts of the world water is precious, and global warming could shift who gets rain and who doesn't. This workshop will look at simple ways we can become more aware of our usage and learn to conserve water. It will include a hands-on workshop on how to make a rain barrel for very little money which can be used to water the garden or wash the car.

Making a Solar Oven

The ECAC Intergenerational Arts and Education Program Environmental series continues with a Solar Oven Workshop. Our energy use is increasing and so is the cost. While the corporations are making billions of dollars off resources that mother nature supplies, we often overlook a simple and effective resource, the sun. Come learn how to harvest the sunshine to make a simple solar oven. Think of how hot your car gets in the summer and imagine the possibilities. Fun for kids and adults.

Bradley Method® Natural Childbirth Classes

Bradley® classes can help you and your coach (a trusted partner, friend or loved one who can assist you during your pregnancy and birth) become advocates for your baby. Look at your birth from a healthy perspective instead of a medical condition. Pregnancy is Not a Disease!!! Course content: Nutrition, exercise, relaxation, the coach’s role, first stage labor, second stage labor, planning your birth, variations and complications, postpartum preparation, preparing for your new family and more. Classes are held for 12 consecutive weeks for each series. For more information, please contact Shayla Boyd-Gill, AAHCC at 202-271-3240 or info@birthdiva.com .

Acupressure and Healing Foods and Teas for Pregnancy, Delivery and the Postpartum Year for Expectant and New Parents

In this workshop, we will learn basic acupressure techniques and points to use during childbirth and afterward to aid your recovery. We will learn when and how to use these points to help reduce pain, speed delivery and reduce fatigue. We will also cover Chinese medical principles and foods to make your pregnancy healthy and more comfortable. You will leave with a recipe book of foods, soups, and teas which can support your postpartum health and breastfeeding. This class is a great complement to any childbirth course. Instructor Diane Gioioso has studied and practiced acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine for the last 10 years. She holds a Master of Acupuncture degree and Certificate in Chinese Herbal Studies from Academy for Five Element Acupuncture. For information contact http://BirthingHandsDC.eventbrite.com.

Movie Presentation - Home Delivery

This film documents the lives of three women in New York, who for very different reasons have decided to go up against social trends and take the birth of their children into their own hands… and homes. When it comes to home delivery, what is true and what is myth? Who are the women who defy institutional medicine to deliver their babies at home? What motivates them? How do they manage their pregnancies? And outside the medical setting, what arrangements do they make for the event itself (location, attendees, ceremonies, etc.)? Home Delivery will answer these questions with an in-depth exploration of the small but passionate subculture of women who give birth at home. It will allow the audience a rare, profound and sometimes humoristic access to the intimacy of women, their partners and families during the most universal and spectacular event of all.

Universal Love Movement Gathering

The purpose of ULM is to bring people together from all walks of life to acknowledge, honor and celebrate our oneness through universal love. This is a potluck event so feel free to bring a vegetarian dish, healthy snacks, drinks etc. Please check out the info page for the website at www.healhumanity.org and for more information contact us at info@healhumanity.org

Movie: “The Real Dirt on Farmer John”

Join the D.C. Urban Gardeners inaugural film night for “The Real Dirt on Farmer John”. John Peterson is a quirky, free-spirited farmer who nearly loses his family homestead outside Chicago not once but twice because of forces rocking the nation’s agricultural heartland. Suspicious neighbors accuse Peterson of operating a homicidal cult. He loses hope, then embraces something entirely new: Community Supported Agriculture. This acclaimed film, crafted by Peterson from intimate documentary footage, illuminates many of the issues at play in the current debate over where our food comes from and the movement to support local agriculture.

Free popcorn will be served. Please reserve your spot by e-mailing Ed Bruske at euclidarms@yahoo.com.

Women's Drumming Circle

Beginners welcome! Bring a drum (West African drums preferred) or rent one for $2; Come to ground emotions, explore the ancient art of drumming, learn and create rhythms, connect with a community of women, and re-discover the strongest parts of yourself! Percussionist and djembe player Kristen "drumlady" Arant will lead a drumming circle uniquely designed for women including basic techniques, learning a West African polyrhythm and song, and guided improvisation. Please note: the past 2 drum circles have been nothing short of beautiful, spiritual, musical and inspiring, but it takes a LOT of work to make them happen. In order to compensate the folks who help collect and transport drums, we will be asking for $10 at the door from now on - $7 for students and elders (women over 60).

More information at www.drumlady.com.

Jam Session & Potluck

Back by popular demand! This is an informal gathering of musicians who just enjoy playing, networking and eating together. If you aren't musically inclined, be an official audience member and enjoy the vibe.

Empowering Women in Today's Society

Jim and Sandy of Angel Talk TV will discuss breaking through the taboos of society's judgments. Embrace your life’s potentials & act on them, find permanent romantic love, and live the life you were meant to live. Private empowerment sessions/healing/channeled info available from 2-4 @ $25 for 15 mins.

Bradley Method Natural Childbirth Classes

Bradley classes can help you and your coach (a trusted partner, friend or loved one who can assist you during your pregnancy and birth) become advocates for your baby.  Look at your birth from a healthy perspective instead of a medical condition.  Pregnancy is Not a Disease!!! 

Course content: Nutrition, exercise, relaxation, the coach's role, first stage labor, second stage labor, planning your birth, variations and complications, postpartum preparation, preparing for your new family and more. Classes are held for 12 consecutive weeks.  

For more information, please contact Shayla Boyd-Gill, AAHCC at 202-271-3240 or info@birthdiva.com or visit www.birthdiva.com

Closing of the Body, Opening of the Heart

This Class will be of special interest to doulas, midwife birth assistants, massage therapists, other birth care service professionals. Instructor Sonija Parson, Doula (CBI) International Midwife will teach the physical and therapeutic closure of the women’s body, post partum, with a technique traditionally used by many indigenous midwives that literally, as well as metaphorically, closes the women’s body. Often, new mothers feel like their body is “left wide open” their ribs and hips are literally pushed outward to accommodate their body’s growth. They can also feel more susceptible to illness or emotional crisis. “Closing of the Body” allows the new mother to come to the end of her birth experience, celebrate it, and let her body close while allowing her heart to open for the next chapter in her life with her new baby and family. Many women find this experience to be an opportunity to acknowledge and resolve emotions that have surfaced during labor and birth. The class will be interactive with hands-on demonstrations. Register at http://BirthingHandsDC.eventbrite.com

Craft Circle

Do you knit, crochet, bead or do other craftwork? Bring it to our Craft Circle Friday March 2nd and be in the company of others who do handiwork as well. This is not a class, just a gathering for those who like to work with others and share what they do. All are welcome!

Qi Gong

Balance, refine and empower your energy in 2008 with QI GONG (the ancient healing art of energy management) by Manifest Health and Wellness. Qi Gong is an ancient 5,000 year-old Chinese healing art of energy management/cultivation emphasizing sitting, standing and slow moving meditation exercises that are gentle yet powerful and very transformative. Qi Gong has been proven to relieve stress, lower blood pressure, and increase energy. Our classes focus on attaining optimal health and spiritual cultivation.

Each class will feature meditation, Qi Gong exercises and a discussion on energy healing and expanding consciousness. Manifest Ra is a certified Qi Gong Healer/Instructor from the Chinese Healing Arts Center and is a professional member of the National Qigong Association.

Spring West African Drumming Classes

Explore West African polyrhythms and songs, while you let go of stress, build community, and play freestyle! Drumming classes will be held on April 13, 20, 27; May 11, 18; June 1. Low Intermediate classes are from 5:15-6:45; Beginner classes are from 6:45-7:45. Please email me before showing up to the Intermediate class so I may assess your level! Intermediate players must be comfortable (if not confident) on the 3 basic notes of the djembe - bass, tone, and slap – and be able to play complex rhythm patterns that engage all three notes. The beginner class will go deep into the basic technique of playing the djembe, and apply it to simpler rhythm patterns than those in the Intermediate class. Beginners can also look forward to a freestyling session at the end of each class!To reserve a spot in the class please email Kristen at Kristen@drumlady.com. To register please bring Check, cash, or money order to the first class.

Renegade Voice From The Mythic Mosaic

Welcome to the world of "The Renegade Storyteller" Imakhu. Renegade Voice From The Mythic Mosaic is a unique two-act experience in theatre. Written, produced and performed by master storyteller & monologist Imakhu Mwt Shekemet,
Renegade Voice is a collection of African American folktales, contemporary urban stories, spoken word, music, and movement bringing a powerful, creative, often autobiographical voice to ancestral and contemporary Black culture. Humorous, poignant, provocative, edgy, engaging...Imakhu brings the wealth of her thirty year professional artistry to this powerful, yet simplistically staged One-Woman production.

The DC Labor Chorus & Triflava Fundraising Concert

The ECAC has been selected to partner with the DC Labor Chorus in their Spring Fling Fundraising event to raise money for ECAC’s continued support of our dynamic community space and for labor and social justice issues. The talented progressive hip-hop group TRIFLAVA featuring Christylez, Slyce-D and Myke-P will open the show with a unique blend of world music and empowering messages. The concert will take place at the First Lutheran Church, 501 4th Street, NW (at E - Judiciary Square Metro). There is free parking across from church. We urge you to contribute to our cause. Half of the proceeds will support ECAC’s efforts to empower the community with affordable arts, education, support groups, social activities and civic engagement. If you are not able to attend the concert, your donation of a ticket will enable others less fortunate to attend, and will be a tax-deductible donation.

To purchase tickets, make checks to out to: Labor Heritage Foundation and send to:

Connie Cordovilla
7439 Patterson Road
Falls Church, VA 22043-1332

You can also purchase tickets online

Kemetic Yoga

Tuesday and Thursdays at 6:30AM Khepere Anu will lead a Kemetic Yoga class which will focus on bringing Sacred Geometry to our body temple. Bring yoga, towel, and water. We will sweat! Call 202-489-8476 to register.

Reiki III

Presented by Catherine Locklair Barber, certified Reiki Master and Practitioner

The Third Reiki Degree is the teaching degree where information is given on passing Reiki to others. New symbols are learned and the students are able to teach Reiki Practitioners who have had Reiki II to become Reiki Masters. Reservations are required for this workshop. Call (202) 575-4472 or email clocklair@verizon.net.

Reiki II

Presented by Catherine Locklair Barber, certified Reiki Master and Practitioner

This workshop is for anyone who has taken Reiki Level I and is interested in furthering their knowledge of Reiki and learning to send Reiki long distance. Registration is required. Contact Catherine Barber at (202) 575-4472 or clocklair@verizon.net.

Reiki I Workshop
Presented by Catherine Locklair Barber, certified Reiki Master and Practitioner

One becomes a Reiki Practitioner by participating in a 1st Degree Reiki workshop conducted by a Reiki Master. It is not a religion. By attending the workshop and taking the initiation, one learns how to give Reiki to her/his self and others. It is an uplifting and empowering experience. The energy helps to release blockages and toxins from the body causing one to feel more relaxed and energized. Often during the training, one receives life changing experiences. Registration is required for this workshop. For more details, please call Catherine at 202-575-4472.

Reiki Intro
Presented by Catherine Locklair Barber, certified Reiki Master and Practitioner.

Reiki is an ancient, dynamic, and powerful hands-on method of natural healing. Find out how easy Reiki is to learn in this two hour workshop presented by Catherine Locklair Barber, certified Reiki Master and Practitioner.

Reiki Share
With Catherine Locklair Barber, certified Reiki Master and Practitioner - an opportunity for those who have done any level of Reiki to connect with each other.

The Georgia Ave./Pleasant Plains Heritage Trail Meeting

WeJoin our monthly working group meeting as we map out a historical trail from the Shaw to the Petworth Metro Stations. Working with Cultural Tourism DC, we have drafted a set of points that will become permanent markers in the community. All community stakeholders are welcome to help us critique and refine these points.

Heritage Trail Interviews

Working with Cultural Tourism DC, the ECAC is in the process of establishing a Heritage Trail encompassing Georgia Ave between the Shaw/Howard and Petworth Metro stations documenting the history of this neighborhood. As part of this process, we are interviewing long time residents and business owners of the area to see the history through their eyes. Mr. James Spruill, owner of Spruill’s Barber Shop on Georgia Ave has been in the neighborhood for 42 years. All are welcome, but please arrive on time as the interview is being videotaped.

• Wednesday January 30th at 7:30pm: James Spruill
• Wednesday February 6th at 6:30pm: Conrad Smith
  

Pleasant Plains Civic Association

Due to the renovation of Banneker Recreation Center, the September Pleasant Plains Civic Association Meeting will take place at ECAC.  Pleasant Plains is bordered by Florida Ave to the south, Spring Rd. to the North, Georgia Ave to the east and 14th St to the west.  Residents of Pleasant Plains are invited to discuss issues affecting your lives and meet other members of the community.  Seniors can meet in the front of the building at 11:45 to get a ride around back where there are fewer steps.  The Civic Association meets every second Saturday from 12-2pm.

Spiritual Forum

You are invited to join us for a discussion on spiritual re-tooling for the new year, 2007. This will be an introductory discussion where an intimate group of people come together to explore where we are on our spiritual journeys, discuss our goals for the upcoming year, and the states of consciousness we need to fulfill them.

Chess Gathering

Chess lovers can join us at ECAC each week for informal play.

Capoeira Angola Beginners

Be a kid again – sing, dance and play! A special beginning Capoeira Angola session starts on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7-9pm taught by Mestre Cobra Mansa. Capoeira Angola is a traditional martial art form brought by enslaved Africans to Brazil. It involves dance, music and acrobatic movements. Classes focus on movement, music and history. Email ficadc@hotmail.com to pre-register or for more info.

Visit www.capoeira-angola.org for more information

Capoeira Angola

Capoeira Angola is an African Brazilian martial art form characterized by such dynamic movements as cartwheels, handstands, spinning kicks and spontaneous acrobatics. At its highest level of practice, capoeira is considered an improvisational conversation between two bodies. The operative sensibility is very similar to a jazz performance. Capoeira Angola has its roots in Bantu tradition and was used by the enslaved Africans of Brazil as a form of revolution. In keeping with African war strategies, Capoeiristas masked the art's effectiveness from plantation overseers. The International Capoeira Angola Foundation teaches all aspects of this complex art – the movements, the music, the history, the traditions, the philosophy, bringing it all together on the first Sunday of each month with a roda or circle of Capoeira play. Visit www.capoeira-angola.org for more information

Youth Open Mike

Christylez opens this circle on Monday evenings for young people to express themselves through music, poetry, rap and whatever else they have to offer. All are welcome.

Codependents Anonymous

Co-dependency is an emotional and behavioral condition that affects an individual’s ability to have a healthy, mutually satisfying relationship. It is