Friday, Nov 17th & Friday, Dec. 15th

10:30am – 2:00pm

Allerton Mansion Library (11/17)

Studio (12/15)

$140/class

Registration Deadline: November 13th & December 11th

Experience level: N/A

In a one day gathering, concepts of personal growth and wholeness are first learned through the use of film clips, art, poetry, myth etc. Then, through the use of writing, art, poetry, and music, each participant will work on their personal expression of wholeness. And finally, the participant shares their creation with the group if they choose.

Instructor Bio

Mary Ryan M.S. is a Jungian-oriented therapist with 40 years of experience working with individuals, couples, and groups. She has been on the faculty for 3 universities teaching classes to students from age 18 to 80 on personality and personal growth. With the Academy of Addictions Treatment Professionals, she trained therapists in Chicago and St. Louis. She has worked in both hospitals and treatment centers and has a private practice in Springfield, IL while also facilitating a Prison Fathers group at Jacksonville Correctional Center. Mary has had art displayed in two galleries and combines her experience in art and film with her work with clients and in her teaching.

Afro-Brazilian Traditions – Capoeira Angola & Samba de Roda

Led by: Mark Becker

Thursdays: January 18; February 1, 8, 15, 22

Please note this class does not meet on January 25th.

6:00-7:30pm

Library

Registration Deadline: 1/11/2024; 1 week before each subsequent class

Skill level: Beginner

Registration fee: $25/class OR $100/series

Course Description:

In this course, participants will be introduced to the richness of Afro-Brazilian movement, music, language, and culture through the traditions of Capoeira Angola and Samba de Roda. This course will be designed with all ages, skill levels, and physical abilities in mind and will have a welcoming environment where community members can learn from an instructor with 19 years of experience in a hands-on, active, and joyful space.

Capoeira Angola is a martial art that combines fluid, low-impact movements with music to encourage self-expression and self-control. Samba de Roda is a musical tradition that combines several percussion and stringed instruments in a call-and-response setting that also welcomes dancing from participants. All these traditions have their roots in the Congo region of Africa but were developed and shared with the world in Brazil.

About the Instructor:

Lead instructor Mark Becker, a student of Capoeira Angola in the tradition of Mestre João Grande who has studied under Contramestre Denis Chiaramonte for 8 years, with 19 years of experience in the art of Capoeira. He is also a student of traditional Samba Chula, an art form from the Recôncavo region of Bahia, Brazil while also serving as the Director of the Bloco Gavião, a community drum ensemble focused on Afro-Brazilian drumming traditions such as samba-reggae, maracatu and afoxé. Mark has a master’s degree in education from the University of Illinois and enjoys designing learning experiences for all ages to feel belonging in the exploration of Brazilian culture.

Afro-Brazilian Traditions – Capoeira Angola & Samba de Roda

Led by: Mark Becker

Thursdays: January 18; February 1, 6, 15, 22

6:00-7:30pm

Library

Registration Deadline: 1/11/2024; 1 week before each subsequent class

Skill level: Beginner

Registration fee: $25/class OR $100/series

Course Description:

In this course, participants will be introduced to the richness of Afro-Brazilian movement, music, language, and culture through the traditions of Capoeira Angola and Samba de Roda. This course will be designed with all ages, skill levels, and physical abilities in mind and will have a welcoming environment where community members can learn from an instructor with 19 years of experience in a hands-on, active, and joyful space.

Capoeira Angola is a martial art that combines fluid, low-impact movements with music to encourage self-expression and self-control. Samba de Roda is a musical tradition that combines several percussion and stringed instruments in a call-and-response setting that also welcomes dancing from participants. All these traditions have their roots in the Congo region of Africa but were developed and shared with the world in Brazil.

About the Instructor:

Lead instructor Mark Becker, a student of Capoeira Angola in the tradition of Mestre João Grande who has studied under Contramestre Denis Chiaramonte for 8 years, with 19 years of experience in the art of Capoeira. He is also a student of traditional Samba Chula, an art form from the Recôncavo region of Bahia, Brazil while also serving as the Director of the Bloco Gavião, a community drum ensemble focused on Afro-Brazilian drumming traditions such as samba-reggae, maracatu and afoxé. Mark has a master’s degree in education from the University of Illinois and enjoys designing learning experiences for all ages to feel belonging in the exploration of Brazilian culture.

Afro-Brazilian Traditions – Capoeira Angola & Samba de Roda

Led by: Mark Becker

Thursdays: January 18; February 1, 8, 15, 22

6:00-7:30pm

Library

Registration Deadline: 1/11/2024; 1 week before each subsequent class

Skill level: Beginner

Registration fee: $25/class OR $100/series

Course Description:

In this course, participants will be introduced to the richness of Afro-Brazilian movement, music, language, and culture through the traditions of Capoeira Angola and Samba de Roda. This course will be designed with all ages, skill levels, and physical abilities in mind and will have a welcoming environment where community members can learn from an instructor with 19 years of experience in a hands-on, active, and joyful space.

Capoeira Angola is a martial art that combines fluid, low-impact movements with music to encourage self-expression and self-control. Samba de Roda is a musical tradition that combines several percussion and stringed instruments in a call-and-response setting that also welcomes dancing from participants. All these traditions have their roots in the Congo region of Africa but were developed and shared with the world in Brazil.

About the Instructor:

Lead instructor Mark Becker, a student of Capoeira Angola in the tradition of Mestre João Grande who has studied under Contramestre Denis Chiaramonte for 8 years, with 19 years of experience in the art of Capoeira. He is also a student of traditional Samba Chula, an art form from the Recôncavo region of Bahia, Brazil while also serving as the Director of the Bloco Gavião, a community drum ensemble focused on Afro-Brazilian drumming traditions such as samba-reggae, maracatu and afoxé. Mark has a master’s degree in education from the University of Illinois and enjoys designing learning experiences for all ages to feel belonging in the exploration of Brazilian culture.

Mindfulness & Meditation

Led by: Doug McDannald

Wednesdays: February 7, 14, 21, 28; March 6, 13, 20, 27

6:00-8:00pm

Studio

Registration Deadline: January 24, 2024 & 2 weeks before each subsequent class

Skill level: Beginner

Registration fee: $10/class OR $70/series

Course Description:

Part education, part experiential, and part discussion - be guided through many different aspects of mindfulness and meditation, while receiving support for whatever comes up for you along the way. Not only can this type of meditation be practiced more formally (such as a dedicated time to sit and meditate), but it can also be practiced while performing any number of daily activities. The only required tools are posture and breath, which are available to anybody, at any time. During class, we will primarily be seated. How it Works: As we attend to our posture and breath, we are able to observe the nature of our mind, body and environment with greater clarity. This clarity offers us the space to respond to everyday situations more thoughtfully and with less stress and reactivity. This effect accumulates over time, leading to more skillful responses with respect to our evolving situation or predicament. When we pause, we can observe our mind as it wanders. A wandering mind tends to automatically react to whatever external stimulus we experience. While some of these learned reactions serve us well, many of them were learned in response to situations that no longer exist, and thus, do not serve our best interest or the best interests of others in the present moment. Mindfulness and meditation offer us the opportunity to pause, interrupt our wandering mind, and create more choice in how we respond in the present moment. The results open up new and beneficial possibilities in our lives and in the lives of all the people we interact with.

About the Instructor:

Doug McDannald brings over 15 years of regular meditation practice, as well as certifications in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT). He has 8 years’ experience coaching NCAA D1 Track & Field athletes, and 6 years’ experience in healthcare within various departments at Carle Health and Christie Clinic. He received a master’s degree in Exercise Science & Neuromechanics from Utah State University, and a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from Eastern Illinois University. These experiences have contributed to Doug’s passion for helping people experience mental and physical relief through the simple, highly effective practices of mindfulness.

Mindfulness & Meditation

Led by: Doug McDannald

Wednesdays: February 7, 14, 21, 28; March 6, 13, 20, 27

6:00-8:00pm

Studio

Registration Deadline: January 24, 2024 & 2 weeks before each subsequent class

Skill level: Beginner

Registration fee: $10/class OR $70/series

Course Description:

Part education, part experiential, and part discussion - be guided through many different aspects of mindfulness and meditation, while receiving support for whatever comes up for you along the way. Not only can this type of meditation be practiced more formally (such as a dedicated time to sit and meditate), but it can also be practiced while performing any number of daily activities. The only required tools are posture and breath, which are available to anybody, at any time. During class, we will primarily be seated. How it Works: As we attend to our posture and breath, we are able to observe the nature of our mind, body and environment with greater clarity. This clarity offers us the space to respond to everyday situations more thoughtfully and with less stress and reactivity. This effect accumulates over time, leading to more skillful responses with respect to our evolving situation or predicament. When we pause, we can observe our mind as it wanders. A wandering mind tends to automatically react to whatever external stimulus we experience. While some of these learned reactions serve us well, many of them were learned in response to situations that no longer exist, and thus, do not serve our best interest or the best interests of others in the present moment. Mindfulness and meditation offer us the opportunity to pause, interrupt our wandering mind, and create more choice in how we respond in the present moment. The results open up new and beneficial possibilities in our lives and in the lives of all the people we interact with.

About the Instructor:

Doug McDannald brings over 15 years of regular meditation practice, as well as certifications in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT). He has 8 years’ experience coaching NCAA D1 Track & Field athletes, and 6 years’ experience in healthcare within various departments at Carle Health and Christie Clinic. He received a master’s degree in Exercise Science & Neuromechanics from Utah State University, and a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from Eastern Illinois University. These experiences have contributed to Doug’s passion for helping people experience mental and physical relief through the simple, highly effective practices of mindfulness.

Afro-Brazilian Traditions – Capoeira Angola & Samba de Roda

Led by: Mark Becker

Thursdays: January 18; February 1, 8, 15, 22

6:00-7:30pm

Library

Registration Deadline: 1/11/2024; 1 week before each subsequent class

Skill level: Beginner

Registration fee: $25/class OR $100/series

Course Description:

In this course, participants will be introduced to the richness of Afro-Brazilian movement, music, language, and culture through the traditions of Capoeira Angola and Samba de Roda. This course will be designed with all ages, skill levels, and physical abilities in mind and will have a welcoming environment where community members can learn from an instructor with 19 years of experience in a hands-on, active, and joyful space.

Capoeira Angola is a martial art that combines fluid, low-impact movements with music to encourage self-expression and self-control. Samba de Roda is a musical tradition that combines several percussion and stringed instruments in a call-and-response setting that also welcomes dancing from participants. All these traditions have their roots in the Congo region of Africa but were developed and shared with the world in Brazil.

About the Instructor:

Lead instructor Mark Becker, a student of Capoeira Angola in the tradition of Mestre João Grande who has studied under Contramestre Denis Chiaramonte for 8 years, with 19 years of experience in the art of Capoeira. He is also a student of traditional Samba Chula, an art form from the Recôncavo region of Bahia, Brazil while also serving as the Director of the Bloco Gavião, a community drum ensemble focused on Afro-Brazilian drumming traditions such as samba-reggae, maracatu and afoxé. Mark has a master’s degree in education from the University of Illinois and enjoys designing learning experiences for all ages to feel belonging in the exploration of Brazilian culture.

Mindfulness & Meditation

Led by: Doug McDannald

Wednesdays: February 7, 14, 21, 28; March 6, 13, 20, 27

6:00-8:00pm

Studio

Registration Deadline: January 24, 2024 & 2 weeks before each subsequent class

Skill level: Beginner

Registration fee: $10/class OR $70/series

Course Description:

Part education, part experiential, and part discussion - be guided through many different aspects of mindfulness and meditation, while receiving support for whatever comes up for you along the way. Not only can this type of meditation be practiced more formally (such as a dedicated time to sit and meditate), but it can also be practiced while performing any number of daily activities. The only required tools are posture and breath, which are available to anybody, at any time. During class, we will primarily be seated. How it Works: As we attend to our posture and breath, we are able to observe the nature of our mind, body and environment with greater clarity. This clarity offers us the space to respond to everyday situations more thoughtfully and with less stress and reactivity. This effect accumulates over time, leading to more skillful responses with respect to our evolving situation or predicament. When we pause, we can observe our mind as it wanders. A wandering mind tends to automatically react to whatever external stimulus we experience. While some of these learned reactions serve us well, many of them were learned in response to situations that no longer exist, and thus, do not serve our best interest or the best interests of others in the present moment. Mindfulness and meditation offer us the opportunity to pause, interrupt our wandering mind, and create more choice in how we respond in the present moment. The results open up new and beneficial possibilities in our lives and in the lives of all the people we interact with.

About the Instructor:

Doug McDannald brings over 15 years of regular meditation practice, as well as certifications in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT). He has 8 years’ experience coaching NCAA D1 Track & Field athletes, and 6 years’ experience in healthcare within various departments at Carle Health and Christie Clinic. He received a master’s degree in Exercise Science & Neuromechanics from Utah State University, and a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from Eastern Illinois University. These experiences have contributed to Doug’s passion for helping people experience mental and physical relief through the simple, highly effective practices of mindfulness.