January InterPlay Atlanta Newsletter: Many Opportunities to Play Deep in the New Year! The outer message we often get about a New Year is that it's time for a fresh start, action and "to do's." I know that for many people this is enlivening and true, but I often experience winter as a germinating time. Quiet and dark, I turn within. Sometimes a clear action arises; sometimes, it doesn't. I breathe and practice embracing the waiting.  Joyful planning: InterPlay Atlanta envisioning meeting 2016 Stillness is one of our InterPlay practices that feels meaningful to me at this time. In the InterPlay form of "walk, stop and run," visiting InterPlay leader, Masankho Banda recently spoke of stopping as a way of letting our bodies catch up with us. I like this image. When I get going in my world (or my mind) too fast I can pause and let my essential self be felt again. I return to my body- this breathing, moving, creating miracle that I call me. I'm grateful for InterPlay practice that supports me in my doing as well as my undoing.  Wishing you creative stillness and embodied action in 2017! Peace & Play, Jennifer Soulprint Players perform at Atlanta Shambhala Center's celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. January 15th Atlanta Shambhala Center's Community Relations Presents: Poetry readings, musical performances and contemplative discussions in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. January 15th, 2017 1 PM - 4 PM Suggested Donation of $15 Atlanta Shambhala Meditation Center  1447 Church St, Decatur, GA 30030 In the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. we invite the community to share their creative poetry and artistic musings that highlight reflections of social justice, race relations and peace efforts in today's society. Feature Poets/Artists: Felton Eaddy, Debra Hiers, Waqas Khwaja, BMichelle Tilman,, A'nji Sarumi, Atlanta InterPlay's Soulprint Performers, Luis Stefanal This event will include an open mic and reflective conversation segment Atlanta Shambhala facilitates conversations about issues that are important to people of our city and our world. These might include income disparity, a sustainable relationship with our environment and improving our many broken systems (ie. criminal justice,healthcare, education, etc.) For more information contact A'nji at aunjisings@gmail.com The Secrets of InterPlay & InterPlay Life Practice Program  coming this spring! Unlock the wisdom of your body! Immerse yourself in the joy and wisdom of the InterPlay philosophy and practice. CEs available for both Secrets and The Life Practice Program. The Secrets of InterPlay (March 24th-26th) is a comprehensive weekend where we will playfully deepen understanding of the tools and ideas of InterPlay. Get your body, mind, heart, and spirit all on the same page with joy and ease. Starting in April, The InterPlay Life Practice Program provides deep community support for unearthing and honoring the wisdom of your body. Give yourself the gift of play, community, rest and whole bodied knowing in 2017! Find out more at one of the following Life Practice Program intro sessions: Saturday, January 14th Go Vinda's Cafe, 1146 Euclid Ave., 30307 1-2 P.M. Tuesday, January 31st W.H.O.A office, L5P Community Center 12-1 P.M. Saturday, February 11th The Mask Center, L5P Community Center 12-1 P.M. An InterPlay exploration of Waking Up White six class series begins February 14th Do you want to contribute to community with more clarity and love as we address and heal from racism? Do you seek more embodied practices, wisdom and support for yourself and as an ally to people of color? If so, you are invited to join InterPlay leaders, Jennifer Denning and Christine Gautreaux, LMSW for Waking Up White. We will explore and research our ability to play and stretch through discomfort by using InterPlay forms to tell our stories as we uncover ways to dance with the challenges of racism and privilege. You will be able to both enter into the practice AND see how we use InterPlay to deal with our own socialized systemic racism. This class is based on the book, Waking Up White and Finding Myself in the Story of Race by Debbie Irving.  6 Tuesdays, 2/14, 2/28, 3/14, 3/28, 4/11 & 4/25th 12:30-2:00 P.M. Sliding Scale $50-100 proceeds to benefit InterPlay Atlanta POC scholarship fund Class held at private Decatur residence For questions and to register email atlantainterplay@gmail.com  Move: Creating Daily What the Body Wants An Online exploration with Ruth Schowalter Get support for your creativity in visual, written, and embodied practices with InterPlay's Body Wisdom! Jan 27-April 14, 2017; Fridays 3-5pm EST Put creativity on your calendar for 2017 with one measurable creative action of 15 minutes each day. In this amazing 12-week course, creativity coach Ruth Schowalter guides you through an "artist's way" type of experience based around the popular InterPlay book Move: What the Body Wants by Cynthia Winton-Henry with Phil Porter. More info here.