Lawrence Teachers Union Self-Care Retreat

***THIS RETREAT IS FREE TO MEMBERS OF THE LAWRENCE TEACHERS UNION, BUT EACH ATTENDEE MUST SECURE THEIR SPOT BY REGISTERING VIA THIS EVENTBRITE PAGE. THANK YOU!**

The hours of the retreat are 4:00 - 6:00 pm, Wednesday - Friday, Sept. 29 - Oct. 1, 2021.

Please join us for all three days if you can, or drop in for one or two.

The retreat will take place in Lawrence. Attendees will be contacted with the exact location before the retreat begins!

Please join experienced yoga & mindfulness instructor Checka Antifonario for this opportunity to focus on what feels good! This retreat is sponsored by the Lawrence Teachers Union, winners of the 2021 AFT Innovation Fund COVID-19 Rapid Response Grant.

Self-care is crucial to our overall wellness - but it's so easy for it to fall to the bottom of the priority list! Our personal and professional responsibilities keep us busy, and we can always find a reason not to slow down, rest and recharge.

This can put us on the road to burnout; we have all probably been there at one point or another! Pausing for self-care through mindfulness, gentle Yoga, and evidence-based relaxation techniques can soothe your nervous system, relieve stress, and help you sustain your energy. And the same is true for your students!

On day one of this retreat, we will work with grounding and centering techniques. On day two, our focus will be upliftment and contentment. We will close on day three with a theme of balance, which will include strategies to keep burnout at bay and an opportunity for each attendee to set some intentions for their continuing self-care journey. You will receive a printed retreat manual for reference and support.

While the main goal of this retreat is to support sustainable self-care for education professionals, each day will also include some instruction about how you might share the techniques with your students in a school environment. It is a wonderful way to connect with your students, support their social-emotional wellness, and help them to feel relaxed and inspired.

This is an opportunity to come be yourself, experience community, and relax! There is no need for prior experience or preparation of any kind. Please join us to be nourished, supported and welcomed into an inclusive, openhearted space.

Checka has created two videos to offer additional formation; please check them out if you'd like:

- Video #1 is a 6-minute introduction and retreat overview; you can view it at https://youtu.be/8tkW8HEu5Mc

- Video #2 is a 19-minute simple self-care sequence; you can view it at https://youtu.be/QsrGqMdgVoo

Important notes:

​- Covid-19 vaccination is required for attendees; please bring a copy of your vaccination card. Masks are optional. (These policies are subject to change as we are in a continuously evolving time).

- While we hope you are able to attend the full three-day retreat (the hours are 4:00 - 6:00 pm each day), the curriculum is designed so that each day can stand alone. If you can only come for one or two days, please do!

- Please wear comfortable clothing that allows for gentle movement on each day of the retreat. Each attendee will receive a gift bag that includes a yoga mat, but if you prefer to bring your own mat you are welcome to do so. You might also like to bring along a pillow to sit on (chairs will also be available) and / or a blanket for coziness and warmth.

- Members of the Lawrence Teachers Union can reserve their free spots via this Eventbrite page.

- If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to Lawrence Teachers Union President Kim Barry at kim@ltu1019.org or your retreat leader Checka Antifonario at info@yogawayretreats.com.

We hope to see you there!