Question 1

Is this AA/NA?

Accepted Answer

Nope. I am an independent contractor and am not affiliated with any 12 step programs, or other programs of the sort. I work as a Peer Recovery Coach and offer this online group with the support of FAN.

Question 2

Do I have to stay in one place for meditation?

Accepted Answer

Not at all! This is a very neurodiverse friendly space. I encourage people to stand, sway, fidget, lay down and practice mindful movement throughout. I am ADHD and autistic myself.

Question 3

What if I've never done meditation before?

Accepted Answer

That's okay :) I guide the meditation verbally while also using examples throughout to try and be as clear and concise as possible, while still allowing room for autonomy and imagination.

Question 4

Are cameras and audio necessary?

Accepted Answer

Video and audio are optional. I just ask that audio is muted during the meditation exercise itself.

Question 5

What if I'm not in "recovery" but still trans/nb and want to join?

Accepted Answer

Community is part of recovery. We've had groups where folks came and joined who didn't consider themselves in recovery from drugs/alc, and instead felt in recovery from other vices such as food, eating disorders, p*rn, technology etc. Some people come in because they are isolated or lonely.

Question 6

Do I have to share my story?

Accepted Answer

Not unless you want to. Meditation ends with 10 to 15 minutes of down time to exchange experiences and emotions. Sometimes we even use this time to just hang out and swap resources. You can also leave at any time.

Question 7

Who leads the group?

Accepted Answer

Hi, I'm Oli (he/they); 33 years young. I'm a Peer Recovery Coach who happens to be a Latinx/e/o, trans & non-binary dude. I have been leading this group for a little over a year now and am self-taught in the practice.

Question 8

Are allies welcome?

Accepted Answer

Nobody is turned away because there is no way of knowing aside from self-disclosure, who and who is not trans/nb/gnc.  Trans exclusive spaces are limited and as a facilitator, I aim to respect the safety of our attendees. If you are an ally, please email me to discuss resources available to you.

Question 9

What are ways I can support?

Accepted Answer

For volunteers or other inquiries, please email me at coach@incevo.org or olivertrujillo.prc@gmail.com.  Otherwise, share the link with your close friends :) You can also register for as many sessions as you would like, this helps with maintaining our funding.

Question 10

Do I have to join for the full hour?

Accepted Answer

Nope! Join for as long as you're able to. I begin letting people in between 7:05 to 7:15 pm. Sometimes we close later than 8 pm to allow folks to chit chat and trade socials.

Question 11

Do I need any equipment?

Accepted Answer

Bring yourself and get cozy. Water, snacks, pillows, blankies, anything to get you to be as relaxed as you can be.

Question 12

Is this anonymous?

Accepted Answer

Yes :) No names are ever reported or shared outside the group.

Question 13

How safe is the space?

Accepted Answer

We have not had any trolls in this group as of yet. If we ever did, I'd boot them immediately. I'm zen af but I don't play. If you'd like to volunteer to be a co-host, please feel free to email!

Question 14

What can I expect?

Accepted Answer

You can find a description under the title. But normally, we don't play any music. I will be on and off camera guiding the meditation verbally. I use closed captioning. I can make slides available with added visuals per request [email 7 days prior to request].

Question 15

Are you open to new clients for recovery coaching?

Accepted Answer

I am taking in new participants at this time. To get to know more about me and what I do, check out my linktree. There is a link to sign up for recovery coaching (free for people in the state of Michigan), a link to my site where I have resources, a blog and more : https://linktr.ee/gollyitsoli

Question 16

Is this group open to people outside of Michigan?

Accepted Answer

Yes :), please note that group starts at 7 pm EST.

Trans & NB: Meditation Monday for those in Recovery