Coming Out of the Dark - A Celebration of Light

Journey: Healing Together thanks those who could join us in celebrating the Winter Solstice on 12/21/22. Coming Out of the Dark honored the many who have healed and demonstrated post-traumatic growth throughout the year. Together we welcomed in the light of a new season of healing and growth.

Paige Bosnyak helped attendants create pinecone fire starters to illuminate the night with hopes for the upcoming year. Slips of paper filled with new intentions were placed inside pinecones, sealed with wax, and thrown into the fire, releasing hope into the cool air to be nourished by the longer days ahead. Eric Reiche helped each participant dedicate a luminaria to a loved one who represents growth in the darkness of mental health stigma. Brigitte Sullivan held space through free Reiki sessions for anyone seeking a moment of peace. Community members submitted works of art representing their own journey through the darkness.

At 4:47, we gathered around the fire, inviting people to share in spoken word and lifting voices in chants and songs led by Margo Wolfe. Messages of overcoming judgment, prejudice, and assault amplified triumph and resilience rising up throughout our community. One guest stated, "I was a little nervous at the beginning, but afterward felt incredibly at ease. Journey has an atmosphere of kindness and acceptance that can be difficult to find in daily life." Will Koehler, Journey: Healing Together Executive Director shared, "Each room was filled with people celebrating in unique ways - one room had children laughing and creating snowflakes and walking by another you heard music of awakened joy. Journey: Healing Together exists to serve our community in these ways. Our hope is to illuminate and nourish our collective healing energy throughout the year. We are overjoyed to have shared this time with you and look forward to celebrating the Summer Solstice on June 21st!"

Photos

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