We know that Recovery involves physical, mental, and emotional changes - yet most of the 12 Step approaches focus on a very particular medical and theistic model. How can we use a more holistic world view of the mind, body, and spirit to deepen our experience of recovery?
5 Elements/12 Steps is a series of workshops that lean into the wisdom of Traditional East Asian Medicine to root our recovery process in a physical, seasonal, and philosophical approach that can complement the 12 step experience and offer a different set of tools.
We will journey through the 5 Elements of Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water and pair these with the 12 steps to create a deeper understanding of the journey from Wood to Water, Spring to Winter, and from step 1 through 12. Learn the circadian clock, seasonal correspondences to step work, acupressure points, movement, breath, and herbs that support us in each stage of the process.
These workshops are for people in all stages of recovery - from many years of abstinence to sober curious. We seek the similarities among different 12 step programs, and also welcome those that may have been turned off by 12 step programs but are interested in a fresh approach. These workshops are not a substitute for therapy, treatment, detox, or any other kind of intervention to help with addictions, but are meant as an adjunct to other types of support.
Session 1: Saturday October 1st 3-6pm // Steps 1,2 + 3 (Metal, Water, Wood)
Session 2: November 5th 3-6pm // Steps 4, 5, 6 + 7 (Fire, Earth, Metal, Water)
Session 3: December 10th 3-6 pm // Steps 8,9 + 10 (Wood, Fire, Earth)
Session 4: December 31st 3-6 pm (New Year’s Eve Special) // Steps 11 + 12 (Metal , Water + Guided Meditation and Intention Setting Ritual)
Sliding Scale is $45-$75 per session. We highly recommend signing up for all 4 workshops, but each one can be attended as a stand alone experience. Register here. Please email us if you need a scholarship spot to attend.
Masha Schmidt, L.Ac is a NYS license acupuncturist, yoga teacher, and herbalist in long term recovery. She has been a regular in 12 step groups for the past 25+ years.