WORKSHOPS OFFERED
Many of Marcia's workshops may be adapted and tailored to any age group or interest groups, such as caregivers. Contact with her with your specific needs.
CONSCIOUS AGING
COMEDIC IMPROVISATION:Second Childhood Players
Let your natural humor out ! Whether you're an actor or a ham at heart, enjoy
the FUNdamentals of improvisational theater games and scene play. Invent voices and
original characters, bring stories to life on the spur of the moment. Boost confidence,
concentration, intuition, listening and response skills. Join in the laughter, creative
imagination and playful "kid" energy of improvisational theater, and gain the creative
edge in art and life.
Performance Objectives:
1. State an operable definition of authentic play, and experience playing
2. Execute a minimum of four improv games or exercises
3. Name two ways they have grown personally (e.g. confidence, theater skill)
4. Name at least two elements involved in creating an improv performance.
Our lives are lived as stories.
Share inspiration, comfort, friendship, wisdom and laughter. Tell a tale, hear funny jokes,
share a hope or dream, a poem -or a show-and-tell -everybody welcome.
I REMEMBER WHEN...
A Reminiscing Class Concept
"I remember when my father would tell stories to us around the coal burning furnace on the Sabbath," said Florence, wistfully. Nearly 90 years old, she was remembering out loud to the
other residents of a board and care facility for which I provide a Friday "Shabbat Shalom" music-based program. My father was a foot soldier in Russia, under the Czar, and his toes froze, walking miles
in the snow, trying to keep up with the soldiers riding horseback, she continued. A couple of her comrades seated nearby nodded understandingly, their own memories and childhood histories stirred by
Florence's recounting. Pausing between songs, I had simply asked if anyone remembered what their Sabbaths were like when they were young. Several raised their hands. Florence thanked me at the end for
"a wonderful time," sparked no doubt by her chance to relive and to share her story with her adopted family.
"Reminiscing" and "Remembering" are catchwords in the gerontology field, so well established is the importance of these activities both officially in scientific research, and in on-the-job experience. I often create impetus and space for "R&R" in my Musical & Play fare: But now I am offering "Remember When with Marcia" as a class option, itself.
AIMS:
-- Entice residents to recall important moments or periods of their lives, and to share their stories with interested, caring listeners.
-- Stimulate the emotional/limbic brain in positive ways, to stimulate production of endorphins "happy hormones"
-- Provide opportunity for 'closures,' tying loose ends, and the proven health benefits of forgiving and making peace
-- Deepen the sense of "community" among residents
-- EnJOY a creative array of topics to "remember when" about!
Bookings /Info: lovearts@att.net or click here to contact me
(818) 623-6434 Fees ($30/1/2 hr, $45/45 minutes, $60/hr) negotiable for regular bookings; may work in conjunction with Oasis programming.
STORYTELLERS & POETS CIRCLE
Our lives are lived as stories. Share inspiration, comfort, friendship, wisdom and laughter. Tell a tale, hear funny jokes, share a hope or dream, a poem -or a show-and-tell -everybody welcome.
HUMOR & HEALTH
Science proves what we all know: a sense of humor is vital to good health --and fun! Know the facts, and learn how you can laugh and smile every day.
THE MEANING OF DREAMS
Unlock the secret code of night and day dreams or fantasies -all kinds welcome. Learn how dreams can help make your life's Dreams come true. Tips on remembering and recording dreams -lots more! Bring a dream to be interpreted -or just come and be fascinated.
IMPROVING MEMORY
Whether you're still "sharp as a tack," or wanting information for yourself or a loved one, it's never too late for improvement. Learn how good nutrition, exercise and stress dissolving help keep our brains happy and in shape.
THE SILVER LINING
Life After Loss - We've all faced many losses, including loved ones, bodily functions, homes, treasured possessions and more. Let's transform losses into wisdom and cherished memories. Making the jump from "oy to joy"requires support, skills and practice. Be a part of this positive, uplifting forum on the journey of love, loss and renewal with a wise, warm and witty presenter.
THE PLEASURES OF AGING
If you thought honeyed days of romance and feeling good in your skin were over -think again. You're never too old to feel naturally beautiful or sexy and twinkle from within -but outmoded beliefs, outdated information and self defeating habits can spoil the sparkle. In a class tailored to the changing needs of older adults, reclaiming the world of natural, healthy pleasures, and benefits for body, mind and soul for youself or a loved one. Enhance existing relationships or begin a new love affair --with Life. It's never too late.
HUMOR
Master Key to Well Being The Latin root for the word humor means "flowing," moving life along with the least amount of stress. In this bright-eyed course, you'll reap all the healthy benefits of laughter to body and spirit. You'll learn about the Psychology of Humor and access comic vantage points that naturally open our hearts and minds and help us see the bigger picture. Share favorite jokes, fun anecdotes and personal triumphs over gloom and doom thinking. Expand your repertoire and your social life.
CREATING A "LIVING WISDOM" CIRCLE
The crone years can offer much joy and wisdom as we practice being "present" to the play of our moments. A "living wisdom" circle offers older women a chance
to co-create a container for joy and wisdom, for the healing and well being of its members. This workshop functions as both a sacred wisdom-generating circle,
and an instruction as to how to create a circle, or enhance a circle of your own. There are four parts: Invocation, intention setting and anointing; Individual
check ins and the Talking Stick / heart-centered communion; Inviting & bringing forth wisdom on a topic; Gratitude, prayers, closing.
Marcia Singer, MSW has facilitated "WOW" (Women Of Wisdom") Generation circles over the past eight years in southern California. She brings knowledge about how
'wisdom' enters a circle, co-creating community, along with sacred arts, play, hands on healing and spiritual midwifery.
WOW (Wise Older Women) THEATER
Theater of the Wise, Aging Self
Come explore the wondrous, archetypal Wise Older Woman that plays through each of us uniquely -- yet the same! Using a consciousness tool called Voice Dialoging, we'll locate and interview our Inner Crones in a grand theater of our beautiful, expressive, aging selves. Experience yourself as Her, as ancient and timeless, yet wholly contemporary, humorous, compassionate, insightful: blessed and a blessing.
THE TANTRIC CRONE
"Tantra" is a Sanscrit word that refers to the conscious awakening of our deep and high Feminine Nature. Adepts and novices alike may relax body and mind with
deep breathing and sacred soul gazing exercises you can practice at home. Learn about the mysterious powers for healing and joy inherent (and seldom fully realized)
in your "rapture circuitry" and womansbody as you feel the energy boost from a "fire breath orgasm" demonstration (clothed, non "sexual"). Enjoy music, toning, sacred
movement and just Being together.
Marcia Singer, MSW, Cht, SAG-AFTRA, direct L.A.'s Foundation For Intimacy. A "tantric shaman" and healing artist, Marcia recently starred in an indie documentary on
women's sacred sexuality, and is nationally recognized for her deep feminine and masculine healing work.. Focusing on the art of being a healing and joyful presence,
she's written a new book, The Tao of Play: Making Joy, Originality, Vitality and Connection A Way of Life. (See T.O.P.)
HEALTHCARE/CARE GIVING
SELF-CARE: COMING TO OUR SENSES ABOUT ENERGY MANAGEMENT
(When scheduling permits, Marcia is joined by her author sister Beth Witrogen McLeod, double Pulitzer nominee for her work on
caregiving and conscious aging)
In this relaxing, refreshing hour, we'll explore where our energy goes - so it flows: What comes into our lives, how we nurture
ourselves, and what /how we give to others. We will do some energy balancing work, giving you simple tools and sense-ability
techniques to help relieve stress and cultivate wellness every day.
Here are some questions that we will interact with today; we hope you will continue to use them after the workshop.
-- WHAT DO YOU BRING INTO YOUR LIFE THAT FEEDS YOU - BODY, MIND, AND SOUL?
-- WHAT DO YOU BRING INTO YOUR LIFE THAT DRAINS YOU?
-- WHAT DO YOU DO FOR YOURSELF DAILY /WEEKLY / MONTHLY?
-- WHAT "HEALTHY PLEASURES" CAN YOU CONSCIOUSLY INTEND FOR YOURSELF: For your sense of smell (olfactory)? Taste (gustatory)?
Touch (skin)? Sight (eyes)? Hearing (ears)?
WHAT FEELINGS / EMOTIONS SIGNAL THAT NEEDS ARE BEING MET? NOT MET? (Psychological, Emotional, Physical, Creative(Sexual), Spiritual)
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THIS AND OTHER WORKSHOPS ON SELF-CARE, ENERGY BALANCING, AND WELLNESS AT MIDLIFE, CONTACT Marcia
or Beth Witrogen McLeod (www.witrogen.com)
HEART OF SELF CARE
Do you take care of others on a regular basis? Whether you tend to sick or elderly persons, animals, kids, patients or customers, learn why it is vital to take good care of yourself in the process. Learn simple, natural self- care practices to relax stressed out minds and bodies, breathe easier, balance energy and communicate your needs more honestly each day.
COMING TO OUR SENSES ABOUT STRESS
What if the solution to being tired or wired over "stress" lay right under your nose? Beginning with our olfactory sense and delightful scents, you'll learn to use breath, mindfulness, worry management and your five sense organs to promote a state of relaxed well being. Identify a healthy pleasure for each sense. Invite benefits to body, spirit, emotional balance and improved relations with others.
CREATIVE HEALING
You don't have to be a professional or accomplished artist to be able to use artistic expression spontaneously to promote the healing process. Identify a creative art form that "comes naturally"such as writing, drawing, dancing, singing or playing an instrument, or even cooking or photography. With practice, use it to relax and meditate, discover your wonderful self, and invite healing to body, heart, mind and relationships.
NEW: In House SELF-CARE SUPPORT GROUP
for residential Board & Care, Senior Living, Skilled Nursing or Alzheimer's communities
-- For Caregivers
-- Staff
-- Resident Family Members
Circles of support benefit you, your co-workers, residents and families by
-- Deepening professional "community" with empathic Listening
-- Learning to take a simple, effective "stress recess" --anytime
-- Having personal concerns and needs acknowledged
-- Learning from each other's success stories
-- Developing enjoyable "better communication" skills
-- Celebrating and nurturing our selves
Dates, Times to be determined. Fee is $45-60 per 45-60 minutes.
Presentations for Women.
FOR ALL AGES
MINDFUL MEDS (click for flyer)
Gentle Chair YOGA-CISE (click for flyer)
YOUR PERSONAL KEYS TO HAPPINESS
Feeling happy and carefree is challenging when life steps in with unexpected disappointments or difficult losses. But old habits of worrying and stressing out just interfere even more. This bright-eyed course offers lively discussions and interactive exercises to help you experience your natural capacity for joy. Our "be happier" keys include the roles of humor, laughter and playfulness, compassion and forgiveness. Learn simple self care techniques that relax you deeply, lift energy and literally help you breathe easier, all in a friendly, supportive community environment.
THE ART OF PLAY
Creating joy, Vitality, Originality and Connection -For Life!
You may associate playing with a particular activity: dancing, cultivating a rose garden, curling up with a good book,
going to a baseball game or playing tag with grandkids. But play is much more than the particular activity you may be
enjoying: it's an attitude, a kind of language, a state of being, characterized by friendly connection, good will,
inclusiveness and creative imagination that promotes a sense of aliveness, vital spirit and joy just in being alive.
Researchers of Play -and we are few! - have found that authentic play has no goal other than itself, other than it's own
process. True players indulge themselves for the pure unabashed pleasure and stimulation it affords us. Play is fearless,
too, enjoying the adventure of making it up as you go along, improvising this and that with your play pals - which may be
humanoid or not. We play with other creatures, with the wind and the clouds changing shapes in the sky, and alone, with a
pen to paper, paint to canvas, or dreaming about our futures.
The art of play, then, is in many ways the art of the play of our moments in life, how openly, wholeheartedly we learn to
embrace them - part of our task and opportunity as we get older. Play can be gentle and quiet, or robust, feisty and provocative
-just like seniors. And everything in between.
Why don't we then play more often? Experts report that by the age of six years old, most of us have lost the sense memory of
free play, substituting instead, self conscious performance and competition, and all the anxiety and angst that goes with it.
What does it take, then, to recover our fuller capacity for the joy, originality, vitality and connection that play mode brings?
1. Reclaim your right.
2. Dare to express your self more freely. Become playmate 'material' by using your heart, your imagination - gumption!
3. Notice what you really enjoy in life: your natural, native playfulness arises here.
4. Expand your repertoires, stretch comfort zones - you can do it! 5. Practice, practice, practice!
ENVIRONMENTAL FORUM
Learn simple ways to create a healthier "green" future
for all of Mother Earth's children -and grandchildren! Get tips on "sustainable" shopping, diets, and
organizations. Protect parks, wildlife, keep our air, water and soil safe. Share your experience with
other caring attendees - and enjoy Marcia's own enviro primer.
Many of the next presentation topics are available in Workshop, Class or Lecture format Let's co-design
something perfect for your specific needs.
Bios provided for your promotional use.
TANTRA FOR WOMEN
Receive the Keys to Honor, Nurture, Pleasure and Heal your Self
Awaken your native, hidden female powers: You are a miraculous being! Opening your heart to our deep Feminine legacy unlocks your own abilities,
unleashes your creative spirit, and allows you to fulfill a love affair with Life. Our female BodyMind blueprint is designed to ignite psychic,
creative, healing and spiritual talents as we learn and remember how to tap into our whole Feminine Nature. Tantra For Women re-connects the sensual,
sexual, creative and spiritual aspects of Woman. It melds ancient Celtic, Native and east Indian secret practices with contemporary psycho-social exercises
to help you bridge the heaven and earth of your true being. The workshop will include a welcoming Sacred Space and soul-gazing ritual, breath, imagination
and sensorial exercises, and gentle movement practices you can do at home, solo or with a loved one. Atmosphere is warm, respectful, playful and sensitive
to individual needs, with time for your questions and sharings.
Topics presented may include:
-- Opening up your natural psychic sensitivities
-- How creativity, sexuality and healing powers are inter-connected
-- How sensuality and sexuality differ
-- A Sexual Energy Anatomy lesson
-- Aphrodite -Beauty in EveryWoman -just as you are
-- How to nurture yourself deeply
-- How the Heart is the key to unlocking all the doors to your Dreams
Instructor Marcia Singer, MSW, CHt, will offer healing, intuitive Body Readings to participants. Singer directs the Foundation For Intimacy in Los Angeles,
is a nationally respected Love Arts educator and tantric shaman, widely published in New Thought and intimacy circles. She's originator of the Learning Annex
course and book manuscript entitled, The Tao Of Play: Making Originality, Vitality, Joy and Connection A Way of Life.
CREATING A "LIVING WISDOM" CIRCLE (Co-Ed)
Our mature years can offer much joy and wisdom as we practice being "present" to the play of our moments. A "living wisdom" circle offers
older men and women a chance to co-create a container for joy and wisdom, for the healing, well being of, and relationships among, its members.
This workshop functions as both a sacred wisdom-generating circle, and an instruction as to how to create a circle, or enhance a circle of your
own. There are four parts: Invocation, intention setting and anointing; Individual check ins and the Talking Stick / heart-centered communion;
Inviting & bringing forth wisdom on a topic; Gratitude, prayers, closing.
Marcia Singer, MSW has facilitated "WOW" (Women Of Wisdom") Generation and N-Gender (co-ed) circles over the past eight years in southern
California. She brings knowledge about how 'wisdom' enters a circle, co-creating community, along with sacred arts, play, hands on healing
and spiritual midwifery.
"IMPROV"ISATION FUN-DA-MENTALS
Creative theater games, playful exercises, and skills for daily living. Benefits include: Comfort in new situations, spontaneity and confidence, humor and fun, acting /performance skills, improving memory and vitality, -and enjoying new friends in "creative community." (See Second Childhood Players promo)