Offerings for Opening & Transformation
Evolving practices invite us to listen, open, heal and feel our way into stillness and mindful being—with ourselves and with the world. Healing Walks, Woods Music, Placemaking, and Seasonal Celebrations have grown Our Story; new ways of conscious partnering with the land are now emerging. Recently developed offerings, others in the works, and an old favorite are described briefly below. See Calendar for schedule of upcoming activities and programs.
“There is just one question. How to love this world.” —Mary Oliver
Awaken your Energy: A Healing Workshop
at the Manitou Project, Williamsville, VT
SUNDAY, September 28
1:00 to 3:00 pm
EVERYTHING IS ENERGY! Join us as to experience three simple yet
profound energy-healing practices that relieve stresses of the body, mind and spirit.
This is a hands-on (YOUR hands on YOU) workshop. After a brief explanation of the common threads of all energy-body healing practices, we will present guided sessions for all attendees in each of the following three healing practices.
1. Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) also known as "Tapping";
2. Makko Ho (Self-Shiatsu / Meridian Stretching)
3. Qigong - Five Element Practice
These practices are simple enough to be enjoyed immediately, and have amazing
potential for healing on a physical, mental and emotional level. The simplicity and
effectiveness of these practices also make them ideal for people of all ages and
abilities.
Our goal in presenting this workshop is to assist you in finding a healing practice that
piques your interest and resonates with your body's energy. We will also provide suggestions for ways to continue to build your practice using many easily available FREE resources.
The workshop will be facilitated by Brattleboro residents Keith Strand and Cydney
Strand, both of whom are passionate about sharing the wonders of clearing our body's
energy blocks with healing energy vibrations of love, contentment and gratitude.
The workshop will take place outdoors, so please dress accordingly. Comfortable
clothing suitable for gentle movement and stretching is best.
Also bring: a towel, blanket or yoga mat to sit on; water to drink; and most importantly,
an open heart and a curious mind. This workshop is open to all who feel called to explore the world
of energy healing. No experience necessary. $20.00 donation to Manitou Project (suggested)
About Your Group Leaders
Cydney Hartstein
Certified Qigong Group Leader, Spring Forest Qigong
Cydney had a long working career in widely varying areas - Education (BA), Finance
(MBA) and Nursing (BA). She began her interest in "energy healing" in 1988 with a
certification as a Bach Flower Remedy counselor and taught classes at The Open
Center School for Holistic Studies in NYC. She is also a practitioner of Therapeutic
Touch and is a First Degree Reiki. In the past five years however, she has mainly used
EFT and Qigong in her own healing journey and leads workshops and guided practice
on both.
Keith Strand
Shiatsu Practitioner and Makka Ho Leader, Five Lights Center for Shiatsu
Keith Strand is a retired Architect. Since his retirement he has been a dedicated
student of energy healing and more recently a provider of Shiatsu healing sessions. He
teaches a weekly Makko Ho Zoom class to Shiatsu practitioners through his affiliation
as Makko Ho Leader for Five Lights Center of Shiatsu.
About EFT, Makka Ho and Qigong
Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) - Release & Renew
EFT, also known as "tapping"; combines gentle tapping with mindful awareness to:
release emotional blockages; reduce anxiety; support mental clarity; and promote
emotional well-being.
Makko Ho - Flexibility and Flo
The dynamic stretches of Makko Ho are designed to act as a moving meditation, to
gently open and balance the flow of energy through the body's meridian channels.
Qigong - Harmony and Vitality
The practice of Qigong blends coordinated movement, breath and mental awareness to
enhance energy flow (qi), balance emotions and promote overall vitality. Qigong also
supports mental clarity and spiritual connection, making it a powerful tool for holistic
well-being.
“There is just one question. How to love this world.” —Mary Oliver
Awaken your Energy: A Healing Workshop
at the Manitou Project, Williamsville, VT
SUNDAY, September 28
1:00 to 3:00 pm
EVERYTHING IS ENERGY! Join us as to experience three simple yet
profound energy-healing practices that relieve stresses of the body, mind and spirit.
This is a hands-on (YOUR hands on YOU) workshop. After a brief explanation of the common threads of all energy-body healing practices, we will present guided sessions for all attendees in each of the following three healing practices.
1. Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) also known as "Tapping";
2. Makko Ho (Self-Shiatsu / Meridian Stretching)
3. Qigong - Five Element Practice
These practices are simple enough to be enjoyed immediately, and have amazing
potential for healing on a physical, mental and emotional level. The simplicity and
effectiveness of these practices also make them ideal for people of all ages and
abilities.
Our goal in presenting this workshop is to assist you in finding a healing practice that
piques your interest and resonates with your body's energy. We will also provide suggestions for ways to continue to build your practice using many easily available FREE resources.
The workshop will be facilitated by Brattleboro residents Keith Strand and Cydney
Strand, both of whom are passionate about sharing the wonders of clearing our body's
energy blocks with healing energy vibrations of love, contentment and gratitude.
The workshop will take place outdoors, so please dress accordingly. Comfortable
clothing suitable for gentle movement and stretching is best.
Also bring: a towel, blanket or yoga mat to sit on; water to drink; and most importantly,
an open heart and a curious mind. This workshop is open to all who feel called to explore the world
of energy healing. No experience necessary. $20.00 donation to Manitou Project (suggested)
About Your Group Leaders
Cydney Hartstein
Certified Qigong Group Leader, Spring Forest Qigong
Cydney had a long working career in widely varying areas - Education (BA), Finance
(MBA) and Nursing (BA). She began her interest in "energy healing" in 1988 with a
certification as a Bach Flower Remedy counselor and taught classes at The Open
Center School for Holistic Studies in NYC. She is also a practitioner of Therapeutic
Touch and is a First Degree Reiki. In the past five years however, she has mainly used
EFT and Qigong in her own healing journey and leads workshops and guided practice
on both.
Keith Strand
Shiatsu Practitioner and Makka Ho Leader, Five Lights Center for Shiatsu
Keith Strand is a retired Architect. Since his retirement he has been a dedicated
student of energy healing and more recently a provider of Shiatsu healing sessions. He
teaches a weekly Makko Ho Zoom class to Shiatsu practitioners through his affiliation
as Makko Ho Leader for Five Lights Center of Shiatsu.
About EFT, Makka Ho and Qigong
Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) - Release & Renew
EFT, also known as "tapping"; combines gentle tapping with mindful awareness to:
release emotional blockages; reduce anxiety; support mental clarity; and promote
emotional well-being.
Makko Ho - Flexibility and Flo
The dynamic stretches of Makko Ho are designed to act as a moving meditation, to
gently open and balance the flow of energy through the body's meridian channels.
Qigong - Harmony and Vitality
The practice of Qigong blends coordinated movement, breath and mental awareness to
enhance energy flow (qi), balance emotions and promote overall vitality. Qigong also
supports mental clarity and spiritual connection, making it a powerful tool for holistic
well-being.
Therapy without Walls:
Nature Therapy Clinic with Amanda Kenyon
Our new series of Nature Therapy sessions begins on Monday, Sept. 29, and continues on Mondays and Fridays through October.
This series offers a calm, judgment-free space to slow down, breathe, and let the forest work its quiet magic. Led by certified Forest Therapy Guide Amanda Kenyon, each 90-minute session invites the group of participants into a peaceful, woodland space for simple guided practices like seated meditation, sensory exploration, hands-on nature interaction, mindful movement, and breathwork. Inspired by the Japanese tradition of shinrin-yoku (“forest bathing”), these sessions aren’t just relaxing — research has shown that forest bathing can lower blood pressure, reduce stress hormones like cortisol, boost immune function, improve mood, and increase focus and creativity. The sessions are designed to foster mindfulness and presence — which has also been shown to reduce anxiety and depression, improve sleep, and increase overall emotional well-being.
No experience is needed, and it’s open to all. Pay if you can ($15–$45 suggested), no questions asked. No sign-up — just show up and leave feeling more grounded, calm, and centered.
For full details on the Nature Therapy Clinic, please visit Landkind Guide.
Guided Mushroom Walk with Justin Garner:
Sat. Oct. 11, 2025
Cost: $30
After an enthusiastic response to last year's Mushroom walk at Manitou, we've decided to schedule several mushroom walks for this fall. Due to the very dry summer, the mushroom crops have been minimal. So we're planning the first one for Saturday Oct. 11 from 10 AM to 1 PM.. We will discuss the edible and medicinal properties of the mushrooms we come across, along with their interconnections to the tree and plant communities. We will finish the day by cooking and tasting the edibles that we collect. No prior mushroom identification knowledge is required.
Justin Garner has been a lifelong student of the natural world, beginning with the study of wild edible plants. He pursued training in herbal medicine at Bastyr University and the Vermont Center for Integrative Herbalism. The study and identification of mushrooms has been one of his long-standing passions. Justin greatly enjoys sharing the diversity and myriad wonders of the fungal kingdom with others. He has recently led a series of popular mushroom workshops at Bonnyvale Environmental Education Center.
Suggested Contribution: $30; Space is limited, and advance registration is required: Contact Fred Taylor at [email protected] to register or for more information. In case of rain, we'll contact you about rescheduling once you register.
Cost: $30
After an enthusiastic response to last year's Mushroom walk at Manitou, we've decided to schedule several mushroom walks for this fall. Due to the very dry summer, the mushroom crops have been minimal. So we're planning the first one for Saturday Oct. 11 from 10 AM to 1 PM.. We will discuss the edible and medicinal properties of the mushrooms we come across, along with their interconnections to the tree and plant communities. We will finish the day by cooking and tasting the edibles that we collect. No prior mushroom identification knowledge is required.
Justin Garner has been a lifelong student of the natural world, beginning with the study of wild edible plants. He pursued training in herbal medicine at Bastyr University and the Vermont Center for Integrative Herbalism. The study and identification of mushrooms has been one of his long-standing passions. Justin greatly enjoys sharing the diversity and myriad wonders of the fungal kingdom with others. He has recently led a series of popular mushroom workshops at Bonnyvale Environmental Education Center.
Suggested Contribution: $30; Space is limited, and advance registration is required: Contact Fred Taylor at [email protected] to register or for more information. In case of rain, we'll contact you about rescheduling once you register.
Creating Sacred SpaceMarianna Jacobs is a local energy healer grounded in years of Shamanic Transformational Energy Healing and training through healing modalities from Peru, Bali and India. She has a full-time healing practice with individual clients and leads workshops, retreats and classes for healing and Yoga. Her love and connection with the outdoors fuels her passion to share the knowledge and healing tools she’s acquired from Andean cosmology, Ancient Chinese wisdom and Indian Vedas.
On November 6th, 2023, 2:30 - 5:00PM—at the confluence of the Full Moon and Daylight Savings—Marianna will lead a Transformational Energy Forest Retreat & Fire Ceremony, where we’ll open Sacred Spaces together as individuals and as a group with Nature, creating individual forest Mandalas for exploration, rediscovery, affirmation, transformation and energetic healing, focused on specific openings to new pathways of discovery. We'll end with a fire ceremony to release heavy energy, celebrating our unique light with the support of the Full Moon. Suggested donation, $25. Though this event happened a couple of years ago, we look forward to hosting Marianna for similar events in the future. For more on Marianna, visit Lightnstone.com. |
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Co-Creating a Life of PurposeCo-creating a life of purpose through release into our full selves, retelling our story in attunement to who we are called to be today. Workshops in the making draw on Joanna Macy’s Work That Reconnects and others.
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Releasing into our shared future
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Healing Walks
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Healing walks on the land have long been a favorite of locals and visitors taking the short drive up Sunset Lake Road—2nd and 4th Fridays, Spring through Fall—to gather beneath the tall oak and pine for the stroll to the In-between Place to breathe and listen; first to the stillness and teeming life of forest and fen, then to shared reflections from the walk held in silence.
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Earth Day walk with friends
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