Wellness

Vanessa Grace of Soul Amplified will lead a workshop about the spiritual aspects of autumn from 6:30-8 p.m. Nov. 4 at Self Balance Massage, 8301 N.E. Hazel Dell Ave., Vancouver. Autumn is the transition between the outward-focused, fast pace of summer and inward-focused, slow pace of winter. Students will learn how to “live the autumn life” in preparation for winter, the art of releasing and the significance of endings. Grace will lead participants in a guided mediation, leaf release ritual and journaling. The cost is $30, including a digital workbook. For details, email [email protected].

The Umbrae Noctis Festival is elated to announce 3 different movement workshops with the illustrious headliners and feature performers. Take class with local sensation Asteria Atombomb, Burlesque Hall of Fame title holder Moscato Sky, and/or Dragula season 4 runner-up Throb Zombie.

November 14: Are you stuck doing the same repetitive movements onstage? Trying to tell a story but can't find the actions to fit the narrative? Then this workshop is for you! Asteria will use her decades of experience in dance, theater, and artistic direction to help you create a compelling act. Through a series of dance and improvisational exercises, attendees will explore various ways to incorporate movement into a compelling storyline. Walk away feeling confident in getting your point across on the stage and leaving audiences wowed. Bring a journal and writing utensils. Clothes that are easy to move in.

November 14: Take your chair work to the next level with the them fatale of burlesque, Moscato Sky. This class will begin with a warm-up to prepare students to learn innovative ways to use this classic prop, how to maneuver on and off the chair with ease and grace, and exciting tricks that will stun any audience. In this workshop-style class, students will be challenged to create new movement pathways, explore obscure approaches to chair work, and walk away with tools to generate chair choreography.

This class is designed for students with a movement background or previous chair and floor work experience and may not be appropriate for people with serious knee and back injuries. However, all levels are welcome as this class acts as a lab and encourages exploration. Wear yoga or dance clothes you can move freely in. Knee pads are encouraged but not required.

November 15: Hump and Grind: Masc Movement and Choreography with Throb Zombie. Hump and Grind is an energetic and sexy dance class for kings or anyone who is ready to move. Taught by one of the most prolific, current dancing drag kings in the industry and iconic himbo, Throb Zombie.

Class will entail:

• A stretch/warmup
• Introduction to posture/masculine body movement
• Transitions/specific moves that can work for all dance levels from beginner to advanced
• Commanding space with presence
• A short choreography sequence
• Don’t be scared! While this class dares to challenge you, all levels are welcome. Come gyrate, grow, and get ready to sweat with the boys.
• Students must bring clothes they are comfortable moving in and are strongly encouraged to bring a water bottle and knee pads.

Portland Japanese Garden’s Tea Ceremony Workshop offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the traditional practice of Chanoyu, or the Way of Tea. Experience the art of tranquility, mindfulness, and omotenashi, whole-hearted hospitality.

It is not an exaggeration to say that through tea, one can understand much of Japanese culture. Tea’s influence can be found in many of the nation’s most beloved artforms, including arranging flowers, calligraphy, incense, ceramics and lacquerware. Japanese gardens are also deeply intertwined with tea ceremony. The four principles of tea, wa (harmony), kei (respect), sei (purity), and jaku (tranquility), are explored by the gardeners of Portland Japanese Garden in their work every day.

Guided by skilled instructor Jan Waldmann, Sosui, the focus of this workshop is to learn to be a guest in the tea ceremony, an important aspect to this historic tradition. Participants will learn the proper etiquette for attending a tea ceremony, including how to receive and consume sweets and matcha, and most importantly, the reasons behind each of the steps. Additionally, you will gain insight into what it entails to be a host— understanding the occasion and seasonality, attention to aesthetics, careful preparation, and the thoughtful gestures made toward the guests.

Participants will first attend a presentation of tea ceremony in our Cathy Rudd Cultural Corner alongside visitors to the Garden before they are taken into their exclusive workshop in the Yanai Classroom.

Participants will first attend a presentation of tea ceremony in our Cathy Rudd Cultural Corner alongside visitors to the Garden (2:00-2:30pm) before they are taken into their exclusive workshop in the Yanai Family Classroom (2:45-4:15pm).

No previous experience is needed. Students will sit in a chair at a table, not kneeling on a tatami mat.

Urasenke Konnichian of Kyoto is one of the major establishments within Japan that has preserved the tradition of Chado or the Way of Tea.  From the first Urasenke generation, Sen no Rikyu (1522-91) to the current headmaster Zabosai Genmoku Soshitsu XVI (b.1956 -), the Sen family lineage has devoted great effort to fostering the philosophy of Tea through the simple words of Wa – Harmony, Kei -Repect, Sei – Purity & Jaku – Tranquility. Over the years Urasenke has established connections in over 21 cities worldwide.

Strengthen your household readiness through the "Be 2 Weeks Ready" program, presented by PrepLO. Learn how to prepare for disasters like earthquakes, storms, and wildfires. This essential training includes hands-on CPR/AED instruction provided directly by the Lake Oswego Fire Department (LOFD).

Fee: FREE (Pre-registration is required)

Thursday, September 10 • 5:30–8:30 p.m.
Course ID: 33840 • Register Online

Thursday, December 10 • 5:30–8:30 p.m.
Course ID: 33841 • Register Online

Saturday, September 5 • 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
Course ID: 33842 • Register Online

Saturday, December 5 • 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
Course ID: 33844 • Register Online

Tuesday, October 20 • 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Course ID: 35016
Fee: FREE

Join clinical experts from Providence Health & Services to learn how age-related changes in balance, physical strength, and general medical health affect daily mobility. Discover concrete ways to minimize risks by modifying everyday medications, assessing footwear choice, and addressing common home environment hazards. Includes a short, participatory tai chi balance demonstration.

Presented by: Providence Health Leaders
Register Online

Thursdays, October 22 – November 12 • 12–1:30 p.m.
Course ID: 34887
Fee: Resident $36 / Non-Resident $54 (4-week course)

This structural, evidence-based series features weekly presentations by Providence clinical directors focused on optimizing physiological health as you age. Learn actionable, science-backed lifestyle habits designed to promote everyday brain fitness, strengthen emotional resilience, and maximize lifetime physical vitality rooted in the latest senior medical research.

Presented by: Providence Clinical Directors
Register Online

Tuesday, November 3 • 10–11:30 a.m.
Course ID: 34823
Fee: FREE

Join representatives from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) for an invaluable QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) suicide prevention training session. Participants will learn how to recognize early situational warning signs, ask supportive, compassionate direct questions, and safely guide neighbors, friends, and family toward life-saving community crisis resources.

Presented by: NAMI NW Advisors
Register Online

Tuesdays • 9:30–11:30 a.m.
Fee: Resident $20 / Non-Resident $25 per multi-week section

Elevate your card game in a supportive, structured environment! Curated for enthusiasts who possess standard background play experience, this community class weaves short, technical lessons with real-time coached table play. Refine card play execution, clarify bidding options on the fly, and share the friendly table camaraderie of fellow players.

Section A (Sept 8 – Oct 27): Course ID: 35364 • Register Online
Section B (Nov 3 – Dec 15): Course ID: 35365 • Register Online

Thursday, October 29 • 2–4 p.m.
Course ID: 35370
Fee: FREE

Learn how to optimize your living space to be safer, energy-efficient, and structurally accessible using public county support systems. Experienced case managers from Clackamas County will detail application criteria for free residential weatherization upgrades, low-cost deferred maintenance home improvement loans, and localized senior accessibility renovation grants.

Presented by: Clackamas County Program Coordinators
Register Online

• Life’s Final Chapter Series (May/June): A thoughtful practical exploration covering end-of-life logistics, medical directives, and grief support, facilitated alongside Death Doulas NW and End of Life Choices Oregon.
• Estrangement & Reunion Workshops (May/June): Multi-session mental health family guidance led by the licensed marriage and family therapists of Family Ties Counseling Center.
• Caregiver Support & Resilience Intensives (May/June): Specialized, four-hour professional workshops covering dementia communication habits and chronic caregiver burnout prevention, led by Dr. Andrea Holzner.
• Healthy Legs as You Age (May 6): A cardiovascular educational forum addressing vein health, modern treatment options, and leg circulation, led by Dr. Toshio Nagamoto of Inovia Vein.
• Estate Planning Basics (May 20): A legal resource class reviewing wills, asset protection vehicles, and common probate filing pitfalls, presented by Michael Rose, Attorney at Rose Elder Law.
• Paying for Long-Term Care (June 10): A community seminar providing legal guidance on qualifying for public Medicaid benefits and managing long-term institutional residential costs, presented by Rose Elder Law.

Don't let the rainy season stop you from connecting with nature! Join Urban Forestry at the Belmont Library to explore for an evening of mindfulness and nature education. Trees are good for our health, especially if we take time to pay close attention to them. At this event we will use all five senses to study tree samples to practice feeling grounded in natural spaces! You'll also learn about the many ways that connecting with nature and trees can improve mental and physical health.

This event will be entirely indoors. Tea and snacks will be provided for participants.

Join us at the new Multnomah County Belmont Library!

1038 SE César E. Chávez Boulevard
Portland, OR 97214

Emily Wright

$25 – the practice + all creative supplies

$55 – the practice, all creative supplies + a bottle of fine, natural scent, 5 ml roll-on. This special scent crafted by artist Catherine Haley Epstein blends natural, high-quality extracts of cedar, violet and apricot for a light, peace-inspiring aroma. A lovely add on to any restorative or creative practice.

The practice of Yoga Nidra is thousands of years old yet immensely relevant to our time. A systematic process of deliberate relaxation that combines breath, body-scan and imagery-based techniques to serve as a powerful antidote to overstimulation, burnout and exhaustion.

Yoga Nidra is an accessible go-to practice in any wellness toolkit for sharpening cognition, bolstering creativity and promoting a healthy response to stress. Through a 20-minute practice, studies have shown that it improves neuroplasticity, resets dopamine levels and supports healthy central nervous system regulation.

Additionally, its ancient wisdom undeniably invites in a deeper knowing of the soul. This more spiritual angle empowers a release of fear and unwanted habits and enables new alignment to authenticity, freedom and heart.

Join us for a special basketball skills and drills event with Michael Holton! Play games, learn new skills, and enjoy free pizza, snacks, and prizes while learning more about the Reynolds Middle School basketball program.

This event is free and open to all youth ages 5–14. Youth should wear athletic shoes, preferably basketball shoes, bring a water bottle and a smile, and be ready to play!

Registration required

A monthly strength-training workshop focused on building confidence, refining technique, and helping you train safely and effectively in the weight room.