Our Wellness and Arts Project: A Story of Community and Resilience
From the very beginning, our vision was to create a diverse community centered around wellness and the arts. We wanted to invite people to nurture their body, mind, and soul while sharing the valuable tools we’ve gathered over the years. Our ultimate goal was to organize a single event that combined the unique practices of three friends, fostering a sense of soul sisterhood to care for our community.
The event featured three distinct practices—yoga, dance, and poetry/reflections—designed to appeal to a wide range of individuals in Victoria. We successfully brought together different communities, welcoming both groups and solo participants. Many met potential new friends, and everyone felt included and valued. Through these activities, we shared simple yet effective tools for self-care, helping participants strengthen their connection to themselves and each other.
This project taught us the importance of staying solution-focused, making quick decisions, and letting go of expectations, especially as many people registered at the last minute. We also learned the value of having a strong, complementary team. For those planning similar projects, we recommend building a solid team first, promoting the event well in advance to reach beyond your immediate community, and keeping the event shorter—around 2-3 hours—for better engagement. We found social media and posters effective in reaching a larger audience.
Our highlights? On the morning of, Angelique watched 16 people of all ages gather for yoga in Beacon Hill Park, surrounded by the serene beauty of nature. The day was filled with positive energy, vegan treats from Bunny’s Kitchen, and enriching conversations. Although some participants left after yoga, a dedicated group of 10 joined the poetic circle, and an intimate group stayed until the end for the intuitive dance.
Our project not only brought people together but also created lasting memories and connections, reinforcing the strength and resilience of our community.