Ursula Goadhouse is a relatively new resident of Crozet and is offering something that is quite unique in our town – “classes on de-stressing and reconnecting to ourselves.”
What are the classes about?
The classes are designed to reduce stress and reconnect with ourselves. Life is so busy and stressful for many of us, it is wonderful to have a time and space to dedicate to our own well-being and health! One side effect of stress is shallow breathing, so we will focus on revitalizing the body and mind with simple movements and deep breathing to really get our systems pumping and feel how wonderfully alive we are! The movements and breath work come from Iyengar Yoga, Kundalini yoga, basic stress reduction exercises, and Mindfulness meditation. Just about anyone can do it, and if someone needs accommodations for their physical abilities that is possible, too. It is very rewarding to take care of ourselves! Another aspect that often gets over-looked is just having some fun, which we will do, with some creative expressions. No art experience is needed for this kind of play, it is about letting the sprite out or listening to your inner wisdom. So many people say they feel like they are not creative, or the other side, that they haven’t had the time to be creative, either way, a little bit of drawing or writing is a great way to feel more whole and connected. This class is called “Finding Joy”. It will provide a safe, inspiring, creative place to sweat a little, experience guided meditation, deeply relax, have a little creative outlet, and listen to your inner wisdom! The class is open to women and men.
Where are you from? How long have you been in Crozet? How long have you been teaching?
I was born in Corpus Christi, Texas. Which I loved for the wild rebellious undercurrent, but at 18 I was very happy to move to California. I was very fortunate to attend the San Francisco Art Institute, where I received my bachelor of fine Arts (BFA). I stayed in San Francisco for seven years. It is a fantastic place to live. Then, I moved to Los Angeles (it is hard to explain this move and have it sound logical) and started an artist jewelry businesses which I continued for 10 years. Then, at the 10 year mark, I looked at my life and my path and realized that I wanted my life to be about service to others, rather than creating a product. By this time I had moved to Virginia to be closer to family and live in an area that has spoken to my heart. (I used to visit my sister in Charlottesville while she was in college and I loved this area).
We’ve been in Crozet since March 2008. Love it!
Now, this may be more than you want to know …
My husband, Stephen, and I met in Charlottesville. We have been married for 10 years and have two children. We have had an interesting and winding curvy path. Both of our children have been diagnosed with Autism. Our daughter is almost symptom free after a long road of therapy and diet changes. Part of her success was very early diagnosis after a regression at 17 months. Our son came in a unique package being born with Down syndrome, hearing difficulty, gastrointestinal challenges and then Autism at about 2 1/2 years. I mention this because my family life has been my work for the last several years, learning about therapies, diets, supplements, the special education system, how to advocate my children and find a balance to also be a loving mother. I know lots of people say it, but it is true, my children have been my greatest teachers.
Did I mention that I went to the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) in Richmond and received my Master of Clinical Social Work (MSW)? Interesting, isn’t it? Well, before my children came, I worked at Region Ten CSB in Charlottesville. Through the years I had many work experiences. I had a wealth of experience working with both individuals and groups in psychotherapy. My experience also includes leading groups in anger management class, substance abuse management, women’s support groups and men’s support groups. Outside of Region Ten, I had a class similar to the one I am offering now held at the Glass building in Charlottesville. Now I really want to offer and support local business in Crozet. I love it here!
I have actively been practicing meditation for 16 years and yoga for 12 years (with some time off for having children). I have had amazing teachers along my path for dance, tai chi, yoga, meditation, and Buddhism. I am thankful to each teacher who has (or is) helping me be balanced, mindful, and intuitive on this wondrous journey.
Where will the classes be held? How much?
The class is held at Crozet Park in the Field School building. There is a weekly Monday night class from 6:30 to 8:30 pm starting on November 10th and running until December 15th (11/10/08 to 12/15/08). Also there is a weekly Saturday morning class from 9 to 11 am, November 15th to December 20th (11/15/08 to 12/20/08). Both are six-week sessions for $90.
How many have signed up?
There has been very good response, I still have space for anyone who wants to come join us. It is fine to call me or email me and let me know if you want to just come for one class to try it out. But, really, the best is to just jump in and join in for a session to give yourself time to experience what the class has to offer … relax, enjoy.
Ursula can be reached at the following places –
Her web site
Email
Phone: 434-964-9565
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“The class is held at Crozet Park in the Field School building. ”
Ursula’s stress reduction class strikes me as exactly the type of recreational/community use that should be encouraged, developed and promoted in the Community Building at Crozet Park. The current “temporary” use of the Community Building by a private boys school (with tuition of $9800) precludes such uses during the daytime. Other recreational/community uses could include: “Mommy & me” playgroups; crafts club; book club; senior citizen clubs; community service group meeting place, etc.