Sunshine in Community
Happy Summertime!
I cannot think of anything I would rather be doing than spending my summer with the fantastic community at Gilda’s Club! For those of you who have attended a support group I facilitate or one of the education sessions I present, you may know that one of my favorite things to do is remind us all to “find the sunshine.” I mean that figuratively and literally. As we come out of the shadows of the last few years, we have a unique opportunity to find joy every day. Finding sunshine is an intentional act of defiance against depression, isolation, anxiety, and cancer. It is choosing to go to yoga when you are tired. It is choosing to participate in a social event when you want to isolate yourself. That is finding sunshine.
Every member who walks through the red doors of Gilda’s Club is doing so with intention. You choose to show up for yourself and your loved ones in a way full of love and light. I hope you continue to join us in the community, whether virtual or at the clubhouse, to offer yourself sunshine and gratitude.
I am honored to share a poem written by the participants of The Gifts of Gratitude Workshop that took place this past May.
A Prayer of Loving Kindness for Members of Gilda’s Club
May I find solace in the things I can’t control, and strength in the things I can.
May I find empathy in hearing others’ stories, and may I find community with these same people.
May I feel love all around me.
May I always remember that I’m worthy, even when sick or at my very worst.
May I have patience with myself and my body as it heals.
May I find joy in every day.
May I be able to learn empathy, and then share it.
May I embrace the journey but allow the tears, frustration, and fear.
May I maintain my sense of humor in all situations.
May I recognize my gifts, embrace them, and share them with others.
May I feel warmth when the air is cold.
May I stand on solid ground when the world shakes.
May I feel the joy of gratitude as often as I can.
May I be open to receiving–Gilda’s Club is here for me.
Below are a few highlighted programs for you all to interact with your community here at Gilda’s – helping you “find the sunshine:”
GCTC Programs:
- Yoga for Caregivers – In-Person with Yoga Center Retreat Graduates
- Mondays, July 10 – August 14 from 6:30pm – 7:15pm
- Please join graduates of the Yoga Center Retreat’s teacher training program for 6 weeks of Yoga for Caregivers! Over the summer, we will offer weekly 45-minute yoga classes, suitable for all levels of experience and abilities. Take some time for yourself to experience yoga, move, breathe, and connect. We look forward to spending this time with you.
- Gilda’s Goes Walking – In the Community
- Wednesdays, May 3 – June 28 from 9:30am – 10:30am at each of the following locations:
- Saint Paul: Harriet Island Regional Park, St. Paul
- Minnetonka: Ridgedale Mall, Minnetonka
- Bloomington: Normandale Lake, Bloomington
- Join us as we walk around in the community and socialize with other members. Look out for our red Gilda’s Club Minnesota t-shirts! Meeting location details below.
- Wednesdays, May 3 – June 28 from 9:30am – 10:30am at each of the following locations:
- Chair Yoga – In-Person with Dawn Jenkins
- Every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month from 12:00pm – 1:00pm – New Time!
- This chair yoga practice warms the body in preparation to move before easing into flexibility work and relaxation. The addition of a chair in this yoga practice allows for extra support without the need to be on the floor. Classes will include breathwork, intention, bits of yoga lore, and wisdom. Suitable for people seeking relaxation, stress management, comfort in the body, ease back into movement, gently build some strength, and increase flexibility and balance.
- Trivia Night – In-Person with Staff
- Tuesday, July 11 from 6:30pm – 8:00pm
- Gilda’s Club community members and their friends and family are invited to join us for a fun night of trivia and socializing with other members.
- Open Mic/Jam Session – In-Person with Staff
- Tuesday, July 25 from 6:30pm – 8:00pm
- Have your written a poem about your experience? Are you working on a comedy routine? Have you been learning a new song? Do you play an instrument? Let’s get together and share what we have been working on!
Sign up for these upcoming program offerings on our virtual program offerings page and in-person program offerings page, in your class registration account, or call us at 612-227-2147.
With love and gratitude,
Shaunequa James, MSW, LGSW
Program Director
612-227-2147 office | 952-767-7627 direct
10560 Wayzata Blvd., Minnetonka MN 55305
