BE PART OF THE SOLUTION.
People are Saying ... About the Extension Workshop
The strength and unity of the other participants urged me to continue forth and explore the depths of my painful past. The activities were so thoughtfully lead and each successive experience expanded on one another, allowing for an ebb and flow of energy and movement. The most powerful activity was in experiencing a haunting memory through drama by first acting out the scene then taking a step back and witnessing it unfold in the present. I had never before told my story or witnessed it in a such an open and healing manner. Those brief moments of seeing my story on stage, have profoundly changed and elevated it from a place of isolation and pain to one that is worthy of a magnificent heroine. In sharing our struggles with each other, I began to see the pain of the past as not something shameful, but as a source of where my humanity and strength lie. The workshop has ignited something within that will not be easily diminished by the shadows of my past. I continue to work towards awakening and embodying the heroine that has been with me all along, compelling me to take that first fearful step into the workshop." ~ Annie C.
"Trepidation was the clear emotion leading up to my journey at the workshop. Watching the play on stage was so moving that it added to my fear of not being able to tell my story with such impact. With all this fear looming heavy in my heart, I took that first step into the room of the workshop. As any heroic journey goes, the courage to face the unknown risks are what will prove to be the most meaningful and profound. I was not alone in my journey; instead, it was one that was so gently, wisely, and compassionately guided.
"The Phoenix Project Workshop, led in an intimate and safe environment, offered an empowering day with fearless women. We all attended a staged reading of the play. I would encourage everyone to see it for a better understanding of what it's like to go on an emotional journey of discovering how to overcome those fears that weigh each of us down and discourage us from reaching our ultimate goals in life.
I left the workshop with a renewed sense of myself and a wonderful feeling of liberation. Please help to keep the Phoenix keep on rising! I promise you will not be disappointed with what you discover!! " ~ Amy Kovalchick
"The workshop used the play as a starting point. Rather than focusing solely on the pain of the truth of the past trauma, the workshop actively moved us through a visceral experience of a particular memory using role-playing and drama. It is an incredibly powerful and perspective-shifting experience to witness a memory from your childhood enacted by others. There’s distance and wisdom that comes from bearing witness to your own experience, and the experience of others. There’s great power in taking on roles in other people’s lives, with the intent of guiding us all to deeper healing. Survivors of trauma often feel
alone, or that our experience is singular, because we were so often utterly alone in the experience. In the workshop, we were gently led to the other side of the trauma by expert guidance and care. The healing for me, personally, was profound. I found the use of myth, acting out others' stories, witnessing my story and others’ stories, and stepping into the role of the heroine, to be surprisingly empowering and uplifting. There were tears and terror, even – but there was also deep joy and acceptance. I left feeling genuinely inspired, uplifted and seeing possibilities in my life that I wouldn’t have dreamed of before. I am indebted to and deeply grateful." ~ Theresa McElwee