Classes: 

Learn, Connect, Strengthen the Two Wings

"Sometimes people talk about how we need to do things to connect. And on the one hand that’s right, but on the other hand it understates what is. We are connected. What we need to do is to become aware of it, to live it, to express it."

~ john a. powell, director of the Othering & Belonging Institute

FEATURED CLASS

Mindful Self-Care: Body, Beliefs, Boundaries

April/May 2025 on Zoom

“Self-care is never a selfish act—it is simply good stewardship of the only gift I have, the gift I was put on earth to offer to others. Anytime we can listen to true self and give it the care it requires, we do so not only for ourselves but for the many others whose lives we touch." ~ Parker Palmer

When does this class meet?

  • We’ll come together for three Thursday night group sessions on Zoom: April 17, April 24, May 1 — 7-8:30 pm ET, with the option to stay on for an additional 30 minutes in companionable quiet to engage in a self-care practice of your choice (reading, exercising, making art, enjoying a cup of tea, etc)—built-in self-care time! Or you can use those 30 minutes to continue the self-care conversation with Alison.

  • Between April 17 and May 1, you’ll meet with Alison for one 30-minute 1:1 coaching session, scheduled at a mutually convenient time via Alison’s calendly link, which you will receive after you register

  • If you need to miss a class, all classes will be recorded.

Why this class?

“Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.”

Audre Lorde

As human beings, we have needs, such as nourishment, sleep, and play—in other words, self-care. And it’s not only what we need: self-care is also critical to wisely and compassionately caring for others. Yet for most of us, the nature of our 21st-century lives can make self-care seem impossible to come by, especially during this dizzying era in world history.

As 2025 continues to unfold, “Mindful Self-Care: Body, Beliefs, Boundaries” will support you in cultivating a self-aware, joyous, sustainable approach to self-care, grounded in the wisdom of mindfulness principles. Whether you're a caregiver, educator, helping professional, or someone who knows now is the time to prioritize your well-being, this uplifting experiential course will give you space and time to:

  • tend to your body with intuition and self-compassion through practices such as the Affectionate Body Scan from Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) and the Needs Inventory

  • uncover and explore beliefs that challenge and/or support self-care, via exercises from Internal Family Systems and related modalities

  • strengthening self-compassionate boundaries through a mindfulness-based Nonviolent Communication approach

You’ll cultivate greater awareness and self-empowerment through guided mindfulness practices, journaling, discussion, and practical mindfulness-based self-care techniques.

This course is open to all regardless of previous experience with meditation.

Why does “Mindful Self-Care: Body, Beliefs, Boundaries” include both group sessions and a 1:1?

Group sessions allow us to contribute to and benefit from a supportive, diverse learning community—and because our life circumstances vary widely, it’s invaluable to have a 1:1 opportunity for exploring your own self-care related questions and reflections in greater depth.

What is the cost?

  • The total cost for this class—three 2-hour group sessions + the 1:1 session—is $225 USD.

    Each of us has different financial circumstances. If you want to participate and a reduced rate would allow you to do so, please contact Two Wings Mindfulness.

    Questions? Please get in touch with Alison.

Interested in deepening your understanding of a specific mindfulness-related topic–and strengthening your practice of awareness and compassion along the way?

Taking a class gives you access to a community of people interested in the same topic, a teacher (Alison and/or one of her Two Wings teammates) who will act as a guide, content you can explore during and after each session, and loving accountability. 

There’s a class to show up to, rather than a self-paced course you need to muscle your way through on your own.

The Two Wings Mindfulness Newsletter provides up-to-date information on upcoming classes, both online and in person.

Two Wings Mindfulness classes run either on Zoom or in person in the Washington, D.C. area, on topics such as:

  • Another Way to Be: Cultivating Self-Compassion 

  • Singing in the Rain: The R.A.I.N. Process for Navigating Powerful Emotions

  • What do you mean?: An Introduction to Mindfulness–Based Communication for Connection (MBCC)

  • One Moment at a Time: An Introduction to Informal Mindfulness Practices

Kind Words

  • “Alison is talented and incredibly good at facilitating, engaging the group, sharing insights and materials in a personable way, and embodying the lessons she is introducing!”

    ~ class participant

  • "I really appreciate Alison's very careful and intentional use of language, along with her validating each person's experience as normal and her clear social justice orientation."

    ~ class participant

  • “Alison makes it easy to grasp the concepts and makes them relatable to my life. Since I work from home, it was a good way for me to pull myself away from overworking once a week and become teachable and present.”

    ~ class participant

  • “Your contribution to this field of mindful communication has your thoughtful, knowledgeable and insightful style. Your understanding of adult learning shows!”

    ~  class participant