Shannon Deets, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor focusing on psychology and social justice as well as a licensed psychologist. As a psychologist, she often incorporates ritual and consciousness practices into healing others as well as herself. Spiritually, she works with the ancestors and describes herself as an eclectic practitioner. She is an active member of the group the Spirit Sisters. Shannon seeks to help others living and dead to expand their consciousness and embrace love.
Returning to Our Roots to Create a More Just Society for All Sankofa, from the Akan people of Ghana means “it is not taboo to go back and fetch what you forgot”. That is, knowing our history and heritage helps us know our current self and the world around us better. We will discuss how the symbols of Sankofa influence art and activism worldwide as well as the history of the Sankofa festival at Brushwood. Special attention will be paid to the deep meaning that Sankofa has for pan-African people, during times of slavery, and now within a diversity and equity focus. The workshop will conclude with an interactive ritual to connect to our own ancestors. All Welcome Sankofa, Friday, July 19
Consciousness: Experience is Reality- Learning from the Science of Subjectivity How can we understand the world if we deny our own internal experiences? The scientific field often tries to describe “Truth” and “Reality” from objective and reductionist methods. What gets lost is the human experience and we are no closer to understanding who or what we are truly. Consciousness researchers have normalized subjective science and thus discovered that experience may in fact be the only reality. These findings are similar to how Brahman is seen as the ultimate and divine reality in Hinduism whereas Atman is the reflection of reality within the individual self. All Welcome Sankofa, Saturday, July 20
Spiritual Awakening Through Trauma There are many pathways to spiritual awakening. Many individuals willingly embark on a spiritual, religious, or practice-based process to expand their consciousness. Still others have spiritual awakening thrust upon them in the midst of trauma. In this workshop, we will discuss the unique challenges of becoming enlightened in the midst of traumatic experiences as well as self-care strategies for this population of spiritual travelers. We will also focus on those individuals who are called to work to correct generational trauma. Come with empathy and a desire to learn more about love’s power. All Welcome Sirius Rising, Tuesday, July 23
Counseling the Living/ Counseling the Dead I have been working as a practicing counselor for 19 years. However, I have been interacting with the dead since I was a child. It has only recently become apparent to me how these two worlds are, in fact, very similar. The living need assistance in working through issues of relationship and individual growth. We also continue this work even after we have left our physical body. I am by no means an expert on life after death but I would love to share the experiences and insights that I’ve learned from my personal experiences in counseling the living and the dead. All Welcome Sirius Rising, Thursday, July 25
Air Ritual: Celebrating the Heart Chakra with Lightness, Movement, and Freedom This ritual will celebrate the element of air by activating and energizing our heart chakra. The heart chakra is often thought of as the place where the soul abides and where our life energy is held. The ritual will seek to activate our hearts through the qualities of lightness, movement, and freedom. All are welcome to join us for this joyful ritual! All Welcome Sirius Rising, Monday evening, July 22