Natural Connections: Speaking the Language of the Reptilian Brain
Monday, May 11 2020
6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
St. Scholastica Monastery
Indigenous teachings have acknowledged the importance of interconnection and balance among the mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual aspects of self with the natural environment for thousands of years. With the gradual onset of agrarian practices, domestication of animals, the industrial revolution, advancements in technology, and birth of the worldwide web, many have been separated much longer and have forgotten their inherent relationship with Aki – Earth and all that lives. This disconnect has been linked with mental, emotional, physical, spiritual, and environmental ailments. Western science has recently caught up with the essential knowledge that balance, both internally and externally, requires recognition of relationship, relationship of the body, mind, and spirit, each other, and our deep connection with Aki, four-leggeds, swimmers, crawlers, fliers, and rooted relatives.
This workshop will provide an overview of the separation between mind and body, humans and the environment, and review the current state of each. The presenter will thread teachings and basic tenets from Indigenous wisdom, Relational-Cultural and Polyvagal theories, and somatic literacy components as a conceptual model on how to help the emotional, psychological, physiological, and spiritual systems harmonize in healing. Somatic literacy observes and honors an individual’s inherent ability to attune with the natural rhythms vital for restoring wellness. This workshop will focus on and provide examples of how to “speak” the language of the reptilian brain to engage the whole self in personal and planetary healing.
Facilitator: Leah Prussia, MSW, LICSW, SEP is a self-described “tree hugging dirt worshiper.” She has worked with diverse populations throughout her years as a clinician to assist each person find and actualize their definition of health and wellness. In her work, she uniquely blends teachings to address the biopsychosocial and spiritual aspects of individuals. Her background includes extensive knowledge and practice in mental health services, substance abuse, trauma, program administration, and grass roots advocacy. Her education includes a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Moorhead State University, a Master's degree in Social Work from the University of North Dakota, and her Doctorate in Social Work from St. Catherine University – University of St. Thomas. Leah is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in the State of Minnesota and sole proprietor of Natural Connections LLC.
Cost: $20
"One Mission, Two Locations"
St. Scholastica Monastery
1001 Kenwood Avenue
Duluth, MN 55811
218-723-6699
McCabe Renewal Center
2125 Abbotsford Avenue
Duluth, MN 55803
218-724-5266