From the get-go, Alan Johns had the group’s attention.
“What is self-love, and what does it mean?’’ he asked. “I’m here because I’m passionate about helping people, empowering them. But there are people who don’t want you to get better and use you as an emotional trash can.’’
Then came a directive:
“Everybody, get comfortable in your seats. We’re going to do a little exercise. Close your eyes.’’
And with that, the two-dozen-plus participants at this month’s Wellness Wednesdays’ women’s support group at the Ernest T. Ford Recreation Center wasn’t going to just listen to ways to achieve self-awareness and mindfulness, but actually work together to experience it.
Johns, a social worker and leader of the wellness team at the youth development SAY Detroit Play Center, was the featured guest speaker at February’s Wellness Wednesdays, facilitated by the SAY Clinic’s Alexis Harvey.
After asking the group to close their eyes, the room suddenly becoming peaceful and quiet, he slowly took the ladies through an exercise:
- “Focus on your breath,’’ Johns said. “You are focusing on the present.’’
- “Now become aware.’’
- “Set your intentions. Think of a beautiful place. Where did you go?’’
“The beach,’’ one woman said.
“Waterfalls,’’ said another.
“Summertime and flowers.’’
Johns said: “By creating the reality in our head, you are experiencing that reality.’’
Harvey said exercises such as the one led by Johns helps to teach the mostly-senior group about the importance of self-love and self-care, and how to intentionally activate it.
“You might now have all of the answers, but you can find peace within yourself,’’ she said.
Wellness Wednesdays returns March 19 at the Ford Rec Center with a continuation of this topic, with new activities exploring the the power of positive affirmations. Call 586-345-0225 to register.
