Dragonfly Grief Support Group for Adults
Meets the third Friday of each month
This support group welcomes adults experiencing grief due to all types of loss. All types of grief and loss are respected within this group. It is important to note that grief has no time frame, the grief journey is an evolving process.
Support groups offer a safe space to share experiences and strategies for managing grief. Confidentiality is respected and honored.
This group is facilitated by grief counselor Karen Campbell, MSMHC, RMT, OMSB of Grief & Healing Connections.
For further information, please contact Karen at griefhealingconnections@gmail.com
Although not required, donations are appreciated
Register HERE
Community Reiki Private Sessions
Community Reiki with Zentgraf Healing Arts
Reiki is a hands-on form of energy healing that works on mind, body and spirit. Gentle, non-invasive with results for chronic pain, anxiety, depression, sleep issues, general wellness and so much more!
Reiki translates into "universal" and "life force". It is an ancient, hands-on energy healing technique which can be received lying fully clothed on a massage table or sitting up in a chair. It will complement other therapies or used alone to improve health, increase tranquility and generalized wellness.
Private sessions are 20-25 minutes with 2-4 Reiki Practitioners. You are fully clothed during sessions. There are 2 appointments available each time slot.
We request a $10 donation per session to help finance this program. Financial assistance is available (please contact Anne below). This program will be offered every other month in 2024. Pre-registration is required.
There are very few appointments and many people in need-if you book an appointment but cannot attend, please email Anne at annetferguson@outlook.com or call/text 978-821-8279 as soon as possible so that appointment can be filled with someone on the waiting list.
Nourishing the Mind-Body Connection: Strategies for Sustainable Nutrition and Mindfulness
This FREE talk is sponsored by IridESSENCE Community Health Collaborative 501(C)(3)
Join us for an enlightening one-hour talk exploring the intricate relationship between the gut and the brain, and how this connection influences our overall well-being. Discover insights into the gut-brain axis and learn practical strategies to foster long-lasting behavioral changes around nutrition and mindful eating habits.
In this session, we will delve into:
· The gut-brain axis and its role in regulating digestion and mood.
· How gut health can influence mental well-being and vice versa.
· The importance of a balanced diet for maintaining a healthy gut microbiome.
· How certain foods can promote the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin and GABA, which affect mood and anxiety.
· Simple yet effective mindful eating practices that encourage a thoughtful and fulfilling relationship with food.
Whether you want to enhance your nutritional knowledge, improve your mental clarity, or simply find peace in your eating habits, this talk will provide you with the tools and understanding necessary to embark on a journey toward a healthier, more mindful you.
This FREE workshop is taught by Christy Monahan NTP, RWP, Nutritional Therapy Practitioner. Read more about Christy HERE
Meal Prep for the Person with Zero Time!
Join Cindy Driver, Fitness behavior change coach, for her Meal Prep for the Person with Zero Time workshop. Learn how to prep your meals ahead of time, so that you can make healthier nutrition decisions during your busy day and stay on track for great fitness results!
Cindy walks you through exactly how to start meal prep and what to buy so you have the right ingredients on hand to eat nutritious meals (for every meal) without carving out hours of your weekend to do it. Participants will receive a personalized 16-page Healthy Mealprep guide that sets you up for success as well as 6 healthy easy-to-follow recipes to add to your daily meal planning. As a bonus, participants will also receive a pantry clean up guide, a Guide to Reading Labels and a wellness gift bag.
Cindy is a Fitness behavior change coach who inspires women to love themselves and reclaim their health through high-quality wellness programs. She also gives them practical steps and guidance on how to do so. To learn more about Cindy and her programs, please click HERE.
Cost: $5
Register HERE
Transition to Clean Eating
This workshop takes place in person and is sponsored by IridESSENCE Community Health!
Join Cindy Driver, Fitness behavior change coach, for helpful information on how to transition to clean eating. Improve your healthy eating knowledge, engage, learn and share through this fun workshop! Topics include: What Clean Eating is and why it is so important in feeling good, 4 excuses that people use as to why they can't eat clean and 3 tips to start eating clean today!
Participants will receive a Reflections journal, a grocery shopping list as well as eating out clean, label reading and pantry clean out guides.
Cindy is a Fitness behavior change coach who inspires women to love themselves and reclaim their health through high-quality wellness programs. She also gives them practical steps and guidance on how to do so. To learn more about Cindy and her programs, please click here. www.cindydriverfit.com
INVESTMENT IN HEALTH: $5
Register HERE
The Wellness Campaign program
Join us for 15 weeks that can transform your overall health, one habit at a time!
This program takes place at Dragonfly Wellness Center in Devens on Thursdays from 5:30-6:30 pm from February 29- June 13 (with no class on April 18)
We are bringing The Wellness Campaign to Devens so that our community can benefit from the evidence based 15 week program that provides education, support and sustainable habit building tools that can transform your health for the long term. Sleep better, manage stress, eat nutritiously and exercise…improve the way you live!
The research results of this group program have been published in two major medical journals:
American Journal of Health Promotion (2/12/2020)
Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine (11/30/2017)
This program provides support and accountability in a comfortable and inspiring setting. It is taught by Anne Ferguson, MSN, RN who is an Advanced Practice Nurse and a Wellness Campaign Affiliate. The curriculum and materials are provided by The Wellness Campaign and the program is sponsored by IridESSENCE Community Health.
The group is limited to 12 participants for individual attention and optimal group dynamics
The cost is $395 for 15 weekly meetings, continuous group support, weekly challenges, and all materials. Financial Assistance may be available for those in need. Check with your insurance company for reimbursement options.
Register HERE
Introduction to Tai chi & Qigong
Introduction to Tai Chi & Qigong with Dave Crocker
Classes are on Tuesdays, 5:30-6:30 pm
December 5
The moving meditations of tai chi & qigong provide the opportunity to amplify your body’s natural ability to heal itself. The combination of slow, deep breathing, low impact movements, and non-judgmental, in-the-moment awareness enhances both the quantity and the smooth distribution of your life-force-energy (qi or chi).
These 2500+ year old eastern healing arts provide a reduction in stress & anxiety, improved balance (mental, physical, and emotional) and a better quality-of-life. What a wonderful gift to give yourself as part of your “self-care” program in the new year.
Sessions are free . Class space limited to 20 participants, please pre-register to guarantee your spot.
Monthly Nutrition Support Group for Women
Monthly nutrition support group for women
Join fitness behavior change coach, Cindy Driver once a month to discuss nutrition topics. See below for topics we will discuss.
October 2-5 things I had to change to lose weight
November 6-Do this before you quit!
December 4- 3 steps for navigating the holidays
Sessions are free . Please preregister if you plan to attend
Annual Dragonflyfest!
Our 2nd Annual Fundraiser, Dragonflyfest is almost here!
Come visit us to hear more about IridESSENCE Community Health Collaborative’s mission which is focused on holistic wellness availability for all! While you are here, visit some vendors, do some shopping, enjoy live music, partake in some yummy food, take a class, visit the Alpacas, play some games, see some cool demonstrations and take a chance to win one of our amazing raffle prizes!
20 Vendors: candles, meditation supplies, singing bowls, crystals, essential oils, art, crafts, a special guest….Sir Erik, a Therapy Alpaca and so much more!
Yummy Food from Marty’s Corner Cafe and a dessert truck!
Activities: games, crafts, demonstrations, classes, raffles prizes and readings!
Live Music:
10:30-12 pm Nancy Beaudette (vocals/guitar)
12:15 pm-1 pm Ukulele J’s Songs and Stories
1:15-2:45 pm Nancy Beaudette (vocals/guitar)
3-4 pm Tara Murphy (Drum Circle)
Children's Tent and Field Area
10 am-4 pm Matching game, pumpkin painting, labyrinth drawing meditation, Dragonfly coloring!
1-1:15 pm Hula Hooping Dancers Participatory Dance (bring your own Hula Hoop!)
2 pm Ukulele J’s Song Time Fun
$5 indoor classes! Class schedule below:
9 am Chair Yoga with YogaAnita
10 am Tai chi with Ray Caisse & Richele Caley
11 am Beginner Yoga & Meditation with Jen Donovan
12 pm Zumba with Deb Oliva
1 pm Intro to Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) with Liz wood
2 pm Yoga & Pilates with Rebecca Phillips
3 pm Yoga Nidra with Linda Snay
Register for classes HERE
Please put aside a couple of hours on October 15th to come visit us!
FREE Outdoor Yoga Series on Rogers Field in Devens
Come join us for some peace and serenity as we stretch our bodies, minds and spirits practicing yoga in the fresh air and sunshine. We are excited to begin our 6th year of this wonderful community event which is sponsored by MassDevelopment and supported by IridESSENCE Community Health Collaborative!
Important Information
Our Summer Outdoor Yoga Series runs every Wednesday from 5:30-6:30 pm,
June 14-September 27 on Rogers Field in Devens.
In the event of inclement weather, we go indoors at the Bob Eisengrein Community Center which is across the parking lot from the field so class will never be cancelled!
3 certified Yoga teachers will be teaching each week
TO REGISTER: Please read the waiver statement below. By registering, you are agreeing to its terms and this will be effective for the entire summer series. Once you register, the first class you come to, you will receive a dragonfly bracelet. Please wear this bracelet to every class you attend for easy entrance.
This one time registration is good for the whole summer season!!
Please bring your own yoga mat, water, sunscreen and bug spray. There will be portable restrooms in the parking lot available for use. Any changes or updates will be posted on this event listing on our website.
By registering, you agree to participate at your own risk
Although these classes are free of charge, we appreciate donations in order to build our community programs throughout the year! If you would like to donate, please click the button below. We appreciate your support!
Ageless Grace
Join us for 4 classes of Ageless Grace on Tuesdays, 1:30-2:15 pm, May 9, 16, 23, 30
Come and get your brain food! 45 minutes of live, physical play for your brain; fun, new neuropathways and a workout too! Ageless Grace is a cutting-edge fitness program based on neuroplasticity that activates all 5 functions of the brain and simultaneously addresses all 21 physical skills needed for lifelong optimal fitness. Although the movements are designed to be performed seated in a chair, the class delivers a great cardio workout and core conditioning for all ages and abilities. To learn more about neuroplasticity and why this class could radically change your life visit the Ageless Grace Website.
Classes are free of charge due to the generosity of the Ayer and Shirley Cultural Councils!