**South West Asia and North Africa, used instead of Middle East, a colonial Eurocentric term for the
region
*People of colour encompasses BIPOC (black, indigenous and/or people of colour)

Whilst we may be aware of the conflict, genocide and famine happening in Palestine, Sudan, Yemen and other parts of SWANA and the world, we often don’t talk about the individuals behind the numbers.

We are so connected to the news and changing situations yet many of us often feel alone in the resulting emotion. Many of us have been dispersed and fragmented from our families and culture, whether as refugees or as European-born 2nd generation migrants, dealing with a variety of emotions like sadness and guilt, trying to make meaning of our identities.

My name is Omar (he/him) and I was born in the UK and am of Syrian heritage. I have lived here my whole life and used to visit Damascus often when I was younger in what feels like a very long time ago.

I am a self-employed practising psychotherapist. I speak intermediate level Arabic and welcome Arabic speakers to the space (although our main language in the group is English).

In this group, I hope to bring us together to share our personal stories of loss, guilt and sadness or whatever else may be coming up for us.

Whilst our people and cultures are under attack, I believe that our stories and memories keep our heritage alive. Learning about our differences and connecting to the emotion behind it only highlights the common experiences we all may be having.

It’s not feeling pain or sadness that’s the hardest part, it’s doing it alone.

This group is for anyone who identifies with the region or is figuring out their relationship to it.
We welcome all ethnic groups, genders, ages, faiths and lifestyles. We encourage you to bring any items of personal value to you if it helps you share your story, it can be photos, books, a toy etc.

We will also be sharing stories while eating together. Food is such an intrinsic part of our cultures and it opens us up to each other when we sit down and eat. I invite you to bring a dish, drink, dessert or ingredient from your culture to share with the group.
If you’re not able to, it’s no problem, there will be plenty to be shared. We usually have facilities to heat up food if you need to.

The space is offered on a donation basis to make it more accessible to all. If you feel like you want to donate and help me out with the cost of hire it is welcome but not compulsory.
Any extra donations will be reinvested back into the group.

This is a sober event.

~~~
This week's gathering is an invitation to slow down and return to yourself in community.

I, Hayat, will be holding the space by guiding a body scan meditation, a mindful reflection and a shared group conversation in a supportive & gentle environment.

We'll explore what it means to soften, release and feel into our bodies with presence and compassion.

Rooted in the reality of SWANA communities, this space honours our histories, stories and experiences – both personal and shared.

We'll close the evening with food and connection, not only through words but through the simple presence of being.

If you'd like to lie down for the meditation, you're welcome to bring a yoga mat and/or blanket. We'll also have several spare blankets available if needed.

A little about me: I'm a British-born Yemeni with a background in psychology, counselling and mindfulness. I'm interested in exploring how identity, lived experience, healing and justice intersect, and how these layers influence our personal and collective wellbeing.

No previous experience with meditation is needed - this is a shared learning space for all.

Come as you are.
You are welcome here.

The event will take place at:
The Connection Centre,
St.Werburghs City Farm, Watercress Rd, BS2 9YJ (directions below)

Structure of the evening:

6:00 – Doors Open
6:15 – Arrive and Settle
6:30 – Introductions and Guided Open Discussion
6:50 – Guided Body Scan Meditation
7:10 – Mindful Reflection and Open Discussion with Prompts
7:30/7:45 – Prepare and Eat Dinner
9:30 – Closing Circle

For any questions or accessibility needs, contact Omar on: [email protected]

Or Hayat on: [email protected]

What3words: https://what3words.com/dirt.arts.cases
Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Horticultural+Training+Centre/@51.4740199,-
2.5788275,20z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x48718e172e511999:0x50d0e2e7abfa2399!8m2!3d51.4740199!
4d-
2.5785056!16s%2Fg%2F1v41zxmc?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDkzMC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%
3D

Entry requirements: no age restrictions — Read more — Read less