"That is one good thing about this world . . . There are always sure to be more springs."

-L.M.Montgomery

Dear ,

Spring is just around the corner and the longer daylight lately has felt so needed! How are you? Are you finding ways to nurture and support yourself in this season? I hope so.

There are a few changes happening around here, so I wanted to give you a little update.

The idea for My Inner Harbour came to me about 5 years ago. I was noticing so much overlap in the challenges my therapy clients faced both in caring for themselves and in finding meaningful community, especially in a covid-impacted world. I wanted there to be a place I could send all of them, both to more consistently prioritize their self-care and to meet others who were on a similar journey of growth and healing. I started imagining a space where folks could gather to engage in meaningful self-care and do so in community.

In 2024 I felt ready to bring this idea into reality. It has been both deeply satisfying and wildly terrifying to launch something new into the world. It's been over a year now and it's been such a joy to see this dream take root and begin to grow. Like most dreams, some things have turned out true to my original vision and many things have needed to change and evolve over time as we pay attention to the needs in our community and collaborate with others who are supporting Nanaimo's wellness.

One way we're evolving is upstairs! As noted in our last newsletter, the children's area is unfortunately quite underused and we're shifting gears to bring more energy into that space. I'm so excited to be partnering with a group of local artists to turn the Children's Area into Art Studios. Art and creative expression are essential to our mental and emotional well-being and I'm looking forward to seeing what comes from this collaboration!

Parents, we will be slowly transitioning two of the rooms to studios through April and May so some of the upstairs space will continue to be available for you to bring your child with you to play or create art together. Luisa, our childcare facilitator, will continue to be available Monday and Wednesday mornings from 9am-12pm until April 1st and Alessandra will continue to run the After-School Family Art Therapy Studio on Wednesdays from 3:00-5:00pm until April 8th.

Many of you have expressed deep appreciation for our space and the way that it supports community mental health and connection. Whether you've been following our story from the beginning or have just joined in, thank you for being here and supporting us!

My Inner Harbour History Moment

Our building is celebrating its centennial! Here it is in 1936. Thanks to Nanaimo Archives for the photo.

What's Happening in March?

Looking for some supportive spaces and events to participate in this month? We've got you covered:

Deepening Through Poetry: March 3 from 1:00-2:00pm. Every Tuesday, Debra Thorne leads a meditative hour listening deeply to our inner wisdom using a contemporary poem as a conduit.

Soul Talks: Returning to the Earth: March 12 from 6:30-8:00pm. Join Maïa Mercure for a supportive conversation around the physicality of death and an exploration of ways we can care for the body when the soul has gone.

A Space to be You: March 17 from 6:30-8:30pm. This supportive sharing circle is for empaths and sensitive souls wanting to relate with less effort and more truth and is facilitated by Ross Tayler.

Journalling Club: March 18 from 7:00-8:00pm. Join Jessica for a monthly journalling session. No journalling experience necessary!

Oxan Collective & Within Breath Try-It Event: March 19 from 7:30-8:30pm. Tara Rinke will lead a guided breathwork and sound experience designed to soften stress and reconnect with the body using rhythmic breath and live instruments.

Somatic Art Therapy Circle: March 24 from 6:30-8:00. The last set of 3 sessions led by Alessandra Botten-Mizzaro will begin March 24th.

Community Governance Circle: March 25 from 6:30-8:00pm. Join Jenni Ottilie Kepler for collaborative conversation around shared decision-making, community-led governance, and how to build resilient communities.

Mama's Healing Circle: March 30 from 6:00-7:00pm. A circle for mothers to connect authentically and share support and resources led by local therapist, Jessica MacKay.

See Upcoming Events

Prompts for Reflection this March

What feels like it's opening up in your life or starting to get lighter? What parts of your life might be evolving or shifting gears?

What seeds are you planting now that will hopefully bloom over the rest of the year, both literally and metaphorically? :)

What kind of self-care feels most needed right now? Who can help support you to practice it consistently?

March Blessings

May March bring seeds of hope and the courage to plant them.

May you find evidence of renewal and rebirth all around you.

May the longer days and more hours of sunshine inspire you to unfurl, emerge and reach for light.

My Inner Harbour History Moment

What's Happening in March?

Prompts for Reflection this March

March Blessings

With Gratitude, Jessica

With Gratitude,
Jessica

My Inner Harbour in March