From Ashes to Becoming

For those standing at the edge of something new. Join us by the ocean for an equinox ritual of release and renewal. Through reflection, a small intentional fire, and creative practice with ashes and clay, we gently honor what has been and make space for what comes next. This gathering is especially for anyone navigating a life transition, identity shift, or meaningful change.

• A gentle, guided opening to ground into the beach, the season, and the group
• Time for reflection, and an invitation to draw or write what you are ready to release
• An invitation to share in a witnessing circle
• A small, intentional fire ritual to release old stories
• An invitation to paint our new vision of the future with ashes, clay, and water

• A painting shaped from your release that holds a vision of what is becoming. An object you can return to as a reminder of your intention
• The option to purchase the ritual kit to continue the practice beyond the gathering
• A felt sense of closure, clarity, or lightness and a renewed relationship to what is emerging and becoming
• The experience of being witnessed and held in community

This gathering includes a small, contained flame-based release practice, facilitated with care and respect for safety and the environment. Details will be shared with registered participants.

Lauren Thomas and Zeenna A. Stapper

Lauren is a clinical herbalist, forest therapy guide, and former bioengineer who works at the intersection of science, creativity, and whole-person health. Her passion centers on helping adults and children build sustainable, healthy habits.

As an herbalist, Lauren uses a trauma-informed clinical approach and is drawn to the places where Western medicine may not offer enough support, persistent symptoms without clear resolution, and a longing for care that fully honors our human complexity.

She specializes in supporting those experiencing:

• Burnout
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Postpartum mothers rebuilding their energy and sense of self
• Clients seeking holistic support for complex and long-term conditions such as Type II diabetes

She is currently seeing clients at the Berkeley Herbal Center.

Zeenna is the founder of With Joy, a coaching and community platform supporting women with immigration background through life and career transitions, burnout, and identity shifts, grounded in mental health science and lived experience. She holds a Ph.D. in Biosciences from the University of Heidelberg, with doctoral research conducted at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), and completed postdoctoral research at Stanford University School of Medicine. Zeenna brings over a decade of research experience alongside more than six years of leadership in health, wellness, and nonprofit programs serving immigrant and refugee communities. Zeenna is a Certified Mental Health Coach (CMHC) through the Headspace Training Institute and is pursuing board certification as a National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC). Her work is science-informed, trauma-aware, and strength-based coaching to support sustainable growth without burnout. Through With Joy, Zeenna creates spaces where women feel supported, grounded, and equipped to navigate change in reclaiming their joy.

Connect with Zeenna

Website: www.createalifewithjoy.com

Email: aGVsbG8gfCBjcmVhdGVhbGlmZXdpdGhqb3kgISBjb20=

Instagram: @createalifewithjoy

Participant Agreement

By registering for this gathering, I acknowledge the following:

This event includes reflective exercises, creative practices, group sharing, light movement, snacks, and a small, carefully facilitated fire ritual. My participation is voluntary.

I understand that being near a contained flame, smoke, natural outdoor elements, art materials, and shared food carries inherent risks, including minor burns, smoke exposure, allergic reactions, food sensitivities, or emotional discomfort that may arise through reflective work. I accept full responsibility for my participation and for managing any personal health needs, including food allergies or dietary restrictions.

I agree to follow all safety guidance provided by the facilitators.

To the fullest extent permitted by law, I release and hold harmless the hosts, facilitators, assistants, and organizing entities, including With Joy and Nourishment Works, from any and all liability, claims, or demands arising out of my participation, except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct.

I understand this gathering is not therapy, medical care, or mental health treatment, and does not replace licensed professional support.

Cancellation Policy

If I am no longer able to attend, I understand that cancellations made at least 48 hours prior to the event will receive a full refund (minus any Eventbrite processing fees, if applicable). Cancellations made within 48 hours of the event are non-refundable, as materials and preparation are arranged in advance. Tickets may be transferred to another person with prior notice to the hosts.

By completing registration, I confirm that I have read and agree to this Participant Agreement.

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