If you work in nonprofits or community spaces and have been holding the heartbreak of wildfires, political violence, and ongoing collective crises, this space is for you. Practicing Joy in Times of Crisis is a series of 10 community gatherings, five virtual and five in-person, designed to help you reconnect with joy and hope as intentional practices.
This series is presented in partnership with A Thousand Joys.
These gatherings are not about bypassing pain. Joy includes our grief. It includes our exhaustion. It includes our rage. Together, through movement, music, restorative practices, reflection, and community dialogue, we will reset our nervous systems and replenish our spirits. When we care for ourselves, we strengthen our capacity to show up for the people and communities who rely on us. Sustainable service requires sustainable self-care.
Cultivating joy is not indulgent. It is how we stay steady in the work.
Each session will center a different theme, from nervous system reset, to grief and joy, to rest and release, to hope as resistance. Some gatherings will focus on restorative and gentle practices. Others may invite music, creative expression, movement, or even play. Every gathering will include grounding, reflection, embodied practice, and meaningful connection. You can attend one or join many. Each session stands alone while also building toward a deeper sense of collective resilience over time.
Drop in whenever you can. Come as you are.
About A Thousand Joys
A Thousand Joys is a California-based nonprofit that works with nonprofit staff, educators, and service providers to build resilience in high-stress, service-oriented roles. Their work integrates mental health, somatic practices, and leadership development to help individuals and organizations sustain themselves while supporting their communities.
Your Facilitator
Our first two gatherings will be facilitated by Hala Khouri, ATJ’s lead trainer. She is a trauma-informed somatic educator, yoga teacher, and longtime trainer of social justice leaders and helping professionals. With over two decades of experience integrating mindfulness, somatics, and anti-oppression work, Hala brings a grounded, compassionate, and deeply embodied approach to collective healing. Her work centers resilience without denying reality, creating spaces that are both brave and restorative.
Sessions Dates:
Session 1: April 16, 12:00-1:00 PM PST Breath Is Life: Reclaiming Vitality Together (virtual)
Session 2: May 21, 2:30-4:30 PM PST Somatic Movement for Rest, Renewal & Joy (in person)
Session 3: June 18, 12:00-1:00 PM PST Seeing & Being Seen: Compassion in Community (virtual)
Session 4: July (date TBD) - Joy as Resistance (in person)
Session 5: August (date TBD) - (virtual)
Session 6: September (date TBD) - (in person)
Session 7: October (date TBD) - (virtual)
Session 8: November (date TBD) - (in person)
Session 9: January (date TBD) - (virtual)
Session 10: February (date TBD) - (in person)
We do not want cost to be a barrier. If you or your organization needs support accessing these programs, please reach out to us directly.
Photography and Media Notice
This session may be photographed or recorded. By attending, you acknowledge that your image or likeness may be used by Jericho Road Pasadena, A Thousand Joys, and funding partners for communications, reporting, and promotional purposes.
