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A Reflective Workshop Focused on Resilience, Joy, and Presence

Hummingbird Teachings Workshop

The Hummingbird Teachings Workshop is an adult-focused experience that brings together storytelling, land-based learning, and hands-on art-making to explore resilience, presence, and joy.
I am Abenaki from Odanak, and Hummingbird teachings are shared with care and cultural grounding. In this workshop, Hummingbird is honoured as a teacher that reminds us to stay present, move with adaptability, and find joy in small moments even during challenging times.

Participants are guided through a reflective and uplifting process that supports mindfulness, gratitude, and emotional resilience.

Storytelling and Hummingbird Teachings

The workshop begins in circle, creating a grounded and welcoming space.

Hummingbird is introduced as a teacher of:

Resilience and persistence
Energy and movement
Joy and lightness
Strategy and thoughtful movement

Through storytelling, participants explore how Hummingbird teaches us to keep moving forward, adapt to change, and notice beauty in everyday moments.

Reflection prompts guide the conversation, including:
• Where can I bring more joy or lightness into my life?
• How can I stay present and resilient during challenging times?

These reflections are held gently, allowing each participant to engage at their own pace.

After this portion of the workshop, adults often feel uplifted, reflective, and more connected to mindfulness and gratitude.

Land-Based Learning (Optional Component)

When space and weather allow, an optional outdoor moment is included.

Participants are invited to:
• Observe flowers, birds, and movement in nature
• Notice patterns of energy, motion, and adaptation
• Reflect on Hummingbird habits such as constant movement, attentiveness, and resilience

Discussion focuses on what humans can learn from Hummingbird about persistence, adaptability, and appreciating small joys.

This component strengthens the connection between land, animal teachings, and personal reflection.

Youth and adults participating in an outdoor land-based learning session led by Jessica Somers, focusing on traditional plant knowledge and Woodland art motifs.

Curriculum Focus for Adult Learning

This workshop supports adult learning through reflection, creativity, and wellness practices.

Hummingbird teachings act as an anchor for:

• Personal growth and self-awareness
• Mindfulness and presence
• Emotional resilience
• Gratitude and adaptability practices

The experience creates space for reflection without pressure, allowing insight to unfold naturally.

Art Methodology – Live Edge Wood Hummingbird Painting

The Art Project

Participants create a Hummingbird painting on live edge wood, with each piece shaped by the natural texture and grain of the wood.

The process includes:
• Lightly sketching the Hummingbird with a symbolic focus rather than realism
• Painting with acrylics using vibrant colours that reflect energy and joy
• Adding personal symbols representing resilience, presence, gratitude, or joy
• Optional texture work using flowers, feathers, or motion lines

Live edge wood mirrors natural connection and individuality, reinforcing the teachings of adaptability and presence.

A Mindful Creative Practice

Art-making is slow, reflective, and intentional. Participants are encouraged to work with awareness, allowing the artwork to reflect personal learning and insight.

The finished piece becomes a lasting symbol of mindfulness, joy, and resilience.

Afterward, participants often feel proud, reflective, and inspired.

Workshop Flow

A typical workshop follows this rhythm:

• Opening circle with grounding and Hummingbird teachings
• Storytelling focused on resilience, energy, joy, and presence
• Optional outdoor land-based reflection
• Live edge wood painting session
• Closing circle to share reflections or one personal insight inspired by Hummingbird

Logistics and Booking Details

Length: 3.5 hours

Cost: $500 per workshop

Additional materials fee: $20 per participant for live edge wood

Includes:
• Live edge wood
• Paints and brushes

This is an adult-focused workshop combining story, land, and art to support mindfulness, resilience, and joy grounded in Indigenous wisdom.

Travel and accommodations are additional and discussed during booking.

Book the Hummingbird Teachings Workshop

This workshop is well-suited for organizations, wellness groups, leadership teams, and community circles seeking reflective, uplifting learning experiences. To inquire about availability or discuss how this workshop can be tailored for your group, please visit the Contact and Booking page.
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