Original Medicine
Yearlong Program

 

Introduction

Original Medicine Yearlong Program is a psycho-spiritual cross-cultural mindfulness approach to healing and development. The contemplative teachings weave together Indigenous wisdom, mindfulness, and earth-based practices. This program teaches students how to work with the four seasons as tools of self-awareness, to learn the process of tracking one’s own changes, and to connect to one’s own natural phenomena as a human being. In Indigenous societies, there are long-standing practices of creating the sacred, cultivating stillness, and embracing silence. They cherish being in nature and conducting rituals to acknowledge the coming changes in the worlds within and around them.

Indigenous societies recognize individuals holding their personal power as their Original Medicine. The shadow of the false self is purified as humans strengthen their authentic selves through the practice of coming home to their truth and power. The teachings of Buddha and Indigenous wisdom build this foundation of truth, trust, and love. Together we will explore ways of coming into our own Original Medicine and enhance our personal growth and purpose.

 

Program Dates

Tuesdays 6:00-8:30pm PST

February 7 and 28

March 14 and 28

April 11 and 25

May 9 and 23

June 13 and 27

July 11 and 25

August 8 and 22

September 12 and 26

October 10 and 24

November 14 and 28

December 5

Land retreat dates to be announced.

Due to COVID19, all classes will be held on Zoom until otherwise notified.

Core Program Components

 

 Biweekly Classes

Bi-Weekly Original Medicine Tuesday classes from 6:00 - 8:30pm PST for wisdom teachings and contemplative practice

Pod Meetings

Bi-Monthly Mentor Pod meetings with 5-6 students with assigned Mentors/Teaching Assistants for group practice

Mentor 1:1 Support

3x / year meetings with an assigned mentor for personal support and development

 

Spiritual Friends

Monthly check-ins with assigned Spiritual Friends to connect with peers and cultivate community

Land Retreat

Land-based gathering at Wolf Dream Mountain in Lake County to learn earth based practices and cross-cultural ceremony

Learning Tools

Online learning portal to access course assignments and personal journal assignments

 

Additional Support

  • Teachings from Elder Wisdom Holders who offer diverse perspectives and approaches to Indigenous practices (Original Medicine 4-part Series)

  • Required assignments, readings, audio, and video

  • Personal journal assignments to do on your own time to help you reflect on the teachings as you go

  • Personal practice, ritual, ongoing meditation practice, mindful movement 

 

Teaching Team

  • Carol Cano, M.A.

    Teacher

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  • Imee Contreras, CMT-P

    Teacher

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  • MA. Del Carmen Cortez (Carmela)

    Teacher

    Read Bio

  • Janet Roos, PMP CMT-P

    Teaching Assistant

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  • Ramón Honea

    Teaching Assistant

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  • “Before coming to OMYL, there was this persistent sense that something was inherently wrong with me. I would often go into spirals of self hatred. I couldn’t see my own worth. In OMYL, I was fully witnessed in my inherent value, pain and challenges, and I started to see I could be my own medicine. Being witnessed by others is the most beautiful thing I’ve experienced."

    Nancy Pham, Nurse Practitioner

  • “We come from storytelling and circle holding traditions, but over the years in America, we lose that because we didn’t want to be persecuted by our oppressors. So being in a space held by Braided Wisdom, where we could be free to tell our stories, we were able to reclaim our power and cultures. Since OMYL, I am more compassionate with myself. It’s such a better way to live. Once I realized I could extend to myself the same compassion I give so freely to others, things are just better, less stressful, and I have more peace of mind.”

    2021-2022 OMYL Participant

  • “I love being with the seasons and elements as a metaphor for our emotional landscape. Something I experienced in the fall season was getting clear on what was serving me and what needed letting go. OMYL helped me consider what it means to be in integrity. This exploration helped me build an internal strength, allowing me to braid together the medicine within, and connecting me to the inspiration of my ancestry."

    Jamil Moises Liban-Ortañez

FAQs

  • OM Yearlong Program - This is an intensive, fully immersive multi-month program with several components that require a regular time commitment. Participants must attend an information session and meet the lead teacher to be considered.

    OM 4-Part Series - This offering is a series of four seasonal 2.5 hour virtual sessions often with special guest teachers held on Saturdays throughout the year. This series is open to the public. You do not need to attend any prior session to participate. To explore and register for future sessions, please visit our events page.

 
 
 
 

Sign Up For the Waitlist

Dates for the 2023 Yearlong Program will be announced at the end of 2022.