Astrology for Inner Peace - Denise Foley
Learn how to use astrology for forgiveness and acceptance which are the keys to good health. When the outer world is going crazy, how do we stay calm and alert? This class will discuss nature of the astrology chart, signs, and planets as a road map to the inner life. Charts for applicants who register in advance will be available.

A Fool's Journey: The Path of the Tarot - Denise Foley
Tarot is a mystical adventure blending the outer and inner worlds. Learn how to use these insights to traverse the landscape more successfully. Focused on bringing a new awareness to the healing power of the Tarot. Bring your own deck to practice.

Qi Gong - Janette Shablow, H.H.P., Workshop Facilitator
Qi Gong has been practiced for centuries offering the positive benefits of Balance, Flexibility, Circulation & Vitality, Purging Toxicity, Concentration, Meditation and more.  Practices include medical Qi Gong exercises/movement, healing sounds, visualizations and breathing techniques.

After School Drawing - Humphry Ricon
This class is designed to build children's self-esteem and confidence by providing them with the general structure and tools they need to interpret visual information any way they wish.  The goal is to de-mystify the drawing process and establish the understanding that any approach to art is valid.  Children will develop problem-solving abilities and critical-thinking skills that are transferable to other educational subjects.

Beaded Greeting Cards - Merit Cape
In this class you will embellish  a  greeting card for the Valentines,&/or Spring season. You will learn a few basic embellishing techniques with bead stitches. Embellishing a card with beads can say, "I love You." and have time for you. Techniques learned in this class can be applied to fabric as well. Such as clothing,scarfs or pillows.

Zumba - Monica Jurkovich
"Zumba is not only great for the body, it's great for the mind."  You don't even have to know how to dance!  Just move your body and follow my lead.  Zumba is a great cardio workout and perfect for improving hand eye coordination.  It would be my honor and pleasure to help assist you in meeting your fitness goals...come join me in ZUMBA!!  We'll roll fun, easy, and EFFECTIVE moves into a one hr class!  You'll feel the exhiliration through the music and movements.    Let's dance the calories away together through this, "exercise in disguise." 

Cardio-Belly Dance - Lori Cortez-Regan
The class consists of a 30 minute dancer style warm-up that concentrates on core conditioning and strengthening, followed by 30 minutes of learning isolations and fundamental belly dance movements.

Pilates - Lori Cortez-Regan
This class is a mat Pilates class that focuses on the system of exercise developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 1900s.  It is a highly sophisticated approach to training the body that seeks to develop core strength and stability (rather than muscular bulk) in order to allow the body to move in the most efficient way possible.

Yoga Therapy For Depression
This class is for those who have depression, as well as for the friends or family members of those who do, who are looking for natural ways to help alleviate their symptoms. The tools learned in these classes will offer researched, adjunctive treatments to the use of medication to help alleviate depression. We will mainly explore yoga postures and pranayama (breathing practices); however, each class will also include a mini “lecture” in an additional yoga therapy area such as meditation, deep relaxation, Ayurvedic remedies, diet, and yogic lifestyle choices that have been clinically shown to help those who suffer with depression. This workshop is accessible to participants of all yoga levels, no experience at all to advanced.

Time Management - Cheryl Johnson, MA
Need help managing your time and work but find the “best methods of being organized” touted in books and workshops don’t really work for you?  Join us for a more personalized approach to reducing the time stressors in your life.  We’ll look at a variety of Typical Approaches, Time Traps and Getting Back on Track, especially for you.

Magic Mosaic Memories - Cheryl Johnson, MA
Got some sentimental old jewelry or chotchkies you can’t let go of? Honor those memories by creating bejeweled mosaic keepsakes for your family, friends and your home. It’s like quilting but for people with short attention spans! All Materials provided but bring your keepsakes, too.

• Demonstration of "quickie" dyed mastic techniques using Italian glass tesserae, millefiori, ceramic, found objects.
• Creation of a mosaic memory tile using items with sentimental value for you.
• Resource list of tools & materials for future projects

Yoga w/ Brandi - Brandi Rock
Yoga for all levels focuses on the union between the mind and the body. Classes includes poses (asanas), centering, and meditative practices while incorporating the breath. Regular practice of Yoga improves balance, strength, flexibility, improves postural alignment and reduces stress. Feel refreshed and energized after each class.

Cooking Classes - Chelsey Brown, Registered Dietitian
Chelsey offers culinary and nutrition instruction in this two hour class focusing on healthy cooking. Topics include food preparation techniques, how to preserve and/or enhance the nutrition content of foods, and the various health benefits of foods prepared. You will receive recipes for and samples of all meals that are prepared. Children of all ages are welcome. Free childcare available if needed, please request this when you call to RSVP.

Tai Chi For Everyone - Glenda Hesseltine, M.A.
A beginning class of Tai Chi and Qigong, is held on Wednesdays, 2 to 3:30 PM at Humboldt Wellness Center, 5050 Valley East Blvd. Arcata.  This class is free and open to the public. No previous experience is needed. This basic introductory class is gentle enough for all ages, and simply enough for all health conditions.  The best thing about Tai Chi is that it is modifiable to fit the individual student’s comfort, health, and fitness level. This class is based on the concept  “NO PAIN, MUCH GAIN!”. Students will learn basic techniques of breathing, movement, meditation, and massage,  for lowering stress, raising endorphins, improving balance, promoting flexibility and vitality, and generating the vital life force which  aids in healing at all levels. This is a training in Body Awareness and Mindfully-based Stress Reduction. Everyone is welcome.

Restorative Yoga - Danielle Donaldson
Explore the comfort of deep support in sustained poses designed specifically to maximize physiological relaxation.  In restorative yoga we utilize the props on hand, i.e. blankets, blocks and straps to support opening and release in the physical body, specifically in the joints and connective tissues.  Gentle, supported and sustained opening in the physical body promotes true relaxation and in turn enhances our over all well-being, optimizes health and allows the release of the layers and loads of stress, tension, tightness, toxins etc... that we all accumulate in our specific life situations.  Restorative yoga is a gentle practice accessible to almost everyone, however if you have a specific injury that prevents you from lying on your back this class will not be appropriate. However, I'd be happy to speak with you about the resources and opportunities there are available to you.  If you are working with specific healing and/or active injury, or any structural issue you feel I should be aware of, please speak with me before class.  You are your own best teacher and intuitive guide into what ultimately serves you best; however as a facilitator I may be able to offer insight to modify inaccessible postures, target healing opportunities, and also inform you what postures, if any, are counter-indicative to your needs.  Please dress in warm, comfortable clothes you can move in. Socks are great, and so are eye pillows or equivalent eye covering,  You could even bring your own small blanket to cover up.  In essence, getting cozy and relaxed and connected consciously to the breath is the aim of restorative yoga. When supported and relaxed the mind calms down, and the all your body systems undergo a release of stored stress reactions.  This opening is gentle, sustained and you are your own interested observer into this process.  The Humboldt Wellness Center is a safe place to explore a restorative practice, I look forward to sharing the art of relaxation with you.  Namaste! ~ danielle!
***It's best to arrive early to prepare as our time is limited to 1 hour and also so as not to disturb the class once we have begun. Many gratitudes for your consideration towards and intention to make arriving early a part of your yoga practice.***

Beginners and Multi-Level Alignment Flow Yoga - Danielle Donaldson
A great class to connect to the foundations of your physical yoga practice! If you are new to yoga, you will benefit from learning the alignment features of all the basic foundation postures as well as discover the many uses blankets, blocks and straps have to aid and assist you in accessing different postures.  I will give options to use the props as well as options to go into deeper variations.  We will connect deeply to breath and use each inhale and exhale to open tight spaces, expand open spaces and release holding and tension, physical and otherwise.  For those of you who are familiar with the basic postures this class offers the opportunity to refine your inner awareness in the poses, going deeper into the energetic qualities of each specific posture in relation to each breath you take.  A typical sequence will include arriving to breath, connective tissue and joint range of motion explorations, core strengthening, standing and balancing postures, a vinyasa flow sequence with modifications, then down to the mat for lower back and hip opening poses. We will finish with a resting pose critical to sealing the effects of your practice and a seated connection to intention and gratitude  Please dress in comfortable clothes that won't inhibit your range of motion and I urge you to connect with me before class to discuss any specific healing or injury that you are currently addressing.  You are your own best teacher and intuitive guide into what ultimately serves you best; however as a facilitator I may be able to offer insight to modify inaccessible postures, target healing opportunities, and also inform you what postures, if any, are counter-indicative to your needs.  The Humboldt Wellness Center is a safe place to explore your yoga practice, I look forward to sharing with you. 
Namaste! ~ danielle!
***It's best to arrive early to prepare as our time is limited to 1 hour and also so as not to disturb the class once we have begun. Many gratitudes for your consideration towards and intention to make arriving early a part of your yoga practice.***

Nutrition for Healthy Happy Kids - Dr. William Sears
Imagine a world in which…
Your kids had a healthy start each day
You can't remember the last time your child was sick
Your kids will eat their veggies (even the green ones!)
An hour of your time could make a world of difference
Together we have the power to shape future generations

Join the fun as we learn

• 9 simple steps to a healthier family diet as taught by pediatrician, Dr. William Sears.
• The benefits of adding Juice Plus+ to your stayhealthy plan.

A healthy lunch will be served!!
Free child care provided

LAUGHTER YOGA - Joy Hardin
“I don’t believe I have ever observed two persons laughing together and simultaneously trying to kill each other”—Alan Alda
Laughter Yoga combines yogic breathing and laughter of all varieties, from giggles to guffaws to rolling-on-the-floor laughter. We breathe, we move, we laugh, we play. We practice sustained laughter “for no reason.”
Did you know that laughter busts stress and dissolves anxiety? Or that 1 minute of hearty laughter pumps as much oxygen into your blood as 10 minutes on a rowing machine?
Participants determine the  pace and exertion of each session, and share responsibility for creative input and sense of community.
The essence of Laughter Yoga is to increase our ability to laugh rather than stress-out at life’s obstacles and travails---to perceive the flicker of what’s amusing and even a bit ridiculous. “A good laugh heals a lot of hurts.” -- Madeleine L'Engle

Stretch & Relaxation
This is a general stretching class for all levels incorporating basic stretches, light movement and yoga poses while focusing on breathing, body alignment and clearing the mind.

CIRCLE OF CREATIVE CHAKRA HEALING FOR WOMEN - Sarai Lucarelli
Intention: each meeting we will delve into a different chakra, beginning at the root and going up through the seven energy centers, ending with the crown. We will use guided visualization, poetry, art, discussion prompts, ritual, and meditation to gain a greater understanding of our chakras and how they relate to our overall well-being. This is a sacred place for women to feel a sense of sisterhood and community and to share wisdom, ideas, and feelings while witnessing each other's healing processes. All women welcome to attend, BYON- bring your own notebook/journal. Snacks provided!
 
Purpose: Gentle energetic clearing can lead to a more integrated sense of self and a healthier emotional and physical body. Furthermore, by gathering in a circle and changing our thoughts while clearing our own energy we contribute to a more vibrant collective global consciousness, with infinite ripple effects. 

SPROUTING FOODS - Michele Dulas
Instant gardens... where ever you live... learn to grow vibrant, living food on your kitchen counter. Easy, nutritious, and very inexpensive. Learn sprout basics, and how to grow over-night sprouts as well as the traditional alfalfa style of sprouts. You will get supplies to take home & get started.

KARMA MANAGEMENT - Michele Dulas
How Karma Works - Come learn how karma works so you can create the life you want - learn karma management and gain skills that are easily applied and have the potential to change your karma and your life.

Self Hypnosis for Pain Management - Obadiah Switzer
A simple and powerful technique will be taught that will allow the student to influence their own behaviors as well as clarify goals and achieve them. In addition the purpose of conscious and unconscious mind will be discussed and clarified.
8 weeks of two hour classes. No drop ins after second week please.

Acting and Improv Class - Damion Sharpe
This class is focused on exploring our relationship with self, each other, and the world. Through the art of play! Increasing our depth and presence in all relationships~ onstage, on set, and in life! we start with movement, acting, and improv exercises, then venture into Improv games (similar 'to who's line is it anyways?'), long form improv, and scene work.
All ages are welcome.
No experience needed just a willingness to have lots of fun!

GENTLE BODY THERAPY - Valerie Vosburg
This gentle body therapy works with the body's natural preferences to minimize and/or alleviate tension, stress and pain. The philosophy is to move away from pain toward comfort with a belief that "less is more". The practitioner focuses attention where needed and helps facilitate healing through slight exaggeration and gentle manipulation of the body. Communication and connection between client and practitioner are key and in this way the client becomes an integral part of the healing process. We work with many body systems including muscular-skeletal, endocrine, glandular, lymph and organ systems. This somatic therapy helps with back and neck pain and stiffness, joint pain and soreness, general tension and stress, shoulder problems and many chronic issues as well as acute injuries. BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Question 1:  Is the first class only free or are ALL classes free? 
Answer: ALL classes are free of charge. 

Question 2: Who is eligible to attend Humboldt Wellness Center?  Do you need a membership?
Answer: EVERYONE is eligible to attend HWC classes, there is no membership required.  Patients of Humboldt Patient Resource Center as well as the general public is welcome to attend.  Tell your friends!

Question 3: How is it possible to offer all classes for free?
Answer:  Mariellen Jurkovich, director of Humboldt Patient Resource Center (Medical Cannabis Dispensary located downtown Arcata) has graciously decided to donate the profits from the dispensary toward this community wellness center.  Mariellen is dedicated to improving the health of her patients and her community.

Question 4:  Do I have to RSVP for classes?
Answer: Yes, you must RSVP to all classes EXCEPT exercise classes.  Reserve your space by calling 822-2456 or e-mailing us at .  Exercise classes including yoga, tai chi, qi gong, Zumba, etc. are drop-in only so you do not have to reserve your space for these classes.

Question 5:  Is childcare available?
Answer:  Childcare is available for certain classes if enough interest is expressed.  Please let us know of your request and the age of your child/children when you call to RSVP and we will do our best to accommodate you.

Question 6:  What should I wear?
Answer: It depends on the class.  For all exercise classes, wear loose fitting, comfortable clothes and shoes.  For art classes, wear something you don’t mind getting dirty.  If you want more specific information, call us at 822-2456. 

Question 7: Do I need to bring anything?
Answer: We provide yoga mats, blankets, props for all exercise classes.  We also provide most supplies for art classes; when you call to RSVP we will inform you if there is anything special you need to bring.  For cooking classes, bring your appetite!