Workshops and Classes
Bonita would be happy to facilitate one of the following workshops or design a customised workshop for your group or organisation. Please contact Bonita for more information.
Workshop and Class Themes
Eco-Logical and Earth Workshop Descriptions
"Deepening the Roots of Social and Environmental Justice - An Experiential Exploration of Self, Community and Earth"
In this age of change, how do we renew ourselves, our societies and our ecological systems? The world needs everything that we bring as activists, leaders and changemakers; we are thus called to discover more effective ways of doing the work we do in the world. By reconnecting with ourselves, our communities and the web of life, we tap into a richer source of intelligence, creativity and power that goes beyond the individual. In this workshop, we will play with movement, drama, guided imagery and breath, to broaden and deepen our work for social and environmental justice.
In this age of change, how do we renew ourselves, our societies and our ecological systems? The world needs everything that we bring as activists, leaders and changemakers; we are thus called to discover more effective ways of doing the work we do in the world. By reconnecting with ourselves, our communities and the web of life, we tap into a richer source of intelligence, creativity and power that goes beyond the individual. In this workshop, we will play with movement, drama, guided imagery and breath, to broaden and deepen our work for social and environmental justice.
"Permaculture - Ecological Design for People and the Earth"
Permaculture is a design system for sustainable living. It is based on: Care for the Earth, Care for People, and Redistribution of Resources. Permaculture design principles can be applied to many aspects of human societies, from visible systems, such as farms and neighbourhoods, to invisible systems, such as networks of people and local economies.
Permaculture is a design system for sustainable living. It is based on: Care for the Earth, Care for People, and Redistribution of Resources. Permaculture design principles can be applied to many aspects of human societies, from visible systems, such as farms and neighbourhoods, to invisible systems, such as networks of people and local economies.
"Inner Landscape, Inner Peace: A Workshop for Ecological & Compassionate Living"
Permaculture: apply these ecological principles to your “inner landscape”, designing your life for more ease and effectiveness. Nonviolent Communication: practice NVC to understand yourself better, have more peace and make choices to enrich your life. Body-mind awareness and movement: another way to learn and have fun!
Permaculture: apply these ecological principles to your “inner landscape”, designing your life for more ease and effectiveness. Nonviolent Communication: practice NVC to understand yourself better, have more peace and make choices to enrich your life. Body-mind awareness and movement: another way to learn and have fun!
"Introduction to Permaculture: Roots of the Transition Town Movement"
At its simplest, permaculture is an eco-logical approach to design. It can be described as a way of thinking and making decisions based on observing nature. Explore the basics of permaculture in the Transition process towards more locally-resilient, less energy- and resource-intensive, and simpler living.
At its simplest, permaculture is an eco-logical approach to design. It can be described as a way of thinking and making decisions based on observing nature. Explore the basics of permaculture in the Transition process towards more locally-resilient, less energy- and resource-intensive, and simpler living.
"Forward Movement: Visioning and Communicating for a Post Oil Future" (1 day organisational retreat)
Basics of Nonviolent Communication and effective meeting facilitation, to empower our communication in meetings as well as with others as we pitch the message of post-oil.
Basics of Nonviolent Communication and effective meeting facilitation, to empower our communication in meetings as well as with others as we pitch the message of post-oil.
"Inner and Outer Nature" (1 day workshop)
Visualization and mandala ritual for personal, collective and Earth healing; connecting with the four elements; discovering our teachers and allies; learning personal and collective sustainability from nature.
Visualization and mandala ritual for personal, collective and Earth healing; connecting with the four elements; discovering our teachers and allies; learning personal and collective sustainability from nature.
"Land, Water, Food and Holism"
"Aligning the Personal and Ecological in Our Lives, Communities and the World"
"Personal Sustainability and Zone 0"
"Personal and Social Permaculture"
"Mindfulness Practices in the Garden"
Personal and Social Change Workshop Descriptions
"Nonviolent Communication and Being Alive in the Body" (8 day intensive training)
Co-facilitated with Hava Jonai in Budapest, Hungary
This is a journey of discovering Nonviolent Communication through our bodies. Through movement, we will be invited to experience connection, compassion, clarity, openness and centre, to give a physical grounding to our practice of NVC with words. By bringing more awareness to our senses, we will practice observation, and learn to be more in touch with our feelings and needs. We will use gentle movement exercises to explore our personal dynamics in relationship and conflict, and play with dance to find new ways of expressing ourselves.
Co-facilitated with Hava Jonai in Budapest, Hungary
This is a journey of discovering Nonviolent Communication through our bodies. Through movement, we will be invited to experience connection, compassion, clarity, openness and centre, to give a physical grounding to our practice of NVC with words. By bringing more awareness to our senses, we will practice observation, and learn to be more in touch with our feelings and needs. We will use gentle movement exercises to explore our personal dynamics in relationship and conflict, and play with dance to find new ways of expressing ourselves.
"Deepening the Roots of Social and Environmental Justice - An Experiential Exploration of Self, Community and Earth"
In this age of change, how do we renew ourselves, our societies and our ecological systems? The world needs everything that we bring as activists, leaders and changemakers; we are thus called to discover more effective ways of doing the work we do in the world. By reconnecting with ourselves, our communities and the web of life, we tap into a richer source of intelligence, creativity and power that goes beyond the individual. In this workshop, we will play with movement, drama, guided imagery and breath, to broaden and deepen our work for social and environmental justice.
In this age of change, how do we renew ourselves, our societies and our ecological systems? The world needs everything that we bring as activists, leaders and changemakers; we are thus called to discover more effective ways of doing the work we do in the world. By reconnecting with ourselves, our communities and the web of life, we tap into a richer source of intelligence, creativity and power that goes beyond the individual. In this workshop, we will play with movement, drama, guided imagery and breath, to broaden and deepen our work for social and environmental justice.
"Finding Common Ground - How to Communicate About What Really Matters"
Co-facilitated with Christine Peringer in Perth, Canada
Learn how communication can contribute to connection, care and respect, or to confusion, defensiveness and conflict. Learn to translate judgment, blame and other hard-to-hear communication into a better understanding of the person’s needs. Develop a practice to deepen understanding, ease and peace within yourself and with others. Engage in dialogue, movement and reflection to connect with what really matters to you and others. Based on the Nonviolent Communication process.
Co-facilitated with Christine Peringer in Perth, Canada
Learn how communication can contribute to connection, care and respect, or to confusion, defensiveness and conflict. Learn to translate judgment, blame and other hard-to-hear communication into a better understanding of the person’s needs. Develop a practice to deepen understanding, ease and peace within yourself and with others. Engage in dialogue, movement and reflection to connect with what really matters to you and others. Based on the Nonviolent Communication process.
"Permaculture - Ecological Design for People and the Earth"
Permaculture is a design system for sustainable living. It is based on: Care for the Earth, Care for People, and Redistribution of Resources. Permaculture design principles can be applied to many aspects of human societies, from visible systems, such as farms and neighbourhoods, to invisible systems, such as networks of people and local economies.
Permaculture is a design system for sustainable living. It is based on: Care for the Earth, Care for People, and Redistribution of Resources. Permaculture design principles can be applied to many aspects of human societies, from visible systems, such as farms and neighbourhoods, to invisible systems, such as networks of people and local economies.
"Inner Landscape, Inner Peace: A Workshop for Ecological & Compassionate Living"
Permaculture: apply these ecological principles to your “inner landscape”, designing your life for more ease and effectiveness. Nonviolent Communication: practice NVC to understand yourself better, have more peace and make choices to enrich your life. Body-mind awareness and movement: another way to learn and have fun!
Permaculture: apply these ecological principles to your “inner landscape”, designing your life for more ease and effectiveness. Nonviolent Communication: practice NVC to understand yourself better, have more peace and make choices to enrich your life. Body-mind awareness and movement: another way to learn and have fun!
"Introduction to Permaculture: Roots of the Transition Town Movement"
At its simplest, permaculture is an eco-logical approach to design. It can be described as a way of thinking and making decisions based on observing nature. Explore the basics of permaculture in the Transition process towards more locally-resilient, less energy- and resource-intensive, and simpler living.
At its simplest, permaculture is an eco-logical approach to design. It can be described as a way of thinking and making decisions based on observing nature. Explore the basics of permaculture in the Transition process towards more locally-resilient, less energy- and resource-intensive, and simpler living.
"Forward Movement: Visioning and Communicating for a Post Oil Future" (1 day organisational retreat)
Basics of Nonviolent Communication and effective meeting facilitation, to empower our communication in meetings as well as with others as we pitch the message of post-oil.
Basics of Nonviolent Communication and effective meeting facilitation, to empower our communication in meetings as well as with others as we pitch the message of post-oil.
"Being the Change" (1 day workshop)
Aikido-based exercises; the dynamics of giving and receiving; communicating for compassion and nonviolence; the yin-yang of healing and activism.
Aikido-based exercises; the dynamics of giving and receiving; communicating for compassion and nonviolence; the yin-yang of healing and activism.
"Inner and Outer Nature" (1 day workshop)
Visualization and mandala ritual for personal, collective and Earth healing; connecting with the four elements; discovering our teachers and allies; learning personal and collective sustainability from nature.
Visualization and mandala ritual for personal, collective and Earth healing; connecting with the four elements; discovering our teachers and allies; learning personal and collective sustainability from nature.
"Empowering and Sustaining Ourselves as Changemakers and Leaders"
"Aligning the Personal and Ecological in Our Lives, Communities and the World"
"Experiencing and Addressing our Personal and Collective Stress"
"Personal Sustainability and Zone 0"
"Personal and Social Permaculture"
"Zone 0: Starting With Ourselves"
"Finding the True Teacher Within"
"Healing Ourselves and The World"
"Reawakening to Wholeness"
"Embodying Healing: Being the Healing You Want to See in the World"
Communication Workshop Descriptions
"Nonviolent Communication and Being Alive in the Body" (8 day intensive training)
Co-facilitated with Hava Jonai in Budapest, Hungary
This is a journey of discovering Nonviolent Communication through our bodies. Through movement, we will be invited to experience connection, compassion, clarity, openness and centre, to give a physical grounding to our practice of NVC with words. By bringing more awareness to our senses, we will practice observation, and learn to be more in touch with our feelings and needs. We will use gentle movement exercises to explore our personal dynamics in relationship and conflict, and play with dance to find new ways of expressing ourselves.
Co-facilitated with Hava Jonai in Budapest, Hungary
This is a journey of discovering Nonviolent Communication through our bodies. Through movement, we will be invited to experience connection, compassion, clarity, openness and centre, to give a physical grounding to our practice of NVC with words. By bringing more awareness to our senses, we will practice observation, and learn to be more in touch with our feelings and needs. We will use gentle movement exercises to explore our personal dynamics in relationship and conflict, and play with dance to find new ways of expressing ourselves."Finding Common Ground - How to Communicate About What Really Matters"
Co-facilitated with Christine Peringer in Perth, Canada
Learn how communication can contribute to connection, care and respect, or to confusion, defensiveness and conflict. Learn to translate judgment, blame and other hard-to-hear communication into a better understanding of the person’s needs. Develop a practice to deepen understanding, ease and peace within yourself and with others. Engage in dialogue, movement and reflection to connect with what really matters to you and others. Based on the Nonviolent Communication process.
Co-facilitated with Christine Peringer in Perth, Canada
Learn how communication can contribute to connection, care and respect, or to confusion, defensiveness and conflict. Learn to translate judgment, blame and other hard-to-hear communication into a better understanding of the person’s needs. Develop a practice to deepen understanding, ease and peace within yourself and with others. Engage in dialogue, movement and reflection to connect with what really matters to you and others. Based on the Nonviolent Communication process.
"Communicating with Kindness: Being a Good Friend to Ourselves and Each Other"
Exploring feelings and needs, why we like to help other people, and how we feel when we're trying to hurt other people's feelings.
Exploring feelings and needs, why we like to help other people, and how we feel when we're trying to hurt other people's feelings.
"Inner Landscape, Inner Peace: A Workshop for Ecological & Compassionate Living"
Permaculture: apply these ecological principles to your “inner landscape”, designing your life for more ease and effectiveness. Nonviolent Communication: practice NVC to understand yourself better, have more peace and make choices to enrich your life. Body-mind awareness and movement: another way to learn and have fun!
Permaculture: apply these ecological principles to your “inner landscape”, designing your life for more ease and effectiveness. Nonviolent Communication: practice NVC to understand yourself better, have more peace and make choices to enrich your life. Body-mind awareness and movement: another way to learn and have fun!
"Forward Movement: Visioning and Communicating for a Post Oil Future" (1 day organisational retreat)
Basics of Nonviolent Communication and effective meeting facilitation, to empower our communication in meetings as well as with others as we pitch the message of post-oil.
Basics of Nonviolent Communication and effective meeting facilitation, to empower our communication in meetings as well as with others as we pitch the message of post-oil.
"The Joy of Deep-Listening" (1 day workshop)
Presence and empathy; meditation, breath and noticing our inner voices; communicating for compassion, nonviolence and healing in our lives.
Presence and empathy; meditation, breath and noticing our inner voices; communicating for compassion, nonviolence and healing in our lives.
"Being the Change" (1 day workshop)
Aikido-based exercises; the dynamics of giving and receiving; communicating for compassion and nonviolence; the yin-yang of healing and activism.
Aikido-based exercises; the dynamics of giving and receiving; communicating for compassion and nonviolence; the yin-yang of healing and activism.
"The Dance of Self and Other: A Creative Workshop for Nonviolent and Empathic Living"
Body and Movement Workshop Descriptions
"Nonviolent Communication and Being Alive in the Body" (8 day intensive training)
Co-facilitated with Hava Jonai in Budapest, Hungary
This is a journey of discovering Nonviolent Communication through our bodies. Through movement, we will be invited to experience connection, compassion, clarity, openness and centre, to give a physical grounding to our practice of NVC with words. By bringing more awareness to our senses, we will practice observation, and learn to be more in touch with our feelings and needs. We will use gentle movement exercises to explore our personal dynamics in relationship and conflict, and play with dance to find new ways of expressing ourselves.
Co-facilitated with Hava Jonai in Budapest, Hungary
This is a journey of discovering Nonviolent Communication through our bodies. Through movement, we will be invited to experience connection, compassion, clarity, openness and centre, to give a physical grounding to our practice of NVC with words. By bringing more awareness to our senses, we will practice observation, and learn to be more in touch with our feelings and needs. We will use gentle movement exercises to explore our personal dynamics in relationship and conflict, and play with dance to find new ways of expressing ourselves.
"Deepening the Roots of Social and Environmental Justice - An Experiential Exploration of Self, Community and Earth"
In this age of change, how do we renew ourselves, our societies and our ecological systems? The world needs everything that we bring as activists, leaders and changemakers; we are thus called to discover more effective ways of doing the work we do in the world. By reconnecting with ourselves, our communities and the web of life, we tap into a richer source of intelligence, creativity and power that goes beyond the individual. In this workshop, we will play with movement, drama, guided imagery and breath, to broaden and deepen our work for social and environmental justice.
In this age of change, how do we renew ourselves, our societies and our ecological systems? The world needs everything that we bring as activists, leaders and changemakers; we are thus called to discover more effective ways of doing the work we do in the world. By reconnecting with ourselves, our communities and the web of life, we tap into a richer source of intelligence, creativity and power that goes beyond the individual. In this workshop, we will play with movement, drama, guided imagery and breath, to broaden and deepen our work for social and environmental justice.
"Being the Change" (1 day workshop)
Aikido-based exercises; the dynamics of giving and receiving; communicating for compassion and nonviolence; the yin-yang of healing and activism.
Aikido-based exercises; the dynamics of giving and receiving; communicating for compassion and nonviolence; the yin-yang of healing and activism.
"Inner Landscape, Inner Peace: A Workshop for Ecological & Compassionate Living"
Permaculture: apply these ecological principles to your “inner landscape”, designing your life for more ease and effectiveness. Nonviolent Communication: practice NVC to understand yourself better, have more peace and make choices to enrich your life. Body-mind awareness and movement: another way to learn and have fun!
Permaculture: apply these ecological principles to your “inner landscape”, designing your life for more ease and effectiveness. Nonviolent Communication: practice NVC to understand yourself better, have more peace and make choices to enrich your life. Body-mind awareness and movement: another way to learn and have fun!
"The Dance of Self and Other: A Creative Workshop for Nonviolent and Empathic Living"
"Mindfulness Practices in the Garden"
"Embodying Healing: Being the Healing You Want to See in the World"
"Personal Permaculture: Zone and Sector through the Body"
Where has Bonita Taught?
Bonita has taught in university and college settings, at health centres, conferences, a yoga studio, a book store, an after-school youth program, and has worked one-on-one in people's homes.
Here are some of the places and organisations where Bonita has taught:
- Brooke Valley School, Guest Presenter - Brooke Valley, Canada
- Carp Ridge EcoWellness Centre - Ottawa, Canada
- Change Makers Books and Gifts for Women - Oakland, USA
- Co-facilitated with Christine Peringer - Perth, Canada
- Fellowship of Intentional Communities, Art of Communities Conference - Seattle, USA
- Esalen Institute, Evening Program - Big Sur, USA
- Garden for the Environment - San Francisco, USA
- Co-facilitated with Hava Jonai - Budapest, Hungary
- John F. Kennedy University, Guest Teacher in "Health, Environment and Sustainability" and "Physiology and Psychology of Stress" Courses - Pleasant Hill, USA
- Lotus Wings - Perth, Canada
- Ontario Institute for Studies in Education/University of Toronto, Journey of the Spirit Conference - Toronto, Canada
- Lama Foundation, Grow Here Now Permaculture Convergence - Taos, USA
- Merritt College, Permaculture Design Course, Guest Teacher - Oakland, USA
- Permaculture Project, GTA - Toronto, Canada
- Post Oil Solutions - Brattleboro, Vermont, USA
- Power Shift Canada - Ottawa, Canada
- Prakriti Yoga - Brattleboro, Vermont, USA
- School for International Training, Conference on Social and Ecological Renewal - Brattleboro, Vermont, USA
- School for Self-Healing - San Francisco, USA
- Soul in Education International Conference - Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
- Soweto Mountain of Hope - Soweto, South Africa
- Transition Ottawa - Ottawa, Canada
- Urban Permaculture Guild and Alameda Point Collaborative, Urban Permaculture Design Course - Oakland, USA
