We all want to reduce stress and meet the challenges of life more successfully. Yet when things are difficult we often worry more, get overwhelmed or become self-critical and judgmental, all of which leads to more stress, and all of which is very common and normal. But it doesn’t have to be this way and Mindfulness and Self-Compassion can help. Mindfulness & Self-Compassion offer simple tools that reduce stress and increase resiliency. They are backed by decades of research and studies showing that Mindfulness and Self-Compassion can increase resiliency, reduce worry, increase healthy choices, help us deal with life’s stresses more easily, reduce depression and negative moods, help us live with chronic pain more easily, improve the quality of our relationships, and help us live more fulfilling and satisfying lives. Research also shows these tools can be learned. This interactive program on Tuesday, September 10 from 7pm until 8:15pm defines Mindfulness and Self-Compassion and explains some of the research behind them. You will learn a little about where stress comes form, and mostly, you will learn some practical tools for immediate use, and some additional resources to use and build on. For more info on our local community classes, please visit https://www.mindfulnessnorthwest.com/wenatchee The instructor, Oori Silberstein, teaches practical, evidence-based skills that reduce stress and burn out, and increase emotional resiliency. He works with individuals and groups in schools, hospitals, businesses, non-profit organizations and community classes. He is trained in Somatic Trauma Resiliency, Spiritual Care and Grief Support, and his experience includes work at Harborview Medical Center, Room One, King County & Hospice. Oori trained as a Mindfulness and Self-Compassion teacher through University San Diego Center for Self-Compassion and through Mindfulness Northwest.

Have you ever wanted to paint but don’t know how to start? Good news! In this Pybus University class on Tuesday, Sepember 17 at 7pm, you can create gorgeous abstract works of art with NO artistic skills needed. Acrylic pour painting is as simple as pouring your paint into a cup and then letting it spill off your canvas. In this class, you’ll get the recipe for success for mixing your paints and some tips and tricks for the pouring process. The applications are endless! We will start with a bonus gift where you will make your own one-of-a-kind art necklace and then we will start the pouring fun. You will take home a 10 x 10 canvas to hang proudly on your wall or give away as a thoughtful gift. Age 13 and older. Space is limited to 24 participants. This a make-and-take class, so there is a $10 fee to register each participant to cover costs. When you come to class you will receive a $5 Pybus buck coin to spend at Pybus (so your out-of-pocket expense is $5 per person.) Please bring a cardboard box to bring your wet 10 x 10 canvas home with you. The instructor, Tamiko Jordan, is a doctor by day, but secretly loves learning to master new art skills. She believes art is therapy for the soul, and would love for more people to try easy forms of artistic expression.

This Pybus University class on Tuesday, September 24 at 7pm will discuss youth and cultural exchange programs in the Wenatchee Valley. Wenatchee and surrounding towns can host a dozen or more international students any given year, and send three to five students overseas. These exchanges enrich the students involved, their families, and the community in myriad ways. Hear from students and local experts in cultural exchange. Speaking with be Patrick Bodell from Rotary Exchange International and Wenatchee Valley Misawa Sister City Association. Each of these amazing groups will share about the impact of their program and how you can be involved, and then stick around for question and answer. Long-term exchanges build peace, one young person at a time. Students learn a new language, discover another culture, and through Rotary, live with three host families over a full academic year. Over 9,000 young people participate in Rotary Youth Exchange every year in more than 100 countries. Learn more about how you can become a global citizen either as a youth exchange student or as a host family. Wenatchee Valley Misawa Sister City Association welcomes delegates from Misawa to our valley every year. This year we had 38 delegates during Apple Blossom. We arrange tours for them, meals, homestays for students, and transportation. We organize yearly trips for Wenatchee Valley delegates to visit Japan in August that include 5 days in our sister city of Misawa, tours, parades, and staying in Japanese homes. We prepare with orientation meetings to learn about Japanese culture, foods, and practice Japanese language. We are always looking for locals who would like to help us and/or join our trips to Misawa. More information is on our web site: http://wenatcheevalleymisawa.org