This experiential workshop will bridge the ancient wisdom of Eastern practices including mindfulness and self-compassion with Western brain science to deepen understanding of ways to cultivate a healthier, more joyful life. A growing body of brain science research suggests that relationships with our selves and others changes our brain, alters our neurochemical processes, and shapes our behavior. Through dramatic enactment, participants will explore how toxic stress alters our body and changes our brain putting us at greater risk for imbalance, distress, disharmony and disease. Participants will have opportunities to learn and practice ways of altering the body’s automatic survival reactions and changing the brain with mindfulness and self-compassion to cultivate a healthier, more joyful life.