Joyful Return

Plant Infused Breathwork Journey

Sunday June 22nd | 3:30-5:30PM | Baltimore City, MD

The Summer Solstice marks the longest day of the year. It is also the fulfillment of a promise made at the Winter Solstice- that the darkness will not last forever and that the sun will return. It is the completion of the ancient cycle of death and rebirth.  

This year, Juneteenth nearly aligns with the Summer Solstice and is a potent reminder of a celebration of deliverance from darkness into the light. It is a remembrance that there is hope even in the darkest of times. This knowing remains as relevant now as it was before. 

Today we continue to struggle against forces and ideas which would be all too familiar to our ancestors. And just like those ancestors, we embrace the promise of returns; a return to joy, to empowerment, to freedom and to unity.

Joyful Return is a walk back to self using the ancient tools of plant medicine and breathwork. We will work with two powerful medicines to facilitate this gentle journey within; Mama Ganja and your breath.

Why Mama Ganja?

We have found that Mama G supports us in staying embodied throughout the breathwork journey, and allows us to reach deeper somatic insights. Instead of numbing us, Mama G arrives like a warm hug that reminds us that we are safe to explore in our bodies.

Your registration donation includes a blended smokable of herb + flowers that bring us to elevated states without busying the mind or exhausting the body.

This journey will take place at Michele Blu Yoga Studio in the Bromo Arts District, Baltimore City MD.

Important Information:

  • This ceremony is open to individuals of all backgrounds and experience levels who are committed to walking a path of radical love and liberation.

  • Please arrive on time to fully immerse yourself in the journey flow. We will ask everyone to plan to remain with the circle until closing.

  • Dress comfortably in clothing you can gently stretch and move in

  • Bring a blanket, yoga mat and/or cushion for seating during circle

  • Due to the sacred nature of the event, we kindly request that participants refrain from using electronic devices during the course of the gathering.

Come with an open heart and a willingness to connect deeply with yourself, others, and the unseen world.

This journey will be facilitated by Charlotte Duerr James, founder of New Old Ways, and Jevon Hamlet, Certified Respiratory Therapist and Breathworker.

Jevon was born into a difficult relationship with the breath. He inherited his mother’s asthma. The challenges presented by asthma would go on to mold him and direct him towards a life as a healer. 

Jevon completed his degree in Respiratory Care Therapy in 2006 and began practicing at the renowned Johns Hopkins Hospital. Over the next two decades, he would go on to work in a variety of clinical settings including: Emergency, Intensive Care, pediatrics, neonatal, geriatric, and homecare. Through all this diverse experience, it was homecare that would have the most profound impact.

After spending many years in patient homes building intimate care-based relationships, Jevon gained a framework for a more nuanced understanding of how the breath, or lack of breath, shapes us all.

During the pandemic Jevon became aware of the ancient practice of breathwork. He would go on to study Breathwork at Alchemy of Breath, a training program for Breathwork facilitators. Despite his years of experience as an RT and training as a facilitator, he remained reluctant to share his gifts with the world; he was convinced that he wasn't ready or that others were more qualified. For too long this fear held him back. 

Today, after more than 40 years as a breather, he is stepping more deeply into his power so that he may share his gifts with those who are ready to receive.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFO, PLEASE NOTE: If you suffer from any serious condition you should check with your medical practitioner prior to breathing with us. The breath style we use is not advised for:

1.       Cardiovascular disease/heart conditions

2.       Detached retina or glaucoma

3.       Diagnosed brain or abdomen aneurysm

4.       Epilepsy

5.       Diagnosed bipolar or schizophrenia

6.       Uncontrolled diabetes or thyroid conditions

7.       High blood pressure

8.       Delicate Pregnancy

9.       Recent surgery or injury

Likewise, if you are on any heavy medications you are advised to seek medical counsel prior to joining us.

* If you do have any of the above conditions, please let us know. You are welcome to stay and breathe from your nose and can still benefit from your journey. It’s just best to consult with the doctor first before.