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Sing Your Story is an intensive workshop of self-discovery and healing through journaling, singing, and mindfulness mediation practices. Join a small intimate group and leaders Chris Lehman and Joanne Gartenberg​ for a powerful 8 day journey in Southern California. We will help you to identify songs to illustrate your story, and work with you to create a short artistic presentation that includes your spoken words and song. In sharing your sung story, you will find deeper acceptance and honoring of your unique life and our shared human experience. Limited to 6 participants.

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Details coming soon on our next workshop in February 2025, Encinitas California

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Testimonials

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“During this workshop I was able to dig deep exploring difficult and enduring themes from my life. I had been unable to do this previously for many reasons. I believe there was several reasons why I was able to do this at Sing Your Story. The environment at Dragonfly Farms is pleasant and inviting. I found myself snug and warm and comfortable. In addition I felt cared for and nurtured. This was quite a change from my everyday life where I am constantly caring for others and have little time for myself and self reflection. Another aspect of the workshop that I really appreciate was the musical component. I have been a singer for a long time. The idea of singing an expression of my life experiences seemed like a good idea. It turned out to be more than that. Singing my feelings helped me to connect with sorrow and happiness that I haven't felt previously. I loved the small group setting. There was time and space to dig deep and that is exactly what happened. I would definitely do this kind of workshop again. In addition, the workshop was absolutely amazing for making new connections with others. It reminded me of being at camp where you form connections quickly with new friends because of the intensity of the work and the time spent together. That has been a wonderful surprise. My world has been enriched with new friends that are similar to me and love music as much as I do.”

- Lexie Halle, Seattle, WA

 

“I attended a Sing Your Story workshop at the Dragonfly Farms and both enjoyed and learned so much from the experience! Each of the 4 days was well thought out and planned with a wonderful range of activities to give us time to pause and reflect, share, discuss, and delve into what we have learned from our previous experiences, how it has shaped who we are today, and explore how we want to use this knowledge to help us grow in the future. Dragonfly farms is charming, the food was wonderful, and the welcoming environment during the weekend enabled all of the attendees to feel safe in reflecting and sharing. Joanne is a wonderful host and leader for reflective and meditative activities, helping us dig into our own history with new eyes. Chris's musical talent and personal perspectives added depth and insight as we selected our songs,created our stories and shared them with the group.. They are a fantastic team! I would absolutely recommend this workshop to anyone looking to explore their lives and stories through music.”

-Kathy McMillan, Seattle, WA

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Workshop Leaders

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Chris Lehman, MSW is a former clinical social worker turned professional soprano and accompanist. She has taught voice for 25 years; her students have soloed with local orchestras, won and placed in regional competitions, and attended leading universities in opera and musical theater. She is a long time member of the Encinitas Storyarts journaling group and Memoir Makers women’s circle.

 

Joanne Gartenberg, MD, is a “seasoned” psychiatrist with decades of experience as a psychotherapist, meditation practitioner and teacher, and retreat leader. She developed and taught a Stress Reduction Program based on Jon Kabat-Zinn’s Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program, and is a graduate of the Institute for Jewish Spirituality (IJS) program in Jewish Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Training. She has been singing her whole life.