February 2024 | Issue 39
The TriCircle Connection
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Quote of the Month

"To know yourself as the Being underneath the thinker, the stillness underneath the mental noise, the love and joy underneath the pain, is freedom, salvation, enlightenment.



From the Desk of Ana Gopoian

Co-Existence or Co-Creation?

As I think back over the past 38 issues of The TriCircle Connection, I ponder how many times we have talked about how we can be either accidental creators or deliberate creators of our own reality in every moment and in everything we do!

Most people, me included, have, at some point in time, experienced what seems at first to be at least one profoundly devastating life event. These life events run the gamut - perhaps the death of a loved one, a life- threatening illness, an accident or injury, the uncertainties and consequences brought on by mental health challenges, or the direct or indirect effects of the disease of addiction. How could we possibly, and, why on earth would we ever accidentally or deliberately, create and manifest these things in our lives? Aren't we just victims of circumstance? Don't these things happen to us if we are in the wrong place at the wrong time? Isn't it simply a matter of fate?

The moment we arrived here on the planet, we were socialized and programmed to work hard, achieve material wealth, and perform to the expectations of others. We set high standards for ourselves and for those around us. When tangible results were not immediately achieved, we were often punished by our well-meaning (yet ill equipped) caregivers, and we were instantly disappointed in ourselves, often engaging in destructive self-talk, punishment, self-deprivation and self-sabotage. Sound familiar? A recipe for disaster later in life!

Fast forward to our present circumstances. We have learned enough about the power of now to know the amazing connection between thoughts and things. Once we have an awareness about it, we cannot go back. We cannot unthink a thought! Present moment awareness is not overrated, yet we keep sweeping it under the carpet and, to our detriment, playing the old tapes over and over.

It is time to square off with the fact that we have complete control over our individual and collective realities and that the seeds we have been planting since the day we were born are coming to fruition. We not only co-exist here for a brief moment, we are all co-creators. We attract each other into our every experience by the thoughts we focus on, the vibrations we offer, the frequencies we hold. Is it Co-existence and Co-Creation? The answer is yes!

Together WE are Stronger!
Our February
Spotlight
Nathalie Villeneuve
Author, Artist and TriCircle Supporter
Harmony Within
A Fusion of Yoga and Art for
Self-Discovery

Nathalie Villeneuve is a well-loved author and a talented artist who lives in Meriden, CT. She is also a woman who, like so many of us, is affected by recurring negative thoughts and emotions that have deeply affected her ability to maintain her emotional well-being. Determined to pave the way for a clearer understanding of her emotional landscape and to help others do the same, Nathalie has written several books that teach readers how to center, connect, identify, reflect and confront their emotions and embrace the strong correlation between artistic expression and emotional health.

Nathalie learned about TriCircle through her friendship with Dana Brinker- Simjouw, who is a certified yoga instructor, a firm believer in holistic healing and also a generous supporter of TriCircle. Together, their passion has evolved into the creation of Harmony Within. This incredible opportunity is being brought to our SMART Recovery meetings beginning in January, offering a unique form of healing that is beneficial, relaxing, sustainable and transformative at no charge to participants.

Her artistic expression is primarily shared in the form of beautiful watercolor paintings that have no lines and no defined edges. Perhaps this style represents Nathalie's belief in unity consciousness and the fact that our emotions should not be caged and contained, but rather expressed. Her valuable contributions to Harmony Within embody her beliefs and her eagerness to help others. These links will take you to her author's page where you can find her books and see samples of her beautiful work: https://www.emotiononcanvas.com/posters https://www.emotiononcanvas.com/books

Journaling is a very important part of this approach and guides individuals on a unique journey, diving deep into self awareness and creativity. The whole Harmony Within process begins with a moment of quiet reflection, culminates with the beauty of spontaneous creation and ends with a an understanding that paves the way for growth and contributes to a journey toward emotional clarity, balance, and well-being.

Nathalie states that, "By focusing on our positive emotions and delving deep enough to notice their nuances, we create a reservoir of pleasant memories and sensations that strengthen our emotional foundations." She is a staunch proponent of the scientifically proven benefits of artistic expression.

Recently, Nathalie's family has been impacted by a tragic event related to addiction. A person closely connected to her family living in California lost a best friend and mentor to an overdose. Two weeks ago, three friends tragically lost their lives due to Fentanyl overdoses while using what they assumed was cocaine. This event serves as a stark reminder of how such tragedies can reach and affect people in various ways, further solidifying Nathalie's commitment to contributing towards a solution.

TriCircle is extremely grateful to have the unwavering support of Nathalie and Dana as we continue to navigate toward full implementation of our 3 phase plan to create real, long term solutions for individuals and families affected by the disease of addiction and substance use disorder. 

Together WE are Stronger!

Harmony Within: A Fusion of Yoga and Art for Self-Discovery

Nurture Your Body and Soul Through Gentle Yoga and Meditative Art in this Transformative Workshop. Take advantage of this opportunity to transform your well-being at no cost to participants! 
Nathalie Villeneuve
Dana Brinker
Check Out Our Website
and let us know what you think!
COME RELAX YOUR BODY,
CENTER YOUR SOUL, AND FOCUS YOUR MIND.
IT'S FREE OF CHARGE!
Our upcoming Yoga sessions will be
held at the beautiful:
DiversaFit
549 Center Street, Wallingford,
on the last Saturday of each month.
Special thanks to DiversaFit for offering our new location, free of charge!
TRICIRCLE PRESENTS
WEEKLY SMART RECOVERY
PROGRAM MEETINGS
What is SMART Recovery? SMART Recovery is a fresh approach to addiction recovery. SMART stands for Self-Management and Recovery Training. This is more than an acronym: it is a transformative method of moving from addictive substances and negative behaviors to a life of positive self-regard and willingness to change. Join us!
What's Happening?
TriCircle's Hope After Loss Support Group Meetings Every Monday (see full schedule below)

Harmony Within - Last Tuesday of each month, 4:30 - 6:30pm at Master's Manna just before the SMART Recovery Meeting (see flyer above)

SMART Recovery Meetings Every Tuesday (see flyer and schedule below)

Drop In Setback Middlefield 1st and 3rd Wednesdays - (see flyers below)

Setback Wallingford Wednesday, Feb. 28. In March on 2nd & 4th Wednesdays of each month

TriCircle's Hope & Support Group Meetings Every Thursday (see full schedule below)

Yoga at DiversaFit - last Saturday of each Month (see information below)

TriCircle Memorial Quilt Square Making Opportunity - stay tuned on our Facebook and website. Supplies and light refreshments provided.

CT Barber Expo at Mohegan Sun - May 4-6 (stay tuned for details)
DROP IN SETBACK
1741 Pub & Grill
Middlefield
Join us for some great food, fabulous friends and lots of fun!

10% of proceeds from all of our Setback games benefit The TriCircle Memorial Scholarship Fund!

Wood -n- Tap
970 North Colony Road
Wallingford, CT
on Feb 28, at our new location. Then,
beginning in March, games will be held
2nd and 4th Wednesday
of every month!

Looking for a purpose driven, fun and fulfilling opportunity to showcase your amazing gifts and talents and give back?

TriCircle is searching for people who are action oriented and passionate about our cause to work with the Memorial Scholarship Committee. We need your enthusiasm and creativity, and we welcome you to join us. If you are interested in honoring your loved one through our TriCircle Memorial Scholarship, please inquire about making a donation or joining the committee by contacting Trish Williams at: trish@tricircle.org

If your superpower is planning, organizing, and/or helping to implement events, then here is your chance to shine - the Fundraising & Events Advisory Board needs you now! Meetings will soon be established by new members once a month at
TriCircle, 169 Colony Street, 2nd Floor, Meriden

Community Service Hours Are Available for All of the Above!

Together WE are Stronger!
Searching for a Compassionate Group That Truly Understands?
Below is a full schedule for
Hope & Support Group meetings, including location.

Thursdays - Hope And Support

Below is a full schedule for Hope After Loss
Group meetings, including location.

Mondays - Hope After Loss

Zoom options will continue to be available
for both support groups. All are welcomed and encouraged to utilize these services at no cost.
Please email Ana for more details!

TriCircle is located at

169 Colony Street
Second Floor, Room 28
Meriden, CT 06451

We are pleased to be located inside the Women and Families Center.
This allows for wonderful opportunities to expand
the reach of our support services and resources
as we cultivate this collaborative partnership.
This location also provides increased accessibility
on the bus line and nearby train station.

Together WE are Stronger!

Your input is greatly appreciated!

If any of our readers know of an organization, group or idea that will add strength, availability and reach
to our collaborations and services, please
reach out to us at info@tricircle.org.

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