This special workshop combines the grounding ritual of a Kava with the healing vibrations of a Sound Journey led by Richie Parella.

Sound has been used for all time as a way to uplift and heal. Every chakra and even organ resonates at a certain frequency and when we play the different tones, it invites the energy centers to come back to balance and release any energy that is keeping it from working at its peak performance.

In this experience, Richie will utilize many different sources of sound to invite participants on a journey of self, leaving them more grounded, while invoking a deep sense of aliveness, through activations on all dimensions.

We'll start out by leading through some gentle movements, opening the body up and moving through any tension held in the physical body. From here Richie will lead participants through a yoga nidra (deep relaxation technique) leaving them in a deeply relaxed state where the body is naturally able to receive healing. Following this participants will be taken on a journey of sound using anything from Shamanic drums and rattles,Sound bowls, to medicine songs of the world.

After the sound healing participants will have a tarot card set aside for them, and we will sit and integrate our experience together through sharing what arose during the experience.

Why Combine Kava and Sound?
Both kava and sound healing work synergistically to ease the nervous system, enhance mindfulness, and deepen introspection. Together, they create a powerful container for relaxation and self-introspection.

What is Kava?
Kava, or Piper methysticum, is a plant native to the South Pacific, traditionally used in ceremonies to foster relaxation, connection, and spiritual grounding. For centuries, it has been honored by Pacific Island cultures as a drink that brings people together in community and harmony. The kava elixir promotes a calm state of mind, making it the perfect complement to a sound journey.

What to Expect:
Kava Ceremony: We will begin with a sacred kava ritual, honoring its traditional roots and its ability to open the heart and relax the mind. Together, we’ll sip the soothing drink in community, set intentions, and create a collective container for healing.

Sound Journey: Richie Parella will guide you through an immersive soundscape using instruments such as native flutes, guitar, handpan, gongs, and other resonant tools. Let the vibrations wash over you, quieting the mind and awakening deeper states of peace and presence.

Location: Cocoon Philly 6452 Greene St 2nd Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19119

Pricing: Sliding Scale $30-50

$30 This is if you are making it paycheck to paycheck, and do not have any savings.

$40 This is if you are still making it paycheck to paycheck, though have some savings put aside.

$50 This option is if you are living in surplus. This will help support the lower tiers.

Come as you are, ready to relax and recieve. Bring a yoga mat, blanket, or anything else to make yourself comfortable.

Space is limited to preserve the intimacy of this experience, so reserve your spot today!

If you have any further questions please reach out to Richie at 908-842-3532

Magnificent Mind: A Kundalini Yoga Workshop for Brain Clarity & Mental Renewal

Join Nicholas Thales for a deeply nourishing workshop dedicated to enhancing brain health, mental clarity, and inner peace through the ancient technology of Kundalini Yoga and meditation.

At the heart of this experience is the 62-minute Kirtan Kriya, one of the most researched meditations in Kundalini Yoga. This powerful practice has been scientifically shown to improve memory, boost cognitive function, and reduce stress. It’s like a reset button for your brain — clearing mental fog and reconnecting you to your innate brilliance.

We’ll begin with a carefully selected yoga kriya designed to stimulate and support the brain, preparing the body and mind for extended meditation. Once the body is open and the energy is flowing, we’ll move into a sacred group practice of Kirtan Kriya, seated in a circle with an altar at the center to honor the space and intention.

Afterward, melt into an extended gong-supported sound healing journey, allowing the body to deeply rest, integrate, and rejuvenate.

What You Can Expect:
– A Kundalini yoga set designed to nourish and activate brain function
– A full 62-minute Kirtan Kriya practice, supported by group energy and sacred space
– An extended relaxation with gong and sound healing
– A feeling of profound mental clarity and inner renewal — like stepping out with a whole new brain

Whether you're looking to sharpen your focus, de-stress, or simply reconnect with your inner peace, Magnificent Mind offers a powerful space to reset and recharge.

No prior experience needed — just come with an open mind and a willingness to receive.

Investment: Sliding Scale $20-40

Featuring Kaijo Caggins

We’re thrilled to announce the launch of our monthly Contact Improv Jam @Cocoon Philly! This is a space to move, connect, explore, and play through the spontaneous and dynamic art of Contact Improvisation. Whether you’re brand new to CI or a seasoned mover, this jam is designed to spark creativity, cultivate trust, and drop into the flow of movement with others.

What is Contact Improvisation?
Contact Improv (CI) is a movement practice that blends spontaneous dance, mindful touch, weight-sharing, and fluid momentum. It’s an exploration of physics, trust, and communication through movement, rather than words. There’s no choreography—just a continuous conversation between bodies, gravity, and space. You’ll discover how to listen through movement, follow and redirect energy, and explore balance, lifts, and creative pathways in an organic and intuitive way.

What to Expect:
Light Facilitation with Kaijo Caggins (30 min) – Before we dive into the jam, Kaijo will guide us through some exploratory prompts, fundamental CI techniques, and movement invitations to generate ideas and possibilities to play with.

90-Minute Open Jam – The space then seamlessly transitions into a freeform movement jam where you are encouraged to explore your own creative flow. Whether you prefer big sweeping movements, slow intentional weight-sharing, solo exploration, or playful partnering, this is your time to move in a way that feels right for you.

Etheric Soundscape – We’ll move to flowing music that supports deep listening and embodied exploration.

A Welcoming, Supportive Space – CI is a space of non-judgment, where movers of all experience levels are welcome to experiment, discover, and co-create. You’re invited to engage at your own comfort level, whether solo, in duets, or with the whole room.

Meet your Facilitator:

Kaijo caggins (they/he) is a Black trans neurodivergent performance artist, educator and doula. kaijo received their BFA in Dance from University of the Arts, under the direction of Donna Faye Burchfield. They observe improvisation and defiance through pleasure in their performance practices. kaijo works alongside the body, sound and atmosphere; with an emphasis on queerness, somatics and liberation. kaijo facilitates a monthly queer contact improvisation jam + leads a biweekly class with Philly Dance Class Share, “contact improvisation forms : tendering velocity”. Living within land home to the Lenni-Lenape People of Lenapehoking, kaijo is currently in community with local Contact Improvisation dancers, multi-disciplinary artists and families.

Zouk Partner Dancing for Beginners
6-Class Series | No Experience or Partner Required!

Step into the captivating world of Brazilian Zouk- a smooth and expressive partner dance that originated in Brazil and is known for its fluid movements, musicality, and connection. Often described as a dance of trust, flow, and creative expression, Zouk is a beautiful way to explore movement with others in a grounded and joyful way.

This progressive beginner series is designed for absolute beginners or dancers new to Zouk. You’ll learn the essential building blocks of the dance, including basic steps, timing, connection, and body movement- all in a fun, supportive environment.

By the end of the series, you’ll have a solid foundation to dance socially with confidence, understand the music, and enjoy the signature flow that makes Zouk so unique. No partner or prior dance experience needed- just bring your curiosity and willingness to move!

Bonus: Have a friend you think would love this? Invite them to join you :) Zouk is even more fun when you’re learning together!

Stick Around for the Zouk Social!
After class, we’ll open the space for a Zouk Social- an informal, open dance floor where you can practice what you’ve learned, connect with others, and just enjoy moving to the music. No pressure, just good vibes and community! Open to class participants and the public.

Dates: May 22, 29 & June 5, 12, 19 26