+ upcoming events +
'My Friend Kim' // a documentary
This evening invites us into a tender and courageous story—one that asks us to sit with life’s final threshold and consider what dignity, choice, and love can look like at the end of life. Through the story of Kim Hoffman, we are invited to witness not only the realities of terminal illness, but also the deep human longing for agency, peace, and a meaningful goodbye. This film does not seek to persuade through shock or spectacle; instead, it opens space for empathy, listening, and honest conversation about how we care for one another when time is short.
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about //
Kim Hoffman died in January 2022 after an 8 1/2 year battle with ovarian cancer. She fought with IV chemo, oral chemo, radiation and surgeries - all of which led to pain, debilitation and disability - and yet the cancer spread to her liver, lung, skin, and brain. After a personal and professional life of service, there was just one thing Kim wanted once told that she only had only a few more months to live - to say goodbye to the people she loved and to then die peacefully in her sleep.
She didn’t want to die in pain, nor did she want to die in a drugged-out state of unconsciousness. That’s why she advocated for Medical Aid in Dying (MAID), an option provided to terminally-ill people of sound mind who want to take a drug to end their life peacefully, on their own terms. 12 states in the US and Washington DC (including neighboring Maine, Vermont and New Jersey) allow their residents the option of Medical Aid in Dying, and history shows that the law is used as intended, usually by people with ALS, ovarian cancer, brain cancer, and pancreatic cancer.
75% of Connecticut voters support Medical Aid in Dying, yet seven bills have failed in the committee since 2013.
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As we sit with this story, may it remind us that conversations about death are ultimately conversations about care, dignity, and love. We hope this film opens space for thoughtful reflection and meaningful dialogue.
Following the screening, we invite you to remain with us for a panel discussion, offering space for shared reflection, questions, and community conversation.
LOCATION // Harmony House @ theGROVE, 19 Cedar Lake Road, Chester CT
+++ Please arrive 15min early, so we can begin promptly together
LIMITED SPACE, advanced registration required
COST // free
Community Cacao Circle // FEBRUARY
:: a monthly gathering ::
Please join us for a cozy monthly gathering to experience the power of this potent medicine.
Pure ceremonial cacao has the ability to open the heart, relieve stress, promote emotional release, stimulate creativity, elevate energy levels without the crash, enhance feelings of bliss + connection, and align us with our personal vision + life mission.
Come circle up with community during this monthly offering, set intentions, enjoy a cup of potent ceremonial cacao, share what is on your heart, and close with a sumptuous sound journey where various instrumentation is woven together with the medicine of cacao to induce a state of pure relaxation and bliss.
Led by Sunni - mama | herbalist | song carrier | keeper of sacred tradition
Click here for more information about Sunni’s offerings.
LOCATION // Harmony House @ theGROVE, 19 Cedar Lake Road, Chester CT
+++ Please arrive 15min early if you can, so we can begin promptly together
LIMITED SPACE, please register in advance!
Energetic Exchange // $35
follow @the_soul_shines on Instagram
Community Cacao Circle // MARCH
:: a monthly gathering ::
Please join us for a cozy monthly gathering to experience the power of this potent medicine.
Pure ceremonial cacao has the ability to open the heart, relieve stress, promote emotional release, stimulate creativity, elevate energy levels without the crash, enhance feelings of bliss + connection, and align us with our personal vision + life mission.
Come circle up with community during this monthly offering, set intentions, enjoy a cup of potent ceremonial cacao, share what is on your heart, and close with a sumptuous sound journey where various instrumentation is woven together with the medicine of cacao to induce a state of pure relaxation and bliss.
Led by Sunni - mama | herbalist | song carrier | keeper of sacred tradition
Click here for more information about Sunni’s offerings.
LOCATION // Harmony House @ theGROVE, 19 Cedar Lake Road, Chester CT
+++ Please arrive 15min early if you can, so we can begin promptly together
LIMITED SPACE, please register in advance!
Energetic Exchange // $35
follow @the_soul_shines on Instagram
Community Cacao Circle // APRIL
:: a monthly gathering ::
Please join us for a cozy monthly gathering to experience the power of this potent medicine.
Pure ceremonial cacao has the ability to open the heart, relieve stress, promote emotional release, stimulate creativity, elevate energy levels without the crash, enhance feelings of bliss + connection, and align us with our personal vision + life mission.
Come circle up with community during this monthly offering, set intentions, enjoy a cup of potent ceremonial cacao, share what is on your heart, and close with a sumptuous sound journey where various instrumentation is woven together with the medicine of cacao to induce a state of pure relaxation and bliss.
Led by Sunni - mama | herbalist | song carrier | keeper of sacred tradition
Click here for more information about Sunni’s offerings.
LOCATION // Harmony House @ theGROVE, 19 Cedar Lake Road, Chester CT
+++ Please arrive 15min early if you can, so we can begin promptly together
LIMITED SPACE, please register in advance!
Energetic Exchange // $35
follow @the_soul_shines on Instagram
Community Cacao Circle // JANUARY
:: a monthly gathering ::
Please join us for a cozy monthly gathering to experience the power of this potent medicine.
Pure ceremonial cacao has the ability to open the heart, relieve stress, promote emotional release, stimulate creativity, elevate energy levels without the crash, enhance feelings of bliss + connection, and align us with our personal vision + life mission.
Come circle up with community during this monthly offering, set intentions, enjoy a cup of potent ceremonial cacao, share what is on your heart, and close with a sumptuous sound journey where various instrumentation is woven together with the medicine of cacao to induce a state of pure relaxation and bliss.
Led by Sunni - mama | herbalist | song carrier | keeper of sacred tradition
Click here for more information about Sunni’s offerings.
LOCATION // Harmony House @ theGROVE, 19 Cedar Lake Road, Chester CT
+++ Please arrive 15min early if you can, so we can begin promptly together
LIMITED SPACE, please register in advance!
Energetic Exchange // $35
follow @the_soul_shines on Instagram
STANDING at the THRESHOLD :: a VISIONING CIRCLE
Standing at the Threshold :: A Visioning Circle
This visioning circle is an invitation to pause and meet yourself exactly where you are.
Rather than pushing toward goals or resolutions, we will create space to listen — to what is already moving within you, to what is asking for adjustment, and to the deeper direction that wants your attention. This is about orientation, not urgency. About making small, true shifts that bring you into closer alignment with your soul’s work over time.
The circle will be gently supported by kava, a traditional South Pacific plant medicine known for its grounding, calming, and clarity-supporting properties. Served intentionally and with care, kava helps settle the nervous system, soften mental noise, and create the conditions for clear seeing and honest reflection. It is not intoxicating and does not produce a “high,” but rather supports presence, ease, and embodied awareness.
Through gentle movement, guided meditation, reflective journaling, and spacious conversation, we will clarify what feels alive, crystallize what is asking to be named, and touch into a form of planning that is rooted in honesty and presence — not pressure or performance.
You can expect a calm, grounded atmosphere with room to breathe, reflect, and integrate. This is not a high-energy workshop or a productivity sprint. It is a slow, intentional gathering designed to help you leave with a clearer sense of right direction and a felt understanding of the next true steps — however subtle they may be.
What to Expect //
Gentle, accessible movement to arrive in the body
Guided meditation and quiet reflection
Journaling and visioning practices
Clarifying and crystallizing what matters most right now
Thoughtful planning that honors your real life and inner rhythms
A supportive circle held with care and spaciousness
Kava served intentionally to support grounding, presence, and clarity
What to Bring //
A notebook or journal
A pen or pencil
Cozy layers
A water bottle
Come as you are — tired, curious, uncertain, or clear. This circle is for anyone who feels themselves standing at a moment of quiet choice and wants to orient with honesty and care.
Please see KAVA safety + consent information HERE.
+ Led by Sunni - mama | herbalist | song carrier | keeper of sacred tradition
Click here for more information about Sunni’s offerings.
LOCATION // Harmony House @ theGROVE, 19 Cedar Lake Road, Chester CT
+++ Please arrive 15min early so we can begin promptly together
LIMITED SPACE, please register in advance!
Energetic Exchange // $45
follow @the_soul_shines on Instagram
Community Cacao Circle // DECEMBER
:: a monthly gathering ::
Please join us for a cozy monthly gathering to experience the power of this potent medicine.
Pure ceremonial cacao has the ability to open the heart, relieve stress, promote emotional release, stimulate creativity, elevate energy levels without the crash, enhance feelings of bliss + connection, and align us with our personal vision + life mission.
Come circle up with community during this monthly offering, set intentions, enjoy a cup of potent ceremonial cacao, share what is on your heart, and close with a sumptuous sound journey where various instrumentation is woven together with the medicine of cacao to induce a state of pure relaxation and bliss.
Led by Sunni - mama | herbalist | song carrier | keeper of sacred tradition
Click here for more information about Sunni’s offerings.
LOCATION // Harmony House @ theGROVE, 19 Cedar Lake Road, Chester CT
+++ Please arrive 15min early if you can, so we can begin promptly together
LIMITED SPACE, please register in advance!
Energetic Exchange // $35
follow @the_soul_shines on Instagram
Songs of Spirit
Songs of Spirit
Led by Georgia Be + Jeff Sullivan
As the veil is at its thinnest, we will come together at Harmony House for an evening of song, prayer, and storytelling. Facilitated by Georgia Be + accompanied by Jeff Sullivan, this intimate, heart-led ceremony invites us to honor our ancestors and celebrate the threads that connect us through sound and spirit, connection and joy.
Our journey will be supported by cacao and an optional gentle dose of niños santos medicine, opening the way for deeper presence and connection.
Please feel free to bring an item for our shared altar — a photo, token, or offering to honor those who came before.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1st
6 — 11p
*** Please arrive a minimum of 15min prior to get settled in so we can begin promptly
Space is very limited — Please RSVP by sending Venmo payment to @thesoulshines
Sliding Scale Donation of $50 — $100 will reserve your space
Learn more about Georgia Be :: @being.georgia + georgiabe.com
Community Cacao Circle // AUGUST
:: a monthly gathering ::
Please join us for a cozy monthly gathering to experience the power of this potent medicine.
Pure ceremonial cacao has the ability to open the heart, relieve stress, promote emotional release, stimulate creativity, elevate energy levels without the crash, enhance feelings of bliss + connection, and align us with our personal vision + life mission.
Come circle up with community during this monthly offering, set intentions, enjoy a cup of potent ceremonial cacao, share what is on your heart, and close with a sumptuous sound journey where various instrumentation is woven together with the medicine of cacao to induce a state of pure relaxation and bliss.
LOCATION // Harmony House @ theGROVE, 19 Cedar Lake Road, Chester CT
+++ Please arrive by 515p if you can, so we can begin at 530p
LIMITED SPACE, please register in advance!
Energetic Exchange // $35
follow @the_soul_shines on Instagram
Community Cacao Circle // JULY
:: a monthly gathering ::
Please join us for a cozy monthly gathering to experience the power of this potent medicine.
Pure ceremonial cacao has the ability to open the heart, relieve stress, promote emotional release, stimulate creativity, elevate energy levels without the crash, enhance feelings of bliss + connection, and align us with our personal vision + life mission.
Come circle up with community during this monthly offering, set intentions, enjoy a cup of potent ceremonial cacao, share what is on your heart, and close with a sumptuous sound journey where various instrumentation is woven together with the medicine of cacao to induce a state of pure relaxation and bliss.
LOCATION // Harmony House @ theGROVE, 19 Cedar Lake Road, Chester CT
+++ Please arrive by 515p if you can, so we can begin at 530p
LIMITED SPACE, please register in advance!
Energetic Exchange // $35
follow @the_soul_shines on Instagram
Community Cacao Circle // JUNE // Solstice Edition
:: a monthly gathering ::
Please join us for a special SOLSTICE EDITION of our monthly cacao circle, to experience the power of this potent medicine. Each gathering is a sacred opportunity to connect, heal, and remember.
I am a devoted mama bear, space holder, + song carrier — leading deeply heartfelt, spirit-led circles rooted in reverence and authentic connection. For this Solstice celebration, our circle takes on a special glow as we will be joined by guest facilitator Lara Woolfson — a visionary artist, intuitive guide, and ceremonial spaceholder — whose presence brings added depth and radiance. Together, we will co-create a richly woven experience of sound, prayer, and heart-opening communion as we honor the turning of the light.
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Pure ceremonial cacao has the ability to open the heart, relieve stress, promote emotional release, stimulate creativity, elevate energy levels without the crash, enhance feelings of bliss + connection, and align us with our personal vision + life mission.
Come circle up with community during this monthly offering, set intentions, enjoy a cup of potent ceremonial cacao, share what is on your heart, and close with a sumptuous sound journey where various instrumentation is woven together with the medicine of cacao to induce a state of pure relaxation and bliss.
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Led by Sunni + Lara
Sunni — herbalist, earth mama, + song carrier
Lara — sound healer, ritual facilitator, + intuitive guide
Energetic Exchange // $45
LOCATION // Harmony House at theGROVE
LIMITED SPACE, please register in advance!
follow @the_soul_shines + @nouveau_lara on Instagram
Meet Your Facilitators //
Erica ‘Sunni’ Sunshine //
At her core, Sunni is a mama bear, devoted to the art of balancing softness with strength. She tends to spaces that feel both tender and deeply held — a reflection of her commitment to family, community, and the sacred web that connects us all.
Sunni strives to move with this balance in everything she does, especially through her relationship with cacao and sound. These living medicines are central to her being — guiding her heart-work, opening pathways for connection, healing, and deep remembrance.
Lara Woolfson //
Lara Woolfson is a South African-born artist, sound healer, and ritual facilitator with an MFA from Lesley University. Rooted in Shamanic arts, Reiki, and polarity work, she weaves ancient traditions with intuitive sound to create sacred spaces for healing and transformation.
Through ceremony, community, and the medicine of voice, Lara invites others to realign with their true selves and remember the wisdom within. She believes healing happens together — in shared spaces of reflection, connection, and deep listening.
Community Cacao Circle // MAY
:: a monthly gathering ::
Please join us for a cozy monthly gathering to experience the power of this potent medicine.
Pure ceremonial cacao has the ability to open the heart, relieve stress, promote emotional release, stimulate creativity, elevate energy levels without the crash, enhance feelings of bliss + connection, and align us with our personal vision + life mission.
Come circle up with community during this monthly offering, set intentions, enjoy a cup of potent ceremonial cacao, share what is on your heart, and close with a sumptuous sound journey where various instrumentation is woven together with the medicine of cacao to induce a state of pure relaxation and bliss.
LOCATION // Harmony House @ theGROVE, 19 Cedar Lake Road, Chester CT
LIMITED SPACE, please register in advance!
Energetic Exchange // $35
follow @the_soul_shines on Instagram
Community Cacao Circle // APRIL
:: a monthly gathering ::
Please join us for a cozy monthly gathering to experience the power of this potent medicine.
Pure ceremonial cacao has the ability to open the heart, relieve stress, promote emotional release, stimulate creativity, elevate energy levels without the crash, enhance feelings of bliss + connection, and align us with our personal vision + life mission.
Come circle up with community during this monthly offering, set intentions, enjoy a cup of potent ceremonial cacao, share what is on your heart, and close with a sumptuous sound journey where various instrumentation is woven together with the medicine of cacao to induce a state of pure relaxation and bliss.
LOCATION // Harmony House @ theGROVE, 19 Cedar Lake Road, Chester CT
LIMITED SPACE, please register in advance!
Energetic Exchange // $35
follow @the_soul_shines on Instagram
Community Cacao Circle // MARCH
:: a monthly gathering ::
Please join us for a cozy monthly gathering to experience the power of this potent medicine.
Pure ceremonial cacao has the ability to open the heart, relieve stress, promote emotional release, stimulate creativity, elevate energy levels without the crash, enhance feelings of bliss + connection, and align us with our personal vision + life mission.
Come circle up with community during this monthly offering, set intentions, enjoy a cup of potent ceremonial cacao, share what is on your heart, and close with a sumptuous sound journey where various instrumentation is woven together with the medicine of cacao to induce a state of pure relaxation and bliss.
LOCATION // Harmony House @ theGROVE, 19 Cedar Lake Road, Chester CT
LIMITED SPACE, please register in advance!
Energetic Exchange // $35
follow @the_soul_shines on Instagram
Community Cacao Circle // FEBRUARY
:: a monthly gathering ::
Please join us for a cozy monthly gathering to experience the power of this potent medicine.
Pure ceremonial cacao has the ability to open the heart, relieve stress, promote emotional release, stimulate creativity, elevate energy levels without the crash, enhance feelings of bliss + connection, and align us with our personal vision + life mission.
Come circle up with community during this monthly offering, set intentions, enjoy a cup of potent ceremonial cacao, share what is on your heart, and close with a sumptuous sound journey where various instrumentation is woven together with the medicine of cacao to induce a state of pure relaxation and bliss.
LOCATION // Harmony House @ theGROVE, 19 Cedar Lake Road, Chester CT
LIMITED SPACE, please register in advance!
Energetic Exchange // $35
follow @the_soul_shines on Instagram
Community Cacao Circle // JANUARY
:: a monthly gathering ::
Please join us for a cozy monthly gathering to experience the power of this potent medicine.
Pure ceremonial cacao has the ability to open the heart, relieve stress, promote emotional release, stimulate creativity, elevate energy levels without the crash, enhance feelings of bliss + connection, and align us with our personal vision + life mission.
Come circle up with community during this monthly offering, set intentions, enjoy a cup of potent ceremonial cacao, share what is on your heart, and close with a sumptuous sound journey where various instrumentation is woven together with the medicine of cacao to induce a state of pure relaxation and bliss.
LOCATION // Harmony House @ theGROVE, 19 Cedar Lake Road, Chester CT
LIMITED SPACE, please register in advance!
Energetic Exchange // $25 - $35 sliding scale donation
REGISTER by purchasing ticket below
follow @the_soul_shines on Instagram
Community Cacao Circle // DECEMBER
:: a monthly gathering ::
Please join us for a cozy monthly gathering to experience the power of this potent medicine.
Pure ceremonial cacao has the ability to open the heart, relieve stress, promote emotional release, stimulate creativity, elevate energy levels without the crash, enhance feelings of bliss + connection, and align us with our personal vision + life mission.
Come circle up with community during this monthly offering, set intentions, enjoy a cup of potent ceremonial cacao, share what is on your heart, and close with a sumptuous sound journey where various instrumentation is woven together with the medicine of cacao to induce a state of pure relaxation and bliss.
LOCATION // theGROVE, 19 Cedar Lake Road, Chester CT
LIMITED SPACE, please register in advance!
Energetic Exchange // $25 - $35 sliding scale donation
REGISTER via Venmo @thegrovect
PLEASE make sure to note DEC CACAO when registering.
follow @the_soul_shines on Instagram
Restorative Sound Journey
I warmly invite you to drop into a beautiful, quiet space with both yourself and welcoming community, at a time when we can often find ourselves caught up in the busyness of tending to others. Just a couple of days after the Winter Solstice + right before the celebration of Christmas, let’s take this opportunity to connect with our deepest feelings of gratitude + love.
Please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing, as we will be gently moving our bodies before settling in to restorative yoga postures with the thoughtful aid of various props, ensuring that we can be as comfortable as possible while we relax and enjoy the experience of journeying through a variety of soothing soundscapes.
LOCATION // theGROVE, 19 Cedar Lake Road, Chester CT
This is an intimate gathering // VERY LIMITED SPACE, please register in advance!
Energetic Exchange // $35
REGISTER via Venmo @thegrovect
PLEASE make sure to note DEC RESTORATIVE SOUND JOURNEY when registering.
follow @the_soul_shines on Instagram
Restorative Sound Journey
I warmly invite you to drop into a beautiful, quiet space with both yourself and welcoming community, at a time when we can often find ourselves caught up in the busyness of tending to others. Just a couple of days before the meaningful celebration of Thanksgiving, let’s take this opportunity to connect with our deepest feelings of gratitude and appreciation.
Please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing, as we will be gently moving our bodies before settling in to restorative yoga postures with the thoughtful aid of various props, ensuring that we can be as comfortable as possible while we relax and enjoy the experience of journeying through a variety of soothing soundscapes.
LOCATION // theGROVE, 17 Cedar Lake Road, Chester CT
This is an intimate gathering // VERY LIMITED SPACE, please register in advance!
Energetic Exchange // $35
REGISTER via Venmo @thegrovect
PLEASE make sure to note NOV RESTORATIVE SOUND JOURNEY when registering.
follow @the_soul_shines on Instagram
Community Cacao Circle
:: a monthly gathering ::
Please join us for a cozy monthly gathering to experience the power of this potent medicine.
Pure ceremonial cacao has the ability to open the heart, relieve stress, promote emotional release, stimulate creativity, elevate energy levels without the crash, enhance feelings of bliss + connection, and align us with our personal vision + life mission.
Come circle up with community during this monthly offering, set intentions, enjoy a cup of potent ceremonial cacao, share what is on your heart, and close with a sumptuous sound journey where various instrumentation is woven together with the medicine of cacao to induce a state of pure relaxation and bliss.
LOCATION // theGROVE, 17 Cedar Lake Road, Chester CT
LIMITED SPACE, please register in advance!
Energetic Exchange // $25 - $35 sliding scale donation
REGISTER via Venmo @thegrovect
PLEASE make sure to note NOV CACAO when registering.
follow @the_soul_shines on Instagram
Rise + Restore Workshop
We RISE up in 30 minutes of flow movement led by Bonnie Ludovico. A series of sun salutations and a chance to stretch and move the energy in our bodies in preparation for restorative poses.
We ReSTORE in a 60 minute restorative yoga sound journey led by Sunni. We will assist in positioning props to maximize release in each pose while you are serenaded by a myriad of live musical instruments.
Prenatal Mini Retreat
Embrace your pregnancy journey with other mamas while enjoying practices to nurture your wellbeing.
Mini Retreat Includes ::
+ Restorative Yoga with Sound Bath
+ Breathwork & Movement Techniques
+ Functional Nutrition Insights from a Certified Nutrition Specialist for Prenatal, Birthing Ease, & 4th Trimester Wellbeing
+ Mama/Baby Connection & Self Prioritization Rituals
+ Nutritious Bites & Elixirs will be served
+ Take Aways & Gifts