Braided Way Peace Collective

Up-Coming Events

At the Braided Way Peace Collective we are always looking for and open to mindful events that foster peace and community. We would love to have you join us and contribute in the work of cultivating peace.

Peace in the Courtroom workshop by Braided Way Peace Collective
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Free Workshop

Peace in the Courtroom

A Program of Braided Way Peace Collective

Date
Saturday, September 26, 2026
Time
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Registration
Free Workshop
Please register in advance
Contact
Laura Dickerson

About the Workshop

We recognize that one of the most difficult moments in parenting and safety for domestic violence survivors is facing the abuser in court. Peace in the Courtroom is a resource to assist in preparation, allowing survivors to develop their ability to withstand this conflict and be able to effectively function within the court system.

Workshop Highlights

  • A free comprehensive workshop for women who are survivors of domestic violence navigating the court system for parenting plans, status hearings and restraining orders.
  • Casual atmosphere, educational, practical supportive community circle, and an overall good use of your time and energy. Bring a brown bag for lunch and join us for a day of goodness.
  • On site legal support at no cost with local attorneys.

Our Facilitators

Leigh Schickendantz, LCPC

Leigh Schickendantz, LCPC brings nearly three decades of experience, practice, and program design and implementation focusing on narratives of trauma, informed care, acute crisis intervention, and community education into her service in the community.

Laura Dickerson, MA, LAC

Laura Dickerson, MA, LAC, has worked within family and court systems for 35 years as a school counselor, educator and addiction counselor.

Advance Registration Requested Please contact Laura Dickerson at 406.752.0530 or use the registration form.
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The Yoga of Sword Retreat with Craig Fife Sensei
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Weekend Retreat

The Yoga of Sword Retreat

A unique study of sword, shape, breath, and community care.

Instructor
Craig Fife Sensei
Dates
September 4–6
Hosted By
Two Rivers Aikido and Braided Way Peace Collective
Registration
$135
Pre-registration required

About the Retreat

Craig Fife Sensei, founder and chief instructor of Aikido Northwest, holds the rank of Rokudan in Aikido and Sandan in Iaido. He brings a grounded and experienced approach to the spiritual, relational, and community-care aspects of Aikido.

This retreat offers a unique opportunity to explore sword practice through joy, curiosity, precision, breath, and connection with community.

Retreat Schedule

Friday, September 4
5:30–7:30 PM at Two Rivers Aikido dojo

Welcome and setting intentions

  • Somatic study of the movement of change & finding ground (Kihon  & foundational Waza/movement)
  • Silent sitting and shared dialogue
  • Beverages and light snacks
Saturday, September 5
10:00 AM–3:30 PM at a private residence, followed by a community potluck and music

Private Residence (once registered, address will be sent)

  • Beverages and light snacks available throughout the day.
  • BYOLunch

Somatic study of embodiment of change & skill full discernment through sword (Bokken) practice. Power of posture and breath and movement when aligned and yoked with clean, clear, current intent and attention.

  • Solo and shared kata practice.
  • Dialogue and silent sitting.

Followed by community annual Dog Days of Summer gathering.

 
Sunday, September 6
10:00 AM–12:00 PM at Two Rivers Aikido dojo
  • Closing and bringing insights off the mat into community
  • Kihon waza/movement, silent sitting, dialogue

 

Saturday retreat space is a casual and intentional open space event.  We will be outdoors in sunshine and practicing/training on a grass lawn. It is a family friendly day. Kids are welcome to bring their swimsuits for pool time. Adult supervision required. Bring sunscreen, hats, plenty of hydration, and an abundance of joy.

 

Nina Rao REGISTER NOW
Featured Teacher

About Nina Rao

Nina Rao first learned sacred chants as a young girl from her grandfather in southern India, and the chants stayed quietly with her until she rediscovered this powerful practice with Krishna Das in New York in 1996. Since then, she has been KD’s business manager and accompanies him musically.

In 1998 she met her guru, Sri Siddhi Ma, in the foothills of the Himalayas and spent time with her regularly for 19 years while Ma was in the body.

Nina has been chanting regularly as her main practice, has recorded albums that are widely streamed and played around the world, leads chant events, studies and shares Veda chanting and spiritual texts, is a hospice volunteer, a podcast host for Be Here Now Network, goes on yatra and pilgrimage, and is a wildlife conservationist as chairperson for Saving Wild Tigers.

Her albums include Antarayaami, Anubhav, 21 Taras Collective Mantra Mala Vol. 1, and her third solo album, scheduled for release in summer 2026.

Visit NinaRaoChant.com
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Retreat Weekend

Chant as Medicine

A healing balm of rhyme, rhythm, and community.

Dates
May 21–23, 2027
Location
Flathead Lutheran Bible Camp
Lakeside, Montana
Presented By
Ram Dass Montana, a program of Braided Way Peace Collective 501(c)(3)

Please Join Us

Bring your open hearts, your voices, community spirit, and camping enthusiasm to this retreat weekend filled with chanting, study, silent sitting, breath-centered contemplative movement practices, quiet time, and discussion.

Whether you are new to chant or have a dedicated practice, this weekend we will deepen into our native sound, be enlivened through Nina’s soul-filled offerings, and leave feeling inspired and connected to a growing community.

This all-inclusive retreat includes: sleeping accommodations in bunk-style cabins and all meals beginning with dinner Friday evening and ending with brunch on Sunday.

Registration Cost

Early Bird
$425
Register by December 31, 2026
Standard Registration
$475
Register by April 30, 2027

Overall Retreat Schedule

Includes dinner

  • 3:00–5:00 PM registration and getting settled
  • Opening program and orientation
  • Satsang and kirtan

Includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner

7:00 AM start
10:00 PM close

  • Satsang and kirtan
  • Mantra and japa
  • Silent sitting
  • Contemplative movement practices
  • Discussion
  • Solo walking or hiking
  • Quiet time

Includes brunch

  • 7:00 AM start
  • Satsang and kirtan
  • Q & R
  • 11:00 AM brunch and closing program
  • Noon–1:00 PM checkout

Daily detailed schedule to be announced.

What to Bring

  • Sleeping bag and linens
  • Towel and washcloth
  • Sturdy walking shoes
  • Layers for changing Montana spring weather
  • Headlamp or small flashlight
  • Medications and supplements

Optional Items

  • Swimsuit
  • Journal

The lake and sauna will be available.

The Braided Way Peace Collective - Kalispell, MT

Braided Way Peace Collective

(406) 471-4812

150 C Kelly Road
Kalispell, MT 59901

Mail: P.O. Box 10816
Kalispell, MT 59904

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