This fall, the Lotus Project introduces a new series of workshops called Series of Self, created by family therapist Meghan Delaney, in collaboration with LBI Community Yoga.

The Lotus Project is a nonprofit charitable organization that offers a voice through creative expression for individuals loving a person struggling with substance use disorder. Chief among its principles are self-care, wellness, comfort and empowerment.

The 10-workshop journey of self-discovery begins Oct. 10 with “Breaking the Stigma” of mental illness with an art wellness activity. It will continue on select Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Yoga Bohemia (609-389-9306) in Surf City: Oct. 24, Nov. 7 and 28, Dec. 5 and 19, Jan. 9 and 23, Feb. 6 and 20, and March 6.

Participants will gain a healthier sense of self through art, yoga and mindfulness. The Series of Self will focus on core values, forgiveness, boundaries, compassion, self-love, self-respect and self-care. The series is free for any women or men needing support and encouragement for a peaceful mindset. Space is limited to 10 people. Attendance at all 10 workshops is not required but strongly encouraged.

“The creation of this series is serendipitous,” according to Lotus Project founder Amy Carreño. It honors the memory of Surf City’s Jennifer Bryceland, an avid supporter of local art and yoga, whose suicide this summer shocked and saddened the communities in which she played a vital part. That, combined with other recent suicides of public figures such as Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain, inspired the idea that “we need to provide a safe outlet for people struggling with their sense of self.” Series of Self grew out of a conversation had by Carreño, Delaney and Liz Law of LBI Community Yoga.

“Being back in this area, I have realized two things: there are so many incredible people around and there is a shortage of mental health services and peer support for mental health,” Delaney said. “My goal is to get this community to start talking about the importance of their own mental health. This series will support you in looking inwards in hopes of bringing understanding and healing.”  —V.F.