Body as Living Presence
a year–long committed group with Zuza & Friends
September 2012–August 2013
Middletown, California
This year-long residential program offers a synthesis of somatic practices that have the potential to shape and transform participants' life. Inspired equally by a blend of movement explorations based in Soul Motion and other approaches, as well as the presence inquiry of Gestalt Awareness Practice and ancient meditative traditions, this course is devoted to developing and deepening skills for presence, awareness, and contact in a group setting.
Rather than being a purely dance oriented gathering, or a therapy process group, this is a study and practice group. In the context of studying the practices offered, through the use of movement and body-based, present-centered inquiry, we will learn more about ourselves and each other.
Meditation and other ways of being in silence and stillness, alone and together, will be an integral part of the curriculum.
PROGRAM
Module One – Illuminating What Is, Taking Refuge
... in which basic practices of awareness and presence are introduced, involving breath, balance, gravity, ground, range of movement, and kinesthetic attunement. We will study the art of tracking sensation and learn to distinguish between direct experience, feeling, emotion, and interpretation. We will begin developing a common language and connections between us, settling into the group, and learning somatic bases for deepening safety and building community through movement.
Module Two – Tenderness at the Heart of the Dance
... in which special attention will be offered to working with each other, learning to recognize and shape relationship dynamics––such as movement toward, away, against; avoidance, ambivalence, clinging; difficulty engaging, difficulty ending; rigid, non-existent, and porous boundaries. We will explore how these dynamics are experienced as kinesthetic phenomena, deepen our abilities to perceive another clearly and to offer accurate reflection of partner's somatic and emotional process while resisting the temptation to analyze, advise, or fix them.
Module Three – From Alone to All One
... in which we will again travel together the passage leading from inner awareness work to dyad practices and small ensemble interactions, concluding in unified practices for the group. Structured exercises will support flexibility, extension, inclusion, and non-verbal communication of boundaries, as well as maintaining one's integrity in a group situation while maximizing the potential for self-expression and belonging.
Module Four – After the Ecstasy . . . The Promise of the Practice
... in which deepening and integration of group experience will be further supported by ritual, self reflection and group reflection on learnings and discoveries made in the process. The time together will be shaped by the process of the first three modules and conclude with designing personal practices to take out of the group space and apply in everyday life.
WHERE
The program will be held at Harbin Hot Springs' private conference center, uniquely situated amidst the natural beauty of the land and supported by the restorative powers of the healing waters.
WHEN
The group will meet four times, in residential modules between September 2012 and August 2013.
WHO
Consider applying to this program if you have all of the following:
- desire to explore your inner experience and learn about yourself in relationship to others;
- openness to working with whatever comes up by showing up for yourself and others;
- willingness to engage in community, ask for, give and receive support;
- ability and financial resources to attend the entire program.
Previous Soul Motion and Gestalt Awareness Practice experience is recommended but not required.
DETAILS, DETAILS
Click here for exact dates, cost, and application packet.
