Current Event: Collaborating with the body: a practice group
Some Questions Answered...
Q: What is a practice session?
A: A practice session is a space to meet with others who are curious about or ready to engage a new tool. It is a time for learning through "trying it on" and seeing if it fits. It is not a lesson or lecture or time with an expert.
Q: Where does this practice come from?
A: Megan has been collaborating with her body in the tradition of generative somatics and embodied spiritual practices under the supervision and support of a coach since 2011. The practices she will share in this session have been a significant and growing part of her personal journey, grieving process and ministerial life. With permission, she has shared some of these practices as a religious professional, in integrative work with theological students, in Sunday services and in small groups.
Q: What type of things can I bring to work on?
A: Have something in mind - a past experience, an intention, an image, a physical pain - that you may want to explore, but it is OK to hold this gently or ambivalently or skeptically. Some examples: a death, a childhood trauma, a weird interaction with a peer, a resentment, an achy shoulder, twitchy eye, wanting to feel better, wanting to be more rested, self-doubt, numbness, changing roles, something or activity you're "done with." An experience may be something that happened yesterday, a year ago or a decade ago (or more) that's still with you in some noticeable way. It could be something you've dealt with in psychotherapy or some other way, or you'd like to. It is also perfectly fine to just be curious and have no specific item in mind to work with/on.
Q: Will I have to share specifics about experiences I've had with other participants or the leader?
A: No. There are opportunities to share briefly aloud or in the text chat, but most of our time will be spent in practice. Sharing, venting, and getting situation-focused support is important. This practice session is designed to offer attendees the opportunity to collaborate with the body to create safety and space in consciously completing an ending. You can withhold all details or context about your ending and still fully participate, receiving the full benefit of the session.
Q: What does this practice session have to do with countering white supremacy?
A: White supremacy culture reinforces the idea that anything uncomfortable should be pushed away. The ways in which we numb out to change or move hurriedly to the next task use significant energy. Our energy resources are precious materials for working against racism and oppression and for embodying joy and liberation from the oppressions that marginalize us or the people we love. We can practice welcoming discomfort as a space of growth/learning by giving ourselves and our bodies more support in important endings. Working on our personal endings can also help us connect directly and more deeply to the grief of the world and our planet. From Generative Somatics website: "The mission of generative somatics is to grow a transformative social and environmental justice movement -- one that integrates personal and social transformation, creates compelling alternatives to the status quo and embodies the creativity and life affirming actions we need to forward systemic change."
Q. What kind of technology requirements are there?
A: For best use, I suggest plugging in and testing headphones, optimizing your internet connection (shut off competing electronics like TV, Alexa, Google home, PS4, etc that use internet), checking the lighting in your space for glares or lowlight in your webcam, and reducing noise in your surroundings. Also, before we meet, you can test your tools and internet connection with Zoom here.
Q: What is a practice session?
A: A practice session is a space to meet with others who are curious about or ready to engage a new tool. It is a time for learning through "trying it on" and seeing if it fits. It is not a lesson or lecture or time with an expert.
Q: Where does this practice come from?
A: Megan has been collaborating with her body in the tradition of generative somatics and embodied spiritual practices under the supervision and support of a coach since 2011. The practices she will share in this session have been a significant and growing part of her personal journey, grieving process and ministerial life. With permission, she has shared some of these practices as a religious professional, in integrative work with theological students, in Sunday services and in small groups.
Q: What type of things can I bring to work on?
A: Have something in mind - a past experience, an intention, an image, a physical pain - that you may want to explore, but it is OK to hold this gently or ambivalently or skeptically. Some examples: a death, a childhood trauma, a weird interaction with a peer, a resentment, an achy shoulder, twitchy eye, wanting to feel better, wanting to be more rested, self-doubt, numbness, changing roles, something or activity you're "done with." An experience may be something that happened yesterday, a year ago or a decade ago (or more) that's still with you in some noticeable way. It could be something you've dealt with in psychotherapy or some other way, or you'd like to. It is also perfectly fine to just be curious and have no specific item in mind to work with/on.
Q: Will I have to share specifics about experiences I've had with other participants or the leader?
A: No. There are opportunities to share briefly aloud or in the text chat, but most of our time will be spent in practice. Sharing, venting, and getting situation-focused support is important. This practice session is designed to offer attendees the opportunity to collaborate with the body to create safety and space in consciously completing an ending. You can withhold all details or context about your ending and still fully participate, receiving the full benefit of the session.
Q: What does this practice session have to do with countering white supremacy?
A: White supremacy culture reinforces the idea that anything uncomfortable should be pushed away. The ways in which we numb out to change or move hurriedly to the next task use significant energy. Our energy resources are precious materials for working against racism and oppression and for embodying joy and liberation from the oppressions that marginalize us or the people we love. We can practice welcoming discomfort as a space of growth/learning by giving ourselves and our bodies more support in important endings. Working on our personal endings can also help us connect directly and more deeply to the grief of the world and our planet. From Generative Somatics website: "The mission of generative somatics is to grow a transformative social and environmental justice movement -- one that integrates personal and social transformation, creates compelling alternatives to the status quo and embodies the creativity and life affirming actions we need to forward systemic change."
Q. What kind of technology requirements are there?
A: For best use, I suggest plugging in and testing headphones, optimizing your internet connection (shut off competing electronics like TV, Alexa, Google home, PS4, etc that use internet), checking the lighting in your space for glares or lowlight in your webcam, and reducing noise in your surroundings. Also, before we meet, you can test your tools and internet connection with Zoom here.
Past Zoom Event: The Gift of a Good Ending
Four different options (all the same content):
Wednesday, June 26 10-11am (P)/1pm-2pm (E)
Thursday, June 27 5-6pm (P)/8-9pm (E)
Monday, July 1 5-6pm (P)/8-9pm (E)
Thursday, July 11 11:30am-12:30pm (P)/2:30-3:30pm (E)
A practice session for UUMA members for embodying good endings.
Zoom information provided after registration completed.
To register:
1. Read the "Some Questions Answered" section below.
2. Check your calendar for time zone and scheduling conflicts.
3. Send me a message in the contact box at the bottom of the page with your date preferences.
4. Send a meaningful donation to BLUU, using the instructions below and retain a copy or screenshot of your donation.
1. Read the "Some Questions Answered" section below.
2. Check your calendar for time zone and scheduling conflicts.
3. Send me a message in the contact box at the bottom of the page with your date preferences.
4. Send a meaningful donation to BLUU, using the instructions below and retain a copy or screenshot of your donation.
