The Listening Body
A practice that focuses on the trusting ourselves deeply. Cultivating a perceptive ability of the body, and use energy awareness to foster connection with the natural elements in the self, others, and our surroundings, essentially freeing the expression of how we exist from within.
The Listening Body
Cultivating Trust, Expression, and Authentic Connection
Overview
The Listening Body is a movement practice centered around cultivating trust—trust in our bodies, in our natural wisdom, and in the process of life itself. This practice invites you to explore your authentic self from the inside out, offering the freedom to express who you are without the constraints imposed by societal expectations. By learning to trust our bodies, we begin to trust ourselves on a deeper level, allowing our spontaneous, authentic voice to emerge.
In a world that often stifles individuality, The Listening Body challenges you to reconnect with your essence and flow with the ever-changing nature of life, just as nature itself is in constant transformation. It encourages participants to release old patterns that block self-expression and hinder a full engagement with life.
Approach
The practice begins with holistic movement techniques like Qi Gong, which activate energetic pathways and help the body express its needs. Through breathwork, sound, dance, meditation, and creative exercises, participants explore the connection between their inner world and the world around them.
The practice also incorporates relational awareness, using tools such as contact improvisation, somatic principles, healing touch, body therapy, and influences from tantric and martial arts. Engaging with others through movement, touch, and shared experience, we can better understand our own behavioral patterns and emotional responses. The body becomes a mirror for exploration—an avenue to observe, heal, and ultimately express ourselves more freely in daily life.
Essence
At its core, The Listening Body is about harmonizing with the constant changes in ourselves and the world. It’s a journey of self-discovery, trust, and authentic expression. Whether through individual practice or collective work with others, the aim is to reconnect with our true essence, free of constraint, and live with greater presence, confidence, and connection.
Movement
The principles I apply stem from my endeavor to seamlessly integrate energy awareness with movement practices, providing a pathway to connect with the entirety of our body, mind, and spirit.
Through cultivating body awareness, we discover the art of grounding ourselves in the physical realm while exploring our creative physical potential. By incorporating energy work, such as Qi Gong and meditation, we unite our physical and energetic bodies, fostering deeper wisdom, love, vitality, and imagination.
Some key principles include:
-
Gravity: Delving into the significance of gravity, we recognize its impact from the moment of birth, where the transition from a buoyant state in the womb to facing gravity can be seen as our initial encounter with trauma. By understanding and relearning our relationship with the ground, we aim to live with greater ease and release from the fear of falling.
-
Flow State: Together, we explore attaining a flow state of body, mind, and spirit, where life unfolds effortlessly. Embracing the present moment and aligning ourselves with our feelings and desires without resistance becomes the essence of this practice, revealing how our minds and bodies can harmonize.
-
Energy: In the realm of Chinese philosophy, Qi encompasses more than just air or vital life force; it represents the binding force of the universe. Practicing Qi Gong involves becoming aware of our own energy, fostering balance to feel connected to our bodies as part of the larger cosmos. Engaging with others in this practice emphasizes not only personal nourishment but also awareness of our connection to the external world.
A practice can be like a soft breeze or a wild wind
it depends on the state where you are
In the moment
Processing life
and all its wonders like clearing waters
we renew ourselves every moment