—Courtesy of Melissa Tibay

The Deeper Work.

During this class, we will use movement to explore tension we hold in our bodies and tension that may come from an external source. Please wear clothes that are comfortable to move in and have your shoes off. You will also need space around you, and if you think you may need any assistance with balance, please have a chair nearby or be close to a wall.

Below, you will find the playlist suggested for this class. You also can do this class in silence or with your choice of quiet music.

Suggested Playlist:

Music from the album “Rivers Arms” by Balmorhea

1. The Summer

2. Limmat

3. Baleen Morning

4. Lament

5. Theme No. 1

6. Windansea

7. San Solomon (reprise)

8. Barefoot Pilgrims

Special Note* (please read):

In the process of this class, you may discover something new about yourself and have emotions rise to the surface that surprise you. This is normal considering we are adept at using defense mechanisms while speaking, but we are not as proficient in this when it comes to moving our bodies. For this reason, the unconscious is able to surface, which can be uncomfortable and at times may feel unmanageable.

If you find that what rises to the surface feels beyond your ability to manage in the moment, I encourage you to take a break from the class and focus on breathing slowly until you come to a more calm state. Know that you have uncovered some important information which may point to a need for deeper healing.

The next step would be to seek out support. Just as you would go to a doctor for an injury or work with a personal trainer to become more physically fit, it is important to find the mental and emotional support you need as well. This often comes in the form of therapy. Therapists are there to assist individuals in navigating challenges and working towards healing. I encourage you to utilize this resource that is available to you. In doing so, you will be able to process and let go of the tension that you are holding in your body which is impacting you negatively.

If you are unsure if you need therapy, know that there is a reason those emotions came to the surface, and that it is important not to ignore signals coming from your body (just as you would not ignore a sprained foot). So, if what you experience feels unmanageable, I encourage you to make an appointment with a therapist to decide together on what is needed. If therapists are not available in your area, there is online therapy, which can be found through a simple, online search.

*Disclaimer: This is not a therapy session and is not intended to replace therapy.

Workshop Homepage.