An online workshop combining mindful movement and expressive art, which helps you to:

• feel grounded and calm
• express non-verbal feelings/sensations/thoughts using art materials
• tap into embodied creativity
• gain insights into yourself and others

Workshop Format

We'll do a brief (about 5 to 10 minutes) check in to begin with and then move into the first part of the workshop.

The first part (about 20 to 25 minutes) of the workshop involves some gentle, chair-based movements, which can be done with your eyes closed or open. Every movement is an invitation and you can choose whether to do the movement, or not, or do a different movement. You'll be invited to note sensations, based on Julia's authentic experience, and it might be that you don't feel a sensation or you feel one somewhere else.

In the second part (about 30 minutes) of the workshop you'll be invited to use any materials you have at home to make something of your choosing, which could be based on your movement experience, or could be something else entirely. If you feel critical of your creative skills, you can choose to use your non-preferential hand to make your creation to ease the self-criticism. You might choose a biro and a piece of paper, or sewing textiles or making a sculpture of household objects.

The third part (about 10 - 20 minutes) of the workshop is where we share our experiences, if we want to. There is no pressure. Julia holds the space in a nonjudgmental, empathic way so that you can safely share your experience.

Based in the principles of Trauma Sensitive Yoga, the mindful movements are trauma informed. This workshop is not therapy, although it may feel therapeutic. If you have experienced hospital admission within the last six months for trauma-related crisis, this workshop is not suitable for you.

Feedback from previous sessions:

There will be a few minutes at the end to give feedback, if you choose to. Feedback from previous sessions:

"I’m a big planner, am by no means an artist and am very critical of myself. However, I’ve found these sessions extremely freeing and I’ve been able to let my hands create with no plans and no self-criticism. Each session I’ve just picked up the materials and done whatever comes immediately to mind. No structure, no thinking, no judgement."

"Feeling a lot calmer and more grounded. Freed from some negative emotions. It's affirming regarding not just my life, but life."

"Combination of movement with creativity helped me be in my body and not think."

"Liked the structure and how you guided us. Nice balance of working alone and you guiding."

"I felt more relaxed and left stresses behind."

"I felt more relaxed, and conscious/aware of the 'space'; more grounded."

"I felt grounded. It was calming. My anxiety faded."

Where?

The workshop will be held online via Zoom. You will be emailed a link when you book your ticket. This means you can attend the workshop in the safety of your own home. You'll need to find a quiet space with a chair and have the materials handy that you want to use for the creative part of the session.

When?

The workshop starts at 7pm so it might be a good idea to arrive in your designated space about 6.55pm so we can start on time.

Questions?

Feel free to contact Julia if you have questions.