Moving for Minds - A day-long online movement and wellness festival to raise money to support mental health for Black people and People of Colour in the UK.

Free for people identifying as Black people or People of Colour. Others pay what you can through donations (from £1).

Pop in for one session or come along for the day!

A day festival of fabulous movement, wellness and other modalities to choose from - Dance, Nia Technique, Yoga, Sound-bath, African Drumming and Dance, Meditation, Gentle Movement, breathing and more. So come along and improve your well-being (physical and mental) at one or more of the gorgeous offerings.

Sessions suitable for all abilities and no prior experience needed. Some of the sessions are not open to USA or Canada based people, but only where specifically stated (for insurance reasons).

We will have three Festival Tents open and running throughout the day. Book your ticket to get access to the Online Event Page which will have the programme and links you need to access all the tents.

Tent 1 - Healing Tent (Open to Black people and People of Colour only)

Tent 2 – Movement Tent (Open to all)

Tent 3 – Wellness Tent (Open to all)

Tent 1 - Healing Tent (Open to Black people and People of Colour only)

11:00 Kim Loliya - Group Therapy

12:00 Kim Loliya - Group Therapy

13:00 Kim Loliya - Group Therapy

15:00 Naima – EFT Session

18:00-19:30 Kim Loliya – Decolonising Mental Health

(Schedule subject to change, more details about session and leaders below.)

Tent 2 - Movement Tent (Open to all)

09:00 Khyal Arts - ChutneySOCA

10:00 Simon Samaki Osagie (Speaker Box Street Party) – Street Party! Simple Hip Hop, Party moves, Funk and Latin Groove

11:00 Amarnah Amuludun - Yoga Flow

12:00 Iris Mir – Pilates Flow

13:00 Naima - Nia for Creative Self Expression

14:00 Chris Ashworth – Breath Club – Mindfulness, Stretching and Guided Breathing

15:00 Fiona Winter - Wonder

16:00 Michele Kaye – Moving to Heal

17:00 Maria da Luz Ghoumrassi – African Fusion

18:00 Hilary Jeffries – Nia Dance

19:00 Phil Nowell – Latin Explosion

20:00 Various - Sharing Healing Words – Open Mic

(Schedule subject to change, more details about session and leaders below.)

Tent 3 - Wellness Tent (Open to all)

(Schedule subject to change, more details about session and leaders below.)

10:00 Cordelia Zafiropulo - The Jaw and Healthy Aggression

11:00 Cordelia Zafiropulo – Somatic Voice Workshop

13:00 Rick Neylan – Vibrational Sound Healing

14:00 Souleymane Compo – African Drumming

16:00 Tahra Anitya – Trauma Sensitive Meditation

17:00 – 19:00 Am I racist? A Discussion Group

Those who obtain a ticket will get access to the Zoom links for access. Tickets can be obtained/donated for in advance and until the end of the day of the event. Get your ticket now to be sure of a place.

#movingforminds #blackmindsmatter

Session Details and Session Leaders:-

Tent 1 - Healing Tent (Open to Black people and People of Colour only) :-

(Schedule subject to change, more details below.)

11:00 Kim Loliya - Group Therapy (Healing Tent)

(Open to all including USA or Canada based people)

A session that offers you an opportunity to access therapeutic support while being witnessed by others in a compassionate, non-judgmental and non-directive environment. The focus of the group is to be present with what arises and meet the moment as we are, with no requirement to be any different. Sharing emotions helps us process difficult experiences during this uncertain time and create new narratives of hope if we choose to. Each group will be limited to eight participants and group agreements will be in place to ensure the space remains safe for everyone.

Please note:- Acquiring your ticket does not guarantee entry to the session. The Zoom room will open 5 minutes before the start time of the session and only the first ten people in the waiting room will be admitted to the session. If you have any questions, please email hello@kimloliya.com

Facilitator: Kim Loliya is an integrative therapist, facilitator and trainer working with individuals, couples and groups with a particular interest in supporting black people and people of colour and indigenous people with their mental health and wellbeing. Kim's interests include grief, relationships, managing stress and working with sexual shame. You can find out more about Kim's work and connect with her on Instagram @blackpsychotherapy.

12:00 Kim Loliya - Group Therapy (Healing Tent)

(see listing for Group Therapy at 11:00 in this tent)

13:00 Kim Loliya - Group Therapy (Healing Tent)

(see listing for Group Therapy at 11:00 in this tent)

15:00 Naima – EFT Session (Healing Tent)

EFT, Emotional Freedom Techniques is a self-healing tool that involves tapping with the fingers on specific areas of the face, hands, and chest. It is easy to learn and yet powerful, providing the means to acknowledge, assess and process emotional blockages within the body. It is notably effective in the context of chronic pains, stress, and phobias.

Naima is a well-being practitioner based in Oxford. Trained in Reiki, EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique), Shiatsu, Yoga and Nia dance, she teaches self-healing techniques to help her clients overcome anxiety and depression. She organizes monthly workshops to raise awareness on codependency, childhood trauma, and domestic abuse. She offers free 30min Nia dance classes every day at 2 pm GMT and Saturday at 11 GMT. For a free consultation and other inquiries, contact her at naima@body-wisdom.co.

18:00-19:30 Kim Loliya – Decolonising Mental Health (Healing Tent)

A session to discuss and strategise around decolonising mental health within and outside of therapeutic settings.

For BIPOC folks colonialism plays a crucial role in what we feel and how we heal.

How we conceptualise mental health and understand our lived experience is framed by the racialised norms of the society we live in. This includes the labels and language used internally and externally, and our expectations of what healing looks like.

Due to white-dominated and euro-centric therapeutic practices, BIPOC folks often experience additional trauma as part of accessing support for their mental health. Whether it's feeling misunderstood, experiencing microaggressions or being forcefully detained, there is a long history of mental oppression that goes back hundreds of years.

Recognising these truths as we unlearn, resist and liberate our minds can be an empowering and healing process that is essential to our survival. Join our radical gathering where we will validate and inspire each other to caretake our mental health in decolonial, powerful ways.

Group agreements will be in place to ensure the space remains safe for everyone.

If you have any questions, please email hello@kimloliya.com

Facilitator: Kim Loliya is an integrative therapist, facilitator and trainer working with individuals, couples and groups with a particular interest in supporting black people and people of colour and indigenous people with their mental health and wellbeing. Kim's interests include grief, relationships, managing stress and working with sexual shame. You can find out more about Kim's work and connect with her on Instagram @blackpsychotherapy.

Tent 2 - Movement Tent (Open to all):-

(Schedule subject to change, more details below.)

09:00 Khyal Arts - ChutneySOCA (Movement Tent)

ChutneySOCA is a joyful, carnival-inspired dance-cardio class, fusing African- Caribbean styles with Bollywood - open to people of all ages and ability levels - offered by not-for-profit arts organisation, Khyal Arts.

Led by long-established dance practitioner, Vanessa Downie, Khyal Arts works to bring about cultural cohesion via a vibrant programme of accessible cultural activity and our unique classes fit within a bigger-picture vision of health, happiness and wellbeing.... so as to develop, nurture, and sustain the local community.

Specialising in Indian Dance and Music, we do wonderful things in our community whilst offering exciting activities based on the rich, vibrant and colourful culture of North India and our highly professional and warm and fun-loving artists have all performed widely, both nationally and internationally. Workshops and performance for Community, Education and Corporate organisations are highly inclusive, led by supportive, open-minded dance professionals and designed for those seeking inspiration or personal change.

Video:- www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlgqQA8ThWQ

You can connect with Khyal Arts at:Facebook: khyalarts or at www.khyalarts.org.uk

10:00 Simon Samaki Osagie (Speaker Box Street Party) – Street Party! Simple Hip Hop, Party moves, Funk and Latin Groove (Movement Tent)

Simon will be leading a class with a Street Party vibe - simple choreography, Hip Hop, Party moves, Funk and Latin Groove.

Simon is a dancer, DJ, political activist and creative consultant.

You can connect with Simon and find out more about him on Instagram @speakerboxstreetparty.

11:00 Amarnah Amuludun - Yoga Flow (Movement Tent)

In this class we will flow with the breath and body to open up and move energy around. We begin and end with a moment of calm, to tune in and reflect inwards. This class is suitable for all levels and can be modified to be more gentle or more challenging, depending on your needs.

Amarnah is a Freelance Professional Dancer, Teacher, Choreographer, Movement Director and Actress.

You can connect with Amarnah on Instagram @amarnahufuoma

Vimeo:- https://vimeo.com/297288074

12:00 Iris Mir – Pilates Workout to boost your creativity (Movement Tent)

This dynamic Mat Pilates Flow will challenge your coordination, balance, strength and focus. I will guide you through a mat pilates workout that will supercharge your productivity, boost your creativity and deepen the connection with your Self. It will also bring your energy levels up for the rest of the weekend!

Intuition, self-expression and awareness of the Self are just some of the many benefits of movement. I fell in love with Pilates because of the powerful effects that this practice has in my body and my mind. Pilates is a form of Intelligent Movement that challenges our physical and mental abilities by taking us beyond what we think is possible. It builds resilience through awareness and action, embarking practitioners in an endless journey of self-discovery, self-improvement and growth.

Influenced by my movement journey, I like to encourage people to enjoy moving as who they are rather than how they think things should be. I support individuals to navigate uncertainty through movement and productivity programs with a focus on diversity, inclusion and self-expression (www.irismir.net).

I am originally from Spain and moved to London recently after spending over a decade working in Hong Kong and Beijing.

13:00 Naima – Nia for Creative Self Expression (Movement Tent)

Using the Nia technique Naima will be leading a session to open the heart and root chakras, building strong foundations and stability while developing creative self expression. The intent is to bring playfulness and connection.

The Nia technique is a fitness-dance practice that integrates the conditioning and healing qualities of 3 movement arts; the power and precision of the martial art, the creativity, and self-expression of the dance art, and the pleasure and comfort the healing arts provide. It is adapted to any body type and abilities.

Naima is a well-being practitioner based in Oxford. Trained in Reiki, EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique), Shiatsu, Yoga and Nia dance, she teaches self-healing techniques to help her clients overcome anxiety and depression. She organizes monthly workshops to raise awareness on codependency, childhood trauma, and domestic abuse. She offers free 30min Nia dance classes every day at 2 pm GMT and Saturday at 11 GMT. For a free consultation and other inquiries, contact her at naima@body-wisdom.co.

14:00 Chris Ashworth – Breath Club – Mindfulness, Stretching and Breathing (Movement Tent)

(Open to all including USA or Canada based people)

Using an open mind and a little guidance we can step through the door to relaxation, being mindful we can bring ourselves into the moment and quieten the noise. By focusing on our breath, we can bring our body down from “high alert” and access the much needed “rest and digest” state. We are mindful, then we breathe, then we escape with a visualisation. It is all about slowing things down.

Preparation for the session – For the breath part of this session you will want to make yourself comfortable. You may like to sit in an armchair or lie down on a bed, the floor or on a mat. You want to be safely supported in case you fall asleep. You may like to have some cushions or pillows handy as well to allow yourself to adjust for more comfort. A blanket also helps to create warmth and more ease. To hear the instructions clearly you might like to use headphones or a speaker.

Hi, I’m Ash and I am the founder of Breath Club, I teach Pilates, am a Massage Therapist and have an obsession with breath work. I started life as a pro footballer, got injured and for 20 years did anything to earn money after that, my dreams were shattered. Luckily, I discovered my passion later in life which only makes me cherish it more. I love what I do want to share it.

You can connect with Ash at www.my-synapse.com on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ashpositivity Instagram @breathisthebridge

#breathclub #stretchclub

15:00 Fiona Winter – Wonder (Movement Tent)

Wonder is a mix of music, movement & magic to the amazing work of Stevie Wonder & Gregory Porter.

Fiona Winter…Energy Moves, uses The Nia Technique to inform her own offering designed to connect you to the music and the intrinsic Joy & magic that moving to music brings.

Fiona invites people of all ages and fitness levels to get in touch with fun, play and pleasure when they move. She has been practising her craft for nearly 40 years, and brings her knowledge and experience to create accessible movement experiences.

You can find out more about Fiona and her classes at www.fionawinter.com and https://www.facebook.com/Fionas-Energy-Moves-Online-102995864673151

16:00 Michele Kaye - Moving to Heal (Movement Tent)

(Not open to USA or Canada based people)

In this session we will bring awareness to sensation, to our movements, to measure. How do you want to move? Small or big, softly or with power? Moment by moment we are guided to make choices, for more comfort, more pleasure and ease. We move to feel, to heal.

If we listen to the body, we follow pleasure and comfort.

And the gift we get in return is health, joy and sustainability.

Suitable for everybody, whether standing or sitting. Adaptable for all levels of fitness and ability.

We dance to feel, to heal.

I am passionate about Nia. For the last 11 years of teaching Nia, this has been my most treasured practice, my source of movement medicine for body and soul. I can say that my overall wellbeing, fitness and energy levels are at an all time high. Teaching Nia is an ongoing opportunity for me to contribute to all people in a dynamic and holistic way. Come join in the fun. I look forward to meeting you.

Find out more about Michele and her offerings at www.michelekaye.com

17:00 Maria da Luz Ghoumrassi – African Fusion (Movement Tent)

This class provides an opportunity to connect to our breath, bodies and spirit. The session follows a holistic approach using principles and practices drawn from the African Diaspora, western as well as non-western traditions.

We begin working with breath and alignment of the spine and connect to our roots and the energy from the earth.

We use dance technique, movement exploration and improvisation, allowing emotion to be expressed through our physicality.

No previous dance experience required.

Please wear comfortable clothing, bare feet preferable for connection with the earth.

Maria da Luz Ghoumrassi is a dancer, educator and choreographer working through multidisciplinary techniques from around the world to develop Intercultural Awareness Performance.

She is the artistic director of DaLuzDance and has presented numerous works in various venues. She has performed in the original cast of The Lion King, including Kokuma Dance Theatre and Tate Modern.

Her research into the relationship between body, mind, spirit and identity has led to the development of A Tree Without Leaves, a dance piece examining the meaning of womanhood in contemporary society, using movement, drawing, singing and storytelling. The concept behind the work is born as a response to a Chad proverb: ‘A Tree Without Leaves is like a Woman Without Children’. Blessing Our Bodies emerged from this creative process exploring the constant struggle we face between our identity and societal expectations.

Videos:-

https://vimeo.com/329342059

https://www.sparetyre.org/watch-and-listen/tree-without-leaves-trailer

https://www.sparetyre.org/watch-and-listen/production-shots-from-a-tree-without-leaves

18:00 Hilary Jeffries – Nia Dance (Movement Tent)

(Not open to USA or Canada based people)

Girls' Night Out is a delicious mix of easy to follow moves set to the wondrous sound of Candy Dulfer.

Hello, I'm Hilary, I have been teaching Nia for 20 years. My previous work included that of Person Centred counsellor and cardiac rehab instructor.

There is so much about Nia that really touches me. On a personal level I love the freedom and form that Nia brings, meaning that my body can follow steps in her own way and also be free to celebrate the glorious freedance element of Nia. My own body and spirit have also experienced the healing moves of Nia. On a professional level I enjoy the community of my classes, the acceptance for all which Nia promotes. When I observe my students moving in ways which feel good for them and deepening that connection with their own bodies, I am thrilled beyond measure.

You are very welcome to contact me about online classes:-

hilary.jeffries@btopenworld.com

www.facebook.com/NiaSouthManchester

19:00 Phil Nowell – Latin Explosion (Movement Tent)

In this session Phillipa will invite you into a tent full of gorgeous Latin rhythms where you can enjoy a delicious selection of Latin inspired moves or dance freely to your heart's content. Come and ignite your passion for dance!

Phil Nowell is a Blue Belt Nia Teacher who teaches Nia online in three classes a week. Phil is also the organiser of Moving for Minds. You can connect with Phil at https://nianow.com/user/398 or on Facebook at Nia in Twickenham.

20:00 Various – Sharing Healing Words – Open Mic (Movement Tent)

Bring your healing words! This is an Open Mic event to invite you to bring your words and share them with others – spoken, read, sung, poetic or otherwise – all are welcome.

This is a beautiful space to bring your words in any form. Everyone is welcome, whether you have words to share or you want to listen, we’ll create a cosy room where our words will weave healing all around us, holding, uplifting and creating community for greater wellbeing.

Tent 3 - Wellness Tent (Open to all):-

(Schedule subject to change, more details below.)

10:00 Cordelia Zafiropulo - The Jaw and Healthy Aggression (Wellness Tent)

During this session we'll explore the relationship between your jaw and the pelvic floor. The jaw has some of the strongest muscles in the body, the muscles of mastication. These muscles are connected to healthy aggression and defending one’s territory. Tension that is habitually held in the jaw is connected to shut down anger and withheld our expression. In this session you'll learn how to open your jaw while sensing your body deeply. You'll notice the profound connection between the muscles of mastication and how they hold or release tension and how this impacts your pelvic floor and the rest of your body. This work is especially useful if you're holding tension in your jaw, if you grind your teeth, or repress anger and hold on to resentment. By working with your jaw you'll connect deeply to your body and the self that resides in your body. You'll open up your breath and understand more clearly where you're holding on to tension and how to release that.

Cordelia’s passion for embodiment came through her background in performing arts/opera. Her profound understanding of the psychological and physical mechanisms of the voice enables her to teach people how to use their own voice as a catalyst for healing and embodiment. Somatic voice work is not about how you sound, it is about how you develop and inhabit your voice. After years of working with voice & expression she started her own business You & Your Voice to help people connect to their core, find their voice and become more fully expressed.

You can follow Cordelia on

Facebook @somaticvoice

Facebook @Youandyourvoice

Instagram Cordelia Zafiropulo

Linked-In You & Your Voice

Linked-In Cordelia Zafiropulo

11:00 Cordelia Zafiropulo - Somatic Voice Workshop (Wellness Tent)

During this session you'll experience the nourishing effect your voice can have on your body and soul. Often we use our voice in ways that leave us feeling depleted. Used correctly your voice can become a tool for self-soothing, that replenishes you from the inside. In this session we'll be doing meditative vocal exercises that signal your body and nervous system to relax profoundly. You'll experience the innate healing quality of your own voice and understand what to focus on while making sound. Somatic Voice work is a fast track way to access meditative states of consciousness. It's very different from breath work in that it works with sound waves and involves the social engagement system. We'll also include some relational sound exercises to explore our voice in connection to each other, beyond language.

This work is especially useful if you're suffering from anxiety, lack confidence, you're super stressed, or just cannot switch off. By working with the voice you'll connect to a deeper part of yourself that resides in your body,and connecting to this place is like coming home.

Cordelia’s passion for embodiment came through her background in performing arts/opera. Her profound understanding of the psychological and physical mechanisms of the voice enables her to teach people how to use their own voice as a catalyst for healing and embodiment. Somatic voice work is not about how you sound, it is about how you develop and inhabit your voice. After years of working with voice & expression she started her own business You & Your Voice to help people connect to their core, find their voice and become more fully expressed.

You can follow Cordelia on

Facebook @somaticvoice

Facebook @Youandyourvoice

Instagram Cordelia Zafiropulo

Linked-In You & Your Voice

Linked-In Cordelia Zafiropulo

13:00 Rick Neylan – Vibrational Sound Healing (Wellness Tent)

Only open to people from the UK (for insurance reasons)

Relax & immerse yourself with this vibrational healing sound bath

Let yourself go as the different sounds wash over & around you taking you on a healing journey. I will be using Gongs, Tibetan Singing bowls, Drums, Rattles, Crystal bowls, Tuning Forks & more to give an enjoyable relaxing healing session

Bio

My name is Rick Neylan I am a trained sound healer graduating from the international sound healing academy. I am also a trained sound engineer where I learned all about the dynamics & the effects of sound waves, I was awakened, more than 20 years ago, to follow my calling & help others with complimentary healing techniques. For the past 20 years I have been following my passion, travelling around the world learning different healing techniques from indigenous healers & teachers which has helped me utilise the incredible healing & transformative power of sound.

I can be contacted at shingas988@gmail.com or rickney8@gmail.com- Unfortunately my sound healing website Shinga Sound Healer is currently down, but a new one will be up & running very shortly

Facebook - Shinga Sounds

14:00 Souleymane Compo - African Drumming and Body Percussion (Wellness Tent)

Bring your bodies (and your drums if you have them) to join Souleymane for an exploration of West African rhythms (no experience needed, no drums needed!).

Souleymane Compo teaches and performs with Wuntanara (which means 'we are together') which provides African drumming and dance workshops in schools, as well as regular classes and workshops for adults. Wuntanara organises African drumming and dance holidays in West Africa, as well as exhilarating live performances and community, corporate and private events.

You can find out more about Souleymane and Wuntanara at www.wuntanara.com.

16:00 Tahra Anitya - Trauma Sensitive meditation (Wellness Tent)

Trauma Sensitive meditation is an excellent starting point for people who have never meditated before and also a lovely way for experienced meditators to look for ease in practice. Whether you identify as a person who has trauma or not, Trauma Sensitive Meditation is a way to look for what is grounding and comforting, and if ready to extremely gently begin to incorporate and release what is trickier for us emotionally, physically and spiritually. Trauma Sensitive Meditators are the Captains of their own body-mind 'pirate ship' - using the sessions and suggestions to learn to lead and shape their own practice and 'sail their own internal ocean'. For many people finding anything at all in our bodies or environment which supports us to rest and regulate the nervous system can be challenging; this sadly is normal and nothing to be ashamed of. We will work to find ways to move towards and/or stay within our 'window of tolerance', the place from which we are freer to make choices, unpack our inner worlds and be available to our senses and the external world.

We will be working with the aims of increasing capacity for relaxation, pleasure and resilience in the body, and increasing clarity. Tahra's meditation facilitation style is about where our experience of ourselves and the oppressive society we live in meets our own innate wisdom and the divine. Tahra has been meditating and teaching small groups for ten years, including around 200 days in silent retreat space, and practicing with an OTT number of different emotionally and meditatively focussed techniques - practical and straight-forward only: they'll be no manifesting or idealogical spiritual bypassing.Tahra is a white british, working class, pangender survivor.

You can find Tahra and more Trauma Sensitive Meditation on Facebook at 'The Radical Empath'

17:00 – 19:00 Am I racist? A Discussion Group (Wellness Tent)

A discussion group for people who are ready to explore looking at this question – Am I racist?

Phil Nowell will host this but the attendees will cocreate and hold the space together. Using the unconference model, we will first brainstorm topics for discussion and the way we want to manage the discussion, ourselves and the space.

The size will be limited to the first ten people to join the zoom room.