Summer Reflections 2022
Miracles
Summer is finally here, triumphing at last over the cold, rainy spring.
And – it arrived – in full glory, in spite of these times which can be described as “Apocalyptic”. However, the Greek word “Apocalypsis” means ‘to unveil something and reveal its true nature’, according to Richard Rohr, a Christian Wisdom teacher I admire.
There are, in fact, blessings arising out of our recent and current tragic disasters. One is the recognition of how precious our relationships are, since we have been forced to be isolated for over two years. Another is a growing awareness of the fact that we live amongst a trillion inter-connected species! Novelist and environmentalist Barbara Kingsolver notes that this is a miracle hard to believe… but it is a truth behind the veil, which is being stripped away so we humans can experience the essential nature of creation for the first time in thousands of years.
During the past months I have been immersed in my garden, rather obsessively I admit. Because, there, as I dig, tend and commune, I can directly participate in the related interconnectedness of the species that live there, in community, with me. My body joins with theirs, and we dance together. I am cleansed, re-vitalized and inspired by the opulent beauty of this lush vigorous community which accepts me without question.
For me, the relationship of these trillion interconnected beings, including humans, is held within a net of love which is far stronger and more ancient than the divisive forces currently wreaking havoc on our world. Last week I saw a Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly and I knew in my cells that the sacred powers of life and freedom will flourish, eventually…
On a more immediate practical note, I will be teaching in person this summer, and am seriously considering teaching in person this fall. May it be so!
In the meantime, I send my love and gratitude to you with blessings for a safe, healthy and restorative summer.
Tannis
Ongoing Workshops
Contact Tannis for dates and locations.
Authentic Movement
In this introduction participants will learn the form of Authentic Movement. They will explore the roles of mover and witness to gain a deeper understanding and acceptance of their embodied experience in all areas of their lives.
Authentic Movement and Performance
Using Authentic Movement to access and manifest deeper levels of our selves, we may enrich our presence in performance, enhance creative exploration, and increase awareness and trust of the body. The form of Authentic Movement is especially useful for dancers and actors.
Moving Prayer
Our need to pray is as ancient and central to life as our breath. In this workshop, we listen to the prayers moving in and through our bodies using guided visualization and structured movement improvisation. By joining body, mind and spirit to dance our prayers, we celebrate ourselves and the earth as miracles of Creation.
Moving with Spirit: Ecstatic Body Postures and Authentic Movement
Learn to journey to the realms of Non-ordinary Reality using Ecstatic Body Postures and integrate the teachings of spirit into conscious awareness with Authentic Movement. Discovered by anthropologist Felicitas Goodman, Ecstatic Body Postures are a sacred technology used by our elders thousands of years ago to commune with the world of spirit for healing, divination, and ritual celebration. Now, to regain access to these realms, practitioners hold a posture from an early indigenous culture, accompanied by drum or rattle, and enter a visionary trance state. In this workshop, we will explore both practices to connect with our ancient roots and the guidance of spirit. Transformed by these gifts, we will feel our place in the web of life and a compassionate acceptance of all being.
Embodying the Roles We Play
This workshop begins by embodying our unconscious realms through Authentic Movement, inviting the emerging parts of ourselves to dance their roles. Then, using the playful tools of drama therapy, we will discover and enact the stories that wish to be revealed.
Hunger Spirit and the Body
A split between our bodies, minds, and spirits can leave us feeling profoundly starved. This workshop uses movement, art, and creative writing to investigate personal and cultural issues which prevent us from nourishing and loving ourselves. We will discover and enter the body’s wisdom, creating a path to heal.