The Body Knows: Somatic Movement + Embodied Resource

“ I am amazed by the afterglow effect it left on my life.” 

“Absolutely incredible, life changing session”

"It gave me the courage to put the map down and explore the territory for myself." 

The Body Knows Immersion is a body-based self study & group learning journey. 

In a time where many of us are again, or still, experiencing limitations with embodiment and playful, pleasurable self-expression, an embodied self-care practice can support our wellbeing, ground us and remind us of the freedoms that we always have.

This online six week immersion will help you develop the practical skills to tune into your whole-self using creative somatic interventions & body based practice to vitalize your Nervous System's resiliency, reduce anxiety and begin to redefine your relationship to joy & pleasure.

Through verbal group processing, non-verbal somatic and physical embodiment practices you will tap into your body's natural urges, desires, fears and creativity to increase sensitivity, emotional awareness and confidence.

As your listening skills develop you will get to know yourself in new ways, and have a better understanding of who you are and what you need.

What is somatic resourcing?

Somatic Resourcing is the practice of inviting our mind/body to attune to sensations of safety or goodness, however small they may be. The process of attending to a felt sense of “goodness/okayness,” begins the process of teaching our nervous system that it can experience stress, and then come back to a state of calm. 

One of the foundational practices guided on the course is an exercise from Organic Intelligence called ‘Orientation to pleasure practice.’

 Overview 

• You will have one 60 minute 1-2-1 Body - Oriented Coaching session with Dani to support you over the course.
• Each week you will receive a detailed follow up email & video recap of the practices we covered from each theme. 
• You learn the practical meaning of; Somatic awareness, The Felt Sense and nervous system self/co-regulation.
• You will have the opportunity to share in smaller groups to form deeper connections & group support.
• There will be a mixture of embodied practices, such as movement and meditation, theatre games as well as sharing circles and rituals.
• It’s encouraged to have a movement journal to document your practice. This can be written, drawn,  recorded via voice notes or video or a mixture of all these mediums. 
   

Practices & theories we will draw inspiration from

• Active Listening & Journalling
• Alexander Technique
• Focusing & Orientation Practice 
• Systemic  Ideas & Approach 
• Imagination & Somatic Resourcing
• Lecoq The Moving Body: Acting, Clown, Improvisation
• Authentic Movement & Gaga Dance

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Structure

WEEK 1- Sensing

Opening our embodied sanctuary by turning on our senses; noticing the subtle details and unique textures that each one brings. 

This week we lay the fertile ground for our somatic - embodiment journey together. You will learn somatic practices inspired by Feldenkrais and Taoism, and receive an in depth practical introduction to somatic movement meditation.

Keywords: Discovery, subtlety, fertility, rebuilding, playfulness, creating space.

WEEK 2 - Play 

Leaping into liminal space and tasting what it means to embody your creativity!

In this session you will explore embodied creativity, connection, surprise and risk. You will playfully discover deep contact with yourself and others by learning light and playful techniques drawn from clowning, improvisation and theatre. We will celebrate our fallible and imperfect bodies as the main portal for spontaneity, authenticity and meaning. You will discover the role of body impulses and emotions in tension release, self-expression and presence, and reflect on the role and position of our inner child - like expression through learning, healing and play.  

Keywords: Wild Play, expansiveness, unblocking, clowning, transformation, release, taking space, empowerment.
 

WEEK 3 - Rewilding

Using nature and imagination as a resource for embodied change. 

Here we research how malleable we can actually be & how things like self limiting beliefs or negative self-talk literally shape us. Using practices from acting methodology, nature connection, authentic movement & ritual you will learn how to rewire your body language through imagination and nature. You will dig deeper into your embodied wisdom to let go, shift and make space for your intuitive self to emerge.

Keywords:  Ritual, co-creation, staccato, meditation, reflection, nature, imagination, harvesting.

WEEK 4 - Pleasure & Sensuality

Pleasure is your birthright. 

Welcome to your sensual sanctuary; a place for you to gently practice sensing what feels good. This week we weave together our learnings so far through verbal processing and non verbal somatic techniques to connect or reconnect to your experience of pleasure; this is the celebration of what it means to be human, feeling the pleasures in life whilst also acknowledging the lack of pleasure in our lives and how we can nourish this part of our being. 

Living in a results - base society it’s easy to neglect or reject our right to pleasure. Our bodies then adapt and we find we can no longer feel pleasure when we want to and might even experience numbness or pain. Our bodies are however wise and can always adapt again with practice and time.
 

Keywords: Self - Love, acceptance, bliss, sensuous, grief, release, inner knowing.

WEEK 5 - Rest 

Dreaming and deeply listening to what our bodies truly need from moment to moment.

This week we will surrender to what it means to rest. Gentle and tender somatic movement, self massage and deep soma meditative states. We will come together in community and kinship to share our experience and challanges in feeling our bodies need to rest in a society that is constantly ‘doing’.  We will practice embodied tools to soothe and calm your nervous system and discuss the experience to discover what works for your unique system. 

Keywords:  Surrender, Softness, deep listening, stillness, somatics, group processing
 

WEEK 6 - Integration

Our final week together to reflect and begin to pause for integration.  It is a ripe place to feel into the delicate tendrils of realisation, understand how to metabolize epiphanies and connect the dots between subtle insights. We will weave together your needs for this time and structure what you will put in place to support your integration.

 Note; It is advised to book the following day off so that you can fully drop into your integration process

Keywords: Sharing discoveries and learnings, journaling, ritual, reflection, closing circle

This course may be of benefit if you are

• Feeling disconnected from your mindbody, nature, play and pleasure.
• You are wanting to learn in community and have accountability to practice embodied wellbeing.
• Are wanting to create your own embodiment - somatic practice or add to your already existing one.
• Seeking new ways to unlock creative or emotional blockages that are holding you back and want to create more space for self development.
• Wanting to give your body some self love and attention, to feel fit and healthy whilst having fun too!
• You're a yoga teacher, therapist or body worker and are seeking a supportive place to practice your existing skills with like minded people.

Is this course for you?

• This course is fully inclusive and valuable to everyone regardless age (18+), ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation and experience, religious beliefs, income and otherwise. 
• Although this course can be therapeutic, it is not therapy. Whilst we set up a container that enables trust and honesty, we ask everyone to take responsibility for their experience. Please speak to your therapist or health professional if you have experienced abuse or trauma through touch or otherwise before you decide to take this course.
• No previous experience needed with The Body Knows courses, workshops or similar.

About Your Facilitator: Dani Tonks

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Hi there! My name is Dani, I live in North Bristol, though my roots lie in the West Midlands. My pronouns are she/her and I'm proudly neurospicy.

I come from a working-class background, with ancestry that traces back to my  maternal grandparents from Northern Ireland.  My families stories, resilience, privileges and complexities have influenced my journey, shaping my passion for creating inclusive spaces where people  can connect and grow. My work is grounded in honoring personal stories and celebrating the strength that comes from lived experience.

I am a trauma-informed Somatic Coach, trained actor, dancer, and workshop facilitator. Currently, I’m studying Systemic Psychotherapy at the University of Bath as part of a 4 year MA.  Alongside my private coaching practice I work part-time as a Recovery Navigator within the mental health sector in Bristol.

Although I work less in the performing arts professionally these days I still enjoy exploring my personal creative landscape, which remains a meaningful and therapeutic outlet for me.

With over 15 years of practical experience in somatic and embodiment work, I’ve developed a playful yet sensitive approach that draws from a variety of disciplines, including acting, contemporary dance, psychotherapy, somatics, ritual, meditation, and clowning.

I am the founder of The Body Knows (formerly known as Wild Play Lab), where I curate workshops and retreats, facilitating the unfolding of play and embodiment as powerful tools for self-transformation and wellbeing.

The Body Knows has collaborated with a range of incredible organisations across the UK, including Craigberoch.org, Novartis, Shape History, The Psychedelic Society, Medicine Festival, Soma Lab, House of Togetherness, Noisily Festival, Antidote, Poetry Café, Shine Charity, Beat Charity, and Bootstrap Charity.

In addition to this work, I’ve spent over 12 years as an international performer, director, and workshop facilitator, working extensively across film, theatre, radio, and TV. I’ve also toured internationally with self-devised shows.

Some of the organisations I’ve had the pleasure of working with include the BBC, The British Youth Filming Academy, Contact Theatre (Manchester), The Royal Exchange Youth Company (Manchester), CYAC (Contact Young Actors Company), and Blue Eyed Soul Dance Company.

Relevant Education & Training:

I have regular supervision, therapy and ongoing CPD.

• University of Bath - Systemic Psychotherapy AFT (currently training)
• Member of AFT (Association for Family Therapy and Systemic Practice)
• The Somatic School -  (ICF Accredited)
• Organic Intelligence® for Coaches Training
• Trauma Informed Facilitation with Bryony Beynon
• East 15 Acting School (BA Acting; Somatic & embodiment work, animal studies, archetypal work and Jungian Psychology, contemporary dance, clown, Meisner technique)
• Alexander Technique with Trish Baillie 1 yr (Manchester School Of Theatre)
• Tough Cookie Mental Resilience Training
• The British Youth Filming Academy (2 Years; movement/embodiment & voice training and acting for screen)
• Jon Davis Clowning School
• Teatr Pieśń Kozła / Song of the Goat Theatre (Poland, voice and prose,biomechanics, classical acting training)

Testimonials

"Absolutely incredible, life changing session. "  - Maggie.

"I am amazed by the afterglow effect it left on my life."  - Maram.

"Beautifully expansive, but also completely safe!" - Maddy LiInvestment

I offer three payment options to support people on a lower wage. If you consider yourself to be a high earner then paying an abundant option helps to subsidise places for people on lower incomes. We really appreciate your support.

If you feel strongly called to come but cannot afford early bird option, please get in touch and we can discuss a payment plan or bursary place (if available)  to support you.

Early Bird - £190

Standard - £255

T&C's for Payment Plans

The total course fee of £255 is payable in 4 installments one week before the course ends. No refunds are available; however, in extreme circumstances, transfers to the next course may be considered upon written request. Course access is granted upon payment of the first installment, and failure to comply with instalments may result in cancellation. If at any point you can't  keep up with payments please get in touch so we can discuss alternative options to support you.  Your purchase constitutes acceptance of these terms. Thank you.

EVENT DETAILS

You’ll need to create a free zoom account which you can set up here: zoom.us

DATES: Six consecutive Tuesdays. Each session is 7-8.45pm
TICKET PRICES: £195-255
DOORS OPEN: 18:55
NO ENTRY AFTER: 19:00 To avoid disruption to the event, latecomers may not be admitted.

ENQUIRIES: hello.danitonks@gmail.com 

REFUNDS POLICY: Please note, we do not arrange refunds or exchanges. When possible we encourage reselling on Ticketswap.

ACCESS:  We do our best to include everyone in our events, regardless of health circumstances. If you have access requirements please email the event organiser directly to discuss. Many facilitators are able to offer reduced ticket prices for those truly unable to afford the ticket price. If this applies to you, do please get in touch with the event organiser.

For PSYCHEDELIC KNOWLEDGE AND RESOURCES please check out the Psychedelic Society website. 

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