WTF IS SOMATICS: A beginners guide to embodied awareness

“An amazing evening of self-discovery, connection, silliness, play, expression, and a journey within.”

WTF IS Somatics?

Curious about what it really means to be embodied? 

Join somatic coach and educator Dani Tonks for this beginner-friendly online workshop that dives into the essence of somatics.

Through guided practices,  playful exploration and group discussion, you’ll learn how to connect with your body’s natural wisdom and cultivate these tools into daily life.

You will leave feeling relaxed and grounded. You will revisit a visceral reconnection with the needs of your body, a brand new capacity to innately listen and kindly love the self. Even just a little bit.

“Highly recommended loads of fun with some seriously hard-hitting benefits."

Acknowledgement 

This workshop acknowledges that the concept of embodiment is influenced by ancient practices, such as yoga and Buddhist philosophy, which have shaped its accessibility today. As a white woman inspired by diverse traditions, Dani believes it’s important to honor these roots while creating a space that is practical, inclusive, and respectful. This workshop is designed to be a safe and welcoming environment for all—black and brown folks, LGBTQ+ people, women, men, and individuals from all backgrounds. 

FAO

Is the workshop recorded?

Due to frequent request we are pleased to share that the workshop is now recorded. The recording will be sent to participants in form of a link and passcode 24 - 48hrs after the workshop. It will be available to view online for 3 months. It is not available to download.

This workshop has been designed to be interactive so please bare this in mind when purchasing.

Will there be movement or is it mostly sitting?

There will be movement and sitting. Wear comfortable clothes to you can move freely when needed

Can I join via mobile?

This workshop is best attended via a laptop not mobile.

 Practices We Explore 

Please note,the session is led intuitively by the facilitator and can differ depending on what questions and conversations arise and number of participants. 

• Active Listening & Journalling
• Focusing & Orientation Practice
• Free Play and Creativity 
• Imagination as Resource 
• Somatic Movement

This workshop may be of benefit if you are

• Feeling disconnected from your ‘bodymind’
• 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
• You have already attended a course  or workshop led by Dani and would like a refresh!
• You're a yoga teacher, therapist or body worker and are seeking a supportive place to practice with like minded people.

About Your Facilitator 

Dani Tonks: Somatic Coach, Educator & Artist

• Instagram
• LinkTree

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. Alongside my private coaching practice I work part-time  within the mental health sector and NHS 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, Homestead, Shape History, Spike Island Bristol, Medicine Festival, Love Jam, House of Togetherness, Noisily Festival, Shine Charity and Beat 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 Li

Investment

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 the low income option, please get in touch and we can discuss a payment plan to support you.

• Low income - £10
• Standard - £15
• Supporter - £20

EVENT DETAILS

You’ll need to create a free zoom account which you can set up here: zoom.us
DOORS OPEN: 19: 05
NO ENTRY AFTER: 19: 15 To avoid disruption to the event, latecomers may not be admitted.

ENQUIRIES: hello.dani.tonks@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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