Be the Change - Improvising Towards Justice

𝗕𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲: 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗼𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲 @ 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿, 𝟭𝟴𝟯 𝗘𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗥𝗱 𝗪𝗮𝗹𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹, 𝗡𝗬 𝗦𝗘𝗣𝗧𝗘𝗠𝗕𝗘𝗥 𝟮𝟲 - 𝟮𝟴 𝗥𝗘𝗚𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗘: www.wildheartcenter.art/be-the-change-improvising-towards-justice This is a space to practice liberation not just as an idea, but as a felt experience—starting in the body, moving through community, and rippling outward into change. In a world that often asks us to harden, hurry, and conform, how do we stay soft, present, and powerful? We invite you into a moving sanctuary—an embodied space where we root into our inner wisdom, awaken resilience, and explore how transformation begins from within. Guided by the principle of innervism—Elizabeth Lesser’s term for a soul-centered activism that starts with inner awareness and emotional honesty—we will turn toward our own bodies, stories, and truths. From this grounded place, we’ll explore how to move with each other and toward justice through practices like: * Contact improvisation & authentic movement * Movement in nature * Partner and group explorations that center consent, care, and curiosity * Restorative practices to resource our hearts and nervous systems * Visioning exercises to imagine and embody the future we’re seeding Bring your questions, your grief, your joy, and your longing for a more just world. This space welcomes seasoned movers and folks who are new to improvisation, as well as people of all bodies and identities. ____________________ 𝗪𝗵𝗼 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿? This retreat is for folks who would like to incorporate somatic practices into their activism, and who would like to connect with others in transforming the harmful impact of systems of oppression on the body, heart and community. We will be moving in contact with each other, in solo movement, and outside. We will do verbal relational practices and simple ritual. We welcome people of all abilities and identities. ____________________ 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀: 𝗠𝗼𝘁𝗶 𝗭𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗹𝗺𝗮𝗻 Based in Western Massachusetts, Moti has been facilitating groups centered in Contact Improvisation, somatic practices and consent for over 30 years across the USA, Canada, Costa Rica, Mexico, Israel, and Europe. His teachings emphasize the importance of cultivating a deep and embodied sense of presence, as well as developing a compassionate, non-judgmental relationship with oneself. His workshops and classes provide a space for individuals to explore movement and embodiment in a supportive, non-competitive environment, and are open to adults of all genders, backgrounds, and levels of experience. Over many years, Moti has sought to integrate communication and intimacy skills into both teaching and life. Tools he incorporates into his teachings include: Non-violent Communication, Authentic Movement, Byron Katie’s “The Work,” and Betty Martin’s “Wheel of Consent.” www.consentientbeings.com www.contactimprov.com 𝗧𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮 𝗟𝘆𝗼𝗻𝘀 Taina is a holistic mental health counselor, somatic ritualist, dance teacher, mother, and educator. In her private practice, Emerge Holistic Therapy, she works with individuals and couples seeking support for emotional and relational challenges. For over 15 years, Taina had been facilitating groups, including spaces for grief support, nature connection, ancestral repair, rites of passage, and consent. Her work with groups and individuals is informed by Ancestral Lineage Healing, Circling, Internal Family Systems Therapy, Contact Improvisation, Animist Ritual, and Buddhist meditation practices. Taina’s capacity for intuitive guidance supports her students’ unique growth, healing, and clarity of self. She centers gentle, deep inquiries into purpose, truth, and connection. Taina incorporates traditional knowledge and practices from her ancestral lineages originating in Finland, Italy, Ireland, Lithuania, and the Balkans, as well as teachings that have been gifted from lineages other than her own. Taina has a private practice, Emerge Holistic Therapy, seeing clients in Southern VT and online. She created a board game, “Spiralaika,” for teens and adults who work with teens, which guides players through a themed sharing and activity circle. She and her partner Moti co-founded a consulting business, Consentient Beings, and provide trainings in consent, communication and embodiment. www.emergeholistictherapy.com www.spiralaika.com www.consentientbeings.com ____________________ 𝗥𝗲𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 WildHeart is located on 46+ beautiful acres in the Hudson Valley. Retreatants will have the option to stay in a single room, double room, dorm, or camping in either our main retreat center or in private two-bedroom cabins. All options have access to shared kitchens and bathrooms. Daily events will take place in the studio, shared common spaces, and outdoors. Retreatants are welcome to enjoy the lawns, walk in the forest, and swim and boat in the lake during their stay! ____________________ 𝗕𝗜𝗣𝗢𝗖 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘁𝘀 We are offering 2 free spots for BIPOC folx. Please fill in the registration form and select the option from the pricing tier drop down. Please email [email protected] if you have any questions.