From Polarization to Complexity and Joy
This class can be attended live or via the on-demand recordings. All class times are posted in Eastern Time / New York time zone.
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These Master Classes are offered exclusively for Embody Lab Members.
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ABOUT THIS MASTER CLASS
So much of our social and economic conditions are pulling for polarization, and are traumatizing. Mass shootings, climate crisis, an ever increasing gap between wealth and poverty, far right rhetoric and political "wins", and more. It can be overwhelming to name, much less, face and feel. Polarization is also a predictable and protective response to trauma and violence. In a stressed body, we move toward compartmentalization, polarization and shame/blame in an attempt to find safety or stabilization. One way we can view "cancel culture" in progressive movements is as a response to all these overwhelming pressures.
Given all of this, how do we orient ourselves in our times? In this class we explore how we can somatically hold complexity, get wider and more spacious, as another option. Together we'll try on accessing joy and possibility, while also connecting with what is devastating. Practicing being present with both. Sometimes when things are too much for an individual body, it requires the collective body to ground, find resilience, and process. This class will be a conversation and an experiential experiment in complexity, joy, and discovering choices amidst protective reactions.
ABOUT YOUR TEACHER
Staci K. Haines
Staci K. Haines’ latest book, The Politics of Trauma: Somatics, Healing and Social Justice (North Atlantic Press 2019) is based on her work to transform the impact of individual and systemic trauma, and strengthen the interdependence of personal and social transformation. She has been in the field of somatics and engaged in social justice work for over 25 years. She leads programs in somatics, trauma, and resilience, and embodied leadership for healers, social justice leaders, and social innovators. Staci is the co-founder and former Director of generative somatics (gs), a multiracial social justice organization bringing somatics to social and climate justice movements. Staci also founded generationFIVE, whose mission is to end the sexual abuse of children within five generations, using transformative justice approaches. Lastly, Staci is also the author of Healing Sex: A Mind Body Approach to Healing Sexual Trauma (Cleis 1999, 2007).
For more information visit: thepoliticsoftrauma.com.