About this Event
About Held
Held is a 90-minute experiential somatic workshop and an invitation to slow down, soften, connect, and explore what it feels like to receive support.
Many of us have become very good at giving support, helping, caring, showing up, carrying responsibility, and holding things together. Receiving can feel very different sometimes even threatening. We may know support is available and still find it difficult to lean into it, ask for it, or allow ourselves to truly experience being held by another.
During Held, we will gently explore our relationship with support: How easily do I give? What happens in my body when I receive? Can I soften some of the effort of carrying everything alone?
Through simple somatic practices, guided reflection, gentle movement, breath and sound, we will explore H.E.L.D.
H — Holding less
Noticing where you are carrying, bracing, or holding tension, effort; and discover where you can soften.
E — Experiencing support
Moving from knowing support exists as a concept to actually sensing it.
L — Leaning into Support and Connection
Becoming aware of the tension, pressure, and stories you carry around support, while rediscovering that reaching out is both a choice and a birthright. Being with others while remaining connected to yourself.
D — Discovering belonging
Experiencing what becomes possible when you don't have to do everything alone.
No previous experience with somatic work is needed. There is nothing to perform, achieve, or get right. Come as you are and participate at your own pace.
We arrive carrying ourselves, discover support, practice receiving it, and leave having become part of someone else's support.
Held is also a fundraising gathering, all proceeds supporting my godson Mateo and his family as they pursue an important medical treatment. As we explore what it means to receive support ourselves, we also have the opportunity to become part of the support surrounding a little one as he works toward taking his first steps in life.
It takes a village. Thank you for being ours!
Event venue & nearby stays
Stan Mansion, 2408 North Kedzie Boulevard, Chicago, United States
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.