The ‘Body Wisdom Discoveries’ workshop I held in Accra in August 2019 involved empathetic touch, body scanning, movement from a body part that ‘called for the attention of the participants,’ drawing, writing and witness feedback.
Below are some testimonials from the participants following the session:
Did you enter the workshop with any expectations about your experience? If you did, how did the workshop match up to this? If you didn’t, what did you leave the workshop with?
I was slightly anxious about what the day would entail and how interactions would
unfold given that I am extremely self-conscious about things like dancing in public. This
stems from being an incredibly painful child to carefree adulthood (lots of partying) and a sober period of just enjoying movement and dancing socially. It all boils down to not wanting a gaze (imagined or otherwise) centered on my body so this is something I really want to address in everyday life, why am I so self-conscious when I move through spaces and imagine being stared at? I was very open to the workshop and felt very present in my body as well as with the exchanges that occurred with my partner in the exercises, Theresa. Totally rewarding and meaningful experience that reminded me that the body is a whole and not fragmented entity.
-JD
What have you learnt about yourself/ your body?
I was able to define more clearly what I was going through at that time in terms of emotions, how they were manifesting through my body and how much space and connection they had with one another.
-AV
What have you learnt about others?
I’ve been able to see how much sisterhood (and community feeling altogether)is a common search and need for most of the participant. I also observed that we all need moments to find ourselves surrounded by like-minded, open and welcoming people to feel more grounded and available to go into our own bodies and selves.
I’ve also been able to confirm the thought that connecting to our bodies and ourselves is not an easy task, whatever culture we have.
The workshop confirmed my conviction that allowing ourselves to go into our bodies, listen to our own body language and expressions and explore through body and movement helped find more grounding and access to a more holistic knowledge of ourselves.
-AV
How significant was it to you to attend this workshop in Ghana and who do you think can benefit from this space? (groups/ specific individuals within your network )
It was significant as I’ve only read and seen on social media such workshops happening in Europe & Japan; and knowing I won’t be able to afford to attend now, was a powerful enriching experience for me. Also it being hosted by a woman of colour with Ghanaian ethnic roots added to my experience.
I think people dealing with mental health challenges, chronic illness, romantic breakups, body-image issues would benefit a lot.
-AG
