WHAT : In our challenging societies, where colonialism, ableism, heteronormativity, patriarchy, neoliberalism, and many more forms of oppression seem to impose their logics, activism in its many forms remains one of the ways to cultivate hope for a more just and sustainable society while also taking concrete action towards it. Yet how do we make our engagement sustainable? How do we find resources in triggering moments, regenerate ourselves from deep within our bones, and cultivate the capacity to continue walking this path? 

Drawing from somatic practices such as the Feldenkrais Method, nervous system regulation tools and further embodiment approaches, you are invited into a space of inquiry around how the ‘soma’ - the lived body - can become an ally both for ourselves and for the worlds that we dream of. 

 On Sunday 8/11 and 13/12, from 3 to 6pm, we will have two independent sessions. Each session will be divided in 2 parts :

1/ deep dive into the Feldenkrais method (3h->4h30) : Through gentle movement scores and attentive listening, we will explore pathways towards greater ease, mobility, deeper awareness and injury prevention, creating the conditions for new possibilities to emerge, and perhaps, for finding some more safety in our own body.

2/ lab session (4h45->6h): 

exploration of nervous system regulation tools, ‘intentional somatics’, conversations about our activismS (tools inspired by Staci K. Haines, Prentis Hemphill, Nkem Ndefo, Jay Jordan...)

FROM : elphine Mertens (they) is a Feldenkrais 

practitioner, movement pedagogue, 

facilitator, and performance artist. 

Living with a chronic illness for over fifteen years, Delphine has explored a wide range of body-based and somatic practices. Their work investigates how human beings relate to and are shaped by their inner and outer environments, as well as by the futures we collectively imagine, weave, and fight for.

After years of involvement in social and environmental justice movements, Delphine has increasingly focused on sharing care-based practices and fictional tools that support the creation of more desirable futures. Queer ecology, consent-based methodologies, and trauma-informed practices are central to their research and facilitation.

For more than eight years, Delphine has accompanied a group of women experiencing social isolation in Charleroi through movement, body-based, and creative practices. They have also been part of the Mana collective, offering fascia and Feldenkrais sessions in Mona with Waka Up ASBL. They also work as a Feldenkrais practitioner teaching in group and one-on-one classes. 

Special guests might visit our sessions ❤️

ACCESSIBILITY : No previous experience in somatics required

No touch required - the session is mostly self paced and can adapt to your needs of the moment

There are a few steps to enter the space, and stairs to access the toilet. Pictures of the space can be sent on request. 

Language (depending on the group) : English/French/Spanish

Based on free donation, zero is also good

RESERVATION : Space limited! 

To reserve, send a DM to mertens.delphine or send a mail at delphine.mertens@proton.me

SUPPORTED BY : This project is part of the ‘Education Permanente’ initiatives carried out by Mouvance ASBL to support participants’ engagement and empowerment in addressing societal challenges. and is hosted by Green Corridor. Their situated practices and activities focus on collaborative knowledge generation and exchange approaches within the locality and beyond. Thank you to all people who inspire and support this project

+++ to Edie! +++ <3