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bio_Adesola Akinleye2.jpg
bio_Adesola Akinleye2.jpg
bio_Adesola Akinleye2.jpg
bio_Adesola Akinleye2.jpg

Sarah J. Locke

& Amélie Gaulier

Embodied Conversation: Unlearning Racism as Somatic Repatterning

Recognizing that race is a social construct embedded in the body, how can somatic principles and practices support the work of individual and collective repatterning, so that we can all embody and experience our own and others’ inherent dignity? Acknowledging that the field of somatics as it has developed in recent decades has roots in indigenous traditions across the world, and yet has been led and practiced primarily by white-bodied people – how do we realize accountability and inclusion, honoring personal experience as well as practicing cultural humility? Many somatic practitioners have been exploring these questions through embodied research, conversation, and action. This discussion invites an embodied conversation in order to develop, weave, and amplify the questions, reflections, practices, and resources that these investigations have revealed. As we navigate the interrelated processes of unlearning racism in our individual and collective bodies, our intergenerational and cultural bodies, we recognize that there will be both shared and divergent experiences across these many lineages and intersections, as well as across somatic modalities. Understanding that personal transformation and social justice are inherently connected, the intention for this discussion is to be part of fostering a culture of unlearning racism and embodied activism that creates real access to healing and thriving for all, and for the earth.

Sarah Johansson Locke is a catalyst for creativity, inquiry, and vitality. Using an alchemy of arts, education, and wellness principles and practices, she engages with individuals, groups, and organizations across many contexts. An ISMETA RSME/T, Sarah holds an MA in Dance Education and has extensive training and certifications in several forms of dance, yoga, meditation, and somatics. Her research and practice – as an educator, facilitator, program designer, performer, choreographer, and scholar – explores the inherent and integral role of embodiment in personal transformation, collective cultures and communication, and social justice; and centers the emergent and generative potentials of creative process, experiential learning, contemplative practices, and collaborative exchange.

Amélie Gaulier is a female able white body. Body-Mind Centering® practitioner, Somatic Movement Therapist Member of ISMETA and performance artist; A student of Body-Mind Psychotherapy with Susan Aposhyan and in training to become a certified MNDFL meditation instructor under the supervision of Rev. angel Kyodo Williams. She completed a Masters Research at the INSPE/UPEC, National Institute of Professorship and Education in Paris. Her research with collaborator Sabrina Benhamouche intends to understand how our narratives and collective stories can be modulated through cognitive rest and enactive tools for self and collective care.

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