SOMATIC HEALING
with Kateřina Ledvinková
“The body is wise and has its own potential to heal.”
What is the object of Somatic Healing
The body is wise and has healing potential. In order to consciously connect with this wisdom, we need to discover within ourselves the willingness and courage to meet ourselves.
A true and profound encounter with ourselves takes place only when we do not assume anything, do not want anything or expect nothing from ourselves. If we feel safe enough, we can begin to listen. Learning to kindly and patiently discern what is happening right here and now. We develop the ability to be fully present in our bodies.
When we begin to truly feel and reflect what we are experiencing in the body, we can let the body guide us. Step by step, movement by movement, sensation by sensation... Each moment can be revelatory if we can perceive it truthfully. If we can respond freely and with confidence. Whatever charge the movement has, we can always feel love and peace deep within.
Again and again we learn to walk the path of trust, truthfulness and free movement response in the body. Because each of us is movement, each of us is embodiment.
Somatic Healing is an intimate journey for me, with a truly personal story behind it. And I feel the same when working with every one of my clients.
How the program looks like
We start with a talk, during which the client has the space to share how they are feeling and where they are. We can talk about what is alive, and especially how the themes resonate in the body.
If the client wishes to remain silent, we can be silent together. It is always important to settle down and tune in together. Both to ourselves and to each other.
This is followed by the first movement prayer, which naturally opens up space for working in the here and now. We let the body speak and we listen together.
We continue with a series of movement improvisations. These are interwoven with a particular somatic theme that the body brings to the here and now. Of course, some topics go along for a longer time and they like to return.:-) The movement improvisations are guided and gradually we can uncover the depth and context of the somatic theme. They also allow us to work on some specific movement principles and skills. Because with more developed movement possibilities we can be even more free and more true in movement.
Throughout the session, and especially at the end, there is space to reflect on the movement experience together, to ask questions and share what is needed.
For whom the program is
The program is for anyone who wants to move and dance, to be close to themselves. My clients are movement beginners as well as professionals. I also like to work with teenagers, pregnant women and women after birth.
Topics that interest me in movement:
Inner richness and the outer world
How we can listen to our inner world in movement. How we can nourish the inner world and then connect it to the outside world. It is in this connection between the inner and the outer that I see the healing potential.
Working with space
To be able to let our inner world shine, we need to trust the space around us. This is why I like to engage with physical space in my work. I believe that when we touch the space around us in a kind way, there is much good in it.
Working with the ground
Floor work. My passion and support. On the ground, we can explore boldly and openly, while being safe. A healthy and vibrant relationship with the ground nourishes and heals.
Working with music
If we are well connected to ourselves, music can give us the space we need. It can help us express ourselves more easily and venture into even greater depth. But it can also support us and take the lead. Sensitively chosen music can truly support the whole process. I love music so much that I chose musicology as my field of study and former profession.
Subtlety
Ultimate subtlety as a principle of movement. Because everything else is contained in subtlety. In gentleness we can experience anything. Gentleness heals.
Transformation
How to meet the wounded places within ourselves. Through somatic work hurt and fragile places are brought to awareness. Coming from my own experience, I believe that these places do not need to be strengthened or repaired in any way. When we are present in the body and a wounded place speaks up, let us give it loving attention and bring some light to it. Hurting places are healed in due time if we actively listen to the body and let it work in its wholeness.
Expressiveness
Allow yourself to be clear in every movement. Tap into the healing energy that comes with expressing yourself.
Anger
Anger as a driving force that is often hidden deep within us. Sometimes so deep that it is beautiful to encounter it again in full force and in a new context.
Kateřina Ledvinková
Somatic Teacher
Experiences and approaches that are integrated in the Somatic Healing program:
Physiotherapy of function
Clara-Maria Helena Lewit's method, which I had the opportunity to study directly with its founder. Clara showed me a way of looking at the human body, of touching and trying to have the heart in the hands, of looking for the soul in the body. How to understand that function directly affects structure. Clara is still my mentor to this day.
"How are you doing now?"
Laban Movement Analysis and Bartenieff Fundamentals
Reading movement. The ability to perceive basic movement scales and our tendency towards certain movement patterns. My teachers were Rena Milgrom, Janet Kaylo and Joan van der Mast.
"Change is movement. When something has changed, it has moved."
Dance Movement Therapy
What's behind the movement. I was deeply inspired by the Dancing Dialogue method of American dance movement therapist Suzi Tortora. The kindness of this approach, the openness and precision with which Suzi in her work addresses her special clients (especially children with various medical and behavioral challenges). In the Czech context, I studied with Klára Čížková.
"I am seen, so I exist."
Working with people with developmental challenges, people with mental illness and people from socially disadvantaged groups
Understanding that each person is absolutely unique. Kindness, directness and challenge. A sincere search for a common language. Trust that there is a deep wisdom in every physical expression.
"And you can dance like Michael Jackson?"
Moving on my own
I've been dancing alone since I was a little girl. As an adult, when my body cried out for attention and healing, I discovered this resource with new strength. It's an essential way for me to understand the body in motion, to be in
touch with my essence. Over time, I am giving my body more space to teach me and guide me. It is clearly the most reliable and honest guidance.
"Everything is right. I am where I am."
Motherhood
The physical experience of pregnancy and birth, a journey of body transformation. The manifestation of the wonder and wisdom of the body. Letting things happen. Respecting the right time. Intensity in full force.
"No one else can do it for you."
Somatic Dialogue
First, amazement and relief. I found something very close and somehow familiar from the beginning. Second, the excitement of the physical work itself and a mirror for working with clients. Third, support in what I create, inspiration and a deep friendship with Berrak.
"Soft, Small, Slow, Silent"
Somatic Art, the performative side of movement
An aspect of movement that is a source of great joy and expression of myself. A place where everything that is present elsewhere scattered and hidden is blended and made visible. A place where movement turns into dance. A place for my bolder self. Working with dancer and performer Shahar Dor was an essential experience. In recent years, I have been fascinated by the Japanese art of Butoh dance, through which I have been guided by dancer and choreographer Motoya Kondo. I have also had the unique opportunity to have a truly transformative movement experience through the encounter with dancer and choreographer Ken Mai.
"Build a container. Make a bridge."
