Listening to the Wisdom of the Body
Listening to the Wisdom of the Body: Somatic Practices to Attune to What Is and What's Arising
A workshop with Marie Michael and Ted O'Toole
Saturday, March 28, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Offered online and in person.
It is often said that Zen is an embodied practice, but it is not always clear how this works in a practical sense, especially in times like these when being in the body, feeling our grief, pain, fear, and anger may be the last thing we want to do. But being fully present to ourselves creates the spaciousness and capacity that allows us to attune to others and to the moment we are actually in, allowing us to creatively and effectively respond, rather than react.
This workshop will be a space where individually and together we can develop the skill of being with what is, tuning in, rather than tuning out, even when it is uncomfortable, and letting what is arising teach us and guide our actions. We will present a variety of approaches to awakening through attention to grounding, somatic awareness, attunement. Movement, meditation, body scan, ritual, dharma talks, and journaling will be included. Lunch will be provided.
Marie Michael (she/her) uses somatic awareness and embodied strategies as a foundation for coaching, facilitation, conflict resolution, and racial justice consulting. As a coach and facilitator, she helps individuals and groups listen to their body’s wisdom and begin to live in greater alignment with their values and desires.
Ted O'Toole (he/him) is a senior teacher at MZMC, and was MZMC's Guiding Teacher from 2019 through 2025. In his teaching career, he has repeatedly emphasized the dharma gate of "finding it in the body," and he is excited to approach this theme more deeply in partnership with Marie Michael.
Suggested donation: $90
A Note About Donation-only Programming
Following the Buddhist tradition of dana, or giving, MZMC offers all of our programs on a donation basis. We offer a suggested donation amount to help people understand the average amount we hope to receive to continue to make these offerings. We encourage those with more capacity for giving to make a donation above the suggested amount to support those who need to give a smaller amount.
