EcoSomatics Series: Being With What Is
Ecosomatics draws on our felt senses and the power of the imagination to challenge the idea of separation between humans and nature. This workshop led by Bex Patterson Markowitz, somatic experiencing practitioner and human geographer, will engage your senses with a series of prompts, reflective exercises, and movement practices to explore how to open up your perception in new and surprising ways in interaction with plants and other life. You will be guided to think and feel beyond the limits of your own bodily boundaries and consider the ways that we are in interaction and relationship with other living beings around us. In this session we will explore the questions: What can ecological systems and organisms teach us about opening up to life as it is happening and unfolding in the present? What can plants and other non-human beings teach us about acknowledging and accepting that being alive and allowing life to flourish requires deep listening and attunement to the needs, preferences, and dynamic relationships that exist between us all? Wear comfortable clothing, bring a notebook and expect to do a little wandering! For ages 15 and up. Participants under 18 must attend with an adult or request a waiver. Look for additional workshops in this series on Thursday, Aug. 29, and Thursday, Sept. 12. Each session will be different. Join for one, two or all three.
Choose Your Fee: $15, $25 or $35; 20% discount for Duke Gardens members with discount code from member emails. Parking fees apply.
$15 is a supported rate (enter discount code SUPPORT)
$25 covers the cost of the program (enter discount code COVER)
$35 allows others to participate at the supported rate
Location: Meet near the iris fountain in front of the Doris Duke Center.
Accessibility: This will be a small group program that takes place outdoors, and participants will travel on a combination of paved and unpaved paths with some uneven surfaces and moderate inclines. Some activities will be seated, with the option to sit on the ground or bring your own chair. In the event of rain, activities will move to a covered area outdoors.