Embodied Inclusion

Feeling welcome is the first step to feeling free.

Mission:

We all want to feel welcome. Some of us are inherently more welcome than others. Let us envision and create a world where systems of oppression are transformed into systems of inclusion.

Embodied Inclusion provides opportunities to exhibit all our parts so that we can learn what each of us needs to feel comfortable inhabiting space with other humans. Using that knowledge, we can create systems and practices that empower others to do the same in our communities and organizations.

Workshops

Do you struggle to feel at ease in community spaces? Practicing feeling more at ease in yourself might influence subtle shifts in your surroundings.

Are you someone who wishes to use your power and privilege as a tool for creating a more welcoming and accessible environment for all? Learning to do so in a deeper way with yourself can strengthen the skills needed to do the same for others. Once we can truly hold space for all the parts of ourselves and in another individual, we can explore what it looks like to do that within a group and in community. Inner work sparks a fire that radiates into the world to create exponential change.

Each of the modules are framed within larger themes of social justice and anti-ableism, and will ideally get you thinking about how the concepts can impact both yourself and your communities. In all of the modules, we will examine our judgements, implicit biases, feelings and thoughts that arise while engaged in embodied practices and group discussions.

Module 1

The introductory workshop is aimed at creating a safer space to explore our connection with parts of ourselves (physical, emotional, mental or otherwise) with which we might have a challenging relationship. We will look at how we can better welcome those parts of ourselves to show up more whole. This will include an introduction to trauma informed self inquiry and self care.

Module 2

Using our deeper understanding of the parts of ourselves and what they need to feel welcome, we will examine how we can invite those parts in another human to engage with us, and how it feels to have those parts be witnessed and welcomed by others. This will include a continuation of trauma informed themes of self, interpersonal and communal care.

Module 3

With the experience gained in modules 2 and 3, we will explore how to expand the practice of welcoming our typically unwelcome parts within a group. We will learn about not only what we need to feel more comfortable in the group, but also what we might be able to do to help others feel more welcome and included as well.

Module 4

Now that we have some first hand experience in welcoming all of our parts in ourselves and others in a group, we can use that knowledge to interrogate our communities’ systemic structures in order to transform unconsciously oppressive and/or discriminatory norms into intentionally inclusive practices for creating accessible spaces.

Andrew Golibersuch

Andrew is a disability activist, community builder, artist, dancer, mental health counselor and art therapist. His strongest passions are in helping people learn to love all the parts of themselves on a journey towards self actualization and creating community spaces where everyone can show up fully. He believes that inner healing is the foundational work that leads to interpersonal, communal and societal healing.

Born with Cerebral Palsy, Andrew has been working to rehabilitate his relationship to his body and mind throughout his life. Within his personal process, he has found immensely powerful medicine in embodied practices, reflection, creativity and community that he wants to share with those who feel called to action. He hopes that by sharing these experiences, those who are touched will share the impacts with their communities, creating exponential change far beyond what any individual could accomplish.

 FAQs

  • Mindfulness and embodiment practices for reflection and deeper understanding of self and community. Note that any movement is completely left to your discretion and comfort level, and you will be led through trauma informed guidelines before commencing. Examination of how biases show up, and what we, both individually and collectively, might do to combat those biases. Group discussions to tease out what each individual learned during the exercises, and how those lessons are applicable to our everyday lives as well as community norms.

  • Groups and/or individuals who are looking to increase their awareness regarding inclusivity, ableism, and how they show up in community spaces. People and organizations who want to implement systems of inclusion that make people of all abilities and backgrounds feel welcome.

  • Yes! The program can be tailored to the needs and situations specific to your team or community members.

  • This somewhat depends on the size of the group. Two hours is the sweet spot, or three if the group is larger, with 90 minutes being the minimum amount of time for smaller groups. About half way through there is a 15 minute break.

  • The modules build upon one another. In order to discover the strongest insights in module 4, one must complete modules 1-3. While it is recommended to sign up for all 4 modules, you can also start with module 1 and see how you like it.

  • The first and fourth modules can both be effectively done via zoom, and in some cases modules 2 and 3 can also be modified to be done via zoom. However, they are far more effective if done in person.

  • I would love to! Please email info@embodiedinclusion.com and we can discuss possibilities.

  • If you are an organization, please reach out via the contact us page or email directly at info@embodiedinclusion.com and we can discuss how to bring this program to your team or community!

    If you are an individual, please sign up for the newsletter above to be notified of upcoming events that are open to the public.

Contact us.

info@embodiedinclusion.com