STUDIO WEST presents a Moving Meditation session hosted by globally recognised mindfulness, movement and yoga teacher James Rafael, on the occasion of our current exhibition, SKIN DEEP.
MOVING MEDITATION HOSTED BY JAMES RAFAEL
02.04.2023 | 11am-12pm
This session is free and open to all. Booking is required.
In its subject matter, SKIN DEEP explores the relationship between the body and the mind, drawing on Bessel Van der Kolk’s ‘The Body Keeps The Score: Mind Brain and Body in the Transformation of Trauma’. In this seminal text, the world-leading psychiatrist investigates the impact of trauma on mental and physical health, while proposing new routes to healing including meditation and yoga.
For this event, James has designed a gentle standing Moving Meditation practice drawing on techniques from the traditions of yoga, qigong (similar to Tai Chi), and meditation. Through gentle and rhythmic movement patterns, visualisations and breath work, the 45 minute meditative morning practice will seek to calm and restore the mind and body
On a personal level, James has found his own pathway to healing through yoga, mindfulness and qigong; these practices helped him to move past difficult experiences, giving his life clarity, purpose and meaning. Through teaching, he seeks to share this deeply valuable journey with others. His unique approach fuses philosophy, poetry and natural imagery with movement, creating a synergetic emotional and physical experience that promotes holistic well-being.
The movement session will be followed by a brief talk, where James will explain more about mindfulness and qigong practices and their impact on the body and mind. He will also share a little about his own personal experience of using mindful movement to help process trauma, adversity and anxiety.
Join us in the gallery on Sunday 2nd of April from 11am. The session will last for 45 minutes, followed by a 15 minute talk. There is no need to bring a yoga mat or wear sports attire, as the standing practice will be gentle and accessible - focussing on breath and light movement. Please note, images will be taken throughout for social media use.
James Rafael on his experience with yoga, mindfulness, and qigong: “This is what practice means to me. Over the last decade yoga, mindfulness, and qigong have not only transformed my life and health - they pretty much saved it. They freed me from a lifetime of self-destructive behaviours and gave my life clarity, purpose and meaning. There’s nothing more important to me than sharing this.
I teach in a way which is emotionally intelligent but direct, disciplined but playful, logical but humorous. I share the things which have worked for me, things which originate from my direct experience over the years.
I first came to meditation back in 2009. I’d graduated from Cambridge University after reading English Literature, but just one year into corporate life in London and I was burning out, suffering panic attacks, partying too hard, and on the verge of entering rehab. Meditation gave me a sliver of breathing space, just enough to pluck up the courage to go my first yoga class. Yoga was challenging; both physically and mentally.
Over time, meditation and yoga helped me to confront a lot of uncomfortable truths in my life and move beyond them; freedom, strength, and healing were the result. As my own practice and fascination deepened, I decided to train so I could share and try to make some small difference in an increasingly complicated world.
Today, I share these practices throughout central London to people of all levels, backgrounds and incomes so that they too might benefit and find positive change.”
Find out more about James Rafael: www.jamesrafael.com | @jamesyoga