The Body Knows: Ecology

_ ‘It gave me permission to become absorbed in the everyday miracle of experience in a way that I’ve previously associated only with psychedelics.’ - A _

We spend much of our lives trying to understand ourselves through thought.

The Body Knows invites a different kind of enquiry.

One rooted in play, relationship and wonder.

Together we'll explore embodied ecology, how movement, relationship and imagination are in constant conversation. Through playful experiments and shared reflection, we'll cultivate greater awareness, flexibility and resource, not by trying to fix ourselves, but by creating the conditions for curiosity, connection and change to flourish.

No previous experience is needed, only a willingness to bring kindness and wonder for yourself and others.

"We are never more fully alive, more completely ourselves, or more deeply engrossed in anything than when we are playing." - Charles Schaefer

The Body Knows workshop is a sister programme developed by Dani Tonks from The Body Knows 6 week online course and The Body Knows Weekend.

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**Overview: **

• You will receive a follow up email on what we explored over the 2hrs.
• You will have the opportunity to share in smaller groups to form deeper connections & group support.
• There will be a mixture of embodied practices, such as movement and meditation, theatre games as well as sharing circles and rituals.
• It’s encouraged to have a movement journal to document your practice. This can be written, drawn, recorded via voice notes or video or a mixture of all these mediums.

_“I signed up out of curiosity, not knowing what to expect, and now I am amazed by the after-glow effect it left on my life.” _

Themes We Explore

WONDER

Approaching ourselves with curiosity, openness and the courage not to know.

PLAY

Experimenting beyond habit, embracing imagination and discovering new possibilities.

BELONGING

Exploring the living ecology between ourselves, others and the wider world.

Practices we will draw inspiration from

• Active Listening & Journalling
• Embodied Boundaries & Consent
• Focusing & Orientation Practice
• Free Play, Clowning & Improvisation
• Learn the foundations of ‘embodied _ awareness', somatic resourcing & _ _ **The Felt Sense** __ **’ ** _
• Somatic Movement & Dance as tools for embodied self awareness and creative expression.
• Systemic and relational practice

Is this workshop for you?

• This workshop is fully inclusive and valuable to everyone regardless of age (18+), ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation and experience, religious beliefs, income and otherwise.
• Although this workshop can be therapeutic, it is not therapy. Whilst we set up a container that enables trust and honesty, we ask everyone to take responsibility for their experience. Please speak to your therapist or health professional if you have experienced abuse, trauma or otherwise before you decide to take this workshop.
• No previous experience needed with The Body Knows coruses, workshops or similar.

“Absolutely incredible, life changing session.”

** **

This workshop may be of benefit if you are

• Feeling disconnected from your body or/and playful authentic expression
• You are wanting to learn in community and have accountability to practice embodied wellbeing.
• Are new to embodiment - somatic practice or want to refresh your knowledge
• Seeking new ways to unlock creative or emotional blockages that are holding you back and want to create more space for self development.
• Wanting to give your body some self love and attention whilst having fun too!
• You're a yoga teacher, therapist or body worker and are seeking a supportive place to practice your existing skills with like minded people.

Testimonials

" Absolutely incredible, life changing session. Dani is an amazing facilitator who really helps you to embrace your inner child, be silly and play. She transports you to another world and I will be implementing the things she taught us into my everyday life." Maggie.

“ I signed up out of curiosity, not knowing what to expect, and now I am amazed by the after-glow effect it left on my life. I feel much safer in my body because it’s so much easier now to just be silly and intrigued by whatever arises…Whether you consider yourself a wallflower or a wild animal, this is an open environment for everyone! You show up as who you are and be reminded that there is your facilitator’s guidance but also your body’s, so just do whatever you feel.. Thank you, Dani. Much love. ” - Maram.

“ It felt like a really natural way of being , of playing, allowing the child self that always sits inside the freedom to unfold without judgment. Dani's sensitivity to the whole, and the way she guided us and nudged us softly in different directions felt really natural and balanced." - Asher Sai B’Hahn

"Dani's facilitation was magical. I felt like I was softly guided into the world of play without even realising that she was taking me there, and then she held me there so gently and unobtrusively that a whole world could develop around me that was beautifully expansive, but also completely safe!" - Maddy Li

THE VENUE: Elevate Studio Bristol

Elevate Studio is situated near the gorgeous harbour side at Whapping Warf.Click here for directions.

Travelling out of town? Some Accommodation options below

Airbnb - Prices range, good if you need privacy.

YHA Bristol - Great reviews, close to venue, good value.

The Full Moon Hostel - Shared accomadation, cheap(ish), fun vibe!

Bristol Harbour Hotel & Spa - If you fancy something swish!

**About Your Facilitator **

_ Dani Tonks: Somatic Coach, Trainee Systemic Psychotherapist & Creative _

Social media handles

Instagram

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About Me

I'm a West Midlands-born, working-class rooted, queer woman with Northern Irish hertiage. I grew up in a wonderfully complex family system, which probably explains why I became fascinated by relationships! I love movement,whimsy and belly laughs, good coffee and conversations that leave us a little different than when they began.

More Stuff About Me

I'm a trauma informed somatic coach, retired actor, self taught dancer and workshop facilitator. Alongside this, I'm currently training on a four year MSc in Systemic Psychotherapy, with two years remaining.

In a nutshell, systemic psychotherapy explores how our relationships, families, communities and wider culture shape who we are. Rather than asking, "What's wrong with you?" it asks, "What has happened, and what systems are influencing this experience?" It recognises that healing rarely happens in isolation, but through connection, curiosity and new ways of relating. It's otherwise known as family/couple therapy via the NHS/CAMHS pathway.

Alongside my training and private practice I work within the NHS and mental health charity sector supporting people who often fall through the gaps between services. This work continually reminds me that every person carries an innate capacity for resilience, especially when met with safety, compassion and the right conditions for change.

With over 15 years of practical experience within somatic and embodiment work I have developed a playful and sensitive approach, combining a range of disciplines including theatre/improv, contemporary dance, somatics, alexander technique, ritual, meditation and clowning.

Dani has formed a range of collaborations including Crowd DNA , Spike Island, Craigberoch.org, Advaya, The Psychedelic Society, Medicine Festival, Beat Charity and Bristol Council.

Dani has previously worked as an international performer, director and workshop facilitator .She has worked in film, theatre, radio and TV, and has toured internationally with self devised shows.

Organisations she has worked with include:

The BBC, The British Youth Filming Academy, Contact Youth Actors Company at Contact Theatre (Manchester), The Royal Exchange Youth Company (Manchester), CYAC (Contact Young Actors Company).

**Education & Training **

Systemic (Family & Couple) Psychotherapy MSc (Qualifying Years) – University of Exeter ('26–'28)
Systemic Psychotherapy (Intermediate) – The Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust ('25)
Systemic Thinking & Practice (Foundation) – University of Bath ('24)
Motivational Interviewing (CPD) ('24)
Solution-Focused Therapy (CPD) ('24)
Trauma-Informed Facilitation with Bryony Beynon ('22)
The Somatic School (ICF-accredited training) ('21)
Organic Intelligence® Coach Training ('21)
Tough Cookie Mental Resilience Training ('20)

Embodiment & Performance Training:

20+ years of professional training, teaching, and performance in embodiment, movement, and somatic practice.

Jon Davison Clowning School ('16)

East 15 Acting School – BA (Hons) Acting (Somatic and embodiment work, animal studies, archetypal work, Jungian psychology, contemporary dance, clowning, and Meisner technique) ('15)

Teatr Pieśń Kozła (Song of the Goat Theatre), Poland – Voice and prose, biomechanics, and classical actor training ('12)

Alexander Technique with Trish Baillie – Manchester School of Theatre ('10–'11)

The British Youth Film Academy ('08–'10)

Investment

I offer three payment options to support people on a lower wage. If you consider yourself to be a high earner then paying a support ticket option helps to subsidise places for people on lower incomes e.g Early Bird or bursary places. We really appreciate your support.

Early Bird - £25

Standard - £35

Supporter - £45

EVENT DETAILS

DATES & TIMES: Sat 27 September 13:45 - 15:45
TICKET PRICES : £25 - 45
DOORS OPEN : 13:40
NO ENTRY AFTER : 13:50 To avoid disruption to the event, latecomers may not be admitted.

REFUND POLICY

There are no refunds on tickets. Tickets can be transferable to another participant if organised by the buyer up to 12 hours before the event. In particular cases of extreme circumstance with at least 24 hours notice of cancellation, the buyer may be authorised a transferred ticket to a course at a later date.

ENQUIRIES: hello.danitonks@gmail.com