Greetings all,
Here’s hoping this missive finds you healthy and well. And, living with some sense of equilibrium, despite life these days being a tricky balancing act in a challenging, crazy world.
EMBODIMENT - HOW we live inside our own skin— body, mind, spirit, energy — is an integral element in claiming our humanity. We must, literally, come to our senses. With limited direct contact these days, and with so much of our interaction virtual, it's essential to renew and deepen our sense of embodiment.
Lively, awake embodiment is a vital ingredient on the path of empathy, genuine kindness, personal autonomy into community, and action. When we are able to discern between habitual reflexes and moments of genuine presence and responsiveness, it’s a welcome homecoming to one’s innate humanity and imagination. This provides a base from which to go forth and meet the world, open and ready for action. The Alexander process cultivates this embodiment. This is the work I hope to share with you.
Children demonstrate a presence of embodiment that Alexander study aims to reclaim and deepen.
ALEXANDER ONLINE - I’ve done a considerable amount of online teaching recently. Certainly, the in-person, hands-on element of Alexander is missed. However, online study has proven to be an opportunity for a dynamic, worthwhile exchange. It actually serves to highlight some lines of inquiry particularly well. A welcome surprise! Virtual Study Options
The Alexander principles stand up to the virtual challenge. I enjoy the collaboration of reaching through the screen, waking up to the moment with others around the globe. It’s possible to be comfortable, lively and present while on-screen. It’s possible to have tactics for refreshing a joyful embodiment. We invite the imagination, and it manifests in our very cells. The work transmits through virtual study, wherever on the planet you are.
“I continue to be amazed by how much Judith can see over Zoom, and how clearly and accessibly she can prompt me towards a more balanced state…” Students Comment on Virtual Study
TEACHING OFFERINGS AUTUMN 2020 - including IN PERSON!
NYC IN-PERSON LESSONS - I’ll soon be teaching in-person, private lessons in a conveniently located Union Square West studio. Covid-safe protocols carefully observed.
Dates are Tuesdays: Oct 20; Nov 3 (VOTE!); Nov 17; Dec 1. Times are limited. Hope to see you. Please contact me soon to schedule lessons. judithgrodowitz@gmail.com.
VIRTUAL STUDY: Private and small group lessons. Gather a few pals from around the globe, creating a small group of friends to refresh or open your Alexander Toolbox.
SHAPE. SHIFT. - NEW WORKSHOP! Sourcing and developing creative material through heightened somatic awareness. Wake up the body — free the imagination.
making new material
This experimental workshop incorporates somatic imagination, visual imagery, Alexander process/principles, movement, language. The workshop/collaboration evolves as we go. I’ll be translating and developing processes I’ve engaged in with artists for decades into a virtual version, fine tuning for and with the specific individuals in the group. The 6 to 8 week-long class may include a virtual performance, depending upon group wishes.
All are welcome —you needn’t be a performing artist to join. Only requirement: active participation. Class size: minimum: 6; maximum: 10 participants. Start time: late Oct/early Nov.
Please contact me directly: judithgrodowitz@gmail.com.
Flexible Pandemic Rates - I want studying to be as financially viable as possible for you and for me. If you've lost income / are having difficulties due to the pandemic, and wish to study, we will find a way. Contact me directly at: judithgrodowitz@gmail.com
GREECE, June 2022 - I’ve been very fortunate to remain healthy and housed during the pandemic. However, we all have our Covid-smashed dreams and plans. My personal heartbreaker was canceling Inspiration in the Aegean 2020. It had a wonderful cast of participants, and the generous blessings of the people of Folegandros Island.
I imagine planning this next for JUNE 2022 (assuming the island is willing, we can travel, etc.). Please keep this timing in mind.Let me know if you’re interested. Inspiration in the Aegean
OTHER NEWS - I’m still living primarily on Shelter Island, NY. It has been such a difficult, mind-blowing time in America and the world, in so many ways. The pandemic, the racial injustice and brutality, the environment and human rights under siege. These issues weigh heavily on our hearts and minds, and there is urgent need for change. This reality mediates all my days, as it does for so many of us. As it must until we navigate a balance.
My silver lining has been living so close to Great Nature during this time. Especially, the chance to tend a flower garden for an entire growing season, from late winter to autumn. I’ve been a weekend-warrior gardener for almost 20 years now. To be in the garden daily, serving the plants and enjoying their generous beauty and growth, is divinely restorative. Now the garden is winding down, but not without some last blasts of stunning beauty. Another gift of Shelter Island has been swimming in salt water every day that weather allows … timeless joy, instant vitality.
This being said, I profoundly miss the city I love, my home of forty years. I long for the diversity, the culture, the creative energy, the in-person life, work and art of the Esper Studio, the collective spirit and direct contact with the many wonderful people that New York City and my work have brought into my life. May it return!
Please be in touch and share your news. How are you? I miss you!
love, peace, action, justice, hope,
Judith
SAVE THE PLANET SANITY through HUMANITY BLACK LIVES MATTER
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