Decolonial Embodied Transformative Learning | Method | Practice
In response to the challenges presented by polycrisis, there is a need to explore and bring into practice the deep leverage points for societal transformation. The current polycrisis has its roots in colonialism and entangled capitalism with a history of domination over both other human beings and the natural world per se. Our bodyminds subjected to interlocking systems of oppression and colonization and shrivelled into narrow emotional, epistemological and ontological corsets call for a radical, embodied and relational approach to systems change.
The Decolonizing BodyMinds approach intentionally triggers emotions like fear, shame, guilt, etc and diminutive states of embodiment such as powerlessness and hopelessness which are present in bodyminds experiencing internalized oppression and works through them through creative and relational embodied expression and release using dance, partner work, art-making and generative dialogue. In a safe enough space (Singer-Brodowski et al., 2022) it allows us to embrace liminality and have a collective space where new meaning making and shift of action can be catalyzed. It opens up the space to de-link our ways of knowing and allows for onto-epistemological shifts that are deep levers of systems change. It thus puts decoloniality both as a means to an end and an end in itself.
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The first explorations of the DBM method took place on the 27th of October 2023 at Theatre Safe in Unternehmen Mitte Basel, and on the 31st of October 2023 at the Auditorium of Freigemeinschaftsbank Basel, on the specific topic of decolonization as part of the Deal with It
exhibition exploring the colonial legacy of the city of Basel, Switzerland.
DeCoLoNiZiNg OUR bodyMINDS is a transformative experience and workshop featuring performance poetry, movement sessions, and generative dialogue. Through this experiential format, we invite for an embodied experience on what decolonizing from various systems of oppression could entail.
In the embodiment session, we create a space where all bodies and movements are acknowledged and celebrated. Through grounding exercises and inter-relating with diverse bodies, we will reconnect with our own dignity, pride and agency and shift the fear, shame, guilt, apathy and anger stored by oppressive systems within us. From contraction to expansion, we will sweat out some remnants of colonization and build resilience against its further influence, and bring forth the imagination for emergent regenerative futures. Through generative dialogue, sharing our experiences and insights, we hope to uncover new wisdoms and ways of being.
“The workshop was an unexpected deep immersion into my own body and into the presence of other beautiful people. I was stunning to see how much inner movement is possible within a short time of only one evening workshop.”
Robert
“Grateful for the experience of decolonising my bodymind. Recognising, releasing & relearning with compassion for the colonised and the coloniser. I am both. And today I choose to free myself of both towards collective radical liberation.”
Ragulan
“The Workshop Decolonizing Our Bodyminds was an experience of collective grief and healing. A carefully held space for vulnerabilty and connection through creative expression, an innovative way of dealing with deep wounds.”
Andrea“I am definitely feeling a lot better and felt a bag of emotions lifted off my shoulders without much of talking and only expressing through silence and connecting through energy.”
Ramana
Decolonization of the body-mind workshop was a transformative journey towards reclaiming my authentic self and breaking free from oppressive systems. Through embracing this process, I could rediscover my inner worth and innate wisdom, breaking away from the colonized ideals and cultivating self-empowerment. Decolonization of the body-mind did bring me liberation, healing, and the opportunity for genuine self-expression. Thank you for creating such a conscious and safe space!
Noemi
Below you will find some images of the performance and integrative drawings from the participants.
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