Unholding – Cultivating Effortless Being
An 8 Week (online) Exploration into Tension, Awareness, Movement, Stillness, and the Layers of Self
Over time many of us learn to hold ourselves against life.
Sometimes physically.
Sometimes emotionally.
Sometimes mentally.
Sometimes relationally.
We hold tension in the body.
We hold breath without realising.
We hold roles, expectations, pressure, vigilance, identity, and old protective patterns.
Often these forms of holding become so normal that we no longer notice them.
Unholding is an invitation to explore this gently.
Not through force.
Not through self-improvement.
Not through trying to become endlessly calm or spiritual.
But through awareness.
This 8-week circle brings together reflections and practices drawn from:
- Person-Centred counselling
- Qigong
- meditation
- nervous system regulation
- breath and awareness practices
- Zero Balancing principles
- the Layers of Self
- and the subtle art of recognising unnecessary holding
Throughout the weeks we will explore:
- physical and emotional tension
- nervous system protection and regulation
- subtle holding patterns
- movement and stillness
- breath and awareness
- the Watcher and protective layers of self
- relational holding
- the difference between forcing relaxation and allowing unholding
This is not a performance-based course.
There is nothing to achieve.
The invitation is not to become somebody else, but perhaps to meet yourself more fully.
What to Expect
Each weekly meeting will include a blend of:
- guided awareness practices
- gentle Qigong and movement
- seated meditation and stillness
- nervous system and embodiment exploration
- reflective teaching and inquiry
- space for shared reflection
Some practices will be subtle.
Some practical.
Some deeply restful.
Some may quietly reveal ways we have learnt to hold ourselves together.
The circle will be approached gently and respectfully.
Participants are always encouraged to meet themselves at their own pace.
Who Is This For?
This exploration may resonate with those who:
- feel tired from constantly holding things together
- struggle to switch off internally
- are interested in nervous system awareness
- are drawn to Qigong, meditation, counselling, or embodied practice
- want a more compassionate relationship with themselves
- are curious about the Layers of Self
- sense there may be a more natural and less effortful way of being
- are continuing to explore and deepen their own inner journey
No previous experience is required.
A Small Circle
To help preserve the reflective and experiential nature of the meetings, the circle will be limited to 12 spaces.
My intention is not simply to teach practices, but to create a space where awareness, companionship, and exploration can unfold safely and naturally.
Reflection
Perhaps effortless being is not something we achieve.
Perhaps it is what remains when unnecessary holding begins to soften.
Dates
Unholding – Cultivating Effortless Being
An 8-part exploration into tension, awareness, movement, stillness, and the Layers of Self.
Meeting fortnightly on Saturdays from 9:00am–10:30am (via Zoom)
Dates:
Saturday 1 August
Saturday 15 August
Saturday 29 August
Saturday 12 September
Saturday 26 September
Saturday 10 October
Saturday 24 October
Saturday 7 November
Course Investment
A £100 deposit is requested to reserve your place in the circle, with the remaining £140 payable 7 days prior to the first meeting.
Limited to 12 spaces to help preserve the reflective and experiential nature of the circle.