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1 October 2026
1 October 2026
Silver Falls Library Program Room
5:30-6:00 pm: optional grounding and intention setting time
6:00-7:00 pm: conversation and sharing
7:00-7:30 pm: optional integration time
Read on for more details and registration link.
somatic esoteric is an invitation to explore what it means to have a body
somatic esoteric is an invitation to explore what it means to have a body
somatic - (adjective) relating to the body, especially as distinct from the mind
esoteric - (adjective) very unusual and understood or liked by only a small number of people, especially those with special knowledge; mysterious
embodied - (transitive verb) a tangible or visible form of an idea, quality, or feeling; to become a body or part of a body
What is the experience of having a body like for you? How does your experience differ from mine?
What does it mean to you to be embodied? How does your body speak to you? How do you listen? Where do you feel the fuzzy line between your self and your body? Is there a line at all?
One of the great treasures (and curses?) of being human is that we exist in a body. We can't leave our body for a day and explore the world without it. It exists with us and is us, even when it feels separate from us or appears to betray us.
Our ideas, every quality of our personality, every feeling that passes through our experiential realm is made manifest because we have a tangible body. So, I'd like to dig a little deeper and I'd like you to join me.
Somatic esoteric is a monthly opportunity to reflect on the experience of having a body, much like a book club, but in this case, our body is our reference text. Each month our focus will shift to another part of our body, much like reading a different chapter of the same book. When we meet, we'll take turns sharing (or just listening) as we experience the fellowship of living in community with other embodied beings.
Between meetings you are encouraged to explore in your own way. You might:
Meditate with your body
Feel your body as you wash dishes or fold clothes
Read medical literature to learn what others have learned about bodies
Read poems about what others have felt in their bodies
Write your own poem about what you feel in your body
Draw your body
Forget about your body completely for the entire month, only to be reintroduced to your body when you bring it to the monthly meeting
Any form of exploration grounded in love and curiosity is welcome in this space.
This is not a support group, though I believe support can be found here.
This is not somatic therapy, though I believe this time can be therapeutic.
This is not a medical advice group, though medical perspectives are welcome and will be held in equanimity along with other perspectives that are present.
The goal is to be present and allow your body to receive what is needed.
example monthly session structure
example monthly session structure
optional grounding and intention setting time
optional grounding and intention setting time
An invitiation to come early and ground yourself in the space however feels best to you. Move your body, pull a tarot card, consult the I Ching, or simply sit and listen for what your body is hoping to get from the session.
conversation and sharing
conversation and sharing
The session will open with gentle ground rules to help hold healthy space and an introductory reminder to the month's topic. Then, conversation will flow as we move around the circle and allow time for each person to share.
optional integration time
optional integration time
After the conversation circle closes, you're invited to stay and integrate what you've received through quiet activity, gentle stretching, and continued conversation. You're encouraged to bring an analog activity (e.g., knitting, crocheting, sketching, embroidery, a puzzle, your yoga mat, etc.). Allowing the body to move and create can help new information process and integrate in healthy ways.
Please be mindful when engaging others in conversation; some people may prefer to silently process during this time.
A note from your facilitator:
The term somatic esoteric is a phrase I stumbled upon in my journey to embrace the forced embodiment of being human. This term has resonated in my mind and heart. For me, somatic esoteric captures the unique mystery within the mundane, namely, the magic of our senses and the familiarity of seeing our bodies everyday while simultaneously able to tune out of how our bodies feel. How is it that we can be so separate from our bodies? How is it that everyone has a body, but no two are the same? We have a choice to tune back in and we have an opportunity to build community in the process. I look forward to exploring with you!
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