There’s a part of us, I believe, that yearns to be seen and accepted just as we are – our “unfiltered self,” with all our quirks, our strengths, our vulnerabilities, and even those parts of us we might usually keep hidden in the shadows. Finding spaces where this kind of authentic expression feels possible can be incredibly liberating and transformative. This is at the heart of what I hope to foster in my Exploration Workshops: a journey towards meeting, and perhaps even celebrating, our whole selves, in the company of others who are on a similar path.
What do I mean by the “unfiltered self”? It’s that core part of you that exists beneath the layers of social conditioning, the roles we play, and the expectations we (and others) place upon ourselves. It’s the spontaneous laugh, the unexpected tear, the intuitive nudge, the raw creative impulse. It’s also the parts we might judge or deem “unacceptable” – our fears, our insecurities, our so-called “shadows.” But what if these shadows, when met with gentle awareness and acceptance, actually hold vital energy and wisdom?
In the workshops, we don’t aim to “fix” or “get rid of” any part of ourselves. Instead, we invite everything into the light of shared presence. Through various experiential activities – which might involve movement, dance, contact improvisation, somatic awareness, voice, or simply being in dialogue – we create opportunities for these different facets of ourselves to emerge and be acknowledged. It’s like opening all the windows and doors of a house and letting the fresh air circulate through every room.
I often think of these workshops as a kind of “rich tapestry,” as the Touch & Play philosophy describes, weaving together different arts and sciences all dedicated to human connection and personal growth. Dance becomes a language, a way to express what’s moving within us without needing to find the “right” words. Somatic awareness helps us tune into the subtle wisdom of our bodies. Attentive listening and respectful interaction become the threads that connect us.
One of the most powerful elements in this process is the group itself. When a circle of people comes together with a shared intention of authenticity and mutual support, a unique kind_of magic can happen. There’s a palpable energy that builds, a sense of safety and trust that allows individuals to be more vulnerable, more real. Witnessing another person’s courage in expressing their truth can give us permission to do the same. Feeling seen and accepted by others, without judgment, can be profoundly healing. It helps us to realize that we are not alone in our human experience, with all its complexities.
I remember the profound impact of a workshop I was part of in Argentina, focused on allowing subconscious processes to surface. As people gave themselves permission to express what was arising, and as others held the space with such deep presence, there was a tangible shift in the room. People connected with truths within themselves, danced with them, integrated them. It wasn’t about performance; it was about raw, honest expression. And in that shared vulnerability, there was immense strength and beauty. We all felt it. We all walked away feeling somehow renewed, more deeply connected to ourselves and to the “magnificence of our body, mind, existence.”
This kind of exploration requires a robust framework of consent, which we cultivate diligently. Knowing that you have full agency over your own experience, that your boundaries will be respected, is what makes it possible to relax enough to let your unfiltered self be seen. It’s not about pushing past your limits in a forceful way, but about gently expanding them from a place of inner choice and awareness.
The journey of meeting your unfiltered self isn’t always easy. It can bring up discomfort, old patterns, or challenging emotions. But it’s also incredibly rewarding. It can lead to a greater sense of inner freedom, more authentic relationships, a deeper connection to your vitality, and a more compassionate understanding of yourself and others. It’s about reclaiming all the parts of yourself, so you can live more fully, more vibrantly, more you.
If this resonates with a longing in your heart, I warmly invite you to consider joining one of these explorations. It’s a chance to step into a space of shared presence and discover more of the beautiful, unfiltered truth of who you are.
With anticipation for our shared discoveries,
Inge
