Introduction to Thai Massage: Cultivating Presence and a Listening Touch - (In Stroud)

Retreat for the weekend into the relaxing and grounding flow of giving and receiving Thai massage, guided by Justin (and assistants). This is a beginner friendly workshop set at a gentle pace, with the emphasis being upon the principles of the practice, rather than an opportunity to merely collect techniques.

We will journey with the practice of Thai massage as a vehicle for cultivating a spacious presence within ourselves, from which we can deeply listen. Technically, we will learn a simple flow for giving a deeply relaxing basic Thai massage to our friends and loved ones.

In our touch we will encourage a listening quality, and in our body mechanics we will learn how to give from a space of grounded comfort, and so learn not to compromise ourselves as we hold space for and work within the energy field of another.

Regardless of your level of skill and experience with bodywork, you will benefit from this weekend of meditation in movement and stillness.

Timings

10.10 - 10.20 am arrival, have a tea, settle into the space

10:30 am - Opening circle and short meditation

11 am - Awakening practices

11.30 - Thai massage practice

1.30 pm - Lunch Break

2:45 pm - Thai massage practice

5:30 pm - Short meditation and closing circle

6 pm - Finish

N.B. By attending this workshop, you are agreeing to abide by the "Conduct Agreement" - see below.

About Justin

Justin discovered Thai massage in 2006 as part of the fusion practice AcroYoga, and took his first course in Thai massage in London in 2007 in the tradition of the Sunshine Network. He then met Takis Economou (who soon became his main teacher) in 2008 and completed his first 90 hour beginners course in 2009 in Thailand.

From his beginning with the practice, he has completed over 1000 hours of training in Thai massage from various teachers in Thailand and across Europe including Takis, David Lutt, Laurino Bertelli, Pichest Boonthume, Sinchai and others. He started assisting beginners courses at Sunshine House from 2011, and has assisted and taught on dozens of courses over the last 13 years and loves being in the flow of giving and sharing this profound and subtle practice.

Justin created "Moving Stillness - School of Somatics" in 2023 and teaches Thai massage and Contact Improvisation in London, Brighton and the South East. He also teaches small groups and gives private sessions from his studio in Brighton.

The spaces that Justin holds for somatic practices encourage the cultivation of deep listening, sensitivity, patience and embodied discovery.

Conduct Agreement:

Thai massage as a practice is not the place for any form of sexual expression.

Sexuality is of course a natural part of who we are as humans, and during the workshop you are requested to notice any sexual energy that may arise within yourself, without judgement, and seek to transform that energy within a larger space of awareness such that you make no subtle or overt sexual expression. You are also requested to notice if any action of yours is causing sexual energies to manifest in someone else - if you notice this, simply change or stop what you are doing.

Generally regarding sharing bodywork:

• State your boundaries and needs, if for example there is some part of your body (beyond the obvious) that you don't wish to be worked with or touched, for whatever reason, please communicate this.
• Be receptive to others stating their boundaries and needs.
• If at any time you feel that your boundaries are crossed in a way that you cannot handle directly with the person in question, please feel welcome to speak to myself or to one of my assistants at any time.

We will of course touch on and expand upon these matters in the workshop, but by following at least the above, we can all hold a safe, respectful space for each other to share the practice of giving and receiving.

If in any doubt about the above at any point (before, during, or after the session), I am always available to discuss this and any related concerns. I can be reached at justin@moving-stillness.com

Cancellation Policy:

You may cancel your place and receive a full refund up to 1 month prior to the date of the workshop. Past this time you are of course welcome to offer your ticket to someone else if your plans change - you need only let me know (as soon as possible) the details of the new attendee.