Francis Briers

Every spiritual and philosophical tradition speaks of the importance of appreciating the here-and-now.  Every martial and healing tradition has teachings, both practical techniques and qualities of awareness, that are designed to bring the practitioner into the present moment. Every performative tradition emphasises the need for ‘presence’.

All too often this state of presence, being present in this moment, here and now, becomes an abstract thing.  It is spoken of in reverent tones, but little understood.

In this workshop you will learn how to access the practical embodied state that is the gateway to presence.  It is a wonderful paradox, both a very specific set of parameters and an entirely dynamic way of being.

We will explore how greater presence in the here and now is what enables:

• Brighter awareness

• Fluid responsiveness

• A state of wonder

• Relaxed alertness

• And the radiance of ‘stage presence’

We will work with embodiment through both understanding our bodies better practically and working with metaphor and imagination in the body. In my work I am known for my warmth, depth, and playfulness. This workshop will weave together somatic practices including standing meditation, movement and partner-work, with dialogue, exploration, creativity and poetry.

This workshop is for people already experienced in embodiment work as we will need a good degree of somatic or embodied awareness as a starting point for our exploration. You don’t have to have ‘embodiment’ experience in a specific method, but some depth of practice in a physical discipline that weaves in work on awareness, not just fitness, will be an important foundation for you to make the most of what we will be exploring.  If you want to make sure it will be a good fit for you then please get in touch. 

If you know this more advanced embodiment work is not for you but you love the sound of this, then I am planning a workshop that will suit beginners as well as more practiced folks later in the year so drop me a message and let me know if you are interested and you can be first to know when I set it up.

Cost will be £100 for the day, £25 deposit. It will be held at Anderida Community in Forest Row, East Sussex, UK.

There are only 12 places available on this workshop. To book your place get in touch and feel free to ask me if you have questions or would like to learn more.

Email: hello@francisbriers.com 

Facilitator - Francis Briers: I have been exploring the nature of presence as an embodied state for over 20 years.  My exploration began while studying Tai Chi and other martial arts alongside training at drama school which included extensive Alexander Technique and movement work.  In that crucible, I became fascinated with how such diverse disciplines as acting and martial arts valued and worked to develop ‘presence,’ and how we might understand that as a practical, replicable physical state. Since then I have experimented and incorporated learning from a range of martial arts (3rd dan black belt in Karate and Tai Chi instructor), standing meditation and chi gung, various schools of dance, embodiment and body-work, leadership and coaching, and many years of professional practice as a facilitator, coach and spiritual counsellor.  I am a professional facilitator, leadership & learning consultant, and coach, and have taught embodiment internationally.