Why is it so hard to be kind to ourselves? Compassion is something everyone needs and deserves but it often is easier to offer it to others than to ourselves.

Why do we have such a difficult relationship with our bodies? We can manage our appearance through dieting, exercising or wearing the "right" clothing but we cannot change the body we are born with. We better start loving it and listen to it. Akram Kahn, one of Britain's most feted dancer-choreographers says about the time he fractured his shoulder "A dancer talks with is body." This time" my body talked back".

This weekend will be an opportunity to develop a kind and compassionate relationship with our body, independent of its present condition. As we cultivate a gentle presence in the face of "what is" it becomes easier to be present in the "here and now" and not to be drawn to our old fears of the past or worries about future goals and external appearances.

It is open to all and will be of an explorative nature. Helen will lead the movement practice and Dr. Patrizia Collard will lead the guided meditation practices. There will be time for sharing and individual meetings with the teachers.

Dr. Collard is a Senior Lecturer for Integrative Psychotherapy and Counselling (University of East London) and also has research interests in Mindfulness. She is an experienced mindfulness teacher and trainer.

.

.