Move and be Moved.
Much of my experience growing up in the American church, as well as my pursuit of theological education, left me feeling disembodied. The body and flesh were things to be overcome rather than celebrated as integral to our experience of faith.
However, Christians confess faith in an Incarnated Christ, the Word made Flesh—as such, our embodied experience must matter! Our bodies are central to our human flourishing.
Weaving together resources from Dance Movement Therapy, neuroscience, theology, and transformative learning theories, I invite people into more holistic and embodied spiritual practices.
All you need is willingness.
Together we move, pray, and play. No previous dance, yoga, or movement experience necessary. While the sessions are movement based, our brain-body connection is so strong that you are welcome to do the entire class in your imagination without any macro movements.
All you need is a willingness to explore and courage to invite your whole self into the process.
Your whole self is welcome.
If you yearn for a fresh way to experience God and live out your faith, come and play.
Embodied Faith Cohorts
Small cohort experiences that literally move you.
Cohorts offers you the space and community to explore your spirituality through movement.
Our bodies hold memories and store our stories. By paying attention to how we feel or want to move, we can gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and God. Each week we will experience a passage of scripture or theological theme through a combination of movement, somatic practices, contemplative prayer, and conversation.
The cohort experience will probably differ from anything else you have done before- that’s the point. Sometimes we need something different to connect with God is a fresh and profound way.
Cohort are capped at 6 people.
Recordings can be made available for absences.
Winter Cohort Registration Open
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Winter Cohort Registration Open 〰️
Embodied Faith: I AM… Cohort — Virtual
Every Other Sunday, 8:00 pm ET
Jan 26 - Feb 9, 23 - March 2, 16, 30 - April 13, 27
or
Every Other Tuesday, 12:00 pm ET
Jan 28 - Feb 11, 25 - March 11, 25 - April 8, 22 - May 6
If you haven’t done an Embodied Faith cohort before, this is the place to start!
Scholars have spent centuries debating the grammar and significance of God's puzzling pronouncement to Moses, “I am who I am,” rendering the Hebrew anywhere from “I-will-be-who-I-will-be” to “I am becoming what I will be” or “I Am that I Am,” but few focus on the significance of God choosing to use a verb as God's name!
Surely, if God is a verb, movement can aid us in our discovery and relationship with God.
Each week, we will explore one of Jesus' "I Am" statements, fully embodying it through movement, spiritual practices, conversation, and journaling. Our holistic approach will help these worn verses come alive in new ways.
This group is a welcoming space for those just starting to experience what it means to have an embodied faith, as well as those seasoned in intentional movements such as dance and yoga.
All bodies, abilities, and disabilities welcome
Eight, 75-minute Sessions
$190
Group Spiritual Direction That Moves You — Virtual
Every Other Wednesday, 10:30 am ET
Jan 29 - Feb 12, 26 - March 12, 26 - April 9, 23 - May 7
If you have participated in an Embodied Faith cohort before and are looking to go deep into your faith and movement, this cohort provides a supportive space just for exploration.
Think of this cohort as Group Spiritual Direction that literally moves you. Your life becomes the curriculum.
Prerequisite: Completion of one EF cohort or retreat series previously
Eight, 75-minute Sessions
$190
What others have said
“I’ve struggled to be present in my body, to see it for its incredible strength, willpower, and ability to adapt. I’ve worked to give God space to move through my spirit, through my physical body movement, and my loved ones. Annalise’s classes have helped me start the journey home.
I was floored by the easy flow, the reflection activities, and my heart becoming more tender with my body. I’m grateful to be given grace every time I log on and Annalise says ‘Hi, friend.’ I know that I am safe, home, and loved.”
Pearl Quick
Cohort Participant
“Annalise brilliantly engaged our young adults with an Embodied Faith session. Our group values deep conversation and learning through experience, and Annalise did just that! She spoke to their mind, body, and souls. Her session involved not only a theologically engaging conversation, but she made us actually move our bodies to hear how the Holy Spirit might be speaking through movement.
Annalise created an atmosphere that made this comfortable for even the most hesitant participants. I am confident that Annalise would bless any one of your church groups, from children and youth to adults who never want to try something new. I promise you; you will be blessed.”
Rev. Werner Ramirez
Associate Pastor, Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church
New York, NY
How we can move together
Embodied Faith Cohorts
An 8-week Cohort offers you the space and community to explore your spirituality through movement. By paying attention to how you feel or want to move, you will gain a deeper understanding of yourselves and God. Virtual and In-person options.
Churches
We can work together to customize a 1-time or multi-week workshop for your congregation, youth/young adult group, or small group.
Drop-In Sessions
In-between cohorts semesters, join our virtual community for a drop-in class. We will do a movement examen of your past week and discover invitations for the coming one.