Embodied Faith
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
A small group experience that literally move you.
Cohorts offer 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 and 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 in a fresh and profound way.
Cohort have a maximum of 6, minimum of 5, people to create an intimate community.
Moving with the Mystics
We'll spend eight sessions with four mystics, letting their wisdom move through the body, not just the mind.
At each session, we'll weave in and out of moving our bodies, contemplation, and conversation, while leaning on the wisdom of four Christian mystics: Thérèse of Lisieux, Hildegard of Bingen, Julian of Norwich, and Etty Hillesum.
Love these women? GREAT!
Never heard of them??? LOVELY! I can't wait to introduce you to their brilliance.
Eight, 75-minute Sessions
Every other Sunday, 8:00-9:15 pm ET.
Dates: 9/20, 10/4, 10/18, 11/1, 11/15, 11/22*, 12/6, 12/13*
*A back-to-back week rather than our usual every-other-week rhythm.
$200
The Yearlong Cohort
The Yearlong Cohort is for those who desire to journey with the same small group of people for a longer period of time. This cohort will begin with Moving with the Mystics, then transition into Group Direction as the year unfolds.
Eighteen, 75-minute Sessions
Every other Wednesday, 11:00 am-12:15 pm ET
Dates: 9/16, 9/30, 10/14, 10/28, 11/4*, 11/18, 12/2, 12/16, 1/13, 1/27, 2/10, 2/24, 3/10, 3/24, 4/7, 4/21, 5/5, 5/19
*A back-to-back week rather than our usual every-other-week rhythm.
$435
Payment can be made upfront or spread across the semester, whichever is easier for you.
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.