Deconstructing Power Dynamics from Inside Out

Power dynamics are inherent to how our society is shaped and to how we grow, individually and in community. Considering the unhealthy foundations and destructive effects, we think it is time to build a different culture, in which we recognise privilege and oppression, daring to correct ourselves and each other to enable real change.

Many ancient wisdoms from different cultures as well as recent research in neuroscience, teach us that an emotional- and body-centred approach to oppression is necessary. During this workshop we will experiment with awareness and transformation of harmful power dynamics, offering you tools to regulate your own emotions and body at any moment, and to re-centre when you are feeling overwhelmed.

“Deconstructing” is about unravelling and sometimes breaking down existing systems, clarifying what we need to heal from trauma, and to become a more resilient person, family, team or organisation.

“Power” is a concept that is linked to oppression and exclusion. Raising awareness can be confrontational, and it can turn into a healing process, with a long-lasting impact on how we engage in relationships. This work can only be done in a healthy way if there is enough warmth, awareness and connection.

The “dynamics” we are exploring have a great unconscious impact on our behaviour. The more we become aware of our individual and group patterns and our habits in interaction, the more we can influence and choose the direction in which we move together.

• Céline Gaza is a mindfulness trainer and performer. She uses meditation, movement and voice to transform trauma. She uses these tools in her own healing process, in her art and in the guidance she offers others. It is important for her today to combine her meditative, social and artistic processes to share her knowledge with the community.
 

• Ylva Berg is a multilingual Deep Democracy trainer and facilitator (inclusive decision-making and conflict resolution) for children and adults, Trainer MBSR/MBCT and Mindful Parenting, Embodiment student, volunteer in a social movement and socio-cultural associations, singer and mother of three teenagers.