Somatic Transformation: A Workshop with Staci K. Haines

In this 90-minute program, Staci K. Haines will introduce the Reimagine community to somatic practices in order to take heart-centered action and sustain ourselves in these difficult times. Somatics is rooted in the belief that safety, belonging, and dignity are core human needs and that trauma, oppression, loss, and other adversities erode these essential values. In this workshop, Staci will guide us towards greater awareness of survival strategies (e.g., fight, flight, freeze, etc.) that dwell in our thoughts and bodies. At the same, we will discover the possibility of transforming those adversities into opportunities for growth. Participants can either sit or stand during the workshop.

Generative somatics is a body-based transformation methodology developed by Staci K Haines who has specialized in healing trauma and applying somatics to social justice movement building. The word generative points to the possibility of finding new ways of being in places where we are stuck. Somatics is derived from the Greek word “soma” which means the living organism in its wholeness. The combination of somatic, body-based practices, in-depth conversation, and healing work creates the possibility for lasting change and the ability to take new actions under the same old pressures, both individually and collectively. generative somatics combines dynamics from modern western psychology, findings in neuro-science, mindfulness, aikido and liberation politics.

The workshop will be preceded by a 25-minute conversation between Staci and psychologist and author Dr. Arielle Schwartz, who will bridge the theory and practice of post-traumatic growth and generative somatics.

Grief, Growth, and Justice

This program is part of a series produced in conjunction with Reimagine’s spring 2022 season Grief, Growth, and Justice: a group of workshops, talks, and conversations that explore the intersection of justice with post-traumatic growth, a body of research demonstrating that those who experience adversity and loss can achieve personal strength, optimism, meaningful relationships, appreciation of life, and spirituality. Featuring guest speakers from diverse fields such as psychology, organizational development, art, and activism, the series examines how volunteerism, civic engagement, activism, and other acts of service and justice can facilitate growth and healing on both personal and collective levels. Reimagine’s organizational partner Holistic Underground has provided this guiding principle of justice: "a state of integrity and wholeness, achieved through healing and transformation. When justice is present, we can trust that our safety and well-being are valued in a community or society."

Staci K. Haines

Staci’s latest book, The Politics of Trauma: Somatics, Healing and Social Justice (North Atlantic Press, 2019) is based on her work to transform the impact of individual and social trauma, and strengthen the interdependence of personal and social change. She has been in the field of somatics and engaged in social change work for over 25 years. She leads programs in somatics, trauma, and resilience, and embodied leadership for healers, social change leaders, and social innovators. Staci is the co-founder and former Director of generative somatics (gs), a multiracial social justice organization bringing somatics to social and climate justice movements. Staci also founded generationFIVE, whose mission is to end the sexual abuse of children within five generations, using transformative justice approaches. Lastly, Staci is also the author of Healing Sex: A Mind Body Approach to Healing Sexual Trauma (Cleis 1999, 2007). For more information visit: thepoliticsoftrauma.com, generativesomatics.org, and generationFIVE.org.

Arielle Schwartz, PhD

Arielle is a clinical psychologist, EMDR consultant, somatic psychotherapist, yoga instructor, and internationally sought-out teacher. She is a leading voice in the treatment of PTSD and complex trauma who is dedicated to offering informational mental health and wellness updates through her writing, public speaking, social media presence, and blog. As an author of six books including The Complex PTSD Workbook and The Post Traumatic Growth Guidebook, she believes that the journey of trauma recovery is an awakening of the spiritual heart. Discover more at drarielleschwartz.com.