Danny Morris

Embodied Relating Circle - Relatefulness
2023-05-07 17:00 - 18:30, 2023-05-21 18:00 - 19:30, 2023-06-04 18:00 - 19:30, 2023-06-25 17:00 - 18:30, 2023-07-23 18:00 - 19:30, 2023-08-06 18:00 - 19:30, 2023-08-20 18:00 - 19:30, 2023-09-20 18:30 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) and 4 more dates | Living Water Community Center, 1000 Westover Hills Blvd, Richmond, VA, 23225, United States
An Embodied Relating Circle is an interpersonal meditation practice, that explores the relational dynamics that occur in real time within a group.
It is a space where we get to slow down and really notice, what is happening in my body? How is my nervous system responding? Am I grounded and present? Am I in flight, fright, freeze or faun? What expression is my body asking for? Do I feel safe to express it? What am I afraid might happen if I do? Can I reveal my motivations and intentions of why I want to do something, rather than just doing it? What is it like to own my experience in real time, rather than project or make claims about others?
In this space we are practicing bringing an open curious view on what is happening, noticing our patterns and reactions, naming them, speaking for them, rather than acting out of them.
In the Internal Family Systems model as well as several mindfulness modalities there is an idea that there is Self that is our present-day adult integrated self. We can sometimes relate from that place and often we have different parts of us who are playing out different patterns and defenses, or who feel wounded and vulnerable. This will be a space where we will practice knowing what it’s like to relate to each other from our Self (what IFS calls self-leadership) and how to speak for the parts of us that we notice. Where we will learn skills and tools to hold each other in curiosity and compassion, and to create space for our parts to be seen and understood. Where we will practice showing who we really are and allow ourselves to be seen in that as well.
There is a mystery that unfolds with each group and each practice. Taking the group somewhere that we go together, trusting the wisdom and the intelligence of the group without a forced agenda.
There is a practice I have done for many years called Circling and Authentic Relating, which a present moment focused relational meditation practice. There are things I have loved about this practice and things I have not. I will be doing something similar here but that brings a lense on oppression and relative positions of power and privilege, that is trauma informed, and that is influenced by IFS parts work. It is a practice of deep learning about our relational parts and patterns, vulnerability, and of healing and integration.
Circling is a form of relational meditation that involves a group of people sitting in a circle and taking turns speaking and listening to one another. The goal of the practice is to promote deeper connections and understanding between individuals, and to foster a sense of community and support. Each person in the circle is encouraged to speak authentically and openly about their thoughts, feelings, and experiences, while the others listen attentively and respond with empathy and understanding.
In Circling, participants are encouraged to speak from their personal experience and to share their true thoughts and feelings without judgment or criticism. The listening and responding are done with a focus on empathy, which means understanding and relating to the other person’s experiences, rather than trying to fix or change them. The facilitator may guide the group in using specific techniques to foster deeper connections, such as active listening, mirroring, and reflection.
One of the main goals of Circling is to promote a sense of connection and understanding between individuals, and to create a safe and supportive space for people to be vulnerable and authentic. The practice is said to be beneficial for personal growth and development, as well as for building stronger relationships and communities. Some people also use Circling as a way to explore and understand their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors.
Circling can be done with people who are strangers, friends, or even with family. It can be done with a small or large group, and can be tailored to specific needs and goals. It’s also worth mentioning that it is not a form of therapy, but rather a form of personal development, connection and exploration.
Space will be limited to max 10 participants to allow for an intimate experience. I will be holding a few drop in Intro circles and once there is enough interest, I plan to do a multi week series with the same group so we can learn and go deep together.

Ecstatic Dance and Connection Warmup
2023-05-17 18:30 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | Living Water Community Center, 1000 Westover Hills Blvd, Richmond, VA, 23225, United States
**** Since there won’t be an Ecstatic Dance till the 28th, This week we will do a 30 min connection-based warmup and then just a regular Ecstatic Dance to flow however you like. ****

This is a space where solo dance, partner dance and group dance meet. The playground is what you might expect from an ecstatic dance, dance floor. A wave of music that ranges from slow and flowing to fast and chaotic and everywhere in between.
This will not only be a place to dance, but this will also be a lab. Meaning there will be skills and tools that we will be learning and experimenting with. We will alternate between exercises, and space to dance to put what you have learned into practice. We will pause to check in, ask questions, share our insights, and get personalized support around our learning edges. This is a space to come as we are and learn and grow together.
You may be coming from one of two directions entering this space:

You have done ecstatic dance or 5 rhythms or some kind of mindful embodied dance practice. You feel comfortable dancing on your own and moving however your body wants to move. You’re interested in learning how to connect and engage with others on the dance floor, but don’t quite know how or where to start. Or you do know how and want a place where others are wanting to connect too, so you can practice your skills more.
You have done partner dances and social dances, where there is a lead follow dynamic. You know how to follow a dance style and play your role but have a hard time finding the freedom of your own expression and moving without a structure telling you how to move. Dancing on your own feels harder than dancing with a partner.

Whichever direction you are coming from this space will be an opportunity to lean into some new territory.
Imagine a space where there are moments of everyone dancing on their own and finding the freedom in their personal expression, moments of connection are woven in an out, in the course of one song you might connect with and dance with multiple people, each one in creative and unique ways, at times it feels like the whole room is dancing together, we are all deeply rooted in ourselves and open to connect in ways that feel safe and consensual, you weave in and out of connection to yourself and connection with others.
This will be the laboratory to learn the skills to create that space.
We will be breaking down some of the basics of how to interact and engage in ecstatic dance, as well as explore options for how to find more connection on the dance floor.
We will be exploring different ways to connect, Contact improv, lead follow partner dance, engaging without touching, dancing with multiple people at once, weaving around each other etc ….
We will also be learning about attunement and consent. How to meet someone where they are at, how to make invitations, and how to respect someone who is not available.
We will explore our energetic defense patterns, how that shows up in our dance and also how it applies to our life and connection with others.

Space will be limited to 20 dancers so we can create an intimate setting and get personalized attention.
Come play with us!

Ecstatic Dance Connection Lab
2023-06-07 18:30 - 20:30, 2023-07-26 18:30 - 20:00, 2023-08-16 18:30 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Living Water Community Center, 1000 Westover Hills Blvd, Richmond, VA, 23225, United States
This is a space where solo dance, partner dance and group dance meet. The playground is what you might expect from an ecstatic dance, dance floor. A wave of music that ranges from slow and flowing to fast and chaotic and everywhere in between.
This will not only be a place to dance, but this will also be a lab. Meaning there will be skills and tools that we will be learning and experimenting with. We will alternate between exercises, and space to dance to put what you have learned into practice. We will pause to check in, ask questions, share our insights, and get personalized support around our learning edges. This is a space to come as we are and learn and grow together.
You may be coming from one of two directions entering this space:

You have done ecstatic dance or 5 rhythms or some kind of mindful embodied dance practice. You feel comfortable dancing on your own and moving however your body wants to move. You’re interested in learning how to connect and engage with others on the dance floor, but don’t quite know how or where to start. Or you do know how and want a place where others are wanting to connect too, so you can practice your skills more.
You have done partner dances and social dances, where there is a lead follow dynamic. You know how to follow a dance style and play your role but have a hard time finding the freedom of your own expression and moving without a structure telling you how to move. Dancing on your own feels harder than dancing with a partner.

Whichever direction you are coming from this space will be an opportunity to lean into some new territory.
Imagine a space where there are moments of everyone dancing on their own and finding the freedom in their personal expression, moments of connection are woven in an out, in the course of one song you might connect with and dance with multiple people, each one in creative and unique ways, at times it feels like the whole room is dancing together, we are all deeply rooted in ourselves and open to connect in ways that feel safe and consensual, you weave in and out of connection to yourself and connection with others.
This will be the laboratory to learn the skills to create that space.
We will be breaking down some of the basics of how to interact and engage in ecstatic dance, as well as explore options for how to find more connection on the dance floor.
We will be exploring different ways to connect, Contact improv, lead follow partner dance, engaging without touching, dancing with multiple people at once, weaving around each other etc ….
We will also be learning about attunement and consent. How to meet someone where they are at, how to make invitations, and how to respect someone who is not available.
We will explore our energetic defense patterns, how that shows up in our dance and also how it applies to our life and connection with others.

Space will be limited to 20 dancers so we can create an intimate setting and get personalized attention.
Come play with us!

Authentic Relating Games: Play edition
2023-06-26 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago)
We will explore the pillars of Authentic Relating and be guided through various practices and experiences where we get to explore new ways of relating, of communicating, and BEing together. This month includes verbal and nonverbal connection and communication! These gatherings are sweet spaces of nourishment
Come solo or bring a friend, no experience is necessary just an open mind
This gathering we will focus on connection, communication, and the element of PLAY. One of my favorite learnings has been.. When animals feel safe… we come out to play. Without a sense of safety, connection, and attunement, play does not happen. When we lose the essence of playfulness in life, many times other things are going on that is keeping our nervous system from relaxing into feeling safe. Who doesn’t enjoy authentic connection that feels easy and free? This is what we will explore!
… More about Authentic Relating: This event is friendly for absolute beginners who want to develop their ability to relate more deeply with others. It is equally as friendly for those more experienced and are desiring some new human connections.
-> Authentic Relating is the space to reveal one’s truth, to be truly vulnerable. It’s an opportunity to learn and practice how to listen to another deeply and to be heard deeply, to see and be seen. It is revealing what comes up in the present moment with another, beyond the norms of social interaction. Doing so has the capability of bringing forth rich, revealing, nourishing, and engaging experiences with other humans.
->-> To set the container I will go over the 5 practices of Authentic Relating:
Welcome Everything
Assume Nothing
Reveal Your Experience
Own Your Experience
Honor Oneself and Other
After this we let the relating games begin!
Here are the details Time: Arrive 5:45-6 pm Authentic Relating 6- 8pm
-> I ask to arrive a bit early so there is time and space to land before we begin.
->What to bring: An open mind! & Anything cozy you like to use for sitting, (We will be on the floor and in chairs, I have plenty of cushions but extra cozies is always nice) I welcome offerings from $10-25, cash or venmo is perfect (@shekina_scott)
Where: RSPV to receive the address

Cello + Handpan Sound bath
2024-02-23 18:30 - 19:30 (America/Chicago) | Living Water Community Center, 1000 Westover Hills Blvd, Richmond, VA, 23225, United States
Cello meets handpan meets meditation. Join us in the upstairs meditation room of Living Water Community Center for a dreamy, somatic, harmonic meditation and mix of cello by LM and Danny on the handpan(s).
Disclaimer: Feelings of gooeyness are encouraged, but we also suggest you bringing your own yoga mats, pillows, blankets, travel mug of tea, etc. so you can get extra cozy! Kick off your weekend with us!
Suggested donation range of $25-10 sliding scale.

Energy Playland: With Nicole Parish and Danny Morris
2024-04-10 18:30 - 20:30 (America/Chicago) | Virtual
Postponed till a later date ….
Want to play in an Energy Playland? Come play with us!
To some degree or another we are all sensitive to the energy in our bodies, the energy in others and the energy is the space. Some of us were just born feeling it. Some of us developed a connection later in life. Some of us have had this reality reflected back to us and affirmed. Some of us have needed to learn to trust ourselves after being gaslight and conditioned to deny our own direct experience.
Whether you have had any training and education on energy or not, you feel it, you work with it, it impacts your life. In this Energy Playland you will be guided and held by Nicole Parish and Danny Morris to explore what is Energy? How do I support my selfcare when I’m impacted by it? How do I use it to support my life in ways that are in integrity? How can I connect and play with others in consensual ways?
We will put some shared language and frameworks around the intuitive knowing that you already have in your field. Answer your questions and attend to what is alive in the group. Explore different exercises and practices that will support your journey. And we will create community of people learning and practicing together.
This is an intro level exploration, not because you are a beginner or just starting to understand what energy is. But because maybe you never really talked about it with other people before? Maybe you feel it and know it, but don’t know how to talk about it? Maybe you have never had other people who believe what you’re experiencing? Maybe you never had guidance or support from others and have been figuring it out by yourself? Come join the exploration with us!

Nicole Parish is an International Psychic Medium, a person who communicates with the spirit realms and loved ones who have crossed over to the other side. In her one-on-one private and group readings Nicole connects with a person’s team of light to offer guidance, understanding, and love. To learn more or to schedule a reading, please go to her website or learn about her events on her Facebook group.
www.nicoleparish.com
https://www.facebook.com/groups/nicole.parish

Danny Z. Morris is a healer and a somatic + energetic alignment coach. Their work is to help individuals open, connect, and trust in order to heal.
“I’ve walked this path. In fact, I’m STILL walking this path towards awareness and transformation. My approach towards your healing weaves together the spiritual & energetic with the scientific and grounded, pulling from multiple modalities to find the right method for each individual. This unique approach has real impact as we integrate nervous system regulation, secure attachment, intimacy and energetics into a self-awareness framework using the power of meditation + somatic awareness to repattern. “
www.dannyzmorris.com
