This workshop is the fifth module in a series of five that constitute the ‘Cycle of Life’ arrangement as conceived originally by the ancient Chinese. (Please see the ‘Cycle of Life’ leaflet or website for further details).

Earth is the element and aspect in us and nature that represents physicality. Just as the earth gives the frame for life to grow and evolve, our body provides the realm in which we can realise who we are. It is the container of our life force, psyche and being.

‘Reichian’ body-centered psychotherapies including Core Energetics are in their element with Earth. So during this weekend we will explore how to ‘ground’ in the terrain our flesh and find our ‘inner ground’, which includes our authentic and original state of being.

If our bodies are our personal ground then the Mother is our personal earth. Our biological mother was where our body originated and typically the source of our nourishment on all levels, including love. Hence this element is all about nurturing, caring, nourishing, holding and providing for our needs.

The most fundamental relationship of our life, the one which primarily determines the basic shape of our personality, is the one with our mother or mother-figure. The quality of maternal care we received and the degree we were carried and held physically and emotionally, are crucial for the stability, firmness and dependability of our inner ground.

During this module we will look at the ‘Oral’ character defense structure and the extent to which our childhood needs were unmet, so that we may find ways to open to and receive contact, energy and love and feed what feels undernourished, empty or needy. The ultimate grounding is in our Core as here we can be rooted in our essence. Essence in the oriental sense provides us with the deepest nourishment possible. From this place we can discern our real needs and reach out to have them met in particular the longing to be loved and love.