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In this workshop, we shall explore a gentle, Feldenkrais inspired approach to Impact Play (and D/S dynamics). We will be building towards a classic (Face slapping) but we will do it gently, with many intermediate steps, rests, pauses and approximations. We will differentiate between various physical, emotional and relational components of hitting/being hit in a very detailed, slow, attentive, curious and playful manner.

The goal isn’t to reach face slapping, a certain intensity or range. Instead, we are to use these potent concrete actions - of giving and receiving impact and the feedback generated by them - in order to clarify different aspects of our self image. The self image of our own body, of relating to others and of power dynamics (Who am I when I have power/When someone has power over me?). By expanding our self-image, we develop awareness of the ways in which we are habitually conducting ourselves when power is involved, and cultivate real freedom and choice. 

Another focal point of our investigation will be approaching BDSM, while staying regulated where I am comfortable. Not trying to go beyond my limits in order to expand them or past resistances, but cultivating trust in myself and my system. Trust that if I would go small and be really precise about doing what is utterly comfortable - I would expand organically. This is not to say that in the search for comfort and ease - one does not encounter difficulty and resistances. That having these experiences indicates a mistake. The point is how to relate to them when they occur - by going smaller and more softly, by looking for variations which could be carried out easefully, approximations where my whole system could stay connected without dissociating even slightly. A sort of an experiment - what would happen, if the option of pushing through - isn’t part of the game we are playing.

We will be processing our experience verbally systematically throughout the workshop. The workshop consists of 3.5 hours of guided exercises (+ a short break), which ends and opens up into an impact-play Jam. It’s not possible to participate in the jam without the workshop. 

Noam Raz

is a workshop facilitator, Feldenkrais practitioner and Family Constellation guide. He has trained and played with a variety of physical practices and approaches - Dance, Taiji, Meditation, Somatics, BDSM, Voicework and Parkour. Coming originally from the realm of Philosophy (Wittgenstein!) and Linguistics, attention to language and its workings is somehow always in the background. 
Contact: noamraz05@gmail.com