Mindfulness at the Museum: Restorative Contact with Gabrielle Revlock
Oct 30, 2020, 6:30PM–7:45PM

Mindfulness at the Museum: Restorative Contact with Gabrielle Revlock

About

Restorative Contact begins with the understanding that touch is an important part of human development. It helps us to be present in the moment, in our bodies, and with other people. In this session we will work with our partner, guided through a mostly floor-based sequence of touch and weight-sharing, using various surfaces of the body.

These passive contact poses are designed to regenerate, replenish, and reset the body and mind. We work slowly and mindfully with care and respect for our body as well as our partner’s. Deep relaxation has been shown to help with anxiety, insomnia, digestion, fertility, and high blood pressure. The positive effects of touch are far-reaching, including emotional, physical, and cognitive wellbeing. Studies indicate that touch boosts dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin, the hormones associated with making people feel good, and lowers cortisol levels, which are associated with stress.

Session Tips:
• This workshop is non-sexual, so your partner could be anyone with whom you are comfortable sharing intimate space.
• It is best to participate in an area with sufficient cushioning where two people can lay down and stretch out easily.
• Wear clothing that allows you to move freely.
• Additional props are not required, but a pillow or blanket is recommended for support.

For questions about the program please contact Natalie Sandstrom, Program Coordinator, at nsand@ica.upenn.edu

Link to register for session (via Zoom): https://upenn.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJAsceCoqDIjGtRIKyo19flD2LDJWsRQrJKb

Bio

Gabrielle Revlock is the creator of Restorative Contact. She developed this practice by synthesizing key elements of various somatic techniques, including Contact Improvisation, Restorative Yoga, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, Tai Chi, Klein Technique, Authentic Movement, and Deep Listening. Gabrielle has over 18 years of training as a professional dancer, choreographer, and movement instructor.

Support

Programming at ICA has been made possible in part by the Emily and Jerry Spiegel Fund to Support Contemporary Culture and Visual Arts and the Lise Spiegel Wilks and Jeffrey Wilks Family Foundation, and by Hilarie L. & Mitchell Morgan.