Here we are in week three and we are still a set of happy little bunnies. Going Beyond has now become something we are quite habituated to, an almost daily occurrence (not similar in any way to brushing your teeth, something far beyond that). The discoveries continue, we go deeper, we understand more, we feel more, we connect more, it still feels special.
Morning class has continued to flourish and unbelievably the sweat factor has increased - something to do with the sunshine and something to do with the sheer number of bodies flying around the space. From tomorrow onwards (Thursday 29th March), we are going to have to start to implement a first come first served kind of thing as sadly we just can't fit you all in. I'm afraid we'll have to close the doors after the first 22 of you arrive, so make sure you arrive in plenty of time if you want to be sure of a place. We are thrilled that the classes are so popular and that we hear time and time again that they are just what Bristol artists need. How warming. Conversations are now starting about how they can continue after the project is finished - I'm game if you are!
So last week I revealed a slight anxiety about tempting fate when saying just how brilliantly everything was going, well, that fate was momentarily tempted. On Friday, we had a tiny bit of a bad day. It was only a little bit tricky, but a good reminder all the same, a reminder that going beyond is not that simple, not that easy, and not something to be taken for granted. Last Thursday we climaxed, we peaked, we hit the top and oooh we felt so good. We thought we had cracked it and then, of course, we had to come, floating delicately, back down to the ground on Friday afternoon. That grounding was actually hugely positive and has led us into this week feeling very connected and in control, stepping now with real knowledge and understanding. Meaning that we have really settled over the last couple of days, it feels like we've gone from exciting, chancy, pubescent Beyond, to a more mature and wise Beyond. Very pleasing. But that doesn't mean that the journey still isn't wild and magical, because it is! Here's some memorable stuff:
wanting to hide... walking on water... giggling... Beady's tales... support... fess up symbols... affirmations... a climax... high fives... perfection... jar revision... jar culling... top shelf jars... struggling through jar time... sinking feeling... reality hit... anger... frustration... polish needed... the weekend needed... taking a moment to stop and look... remembering the first kiss... jar kissing... notes... observations... group check in... re-connecting... feeling lighter... jumping... jumping... jumping... suspend... release... suspend... release... intimacy... transcending the skin... in 1982 Chek got married... falling... fears faced... tears... trust... fondness... life lists... revision... sunshine... feels good. We're feeling good.
Jarno - I feel anger, trembling legs, melancholy, pain, joy, I was crying today. I feel silly at times, stupid, very smart or just in the present moment. There's love, sexuality, caring, laughter, relief, excitement, awareness, caution and distortion. At the same time it is confronting, liberating, philosophical and revealing, showing me my boundaries and my weak spots, but where my strength is too. It shows me the places where I like to hide from myself or the outside world and it reveals other, new paths to follow. There's a lot of words to describe Beyond, but if I had to define it in one word, I'd go for: real.
Jon - We sail through day 3 week 3, our ship more weather hardy, patched and colourful. All of us working the decks like trained pirates made mad from the sea water. All of us emerging from the tasks bright eyed. Everyone shining with the particular iridescence of their inner light. 'I don't want to do it' - I think before every exercise, 2 minutes later I'm bouncing like Tigger, 9 years old again, playing ninja in my grandma's garden. Everyday a bit more honesty. 'I don't think that works' - we all agree a 10 minute jar that took a gruelling hour to make gets top shelved, collecting dust, never to be opened again. No regrets because ahead is open water and we know how to catch the wind.
Laura - As more bits of our lives seep into the work, we build more trust and allow ourselves to unravel. We disclose our beings without judgment. She hangs of his neck - open - they exchange a fragile handshake
she balances precariously - desperate to smash that jar. A bead of sweat runs down his curl and drops onto the floor. Hands get covered in dirt. He shakes his tired wrists and leaps on invisible springs. They exchange a smile as their paths cross. They shake in anticipation, save each other from falling and see the world go by. Things get clarified so we can trust what we do not know.
Chek - Beyond MB Training: Word has spread. Fabulous atmosphere. Great to have the chance to practice the challenging Shacklock Consciousness Exercises with the whole class. Our laboratory work is a daily exploratory process of experiencing discoveries, which get jarred. It is very special to share the making of jars as well as to discuss the process afterwards. We all look out for each other and give everything possible and Karla thanks us after every task, which is so special and supportive.
There it is people. Keep checking out our wonderful videos and see you at morning class!
Ooooh and Happy Birthday for tomorrow Jarno (Beyond performer)!
Karla x
