Authentic Eros - creating a new culture - Immersion Training

Authentic Eros - creating a new culture - Immersion Training

with Kai Ehrhardt and Ruby May

 

What is the Authentic Eros Immersion

Authentic Eros is a space to be you and to embrace all that you are. It is an invitation to drop and root ourselves into a deeper felt experience and presence with life, honouring the ways in which eros - our life-force - wishes to express and create through us. It is an opportunity to tune into the ever-beckoning call of life to deepen our ability to connect and relate: whether that’s to ourselves, others, our community or the planet we live on.

Together, we create a space where we let ourselves and others be as we are - not trying to fix, heal, change or convert anybody, and yet we also strive to show up as our most daring, whole and free selves. Each unfolding moment offers an opportunity to honour what feels true and right for us, and yet also the possibility to explore edges, to question, and to allow ourselves to stretch and expand into new ways of being and relating.

In a world that is changing at an ever-quickening pace, and where the evidence of destruction through our sense of separation is so evident, what can we do to play our part in creating more relatedness and connection - be that intimately or sexually, socially or professionally? What inner resources support that? Who are we when we act according to our deepest truths and desires?

​Over three gatherings that span over six months, Authentic Eros offers an opportunity to commit to a powerful transformation process, within a field of trust and permission and with the support of a group of fellow explorers. Each gathering (module 1,2 and 3) will offer an interplay of structured exercises (content), free exploration (open space) and time for reflection and integration.


Authentic Eros is for you if you are looking to

  • Commit to a deeper transformational process over a period of time.
  • Explore what is holding you back from relating in the ways in which you desire.
  • Learn communication skills to build conscious and fulfilling relationships.
  • Get out of your head and into your body.
  • Learn embodiment and breathing practices and meditation tools to support a daily practice
  • Be in a space where you are fully invited to respect your own boundaries and go at your own pace.
  • Fully embrace and accept yourself.
  • Evaluate, reinvent or redirect your attention and focus.


Engage in a dynamic structure, interweaving

  1. Content
  2. Open Space
  3. Reflexion
  4. Integration


1.1 // Content // Specific Module Themes

Module 1: I _ CONNECTING // Arriving & Creating _ (Mai 10 - 14 _ Village Berlin)

Self - Body - Impulse - Desire - Self-Responsibility - Self-Organization - Regulation - Practice

  • Cultivating connection to self through self-enquiry & self-care practice.
  • Cultivating presence through the body.
  • Learning to be with emotions.
  • Being with what is.
  • Working with shame.
  • Exploring the relationship to body, genitals, sexuality & pleasure.
  • Distinguishing impulse from Eros.
  • Exploring desires & boundaries.


OUTCOME: I become intimate with a wider spectrum of my experience. I know how to integrate rejected parts of myself and embrace self-love as the foundation for all my relationships. I am in contact with my inner guidance and purpose.

 

Module 2: : YOU _ RELATING // Deepening & Nurturing _ (July 03 - 09 _ Schlüßhof in Lychen)

Other - Gender - Communication - Witnessing - Transparency - Action

  • Practicing honest communication.
  • Exploring scripts underlying sex-life.
  • Working with triggers.
  • Exploring Gender.
  • Witnessing and being witnessed.
  • Exploring different relationship paradigms.
  • Exploring different motivations for sex.
  • Erotic bodywork exchanges.
  • Exploring breath, arousal and non-goal orientated touch.

OUTCOME: I communicate clearly and honestly. I see how the relationships in my life are mirrors. Knowing that obstacles provide opportunities to grow, my life becomes richer. I recognize when I get triggered and can choose consciously.

 

Module 3: WE _ MATURING // Harvesting & Surrendering _ (September 27 - October 1 _ Village Berlin)

Sharing - New Culture - Care - Empowerment - Love - Death - Integration

  • Relating from ‘we-consciousness’.
  • Deepening our experience of a consciously embodied existence.
  • Exploring loss and death.
  • Giving.
  • Celebrating Pleasure, Life & Death.


OUTCOME: I experience myself as part of the whole. I can open to receive communal support as well as offer my skills to serve community. I trust my inherent gifts and creativity.

 

1.2 // Content // throughout all modules:

Tuning in

Listening deeply to and co-shaping the actual moment & context.
We use breath, movement, sound and play to wake up the body, becoming more present, alive and connected. We explore different forms of presence, closeness, distance and contact, feeling into what feels truthful in every moment in order to learn to act from that connection.

Embodiment

Discovering the gifts of a consciously moving, breathing & pulsating body.
Throughout, we allow the wisdom of the body to guide us: to connect us to our sense of being at ‘home’, as a compass towards integrity, as a way of reconnecting with the source of our own animation and as a portal for personal and spiritual growth.

Intimacy

Deepening our capacity for connection - Integrating our sexuality.
We encourage our full expression as sensual and sexual beings and identify and work with ways in which we hold ourselves back, due to for example our conditioning, shame, fear of rejection or need for approval.

Communication

Using group dynamics and personal experiences as material for growth.
We practice being radically honest in our communication and actions, taking full responsibility for what is right for us. Through this truthful communication, we create a space where respect meets vulnerability. Surprising insights and transformation, deep satisfaction or simply new ways of relating can arise.

Diversity

Exploring the meaning of ‘for and beyond all genders’.
The training attempts to create a very unique and inclusive environment where - no matter where you are in regards to your sexual or gender identity or in regards to your sexual orientation  - it is safe to explore, connect and grow. When we deliberately put ourselves into a context that may not immediately reflect our “natural/cultural” inclinations, we can begin to discover a much fuller spectrum of connection, affection and intimacy. We can become aware and let go of unnecessary judgments and barriers, while widening and sharpening the sense of who we are.

To do so we will draw from:

  • ​Various styles of Bodywork
  • Embodiment & Breath
  • Conscious Touch
  • Witnessing Rituals
  • Communication Exercises
  • Constellation Work
  • Work with Desires and Boundaries


2 // Open Space

One of the aspects central to Authentic Eros is the combination of structured guidance with Open Space. Open Space is the possibility to harness the safe container we have created together, to follow our own creative impulses and flow.

Our time together becomes a living microcosm of the macrocosm - where we can practice working with our edge, try new ways of relating and follow our curiosity and the compass of our desire.

 

3 // Reflection

We learn not just by doing, but reflecting on our doing and processing our experiences in ways that allow us to understand its significance and its lessons.
We create time throughout for self-enquiry and reflection - through journaling, sharing in smaller groups and as a whole group.

  • Where is my edge that feels like it offers room for movement or expansion?w
  • What patterns have I become aware of that hold me back or prevent me from feeling ease within myself?
  • How does transparency affect my interactions?
  • What happens when I give myself more permission to be me?
  • Reflection also enables us to see what the collective themes are, that are emerging in us as a group.

 

4 // Integration

We have discovered that with this rhythm of Content, Open Space and Reflection - plus the times in between modules and the possibility to reunite and reflect together - we create multiple opportunities to practice embodying the wisdom and insight we have gleaned.

This gives us a powerful possibility to create lasting transformation and change. As part of this journey, you will have a partner in between modules, who you can give and receive support from, in whatever way feels valuable for both of you.

Content, Open Space, Reflection and Integration amplify each other.

Open Space time provides an opportunity to either work with one’s own individual topics or the content from the structured exercises and material. At the same time new topics, interests, themes or issues can arise from experiences in the Open Space which then can be brought to reflection time or inspire us to bring in other or additional conte

This way we make sure we are actually addressing what is really pertinent to the members of the group and the dynamics within it and we can be spontaneous and work with whatever themes arise in the group. You are invited and encouraged to explore at your own pace and within your own boundaries.

 



General Information

All beings are welcome regardless of gender, sexual orientation, age and experience, although some experience in a workshop setting is recommended.
If you are in a relationship you can use the training for your individual process or as a couple to deepen your relationship.

Even though every module introduces a new theme, you will build on awareness and embodiment exercises, bodywork and communication skills, movement explorations, intimacy and community building activities throughout.
A coaching structure in between the modules assists you to make the dreams and desires of your deeper life a reality, address individual challenges and build group support.

Kai and Ruby will lead and support you through the modules.
Prepare to be surprised! Are you curious and ready to dive deep, committing yourself to this one-year experience?
If so, send an email to training@kaiehrhardt.com telling us who you are, where you are in your life, and what motivates you to undertake this training.


Prerequisite

Participants must be prepared to commit to a “daily practice” (time for embodiment, meditation and personal inquiry) throughout the year, as it will serve as the primary foundation for the training.
Any difficulty that may come up around that is very welcome and serves as the fuel for our process.

Authentic Eros: create new culture - Immersion is an invitation to be open to intimacy (not necessarily sexual) with people regardless of sexual orientation or gender.
Despite the preferences and/or history you bring in relation to different genders, a curiosity and openness towards doing exercises with anyone is mandatory in order to participate in the training.
If there is a general willingness but you still feel uncomfortable or uneasy, we are happy to support you with this!

 

Registration & Fees

Please send an email to training@kaiehrhardt.com telling us who you are, where you are in your life, and what motivates you to undertake this training.


Cost of European Immersion 2017 in Berlin:

  • OPTION A. Earlybird Tuition: € 1.500 incl. VAT // If registered and remitted in full by March 30th, 2017.
  • OPTION B. Regular Tuition: € 1.700 incl. VAT in one payment before the beginning of the first module.
  • OPTION C. Three Installment Tuition: € 1.800 incl. VAT/ € 600 of which to be paid 2 weeks before modules 1, 2 and 3.
  • OPTION D. Concession Tuition: € 1.500 incl. VAT on request.


Accommodation & Food of European Training
Daily rate is 39,- € for the modules 1 and 3. This includes food (vegan and delicious) and accommodation in the group room.
For module 2 the training will happen in a beautiful setting in nature. Therefore the daily rate is approx. 65,- €.
The fees for accommodation and food have to be paid 7 days before each module starts.

 

Facilitators

Kai Ehrhardt is a co-founder of the Somatic Academy Berlin, a Middendorf Breath Therapist, Continuum Movement Teacher, bodyworker and group facilitator. He holds the German Heilpraktiker license for psychotherapy. Kai loves to examine and explore the role of a conscious body and its ramifications on Self & health, relationships & communication, sexuality & Eros. Kai holds individual sessions since 1996, has been teaching since 2002 and lives in Berlin and New York City. 

Ruby May is a British born, Berlin-based facilitator and creative visionary, whose passion lies in the exploration of Eros as a gateway towards living a more embodied, awakened and fulfilled life. She brings a decade of experience working internationally in the field of Conscious Sexuality as a sacred intimate, sexological bodyworker, Tantric domina and workshop facilitator. Known for her gentle and playful approach, she loves to create spaces where we can have the courage to discover, honour and embody our Truth and expand into deeper intimacy with ourselves and the world around us.  www.alchemy-eros.com