Illness as Initiation
a 5 Week (online) Somatics Group by Jacks McNamara
Jacks McNamara: This one came to me in a dream, folks, and I had to make it real: announcing my newest somatics group, Illness as Initiation. Join a group where you can meet other folks living with acute or chronic illnesses who are working on becoming more embodied and building their capacities to handle stress and find connection. We will meet over zoom to learn a variety of somatic practices derived from generative somatics and the resilience toolkit that can support us in caring for ourselves, advocating for ourselves, and strengthening our self-responsiveness. We’ll build skills in setting boundaries, navigating the medical industrial complex, living inside changing bodies, working with internalized ableism, and enlarging our support networks. Sessions will include somatic practices, time for discussion and connection with fellow participants, and some journaling prompts. We’ll ground our explorations inside the challenging social, racial, and political contexts we are all inhabiting. All levels of experience with somatics are welcome. Group meets on Tuesdays at 9am PST/12pm EST beginning 5/3.
Image description: a burst of sunrise light and waves come through an opening/portal in a solid rock wall, overlaid with the text "Illness as Initiation, a 5 week (online) somatics group. Tuesdays @9am PST/12pm EST, starts 5/3. info@https://bit.ly/illnessinitiation. With Jacks McNamara
From a 2011 journal when I was going through a rough patch, the toxic waste and dolphin skeletons in my dreams, and a really solid best friend:
Also:
Make Your Own T-MAPs
1. T-MAPs Introduction – Getting to Know Your Self & Parts
This is a simple tool to help you get curious about your inner world. It’s inspired by Transformative Mutual Aid Practices (T-MAPs) and Internal Family Systems (IFS), but you don’t need to know anything about those models to use it.
To begin, find a little time, a quiet place (if possible), and a willingness to explore. There’s no right or wrong way to do this.
We recommend grabbing a separate piece of paper, a notebook, or opening a blank document or note on your device—somewhere you can respond freely to each reflection as it comes. Writing things down helps make the invisible visible.
We are living through really fucking challenging times. Be kind to yourself. Find support where you can get it. Build community with friends and strangers. Be in touch.
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