by Natasha | Nov 2, 2016 | Bodysex workshops, Related Bodysex, Workshops |
Justine (Stiina) was a participant of my first Bodysex Retreat and, while I didn’t really know her before that, it became apparent very quickly that she was an artist who truly enjoyed creating art on people’s bodies. As the weekend went on -and the rest of us got over our issues with accepting love and gifts from another – it was a common sight to see Justine (often naked) creating art on different women. Being on the receiving end of this I can’t express what a gift it was. I’m usually the one doing the mothering and having another woman braid and touch my hair or gently adorn my skin was wonderful and healing for me.
Justine registered again for my second retreat and after that I knew that I couldn’t imagine her not being there. I decided to offer her a permanent seat in the circle as my gift to the other women. Much like Patti, Justine brings something special to the weekend that I don’t – and I want the other women to be able to experience it.
Bodysex is a time for reflection, healing and celebration. By making it into a weekend retreat it also becomes a time to be mothered. Thank you SO much Justine for making our space more sacred through your loving touch and beautiful art. I can’t wait to share the circle with you again this Friday.
by Natasha | Oct 25, 2016 | Bodysex workshops |
I’ve known Patti for over 10 years but it wasn’t until she participated in my first Bodysex workshop, 2 and a half years ago, that I really got to know her. I’d always admired her strength, sense of adventure, independence and “fully live life” attitude, but sitting beside her in the Bodysex circle I got to know and admire her vulnerable, soft, motherly side as well.
When I decided to turn the workshop into a retreat I knew that I’d need support from someone who felt – not only passionate about Bodysex – but who also brought different gifts to the retreat than I do. Patti seemed like an obvious choice and as I watched her greet women naked at the door with ease, lovingly prepare food, make sure that coffee and tea were always on and model taking time for herself when needed – I knew that I couldn’t imagine doing it again without her.
Patti has no children herself and yet mothers us all as if she’s been doing it her whole life. I know that it’s an effort for her to fly in from out of province 3 or 4 times a year to do this, but I’ve never once heard her complain. I’m grateful beyond words for all of the support she gives me both during the retreat and behind the scenes with planning.
Along with Betty and Carlin, Patti is like the earth beneath my feet – giving me grounding, support and love.
Thank you Patti for the gift that you are and for making the retreat space feel like HOME. You are the best S.C. a girl could ask for.
Much, much love (and orgasms!!!)
Natasha
by Natasha | Oct 11, 2016 | Bodysex testimonial, Bodysex workshops, Posts, Vulnerability |
This is a beautiful story – written by Lauren who has sat in the circle with me 3 times – about the quilt she made in exchange for her friend to attend my upcoming workshop. To me it epitomizes exactly what the Bodysex circle and sisterhood is all about………..
Over the last few years I’ve been on a journey, supported so often by Natasha and the other women I’ve shared the circle with in her workshops. I feel like I have come so far, feeling generally grounded and connected to myself. I wish more women had the chance to experience the loving environment Natasha creates. I have one friend in particular that I believe would love the experience and it would be so good for her. At various times I’ve even tried to figure out how I could afford to just pay for her to attend. So, this summer, when Natasha posted a request for someone to sew a couple quilts for her office in exchange for counselling or workshop services, my mind started swirling. I had so many ideas. I was so excited and had to get in touch with them both right away. I have been working on the first of two quilts that will hopefully help provide Natasha’s clients with some extra warmth and love.
This sewing project felt amazing, as I poured so much love, energy, and intention into each step. Throughout the work of planning, cutting and sewing I have reflected on my own experiences within the circle and continued to process. I remembered each of my circle sisters and the many other women who have influenced and supported me.
Before I had even talked to Natasha about the quilt, my mind went instantly to circle imagery. I knew I wanted to create a circle to represent the circle of women in Natasha’s workshops. I have so much fabric and scraps and old clothes to repurpose, it was like an adventure picking out the pieces that would go together. I found twelve different fabrics to represent the twelve women in a circle.
I look at the fabric. I see the two pieces I bought traveling alone in Thailand which have been used at different times for table cloths, a skirt, wall hangings and a few handmade ornaments. I see leftover pieces of fabric from baby carriers I made for a dear friend as well as two other women. I see a skirt my mom made me almost twenty years ago, and the outfit she made me for grade seven grad. I see a dress I made myself that I loved so much but never quite fit properly. I see a piece of fabric I think my sister bought so many years ago that I can’t even keep track of all the incarnations of decorative and functional uses it has seen. I see my kids curtains from their room when they were tiny. There’s also a piece of fabric that I loved but never got around to making the intended project, a piece I scavenged years ago from my mom’s fabric stash and an old favourite pair of pajamas. In each piece I see myself, through the actual memories and through the varied styles (sometimes subtle and winding, sometimes bold and vibrant, sometimes quiet and subdued). It’s also fun to look at the styles and imagine which one best suits and represents the women I got to know in the circle.
Each fabric and each woman has a different story, similarities and unique beauty; they (we) are now forever connected to each other. I feel like the quilt shows the light and love we each bring into the circle and the energy we shine outwards in our lives after we leave the circle. Once the fabric was pieced together, I saw an eye shape that I hadn’t planned. It’s funny, once I noticed it I couldn’t miss it. I think that connects me to the sense of feeling truly seen that was at first a little terrifying and then so soothing. This quilt and my experiences of the workshops have so much story woven into them.
The quilt itself is imperfect and flawed. My technique is improvised and made up. My stitches wobble and waver just as my body and confidence do. I cringe at the thought of a real quilter looking at it, just as I once cringed at the thought of revealing my imperfect body. It reflects so much of me and my journey with my circle sisters. Even as I sit writing this, with the quilt around my shoulders, I feel held and safe. I dearly hope that many other women can accept the love and energy of other women daring to be vulnerable together.
by Natasha | Sep 17, 2016 | Bodysex workshops, Nude in nature photos |
The spot for this photo (taken at my May Bodysex Retreat) was chosen because of the trees above us. The tree on the right side of the path had uprooted, causing it to fall towards the tree on the left. What made the spot so special though, was that the tree on the left had seemingly grown a new shoot – strong enough and in exactly the right spot – to be able to support the other one.
Like the trees in this forest each woman in a Bodysex circle is unique – with her own roots, colours, scars, and place in the forest. As we share our stories, vulnerabilities, fears, shame and pleasures we gain individual strength as well as understanding and compassion for each others uniqueness. It’s from this collective compassion and mutual vulnerability that we grow new shoots in support of each other.
There are only 2 spots remaining in my fall Bodysex retreat and I invite you to share the circle with me. //natashasalaash.com/fall-bodysex-workshop/
* * photo credit Dana Kellet
by Natasha | Sep 2, 2016 | Bodysex workshops, Workshops |
I’ve completed my Counselling specialization and am now officially a Sex and Intimacy Counsellor! //natashasexcounselling.ca
It’s my intent and desire to provide the most holistic and supportive Bodysex experience possible and, with that in mind, I’ve decided to offer a free follow up session to all previous and future Bodysex participants. The session can be just a “catch up” or it can be a time to go over current or prevailing questions or concerns that you may have. For participants who live out of province or country this session can be done via skype. Please contact me through either site to book. There are currently 3 spots open in the November Bodysex retreat.
by Natasha | Jul 21, 2016 | Bodysex workshops, Posts, Workshops |
My November Bodysex Retreat is half full! 2 nights all inclusive, healthy home made meals and snacks, vibrator, body henna and hair braiding by local artist Stiina //www.stiina.net…. This is a time for you to be nurtured, create sisterhood, heal body shame and celebrate pleasure. Email me to book or register on the site ❤️
