Embodied Sensemaking

Why This, Why Now?

We’re living in a time where more and more of our conversations happen in abstraction — on screens, in echo chambers, through opinions and algorithms. But what if the way back to trusting each other isn’t more arguing or analysis…but coming back to our bodies?

This 3-hour workshop is an invitation to move from reactivity to curiosity, to practice the kind of conversations our culture urgently needs. Hosted at The Hollow Tree, Hout Bay in Cape Town, on Monday 18th August from 18:30 - 21:30, this session combines embodiment, somatic inquiry, and safely guided dialogue on polarising topics - all grounded in the intelligence of the body.

A Follow-On to Leviathan

This Embodied Sensemaking workshop is a continuation of the experience many of us shared at our recent screening of Leviathan — the powerful documentary directed by Alexander Beiner that asked: Why is social trust breaking down, and how do we find it again?

The film journeyed through sociology, myth, psychology, and systems thinking, confronting the shadows in our culture and pointing toward hope, healing, and action. Many of us left wanting to not just understand embodied trust - but to practise it.

This evening is that next step.

Who This Is For

– Those moved by Leviathan and excited to engage further.

– Those new to the conversation, drawn to understanding the world and making sense of culture.

– Anyone sensing that something more embodied is needed in how we relate, speak, and navigate the world.

Whether you joined the screening or are just arriving now - you’re welcome x

What is Embodied Sensemaking?

Embodied Sensemaking is a practice of using body awareness to deepen how we perceive, speak, and relate - especially when things feel polarising, stuck, or uncertain.

We’ll use Somatic Inquiry, a partnered, body-aware form of conversation that helps us meet complexity with humility and curiosity. This is not group discussion or debate - it’s a way of speaking and listening that allows new insight to emerge.

And importantly, the topics will be crowdsourced live from participants. We’ll invite tensions from our own lives and communities into the room - with care, respect, and oppenness.

Event Details

1. Where: The Hollow Tree - 10 Luisa Way, Hout Bay
2. When: Monday, 18 August 2025
3. Time: 18:30 – 21:30
4. Investment: R300

What to Expect

1. Welcome + Recap: Revisiting Leviathan's key messages
2. Context: Why embodiment and trust matter in a fragmented world
3. Warm-Up: Breathwork and intentional movement
4. Practice: Partnered Somatic Inquiry using crowdsourced polarising topics
5. Integration: Yoga Nidra to ground and close

You’ll Walk Away With

1. Understanding of the trust crises and the role of embodiment in navigating it
2. Tools for engaging polarising conversations with openness and clarity
3. Practices you can bring into relationships, organisations, and cultural life

Facilitators

Daniel Shaw is an embodiment facilitator and works at The Global Trust Project, helping governments and organisations operationalising trustworthiness.

Good to Know

1. No prior experience required.
2. Wear comfortable clothing (we’ll move lightly).
3. Bring snacks and drinks for yourself and to share.
4. Bring a journal if you'd like to reflect.

Contact us if you'd like further details, we'd love to connect.

With love,

Daniel & Tracey