From May 17 to 19, a group of adults met in Assisi to experience an Antigymnastics workshop together.
Antigymnastics is an original wellness method that allows anyone to get to know themselves better, take ownership of their bodies and inhabit them. It was conceived in the early 1970s by French kinesiotherapist Thérèse Bertherat.
The proposal of Sr. Elisa and Sr. Jenny, who led this meeting, was to experiment at various levels with lightness.
Lightness in trying to deliver the initial state of mind through an image placed there, on the lawn, at random.
Lightness in discovering that even just by kneading a small material in your hands, you can establish a dialogue with your body.
Lightness in discovering that that initial Breath of Life is given back to us once again, we could say every day, and, if we consent, that same Breath animates our existence and gives us the possibility to look beyond.
Over the course of the days each participant was able to receive information about themselves, about the path they are taking through and within their bodies. All of them were able to experience the possibility of having well-grounded and firm feet with which to face the not-always-easy path of life.
Here are some resonances:
I had the opportunity to find a stable balance on my feet, leading me through this life. I realized that we can move forward beyond our limitations. I have tasted what it means to live lightly. I felt welcomed and this allowed me to be myself. S.
I participated in this meeting for the first time driven by curiosity. I was able to have an experience of listening to my body while feeling gently accompanied all along the way. I gained a greater awareness of my skills, learning to give myself time, resulting in psycho-physical and spiritual benefits. All this was made possible by a comfortable and judgment-free environment. I will take with me much serenity and gratitude. M.
Since the summer of 2022 I have been dealing with the consequences of a stroke. In the hospital, the doctors made it clear to me that my hopes of getting back to normal are related to my ability to move, and I started working on that. When I started to do anti-gymnastics as well, I got busy, starting close to my body again. In this attempt, the first discovery was that we know very little about our bodies. Perhaps this is why anti-gymnastics soon became “another perspective” for me. The attempt to be aware-even of the simplest movement-of what is going on, in every nook and cranny of our bodies, is by no means an easy job; but it is worth it! This is coming from someone who has tried it. M.
I will not say that it takes little, or that this experience was enough for me to regain my lightness. The journey is long, but just beginning it surprisingly opens up a Hope. A breath that you can feel, a longing and a smile that pops up for a brief moment. Trusting that it is still possible: this is the beginning of the journey to lightness. M.
I return home with a deep serenity and inner balance. I let myself go on a journey of discovery of my body, marveling once again at its complexity and perfection. Through images, sometimes sympathetically funny, Sr. Elisa accompanies the unfolding of the movement making me feel part of a story, of a greater totality. Then when there is a moment of confrontation it is always helpful to listen to the emotions of the group. All this in the wonderful setting of Assisi, enriched by the loving welcome of the sisters, their precious attention and feeling special, loved for who I am, just as the Father loves me. Thank you! M.
The challenge now is to continue to believe in this journey of lightness begun in a place of quiet and calm, putting ourselves in listening to everyday reality, there where we are. So have a good walk!
Sr. Elisa Di Lorenzo, sfp
