Be Like Water | In Defense of Self and Others

In these times of increasing authoritarianism, polarization, and violence, we are committed to strengthening practices that help collectively maneuver with strength, suppleness, and clarity. Specifically, we are interested in somatic, psychological, and martial practices that help us learn to navigate conflict, de-escalate stressful situations, and defend and protect ourselves and others when needed—without reproducing patterns of violence, domination and oppression. This is a transformative healing stance, rooted in care and compassion for all, which sits at the root of many contemplative, spiritual, and martial traditions.

In this introductory workshop, we will offer participants both a framework and set of practices for navigating difficult interpersonal encounters as well as a foundational set of self defense practices.

Together, we will:

• Learn how to access our self energy, dignity, and power;
• Explore a model for understanding patterns of “shaping” under stress and in conflict that impact our potential to respond most skillfully;
• Practice skills for finding more presence and resource in times of stress or when encountering a threat;
• Develop ways of supporting each other to find more presence in times of stress in order to meet in our power with dignity and care;
• Learn empowering tools of self defense

This workshop is open to all, including folks new to self defense and martial arts as well as those with training experience. Part one will introduce participants to our stress and wisdom shape framework, and focus on building our sense of personal and relational power in conflict. Part two will focus on explicit practices for self defense. (Experienced martial artists are encouraged to attend the full event, and also welcome to join us for part one only, if preferred.)

The workshop will include engaging group activities, discussion, personal reflection, and guided self defense training. We expect all participants to honor our agreements to support the container and our shared learning.

*Please dress comfortably and bring a water bottle. Light snacks will be served.

Paloma Schultz (she/her) practiced law in Brazil before embracing her true calling in holistic healing. Her personal and professional journey has taken her across countries, cultures, and disciplines—and ultimately led her to a deep commitment to healing, empowerment, and transformation.

As an immigrant and a mother, Paloma understand the resilience it takes to rebuild, nurture, and grow—both personally and in relationship with others. Navigating life as a single mom has deepened her empathy and shaped the way she hold space for others on their healing path.

Palomoa is third-degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), and has been teaching BJJ and Self-Defense for women for over a decade, creating spaces where safety, confidence, and body awareness can grow. She is a Reiki Master with more than 10 years of experience in energy healing, and a practitioner of restorative practices and conflict resolution—especially within families and communities.

As a certified Family and Organizational Constellations Facilitator, she specializes in healing intergenerational trauma and revealing hidden dynamics that influence our lives. Her approach is grounded in compassion, clarity, and deep respect for each person’s unique journey.

She is deeply grouned in the practices she shares with others—from healing family patterns to cultivating more peaceful and authentic relationships.

Learn more about Paloma: https://www.palomaschultz.net/

Brooke D. Lavelle, Ph.D. (she/her) is the Co-Founder of Courage of Care, a non-profit focused on nurturing a field of culture-change workers, or “relational facilitators”, in the art of transformative gathering and community building to support the heart of our movements for justice and liberation. She is the Editor-in-Chief of The Arrow Journal, a publication and podcast series that explores the relationship between politics, contemplative practice, and activism. She is also the Co-Director of The Wyckoff community house and urban garden, with her beloved partner, Jesse. In these times of great rupture and realignment, Brooke aims to help people imagine and embody new ways of being in solidarity and in right relationship together.

Brooke has been a student of Tibetan Buddhism for over 25 years, and has been teaching relational contemplative practice for nearly as long. She holds a Ph.D. in Buddhist Studies and Embodied Cognition and grounds her practice and facilitation approach in the body and in context. She loves to work with individuals on shifting frameworks in order to open up possibilities for practice and new avenues for relating more authentically and lovingly. For many years she studied, taught, and researched the diversity of compassion practices and their related frameworks of liberation in K-12 education. As a former dancer and current student of martial arts, she loves helping people (re)discover their inner sense of power and love and reawaken their commitment to treating others with dignity, care, and compassion.

Learn more about Brooke's offerings: https://substack.com/@thearrowjournal

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