The Art of the ChangeWeaver
A Year-Long Journey into Embodiment Facilitation
w/ Jo Hardy
Oct'25 - Jun'26, Portugal
(introduction weekend on 9-11 May > +info here)
The Invitation
The Invitation
After 35 years of exploring the art of change, transformation and healing, I’m delighted to share The Art of the ChangeWeaver: A Year-Long Journey into Embodiment Facilitation. This comprehensive program weaves together the threads that have shaped my path: decades of facilitating conscious dance spaces, years of working intimately with groups and individuals as a transformational coach, somatic psychotherapist and supervisor, and my own continuous journey of learning, inquiry and discovery. I've learned that true facilitation is both an art and a practice, and that our humanity and authenticity are our greatest gifts.
The intention of this journey is to support you to develop the skills, awareness, and presence needed to hold and facilitate transformatiional spaces through dance, movement, inquiry and embodied practice. Whether you're already a therapist, teacher, coach, or group facilitator, or simply feeling called to explore this path, you'll receive foundational tools to integrate embodied practice into your life and work.
Through structured learning and organic exploration, you'll develop your unique voice as an Embodiment Facilitator while joining a community of practice that can support your continued growth, self-discovery and authentic expression.
My commitment is to share everything I've learned about creating spaces where genuine transformation can flourish.
With all my love,
Jo
(see Jo Hardy's full bio page here)
The Orientation
“Deep beneath the water's surface lies a remarkable tale of transformation - the story of the dragonfly. For years, it lives as a nymph in the depths, unaware of its magnificent destiny, moving through cycles of growth and change in the darkness of its underwater world. Just as we often navigate through life's murky waters, unaware of our true potential, this humble creature undergoes a series of mutations that slowly prepare it for an extraordinary metamorphosis. As the nymph emerges from the depths into the sunlight, the nymph transforms into a radiant creature that flies with extraordinary precision and skill.”
- Extracted metaphor from Richard Rudd
The Art of the ChangeWeaver is an invitation to embody the very transformation we wish to facilitate. Just as the dragonfly must trust its body's knowing during metamorphosis, we learn to trust the deep intelligence of life itself. We develop the capacity to listen precisely to the body's wisdom, guide embodied inquiry, read field dynamics and the subtle currents of group energy, and weave individual experiences into collective meaning. Through movement, we discover how to hold space that's both strong enough to support real transformation and fluid enough to allow authentic expression to flourish. When we learn to trust this dance between form and freedom, something extraordinary becomes possible - a space where individual and collective healing naturally arises.
In a world hungry for integrity, kind wisdom, authentic connection and meaningful change, we need facilitators who can create spaces where the wisdom of the body can guide both personal and collective evolution. Yet this capacity isn't something we can simply learn intellectually; it must be discovered through direct experience, developed through practice, and embodied through your own journey of transformation. Through this training, you will develop embodied wisdom and competancy as a ChangeWeaver; how to create containers where movement becomes medicine, where dance reveals wisdom, where authentic expression catalyzes collective change, and expansive vision of collective possibility is a guiding principle.
"Leadership is about empathy.
It is about having the ability to relate to,
and connect with, people for the purpose of
inspiring and empowering their lives."
Oprah Winfrey
Voices From the Dancefloor
Testimonials from dancers who have attended Jo Hardy's We-Space weekend workshop in Lisbon (Feel2B, 2024).
The Program
Like the dragonfly's stages of transformation, our journey unfolds through six carefully crafted modules. Throughout our journey, the perspective of ourselves as both dancer (immersed and subjective) and as facilitator (witness and reflective) will root us in an understanding that the more precisely we include our embodied reality, the more ground and capacity we have. Both are interdependant on each other. Reflection will regularly be invited from both perspectives, dancer and facilitator, in order to both fully include our own embodied reality and to evolve our capacity to see the meta-view.
Module 1
Embodiment Foundations
22 - 26 October 2025
5-day Residential, BioVila (nr. Lisboa)
We must first learn to inhabit our own embodied experience as an essential foundations. Through conscious dance, movement exploration and 1:1 exchanges, we will dive dee pinto the art of embodied presence. We will cultivate the basic skills of somatic awareness, deep listening, and authentic presence.
Key Areas:
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Basics of embodied movement and somatic awareness
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The fundamentals of creating safe, trauma-informed, sacred spaces
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Embodied presence, somatic awareness and tracking the felt sense
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Understanding somatic aspects of trauma and nervous system regulation
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How to be with what is with self-love and compassion
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The capacity to listen deeply empathic resonance
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The basics of embodied heart inquiry and Authentic Relating
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How to give and receive appreciative and creative feedback
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Exchange practice : Embodied 1:1 work - deep listening and empathy
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Facilitation practice and feedback in small groups
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Basics of working with music
Module 2
Communication, Community & Relating
12 - 15 February 2026
4-day Non-Residential, Centro Upaya (Lisboa)
From our deepening roots, we expand into the rich territory of relationship and community. Here in the fertile waters of connection, we explore the delicate dance of human interaction. Understanding how embodied wisdom transforms our capacity for authentic communication and meaningful relationship is key to holdng space. Like learning to read the weather patterns in a complex ecosystem, you'll develop sensitivity to group dynamics, the subtle currents of the relational field and appreciate the delicate dance between individual and collective experience.
Key Areas:
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Mindfulness in relationship
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Safety - Boundaries and proximity
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Working with conflict as a generative force
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Working creatively with polarities
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Developing relational field awareness
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Deepening embodied heart inquiry and Authentic Relating
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Exchange practice - Embodied 1:1 work with inner conflicts
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Facilitation practice and feedback in small groups
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Evolving work with music
Module 3
Relational Dynamics of Power and Love
14 - 16 March 2026
2-day Online Intensive
This online intensive invites us to expand our perspective and deepen our understanding of how different lived experiences have shaped our embodied reality and influence our work as facilitators. Understanding the relational dynamics of power, privilege and intersectionality support us to more fully embrace our diversity and understand the central importance of language of inclusion.
Key Areas:
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Systemic understanding - View of Deep democracy
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Understanding social location and systemic oppression
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Developing cultural awareness and sensitivity
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Develop an understanding of ‘hidden’ power and privilege dynamics
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Building skills for addressing microaggressions
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Creating truly inclusive spaces : language of inclusion
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Holographic nature and parrallel processes of living systems
Now we swim in deeper waters, developing tools for working with emotional intelligence, self-states, and subtle realms of somatic experience. Our unique voice as facilitators emerges as we expand our capacity to work with the full spectrum of human experience.
Key Areas:
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Working with self-states and emotional intelligence
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Advanced somatic resourcing techniques
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Developing your unique facilitation style and voice
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Exploring advanced group process tools
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Deepening connection with natural world wisdom
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Understanding trauma-informed facilitation
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Exchange practice : Embodied 1:1 work with self states
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Facilitation practice and feedback in small groups
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Evolving work with music
Module 4
Advanced Embodiment
23 - 26 April 2026
4-day Non-Residential, Centro Upaya (Lisboa)
In this online gathering we'll take time to integrate the various threads of our learning - personal practice, theoretical understanding, and practical skills. A space allowing for deeper questions to emerge, gaps to be filled, and wisdom to be consolidated through structured reflection and peer support.
Key Areas:
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Reviewing and synthesizing key learnings
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Addressing emerging questions and challenges
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Deepening theoretical understanding
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Sharing practical implementation experiences
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Preparing for final module
Module 5
Integration
23 - 24 May 2026
2-day Online Intensive
Like the dragonfly's final emergence into sunlight, our closing gathering celebrates the full expression of your transformation. Just as the dragonfly's past waters become the force that unfurls its wings, your journey through the program becomes the foundation from which you'll emerge as the Embodiment Facilitator that you are, guiding others through their own metamorphosis in your chosen context. This module supports the manifestation of your unique vision and contribution to the world. We'll conclude our journey together with a co-created ceremony to honor both our individual and collective transformation.
Key Areas:
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Refining your professional, embodied vision that aligns with ‘your way’
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Concrete next steps, personally and as Embodiment Facilitator
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Community process : giving and receiving feedback
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Ceremony and celebration
Module 6
Visioning & Manifestation
10 - 14 June 2026
5-day Residential, Biovilla (nr Lisboa)
Is This For You?
This training welcomes two distinct yet overlapping paths: practitioners seeking to integrate embodied approaches into their work, and individuals drawn to deep personal development through movement. The common thread is a genuine commitment to understanding transformation through the wisdom of the body.
Professional Development Path:
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Practitioners (therapists, coaches, teachers) wanting to integrate movement and embodiment into their existing work
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Movement teachers and dance facilitators ready to deepen their practice and expand their impact
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Group facilitators seeking to develop their capacity for embodied leadership
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Helping professionals interested in trauma-informed approaches to movement facilitation
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Community leaders looking to add somatic tools to their work with groups
Personal Development Path:
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Individuals with established movement or embodiment practices ready for deeper exploration
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Those called to explore facilitation through their own journey of transformation
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People with experience in transformational work seeking an embodied approach
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Dancers and movers wanting to understand the healing and transformative potential of their practice
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Those feeling called to develop their capacity to hold space for others
Core Requirements
You are well-suited for this journey if you:
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Have previous experience with embodied practice (dance, yoga, somatic work etc)
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Are committed to your own personal growth, deep reflection and inquiry
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Value both structure and organic emergence
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Have the capacity for basic emotional stability and self-regulation
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Are able to balance personal process while learning facilitation
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Commitment to ethical, boundaried, trauma informed practice
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Hold fellow students with openness, curiosity and generosity
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Can commit to the full journey
Not The Right Fit?
In service of mutual understanding, this training may not be suitable if you are:
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Seeking a program where personal healing / trauma resolution is primary focus
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Needing basic emotional regulation skills and personal stability
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Do not have some established comfort with movement and body awareness
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Looking for:
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Quick techniques or formulaic approaches to facilitation
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Certification without deep personal engagement
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Purely theoretical or cognitive understanding
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A standard movement teacher training
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Unable to show up, delve into a process of deep self-inquiry or commit to the full duration of the program
The Venues
Biovilla Retreat Center
~ residential modules ~
(in the heart of the Arrábida National Park)
Centro Upaya
~ non-residential modules ~
(in Campolide, Lisbon)
Investment
Early Bird (until 15 May): 3.900€
Normal Price: 4.200€
The total investment comprises:
- 4 in-person modules taught by Jo in Portugal (18 days)
- 2 online modules taught by Jo through zoom (4 days)
- food and accommodation during the residential modules in Biovilla (12 days/ 10 nights)
What this price does not include:
- food and accommodation during the non-residential Modules in Centro Upaya
- transportation costs or handling (participants manage their own traveling)
- any other “extra costs”
Financial Aid
Payment in Installments
You may split the payment into three parts (deposit + 2 installments), to be paid up to 30/1/2026. The payment in installments implies an extra admin fee of 40€.
Scholarships
Two half-price scholarships will be offered to people working for social or environmental causes who cannot pay the full amount of the program.
Application Process
spots are limited to 32 participants
Regular Applications open 27 March 2025
To apply you you need to feel up this form, in which we ask you to answer some questions, record a video and pay a 30€ application handling fee (which will later be subtracted from the program fee if you are accepted). Placements will be allocated on a rolling basis - you can expect to receive a response within a month of your submission.
Scholarship Applications from 1 to 31 June 2025
It is not possible to apply both to a regular place and to a scholarship. Please only apply for scholarships if you can't afford the full price of the program. The application form link will be shared here on June 1st.
Intro Weekend & Info Session
You may have a taste into The Art of the ChangeWeaver program in two upcoming (optional) events:
Online Info Session
Sunday, April 27 from 10 to 11 am (PT time)
A zoom call with Jo Hardy where she will answer any questions about the program. You may register for free attendance or request the recording through this form.
Seeds of Change - Introduction Weekend to 'The Art of the ChangeWeaver' Program
May 9 to 11, Centro Upaya (Lisbon)
In this immersive weekend you will connect to your own calling into the art of facilitating meaningful transformation through embodied awareness and conscious movement. It will be a gateway into the year-long program. All info here.
Timeline Summary
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Mar 25 to May 25, 2025 - Regular Applications at Early Bird Price
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April 9 at 6pm, 2025 - Zoom Q&A Session w/ Jo (optional)
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May 9 to 11, 2025 - "Seeds of Change" Intro Weekend (optional)
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May 15 onwards, 2025 - Regular Applications at Normal Price
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Jun 1 to Jun 30, 2025 - Scholarship Applications
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Oct 22 to 26, 2025 - Module 1 (5-day residential in Biovilla)
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Feb 12 to 15, 2026 - Module 2 (4-day non-residential in Upaya)
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Mar 14 & 15, 2026 - Module 3 (2-day online) *
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Apr 23 to 26, 2026 - Module 4 (4-day non-residential in Upaya)
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May 23 & 24, 2026 - Module 5 (2-day online) *
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Jun 10 to 14, 2026 - Module 6 (5-day residential in Biovilla)
* There will also be Mentoring online circles in December, May and July. These are 2-hour zoom calls with 4-5 participants and Jo Hardy
* * We reserve the right to change the dates of the two online modules. The dates of the in-person modules are fixed. Plenty of notice would be offered for any change.
FAQ
Q: I cannot attend the introduction weekend in May. Can I still join the year-long program?
A: Yes, the introduction weekend is meant to introduce and prepare for the year-long program, but it is not a mandatory condition. You may participate in the program without having joined the weekend without any problem.
Q: How will lunch work during the non-residential modules in Upaya?
A: There will be an optional vegetarian catering service for the participants (15€ per meal). You are also welcome to bring your own food from home or go to a nearby restaurant!
Q: I live outside Lisbon. How much should I expect to spend on accommodation during the non-residential modules?
A: A bed at a Hostel costs around 30€ per night. Airbnb's or hotels vary from 50€ to 100€ per night. There is also a good chance that someone is willing to host you for free (however we cannot guarantee as these arrangements are handled between the participants).
Q: How can I get to Biovilla for the residential modules?
A: Biovilla is a 40min drive from Lisbon center and airport. If you don't have a car, you can get there by train and/or uber. The uber ride from the airport costs around 35€. There will also be a ridesharing board to facilitate coordenation between the participants.
Q: What is the daily schedule during the modules?
A: In the first day of each in-person module we begin at 11am, and in the last day we finish at 4pm. The rest of the days begin at 10am and finish at 6pm.
Q: Is it possible to stay at Biovilla before or after the modules?
A: Yes! Biovilla offers airbnb service. You can book any extra night directly in their webpage (remember that you don't need to book accommodation and food for the residential modules as they are already covered in the program fee).
Q: I am not currently working for a a social/environmental cause but have done it in the past or wish to do it in the future - can I still apply to the scholarship?
A: The scholarship is only for people currently working in a social /environmental cause and wishing to apply embodiment facilitation tools to their work.
Last Check
Begin Your Journey !
"And forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet
and the winds long to play with your hair."
Kahlil Gibran
A year of intense transformation and growth awaits you.
The journey begins in the moment you decide to do it.
Is it now?
Click the button above to start your application!
Don't hesitate to send us an email to releaseembodiedarts@gmail.com if you have any question.
We're here to help :)