The Zen in Semenawa

What is Zen?
One way to think of zen is this: a total state of focus that incorporates a total togetherness of body and mind.

What is Semenawa?
Semenawa translates to hard ropes: tied to slowly apply pain in order to let the body and mind gradually sink into an intense experience.

In both Zen and Semenawa a key is the practice of letting go. Letting go of comparing the present experience with any past or future. No longer attempting to change it while still being responsible for one's emotional and physical well being. Practicing this paradox is the theme of this weekend.

Tying a semenawa style brings the height of dramatic expressions and the depth of trust. It teaches us to slow down and tune into a universe of intimate nonverbal communication. The beauty of semenawa is the raw emotions that forms a strong bond of trust and vulnerability between the top and the bottom.

People often ask why one would like to be tied or tie another person. The answer is always vulnerability in the polarity between surrender and holding power. When done in consensual and loving way it empowers intimacy, healing and growth.

The teachers

Andy Buru is teaching the Japanese rope art of Kinbaku/Shibari and has developed it into his own therapeutic bodywork practice. With one foot in the tantra world and one in the BDSM world he has traveled the world to experience, teach and be inspired by both Japanese and European rope culture, where he had the honor to learn from masters like Osada Steve, Yukinaga Max and Felix Ruckert. He is a medical massage therapist and conscious kinkster with a background in international team and organizational coaching, and a deep passion for the place where psychology, anatomy and mysticism meet. Exploring semenawa from a zen perspective have given him peace and presence to witness and hold space for the wild sea of raw emotions in himself and his partner. His path is finding the balance and harmony in the asymmetry of power, emotions and movement.

Betty Kil is an American born, Stockholm based rope lover. She believes that it's impossible for a rigger and model tying together to hide what is truly there between them, and finds this guarantied vulnerability to be what's truly special about ropes. With this sentiment, she has gained considerable experience as a rope bottom through tying with some of the best riggers in Europe, including Felix Ruckert, Kristina Marlen, Pedro Cordas, Caritia, Tamandua, Nicolas Yoroï, and of course Andy Buru. Through semenawa, Betty has come to understand that suffering comes from the comparison of what has been or could be to the present moment. And with that, one cannot suffer when they are truly present, in the now. This deep realization has been a main driving force for her when doing rope, and has aided her in maintaining deep peace in even some of the most painful situations.

During a weekend we will dive into:

• Conscious and responsible topping and bottoming when working with pain.
  
• A handful of semi-to-full suspension ties that highlight the semenawa.
  
• Philosophy, theory and tea about that place where zen and semenawa meet.
  
• Cacao ceremonies and pain meditations to build and release intensity during the course.
  
• The witness role to capture the beauty of semenawa working with photography and drawing.
  

Participation cost is 320 euros. If you come with a partner of opposite sex and register before September 15 then it is 280 euros per person.

Further information is provided on registration or you can find us on FB