The Joy of Fearlessness: Contemporary Approaches to Mudra Space Awareness

Scientists inform us that practically everything is space. Mudra Space Awareness provides tools to assist us in re-integrating this information into experiential interconnectedness with one another. In these challenging times, learning how to co-create and play with the myriad ways space manifests, enables us to become more authentic and genuine beings, supporting our desire to be fearlessly engaged with our creative visions and our changing world.

Mudra Space Awareness was introduced to the West by Buddhist meditation master Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche. Based on his own training in Mahamudra and Dzogchen practices, it navigates between yogic awareness, meditative concentration and theatrical play. An effective preparation for dealing with daily life with enhanced awareness and presence, instead of turning away or tuning out when things get difficult or intense, Mudra Space Awareness offers insight into how to stay present, compassionate and fearless. Mudra, meaning sign or symbol, reveals to us our subtle patterns and habits and stimulates letting them go while still staying engaged in the world around us.

Mudra Space Awareness is an energetic sequence of physical and vocal exercises that sharpen mental focus, align body and mind and revitalize the creative power of imagination. Practiced within a group setting, they open our awareness up to a greater space, where our aspirations for an interconnected, mindful and joy-filled life naturally develop.

Trungpa originally shared this work with performers as a method for helping them toward authentic engagement with their acting. As time has passed, however, the need for intelligent and courageous engagement with our world urges all of us towards genuine performing, cultivating flexibility and authenticity in our personal lives and in our commitment to our planet. These practices are an ally in any role on that journey.

Through the years, and with the consent of Trungpa, the Mudra exercises of Tibetan origin have been supplemented with contemplative exercises in presence and performance by workshop director Lee Worley. These improvisations have evolved from her theatrical training, her meditation practice, and her career as Professor of Theater at Naropa University, as well as from the space awareness practice itself. They serve to bring an improvisational, interactive approach to the retreat – a bridge to the unexpected demands of contemporary life.

“You are your own Mudra; you are the sign or symbol of yourself.” ~ Chögyam Trungpa

This program is open to everybody.

For more background information on the work of Lee Worley and Mudra Space Awareness, please see this interview by Daniel Plā with Lee Worley, published in 2016 in the Journal of Performance and Mindfulness: https://www.performanceandmindfulness.org.uk/article/id/909/. Permission has been granted to DCL to share the link to this article.

Practical details

Arrival day: Saturday March 29. You’re invited to come from 4 pm in order to register and settle in your room. Dinner is served at 6.30 pm. Orientation talk at 8 pm. 

End of program: Friday April 4. Closing and banquet in the evening.

Departure day: Saturday April 5. You may leave anytime (no program). You are welcome to stay for lunch.

This programme will be taught in English. Translation to French or Dutch is available on request. If you require interpretation, please submit your request at least two months ahead of the programme.

What to bring:

Please bring clothes in which you can easily move and play. Weather permitting, some exercises may take place outside, making use of Dechen Chöling’s beautiful grounds. Bring waterproof and sturdy shoes or boots, and a sweater. Knee pads can be useful for floor work. If you have extra room in your bag, scarves, hats or other costume pieces might come in handy.

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