ANIMOVA: Therapeutic Movement Meditation

A Samhain-Inspired Animist Movement Journey Therapeutic Movement · Somatic Exploration · Devotional Practice There is life in the darkness. Beneath the soil, within the womb, through the long nights and changing seasons, unseen things are growing, transforming and becoming. And within us, there are places we have learned to fear, avoid, hide or reject. For this Samhain-season gathering, Animova invites you into The Fertile Darkness. An invitation to meet our fears, shadows and hidden parts with kindness, curiosity and compassion. To explore the unknown, make room for discomfort and discover new ways of relating to ourselves. Through music, movement, stillness and reflection, we'll explore darkness not simply as something to overcome, but as a living part of existence. A place of mystery, possibility, rest and transformation. 🌑 What Is Animova? Animism + Movement = Animova Animova is an animist movement practice that explores our relationships with our bodies, emotions, imagination, music and the living world. At its heart is the understanding that we are not separate from the world around us. We are living, sensing, responding beings, continually in relationship with everything that surrounds and moves through us. In Animova, music becomes something we can enter into relationship with. Rather than simply dancing to music, we listen to it, notice what it awakens within us and explore how our bodies wish to respond. Movement becomes a conversation. Through carefully curated musical journeys, guided somatic exploration and reflection, participants are invited to discover their own ways of moving, expressing, relating and offering. Stretch, sway, shake, dance, curl up, lie down or become completely still. There are no steps to learn, no choreography and no expectations to perform. Stillness is welcome. Listening is participation. Movement can become prayer. Animova also explores the many ways we have learned to control, judge or disconnect from our bodies. Here, we practise meeting ourselves with curiosity rather than criticism, allowing new possibilities for movement and expression to emerge. No dance experience or particular spiritual belief is required. ✨ The Experience Our evening begins with time to arrive, settle into the space and turn our attention inward. We'll explore a menu of movement possibilities, reflect on our relationship with our bodies and set personal intentions before entering a guided musical journey. The music moves through different moods and intensities, inviting you to notice what arises and choose how you'd like to respond. For The Fertile Darkness, expect dreamy, atmospheric sounds alongside moments of mystery, intensity and emotional depth. Throughout the evening, you'll find: • Guided somatic exploration, movement and reflection • An immersive musical journey exploring darkness, mystery and transformation • Low lighting, optional blindfolds and cozy places to rest • Mats, pillows and blankets for comfort • Opportunities to move, journal, rest or simply listen • An intimate, sober and phone-free atmosphere • Tea, snacks and optional social time afterward The movement journey is primarily an individual, inward experience. There is no expectation to dance with others, speak during the music or share anything personal. You are welcome to move between movement and stillness, explore different areas of the space or take a break whenever needed. Afterward, we'll gradually return to reflection and have time to connect over tea. 🍂 Who Is This For? Animova is especially welcoming to sensitive souls, social introverts, curious spirits and anyone seeking a different kind of Friday night. It may resonate with those who wish to: • Explore new ways of moving and relating to their bodies • Experience music as something personal, relational and meaningful • Develop greater comfort with emotional expression and embodied awareness • Explore animist spirituality through direct experience • Enjoy a creative, contemplative gathering without social or performance pressure • Connect with others while honouring their own need for solitude and space You do not need to identify as an animist, be comfortable dancing or have previous experience with somatic practices. Come as you are. Move as you are. ✦ About Your Guide Animova was created and is facilitated by Yana Waroway (Chauntell Dietrch), a Registered Social Worker, ordained Animist Minister, multidisciplinary artist and founder of Therapeutic Animism and Earth in Sky. Yana's relationship with movement began in childhood through ballet and gymnastics and evolved through expressive dance, intuitive movement, creative exploration and spiritual practice. Her work brings together therapeutic knowledge, animist philosophy, mythology, music and embodied experience. Through Animova, she invites participants to explore movement as more than exercise or self-expression. It can become a way of communicating with the living world, honouring our experiences, connecting with the unseen and participating in the ongoing movement of life. Animova is part of Yana's broader practice of Therapeutic Animism, which explores how relationship, imagination, creativity and animist ways of perceiving can support personal growth and wellbeing. 📍 Gathering Details Friday, November 6, 2026 7:00–10:30 PM Earth in Sky 497 Main Street East, Hamilton, Ontario Admission: $35 per person Ages: 18+ Capacity: Intimate, small-group gathering Doors close at 7:30 PM to preserve the atmosphere and minimize interruptions once the journey begins. Please arrive on time to settle in. Our previous Animova gathering sold out, so advance registration is encouraged. What to Bring Wear comfortable clothing and layers that allow you to move and rest. Mats, pillows and blankets are available, but you're welcome to bring your own yoga mat, favourite pillow or blanket for additional comfort. You may also wish to bring a water bottle and journal. Shared Space Agreements Animova is a sober, phone-free gathering. Phones should be silenced and put away during the experience, and photography or recording are not permitted. We honour each person's boundaries, movement choices and individual experience. Participants are encouraged to be mindful of shared space and to respect others' need for quiet, privacy and personal expression. All movement invitations are optional. You can rest, pause or choose not to participate in any activity. Therapeutic Group & Benefits Animova is facilitated by a Registered Social Worker within a therapeutic group setting. Participants with extended health coverage for Social Work services may be eligible for reimbursement, depending on their individual insurance plan. Please confirm eligibility with your benefits provider. A different kind of Friday night. A place to listen inward, move freely, encounter the unknown and discover the life stirring beneath the surface. Your shadows are welcome here. Reserve your place: earthinsky.com/invites