A freedom within

ATB facilitators Amir and Lina, their first in Macau...

On our journey to Macau for a three-day ATB workshop we experienced once more how this method connects cultural and language differences and can facilitate a space for humanity to connect with something deeper within us, a universal experience that touches us all no matter our background. 

Invited by Debbie and Loretta, we (Amir and Lina) had the honour of guiding participants through a process of self-awareness, inner-discovery, relaxation and connection. 

We discovered Macau, as a unique blend of East and West, presenting itself as a fascinating cultural landscape. Since we all are from different backgrounds and also the participants of the Macau retreat came from Macau, Hong Kong and mainland China, we had a diverse group with the challenge of juggling three different languages (English, Cantonese and Mandarin). Moreover, every society, culture or sub-culture has its own codex of behaviour, do’s and don’ts, ways of thinking, how they relate to their bodies and to others. Observing the subtle nuances in how people from different cultural backgrounds approach ATB, come in contact with themselves and connect with what is in and around them was very touching. Yet, despite these differences, we were reminded that beneath cultural layers, we all share a common humanity, where we can meet as individuals with shared experiences.

It was important for us to come to Macau a week before the workshop started, so we could really get a feeling for the place, its people and uniqueness. For us to get an understanding for the people, their needs, circumstances and life situations was part of our approach, because we find it essential to create a space where people will feel homely and embedded.

Language and translation is something which always impacts the process. It creates little delays during the course and some things might get lost. Also in understanding the experiences, the participants’ sharing is very important, as we couldn’t always see from the outside in what kind of process they were. The participants tended to have an opaque appearance on the outside while inside there was a lot going on in them.

Language is always limited, especially in this practice, so we realized once more, that it is important to have experienced ATB practitioners as translators which understands the language and the philosophy behind the ATB practice. As the translator was not familiar with the ATB philosophy, there were moments where it looked that some part of the process got lost. Nevertheless Loretta could help out some time if she wasn’t occupied with documenting.

In this particular workshop, we noticed the importance of creating an atmosphere of safety and relaxation for the participants. Understanding their need for security and calm, it was easy to connect to this since one of the core principles of ATB is to foster a sense of peace and authenticity. Adapting our approach to nurture these feelings and allowing for a space where people could truly be themselves. 

As we spent more time with the group, we were able to sense their unique patterns and rhythms. Once we understood their needs, it was clear that the participants were gradually opening up, trusting more, and letting go of their initial reservations. Already during the ATB Workshop, we noticed that there was a need to share experiences with the group, so we allowed more time for sharing personal experiences to align with the next phase of Playback Theatre (PBT) which seemed perfect as a continuation of the process. As participants connected deeply with themselves through ATB, we believe that they were better able to share their (intimate) stories and experiences with others in the group and seeing it embodied by others during PBT. When we become more aware of ourselves… our bodies and emotions, (or let’s say ‘planes of the being’) we gain a perspective that helps us to process and approach life’s challenges with greater clarity and calmness.

We left Macau with the hope that ATB provided participants with tools that will continue to serve them on their journey of self-discovery, connection, and expression in their everyday life, finding their freedom inside.