The Body Knows is a weekly ritual to come home to yourself and step intentionally into the week ahead.
Sometimes, the things we’re carrying can’t be resolved through thinking alone. Movement offers another way to process, release, and reconnect. The Body Knows is a guided movement practice rooted in somatic awareness and moving meditation.
You’ll be invited to slow down, listen to your body, and move in whatever way feels authentic to you. There are no steps to learn and no choreography to follow. Just music, gentle invitations, and space to explore. No dance experience is needed.
Whatever you’re carrying, whether it’s grief, stress, joy, uncertainty, exhaustion, or simply the weight of everyday life, you are welcome here. Learn more: https://www.jenottovegio.com/the-body-knows
What to Expect
We’ll begin by lighting a candle and setting an intention for our time together. From there, you’ll be guided through:
A grounding meditation
Gentle stretching
Free dance time, with movement prompts offered throughout
A final resting meditation, similar to savasana
What to Bring
A yoga mat for knee cushioning and floor-based movement
A blanket for comfort and support, if desired
Layers so you can adjust as your body warms up or cools down
Comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely
Accessibility & Participation
You are welcome to move while standing, seated, lying down, or in any combination of the three. Chairs are available onsite for anyone who would like to sit. Shoes may be worn or removed, depending on what feels most comfortable for you. You may modify any invitation, rest, pause, or simply observe at any time. Your body’s needs and boundaries are encouraged to lead your experience.
About the Facilitator
Jen Ottovegio is a life coach, meditation teacher, and lifelong dancer. She helps curious people become more regulated, resourceful, and creative so they can better navigate what they can’t control, and create what they can.
The Body Knows brings that work onto the dance floor through music, guided movement, and mindfulness. Jen creates warm, welcoming spaces where people can get out of their heads, reconnect with their bodies, and leave feeling more confident, open, and hopeful.
Admission:
Sliding Scale: $15-25 (If this price makes this event inaccessible, please reach out to us!)
About the Facilitator:
Jen Ottovegio is a coach, meditation teacher, facilitator, and lifelong dancer based in NE Portland. She believes our bodies often know things long before our minds catch up.
Drawing from her background in coaching, meditation, group facilitation, and sensual dance, Jen creates warm, welcoming spaces where people can slow don, reconnect with their bodies, and build greater self-trust. The Body Knows brings together her love of movement and her belief that meaningful change often begins with listening to what the body already knows.