Background

A little more about the space’s creation and intention… a note from founder, Sarah Brooke

I formed this space at the end of 2020, as a celebration of all the lessons learned through the lockdown of 2020 (unbeknownst to me we had another year coming). As per the ‘Hero’s Journey’ archetype, this clinic was formed as a homecoming celebration of the gifts found and forged during the ‘ordeal’ of lockdown.

One clarity that had became more profound than before was how humans do best when sitting alongside each other, being authentically seen through hard times. Not merging, or assuming that we all have the same experience, while also not leaning into division or isolation.

All the time spent online (with friends, family, clients, colleagues) lead to me committing to a stronger than ever antidote of daily art-making in order to release tension and re-embody. It became clear that in our strange world it is important to consciously choose to remain connected with, and re-connect with, our bodies- their sensations, movement and expression. Including with the greater body of the Earth of which we are part.

Walking along the Birrerung (Yarra River) most days clarified the value of noticing the natural environment with deep gratitude, intimacy and recognising oneself within nature’s poetry. I developed a daily practice of reciting this particular poem while I was walking, which lead to our clinic’s name.

Inside This River: Somatic and Art Therapies aims to celebrate and share these gifts.

Inside This River - Rumi

Inside this river there is a moon
which is not a reflection.

From the river bottom the moon speaks.
I travel in continuous conversation
with the river as it goes.

Whatever is above
and seemingly outside the river
is actually in it.

Merge with it, in here or out there,
as you please.

This is the river of rivers
and the beautiful silence of endless talking.