A free, regular event has been designed for the survivors of last year's bushfire in Tathra's district to assist them in building strength and resilience.
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Walk and Talk to Strengthen Resilience is driven by Jodie Bourke, a certified Feldenkrais practitioner who lives and works in Tathra.
In her two-hour sessions, held every week in December as well as February next year, she will teach participates to learn how to walk and talk with ease of movement to gain an increased sense of vitality and personal connection.
"I understand going through traumatic events impacts people immediately," Ms Bourke said.
"Then after about 12 months those sort of things settle down and that's when I find the real traumatic issues start to develop, whether it's pain or anxiety.
"I want to provide people with tools to last them for their lifetimes."
With her program she offers an ongoing self-management strategy.
The Australian Feldenkrais Guild states Feldenkrais is a method for improving human life through better movement, sensation, posture and breathing, with neuroplasticity central to its effectiveness.
Ms Bourke said using mindfulness techniques and exercises from neuroplasticity and somatic education her sessions would equip participants with the tools to develop a positive self-perception.
"The activity will guide and support community members to become more flexible and adaptable, which will enable them to function more efficiently in daily life," she said.
Ms Bourke said walking along the Tathra bike track or Tathra Beach would help desensitise people to traumatic events and help them to be relaxed, confident and comfortable in their community environment.
Also, she said each week a topic will be decided by the group to talk about, which aims to give participants the experience of making their own choices and reinforcing their ability to effectively have control over their lives.
Walk and Talk will run from 10am in Tathra on Tuesdays: December 3 and 10, and next year on February 4, 11, 18 and 25.
Those meeting for the walks should go to the entrance of the dog off leash area at the Tathra Beach carpark, which is opposite the Tathra Beach Motor Village.
Contact Ms Bourke for directions or for more information on 0421 318 904 or focrulzok@outlook.com.
It is free for participants as it is funded by Bega Valley Shire Council's Bega Valley Fire Recovery and Resilience Grants Program Round Two.
Albert McKnight
Journalist at Bega District News.
Journalist at Bega District News.
