In the Press
https://thepoliticalroom.com/desde-beirut-zena-takieddine-ensena-el-arte-de-curar-a-traves-del-movimiento/In translation: Zena Takieddine teaches the art of healing through movement...Many thanks to the vivacious journalist Christiane Waked for this interview published by The Political Room, May 2020.
And thanks to Ossama Halal for the B&W photoshoot and for Heba Hage Felder for ambient photography of the street qigong sessions. |
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Certifications
2018 Certified Somatic Experiencing Practitioner for Trauma Healing.
2009 Certified 200hr Yoga Teacher Training, International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Ashram.
2009 Certified 200hr Yoga Teacher Training, International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Ashram.
Masterclasses & Trainings
2020 Neuro-Affective Touch for healing pre-verbal developmental trauma by Dr. Aline La Pierre, Oslo, Norway.
2020 "Contemplative-Based Resilience (CBR) for Humanitarian Aid Workers," Trainer of Trainers, Garrison Institute International, Switzerland.
2019 Foundation year in of Bodynamics International by Lisbeth, Ditte & Hadi Marcher, Madrid, Spain.
2019 “Healing Sexual Trauma”, Online Course, Somatic Experiencing Trauma Institute (SETI), Online.
2018 “Autoimmune Disease & other Trauma-related Syndromes,” SE Master Class with Dr. Peter Levine, Switzerland.
2018 “Interplay of Shock & Developmental Trauma,” SE Master Class with Dr. Peter Levine, Switzerland.
2017 Clown Me In “Catch” for social therapy, art therapy in disadvantaged communities, Lebanon.
2016 “Metamorphosis: Evolving Pathways in Somatics” Body-Mind Centering Association (BMCA) Conference, Canada.
2013 "Art of Hosting" for participatory leadership and co-creation, Turkey.
2011 “Voice of Shamanism" & "Healing the Family” & “Inner Sound & Voice” with Voice Healer Jill Purce, UK
2008 Apprenticeship with yoga teacher and resonant kiniseiology practitioner Deborah Felmeth, Syria.
2007 “Basic Neurocellular Patterns,” with Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen, Somatic Movement Education, Germany.
2020 "Contemplative-Based Resilience (CBR) for Humanitarian Aid Workers," Trainer of Trainers, Garrison Institute International, Switzerland.
2019 Foundation year in of Bodynamics International by Lisbeth, Ditte & Hadi Marcher, Madrid, Spain.
2019 “Healing Sexual Trauma”, Online Course, Somatic Experiencing Trauma Institute (SETI), Online.
2018 “Autoimmune Disease & other Trauma-related Syndromes,” SE Master Class with Dr. Peter Levine, Switzerland.
2018 “Interplay of Shock & Developmental Trauma,” SE Master Class with Dr. Peter Levine, Switzerland.
2017 Clown Me In “Catch” for social therapy, art therapy in disadvantaged communities, Lebanon.
2016 “Metamorphosis: Evolving Pathways in Somatics” Body-Mind Centering Association (BMCA) Conference, Canada.
2013 "Art of Hosting" for participatory leadership and co-creation, Turkey.
2011 “Voice of Shamanism" & "Healing the Family” & “Inner Sound & Voice” with Voice Healer Jill Purce, UK
2008 Apprenticeship with yoga teacher and resonant kiniseiology practitioner Deborah Felmeth, Syria.
2007 “Basic Neurocellular Patterns,” with Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen, Somatic Movement Education, Germany.
Testimonials
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الصف مع زينة مريح جدا و كان بالنسبة لي محطة لخفض التوتر و تجديد الطاقة و الإحساس بالذات. كنت إطلع منه بحيوية و إندفاع للحياة
ع.ط. , صحفي و إعلامي - طرابلس ~ بعمل كل جهدي إحضر جلسات الحركة و التنفس مع زينة خاصة لما بتكون نفسيتي تعبانة وأفكاري عم تخوفني و محتاجة للسلام غ.ل. - بيروت عندي خبرة بالرياضة من زمان و كانت مفاجأة لما اكتشفت إنه اليوغا صعبة و فيها تحدي و مو بس صفن و تأمل. اتعلمت إنه في أنواع كتير من القوة و مو بس بالعضالات. ل. ف. - دمشق |
"It is said that yoga postures should be practices with equal amounts of strength and flexibility. That perfect balance of trust-inspiring steadiness and light-hearted ease is what Zena brings to her teaching. Her presence made the last two trainings we attended and gave together a real pleasure. I believe anyone who joins an endeavour that she's a part of will feel the same way."
- C. K., yoga teacher, Broummana. |
"Zena is one of the most wonderful women I’ve known. She is as beautiful inside as outside. Her presence is loving and healing; her hands and her listening are full of respect and tender attentive care. These are, for me, the most important aspects of a good therapeutic practitioner. As a yoga teacher she is creative and attentive to the needs of the group that particular day. People in Madrid love when she comes, since she always surprises us with her spontaneity and leaves us renewed. She is a master in every way. Thanks, Zena, for existing."
- C.G.T., Pilates trainer, Alexander Technique practitioner, Madrid, Spain |
“Zena’s yoga classes are exceptional! I’ve been taking her classes for more than 8 years and it has impacted my life in so many ways. Her approach is subtle and empowering. Most importantly, she teaches us how to listen to and respect our bodies. Zena’s beautiful spirit makes anyone love yoga.”
G. L., designer, Damascus & Beirut
G. L., designer, Damascus & Beirut
Zena is a pioneer in undertakings that promote social recovery and individual healing through yoga, movement and body-based therapies. I have worked with Zena in the context of running a series of trainings in kids’ yoga techniques for social workers, school teachers and others working with children in need. The techniques we teach help kids experience wellbeing, as well as enhancing self-regulation and concentration. As part of these trainings we also give the participants tools for self-care and managing their own health and wellbeing. I have found Zena a wonderfully creative and versatile partner. With her sensitivity and compassion, she is able to navigate and hold the emotions that come up in the group as a result of the practices. She also possesses a beautiful sense of humor and capacity for joy that puts participants at ease and opens up space for exploration."
M. J., senior yoga teacher & founder of ‘Tools for Inner Peace’
“When it comes to yoga, Zena is the real deal. I walk from her class feeling refreshed, energized and, most importantly, present.
Her technical understanding of yoga and anatomy makes her classes scientifically interesting and beneficial at the same time. It is a pleasure to take her class.”
A. H., entrepreneur, Beirut
M. J., senior yoga teacher & founder of ‘Tools for Inner Peace’
“When it comes to yoga, Zena is the real deal. I walk from her class feeling refreshed, energized and, most importantly, present.
Her technical understanding of yoga and anatomy makes her classes scientifically interesting and beneficial at the same time. It is a pleasure to take her class.”
A. H., entrepreneur, Beirut
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“Zena is a very, very good teacher. I’ve been following her Sunday morning yoga classes more-or-less regularly while working on my PhD thesis here in Beirut. She has a unique style, very calming. She is not trying to follow any “template”, instead I feel that she is letting each session’s mood lead the way, so it is always different and new, in the moment, yet in a relaxed manner.
I have always been a bit daunted by the idea of joining a yoga class. Social media usually makes you think that you need to have a perfect body before you can go and do yoga, but Zena makes you understand that this has nothing to do with yoga: you are here to appreciate your own body and respect its limitations and possibilities that day. If you want to try a calming yoga session, I can only recommend you try the Sunday sessions!” L.N.G., PhD candidate AUB |
“Zena’s approach to yoga and bodyworks allows anyone to participate. She gives us space to listen and observe to our body and to challenge or simply feel what is happening to it. Her verbal directions are gentle but effective at keeping us focused on what we are doing or feeling. I always leave her sessions feeling a little taller, better balanced and more forgiving of my body.”
S. H., community supporter, Beirut “Zena’ is a gentle, mindful and flowing class with always new and sometimes surprising sequences that are at times elaborate and other times perfectly simple. I really appreciate the unique narrative style she uses to guide us – sometimes in multiple languages! – using both anatomical precision and creative visualizations to stimulate both body and mind. Thank you for sharing your practice with us Zena!” S. K., anthropologist, Beirut |