Jonathan Varghese

Just like a canoe offers us a way to move on a river or a lake, Wholebody Focusing (WBF) offers a fresh way for navigating the ocean of life. Through a non-psychological, non-manipulative guided approach, catch yourself listening, moving, expressing, and experiencing your being in ways that opens up new possibilities. WBF is a physically-based form that helps us find resources in meeting new or challenging situations in life. My practice of Wholebody Focusing aims to offer people an access into a way of being that feels healthy and true for their own life and dreams.

The power of WBF resides in establishing a grounded presence from which to explore life. This differentiates Wholebody Focusing from traditional Focusing, which can still stay psychological in nature, despite the attempt to relate to a felt-sense in the body.

I feel the roots of WBF are simple, natural, and sensorial versus conceptual. This way of being requires a transition to living in a way where our senses are connected to our health and environment, instead of to our brains and ideas. This can take time to grow into.

WBF as a practice has been part of my life since the fall of 2002. I was certified by Kevin McEvenue after many years of learning the form with him. I have used WBF with a wide range of people from children to adults, from people who are able to articulate specific goals, to people who are nonverbal. Wholebody Focusing is a foundational part of my approach as a movement specialist in establishing environments that support the health of children who have visual, neurological, autistic, and physical impairment.

I appreciate this evolving and moving body of work, for the creative and supportive container it invites me into, helping me to be more present and available.

I offer WBF sessions by phone and in person.
I am available to lead or assist in WBF workshops.

Jonathan Varghese (RSMT/RSME), has received transmission from different lineages of health, voice, and movement, shaping his line of inquiry and practice. Jonathan was fortunate to have as mentor and friend, the late and beloved Candace Loubert (co-founder of LADMII in Montreal and dancer with Les Grands Ballet Canadiens), who taught him the creative art of following movement from the inside-out. He has been inspired and shaped primarily by nature in her many dimensions, Jungian analysis, dance/movement improvisation and accompaniment, long term research in voice traditions such as the Roy Hart Theatre, and other healing art modalities.

Jonathan has taught in the domains of health, physical, outdoor, and creative movement education. He has guided and established water and somatic movement therapy programs, both for individuals and at institutions.