EDITOR’S NOTE
Hey Berliners,
June has settled in, and the city feels softer in the long light. The evenings stretch out, the spree glows, and there is this gentle invitation everywhere to stay out a little longer, to linger.
This week is about moving and feeling. Music that gathers people in a room, a film that asks us to remember, and a morning class where the only task is to let the body lead.
A small personal note. I went to a Gaga session last week, and it cracked something open in me. So much of what follows is about that. Coming back into the body. Letting it speak first.
Happy slowdown,
Tim
THIS WEEK’S PICKS
PICK 1
Gezelling Sessions, The 5-Year Anniversary
Gezellig started in a small living room, just live music shared between people in an intimate space. Five years on, it has become a whole community. This anniversary brings eight Berlin singer-songwriters together for a live showcase that flows into a club night until late.
🕓 When: Sat. Jun 13, 19:00 to 03:00
📍 Where: Private venue (Mitte)
💶 Price: From 10 euro
Register here
PICK 2
A World Not Ours, Free Open Air Screening @Skatehalle Berlin
For Refugee Week, an open air screening of Mahdi Fleifel's intimate documentary, filmed over twenty years inside a refugee camp in southern Lebanon. A tender study of belonging, friendship, and family, under the night sky on the RAW Gelände. Original version with English subtitles.
🕓 When: Mon. Jun 15, 21:00 to 22:30
📍 Where: Skatehalle Berlin (Fhain)
💶 Price: Free, registration required
PICK 3
GAGA Dance @Dock 11
Think ecstatic dance, but more guided, more instructed, more felt. A pop-up Gaga/people class open to every level, where evocative prompts layer into a rich, moving experience. I was at a session last week thanks to my friend Tip Gerjet, and it was absolutely amazing to just move, feel into the body, and dance without thinking. Be quick, it's always booked out fast.
🕓 When: Fri. Jun 19, 09:00 to 10:00
📍 Where: Dock 11 (PBerg)
SLOWDOWN @HOME
After last week's Gaga session, I keep coming back to one simple practice you can do anywhere.
Put on a song with no words you know.
Close your eyes.
Let one part of the body start moving, a hand, the head, the spine, and follow it without deciding where it goes.
No mirror, no shapes to make, no one watching.
Just sensation leading the way.
Five minutes is enough.
The point is not to move well.
The point is to reconnect with yourself without the mind commenting on everything you do.
SOMETHING TO SIT WITH
“The body is your greatest teacher. It will never lie to you.”
Where Do You slowdown?
I’d love to hear about your favourite classes, studios, or practices that help you slow down. Reply to this email. Some of your picks will make it into future editions.
I also want to shape this newsletter around what’s most valuable for you. If you have a moment, I’d love your feedback → just reply.
Enjoy your slowdown,
Tim