Space Is Solid; You Are Empty: Mudra Space Awareness

MUDRA SPACE AWARENESS is an energetic sequence of physical and vocal exercises that were introduced to the West by meditation master Chögyam Trungpa, Rinpoche. They sharpen mental focus, align body and mind and revitalize the creative power of imagination. Performed in a group setting, these tools open awareness up to a bigger space where our aspirations for an interconnected and mindful life naturally develop. Trungpa originally shared this work with performers as a method for helping them toward authentic engagement with their acting. As time has passed, however, the need for intelligent and courageous engagement with our world urges all of us toward genuine performing, cultivating flexibility and authenticity in our daily life and in our commitment to our planet. These practices are an ally on that journey.

LEE WORLEY is Professor Emerita of Performance and Contemplative Education at Naropa University. Under the guidance of its founder, Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, she began studying Mudra Space Awareness in 1974 and currently is one of a handful of authorized Mudra teachers. This work forms the basis of her Contemplative Performance Training method and was also her approach to teaching Embodied Presence for the MA Education students. A practitioner of Vajrayana Buddhism since 1976, she is one of four Western teachers, or “Mitras” (Spiritual Friends) in the sangha of Nalandabodhi under the direction of Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche. Lee has written two books: Coming From Nothing: the Sacred Art of Acting and Teaching Presence: Field Notes for Players.