Feedbacks on NOA Workshops

My 3 years in the NOA have been great. The humour in fooling, the repertory company body work, the working together as a group over a long period. I refound laughter, my sense of humour, increased confidence to lead my singing circle group, have enjoyed leading a regular Fooling workshop, I am freer in improvised singing. The recent EGB in Bosnia helped me to realise how much Fooling is a means for connection, for peace, where differences in language and culture are not important, particularly through blobbing and singing.
I felt very welcomed by Emsuda and this special group of women in the through heart to peace organisation.
Thank you Jonathan for your generosity, patience and humour.
Enjoy your summer family fooling.

(Deborah)

About my experience in the NOA workshop.

Im still a bit baffled about all that happened, because it seems that so much happened. Hard to find words for it all or analyse with reason. What I feel is that I found new ways to look at and see myself and my depths and the world around me, new ways to make friends with them both.  Found my self stretching the limits of my trust to others and found caring friends. I found some of the things which lie behind my fears and that made me feel more free and rich, open and involved. There was a lot of honesty and acceptance and love. I hope that’s something I can share with people no matter where I go. I would most definitely love to learn, experience and share more with the academy. I dont want to escape to solitude any more, I want to expose myself with others.

All the best to you too, I hope to see you soon!

(Jenni Johanna Parviainen)

The fooling workshop touched, poked, shook and tickled something in me that was about to escape to the inner world for good. Theatre-like playing, improvisation, sharing experiences (even difficult family traumas and such) and music were knitted together with the amazingly welcoming and talented warm people of NOA. Some kind of a kindle of creativity, collaboration and courage to share was sparked and I need to do my share to keep it going, and not alone! I’m glad that no difficult themes or emotions were avoided: in the contrary. The constant feedback and conversation multiplied the dimensions of the exercises.

I highly appreciate all the conversations and patience people have in NOA. Such supporting environment is golden. I hope to get back on board soon!

Thank you!

(Heli Vakama)

Participant Feedbacks on various Jonathan Kay Fooling Workshops

„I found the workshop very powerful. It is still resonating with me. To me, it was like shamanic workshops that I had been to before. Jonathan almost took on these different roles to each person in the group. He seems to be incredibly intuitive and empathic. It was amazing to see and be a part of peoples processes. How each of us came across parts of ourselves and how those parts were also parts of us. I loved the group element where we all supported each other. And the play and fun that cut through the seriousness. Also, as difficult as it is, I also appreciated the unknown, the searching, the fumbling around trying to find a way and then have a breakthrough. It meant I was really awake to what was going on, even if I could not see! I really appreciated the experience and wisdom that Jonathan shared with us so generously. Really strong thoughts and propositions that helped to reshape the way I could see the world.“

„Jonathan creates a sacred space and tends to it intensely. The exercises and feedback all turn the soil and nourish the seed.“

„There was a lot I loved about the workshop. Im sorry its over. But most of all I loved how it relentless compelled me to connect with my heart and my truth.“

„I loved the huge body of knowledge and experience that Jonothan imparted. I enjoyed his performing within the workshop (demonstrations)and the constant sharing of how we were all doing. I admired the coaching and the feedback and the individual work. „

„I linke JK’s magical ability to create an atmosphere where complete strangers work on themselves very openly while supporting each other.“

„I went in no knowing much. And left very inspired and excited about future performances. It was great to work with JK and I was very fortunate to have a nice range of people in my workshop too.“

„All participants seemed to be stretched to do more than they thought they could. I certainly was. All were treated equally, despite differing ability.

„Challenging. Confrontational. Hilarious. Provided moments of deep healing for some of the participants.“

„There are too many to mention, so I’ll keep it brief. Let’s just say that it has turned my view of myself and how I thought others viewed me on its head, and absolutely in a positive way. In that sense it was utterly transformational – there are parts of my character that are and will always be ‘me’, and yet for over 15 years I’ve attempted to push them away in some way or other. The weekend with Jonathan taught me to accept and nurture those parts of me, and for that I am truly grateful. I like Jonathan’s leading style, sometimes soft, sometimes hard, but always pushing us to learn as much as we could. I liked how open he was to everyone, with all of our mad habits and worries and character traits. Thank you Jonathan!“

„What I liked about the workshop? Jonathan’s skill, experience, wisdom, integrity, generosity, patience, insight, passion, playfulness…need I go on?“

„I liked the experience of playing in a deep and fun way, having a full spectrum to play with.“

„I opened up something in me that ha been blocked for a long time.“

„Jonathan’s expert holding and leading of a mixed group Alot of laughter and irreverence, but with a serious backbone.“

„It was exactly what I was looking for. I loved the connection that we all established with one another, the sense that something sacred, magical and very real was happening, the pressure cooker “group therapy” vibe that sometimes led to people exploding and having a rant, the humour, sensitivity, perceptiveness, quick-wittedness, ferocity, variety and balance that Jonathan embodied. Lots and lots of things.Too much to put into words.

I liked Jonathan and his ability to communicate his ideas. His wisdom. I loved learning about the fool and realising its long history and appreciating the lifetime of work and energy that goes into keeping it alive In Ones life. I enjoyed the group and getting to know new people from different paths in life. I loved the venue and sense of space and possibilities. Great to watch Jonathan weave his fool into the gap of people and open them up.“