The Art of Holding Space : Creating a relationship with the invisible
The Art of Deep Listening and Touch
“Biodynamic” means attuning to the intelligence of life itself—the body, the breath, the unseen forces shaping our existence. “Touch” is the meeting point of two awarenesses: yours and another’s, yours and nature’s. A moment of presence in the unknown.
Touch begins before contact—with awareness, boundaries, and invitation. It is an unfolding dialogue, a conversation with space, with sensation, with what wants to emerge.
An Immersion in the Living Field
These classes are both a retreat and a training, depending on how you wish to receive them. They are an immersion in the evolving intelligence of consciousness, explored through the body and the unseen field that unites us all.
We cultivate awareness of our sacred space, our fluid body, and our physiology. We deepen our presence, refine our capacity to listen, and explore the relational dynamics between self and other.
In the end, what makes a skilled facilitator—whether therapist, teacher, guide, or healer—is not what we know, but how deeply we listen. The safety and spaciousness we offer are a reflection of our own journey.
We first learn about ourselves. Then we hold space for others to become who they truly are.
There are 3 levels of space holding
Each level is a deepening journey into Body-Consciousness
LEVEL 1 – SACRED SPACE: AWARENESS OF SPACE
The foundation of all healing is trust.
In this first level, we refine our awareness of space, learning to listen to the subtle language of the body and nature. This is where we meet true boundaries—not just physical, but energetic and relational.
We explore the embryological origins of the body—where life first organizes itself. By recreating the conditions of deep safety, we allow the intelligence of the field to emerge and unfold naturally.
We cultivate:
• The art of listening without interfering
• Awareness of subtle space and energetic boundaries
• Perceptual skills rooted in the biodynamic approach
• An understanding of healing dynamics and energetic anatomy
This is where we learn how to hold space—for ourselves, for others, for what wants to arise.
Duration
Each Modules are taught over 7 days and 7 nights.
“When I first encountered Biodynamic Touch, I immediately felt that I would learn much more than just a therapeutic approach.
What we come to discover is our capacity for listening and presence, as well as our relationship with the unknown. To no longer identify with knowledge and instead develop a sixth sense that can read the language of the unseen.
During the trainings with Jean-Manuel, you dive into a field that brings forth processes without orchestration, simply through the presence of each participant. The subjects arise and are illuminated, welcomed through the practice of biodynamic touch.
These classes are like a continuous meditation to open a dialogue with the intelligence of life within and through us. It is also a moment rich in teachings about our relational dynamics. You can come to learn about yourself, your therapist posture, and your relationship with others and with Life.
It is an invaluable gift to live this experience because we heal through the process of others, our own processes, and those of the group by resonating with them. The trainings, Biodynamic Touch classes are a medicine that connects the infinitely small with the greater whole. It is a dive into the joys and sufferings of being alive and understanding what animates the human condition.
It is a journey, like a commitment to oneself and to life, to re-establish oneself as a woman and a man within the ecosystem, to listen to the force within us that “knows,” that heals and transforms. Thank you for creating this space, this matrix that allows us to experience a different order, that of the intuitive and ever-changing feminine that unveils itself through presence and listening.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for these timeless spaces.”
“I did not know this was what I was seeking. That this was the next level of awareness on my personal development journey and that it would completely change the trajectory of my life. I had never heard about Jean-Manuel nor BioDynamic touch before I came across his training in Norway.
I just knew this was for me. I just knew I had to be there and participate. I was ready for this teacher and his teachings.
How Jean-Manueal created profound safety within the group of 13 individuals from different nationalities and diverse backgrounds in an instant, just by his presence, was super inspiring to witness and be a part of. Level one is called “Sacred space” and this IS what he creates, even before we all meet.
Jean-Manuel is an embodiment of his own profound teachings. He IS sacred space. He IS presence. He IS acceptance. He IS compassion. He IS pure energy and unconditional love – manifested in a human body. With great humour and humility, depth and wisdom he creates captivating and transforming teachings and demonstrations. The way he so accurately and profoundly “paints pictures” with his words, without any judgment, misbelief or attachments makes us able to connect to our memories and subconscious mind in a completely new, transformative and healing way. To be so profoundly seen and gently guided to acknowledge and accept our underlying root causes is the most healing way I have ever been met in my entire life. It has been truly life changing.
I can, with both my hands on my heart, highly recommend Jean-Manuel for whatever of his offerings you feel drawn to. His in-person training are one-of-a-kind group experiences that will integrate in you for a long time after the training. His private sessions are deeply healing. His Symbolic Initiation course gave me a completely new vocabulary, understanding and acceptance of my own childhood and life-experiences up until now.
I am still a student, eager to learn more from Jean-Manuel. And I can also now much more easily and confidently rest and trust in the not-knowing space because of him.
Forever grateful for your presence Jean-Manuel.”
“It’s been close to 9 years I’ve studied and spent time with Jean-Manuel. I have no idea how many courses I’ve taken now or days we’ve spent together, but it’s been a lot. The truth is I keep coming back because every time I learn something new. Every time I leave feeling as if I know myself better, and love myself more. And every time I leave being grateful to have such an authentic and genuinely loving person as my teacher. Jean is an endless wealth of understanding and knowledge of the human experience and healing. The curriculum of his classes is methodical and encompassing. He teaches intuitively and with structure – no class is ever a repeat. His classes always focus on meeting the needs of the group that is present and his teachings emphasize the empowerment of his students – not playing into any sort of guru/follower dynamic. I don’t know any student of his of whom I’ve met many, who wouldn’t agree with this testimonial. I wouldn’t write any of this if it wasn’t absolutely true for me. I couldn’t recommend Jean-Manuel more for anyone looking for an excellent curriculum and teacher.”
RETREAT INVESTMENT
Please note that the amount paid via Shambala’s website is for food and accommodation only. The teaching tuition should be paid directly to Jean-Manuel.
TEACHER TUITION FEE
REGULAR PRICE
– 800 EUR (~8250 SEK) / module if you join more than 1 module
– 850 EUR (8800 SEK) / module if you join only 1 module
EARLY BIRD PRICE *
– 750 EUR per module if you join 2 or 3 modules
– 800 EUR ( ~8250 SEK) per module if you join only 1 module
* until Feb 28th 2026
EACH MODULE INCLUDES:
– 7 days & 7 nights
– 3 meals a day
– Access to Sauna once a day
THE FOOD
Inspired by the Indian Ayurvedic health tradition, our kitchen serves delicious and nutritious food that is vegan, gluten-free, and made primarily with organic ingredients. Meals are often enjoyed on the sunny deck overlooking the lake. We are happy to accommodate dietary allergies—please inform us when making your booking.
LOCATION AND ACCOMMODATION
Shambala is an intimate yoga community and retreat center nestled in the forests of Bergslagen, two hours from Stockholm in Skinnskatteberg, Västmanland.
Dedicated to community and yoga, Shambala’s vision is to live harmoniously with nature. Surrounded by lush forests and a tranquil lake, it invites you to enjoy peaceful walks, refreshing swims, and moments of reflection. A highlight is the floating sauna by the lake, offering a soothing experience.
Accommodations are cozy and simple, with options to share a room, enjoy a private single room (when available), or try glamping, with rooms allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
At Shambala, you’ll be welcomed wholeheartedly with open arms into a homely, family atmosphere, where daily lake swims and saunas are just a part of the healing experience that this special place offers.
You can view our accommodation options below. Please note that bringing your own tent is also an option.
Shared Twin Room
Shared Triple Room
Glamping Tent (double bed)
lake view, heating and electricity
DAILY SCHEDULE
*subject to change
Arrival: September 21, earliest 3:00 PM
Departure: September 28, 12:00 PM
Please note that we are usually unable to accommodate early arrivals or late departures. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to your stay!
First Day
15:00 Arrival and Check-in
16:00 Intro Class
19:30 Dinner
Free Evening / sauna
Daily schedule
7.30 Morning sauna
9:00 Breakfast
9:45 – 13:30 Class
13:30 Lunch
14:30 – 19:30 Class
19:30 Dinner
Last Day
(for guests who are not attending the next module)
7.30 Morning sauna (optional)
9:00 Breakfast
12:00 Check-out and departure
Last Day
(For those continuing on for module 2)
7.30 Morning sauna (optional)
9:00 Breakfast
Integration / day of rest
13:30 Lunch
Integration / day of rest
19:30 Dinner
meet the team
TEACHER’S BIO
Jean-Manuel Nadeau
In 2006 my life was forever changed by a profound experience in a meditation state that led me towards the study of healing arts. I’ve spent most of my adult life in Bali immersed into meditation, Biodynamic Craniosacral therapy, mystery school, archetypal/symbolic psychology and family constellations among many others.
Today, my greatest teacher is the intelligence of the body and its founder – Nature — and I devote my life to share the wisdom I’ve been a witness of.
The body is a mystery, a complex bundle of sensations, expressions, movements, forms and functions. A record of our past, a script of our unfolding future. A temporary prison of our soul, or a temple of greater expression of your light. This unknown can’t be explained – but can be explored.
My courses are an exploration of consciousness through our body. Our body as a tool of perception and our body has a revelation of who we are. The classes are created for everyone, whether you are just stepping in your healing journey or whether you are an advanced practitioner. We are all equal towards the unknown and each other.
I have founded Biodynamic Touch trainings in 2017 and teach live retreats & trainings in Bali, Norway, France, Colombia and Sweden. Online dedicated classes on the symbolic language of the body are available as well. Based in Montreal, I offer individual in-person sessions or online and regular Family Constellation group work.
MORE at Shambala
GALLERY
How to get here
Shambala Gatherings
Borntorpet 1
Skinnskatteberg
Sweden
Located just two hours away from Stockholm in Skinnskatteberg, Sweden, the area is easily accessible by air, train and car, making a great option for a short break wildlife destination.
- Coming by air: The nearest airport to Shambala is Stockholm Vasteras. The second nearest airport is Arlanda airport, the main airport in Sweden. You can easily take a train all the way to Skinnskatteberg from both of them.
- Coming by train / bus: We are fortunate to have a train / bus station at Skinnskatteberg only 5 minutes ride from the center. We offer free pick up services from this station in summer.
- Coming by car: Simply open this Google map on your navigator and follow directions to Borntorpet 1 in Skinnskatteberg, Sweden.