1st Retreat for AAPI Survivors in NYS
At Moving Rasa, we are dedicated to creating safe and supportive spaces for healing through our trauma-informed programming. Our retreats provide survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence, as well as their allies, with opportunities to reconnect, reflect, and rebuild in a nurturing environment.
This year, Moving Rasa hosted its first retreat in New York in collaboration with the remarkable Shandra Woworuntu, an Indonesian chef who has dedicated decades to supporting survivors of sexual assault by teaching them the art of cooking. Shandra brought not only her culinary expertise but also a deep, warm energy that infused the retreat with a sense of buoyancy and hope. Together, we created a space where healing, movement, and culture intertwined in ways that were nothing short of magical.
The retreat became a unique exploration of “Rasa,” a concept central to Moving Rasa’s mission. Andrew and Shandra collaborated to expand the understanding of Rasa by weaving food and movement together.
Eating, they reminded us, is itself a movement experience. The textures, flavors, and histories of food connect us to culture, memory, and the present moment. Shandra’s cooking carried the essence of her journey as a survivor, and this love and understanding were evident in every bite. Each meal offered not just sustenance but a pathway to connection—connection to her culture, her healing process, and to the shared experience of everyone at the table.
Through this partnership, participants experienced Rasa not only as a concept but as something tangible—an affirmation of identity, love, and belonging that extended from the kitchen to the dance floor.
One participant shared a heartfelt reflection:
“I would say to anyone feeling anxious, stressed, or disconnected from themselves to experience the retreat with an open heart and see the benefits for themselves. The energy and vibe Moving Rasa brings to the group is contagious—you can’t help but feel good about everything around you and within you.”