A review. 22 Aug 2020. My first workshop, ran by ANSD Australian Network for Spiritual Direction. Conducting on Zoom proved to be a rich experience for the group of 9. I remember there was such a sense of Beauty lingering in my body for hours like an afterglow.
Journeying with women spiritually through therapeutic dance movement and art modalities became a fertile ground of mutual growth. My published writings in this area of spiritual direction became important personal research materials.
What goes on in a session is typically like this:
In a safe creative virtual holding space, retreatants self-explore dance movement qualities of a theme through
· witnessing emotions and thoughts associated with these theme attributes as they arise
· interoceptively noticing non-verbal language of body sensations and movement impulses
· examining with non-judgemental curiosity the meanings, metaphors, symbols, polarities and paradoxes in the here and now of life
· perceptual reframing through intuitive art journaling.
· constructing spiritual meaning or sacred stories, old and new
· optional delving deeper through dyading with a partner one-to-one
In a highly experiential contemplative session like this, silence, dance movement, imagination, art journaling and sacred storytelling become conduit of illumination, realisation and wonder. All dance movement and art explorations are spontaneously free-flowing without choreography or technique, for organicity and authenticity. There is no right or wrong. Hence, no dance or art background is needed but an openness and willingness to meet oneself. Some explore sitting or lying down. Few realised that 3D conscious space is a free gift which no one can take away.
Therapeutic dance movement has the ability to experience through the body, for example different qualities like the past themes below. Even on one's own, one can explore how these qualities inform and how spiritual balance can be created to self-correct. Words cannot do the non-verbal justice and group energies certainly enhance the experience.
Theme: "OPEN & CLOSE"
Date: Saturday 19 SEP 2020 (past event)
Theme: "LIGHT & HEAVY"
Date: Saturday 17 OCT 2020 (past event)
Theme: "FAST & SLOW"
Date: Saturday 14 NOV 2020 (past event)
Time: 1.30-3.30pm AEST Brisbane
Location: Zoom online
The work is " ... gently facilitated, enjoyable, professional, nourishing and inspiring." J. E.
Sometimes the work can be slow but longlasting, like this: " ... thank you for the very powerful session. It's strange; the effect is not immediate but I could feel the unfolding later bit by bit, like passing through a ceiling. Many thanks for doing what you do so intuitively!" - G. S.
Increasingly in spirituality, more people are paying attention to somatic importance, a traditional religious overlook. I would encourage to start moving the body more often, in all directions and with different manners of dance movement. And observe!