Authentic Movement
Authentic Movement has its roots in Jungian psychology, meditation and dance movement therapy. Developed in the US by Mary Whitehouse, Joan Chodorow, and Janet Adler, AM is based on the relationship between a mover and a witness.
In a typical ‘move’, a mover starts with eyes closed and attention directed inward. As inner impulses and spontaneous movements arise, these are followed. The witness watches and tracks their inner response to the mover. Afterwards, the mover may report the sensations, feelings, thoughts, images and movement impulses which came into consciousness during the move. The witness may offer feedback on their own impressions of the move.
AM can take place between two people (a ‘dyad’) or in larger groups. It has its own simple rituals which provide a very safe container for the exploration of deep material. It can be used:
- as a meditative practice that deepens awareness;
- as a psychotherapy process, bringing unconscious material into consciousness;
- as an aid to creativity, developing new ideas and resources;
- as a group process, creating connection and community.
What emerges in a move is unpredictable, often surprising and usually fascinating. The mover surrenders to the flow of impulses which arise from the unconscious, and brings them into movement. To have unconscious material expressed through the body, and witnessed by another is a very special experience.
The act of witnessing is equally special. By paying attention to the sensations, feelings, memories and images which emerge whilst observing the mover, the witness comes to notice their own projections and interpretations. This makes space for more non-judgmental acceptance and compassion for others, and helps to develop a clearer internal witness.
It’s very much about trusting the body to allow our inner wisdom to take form and be expressed without words. After moving we can talk, write or draw about whatever emerges, as a way of integrating the new material into consciousness.
I like the self-governing nature of AM – both mover and witness support each other, learn from each other and grow together. It’s a deceptively simple format which can bring about a real sense of groundedness and wellbeing.
Working with AM
I offer one-to-one sessions in Authentic Movement (see individual sessions
page). I include aspects of AM in my groupwork, and also offer some workshops specifically devoted to AM (see
workshops page).
AM Resources:
Websites:
http://authenticmovementcommunity.org
AM has a growing body of teachers and practitioners. I trained with Linda Hartley (see
www.lindahartley.co.uk
).
Books:
Offering from the Conscious Body, The Discipline of Authentic Movement, by Janet Adler.
Authentic Movement: Essays by Mary Starks Whitehouse, Janet Adler and Joan Chodorow - vol. 1 Edited by Patrizia Pallaro
Authentic Movement: Moving the Body, Moving the Self, Being Moved, A Collection of Essays - vol. 2 Edited by Patrizia Pallaro
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