 WELCOME TO
AUTHENTIC
MOVEMENT
PRACTICE
(For the Latest Information go to Announcements page)
From the faintest vibration to the most
passionate gesture, our moving bodies express Life Energy .
And when we take time to attend to this
Life Energy, listening and following its lead with respectful
allowing, we discover more about ourselves, others, and life. And
more, as we deepen our relationship with this force that moves us, we
are deeply moved to our core, to other dimensions, insights and deep
appreciation for that which moves us all. We become One with the
moving, its vitality, and its Source.
We are FREE.
What is Authentic Movement?
Without instructions, guidance or
music, we close our eyes and turn within to await an impulse that
leads. We follow, moving, witnessing, experiencing the freedom of
this inner dance and its authentic expression. From the most mundane
gestures to elaborate dances we reveal and have revealed to us our
own story of the moment. Sometimes simple, sometimes deeply releasing
or joyfully transforming, it is all a part of our uniqueness as well
as our common human heritage. We rediscover the truth and beauty of
our being.
And life is good!
How do you Practice?
On the surface it is very simple. We
set aside a time, a place, and an agreement to respect each other
without judgment. Then we shut our eyes to move. We witness our own
moving, and how we are moved by it, and sometimes by others moving.
Then we take time to find words to express the insights that
especially moved us from within.
This very simplicity gives ample room for our own personal creativity to expand and explore and express in a safe Container.
AM Practice has three main
components.
Moving
Witnessing
Sharing
The Moving is done with
eyes shut, no music, seeking only to be inspired to move from inner
impulses. This can result in tiny, quiet moments to grand and busy
actions.
Witnessing is an allowing,
meditative state of mind that openly accepts what is before us, as
well as what is going on within us. It brings these things to our
attention without judgment but with a simple appreciation for its
just being.
We are always witnessing
our own inner moving, even as we witness our outer moving or the
moving of others. This develops a skill for awareness and discovery,
responsibility and appreciation, for self and others. This moves us
to a deeper sense and strength of being one with our individuality
and the collective.
The Sharing time
encourages us to find our authentic voice by expressing in words
something of what you discovered or found meaningful in your moving
time. It is a time for you to bring your Authentic Expression to
another depth of being seen/heard/felt. It is always about your
discoveries, choices, experiences and honouring of your body's
expression.
Sometimes this sharing is done with art too.
Who attends?
Anybody appreciating body, mind, spirit, and movement integration.
For those who know they have an inner
mover that seeks expression needed for their fulfillment, Authentic
Movement provides a Form to allow that to grow.
Why?
Done regularly as an ongoing practice,
Authentic Movement is a kind of moving meditation as well as a
self-development tool. It's a means of healing, creative sourcing,
artistic expression, spiritual atunement, exercising, playing, and
expanding awareness in general.
It requires you to be willing to follow
your own lead, and take responsibility for what emerges, and then,
how you interpret that.
Group Painting
Where do you Practice??
This site is primarily for the Practice of Authentic Movement in Ottawa, Ontario and area. But we also hope to help pass on information about the practice to others who may want to explore it themselves.
Moving freely has been a passion for many of us here who met regularly to explore dance in the early nineties.
Authentic Movement in Ottawa formally began in 1996 when Judith Koltai was invited here, by her student Monique Leger, to give an introductory workshop.
(See http://www.cassandraexperience.ca/page/page/298587 for their background).
We took the Form as it was described to us, and created our unique version.
By having an open group concept, we allowed our group to grow over the years to dozens of followers, though maybe only 2 to 12 meet at any given session.
We have an available meeting space in the form of a dance studio owned as a collective by Movement Arts Ottawa ( see www.movementartsottawa.blogspot.com ).
Wendy Philpott ( authmvmt@sympatico.ca ) has consistently committed to keeping the sessions going, facilitating, offering introductory workshops and inviting guest teachers. But mostly we act as a cooperative or collective.
A small group of regular movers established a core, while others would come and go, and come back again as they desired. Some have studied afar and returned to share their knowledge, such as Ann Ohlmacher, and Naomi Sparrow.
Our way of proceeding is described under the "Guidelines" section, as described by Ian Allen, a devoted member from the beginning.
More Details on the Container
The key to a successful practice depends on establishing a safe "Container" within which we are free to just move without concern, except for a few guidelines. It is best to learn from an experienced facilitator first, but below is an example of the basic elements once a safe Container is established based on the Guidelines
1. As a Mover you shut your eyes, listen to your body, wait for an impulse to move, and go with that until it leads to another impulse, and so on. Movements may be micro or macro (within bounds of group safety) and include voice if wanted. Though it feels odd at first, given time it becomes quite... well... many words could go here, and that's the fascination and power of it.
2. As a Witness you give open attention to the movers, as well as to your own responses in your body-mind-spirit, recognizing that these are yours. There is no analyzing or critiquing or any interpretation beyond what is your own impression. You learn that it is just that, your own, which is sometimes shared with others, and sometimes not at all.
3. As a Group we conclude with a sharing time in which we express or describe our experiences as both mover and witness in an appreciating, respectful, and judgment-free way. This sometimes includes sharing in art or writing.
The experience is transforming and can go very deep. It is therefore preferable to have a regular and closed group sharing a common interest to develop the wonders of it all.But we have managed with an open group due to the consistency and qualityof the participants.
(for our Ottawa example, see "Guidelines")
When, and Where, and How Much?
"See Announcements"
We are currently composing a list of Authentic Movement groups and activities that practice in Canada. If this includes you, please e-mail your details to join our list. (authmvmt@sympatico.ca ).
You can also refer to our Interesting Links page for more information and possible contacts.
"I feel so free and supported at the same time."
"I am amazed at what I end up doing. I unravel tight spots, surprise myself with the power of my voice, and end up basking in an imaginary ocean as a dolphin. By the end I am so refreshed."
"I love seeing patterns in how people are moving, and the unexpected synchronicities between movers are magical."
"I resisted coming so early on Sunday, but am so glad I did. This is a temple."
"Finding that flow, when the body is leading and the mind is quiet, is finding my bliss."
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