Authentic Movement

Here's how it works. Two people. One is the witness, the other is the mover. The role of the witness is simply to allow him/herself to be aware of the images, sensations, and emotions that occur while watching. The witness is also there to protect the mover, to keep the mover from hurting him/herself.

The mover simply closes her eyes, and allows. It is not about dancing, performing, or impressing the witness. Follow the breath. Let the mind go still, and send your attention to your physical body; allow it to move. Or not! Your body has a mind, it will let you know what it wants. Your job is to allow it to happen. So you might just stand still for awhile; your left thumb might begin to move. As it moves, something in your elbow comes alive, asking to be expressed. You notice your chest expanding as a wave of breath enters your body. A flash of your mom slashing you with one of her snide criticisms, you're five years old, and the whole scene is right there in front of you. You're lost in your feelings of that episode. Your body begins thrashing in an effort to maintain its integrity, not wanting to be sucked into momma's paws. And that will lead to the next movement, and the next and the next.

Time
How long you move depends on your level of experience, your desired outcome, and how much time you have available. I have had profound experiences in 5 or 6 minutes. For beginners, that is probably a good place to start. The witness is the timer; one minute before the agreed upon end, the timer says "Take a minute to finish up". It is a good idea for each person to have a true sense of how long a minute is. Most of the time, when I tell people a minute, they assume this is just a nice way to say finish up now, it's over. Or they truly don't realize the spaciousness that one minute provides. If you have ever been involved in certain intense sports, you know. The most intense experiences for me were when I wrestled and boxed in college. Most rounds in boxing are 3 minutes long. Doesn't sound like much, right? Well, put on a pair of 16oz. Boxing gloves, stand in a ring with an opponent who is determined to knock you out, and 3 minutes is a lifetime. Wrestling was even more so for me; at least in boxing you can move around, try to stay away; but in wrestling, your body is locked up with the other person determined to pin you; so there is no time out. Rock climbing also provides you with a sense of immediacy. Even though you are tied in to a rope and cannot get hurt, holding on to the side of a mountain, and realizing that if it weren't for that rope you could fall to your death, is a challenging and exhilarating experience.

Feedback
Feedback is a traditional part of the form. The movement process can be done without it, but bringing the experience into the verbal realm helps to solidify it, to integrate it into one's body/being. Come together; take a moment to center. See who feels like speaking. Usually the witness goes first; this gives the mover an opportunity to re-integrate. It is a good idea to set a time limit; some people love to go on and on, comfortable now that they are back in the familiarity of talking. Remember that one person talks, and the other person listens; this is not a conversation/dialogue. Feedback is given in the same style as the witnessing occurred. Just talk about how the experience made you feel, what was it like to watch? Stay away from judgments and analysis.

The mover shares her/his experience of moving, once again, what it felt like, what images arose. (You might want to read the Maps of the Mind section so you have a sense of the possibilities).