EMBODIMENT PRACTICE 3 - Intuitive Dance/Movement ✨ (Patreon)

Hi lovelies! 

Now that we've done some mirror work and conscious self touch...it's time to nourish our bodies with movement, to create more trust between ourself and our body...through the sacred ritual of 'intuitive dance/movement' ✨

THE INTENTION:

To MOVE in a way that honours your body so as to create more trust in the relationship between you and your body. Ultimately, we are learning to trust our bodies. Our body has an intelligence that is far beyond much of our comprehension. It is time to honour and trust this intelligence. 

When you think about it, we spend so much time dictating to our bodies...how to move, when to move, what to move etc...but how often do we listen to our body and let it take the lead? 

And! when you really stop to think about it, look at just how much our bodies actually do without needing our instruction or intervention...because our bodies innately know how to work in harmony. Think about how much your body does on autopilot, without your conscious thought...breathing, digestion, detoxification...and the list goes on and on and on and on! So, when you stop to give this a little thought, you have to admit...it's impressive, to say the least! Our bodies have an innate wisdom that we must learn to trust. 

Just like in the 'tango', for example, there is always someone leading the dance...and in this practice, it is no different...except that we give our BODY permission to LEAD...and we surrender and follow it's lead...thus creating TRUST with and within our body. This trust is crucial in fostering healthy two-way communication with your body and helping you to more finely attune to your body. 

In understanding that there is no right or wrong (because it's INTUITIVE), this practice can also help you to release rigidness and self-consciousness. 

It's time to create space within ourselves to move in a way in which our body desires. Tuning in, listening and responding from a place of love and self care. Where movement nourishes and nurtures your body. Trust that your body knows HOW it wants to move.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED:

• You, you and you
• Open space to move around in (try and stay away from sharp edges) 
• Your naked body or loose-fitted clothing if you are doing this clothed (I encourage you to do this naked if you can) 
• Music of your choice (something that will encourage you to flow)
• Paper and pen to journal 

WHAT TO DO:

• Find a safe space in which you have room to move
• Perhaps create ambience with some lighting, incense etc - up to you 
• Play some music that entices you to flow and move - maybe go with your current mood, or play some music which will invite you to embody a different mood, emotion, or state that you're desiring (could be music for creativity, sensuality, moving through anger or sadness, playfulness, channeling your inner wild woman/man etc) 
• Shut down your eyes and connect with your breath 
• Place one hand on your belly and one hand on your heart. Take this moment to connect with your body. 
• Perhaps take a moment to set an intention for your practice and create an agreement with yourself...let your body know it is safe to move as it desires, giving yourself permission to move without judgement or shame. Let your body know that you trust it and what it needs. Express to your body that you intend on following it's lead and desire to create more trust between you and your body. Create safety within yourself so that you are better able to hold space for yourself during this practice.
• Now, subtly scan your body from head to toe, toe to head, and merely observe different sensations and feelings within your individual body (honour any areas of pain, discomfort or injury - moving mindfully to honour and respect these parts of your body)
• Begin to move slowly...INTUITIVELY. There is no right or wrong here. It doesn't have to look coordinated, pretty, choreographed, sexy...it doesn't have to look any certain way. This is all about moving intuitively, which will look different day-to-day. Go with the flow and trust in the intelligence and wisdom of your body.
• Breathe throughout your practice! and give yourself permission to make sound! Movement, breath and sound combined is super potent in allowing us to release blockages and move stagnant energy. 
• Journal what comes up for you during the exercise (or maybe after if that suits your practice better). 

For some visual guidance and some more in-depth conversation on the exercise, I would recommend re-watching my livestream 'Intuitive Dance Session' via https://www.crowdcast.io/e/7x03xawe

JOURNALLING QUESTIONS: 

(these are just some examples of self-inquiry questions you could ask yourself if you're stuck for what and how to journal...allow these to act as prompts to better help you to self inquire and bring awareness to your self talk) 

• How did it feel to move intuitively? 
• Did I have trouble trusting my body and following its lead?
• Are there certain parts of my body around which I felt more conscious about when moving?
• What parts of my body felt uncomfortable? 
• Which parts of my body felt rejuvenated by the movements?
• What feelings would describe this practice for me right now?
• What emotions surfaced during this exercise?
• What did I learn about myself and my body during this exercise?
• How can I integrate this ritual into my daily routine? 

WHY JOURNAL? 

It is easy to get stuck in our heads and have a million thoughts racing around. These exercises are most effective when we can get those thoughts out of our heads and use them as a reference point to reflect upon. They assist us in better integrating what we have uncovered and learned during the exercise.

TIPS: 

• If there are any parts of your body where you are experiencing pain, discomfort or injury, be mindful to move gently. 
• Notice where you may be holding onto stress or tension, and see if you can begin to move and release this on an energetic level (with movement, breath and sound). 
• Try to do this exercise without judging yourself...and if you are currently inclined to judge yourself, don't judge yourself for judging yourself! You haven't failed because you judged yourself...this is all a part of the self-awareness journey. 
• Remember, be kind to yourself. Be gentle. Be compassionate. Remind yourself that it is all welcome and accepted. Despite how uncomfortable some of this may be, acceptance allows us to transmute. We are all alchemists in this regard.  
• Try your best to allow this exercise be intuitive. Be transparent and honest with yourself. Commit to the practice! Doing this exercise is a form of showing up for yourself...and your body will thank you for it (even if it feels uncomfortable at first). 
• You could also integrate this with the mirror work (doing it in front of the mirror) and conscious self touch. 
• Remember, there is no right or wrong here. It is intuitive. Give yourself permission to express yourself authentically. Whether it be ecstasy, sadness, anger, sensuality, playfulness, silliness, sexiness...it is all welcome. 

Let's learn to create more trust between ourself and our body. Let's respect and have reverence for the innate wisdom and intelligence of our body. Let's learn to surrender more deeply by allowing our body to take the lead. Let's let go of resistance, rigidness and self consciousness by committing to this practice and giving ourselves permission to express ourselves authentically through movement. Let's reclaim our power and radiance through intuitive dance. 

If, at all, you feel comfortable enough to embrace your vulnerability and share some of your progress and experiences below, I would love to hear 💕

With love and respect, 

Jessa

Xx

💋