Allow for at least 45 minutes. You will need comfortable clothes, and a clear place to move in.
This Somatic Act can be done as a solo, duet or group.
How and what do we attend to and follow in the body?
Purpose: This Somatic Act is a movement improvisation that invites you to explore how our preferences, embedded in choreographic and costume design practices, influence what we choose to attend to and follow within the body. Sounding is also welcome.
Practice: You are invited to practice resting your attention on an internal or external body area. From there, you will follow that awareness through movement.
In a duet or group context, one person can also guide another's attention, with their voice, by naming different body areas to follow. If exploring this option, slowly transition from one body area to the next, leaving the previous one behind. For example, transition from following your arms in movement to following your legs in movement instead.
As the act develops, you can broaden this dance of attention to multiple body areas, playing with how many you can be present with at once. Support the process through the transitions, offering time, stillness, and subtlety to allow the attending to deepen.
Below is a guided audio version of this Somatic Act.
Begin by closing your eyes
in standing.
Sensing if there is a body area
that is calling to be attended to
an area needing a bit of presence
and attention,
such as the spine, the pelvis or the feet.
And then with a soft inner focus,
begin following in movement
your chosen body area.
Begin moving slowly and subtly,
allowing your breath
to support you.
Allowing the eyes
to open a little
now and then
if the movement
becomes a bit larger
on your journey.
Allowing time...
Gradually, allowing the movement
to become a bit smaller
and more subtle
closing your eyes
as you broaden your attention
towards another body area.
With a soft inner focus,
sensing what body area
wants to be attended to now
noticing our inside and outside places,
such as the organ of the heart, the fingers or the kidneys.
And then slowly transitioning
to following in movement
this different body area of your choice.
Begin moving slowly and subtly,
allowing your breath
to support you.
Allowing the eyes
to open a little
now and then
as the movement grows.
Allowing time…
Gradually allow the movement
to become a bit smaller
and more subtle
as you return
to your soft inner focus.
With eyes closed
broaden your attention
towards another body area
Perhaps sensing a body area
that is more quiet
that you might easily miss,
such as the tongue, the elbows or the ears.
And then slowly transitioning
to following in movement
this chosen body area.
Begin moving gently and subtly,
Allowing your breath
To support you
As the movement
Becomes a bit larger
Allowing the eyes
To open just a little
now and then.
Allowing time…
Gradually, with a soft inner focus
broadening your attention
to include another body area
to sense and eventually
follow in movement.
Two body areas that are calling
to be attended to,
such as the hands and the feet.
This begins a
body area duet.
Allowing your breath
to support
Moments of movement
Moments of stillness.
Follow your body areas
as a guide
along your journey.
Allowing time...
Gradually, with a soft inner focus,
broadening your attention
to include another body area
to sense and eventually
follow in movement
Perhaps sensing a body area
that is more quiet -
that you might easily miss –
to add to your
attending dance.
As a body area trio
emerges,
such as the hands, feet and tongue.
Allowing your breath
to support
Moments of movement
Moments of stillness.
Follow your body areas
as a guide
along your journey.
Allowing time...
Gradually, with a soft inner focus
broadening your attention
to include another body area
to sense and eventually
follow in movement.
Sensing a body area
wanting to join
your attending dance
As a body area quartet
emerges,
such as the hands, feet, tongue and ribs.
Allowing your breath
to support
Moments of movement
Moments of stillness.
Follow your body areas
as a guide
along your journey.
Noticing the surprising
relationships that unfold
along the way…
Allowing time...
Gradually, with a soft inner focus
broadening your attention
to include another body area
to sense and eventually
follow in movement.
Sensing a body area
wanting to join
your attending dance
As a body area quintet
emerges,
such as the hands, feet, tongue, ribs and eyes
Allowing your breath
to support
Moments of movement
Moments of stillness.
Follow your body areas
as a guide
along your journey.
Not to worry if you
forget now and then
some of the body areas.
Attending to what you can.
Noticing the musicality
of your unfolding dance
as your attending widens…
Allowing time…
Gradually allow the movement
to become a bit smaller
and more subtle
as you begin to
close your eyes.
Slowly gathering
and returning
your attention
to one body area
– an area that is
strongly resonating
for you now.
Following this place
in movement
as a gentle, subtle
solo.
Inviting your attending
and following
to soften
with a sense of ease and rest
as your breath
supports you.
Allowing time…
As your attending dance
becomes slower
and smaller
with more and more
moments
of stillness,
sensing how your body
is resonating now
along the tissues, bones,
organs, cells.
Noticing your breathing…
Allowing time…
As you are ready,
journeying to the floor
For a moment
of rest
and stillness.
Allowing time...
Finish with writing, drawing and/or sharing your reflections.