Authentic Movement Practice

Authentic Movement Practice (AMP) is a form of embodied meditation and movement exploration that is commonly used in Dance Movement Healing (DMH) as a tool for personal growth, healing, and transformation. The practice involves the mover (the person who is moving) and the witness (the person who is observing the mover), working together in a contained space to explore movement that arises from an internal, authentic source. The following is a comprehensive glossary of key terms and vocabulary related to AMP, intended to provide a solid foundation for those studying DMH.

1. Authentic Movement: A form of movement practice that emphasizes the mover's inner experience and the development of a deep, embodied relationship with the self. AMP is often used as a tool for self-discovery, healing, and creative expression. 2. Mover: The person who is moving in an AMP session. The mover's role is to listen to their inner experience and allow movement to arise from a place of authenticity, without judgment or censorship. 3. Witness: The person who is observing the mover in an AMP session. The witness's role is to hold a safe, non-judgmental space for the mover and to provide feedback and support after the movement has concluded. 4. Container: The physical and energetic boundary that defines the space in which the mover and witness work together. The container can be created through the use of a physical boundary, such as a circle of chairs, or through the establishment of a clear energetic container through intention and attention. 5. Inner experience: The mover's subjective, internal experience of their body, emotions, and thoughts. In AMP, the mover is invited to tune into their inner experience and allow movement to arise from this place. 6. Authenticity: The quality of being genuine, true to oneself, and free from pretense or falsehood. In AMP, authenticity is prized as a means of accessing deep, embodied wisdom and healing. 7. Embodiment: The process of fully inhabiting and experiencing the body. In AMP, embodiment is cultivated through the practice of attuning to and expressing the inner experience. 8. Presence: The quality of being fully present and attentive in the current moment. In AMP, presence is essential for both the mover and the witness, as it allows for a deep, authentic connection to the inner experience and to the other. 9. Non-judgment: The practice of suspending judgment and criticism, both of oneself and of others. In AMP, non-judgment is essential for creating a safe, supportive space for the mover to explore their inner experience. 10. Feedback: The process of reflecting back to the mover what was observed during the movement. In AMP, feedback is offered in a supportive, non-judgmental way, with the intention of deepening the mover's understanding of their inner experience. 11. Resonance: The quality of vibrating or pulsing in response to an external or internal stimulus. In AMP, resonance is the experience of feeling a deep, embodied connection to the mover's movement and inner experience. 12. Witness consciousness: The quality of being fully present and attentive, without judgment or interference, in the role of witness. In AMP, witness consciousness is cultivated through the practice of attuning to the mover and holding a safe, supportive space. 13. Movement metaphor: The use of movement to express an inner experience, emotion, or thought in a symbolic or metaphorical way. In AMP, movement metaphors can provide rich material for exploration and understanding. 14. Embodied imagination: The ability to bring the imagination into the body, to use the imagination as a source of movement and expression. In AMP, embodied imagination can be a powerful tool for accessing the inner experience and for creative expression. 15. Embodied awareness: The quality of being fully present and attuned to the body, emotions, and thoughts. In AMP, embodied awareness is cultivated through the practice of attuning to the inner experience and allowing movement to arise from this place. 16. Embodied wisdom: The deep, embodied knowledge that arises from the inner experience. In AMP, embodied wisdom is accessed through the practice of attuning to the inner experience and allowing movement to arise from this place.

Practical Applications:

Authentic Movement Practice can be used in a variety of contexts, including individual and group therapy, dance and movement classes, and personal growth and healing work. Some possible applications of AMP include:

* Exploring and expressing emotions that may be difficult to put into words * Cultivating a deeper, more embodied relationship with the self * Developing a greater awareness of the body and its inner workings * Enhancing creativity and expression * Supporting personal growth and healing * Building trust and connection in relationships

Challenges:

One challenge of AMP is the invitation to let go of control and allow movement to arise from an authentic, internal source. This can be particularly difficult for those who are used to controlling or suppressing their emotions or movements.

Another challenge is the practice of being a witness, which requires the ability to hold a safe, non-judgmental space for the mover. This can be particularly difficult for those who are used to judging or critiquing themselves or others.

In conclusion, Authentic Movement Practice is a powerful tool for personal growth, healing, and transformation. Through the practice of attuning to the inner experience and allowing movement to arise from an authentic, internal source, the mover can deepen their relationship with the self, cultivate embodied awareness, and access embodied wisdom. The witness, through the practice of holding a safe, non-judgmental space, can support the mover in their exploration and provide valuable feedback and support.

Examples:

In an AMP session, the mover might be invited to close their eyes and tune into their inner experience. They might notice sensations in their body, such as a tightness in the chest or a warmth in the belly. As they attune to these sensations, movement might begin to arise, such as a gentle rocking or a reaching out with the arms. The witness, meanwhile, holds a safe, non-judgmental space for the mover, attuning to their movements and offering feedback and support after the movement has concluded.

In another example, the mover might be invited to explore a particular emotion, such as anger, through movement. As they attune to the inner experience of anger, movement might arise, such as a stomping of the feet or a punching of the air. The witness, meanwhile, holds a safe, non-judgmental space for the mover, attuning to their movements and offering feedback and support after the movement has concluded.

In a group AMP session, multiple movers might be moving simultaneously, each attuning to their own inner experience and allowing movement to arise from this place. The witnesses, meanwhile, hold a safe, non-judgmental space for all of the movers, attuning to their movements and offering feedback and support after the movement has concluded.

FAQs:

Q: Who can benefit from Authentic Movement Practice? A: AMP can be beneficial for anyone who is interested in deepening their relationship with the self, cultivating embodied awareness, and accessing embodied wisdom.

Q: Do I need to have dance or movement experience to participate in AMP? A: No, AMP is accessible to people of all movement backgrounds and abilities.

Q: Is AMP a form of therapy? A: AMP can be used as a tool for therapy, but it is not a therapy in and of itself. It is a form of movement practice that can support personal growth and healing.

Q: How long does an AMP session typically last? A: An AMP session can last anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the context and the needs of the mover and witness.

Q: Is it necessary to have a witness in an AMP session? A: While having a witness can be beneficial for providing feedback and support, it is not necessary. AMP can also be practiced as a solo practice.

Q: Can AMP be used for creative expression? A: Yes, AMP can be a powerful tool for creative expression, as it allows the mover to access and express their inner experience in a symbolic or metaphorical way.

Q: Is AMP a religious or spiritual practice? A: While AMP can have a spiritual dimension, it is not a religious practice. It is a form of movement practice that can be used by people of all faiths and beliefs.

Q: Can AMP be used for physical healing? A: While AMP can support physical healing by increasing embodied awareness and promoting relaxation, it is not a substitute for medical treatment.

Q: Is it necessary to move in a particular way in AMP? A:

Authentic Movement Practice (AMP) is a form of embodied awareness and expressive movement practice that emphasizes the inner experience and authentic expression of the mover. In the Advanced Certificate in Dance Movement Healing, AMP serves as a foundational practice for developing attunement, presence, and empathetic witnessing skills. Here are some key terms and vocabulary related to AMP:

1. *Mover*: The person who is moving in AMP, allowing their inner experience to guide their movement. 2. *Witness*: The person who is present and observing the mover in AMP, holding a sacred and non-judgmental space for the mover's authentic expression. 3. *Movement meditation*: A form of meditation that involves focusing on the inner experience of movement, rather than the external form or technique. 4. *Embodied awareness*: A state of being present and attuned to the physical sensations, emotions, and inner experience of the body. 5. *Authentic expression*: The genuine and unfiltered expression of one's inner experience through movement. 6. *Spontaneous movement*: Movement that arises from the inner impulses and needs of the mover, rather than from external direction or technique. 7. *Moving from the center*: A concept in AMP that involves moving from the deepest and most authentic part of oneself, rather than from the surface or ego-driven aspects of the personality. 8. *Developmental movement patterns*: Basic movement patterns that are essential to healthy human development, such as rolling, crawling, and walking. 9. *Movement metaphor*: A movement that symbolizes or represents an inner experience, emotion, or aspect of the psyche. 10. *Movement threshold*: The point at which the mover encounters resistance, fear, or discomfort in their movement, and must make a choice to move through or around it. 11. *Movement cycle*: The beginning, middle, and end of a movement sequence, including the impulse, action, and completion of the movement. 12. *Dance/movement therapy*: A form of expressive therapy that uses movement and dance to promote emotional, social, cognitive, and physical integration and well-being. 13. *Transference*: The phenomenon in which the mover projects their unconscious feelings, thoughts, or experiences onto the witness. 14. *Countertransference*: The phenomenon in which the witness projects their unconscious feelings, thoughts, or experiences onto the mover. 15. *Containment*: The ability of the witness to hold a safe and boundaried space for the mover's authentic expression, without becoming overwhelmed or reactive. 16. *Empathy*: The ability to understand and share the feelings of another person, from their perspective. 17. *Witnessing skills*: The ability to observe and reflect on the mover's movement with curiosity, compassion, and non-judgment. 18. *Self-care*: The practice of taking care of one's physical, emotional, and psychological needs, in order to maintain balance and well-being. 19. *Group dynamics*: The interpersonal relationships and power dynamics that emerge within a group of movers and witnesses. 20. *Cultural humility*: The practice of recognizing and challenging one's own cultural biases and assumptions, and creating a safe and inclusive space for diverse perspectives and experiences.

In practice, AMP involves creating a safe and sacred space for the mover to explore their inner experience through movement. The witness sits or stands at a distance, holding a non-judgmental and empathetic presence for the mover. The mover is invited to move from their center, allowing their inner impulses and needs to guide their movement. The witness observes the mover's movement with curiosity and compassion, reflecting back their observations without interpretation or judgment.

Through this practice, the mover can deepen their embodied awareness, authentic expression, and spontaneous movement skills. The witness can develop their witnessing skills, empathy, and cultural humility. Both the mover and witness can explore their movement metaphors, thresholds, and cycles, and deepen their self-care and group dynamics skills.

One challenge in AMP is to allow oneself to be fully present and authentic in the movement, without judgment or self-criticism. Another challenge is to hold a safe and empathetic space for the mover, without becoming overwhelmed or reactive. Developing these skills requires practice, patience, and self-compassion.

In summary, Authentic Movement Practice is a form of embodied awareness and expressive movement practice that emphasizes the inner experience and authentic expression of the mover. Through this practice, the mover and witness can deepen their self-awareness, empathy, and witnessing skills, and create a safe and inclusive space for diverse perspectives and experiences. By developing these skills, they can promote emotional, social, cognitive, and physical integration and well-being in themselves and others.