MOVER & WITNESS

The ground form of the practice involves the relationship between one who moves and one who witnesses; through mindful presence and compassionate attention the witness creates a safe space which the mover enters, eyes closed, to attend to their inner world. The mover is invited to surrender to the flow of impulses which arise from the unconscious, and to bring these into expression through movement. In this way unconscious material is embodied, felt and seen by another, and can be integrated into consciousness through verbal sharing, writing and artwork. Thus the body becomes conscious.

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The witness also attends to her direct experience, paying attention to the sensations, feelings, memories and images evoked in her by the presence of the one moving. When, later, mover and witness share their experiences, the witness learns to recognise and own projections, interpretations and judgments, coming to understand how they obscure the clear seeing of another. Through being witnessed with non-judgmental acceptance, clarity and compassion, the mover is enabled to develop a clear and compassionate internal witness. Thus the internal awareness of each develops within the context of the relationship.

The enhancing of this receptive quality of clear attention can profoundly support the practice of all disciplines which are based on the healing quality of relationship.

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I'm grateful for this text from my own teacher in the practice, Linda Hartley. For a full module of study and Authentic Movement retreat information, please check Linda's website or the Institute for Integrative Bodywork & Movement Therapy website.

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