Creative Movement is the act of exploring your body’s natural energy through space. It is an expression of the innate creative energy we are all born with and, when activated, has the ability to heal, relieve physical tension, and build self-awareness.

Moving your body organically, without premeditated expectation, can bypass the conscious mind and bring unconscious tendencies to the surface. This simple act allows you to live as the whole person that you are; where mind, body, and spirit are a connected, collaborative system.

monthly therapeutic activity: Extracting the unconscious through CREATIVE MOVEMENT

This month’s therapeutic activity sheds light on the way in which moving our bodies taps into the unconscious mind. With 95% of our brain activity happening in the unconscious realm, consider this activity a portal to what lies beyond conscious awareness.
Materials: Sketchbook, simple drawing tools such as (colored) pencils.

1. Turn to a page in your sketchbook and loosely draw a figure representing yourself. Stick-figures are acceptable!

2. Find a room or space outside where you’ll be able to fully express yourself and move without limitation.

3. Choose a song from the playlist below or select a favorite song that you know you love to dance to).

4. Turn the volume up and press play. Let your body move to the music organically. Close your eyes and let go of control. Allow your body to move without judgement from your mind.

5. Repeat as many times as it takes to fully let go.

6. Come back to the figure you drew in your sketchbook and reflect on your movement experience. How did your body feel while expressing itself? Apply patterns, colors, and words to the different body parts to depict the feelings that arose throughout the experience. Focus on what you sensed in your mind (ie: freedom, excitement, joy), spirit (ie: inspiration, enlightenment, wholeness), and body (ie: tension, surprise, fluidity).

7. Write more about what came up for you on an adjacent page.

Laina Miller is an Artist, Creative Wellness Consultant, and Social Emotional Arts Instructor. All viewpoints, activities, and insights expressed were generated from personal and professional experience and bolstered by favorite readings, teachers, and mentors. The aforementioned have been cited wherever possible. For additional support, please reach out to a trusted mental health advisor.

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