Can Embodiment practices offer healing for transformative experiences?

Abstract

The nature of spiritual resonance found through connecting to the natural world can be a catalyst for Embodied Consciousness. Research now points to the deeper connections and healing created by connecting to the natural world. Mary Francis used a qualitative method in her dissertation, Exploring the Lived Experience of Authentic Movement in Nature as a Catalyst for Transformation (2015). She will share some of her research from her dissertation and research that she is conducting today.

Qualitative research offers a plethora of transpersonal elements. Subjective in nature this type of research can present a transrational, (bigger than the rational mind) view.

These types of processes extend into the mysterious and often moves beyond the personal.

Mary Francis will guide you through the use of the breath to ground you, using movement to deepen the process and add a process called, Embodied Writing. Anderson, R. (2001) Embodied Writing and reflections on embodiment. Journal of Transpersonal Psychology, 33 (2), 83-98.) Tapping into the body/mind can create a space for personal healing. The use of a self-reflective practice encourages the development of self-awareness.

Presenter Bio

Mary Francis is a Doctor of Psychology with a Transpersonal concentration. Along with this she has a doctoral certificate in Creative Expression. Currently she is teaching two courses at Washington University in Saint Louis Missouri. Entitled, Ecological perspectives through somatic education, and Personal Ecology.

Using expressive art practices with the dance movement therapy form, Authentic Movement she was a presenter at two of the Sacred Dance Guilds annual festivals and has facilitated 9 individual workshops for the Guild. She is passionate about exploring the natural connections with Gaia through Authentic Movement and Creative Dance practices. A Registered Somatic Movement Therapist, certified Yoga instructor as well as a creative expressive arts educator and teacher, she just recently taught for two months at the Still and Moving Center in Honolulu, Hawaii. She is interested in research in the area of body-mind connections and wellness.