“If we can reconcile ourselves to the mysterious truth that the spirit is the life of the body seen from within, and the body the outward manifestation of the life of the spirit— the two being really one— then we can understand why the striving to transcend the present level of consciousness through acceptance of the unconscious must give the body its due.” ~ C. G. Jung
In our gathering, we’ll explore inner-directed movement as a way to bridge the realms of conscious and unconscious, body and psyche, instinct and spirit, affect and image, memory and emergence.
Our session begins with how Jung discovered Active Imagination, an overview of the four steps of this approach, and how to integrate our learnings into everyday life. We’ll explore how one of Jung’s early patients embodied this process and learn about other key pioneers in integrating the body in healing, including Mary Starks Whitehouse who pioneered the Authentic Movement approach. We discuss how dream images, symbols, and body symptoms can be used as starting points for movement, explore different polarities in the body, and the importance of recognizing “the Shadow.”Tina will share an inspiring story about how Jungian Analyst and author, Marion Woodman, used natural movement and dream symbols to heal from her kidney disease and “addiction to perfection.” Then you’ll be guided through a brief exploration of active imagination in movement so you can gently dip into your inner world through your body, and see what you discover for yourself!Through presentation, guided embodied exploration, drawing and reflection this workshop will explore dance/movement as a form of active imagination, with special attention to the living body in analysis, healing, and transformation.In preparation, I invite you to let a healing image come to mind – something comforting, warming, or sacred that’s meaningful for you – from a dream, from nature, or perhaps an object on your altar, or something from your daily life. Says Jung, “My soul, where are you? Do you hear me? I speak, I call you – are you there? I have returned, I am here again.” Please join us as we welcome psyche’s body, working with the healing energies of the creative imagination in conscious embodiment. No experience in dance is necessary, only curiosity and openness to engage the unknown.