PHASE 1: PRACTICE RESEARCH
Initial Movement Films and Explorations- First Iterations
As part of the initial phase of research, it was important to explore somatics from a practical perspective, building on literature that informed the research process. A series of movement films were created that explored specific somatic principles through movement. This explorative, yet theoretically informed process thus provided the opportunity to embody key concepts from literature experientially through the lived experience. The improvisatory approach to movement further invited reflexive outcomes, where present body sensations when moving invited possibilities for further movement investigation. Ultimately, learning from the body was central to this process as a method of exploring the effects that somatic principles can have on the body in the moment. Although this was an initial practical investigation, these movement explorations and films proceeded to inform the research process as a whole. The specific somatic principles explored were:
1. Breath Awareness and The Fluid Body
2. The The Inner Witness and The Non-Judgmental Witness
3. Initiation and Habitual Movement Patterning
4. Internal Awareness and Gravity
5. Touch and Cellular Awareness
Credits: Initial Movement Films and Explorations
Mover/performer: Maisie Beth James
Director: Maisie Beth James
Music:
- Breath, Lisbeth Scott
- Dawn, Garth Stevenson
- Oltremare, Ludovico Einaudi
- Grounding Meditation Music, Sunny Dawn Johnston
- The Southern Sea, Garth Stevenson
Editing: Maisie Beth James
Camera Operator: Ryan Stevens
PHASE 1: INITIAL MOVEMENT FILMS and EXPLORATIONS- REFLECTIONS
Specifically, phase 1 of the practice research process explored a variety of somatic principles already existing within the practical field. These principles have been theorised extensively and explored practically by somatic practitioners and researchers. For example, breath awareness and the fluid body are principles frequently used by somatic practitioners when working with participants. My initial explorations provided the opportunity to engage with these principles exploratively through movement and body awareness.
Although this process was freeing and autonomous in nature, some of the principles explored seemed too restrictive. Upon reflection, it appears that I was focusing on too many principles at a time, which resulted in slight confusion where movement was concerned. Although the intention was to be detailed and expressive with my movement to really tune into the lived experience of moving, I was unable to differentiate between certain principles. In particular, the Inner Witness and Non-Judgemental Witness movement film required a certain focus on being able to understand how my body was being perceived by the self, and how I did not judge my body in the moment. These conflicting movement and body intentions meant that I found it difficult to move freely without judgement.
In essence, this movement film was too complex and did not provide an opportunity to reflect on my lived experience in an organic way due to the analytical nature of the principles explored. These specific principles were therefore not carried through to the refined movement films and were not particularly successful in improving my wellbeing. For example, evident at 4 minutes, 51 seconds I suddenly become aware of my surrounding and shift my movement pathway. Here, I began to engage with conscious awareness of my movement and judged my movement pathway. This did not align with the movement intention, which further suggests that I was unable to engage with multiple principles in tandem. I do however pause at 5 minutes to regain focus and start to move more freely and organically. I begin to move my right and left arms to explore movement.
Again, although I was trying not to be consciously aware of what movement my body was engaging with, it was difficult to regain fluidity and allow my thoughts to rest in sensation. In some instances, throughout the reflective process, it was easier to self-reflect on my own through artistic drawing, poetic writing, or simply jotting down a few words, but it is worth noting that there was no right or wrong answers when it came to engaging with reflections. This approach simply provided an opportunity to engage with the self in a different, autonomous, creative way to support my well-being and pain.