Relaxation Exercise: Intuitive Movement

Most of us need to relearn how to move fluidly and naturally. When
we give ourselves permission to move naturally once again, the body
begins to release its stiffness and repressed energy by working
through places where there's tension or stress. When we move in a
less-natural way, such as some forms of athletics or formal dance
training, we often don't let the body decide what's right. We may
force it to do something we think it should do. Intuitive Movement
lets the body decide how it wants to move. And the body knows exactly
how to move--if we let it.I've found this technique works for most who
give it a try, even though who may be tight or uncomfortable in their
bodies. The key is that no one is encouraged to move in a way which is
inappropriate for her or him. In a group, people will often be moving
at very different paces, according to each one's experience, comfort,
and fitness level. You move as your body wants to move. No forcing. No
pushing. No one telling you to move as they think you should. It's a
very natural, spontaneous process which you can do in private and in
comfort.Intuitive Movement ExerciseHopefully, you're in a place where
you can focus completely on yourself and won't be disturbed. Some
people feel self-conscious early on if others are around. Give
yourself permission to have whatever experience your body wants you to
have, without worrying about someone interrupting you. You may want to
put on some calming music to help relax. Sit comfortably; focus for a
moment on your breathing. You may want to use a visualization or
preferred relaxation technique, whatever brings you a sense of
peace.It's common to begin with the head and neck region; a place
where we hold lots of tension. It this feels right to you, pay
attention to this part of your body. Feel what may be going on there.
Become aware of any tension or tight spots. Let your body begin to
relax more, and give it permission to move in whatever way feels
appropriate. Tell your body it's okay to experience itself. Let any
movements come through spontaneously and easily. Don't force them in
any way. Just let them be easy, as if coming from the inside out.Feel
the Body Moving ItselfBegin to sense that the body is actually moving
itself. You will probably feel some tension or resistance. This is
perfectly natural; let it come and go. Your body will know how to work
through these places. If you trust your body to move as it needs to
move, it will never force a place that isn't ready to open.My
experience is that the body will always move slowly and gently when
that's appropriate, and will allow places to open and relax naturally.
If you feel a tight place that needs to relax more, just give it
permission to be however it is. When it's time for that place to open,
the body will find a way.Keep It GentleThis is a very gentle,
meditative process. If you ever feel like you're trying to control or
rush the process, focus on relaxing again and allowing the body to
take over. We're all accustomed to being in control so much, that it
can be a challenge to let go of this perceived control and let our
movements be more fluid and natural. Let this process go on for 30
minutes or more if you can, as much time as you have for it.Let the
spontaneous movement travel to different places of the body and see
how each place wants to unwind the tension there. I've done the
exercise for as much as several hours at a time, often allowing the
movements to expand to include the entire body.This is really all
there is to doing Intuitive Movement. It's very simple. You may notice
yourself feeling much more relaxed afterward, even a sense of
euphoria. One of the many positive effects of Intuitive Movement, as
with yoga and other techniques, is that your body will process out a
lot of old energy and bring in new energy. You may feel as if you've
been meditating for an hour or two. And you'll probably feel much more
in your body. The body really loves to sense itself in this way, and
will respond wonderfully to the opportunity.