
The following movements and images emerged after encounters with mist, cloud, sunrises and sunsets at Loch Voil, in Scotland. Following on from a practice of embodied writing, I created a movement task to share, along with an audio version which can be found at the bottom of the page.
Guidelines for following a movement task
Movement tasks are an invitation to carve out moments of pause and connection with the world around us as an everyday way of being. They serve as prompts for creating space for self-care, artistic expression, and the freedom to explore. Whether grounding us in times of uncertainty or guiding us toward a deeper sense of belonging, movement tasks offer gentle waymarkers along a path to feeling more at home in the world. The following movement task can be explored as a solo practice, or in a pair. If working in a pair, you might take it in turns to witness and 'hold the space' for one another.
Stepping out
Having everything you need to be outdoors for a while, including drawing or writing materials, head to a place that you know or feel a connection with where you are able to encounter an expansive sky. Perhaps a park, hill top or coastal area. As you step out of your door, create an imaginary line, or threshold crossing as you shift into a space free from planning and expectation. Mark the beginning of this movement task with an intention to wander and explore freely, allowing your experience to unfold just as it is.
Other humans!
Unless you are planning on finding somewhere very quiet to be, chances are you will encounter other people. I always find it useful to welcome others as part of the ever changing experience, moving through the landscape as other wildlife would. This is where working in pairs can support the experience.
Following the movement task
Once you have allowed yourself some time to arrive, spend a few moments reading, or listening to the movement task. You don't have to remember it all, and you don't need to get to the end, each section might be just enough for one outing. Just notice which parts resonate with you and let that be your starting point. If working in a pair you could explore reading the movement task to your partner, remembering to give enough space between each part.
Begin
Allow yourself some time to arrive, taking a moment to feel your feet on the ground and the rise and fall of your chest as you notice your breath. Just as it is
Starting from wherever you are, take some time to simply pause and breathe and listen to the landscape you are in
Notice any sensations in your feet, and any points of contact between the soles of your feet and the ground beneath you
Take a moment to simply breathe with your feet
When you are ready, starting from your feet, make a quick scan up through your whole body until you reach the top of your head. As if you are sweeping all of the surfaces of your body with your awareness
See if you can locate your sense of gravity. Can you feel it? Take a few full cycles of breath into this space
Maintaining your center of gravity
Imagine yourself suspended between Earth and Sky
As your body rests on the earth, notice how you are surrounded by sky
Start to become aware of the sky moving
Clouds, birds, sounds......
Bring your awareness to the touch of the sky on your skin. The wind and atmosphere.
Begin to allow any movements to unfold in response to these sensations, begin with
the more obvious sensations, gradually tuning in to the subtler ones.
Simply allow yourself to be danced by Sky
When you are ready, gently bring your movement task to a close, finding a way to express gratitude for this encounter. In the same way you began, create an imaginary line to cross over, as a way of closing and transitioning from this place to where you are going next.
You may wish to spend some time writing or drawing about your experience now, or later on. Simply allowing some space for any images or words to be expressed without judgment.
Sky Body: A Movement Task Audio Version
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