Samadhi I Mindful I Asana 1 I Temple I Asana 2 I Kriya I Ceremony I Ethics

Mindfulness Workbook
Ecstatic Movement
 

Ecstatic Yoga, Ecstatic Movement

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Definition of Moving in Mindfulness

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Self-observation without judgment as we move in our bodies

Present Moment Awareness of all the subtle sensations in our bodies

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Movement Awareness; Noticing sensations in the physical, energetic and subtle bodies. Focused attention on what is arising as it arises while moving spontaneously in the body. Inwardly noticing physical, emotional, & energetic sensations within the physical and subtle bodies.

Acceptance; Allowing each sensation to arise as it arises with neutrality. Self-observation without judgment, neutral witness, non-reactive presence. Observation while letting go of all judgement 

The Goal of Mindful Ecstatic Movement

Ecstatic movement is a powerful practice in becoming more present, at ease and fully embodied. Ecstatic movement can releasing energetic blockages, traumas, samskaras, old energies that no loger serve. Ecstatic movement can awaken embodiment and activate inner aliveness, dormant energy, creativity, inert muscles and increase vitality within the body. 

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Ecstaatic Movement Basic Guide

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Opening

Centering/Scan/Intention

Warm Ups

Gentle Floor

Moving to knees in Spontaneous Flows

Standing Gentle Movements, twists

Standing Stretch, Shake, Bounce

Standing Spontaneous Dance

Standing Slowing Down

Balancing Poses

Floor Cool Down/Releases

Savasana

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Ecstatic Movement

It is not about how much you move or even which poses or movements you make... it is about being present to the movements and the sensations within the body during and after movements. It is about moving in ways you are not familiar or don't usually move, to open the body to a wider range of movements. It is about allowing the intelligence of your soul to move the body mindfully, joyfully, consciously in order to deepen sacred embodiment.

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As we move in our bodies in new ways, and mindfully connect to the sensations that arise from moving our bodies, we become more comfortable and at ease in our bodies. We become more and more deeply embodied and present to the physical anamaya kosha, which allow a connection to the more subtle layers, sheaths and aspects of our being.

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The moment the practice begins the invitation is to move spontaneously. if online (Or if you have the equipment for personal headphones) you can invite students to put on their own music, that which inspires them to move. Everyone enjoys and is inspired by different music, allow them to listen to yours or use their own.

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The student is free to simply discover and explore their own process or move with you as the instructor. The student can move in and out of their own spontaneous flow to a pose you are leading or taking a pause to rest. The free flow and invitation to move spontaneously allows a deeper connection to the body, freedom of movement in the body and an exploration of feeling muscles and sensations you may not feel often. 

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In person movement classes you will always want to instruct students to stay on their mat other than the time we use up the entire space. You will also invite students to stay in their own experience, and not compare themselves to other students. 

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Invite spontaneous movements, natural and free, moving in a variety of movements. Bringing arms up, to the sides, down, everyway. Adding lateral, twists, bouncing, shaking, stretching, skipping, jumping jacks... as many varied creative movements as possible. Inviting dancing, fun, natural movements that feel good. Inviting movements that you have never done before, activating muscles you didn't know you had. Noticing sensations all along the way.

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Inviting pauses throughout the practice to notice the sensations, whether very subtle or dynamic, with equinimity and acceptance. 

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Sprinkling in some optional poses to warm up, poses all along the way inviting students to move spontaneously in the poses, or hold with the breath. 

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It can be helpful for a longer than normal savasana or samadhi for the closing relaxation. Also, closing with a rapture meditation is always a treat. 

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Invite students to listen to their bodies, to allow the inner intelligence of their bodies to move them. Invite students to enjoy the practice, make it fun and re-invent a positive, playful connection to moving in their bodies.

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Enjoy!