Body-ego Ritual

 

I

Unit: Body-Integration

Theme: Body-ego Ritual

 

Introduction

 The body-ego ritual symbolizes the re-integration of all the different parts of self and one's story with renewed insight, vitality and visions for change. Today, you will explore movement using the Body Part Mapping exercise in which you associate each body part with different themes.  This will lead you into your body mythology through an artistic exploration with intermodal art mediums that would result in an extension of your self-portrait.

 

II

 

Learning Objectives 

 

  • Understand the process of creating a ritual performance
  • Explain the complexities of body-ego technique applied to clients with schizophrenia
  • Gain an awareness of the behaviors of clients with schizophrenia
  • Experience the creation of the body-ego performance ritual


III

Main Lesson

 
1

Body- Mythology

Each part of the body combined with every art medium available to us, can be seen as a mirror reflecting aspects of ourselves. The self-exploration of past experiences using the mythology of our bodies connects us to dancing images and personal metaphors that may reveal underlying issues. Working with intermodal art mediums such us movement/dance, drawing, vocalizing, writing, and dialogues allow us to reflect on our stories.

The group (who are also witnesses) acts as a mirror. Through group creativity and learning, we develop the skills and sensitivity that allow the collective environment to serve as a safe space where transformation happens. The process that unfolds motivates us to cultivate communication.

Focus on a different body part that inspires individual and group themes, art explorations, body awareness exercises, movement studies, partner and group interactions, and life/art metaphors that generate reflective questions.


Question 1

In which way does the body-mythology helps the client heal trauma?

 

2

Body Part Mapping

Body Part Mapping is about  our own movement repertoire, associated themes, particular images and life experiences associated with each body part. Each body part can be associated with the following themes:

  • Head – Masking and Unmasking
  • Throat – Voicing
  • Spine – Posture in Life
  • Shoulders – Burdens We Carry
  • Arms & Hands – Reaching, Holding
  • Ribcage – Opening, Closing
  • Abdomen – Digesting, Eliminating, Assimilating, Gut Feelings
  • Pelvis – Creation, Sexuality
  • Legs & Feet – Balance /Off Balance, Grounding

 

Question 2

How do the themes attached to each body part affect the movement exploration of the client?



IV

A Note to Remember

The body-ego ritual symbolizes the re-integration of all the different parts of self and one's story with renewed insight, vitality and visions for change. 


V

Case Study 

This ritual-performance is enacted with the group and teachers witnessing during the final week of the Tamalpa Institute's Level 1 training program.

 
 

Tamalpa Self Portrait Performance (short version)


Question 3

What do you think about the ritual performance shown above?


 

VI

Activity

 

Movement Exploration & Performance


Self-portrait is created and explored as a result of the whole process.
 
Process
 
1. Paste your self-portrait on the bigger piece of card board
2. Extend your drawing to the rest of your body
3. Each body part expresses a specific theme as described above:
  • Head – Masking and Unmasking
  • Throat – Voicing
  • Spine – Posture in Life
  • Shoulders – Burdens We Carry
  • Arms & Hands – Reaching, Holding
  • Ribcage – Opening, Closing
  • Abdomen – Digesting, Eliminating, Assimilating, Gut Feelings
  • Pelvis – Creation, Sexuality
  • Legs & Feet – Balance /Off Balance, Grounding

 4. Add to your previous writing about your portrait, your  response to your body-portrait. What do you see?
 
  •  The exploration begins with an in-depth movement inquiry into the personal myth and symbolic motifs of each individual art piece. 

5. Dance your body-portrait and add new details to your portrait
6. What do you see now? Write about it.
 
7. Dance your body portrait again and create a movement phrase (8 movements).
  •  This is followed by individualized coaching and scoring for a self-portrait performance.
 
8. Add your writing to your phrase.
9. Circle the most significant words in your writing.
10. Dance your movement phrase and voice only your circled words.
 
  • Each student’s self-portrait performance is enacted as a ritual within the safe container created by the class
11. Share your work with the group by dancing your phrase in front of your drawing.
 
  •  Closing is enacted by facilitating group completion and transition to provide a shift from the class community to daily life at home.
12. Closing circle


VII

Jornaling

 

 VIII

Glossary

 

IX

Sources

Tamalpa Institute.  https://www.tamalpa.org/professional-training/level-1

 

X

Students' Work




 
 
 
 


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