Event Details
"When the great swing has taken an individual into the world of symbolic mysteries, nothing comes of it, nothing can come of it, unless it has been associated with the earth, unless it has happened when that individual was in the body…. And so individuation can only take place if you first return to the body, to your earth, only then does it become true."
C. G. Jung, Visions Seminars (1934)
This 2.5 hour experiential webinar explores inner-directed movement as a way to bridge the realms of conscious and unconscious, body and psyche, instinct and spirit, affect and image, memory and emergence.
Our session begins with the story of how Jung discovered Active Imagination. Searching for a method to heal himself during a turbulent time following his break with Freud, Jung decided to open himself and engage with the impulses and images of his unconscious. A memory from childhood came that served as a guide in his healing journey - a rediscovery of symbolic play that allowed him to reconnect with his creative spirit.
Through these remarkable experiments Jung learned to foster an ongoing relationship with his inner life, developing a therapeutic method he called "active imagination", which is based on the natural, integrative healing function of the imagination, and its many expressions. Mary Starks Whitehouse's rich background in modern dance, combined with her Jungian studies and analysis, allowed her to engage students in inner-sourced movement rooted in Jung's analytical method of psychotherapy - a mover-witness practice she called "Moving in Depth", also known as Authentic Movement.
Our webinar begins with Jung's discovery of Active Imagination; an overview of the four steps of this approach; and how to integrate our learnings into everyday life. We learn about how one of Jung's early patients embodied this process and how Mary Whitehouse further developed this approach. We also discuss how the many languages of the body - sensations, movement impulses, body symptoms, moods, dreams images, symbols, and life situations - can be used as starting points for movement. Then, we explore different polarities in the body and the importance of recognizing "the Shadow."
Tina's presentation will include some film footage featuring Jungian psychoanalyst and pioneering Dance/Movement therapist, Dr. Joan Chodorow, who trained extensively with Mary Starks Whitehouse. Then you'll be guided through a brief exploration of active imagination in movement so you can gently dip into your inner world through your body, and see what you discover for yourself!
Through presentation, guided embodied exploration, inner-sourced/Authentic Movement, and reflection, we engage dance/movement as a form of active imagination, with special attention to the symbols in the living body in psychotherapy, healing, and transformation.
In preparation, I invite you to let a healing image come to mind - something comforting, warming, or sacred that's meaningful for you – from a dream, from nature, or perhaps an object on your altar, or something from your daily life. Says Jung, "My soul, where are you? Do you hear me? I speak, I call you - are you there? I have returned, I am here again." Please join us as we welcome psyche's body, working with the healing energies of the creative imagination in conscious embodiment. No experience in dance is necessary, only curiosity and openness to engage the unknown.
Learning Objectives include:
1. Exploring Jung's Active Imagination method, and reflecting on creative, integrative approaches to the unconscious.
2. Understanding and applying elements of embodied Active Imagination (Authentic Movement) and the creative process within the context of the psychotherapeutic relationship.
3. Deepening mindful awareness of bodily cues such as breath, moments of silence, and movement unfolding naturally in the body.
4. Strengthening your capacity for deep inner listening, curiosity, empathic attunement, symbolic expression, and non-judgmental communication with others and in community.