(summary of my facebook live on July 24th, 2024)
Hello everyone! Today, I want to dive deep into the first key benefit of therapeutic dance: physical release and expression. This aspect of therapeutic dance is foundational and can be incredibly transformative, paving the way for greater joy and well-being. Let’s explore how and why this works.
We all carry tension in our bodies. It can accumulate from stress at work, personal challenges, or even from sitting for too long. This tension isn’t just physical – it’s often tied to our emotions. Think about how your shoulders might tighten when you’re anxious, or how you might clench your jaw when you’re angry. Over time, these physical manifestations of stress can become habitual, leading to chronic tension and discomfort.
Therapeutic dance provides a powerful tool for releasing this tension through movement. When we move, we can stretch, shake, and free our bodies from these habitual patterns. It’s similar to how animals shake off stress after a confrontation – our bodies, too, are designed to release tension through movement.
Movement allows us to express what we might not be able to put into words. Sometimes, our emotions are too complex or deep-rooted to articulate. Through therapeutic dance, your body can express these emotions in a safe and supportive environment. For instance, a flowing movement might represent a sense of relief, while a more forceful motion might express anger or frustration.
This physical expression can lead to emotional release. Imagine the relief of crying after holding back tears for too long – it’s a similar cathartic experience, but through movement. By physically expressing these emotions, you’re not only releasing them from your body but also acknowledging and validating your feelings.
Another incredible benefit of therapeutic dance is the release of endorphins. Endorphins are natural chemicals in your body that promote a sense of well-being and happiness. They are often referred to as “feel-good” chemicals because they can create a natural high and reduce the perception of pain.
When you engage in movement, especially in a joyful and expressive manner, your body releases these endorphins. This is why after a therapeutic dance session, you might feel lighter, happier, and more at peace. It’s your body’s way of rewarding you for taking care of it and allowing it to move freely.
In therapeutic dance, creating a safe and non-judgmental space is crucial. Whether you’re in a group session or working one-on-one with a therapist, the environment is designed to support you in letting go of inhibitions and moving authentically. This safe space encourages you to listen to your body and trust its wisdom.
When you release physical tension and express your emotions through movement, you create space for joy. Think of it as clearing out a cluttered room – once you’ve removed the unnecessary, you can appreciate the space and fill it with things that bring you joy. Similarly, when you free your body from tension and emotional blocks, you open yourself up to experience more joy and vitality.
This process is not just about momentary relief; it’s about cultivating a practice of listening to and caring for your body. Over time, this practice can lead to lasting changes in how you feel and move through life.
To sum it all up the physical release and expression aspect of therapeutic dance is a powerful pathway to joy.
By releasing tension, expressing emotions, and allowing our bodies to move freely, we can experience profound relief and happiness.
Thank you for joining me today, and I encourage you to explore the transformative power of therapeutic dance for yourself by joining our Monday night – Moving Towards Joy session. More info can be found here https://www.lizdiaz.ca/monday-night-practice/