Full-Body Warm-up

This warm-up is used as a general preparation for all movement and sound work.

We begin in stillness, feeling the body’s small movements: breath, pulses, weight-shifts. Slowly we allow the body to soften and stretch, following its impulses with eyes closed.

Adding rhythmic music, we allow the body to move freely until breathing is deep and even. For the next 20-30 minutes we focus upon one body part after another, starting at the feet, exploring the range of movement and observing the sensations of each part of the body in turn.

Soft, effortless movement, even breathing and concentration on physical sensation are encouraged throughout the warm-up. Focus is brought to the whole body at the end of the warm-up, at which point a general release is encouraged.

It is important for the warm-up to last no less than 20 minutes, as it seems to take that long to create coherence within the body, mind and spirit.

The goal of the warm-up is to achieve a state of relaxed concentration – or the meditative state.