Book Here
Authentic Movement
Authentic Movement is meditation in motion, a unique contemplative practice through naturally arising movement and careful observation in the presence of a compassionate other. Authentic Movement can be practised one-on-one or in a group setting.
Contact Me
Book Here

What is Authentic Movement?

The Discipline of Authentic Movement explores the interaction between a mover and a witness. This mover/witness dynamic highlights the personal, interpersonal and transpersonal interaction and offers a gentle pathway between being seen and seeing, between the conscious and unconscious. Authentic Movement encourages self-awareness through mindful self-observation in the presence of a witness. 

“In the Discipline of Authentic Movement, the literal force of moving and witnessing the embodiment of sensation, emotion and spirit infuses relationship with new ways of knowing the self and the other.”
(Janet Adler, ‘Offering from the Conscious Body’)

What to expect?

During a session we carefully build the relationship between moving and witnessing, depending on prior experience.  Guided by your readiness we agree on a comfortable time-frame and specific outline during which you may follow any impulses to either move or not move with your eyes closed.  Margaret will be present with her eyes open, acting as witness.  

In this role, Margaret will be responsible for holding a safe space while focussing on her own inner impulses and processes, as she witnesses you in your exploration. 

Following this, we will transition to open up your movement experience. According to your preference, this can be done via a combination of writing, artwork and dialogue, which can be about just one specific moment of your choice during your exploration. Margaret can then offer to speak about her witnessing, allowing some time to help integrate the experience.  

As an ongoing weekly practice we follow through from the ground form of the Discipline of Authentic Movement to navigating the developmental arc of the various relational stages of the mover/witness consciousness. Subsequently, you can choose between one-on-one sessions and/or a more dynamic group setting.

How does it work?

The Discipline of Authentic Movement is a form of bringing consciousness to that which has been suppressed, neglected and forgotten, laying dormant deep within us and often concealing our true potential. In the presence of a witness, we welcome and befriend what is ready to surface. 

This liberation of holding patterns in our body systems allows us to feel more whole, more fully alive and connected to ourselves, our significant others, and the world around us. Authentic Movement often surprises by healing not only on a psychological, spiritual and social level, but also on the physical, reducing various pains, aches and ailments. 

According to its founder Mary Whitehouse, Authentic Movement ‘cultivates an attitude of inner openness, a kind of listening to one’s self’.

Benefits

Anyone interested can benefit, with no prior experience necessary.  Authentic Movement is practiced in individual and group settings, is effective within the context of psychotherapy, medicine and meditative practices, and is a potent source for artistic expression.

Authentic Movement:

  • Increases spiritual, emotional and physical awareness
  • Inspires new ways of thinking 
  • Helps to dissolve creative blocks
  • Strengthens a sense of agency
  • Improves relational and social attentiveness 
  • Relieves social anxiety
  • Softens the body’s defensive armouring 
  • Offers an opportunity to explore mobility issues
  • Heals and releases unconsciously held blockages
  • Expresses emotions nonverbally that can then be integrated
  • Supports to befriend the unknown and trust our inner and outer processes
  • Opens up a sense of spiritual intelligence and potential
  • Connects us to deeper instincts

Bookings

A one-on-one Authentic Movement session lasts 60 minutes, available in person and online.

Classes and workshops available on request.

Please subscribe to my newsletter for updates or contact me for further information.

Contact Me
 Book Here 

Testimonials

Margaret O’S.

“I have been going to Margaret for approximately 20 years now. I first got to know Margaret through her Yoga classes in Dunmanway. 

I found her classes so beneficial that I booked a private treatment with her and have never looked back. I have a long term injury and I find Shiatsu a very gentle therapy.  I always get results and come away feeling so relaxed in body and mind. Margaret has treated me when I had sciatica, sinus trouble, she has helped me through grief and through other stressful times in my life. She is AMAZING. I also had Shiatsu with Margaret throughout my pregnancies and loved it. Margaret is a very kind considerate lady and so easy to talk to. I would highly recommend her.”

Aidan M.

“I am delighted how much insight I’ve gained and how much I’ve come to learn and understand about myself and my patterns. Margaret helped and encouraged me through the process, and now I’m able to move forward as a better version of myself. I am much more aware of how connected my mind and body actually are. Margaret introduced me to skills, helping me handle stressful situations in easier and more manageable ways. I was comfortable speaking my mind freely, and felt heard, seen, understood and fully supported through the whole process. Thank you Margaret!”

Anne O’C.

“I’ve been practising yoga for decades and thought I knew it all, but attending Margaret’s class was a revelation. The use of sound, tapping and innovative body work in addition to standard yoga asanas created a light-hearted enjoyable atmosphere in class. I always came out feeling physically and mentally refreshed. The atmosphere was very supportive and encouraging to people of all levels of flexibility.”

Judit B.

“I have found my authentic movement experience to be wholly nourishing for mind, body and soul. It has helped me greatly to recover my confidence in public speaking and diminished my anxiety about being seen or being the centre of attention. As a result of the sessions, I feel more whole, at peace and sure of myself. The effects are long lasting and I feel the therapy has positively influenced the way I live my life now and how I relate to others. Margaret is a beautiful person and a true professional who led me through the sessions with sensitivity, openness and kindness, in a safe, visually appealing and enriching environment. I felt respected, valued and held in our healing space. Thanks a million Margaret for such a gorgeous experience!”

Read More