Sensing Volume
Beyond a 1-Dimensional Self
Life tends to give us a one-dimensional view of the body. We tend to see the body from one perspective, front, side, or back. Today, I am inviting you to sense the volume of your body. This is not to be critical or dissatisfied with your body, it is an opportunity to sense yourself from the inside, awakening your kinesthesia and proprioception.
A great place to start is sensing a “part”. For example, the hands. Hold your hand up in front of you and look at your palm. Notice the lines in your skin, the shapes, and the contour of the palm. This is your 1-dimensional view. What is it like to move your hand using this myopic perspective? What does it feel like?
As you look at your hand, expand your awareness to sense the volume of your hand. The depth, width, length, the volume inside. Does the shape of your fingers change? My fingers went from straight to curved with this simple change of perspective. This is an important release of holding tension that will affect movement! wooohooo!
What is it like to play, being aware of the volume of your hands? Do you contact your instrument differently?
Take this idea to different “parts” such as the arms, the upper torso (within the ribs), the head, the “neck” which we know is really a part of the spine, thighs, lower leg, feet.
This simple shift in awareness helps to bring the whole body into playing or whatever activity we are doing (Parkour maybe?!). As you practice you can expand awareness of the volume of the parts into regions, eventually sensing your whole body as you play. This opens up flexibility and responsiveness in your body, in your expression that contributes to breathing life into your musical ideas.
Be curious…
PS. I am offering a Drop-In Body Mapping class on Tuesdays 3-4pm.