SPACIOUS FLUIDITY OF MOVEMENTS (SFM) / THRIVEAPEUTIC MOVEMENTS

Enhancing fluidity of movements occurs when moving smoothly and gently within the free-flowing spaces of the body, also knowns as moving within the wiggle room. You expand the body's ability to move freely when you stay within the ranges of fluid, gentle movements. You are invited to move toward the edges of those fluid movement. As you do, however, remain diligent not to touch any of the edges. If you happen upon an edge, you will feel some degree of resistence, which reflects a lack of fluidity. Touching the edge makes that lack of fluidity more dominant. If you move only within the wiggle room, that free-flowing expression becomes more dominant, which is what supports the expansion of the fluid movements.

Sometimes movements can feel granular or crunchy, meaning the lack of fluidity can feel as if the movements themselves are glitchy. During these times when feeling stiff, locked up, or just not smooth, Spacious Fluidity Movements can soften the edges and add spaciousness within the movements. The goal is to move as fluidly and as possible so that those smooth expressions can spread and influence the surrounding areas.

You can use Spacious Fluidity Movements as a theme in Neuro-Meditative Dance or use it as a stand-alone practice. You can certainly use it during the warm-up phase of moving. Involving the arms as fluid levers can be quite helpful, too. At certain times, this practice may mimic movements of Tai Chi. The difference is quite large, however, in that all of the movements originate from the wisdom of the body. These movements are not scripted and do not include specific, predetermined motions that are to be repeated. They are more spontaneous in nature and appear more like improvisational movements of fluidity. The more practice that is given to these movements, the more fluidity become obvious. Please remember to move toward the edges but never touch the edges.

This is a great practice for people who are up in years or getting there. Even if you are in a wheelchair or confined to a bed, you can always "play within the wiggle room." Move what you can, however you can, while always allowing for more spaciousness in the movements.