Episode 26: Releasing Stress and Trauma with the Non-Linear Movement Method

Photo credit Ahmad Odeh

In this episode:

• The Non-Linear Movement Method

• Why I became a teacher

• How I use the practice

• How to explore Non-Linear Movement yourself. 

  Earlier this year I became a teacher of the Non-Linear Movement Method. I was more interested in letting my body move and express itself rather than being told what to do. Working 1 to 1 with clients is so rewarding, but ultimately inefficient, as you’re not helping as many people as you might want to.NLMM helps me to release stress.

• If the nervous system is under continuous and sustained stress, it can’t restore itself. In the 3 years that I’ve been working with NLMM I’ve used it as a daily practice, but it’s also served me when going through some big challenges. Meeting what I’ve been feeling so directly and in live time, rather than when I’ve found words for the experience or had time to reflect on it, seems to have helped me to make shifts quickly.  

• What is the NLMM?

• It’s a somatic practice developed by Michaela Boehm. I spoke to her on episode 7 of this podcast .  

• I’d heard of Michaela a few years earlier and was intrigued as I’d seen a friend shift so much after having panic attacks and becoming so well. When I decided to work with Michaela, it came at a time when she lost her house, animals and all her belongings in the Thomas Fires in California. The way that she spoke about this experience was so alive and I knew the importance of someone walking their talk when it really counts.

  
  What I like about NLMM 

• It’s a very safe practice

• You can do it even if you have physical limitations 

• You can do it anywhere.

• If you’re pressed for time, do it in the shower. 

• There are only 2 rules- and that helps to have a strong container with a lot of space and freedom. The rules are to keep the eyes closed and to always keep moving, even if it’s just a little finger.Keeping the eyes closed helps to stay inwards, rather than engaging with the external world. If you’re in a class, then it helps to keep a sense of privacy.

• It is a quick practice if you are short of time - doing this practice for 3 minutes or the length of one song can be plenty. It’s a simple tool but a profound one. You can use it to release daily stress, but if it’s done consistently, it helps to clear old trauma. 

  
  Keep an eye on my website avni-touch.com and I’ll announce dates for workshops soon. If you want to explore the nonlinear movement method, and the founders Michaela Boehm and Steve James, go to  The Non-Linear Movement Method

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