Lesson:
12

Get Moving

This time-honored tradition combines ancient Indian wisdom with movement practices to promote physical and mental well-being. The Natya Śāstra, a comprehensive guide to the performing arts dating back to 200 BCE, serves as the ultimate resource for various forms of movement therapies. At the heart of this philosophy is the concept of ‘rasa,’ literally means “nectar, essence or taste”. It connotes a concept in Indian arts about the aesthetic and emotional flavor of any visual, literary or musical work. The Natya Sastra outlines the ‘navarasas, or nine universal emotions that can be experienced and expressed through dance, music, and theater, leading to a cathartic release and a greater sense of emotional well-being. During our ‘Nine Nights of the Goddess’ journey, we’ll explore one rasa per day, which is associated with the Goddess of the day. Not only does incorporating movement practices during the ‘Nine Nights of the Goddess’ journey enhance physical health by promoting cardiovascular health, balance, coordination, and flexibility, but it also releases endorphins that reduce stress and anxiety. Movement therapy has been shown to improve mood, body image, self-esteem, and interpersonal relationships, making it an effective form of treatment for various mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD. We combine the ancient wisdom of the Natya Śāstra with modern movement therapy practices to offer you nine unique movement meditations that are holistic and totally immersive.

Reflect:
Movement therapy is shown to help with emotional expression, stress, and self-esteem. How can you start to use your body to process emotions and release tension, even for just a few minutes a day?
References:
“The Natyashastra.” Ancient History Encyclopedia, www.ancient.eu/Natyashastra/. Kochhar, S. K. “The Natyashastra and the Body in Performance: Essays on Indian Theories of Dance and Drama.” Intellect, 2012. Mehta, Neena Prasad. “The Importance of Dance Therapy in Healing and Transformation,” indian Journal of Psychiatry, vol. 54, no. 4, 2012, pp. 306-308., doi: 10.4103/0019-5545.104829. Schmais, Cynthia. “The Benefits of Movement Therapy in Mental Health Treatment.” Psychiatry Advisor, 5 Apr. 2019, www.psychiatryadvisor.com/home/topics/general-psychiatry/the-benefits-of-movement-therapy-in-mental-health-treatment/