Move. Release. Feel. Respond.
The Non-Linear Movement Method is a gentle embodiment practice that helps you to explore your feelings and sensations through movement and to regulate your nervous system.
This is for my international, English speaking audience, as I´m offering Non-Linear movement classes in English as well : ) – for the Germans: die deutsche Version des Artikels findest du hier
The Non-Linear Movement Method® (NLMM) is a powerful somatic method developed by Michaela Boehm over the past 2 decades of instruction and practice and now offered internationally. As a certified NLMM teacher, I offer classes in German and English, for groups or for you privately in 1:1 sessions.
The method is rooted in her early training in Kashmiri Shaivism and fused with her extensive expertise in working with trauma, emotional closures, and physical contractions in her clients and students; as well as in implementing this technique in her own practice. In recent years Steve James refined and clarified the method and added original material.
Some of the positive applications of Non-Linear Movement
• Smoothes out the nervous system
The demands of modern life create stress and tension in the body and an overactive mind. NLMM encourages an identifying and unwinding of the patterns of contraction and through gentle, non-force movements relieves the bodily tension and underlying mental loops. The result is a systematic, self-guided unburdening of the nervous system.
• Processes and identifies emotions
As the body unwinds and the mind relaxes its pressured pace the emotions associated with these patterns become apparent and are being let go of. You can note recurring emotional loops for further processing and at the same time allow emotions to simply rise and release.
• Awakens erotic energy and sensual sensation
As tension, contraction and emotion are being released the body becomes sensitized and we are able to feel deeper. One of the marked results of this sensitization is an ability to feel increased pleasure and well being. Participants report an increased ability to connect through their body, both with themselves and others.
• Releases trauma patterns into flow
One of the results of traumatic experience (fresh and old alike) is “freeze”, a state in which body, mind and emotions are stuck in a state of numbness. Often “freeze” is falsely perceived as a feeling of “calm/nothing”, which results in an inability to release the experience and ease the bodily patterns. The NLMM facilitates a continued movement, which gently opens the freeze pattern and allows for recognition and release of the underlying bodily and emotional patterns.
• Unites mind and body in intimacy with physical sensation
Through continued engagement with the release of contraction and facilitation of emotional awareness the ingrained patterns become apparent and less pronounced. Over time physical sensation can be engaged with and the acceptance and tolerance of all sensation increases. Intimacy with whatever is present is possible.
• Creates high bodily responsiveness
NLMM educates the body how to release and process contractions, stress and emotional tension. The body becomes highly attuned to all sensations and can note, react or release fluidly and without having to attend to traumatic or suppressed backlog.
• Opens access to bodily wisdom
By putting emphasis on movement and circumventing the analytical mind and loops of tense thinking the natural intelligence of our bodies is accessed. Through gentle guidance the mechanisms of “freeze” and refusal to feel are being loosened and bodily wisdom can create the necessary actions and releases.
What do you need for a Non-Linear Movement class and for whom is it? Find more info here
Advantages of the online class
After my introduction, you can switch off your camera and express yourself freely without feeling observed or judged. This allows you to enjoy an intimate space to encounter yourself and to fully follow and give space to what you are feeling.
Many people find it helpful to set up their practice in the same place to establish and maintain a healthy routine in their everyday life. It can be easier for you to practice NLMM for yourself/outside of the official classes if you anchor your practice in a fixed place that gets associated with the practice.
P.S. For me personally, Non-Linear Movement is a way to deepen the connection with myself, it helps me to give space to my feelings and to relax, to release the day´s stress and tension. I regularly do shorter sessions (between 10-20 minutes) to feel more connected to myself and my body at the end of the day and to wind down before I go to sleep.
If you’d like to give it a try, you can find more information about this trauma-sensitive embodiment practice and my upcoming NLMM classes here.
