Stephanie E. Robinson's "Seasons of the Soul"

Rhythmic Journeys

As we are told by Rumi, there are "hundreds of ways to kneel and kiss the ground". And Rhythmic Journeys is one of those many ways. Rhythmic Journeys maintains that we are body and spirit. Body that has the capacity to experience, feel and emote, and spirit that is an avenue to access those often locked away physical and emotional experiences. And we see spirit as that which Rumi asks us to engage in when he instructs us to "take down a musical instrument". Indeed there are many ways to invite a person to become open and be touched. Remember how certain words once touched you but when put to music they engendered tears? Indeed, the arts are like breath from another world. Breath that can bring new life into a troubled life. Breath that touches like words alone cannot. Rhythmic Journeys invites you to come in and breathe deeply.

Rhythmic Journeys is a non-judgmental process of letting go. This is a process that you cannot do wrong. Three types of movement are used. They are called Authentic, Improvisation and Contact Improvisation. And no, this is not a dancing school. There are no steps to learn. No right or wrong way to do it. It's all about letting go. Remember the last time you saw toddlers listen to music? They instantly begin to move their bodies as naturally as walking. They were never taught how to move, they just do it. And so will you. And while you move, to music or not, your story will unfold. This is a place where "I can't " turns into "I can".

Technically speaking then, Rhythmic Journeys is primarily an experiential, expressive, body centered group therapy that acknowledges the unique way that every human being learns, processes, speaks and grows. The entire process unfolds with 1) the creation of a safe container in which one can work, 2) connecting with your true self, 3) hearing and understanding the self's language of "feelings", 4) sharing those feelings with others, and 5) relating with others while remaining true to your self. And clinicians, when was the last time a behavioral and experiential laboratory came to you,
your patients and those of other area clinicians and then returned as needed? Imagine it, desire it, network it and it will happen.

For survivors of trauma, for example, RJ can provide an environment where the patient can experience the power of creating a container with boundaries, safety, and a space where risks can be taken in the growth process. For couples/partners, RJ provides the experiential classroom needed to achieve the often elusive goal of being in relationship with another without losing the connection with oneself. For professional and non-professional caregivers alike, RJ can provide a safe and nurturing space where all come to speak of "compassion fatigue", vicarious trauma, the inherent costs of giving care and learn ways to be nurtured. Spiritually, RJ is a space where the soul can connect with the body and move with abandon in a spiritual rejuvenation. RJ is also a creative consulting vehicle through which a most memorable offering can be created and performed for an important event. It is all of this and so much more.

RUMI

The quatrains used as part of this web site were taken from Open Secret: versions of Rumi by John Moyne and Coleman Barks, 1984.

More information about Rumi and a large assortment of his work can be found in The Soul of Rumi translations by Coleman Barks, 2001.

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