Authentic Movement is a practice which invites personal and creative expression from the individual. Some people view it as therapy, others as a spiritual practice. It can also be entered into as a novel adventure for an afternoon. Authentic Movement is akin to certain forms of theater improvisation in that participants allow themselves to be moved by internal impulses; however, participants are not trying to entertain others, recreate real-life scenarios, or communicate a particular story. There is no audience, only one or more "witnesses" who hold the movement space through their non-judgmental Presence. Another striking difference from theater improvisation is that movers keep their eyes closed in order to minimize their self-consciousness and accentuate their ability to tune in to their own impulses. Movement sessions generally last from 20 minutes to 1 hour. Usually movers begin with a shorter time and increase it as they become more experienced.

The purpose of Authentic Movement is to encounter our own selves outside of the social confines & pressures of everyday reality. Perhaps you are bolder than you ever knew. Perhaps a particular gesture suddenly brings a hidden sorrow to your awareness. Perhaps other movers create a soothing lullaby and you find a way to move through your sorrow until it becomes a dance of liberation and joy. Perhaps pent up frustration with your children finds a safe place for release. Almost anything can happen during Authentic Movement. Impulses generally find expression through movement, rhythm, touch, gesture, vocalization & song. "A mover" may choose to engage with or disengage from other movers in the circle at any time.

Abraham Maslow speaks of the transformative power of "peak experiences." Participating in Authentic Movement is one of the most accessible portals into such an event. Because your whole being, body-mind & feelings, is engaged in responding to internal impulses, with as little censorship as possible; because closing your eyes heightens sensory awareness in novel ways, Authentic Movement almost always provides experiences which are unforgettable and transformational. Change is not always immediate, of course, but each time you enter the circle you take the next step on your journey towards greater self-awareness & personal growth. Reflecting on the experience through journaling, art-making, and discussion are common ways of helping you to integrate the experience into your life.