| Description |
How does one resolve the disconnect when subjective and objective perspectives directly contradict each other? My research has been a quest to understand the nature of this conflict, particularly in relation to somatic work and my creative process. In reviewing somatics literature, I found that most practitioners are unaware that their work could be more effective if they addressed this issue actively. In order to offer somatics practitioners more tools for integrating these perspectives I have put forth the principles I use with my students and clients. I attempt to encompass conflicting polarities within one conceptual container by asking open questions, allowing multiple opinions, encouraging everyone to try an activity, and answering students' questions multi-dimensionally. I also watch out for polarized beliefs, avoid trying to "fix" a client, and work to balance cultural power structures. As a dance maker I have sought to harness the creative energy of conflict. When I allowed conflicting perspectives to be simultaneously true, I found that the result was a paradox. In following the paradox, I experienced creative success when I worked intuitively, rather than literally. The lessons from my research have led me to advocate journeying into the hard places in order to achieve greater clarity and more evocative art. |
