"Movement, Culture, and Healthy Aging" at Saint Luke Institute

"Movement, Culture, and Healthy Aging" at Saint Luke Institute

I gave a seminar entitled ""Movement, Culture, and Healthy Aging" to psychologists at Saint Luke Institute. "Saint Luke Institute is located in suburban Maryland, a short distance from Washington, D.C. We helps ministers and others in the Church move towards recovery and healing from a variety of mental health challenges in an integrated way which fosters care of the person as a whole." 

Reflections and discusison: 

• Participants explored how Bharatanatyam could be used in their work with clients especially those suffering from complex trauma.
• We talked about mind, body, and brain activation through movement, and how this connection is articulated in systems of knowledge such as Bharatanatyam in ways that are just being recognized by Western science.
• Participants mentioned that many of their clients "are in their heads", and that Bharatanatyam could help them get in touch with their body.
• They shared that sometimes, the default reaction for clients could be emotive; Bharatanatyam through imagination and creativity can help tap into the sensory system. (I showed the example of smelling a flower with hastas in the springtime, and it sparked this comment.) 
• They remarked on the impact of novelty, connection, focus, attention,  socialization, and connection that the sessions inspire. ​

Testimonials: 

• "It was fabulous! You're such a beautiful dancer. And the presentation made me reflect on how I'd like to ground my clinical practice. Love the integration of art and science! 🩷 Also it was so cool that you got people to dance! 🩷" ​
• "This is so incredible. Bharatanaytam should be part of every single older adult center!"