THE PERFORMANCE OF SLOW: EXPANDED VERSION

THE PERFORMANCE OF SLOW



Can you imagine having a chance to slow down for an hour? Elders do this naturally because they are WISE! But even if we are elders, we can re-inforce this wisdom with a practice of awareness of exactitude and mindfulness well known in Eastern theologies as Paying Attention with love to one thing at a time.



This workshop will allow us to practice this focused awareness as a group and as a result learn from each other and support each other in this wisdom.



OUTLINE OF THE CLASS:



1. SLOW MOTION MOVEMENT AND STRETCHING: THE BODY



As soon as participants enter the space, they will be encouraged to experience a new level of silence and peace via a 15 minute directed movement and slow motion practice. Stretching, moving, breathing using freely self-chosen faux-tai chi movements, produces physiological results which effect heart rate, metabolic rate, neurological firings and mood. Of course these movements can be performed sitting as well as standing but doing them slowly and WITH FEELING is the most important instruction which will be given and demonstrated by the instructor. Nature sounds on tape will support the mood of relaxation.



Our bodies are usually driven by speed, worry and inner memories which need to be vacationed by a practice of letting go and this class will mentor an easy, simple, non-agressive form of simply "letting go" which can then be utilized in daily life and in daily activites.





2. GUIDED VISUALIZATION: THE MIND



For 15 minutes we will travel via a guided visualization through the incredible galaxy of the body and it's glands, nervous system, bones, muscles and the brain. Suggestions are made that we invite ease and comfort and peace and gratitude to be felt and experienced and remembered so that we have a chance to move from the tv world, the global warming world, the foreclosure world, the technological world for a time. This gives space and clarity and expansive to the mind and heart and allows for an appreciation of our bodies and minds.





3. SILENT SITTING: THE SPIRIT



For 10-15 minutes, after a brief introduction of focusing practices (use a repeated sacred word; feel the breath at the nostrils; inhale peace, exhale peace; count the breaths) each person will choose one of the practices and we will sit for a short time, experiencing this way of being totally AT-ONE.







4. SILENT GESTURE: PERFORMING LOVE SLOWLY



Each person will then stand and perform one gesture, in slow motion and in silence, that is an expression of inner self-love, self gratitude and self joy. This expression of THE PERFORMANCE OF SLOW is optional and performed only if the participant is comfortable sharing their inner creativity with others in this way.



LINDA MARY MONTANO