Etheric Movement – What Does that Mean?

At Eurythmy4you, we have made it our task to develop methods that make Eurythmy and Therapeutic Eurythmy accessible to all people on this Earth.

Our next major project is the ECC Winter Course, in which we teach 12 exercises from the Therapeutic Eurythmy Course in such a way that they are not only carried out skilfully, but understood so deeply in their execution and mode of action that they can be passed on to others with a clear conscience.

Until recently, this was not a common aim among colleagues, but times have changed. With now eight years of experience in teaching Eurythmy online, we can take new steps in this direction.

The Key: «Etheric Movement»

The term «Etheric Movement» is key to this. When your movement is carried by this, there is very little you can do wrong.  You can recognise it in four ways whether your movement is an etheric one:

1. Lightness

In the physical realm, the arms fall downwards. In the etheric, the “ground” is above. When you let go, the arms “fall” upwards. Try it: hold your arms to the side – and let go. Depending on how you sense your body, its uprightness and its lightness, they will fall either downwards or upwards. You do not need to force anything: your intention is already at work. Allowing replaces effort. You can also let the arms rise slowly, as if they weighed nothing. If they become heavy, change something – often this is precisely the moment when it begins to happen. Then let them sink again just as lightly.

2. Countercurrent

Etheric movement balances itself. Wherever a stream flows, a countercurrent responds. Giving and receiving belong together. Direct about 80% of your attention to the flowing, and keep 20% of your attention with yourself in the body. 80/20 is a guideline – but find your own proportion, the one in which the countercurrent arises of itself. For example, form an M-gesture forwards with both arms forwards and sense what approaches you and gently carries you back.

3. Breath

When you move etherically, your breath changes spontaneously and without intention. Do not bind the breath; let it come of its own accord and unfold – like a singing voice above the quiet bass line of the underlying movement. The modulation of the breath may occur during the exercise or afterwards, when releasing, as a long, wide, naturally arising deep in-breath. Receive it consciously as your body’s way of saying thank you – you will feel how good it does you.

4. Move through Perceiving

Eurythmy means: learning to think with the body. Move by perceiving, instead of shaping by will. Form a clear idea, an intention – not a mental picture – of your movement, that is, of what is meant to happen, and begin. The body understands what you think and responds with a fine movement, with an ensouled gesture – clear in form, quiet in strength.

Principle

Remain inwardly calm and connected with yourself and your heart. Perfection is not what matters. Let the intention be sensed by the body, instead of imposing images upon it. Attend to countercurrents – and welcome the free response of the breath. This is how etheric movement arises.

If you follow these four principles, you can hardly go wrong. That is our experience. You know what you do is good!

But what are your experiences in practice? We look forward to your comments here on the blog!

Theodor
Eurythmy4you

If you are interested in the course

You can find everything about the ECC Winter Course here:

🏋️‍♀️ The 12 Constitutional Exercises of Therapeutic Eurythmy

🍀 Learn – Deepen – Apply

👉 https://www.eurythmy4you-en.com/ecc-wintercourse

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