leaning
Leaning, a tendency or partiality of a particular kind.
Lean, to be in or move into a sloping position.
Incline from the perpendicular and rest for support against something.
Cause something to rest against.
Is leaning a form for body communication? Is it one of many languages spoken by the body? I find myself being much more intimate with an individual when I find that their body gesture communicates with the subject at hand. Leaning in, or leaning towards me gives me a sense of comfort as I find myself being heard and not listened to.
Performance: Nature + Touch
The relationship between nature and touch brings out the deepest emotional and physical bond one has with oneself. I’ve placed myself strategically under the largest trees I could find in my garden. I felt the prickliness of the grass tickling the arch of my feet, moving down towards my heel as I take a step forward. While I took my time to situate myself comfortably, I felt the sun warming my back as its rays seep through the leaves as the wind blows. I find myself adapting to the outdoor temperature slowly. The sense of touch gets heightened immensely when I close my eyes, I find myself wanting to know each and every element that gets in contact with my body. As I acclimate with the exercise I find myself being in tune with the trees above me and the ground beneath me.
Somatic Research methods
Soma- internally perceived changing body
Body- external, measurable object of study
The importance of body negotiation can be the main fundamental foundation of a strong relationship. When body language gets communicated well enough, one doesn’t need to use words to describe how they’re feeling. A simple body gesture such as a little squeeze on the shoulder or a touch on arm speaks volumes.
“I lean away from others because I do not like who I become when I leaned towards them.” The instinctive notion of leaning away when harm comes towards oneself is a form of protection. Whether it is physical, emotional or mental.
The importance of trauma and touch.
I personally find myself having a hard time being able to sense touch when I have gone through a traumatising experience. The affect a negative event has on myself takes its toll on the sense of touch. I observe the pat on the back or a touch on the shoulder as an outsider.
However, as an individual, every human searches and forages for something, or someone to lean towards. Whether it be emotional or physical. It’s a sense of transmuting energy to an object or a being.