Authentic Movement is a practice founded by Janet Adler, influenced by her work with Mary Starks Whitehouse.
The practice is dedicated to bringing subconscious content to consciousness, by following the body’s inner impulses for movement - in the presence of a witness.

This deceivingly simple practice embraces depth, and brings a connection to the self that is unlike any other practice.

Authentic Movement is practiced without the influence of music or external stimulus. The mover is asked to explore movement based on internal impulses, asking the question “what must I do?”. The mover tracks all sensations, emotions, images, or thoughts that arise through the movement. The mover moves with eyes closed, in the presence of a witness.

The witness’ role is to track their own experience in the presence of the mover, while suspending all judgements, projections and interpretations. The witness sees from a longing for clear seeing.

It is a practice that requires mindfulness, an ability to track our own inner content. It is a practice dedicated to relationship - relationship to the other, relationship to the self, relationship to the Divine.

Authentic Movement is practiced worldwide, in a variety of settings and with various intentions. alThough our Calgary Authentic Movement group stays near to the original developments of the practice, we do not claim to teach “The Discipline of Authentic Movement”, as taught by Janet Adler’s “Circles of Four”. For more information on “The Discipline of Authentic Movement”, please visit Janet’s website - Circles Of Four Program.

This practice calls for honouring - honouring of ourselves, honouring of the innate wisdom in the body, honouring of the “Other” and their vast internal landscape.

It becomes difficult to describe the depth available in this practice with words on a page; it is a process that must be experienced, felt, and witnessed.