Posed vs. Poised | Part 2 of 2: Embracing Poise – The Essence of Transformation at the Essentrics Retreat
Continuing from my reflections on the duality of "posed" and "poised," my experience at the Essentrics retreat in Estes Park was transformative. Ably guided by Miranda Esmonde-White and Master Musical Educator, Norm Di Blasio, I discovered the importance of listening, of moving beyond the confines of expectation, and of stepping into an authenticity of emotional engagement with physical movement.
Throughout the retreat, we learned about the synergy of music, the brain, and movement, which can trigger emotion, revealing that our journey is towards not only a healthy range of motion but also releasing our emotions to create a profound sense of healing. Miranda gave us insight into the profound relationship between rhythm, the brain, and full-bodied motion. Supporting these insights, Norm's sharing of technical aspects of music enriched our understanding of music's role in this process. Together, they emphasized how this interconnection between music, the brain, and movement can alleviate and facilitate a relief of tension and encourage a fuller range, on many levels.
By personal example, Miranda encouraged openness and honesty, not only physically but emotionally. The combination of her vulnerability and being surrounded by the diverse wildlife and breathtaking landscapes elicited moments of personal vulnerability that transformed my feelings of self-doubt into resilience. I was not the only one who experienced this, and it fostered a palpable sense of community.
Miranda emphasized that Essentrics continues to evolve, having done so since its inception in the 1990s. Her commitment to continuing this journey with us and our shared dedication as instructors highlighted the profound impact movement can have on our lives and those we teach.
As I left the retreat, I emerged feeling poised and ready—not just to embrace new challenges but to share the powerful lessons learned. The stories of resilience and healing exchanged among fellow instructors fueled my passion for this work. I felt a renewed sense of purpose in my role within this incredible community.
In summary, the Essentrics retreat was not just a learning opportunity but a profound journey from pose to poise for me. I realized that the journey is ongoing, a dance into a vibrant future, filled with potential. If you ever have the chance to participate in a workshop with Mirnada, seize it and open yourself to growth and change, as she can show you ways to transform your teaching and your life in ways you never imagined.
Just Dance Into It!
