Monthly Updates

Update: Body Gestures While Asleep

Our bodies gesture our likes and dislikes, moods and reactions, day and night. My fidgeting tells me that I am nervous or impatient. A flush to my cheeks tells me that I am embarrassed or aroused. My stomach growls telling me that I am hungry. A tight and unmoving gut tells me that I am afraid.

Even in dreams, our bodies speak. We may feel as though floating, flying, sinking, speaking, musing. We see, taste, smell, hear, touch, and move. My partner tells me I laugh, shake, ask questions, and sing while asleep. Once in a while, my crackle laughter startles me so that I awake up out of an absurdly funny dream. Sometimes I awake afraid and don’t know why.

Experiential Exercise.
While asleep, notice your five senses changing in your dreams. What do you “see” while dreaming? Does your body seem to move while dreaming? Do you gesture? In dreams, what do you taste, smell, hear, and feel? Upon waking, take notes in a journal. What do you notice about these sensations that interest you or give you insight about yourself? Keep your journal private.

At the end of the month, read over your journal notes and reflect on what you notice. Consider comparing your nighttime sensations and reactions with those you experience during the day.

Contact Rosemarie Anderson at rosemarie@wellknowingconsulting.org for information, fees, and appointments.

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