Lessons from Water

1. Introduce the purpose of the exercise and the value of somatic learning;
2. Identify and describe the qualities of the three bodies of water and ask participants to walk around the room expressing the energy of each (see sample script below)
3. After 2 minutes, ask them to make a different choice, and embody another type of energy;
4. Ask people to return to their seat and sit in silence with their eyes closed, imagining the three different bodies of water (this could be combined with 17. Pose Poem, p. 41). (optional) People can reflect in pairs or groups about what the different qualities of water can teach them in general or related to a specific project or case study.

Sample Script

• The lake expresses calmness, steadiness - it is confident and reflexive; the creek is fast, energetic and restless, manifesting vitality, lightness, and flexibility; the river is full of impetus, force and determination, its power and energy pouring constantly down the stream; Stand up and scatter around the room.
• We are going to walk all together at the same time freely using the space;
• Before we start moving, decide within yourself which energy you want to embody: the one of a lake, calm, confident and stable; the one of small creek, fast, light and energetic; or the one of a big river, forceful, determined and constant?
• Now walk around the table embodying that energy, and feeling its effects on you and in the collective space.

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