Ribbon Dance
Materials Needed
Feeling
Irritated
How to Do It
Take a long, colorful ribbon or scarf and hold one end in your hand. Stand in an open space and begin swirling the ribbon around you in sharp, fast movements. Let the irritation guide the intensity of your motions, imagining that the ribbon is absorbing your irritation as it moves through the air. As you continue, gradually slow down the movements, allowing the ribbon to move more fluidly and softly until you reach a place of calm.
Why It Works
The act of swirling the ribbon helps externalize the irritation, turning it into a visual and physical expression. The transition from fast to slow movements helps to mirror the process of calming down and releasing the emotion.
Guided Practice
Find a quiet space where you can move freely. Hold a ribbon or a piece of cloth in your hand, and take a few deep breaths. Notice the texture of the ribbon against your skin, perhaps feeling a softness or a coolness. Allow yourself to be present with these sensations, noticing any energy or tension in your body, without needing to move yet.
Stand in a space where you have room to move freely taking a few deep breaths, allowing your body to relax and your mind to settle into the present moment. Hold a ribbon or scarf in your hand, feeling its texture and weight. Visualize the ribbon as an extension of your emotions, a way to express whatever you are feeling in a physical form.
Begin to move the ribbon through the air, allowing your movements to be guided by your emotions. Feel the ribbon flowing through your fingers, the way it dances and sways with your movements. Notice the sensations in your body — perhaps a lightness in your arms, a fluidity in your torso, or a sense of freedom in your movements. Stay with these sensations, allowing the ribbon to guide you into a deeper state of expression and release.
Imagine that with each movement of the ribbon, you are releasing any emotions that have been stuck or hidden. Feel the energy of your emotions flowing through the ribbon, creating shapes and patterns in the air. Notice if any feelings, thoughts, or images arise — perhaps a sense of joy, a feeling of release, or even a memory of dancing freely. Allow these experiences to deepen your practice, connecting you more fully to the act of emotional expression and release.
When you feel ready, gradually bring your movements to a stop, taking a few more deep breaths to ground yourself in the present moment. Notice how your body feels now — perhaps more relaxed, more open, or simply more free. Gently open your eyes, carrying this sense of freedom and expression with you into your day, feeling more connected to your emotions and your body.