There has been quite a bit of research and writing done on embodied intelligence. I find that dance, improvisation and other movement practices have given me the possibility to feel these things in experience in my body – which for me is a way of knowing something that feels very different from when I read about it – or when someone explains it in words.

Some things working with my body has taught me:

To trust the body and it’s feedback.

The body never stops learning or enjoying exploration to find new pathways.

Knowing that not everything can be labeled. Some experiences, if not most experiences, take place between words.

There is no actual separation in real life between the words (even of opposites) – words are expressions of certain reference points on a gradient. The deeper an experience with a subject is – the more words will there be for all the nuances around it (maybe one of the reasons that native Eskimo languages have around 50 words for different types of snow?) However even with more specific words – they will still never replace or be able to fully capture the actual in-body experience with its infinite variations.

Only the body with its senses and use of intuition can tap into the deeper body knowledge (stored through generations) to connect with and react to the infinite variations on life. It is impossible to analyise all possible outcomes – some decisions are made using the gut instinct.

Because of this – valuing body knowledge and feedback in the same way as other types of acquired knowledge is crucial.

Training and engaging regularly with the body and its ways of learning and knowing is therefore also crucial if we are to be able to use and value it’s sources of knowledge.

Allowing the body to learn in ways that are unfamiliar to you. Not all learning must take place through dissection and analysis

Noticing how language and the words we use as well as the way we think affect our bodies sense of possibilities for movement and learning.

Working with the body from place of non – judgement allows it to move with more ease.

Realizing that there is no stillness, and no perfect place to aim for in movement, even a balance is always in motion – or it will fall apart.

Realizing that all part of the body are intelligent and can make choices through movement – not all decisions originate in the locality of the head.