The Non-Linear Movement Method® (NLMM®) is a powerful somatic modality developed by Michaela Boehm.

By establishing a container for you to re-sensitize to your inner landscape, NLMM® encourages connection, trust, and intimacy between mind, body, and soul. A place where you can remain curious about your sensations will allow you to access the natural genius of the body.

With this gentle, non-force method, stored tension, emotion, as well as programmed coping patterns can be loosened; and as the body moves it can facilitate its own release and restoration.

NLMM® is a gentle, unburdening of the nervous system and skill to deepen the sensitization to your inner, intuitive world.

TL/DR: This is the one where a background of world music supports our practice while mostly on hands and knees.

“Many of us have diminished or ‘turned off’ our subtle sensation, as a reaction to stress or trauma, or as a means of protecting ourselves from the sensory and information overload in our daily lives. These practices invite you back to listening and feeling deeply within. They engage and open the natural intelligence of your being, and awaken your innate wisdom.

- Michaela Boehm

APPLICATIONS:

This method has many deep, powerful applications:

1. Regulates the nervous system
The demands of modern life create stress and tension in the body and an overactive mind. The NLMM® encourages an identifying and unwinding of the patterns of contraction and through gentle, non-force movements relieves the bodily tension and underlying mental loops. The result is a systematic, self-guided unburdening of the nervous system.

2. Processes and identifies emotions
As the body unwinds and the mind relaxes its pressured pace, the emotions associated with these patterns become apparent. Like a constant current of charge, we can now sense them and allow them to release. You can note recurring emotional loops for further processing and at the same time allow emotions to simply rise and release.

3. Awakens erotic energy and sensual sensation
As tension, contraction, and emotion are being released the body becomes sensitized and we are able to feel deeper. One of the marked results of this sensitization is an ability to feel increased pleasure and well-being. Participants report an increased ability to connect through their body, both with themselves and others.

4. Releases trauma patterns into flow
One of the results of traumatic experience (fresh and old alike) is “freeze”, a state in which the body, mind, and emotions are stuck in a state of numbness. Often “freeze” is falsely perceived as a feeling of “calm/nothing”, which results in an inability to release the experience and ease the bodily patterns. The NLMM® facilitates a continued movement, which gently opens the freeze pattern and allows for recognition and release of the underlying bodily and emotional patterns.

5. Unites mind and body in intimacy with physical sensation
Through continued engagement with the release of contraction and facilitation of emotional awareness, the ingrained patterns become apparent and less pronounced. Over time physical sensation can be engaged with and the acceptance and tolerance of all sensation increases. Intimacy with whatever is present is possible.

6. Creates high bodily responsiveness
NLMM® educates the body on how to release and process contractions, stress, and emotional tension. The body becomes highly attuned to all sensations and can note, react or release fluidly without having to attend to traumatic or suppressed backlog.

7. Opens access to bodily wisdom
By putting emphasis on movement and circumventing the analytical mind and loops of tense thinking the natural intelligence of our bodies is accessed. Through gentle guidance, the mechanisms of “freeze” and refusal to feel are being loosened and bodily wisdom can create the necessary actions and releases.

*NLMM is a strong complementary practice but is not a substitute for therapy or medical treatment. If you have a history of trauma, mental health issues, or medical conditions, please consult your physician or mental health care practitioner to determine if somatic movement modalities are appropriate for you.

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING A SESSION:

NLMM® is facilitated on a thick mat or blanket. Participants dress similarly to a yoga or dance class, in comfortable, non-restrictive clothing.

The method can be practiced at any age, fitness level, and mobility.

Typically the majority of the practice is done while on hands and knees. However, the movements are designed to be self-regulating and can be done in any position, including lying down.

Erica will be your gentle guide throughout the practice, encouraging you as you journey through the organic flow of movement medicine, accompanied by a backdrop of world music.