"Music, Dance & Rhythm's Impact on The Reticular Activating System"

 "Music, Dance & Rhythm's Impact on The Reticular Activating System"

Denise E Williams/Subtle Woman

Occupational Therapist/Wellness Counselor,

Healing Touch Certified Practitioner &

Psychic/Intuitive Empath & Medium 

March 10, 2023

Research cites that the Reticular Activating System (RAS) is a bundle of nerves that sit in your brainstem. And its job is to regulate behavior arousal, consciousness and motivation. The RAS is able to control what incoming information (stimulus) you’re aware of, so that you’ll be motivated to behave in a certain way.

As an Occupational Therapist, Dancer & Vocalist, I am keenly interested & aware of the therapeutic effects of rhythm, sound & movement on a person. In my self-care and healing practice, I address lulls in my Spirits with immediacy and intention.  Of course, I Hoop during these moments.  Hydrating with water, walking in Nature/on a treadmill, roller-skating, rope-jumping, dancing and singing are my go-to's. 

 

The Tactile, Vestibular & Proprioceptive elements of the Autonomic Nervous System await & assist you in your Sensorimotor & Behavioral responses, as well.  Dynamic movements rewire my brain and offset stress.  I experience a sense of relaxation and emotional restructuring post-movement.  Feels like the Parasympathetic System (Rest & Digest) is at work.

The wooden floor acts as an excellent source of aural/tactile/proprioceptive feedback in various dance forms and corresponding footwork, e.g., African, Blues, Lindy/Swing, Tap & Zumba Dance steps, sequences & patterns. You can rest assured that music and dance will integrate and invigorate your nervous system with positive results.  (You've heard of Happy Feet?  Have you ever celebrated an achievement with a Happy Dance?)

"On The Wood: Healing Via Dance, Fitness & Skating Floors"

 "On The Wood: Healing Via Dance, Fitness & Skating Floors"

Denise E Williams/Subtle Woman

Occupational Therapist/Wellness Counselor,

Healing Touch Certified Practitioner &

Psychic/Intuitive Empath & Medium 

February 28, 2023

The international Swing/Lindy/Balboa Dance floor of Java Jive at UChicago, the expeditious Dance Fitness floors of Zumba/Bootcamp/Bodyworks & Abs, the multi-faceted Tap Dance floor and the cautious Roller-Skating floor at Hamilton Park District serve as settings of familiarity, safety & creativity for this Sensory-seeking scribe.  The Love and Joy of Dancing, Dance Fitness & Roller-Skating are immeasurable.  Each skill set that I experience and groom for mastery serves as a place for Enlightenment and Healing.

In the Shamanic tradition, wood serves as a symbol of strength and growth.  Dancing, standing and moving atop wooden surfaces (sprung floors, tap boards, stages) can and has promoted relaxation of the dancers and fitness participants' Parasympathetic Nervous System.  Not only do we experience calming energy, but there is also a converse response of excitation and happiness.  

My avocational pursuits have taught me to avoid slippery, non-porous surfaces, such as marble, concrete and non-sprung laminate surfaces.  Safety and comfort are keen factors in the ease of dancing, fitness and skating.  Imagine trying to stay steady & avoid injury during a kick-ball-change or a Susie-Q--an accident waiting to happen. 

Bottom line, I highly recommend movement and music for mood changes, positive outlook and thriving wellness.   Give it thought.

"Entering, Enjoying & Exiting the Swing Dance"

"Entering, Enjoying & Exiting the Swing Dance" 

Denise E Williams/Subtle Woman

Occupational Therapist/Wellness Counselor,

Healing Touch Certified Practitioner &

Psychic/Intuitive Empath & Medium 

February 8, 2023

It is exciting to participate in Balboa, Lindy and Swing Dance events.  The elements of couple or solo dancing evoke anticipation, joy, athleticism & social engagement.  Partner dancing to lively upbeat music creates a community of joyous participation, improvisation and exploration.  

UChicago/Java Jive, Epiphany Center for the Arts, The Drake Hotel and Summerdance are my favorites. Each venue offers an opportunity to dance with experienced, familiar, novel and novice dancers.  The vibe of the dance's beginning varies from curiosity to excitement.  How the dance begins may give you some idea of the Lead/Follow connection.  Smoothness, clarity, playfulness and musicality can heighten the animation and ease of the dance. 

Pairing each dancer's skillset & understanding of the dance shape creates an energetic connection. The speed and intricacy of certain dance steps e.g., Texas Tommy, Sliding Door, Tandem Charleston, Crossovers, etc. can promote a high-spirited response. The flow of the dance sequence makes way for more merriment and well-being.  [Sadness, have a seat.]

Live or recorded music has familiar endings which aids the rhythmic closure of the dance and mood of the couple. Familiarizing oneself with the typical endings of various Jazz standards allow for embellished and familiar dance closures, as well. Often, the post-dance exchange includes high fives, hugs or rushed acknowledgements of appreciation of the dance.

An evening of Swing Dance can prove to be a thrilling adventure!  See you on the Dance Floor!

"The Spirit of an Empty Chair"

 "The Spirit of an Empty Chair"

Denise E Williams/Subtle Woman

Occupational Therapist/Wellness Counselor,

Healing Touch Certified Practitioner &

Psychic/Intuitive Empath & Medium 

December 28, 2022 

The sight of two empty chairs triggered a gentle curiosity and thought today.  Intuitively, I imagined what would be the symbiotic relationship, emptiness, stability and/or possibility of their message.  I envisioned two people seated next to each other with visible discomfort.  Furrowed brows, upper body tension and avoidant eye patterns were evident.  I sensed and interpreted, Shamanically & Energetically, the history of their relationship and communication issues.

Concomitantly, I felt the symbolic usage, positioning and likelihood of their presence: 

• The parallel outward-facing chairs indicate an avoidant pattern or shunning, a possible tolerance for another's unseen presence or serves as an abutment to one's close proximity.  Out of sight--out of mind?  An ideal consideration is that you have each other's back--to be emotionally supportive.
• The left outward-turned chair indicates the Emotional processing of the perceived inhabitant.  Turning away may indicate an avoidance to connect, misunderstanding, fear or anger.  What is the source of that facing?  
• Vis-a-vis i.e facing each other indicates a possible connection or opposition to another.  What could it be to face one's challenges and look it squarely in the eye?  How daunting would you consider an opportunity to Soulspeak i.e., confer Spiritually & Energetically with another from a neutral and envisioned position?
• The en face and parallel position suggests and allows for a peaceful joining and alignment with another.  Has one considered a Spiritual mediation or meditation to allay fears, anger or oppositional posturing?

If these chairs could talk, what would they say? How would they Guide, Reframe, Shape or Protect you in your subtle processing?  How would they represent your Intentions, Affirmations and Truth?  Visualize and Expect the Physical, Emotional, Mental & Spiritual benefits of this experience.

"Synchronicities Since Six"

"Synchronicities Since Six"

Denise E Williams/Subtle Woman

Occupational Therapist/Wellness Counselor,

Healing Touch Certified Practitioner &

Psychic/Intuitive Empath & Medium 

December 23, 2022

 

So, this happened today, Russell Talbert showed up & out at LA Fitness during Endya's Zumba class!  We have known each other since we were six years old at Corpus Christi Catholic Grade School!  I was elated and over-the-top with Joy when he, not only, joined us in class, but improvised a fantastic Latin-inspired Salsa, Merengue and Tango Lead for me to course through with abject glee!!! As I swirled in linear and circular patterns, my Spirit was imbued with friendship, compassion and amazement!!!

I had to tamp down my excitement, because I needed to intuit and avoid overriding the transitional steps, turns & rhythmic prompts. Engaging and dancing with Russell was an excursion in grace and choreographic unfolding!!! She Goes, He Goes, She Goes is a smooth variation of social partner in Salsa and Swing dancing.  I was so comfortable and familiar in the movements; peaceful thoughts flooded my mind.

Dancing in circuitous patterns promote fanciful neurological responses!  One can expect an endorphin release, stimulated Reticular Activating System and a bonus from the Parasympathetic Nervous System (calming and relaxation).  And this is why I LOVE to DANCE!!!

Find opportunities to Move your Body to Music and Enjoy the Merriment Daily!