Anjali Sengupta:
I am the Founder and Director of Embracing Spirit. I am a dance movement therapist, creative arts therapist, community arts facilitator, performing artist, choreographer, dance teacher, workshop facilitator, organiser of holistic and community arts events, consciousness explorer, truth seeker and performing artist. I believe the journey inwards is sacred and although it can be challenging at times, it is the most rewarding experience that empowers us to live the life of our dreams and be the best possible version of ourselves.
Some of my earliest memories are of moving, dancing, cartwheeling across the stage and by the time I was 16 I was a professional dance instructor and performing artist. For the next 20 or so years, I continued to experience and witness the transformational power of dance. I was fascinated by the therapeutic potential of movement and eventually left India and all that was familiar behind in 2005 to pursue something that no one had heard of at that time- Dance Movement Therapy (DMT). I came to Australia to study DMT at RMIT and began to explore, understand and develop the ability to work consciously and intentionally with the healing power of dance. The Diploma of Transpersonal Art Therapy provided a language to articulate and understand my experiences as well as the opportunity to learn how to access healing states of consciousness. The symbolic language of visual imagery is such powerful tool and working with images and symbol is a natural extension of working with the meaning of movement. Where movement is fleeting, art is concrete and lasting.
As I reclaimed the symbolic world of movement, metaphor and meaning, it opened up a whole new world that had been simmering under the surface- a world rich with sensory experiences and new awareness of feelings, patterns and beliefs as I reconnected with the body and began to observe creative arts expressions through a very different lens. It became clear that the dance and the arts not only provides limitless possibilities for human expression, but through engaging in these we can access our own inherent potential to self-heal.
Over the years, the transformational nature of both these modalities- dance/ movement psychotherapy and art therapy has reinforced the importance of creative expression and its' ability to not only provide a window into the psyche but to assist in bringing about transformation, change and healing. I am passionate about working with people on a deep level to facilitate greater awareness, new insights, transformation and healing. Every situation in life is an opportunity to learn about ourself or some life lesson waiting to be brought into awareness. When we expand our awareness to include these lessons carried by the people and events that arise in our lives, we are no longer victims of circumstance and cannot be held prisoner by negative thoughts or emotions. We gain a deeper connection with our thoughts, emotions, feelings and actions and brings these into harmonious alignment. We connect to our inner strength so that we may live and empowered life with grace and a sense of inner peace.
Some of my earliest memories are of moving, dancing, cartwheeling across the stage and by the time I was 16 I was a professional dance instructor and performing artist. For the next 20 or so years, I continued to experience and witness the transformational power of dance. I was fascinated by the therapeutic potential of movement and eventually left India and all that was familiar behind in 2005 to pursue something that no one had heard of at that time- Dance Movement Therapy (DMT). I came to Australia to study DMT at RMIT and began to explore, understand and develop the ability to work consciously and intentionally with the healing power of dance. The Diploma of Transpersonal Art Therapy provided a language to articulate and understand my experiences as well as the opportunity to learn how to access healing states of consciousness. The symbolic language of visual imagery is such powerful tool and working with images and symbol is a natural extension of working with the meaning of movement. Where movement is fleeting, art is concrete and lasting.
As I reclaimed the symbolic world of movement, metaphor and meaning, it opened up a whole new world that had been simmering under the surface- a world rich with sensory experiences and new awareness of feelings, patterns and beliefs as I reconnected with the body and began to observe creative arts expressions through a very different lens. It became clear that the dance and the arts not only provides limitless possibilities for human expression, but through engaging in these we can access our own inherent potential to self-heal.
Over the years, the transformational nature of both these modalities- dance/ movement psychotherapy and art therapy has reinforced the importance of creative expression and its' ability to not only provide a window into the psyche but to assist in bringing about transformation, change and healing. I am passionate about working with people on a deep level to facilitate greater awareness, new insights, transformation and healing. Every situation in life is an opportunity to learn about ourself or some life lesson waiting to be brought into awareness. When we expand our awareness to include these lessons carried by the people and events that arise in our lives, we are no longer victims of circumstance and cannot be held prisoner by negative thoughts or emotions. We gain a deeper connection with our thoughts, emotions, feelings and actions and brings these into harmonious alignment. We connect to our inner strength so that we may live and empowered life with grace and a sense of inner peace.
Movement and Art for Well Being
Date: 29th August 2009
Time: 4pm- 7.30pm
Venue: Bombay Gymkhana, Mumbai, India
Explore your creativity and discover your inner wisdom using movement, meditation and art.
We invite you on a journey to explore your creative potential and express yourself. In this workshop, we will have some fun with movement, music, meditation and art to connect with our creativity, in a safe and non judgemental space.
Time: 4pm- 7.30pm
Venue: Bombay Gymkhana, Mumbai, India
Explore your creativity and discover your inner wisdom using movement, meditation and art.
We invite you on a journey to explore your creative potential and express yourself. In this workshop, we will have some fun with movement, music, meditation and art to connect with our creativity, in a safe and non judgemental space.
Movement, Mandalas and Symbols
Date: 15th May 2010
Time: 10am to 5pm
Venue: Phoenix Institute, Melbourne
Movement and art allow us to express deep feelings, thoughts, dreams and aspirations that are hard to describe in words and often fleeting or just at the edge of our awareness. When we let go of an “ego directed consciousness”, through spontaneous movement, dance and art making, we open the door to discovering long forgotten or unknown aspects of ourselves and hidden potentials. This is an integrating experience that can often be transformative, healing and empowering.
When we surrender to the wisdom of our body and freely express our inner experience through movement, we embody the deepest parts of the self- we bring our mind, body, emotions and spirit in alignment and become present and alive in the moment. Where movement is fleeting and transient, an image can communicate and hold the essence of an experience. Every image that we create is a mirror that reflects some aspect of our experience. An image gives us something outside ourselves that we can look at and literally as well as metaphorically examine from different perspectives. Imagery that arises from the depths of our psyche often bring along with them messages of meaning and inner wisdom. In this workshop, we will draw on movement and art therapy, using the symbols of the elements as a starting point to explore our inner nature through movement, meditation and the creative arts. Earth, Water, Fire and Air are age old symbols that have existed since ancient times, in all cultures and not only represent our external world but also resonate with aspects of our inner environment. We will create a dialogue between mind, body, emotions and spirit; between inner and outer; and explore movement and art as a way of self knowing, increasing self awareness and discovering new ways of being.
In this workshop, we will:
Time: 10am to 5pm
Venue: Phoenix Institute, Melbourne
Movement and art allow us to express deep feelings, thoughts, dreams and aspirations that are hard to describe in words and often fleeting or just at the edge of our awareness. When we let go of an “ego directed consciousness”, through spontaneous movement, dance and art making, we open the door to discovering long forgotten or unknown aspects of ourselves and hidden potentials. This is an integrating experience that can often be transformative, healing and empowering.
When we surrender to the wisdom of our body and freely express our inner experience through movement, we embody the deepest parts of the self- we bring our mind, body, emotions and spirit in alignment and become present and alive in the moment. Where movement is fleeting and transient, an image can communicate and hold the essence of an experience. Every image that we create is a mirror that reflects some aspect of our experience. An image gives us something outside ourselves that we can look at and literally as well as metaphorically examine from different perspectives. Imagery that arises from the depths of our psyche often bring along with them messages of meaning and inner wisdom. In this workshop, we will draw on movement and art therapy, using the symbols of the elements as a starting point to explore our inner nature through movement, meditation and the creative arts. Earth, Water, Fire and Air are age old symbols that have existed since ancient times, in all cultures and not only represent our external world but also resonate with aspects of our inner environment. We will create a dialogue between mind, body, emotions and spirit; between inner and outer; and explore movement and art as a way of self knowing, increasing self awareness and discovering new ways of being.
In this workshop, we will:
- explore the use of breath, guided visualisation, movement, art and symbols as tools to reconnect with inner experience and access the unconscious.
- meditate on, dance and reflect on the earth, water, air and fire within us and how these come together to create a fifth element- ether, metal or quintessence.
- explore the meaning of symbols that arise in spontaneous dance and art.
- experience movement and the arts as well as art making itself (the creative act) as an integrating experience that brings into dialogue the physical, emotional, psychological and transpersonal dimensions of the individual.
Creative Psychotherapy
Creative psychotherapy sessions are a sacred, non judgemental space for you to focus your attention on your inner world and peel away the layers that stop you from experiencing inner bliss. A creative approach means that we will be creative in how we address issues that arise in the session- both client and therapist must tap into their own creativity. As Einstein once said, you cannot solve a problem with the same thinking that created it. Creativity and art making also provides us with pathways to express and uncover what needs to be attended to. Instead of spending hours, days and years talking about your issues, a creative approach allows us to get to the heart of the matter and bring new information into awareness that allows you to find the solutions for your current concerns. Sessions may include a combination of creative expression through art making, movement, meditation, journalling, and other techniques to explore the true nature of the issues. You do not need any prior experience in movement or art making to benefit from this approach. Together we will embark on a journey to find the answers you seek by tapping into the innate wisdom of the body and your higher Self.
If you would like an appointment or more information, please feel free contact me on 0401 334 738 or [email protected]. Sessions are available in Ormond, Victoria 3204. Location is close to Ormond train station and bus routes. Further details provided upon booking.
If you would like an appointment or more information, please feel free contact me on 0401 334 738 or [email protected]. Sessions are available in Ormond, Victoria 3204. Location is close to Ormond train station and bus routes. Further details provided upon booking.
Psychotherapy is the process of self- exploration, of getting to know your innermost thoughts, beliefs and feelings. The less aware we are of our motives, feelings, thoughts, actions and perceptions, the more they control us and the more we stay stuck in old patterns that don’t work anymore. By expanding our awareness, we gain new perspectives, shift our perceptions and are able to consciously choose and embrace life. From this place of expanded awareness, you begin to understand, integrate and honour all that you are. Along the way, you will uncover the unconscious motivations that drive your decision making and prevent you from expressing your full potential. Awareness is a powerful tool, and you can learn to harness it for your own personal development and growth in a variety of ways when you know how.
We all have the same potential to experience joy and inner bliss. We also have the innate ability to heal and transform those parts of ourself that prevent us from experiencing inner peace and true, lasting happiness. The happiest people are often the ones who are relaxed and at ease with themselves. They not only know who they are but have learnt to embrace every part of who they are- the good, the bad and the ugly. When you find and accept yourself as an individual, you begin to tap into your own inner wisdom and fulfil your highest potential. If you are unhappy and find it difficult to live a happy, full and meaningful life, then psychotherapy can help.
Psyche= spirit; soul
Therapeia= to be attentive to; to heal
Therapeia= to be attentive to; to heal
Previous Classes
Bollywood Fusion
What if we looked at the Bollywood dance experience from a holistic perspective, taking into account the inter-relation between mind, body, emotion and spirit? Bollywood Fusion looks at mind-body-emotion-spirit connection of our experience as we connect with our creativity to create a Bollywood dance together in class. Rediscover and experience the importance of play, creative expression and the inner journey.
Bollywood Fusion brings together Eastern and Western techniques and ways of moving to bridge the gap between mind, body, heart and spirit. This class is about connecting with your creativity through creative dance and art practices to co-create a Bollywood dance together in class. This dance is your own and more meaningful to you because it has been created by you, for you, with your own vocabulary of movement. As we reconnect with our own creativity and re-learn how to use the body as a means to communicate, we begin to experience the joy of being in our body and learn to love being in our own skin. Sometimes, the movements in Bollywood dance can be quite difficult to execute and puts undue stress on certain parts of the body. In this class, we explore other ways of learning and creating a dance that is more gentle on the body. What I offer is a unique, mindful and playful approach to learning this art form and using it as a tool to access your own creativity, express yourself and learn something about your body and the way you move. This is a low-medium impact class. Rather than imposing a movement on your body, you will have the chance to find what is your own natural way of moving. Together we will explore the story and emotions of the song through spontaneous movement and improvisation. Take some time out to meditate, move and create ina f un, playful and social environment. Re-discover the magic of creativity, of being in the body and just having fun! |
Class Structure:
The main difference between a Bollywood Dance class and Bollywood Fusion Dance class is that in the latter, we will co-create the choreography in class as a group and also engage in art making to deepen the movement experience. on the specific theme of the dance piece within a structure that allows us to create a dance together and build on the movements we create in class. We will also look at how our story relates to the story of the songs we are working on, what this brings up for us and how we can learn a little bit about ourselves through creative expression and play.
The class is structured as follows:
We start each class with some initial breath work and/or dynamic meditation followed by a warm up that combines dance therapy technique, creative dance and yoga to connect with the body, mind, emotions and our imagination. This flows into the dance section where we will improvise and explore movements that will be brought together to create a dance that we will progressively build on each week. Finally, we bring the attention back into the body and take some time to connect with our inner experience through journalling and drawing. |
BOLLYWOOD DANCE
Bollywood dance has the ability to engage people across the globe in a way that can transform the mood and energy of every person in the room and every part of the body! In Bollywood dance we learn new ways of moving the body and using the body to express and communicate. The body becomes an instrument to express the myriad shades and nuances of human experience. Over the years my approach teaching this unique style of dance has evolved to incorporate what I have learnt through my training in sport and fitness science, movement therapy and my own experience with performing, teaching and choreographing Bollywood dance.
The one thing that has not changed across two continents since 1992 is the joy that people experience when they engage in this dance form. As we let go of the mind and its need to control and direct our every move, we begin to experience the joy of being in the body and the sheer bliss of of being alive! This is what inspires me to teach this style of dance and to question the deeper meaning and impact of engaging in Bollywood dance.
Types of life issues that we may assist with include:
-Depression - Trauma - Loneliness
-Anxiety - Body image issues - Lack of motivation
-Life transition - Relationship problems - Feelings of disconnection
-Migration issues - Loss of meaning -
To embrace our spirit is to access and express our true nature- beyond the conditioning and socializing that determines who we are and how we interact in society.
Creativity is fundamental to being alive.
-Depression - Trauma - Loneliness
-Anxiety - Body image issues - Lack of motivation
-Life transition - Relationship problems - Feelings of disconnection
-Migration issues - Loss of meaning -
To embrace our spirit is to access and express our true nature- beyond the conditioning and socializing that determines who we are and how we interact in society.
Creativity is fundamental to being alive.
The more the merrier- Workshops
Creative arts and movement in a group context is often a powerful experience
I have learned that we all have a great inner power and capacity to heal that we must reclaim. It is essential to take charge of our healing process, make significant lifestyle changes and purify on every level.
brings together Eastern and Western philosophies and techniques including art therapy, dance movement therapy, mindfulness, ritual, dream work and emotion focussed therapy.
Believe in yourself. You are capable of miracles.
Why creative arts?
Creative arts and movement psychotherapy are holistic, awareness based models that allow us to explore your inner world together in a therapeutic alliance. Only you hold the key to unlocking your full potential but sometimes we need assistance to help us along our journey.
Creative expression is one pathway to experiencing inner bliss and uncovering your inner potentials. Research suggests that art heals by changing a person's physiology and attitude. The body's physiology changes from one of stress to one of deep relaxation, from one of fear to one of creativity and inspiration. Art and music put a person in a different brain wave pattern, affect a person's autonomic nervous system, their hormonal balance and their brain neurotransmitters. The arts also help to change a person's perceptions of their world. They change attitude, emotional state, and pain perception. They create hope and positivity and they help people cope with difficulties. They transform a person's outlook and way of being in the world.
Creative expression is one pathway to experiencing inner bliss and uncovering your inner potentials. Research suggests that art heals by changing a person's physiology and attitude. The body's physiology changes from one of stress to one of deep relaxation, from one of fear to one of creativity and inspiration. Art and music put a person in a different brain wave pattern, affect a person's autonomic nervous system, their hormonal balance and their brain neurotransmitters. The arts also help to change a person's perceptions of their world. They change attitude, emotional state, and pain perception. They create hope and positivity and they help people cope with difficulties. They transform a person's outlook and way of being in the world.
We are all born as creative, connected individuals with infinite potential. As a child, when we are sad, our lower lip starts to quiver and we cry; when we are angry we stamp our feet and throw a tantrum; and when we are happy we embody this and freely express our joy in our body, on our faces and in our entire being. There is no separation between mind, body and soul. We feel connected and present in the moment.
As we progress into adulthood, somewhere along they way, we loose this sense of connection and our ability to tap into into the creative imagination. We fall into fixed patterns of behaviour through conditioning and a valuing of what is "appropriate behaviour" versus what is considered inappropriate. We start to control how we express ourselves and interact with others rather than staying true to how we think and feel. Repetition of this incongruence can eventually lead to a disconnection from what we are thinking, feeling and sensing. This in turn limits the way we respond to life's challenges and we get locked into patterns of behaviour that no longer serve us and may be life negating rather than life affirming.
As we progress into adulthood, somewhere along they way, we loose this sense of connection and our ability to tap into into the creative imagination. We fall into fixed patterns of behaviour through conditioning and a valuing of what is "appropriate behaviour" versus what is considered inappropriate. We start to control how we express ourselves and interact with others rather than staying true to how we think and feel. Repetition of this incongruence can eventually lead to a disconnection from what we are thinking, feeling and sensing. This in turn limits the way we respond to life's challenges and we get locked into patterns of behaviour that no longer serve us and may be life negating rather than life affirming.
Creative expression is one of the pathways that enables individuals to access and express their true nature. Since ancient times, the arts have been ever present in traditional healing practices throughout the world. When we engage in creative activities- art, dance, music, drama etc., we not only tap into our creativity, but can access information about out perceptions, beliefs and learn new things about ourself that were previously beyond our level of awareness. Just like a wound heals itself given the right conditions, human beings can access their inherent healing potential by exploring their inner world and engaging in a dialogue with all the parts that make up the whole- mind, body, emotion and spirit.
By choosing to be conscious rather than sleep walking through life on autopilot, we embark on an inner journey that enriches our lives and allows us to reach our fullest potential.
By choosing to be conscious rather than sleep walking through life on autopilot, we embark on an inner journey that enriches our lives and allows us to reach our fullest potential.
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What is stopping you from living the life of your dreams?
Do you feel depressed, anxious or stuck?
Does it feel as as if life is passing you by?
Do you feel uncomfortable in your own skin?
The path not chosen does not just disappear, it remains dormant within us until we are ready to acknowledge and embrace every aspect of ourself that we have forgotten or forsaken. When we are stuck in a negative loop that plays over and over in our heads or in our lives, we are essentially unable to step out of an inner story. It is this personal mythology that shapes our perceptions and life experience.
What is stopping you from living the life of your dreams?
Do you feel depressed, anxious or stuck?
Does it feel as as if life is passing you by?
Do you feel uncomfortable in your own skin?
The path not chosen does not just disappear, it remains dormant within us until we are ready to acknowledge and embrace every aspect of ourself that we have forgotten or forsaken. When we are stuck in a negative loop that plays over and over in our heads or in our lives, we are essentially unable to step out of an inner story. It is this personal mythology that shapes our perceptions and life experience.
Creative Arts Therapy
Creative therapies allow individuals to access their creativity through connecting with the mind, body, emotions and breath to allow outer expression of the inner experience. Just as the eyes are a window into the soul, art provides a glimpse of the inner world and allows complex feelings and emotions to be outwardly expressed. When words are inadequate, and image can communicate layers of information and meaning. When we engage in art making and exercise our creative imagination, the images and symbols created reflect our experience and often allow unexpressed feelings, deeply held beliefs, hopes and fears to be symbolically expressed. Exploring the possible meaning of the art work thus often brings new information into awareness that can help shift perceptions and transform the way we experience a particular situation or problem.
Movement PsychotherapyHere and now...mind and body are two sides of the same coin....Even though we may verbally express otherwise, the body is the true barometer of the inner workings of the psyche and faithfully represents this symbolically in movement and shapes. It's not a coincidence that it is impossible into leap into the air with abandon if we do not trust that we will land safely. Trust is as essential to a leap as bending your knees and pushing off the ground.
ince mind, body, heart and soul are exquisitely intertwined, TraUMA- When we are able to re-connect with the parts of our experience that were too traumatic or overwhelming at the time, by bringing these into the present moment we can reprocess and move through the experience rather than carry them in our psyche and body. |