140APPENDIX A
The Nature of the Body
Lauren E. Atkins, MA, MFA
Purpose and goals of the activity
The purpose of this activity is to help establish a connection with
kinesthetic experiences of the body in relationship to the natural
world. This activity can also help to enhance somatic self-awareness
and somatic empathy, to practice moving and being witnessed in
response to art making and to build group cohesiveness.
Materials needed
- Open floor space large enough to accommodate the number of
participants, cushion for sitting on floors or chairs around the
perimeter if participants are not comfortable sitting on
the floor. - Easy access to the outdoors, to elements of the natural
world (e.g., sticks, stones, leaves, flowers, etc.). If there is no
immediate access to the outdoors, a large variety of natural
materials could be gathered ahead of time and placed in the
center of the room.