Episode 21: Raw Movement with Justina Kamiel Grayman

To build authentic connections requires being authentically connected to your body first. Disassociating where connection is required can cause detrimental consequences to your mental and physical health. Especially for creatives living in or just moving to the city to work on their craft. The transition isn’t always easy and the individualistic nature of living in a big city is a breeding ground for disconnection. So how do we come back to ourselves and enjoy living in our own bodies to create space for connection?  

Today's guest went through major dissociation and depression when she moved to New York City many years ago. Having just broken up with her boyfriend and starting school, it was a rough start that brought out some inner demons that were locked away for a long time. She found solace in dance, a place where she could connect with herself and express herself through movement. Expression, which was next to impossible for her in any form prior to finding dance. 

Justina Kamiel Grayman is a dancer, artist, choreographer, and psychology professor, who has bridged the gap between dance and psychology to create a program called Raw Movement, that helps others that were in her shoes connect with their bodies through unstructured movement, dance, conversation, and much more. Raw Movement is to co-create spaces for deep connection so others can thrive by feeling comfortable in their bodies.

Tune in for an authentically raw conversation about mental health, dance, art, and how we show up for ourselves and others in society.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• How Justina discovered dance and choreography
• Justina’s battle with depression after moving to New York
• How dance helped with Justina’s mental health by expressing herself
• How Justina bridges the gap between dance and psychology to create connection
• How Justina created raw movement
• What is body safety and expression
• Why Justina dislikes the word transformation
• Is there a place for hierarchy in growth and liberation?
• Information about raw movement
• What a raw movement session looks like
• How city creatives can build more authentic connection through community

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To learn more about Raw Movement workshops, visit Justina’s website here.

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