Intimacy in Emptiness

The Discipline of Authentic Movement, grounded in the relationship between a mover and a witness, connects us directly with the inner wisdom of the body. In the emptiness of the movement space, a mover’s inner experience—feelings, sensations, images, and thoughts—become outer, unchoreographed gestures. Seen by their inner witness in the presence of an outer witness, the mover steps into the intimate mystery of who they are becoming.

Sharing vivid examples taken from founder of the Discipline of Authentic Movement Janet Adler’s 50-year teaching practice, Intimacy in Emptiness brings her essential writings, including new and previously unpublished work, to a wider audi- ence, guiding readers through the multiple layers of this experiential and innova- tive approach to embodied consciousness. Her writings illuminate the path of the developing inner witness, transforming toward compassionate presence, conscious speech, and intuitive knowing. This contemporary mystical practice, a breakthrough in the field of consciousness studies, includes personal healing as an essential base from which direct experience of the numinous can safely emerge, be witnessed, and become integrated into the fullness of the whole person. The emergence of the unique gesture and voice of each individual develops toward participation in consciously embodied groups. A new form of intelligence moves through collective bodies in service of healing in our world.