When I learned about this state in practice and also in concept, which helped to make sense of the experience — it stuck with me and I have never left it.
In some sessions, we feel like we are in water, resting at the bottom of the ocean, where it’s quiet, and filled with life force. I am grateful for these two simple words that can encapsulate such an immense feeling.
In practice, reaching a state of dynamic stillness can take time and requires sensitivity and refined attuning from the practitioner.
It is a place of profound potential or potency within the therapeutic process, where the body’s wisdom guides the journey.
What is the state of Dynamic Stillness?
Dynamic stillness is a deeply alive and vibrant state. It is not the absence of movement. In this state, the inherent therapeutic forces already within the body, emerge.
One can access a deeper level of presence and internal awareness; which sometimes allows for the stagnant, dormant, or old pain to unfold gently, rather than build up unconsciously.
It can feel like an inner current or tidal wave.
Four Aspects of Dynamic Stillness
- Heightened Internal Awareness
Dynamic stillness involves a heightened internal awareness and presence. This happens by tuning into the subtle internal rhythms of the body.
Internal rhythms involve tuning into the blood flow, connective tissues, lymph nodes, organs, etc.
- Inherent Health
Within this stillness, the body’s inherent health* and primary respiratory mechanism can be more coherent.
This can lead to the resolution of internal restrictions and loosening of held tension.
*Inherent health is what you already naturally have access to, despite disease or illness, health is still accessible – deep in the body.
- Healing Potential
The state of dynamic stillness is seen as a space where profound potential or potency resides.
It is believed that in this state, it is the body’s blueprint for health can allow for lasting changes.
- Therapeutic Process
Somatics allows for a gentle approach to a body-centric therapeutic process.
The practitioner supports the receiver by settling into a rest and digest (parasympathetic state), where the body’s natural healing processes can unfold without force or intervention.
So — Where did this term come from?
The term “dynamic stillness” originates from the field of Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy (BCST).
The concept was influenced by the teachings and writings of Dr. William Sutherland, the founder of Osteopathy in the Cranial Field.
Craniosacral therapy is also known to have multiple mystic influences, merging the layers of the sacred sciences and spiritual practices.
