How-To Bodystorm

Bodystorming is an idea-generating process that Culture Mill uses when creating a new project or working through a new idea. Bodystorming is rooted in somatic practices that center the knowledge of the body; bodystorming is one of these practices. “Somatic” refers to a focus on bodily sensations, experiences, and movements. Somatic practices involve a heightened awareness of bodily sensations and movements as a way to tap into deeper levels of understanding, expression, and creativity. When Culture Mill mentions “somatic practice,” they are referring to activities or exercises that involve paying attention to bodily sensations and movements to inform their creative process. It’s a way of connecting with the body’s wisdom and incorporating it into their artistic work.

Bodystorming is simple and intuitive, and anyone can learn how to do it. Follow these few steps if you’d like to  Bodystorm:

1. Gather a bunch of writing utensils. Pencils, pens, markers, or crayons all work well. The more colors the better.
2. Prep your writing surface. This could be extra large sticky notes, a roll of butcher’s paper, poster board, or even a whiteboard (if using a whiteboard, you’ll want to take a photo of the bodystorm before you erase it). You can put the paper out on the floor, or tack it up to a wall.
3. Take a moment to spend time moving (walking, laying down, meditating) to help unearth the question that needs attending. This preliminary steps helps to disrupt our habitual way of thinking and provides a real entry point through the body sensing/ feeling/thinking.
4. Write the question or idea that you and your group would like to bodystorm about at the top or center of the paper. You can use multiple pieces of paper to address different questions or ideas.
5. Without talking, everyone in the group will grab a writing utensil and write their ideas on the paper. Get up, walk around, look at the paper from different angles. As you bodystorm, you can add on to what people have written, underline things that feel important, and draw lines to connect ideas that feel related. You can set a timer for the bodystorm, or you can take as long as people need.
6. Importantly, incorporate movement and bodily awareness into your time; take pauses to move, notice your body and how it feels Take up space when you write and don’t be afraid to take frequent breaks to step back and just be present in the process.
7. Once everyone has stopped writing on their own, or the set time has finished, the bodystorm is done (for now). This is the time when the group can begin to discuss what has emerged both on paper and in their minds during the process. You can always return to your bodystorm to keep working on it. The bodystorm that you and your group made can help you understand what everyone is thinking and feeling. It can help you organize your ideas, and identify new directions to go as you see through an idea or project.