The Non-Linear Movement Method® (NLMM) is a powerful somatic method developed by Michaela Boehm two decades of instruction and practice.

The method is rooted in her early training in Kashmiri Shaivism and fused with her extensive expertise in working with trauma, emotional closures, and physical contractions in her clients and students, as well as in implementing this technique in her practice.

In recent years Steve James refined and clarified the method, added original material, and contributed significantly to formatting it for educational delivery.

This method has many deep, powerful applications:

1. Smoothes out the nervous system
   The demands of modern life create stress and tension in the body and an overactive mind. The NLMM encourages an identifying and unwinding of the patterns of contraction, and through gentle, non-force movements, relieves the bodily tension and underlying mental loops. The result is a systematic, self-guided unburdening of the nervous system.

2. Processes and identifies emotions
   As the body unwinds and the mind relaxes its pressured pace, the emotions associated with these patterns become apparent and are being let go of. You can note recurring emotional loops for further processing  while allowing emotions to simply rise and release.

3. Awakens energy and sensual sensation
   As tension, contraction, and emotion are released, the body becomes sensitised, and we can feel deeper. One of the significant results of this sensitisation is an ability to feel increased pleasure and well-being. Participants report an increased ability to connect with themselves and others through their body.

4. Releases trauma patterns into flow
   One of the results of traumatic experience (fresh and old alike) is “freeze,” a state in which the body, mind, and emotions are stuck in a state of numbness. Often “freeze” is falsely perceived as a feeling of “calm/nothing,” which results in an inability to release the experience and ease the bodily patterns. The NLMM facilitates a continuous movement, which gently opens the freeze pattern and allows for recognition and release of the underlying bodily and emotional patterns.

5. Unites mind and body in intimacy with physical sensation
   Through continued engagement with the release of contraction and facilitation of emotional awareness, the ingrained patterns become apparent and less pronounced. Over time physical sensation can be engaged with, and the acceptance and tolerance of all sensation increases. Intimacy with whatever is present is possible.

6. Creates high bodily responsiveness
   NLMM® educates the body how to release and process contractions, stress, and emotional tension.  The body becomes highly attuned to all sensations and can note, react or release fluidly without attending to traumatic or suppressed backlog.

7. Opens access to bodily wisdom
   By putting emphasis on movement and circumventing the analytical mind and loops of tense thinking, the natural intelligence of our bodies is accessed. Through gentle guidance, the mechanisms of “freeze” and refusal to feel are being loosened, and bodily wisdom can create the necessary actions and releases.

NLMM® is facilitated on a mat or blanket. Participants dress similar to a Yoga or Dance Class in comfortable, non-restrictive clothing.

The method can be practiced at any age, fitness level, and mobility. The movements are designed to be self-regulating and can be done in any position, including lying down. You can view Natalie’s NLMM® teacher profile here. More on preparing for your session below.