What is Prayer Motion?

Prayer Motion is the perfect tool to be used in the classroom to decrease stress and help focus the class. It incorporates sign gestures with music, movement and prayer. Unlike, other forms of meditative centering practices where one is taught to empty the mind in a silent, wordless contemplative process, Prayer Motion does just the opposite. You are encouraged to focus on a word, affirmation or prayer and become one with that word by expressing it in sign gesture using your entire body. This first step of attaching the sign gesture to the word begins the process of integrating that word into your being. The brain recognizes different deeper meanings of the word simply by you drawing it in the space surrounding your body, resulting in what is called concordance. You hear the word sung, your body expresses it in sign gesture, your brain sees the picture or the posture of the word in action and immediately chemicals such as dopamine and serotonin are released to mimic or 'concord' to the meaning your brain attached to the word. You begin to feel calm or empowered or joyful or peaceful and the result is immediate!

This leads us to talk about posture. Your posture in Prayer Motion is determined by the attitude of the word being expressed. For example, if you sign the word 'serenity', your body takes on the posture of showing calmness by moving the hands gently downward in front of your body to show that your innermost being is settled down and serene. On the other hand, if you sign the word 'healthy', your body takes on the posture of showing strength emanating from the center of your chest with the muscles engaged and strong. It is this connection between the attitude of the word and the posture of the body that deepens the experience of Prayer Motion. Medical research is beginning to show physical and psychological benefits of practicing Prayer Motion. It's primary effect is in its ability to quiet the inner chatter, keeping an inner stillness in the midst of chaos and thus being more resilient and present. Secondary effects include protecting the body against the effects of stress, enhancing memory, improving balance and giving you an overall enhanced sense of wellbeing.

What do you Mean By Movement?

Movement is vital to the human body because it is through movement, expression and gesture that we communicate.

In this program, physical motions are used to express in an outward manner certain words, prayers or positive affirmations.

It is effective because it quiets the inner chatter, keeping an inner stillness in the midst of chaos and thus making you more resilient and present. Secondary effects include protecting the body against the effects of stress, enhancing memory, improving balance and giving you an overall enhanced sense of wellbeing.

Are Facial Expressions Important in Prayer Motion?

The simple answer is yes! Mother Teresa once said, "Peace starts with a smile." When we pray in motion, it is important to use your entire being, mind, body and soul to communicate to God.

Do I have to Know Sign Language?

No, not at all! In Prayer Motion, we use ‘Religious’ Signing that stems back to the 5 th century Benedictine Monastic practices. Interestingly, American Sign Language was derived from many of these ‘Religious’ sign gestures.

Do I Need Any Special Equipment For Prayer Motion?

No special equipment is needed. It is a perfect program to be used in the classroom to help focus the class in less than 5 minutes. It is a good idea to get into the habit of keeping a small journal to keep track of the meaning of certain words or affirmations as they come alive in movement. Keep in mind that this technique brings out the deeper meaning of the words and every time you do it you may experience something different. Be open to the movement of the Holy Spirit

How does Prayer Motion differ from Tai Chi?

Prayer Motion is different than Tai Chi on many levels. First, when praying in motion you are encouraged to acknowledge God and fill your mind His Word, prayer and affirmations, rather than empty your mind as is taught in Tai Chi. Second, words come alive in movement in Prayer Motion. There is a definite neuro-linguistic component to Prayer Motion, which helps you to memorize scripture and prayers.