Reflection in motion: an embodied approach to reflection on practice

ABSTRACT

Body Phenomenology is introduced as a framework for deepening critical reflection on practice by attending to the active engagement between the practitioner and their world. Fook’s Critical Reflection on Practice is outlined as an established model of critical reflection that misses the role of the body in reflection. This is followed by an introduction to body phenomenology through Merleau-Ponty’s philosophy of embodiment, motility and experience. Conceptions of embodiment are examined to highlight the dynamics of human experience through body-world relations. It is argued that using the body to reflect on life and experience can offer enhanced critical insight on practice and support deeper consciousness regarding one’s manner of knowing, relating, and moving through situations. The paper ends with a call for practitioners and students to consider incorporating body phenomenology into their reflective processes to gain rich personal and practice insights through embodied reflection in movement.

KEYWORDS:

• Body phenomenology
• reflective practice
• Merleau-Ponty
• embodiment
• philosophy
• Fook

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1. I would like to acknowledge the support of Laura Béres in shaping and submitting this paper.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Natashia Botelho

Natashia Botelho has an MA in Philosophy from The University of Guelph and a Master of Social Work degree from King’s University College of Western University. She has written and presented on the intersection of body phenomenology and trauma, using phenomenology to assist in reconciling competing theories of emotion, and how ancient Greek philosophy can provide insight into morality and happiness. She has worked on research focused on socio-emotional perception, the relationship between child maltreatment and adult economic hardship, and motivational interviewing for adults experiencing anxiety. She is a registered yoga instructor and works as a psychotherapist.