Lunchtime Reading Group Meeting

Friday, 18 March 2016 from 12.45 - 1.45 pm at the Psychodrama Institute of Melbourne

Excerpts for readings are from the following books:

Psychodrama Vol.1., J.L. Moreno.

The Body Alchemy of Psychodrama, R. M Ridge.

Moderators:

Yulia Chivhevskaya

Sue Daniel

Focus for the Reading Group: The Body and the Warming up Process

“The bodily starters of any behavior as acting or speaking on the spur of the moment are accompanied by physiological signs.  In the process of warming up these symbols unfold and release simple emotions, as fear, anger, or more complex states.  It is not necessary that verbal reactions evolve in the process of warming up.  They may or they may not.  But the mimic symbols are always present; they are related to underlying physiological processes and to psychological states….The psychodramatist pushes towards the act.  But the direction of the push begins with the infant at birth, thereby affording no possibility of a backward push – only a push forward, which is the living process in progression.”  Moreno, J. L. (Psychodrama.  Vol.1. 1946, Student Edition ASGPP, 1994, Ch. 5, The Spontaneity Theory of Child Developmentpp.81-83)

In the Body Alchemy of Psychodrama, Rebecca Ridge (2009, ppx11-x111) wrote, “Alchemy, I have discovered, is the river of mystery that flows between psychodrama and somatic therapies.  They have existed side by side in subtle recognition that began with Dr. Jacob Levy Moreno’s theoretical description of psychosomatic (physiological, italics mine) roles and child development.”

In this 2^nd Reading Group we will discuss Moreno’s view of the significance of the body and some points of view on the brain and the heart, put forward by Ridge, in relation to Arnold Mindell, Carl Jung, Chinese medicine, Paul Pearsall (1999) Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi (1993), Louis Cozolino (2006) and Hal, the computer in 2001, A Space Odyssey. (Body Alchemy of Psychodrama, Ridge, ch. 8, The Path of the Heart. pp.198-199).

The Lunchtime Reading Groups

Last Friday of the month from 12.45 to 1.45 p.m

This group is designed to suit those with an hour to spare at lunchtime. Budding writers, trainees and practitioners are welcome! We will discuss psychodrama works; DVD’s and literature and other related material. A moderator who will send the material, or give it out at the previous meeting for reading or viewing, will lead the discussion.

Dates: 26 Feb, 18 Mar, (2nd last Friday due to Easter), 29 Apr, 27 May, 24 Jun, 29 Jul, 26 Aug, 30 Sep, 28 Oct. & 25 November.

Fee: $10.00 per session for MPS members ($15.00 (non-members), and goes towards building up the PIM and MPS Zerka Moreno Library.  The fee includes freshly brewed coffee and selection of fine teas.  Please BYO lunch.

Enquiries and RSVP one week earlier for material: 0417 586 791