AbstractsPsychology

This thesis describes the unique development and execution of a practice of improvisational dance through the lens of non-attachment. The ephemeral nature of dance as discussed by Maxine Sheets-Johnston is compared to a method of engaging the world with acceptance of what is without expectation or judgment as described in writings on various Eastern concepts of non-attachment through mindful practice. Parallels are noted between the aforementioned writings and works on non-attachment by Sahdra, Shaver, and Brown as well as Patanjali's Yoga Sutras to demonstrate the capacity of improvisational dance as a mode of practicing non-attachment. The author's experience in exploration through her own improvisational practice is compared with other movement practices stemming from eastern traditions interested in non-attachment as a mind-balancing pursuit. Progress toward non-attachment as a result of this committed practice is quantitatively demonstrated through the use of a Likert-style scaled questionnaire.