The Evolution of Spiritualities Through Spiritual Touch and Bodies in Movement Therapy

I argue for a renewed awareness of body-spirit belonging. I explore the power of touching in spiritual healing practices that engage the body’s capacities for pain and sublimation. Emphasis on 1) the Biblical account of Jesus touching the marginalized bodies as pathways to healed spirits and social critique, 2) St Teresa’s language of bodily suffering and levitation as spiritual union with God and Jesus’ physical but invisible presence and 3) the role of movement arts in healing my bodily injuries and work as a movement therapist for patients at a psychiatric treatment center. Body captivity as spiritual captivity.