A body doubling session is a structured and supportive environment where you work alongside another person or a group of people. The term “body doubling” comes from the concept that having someone else present and engaged in the same task can help you feel more focused and motivated. Remember “parallel play” where kids are both playing similarly but not actually interacting? It’s the grown-up version of that.
How is Body Doubling Useful?
In a body doubling session, the main idea is to create a non-judgmental and encouraging space where we can feel more comfortable and confident in our creative process. This can be particularly helpful for us who struggle with executive function, attention, or anxiety.
During a body doubling session, we:
1. Be present: We are online, working on our own tasks, but we are also present.
2. Provide gentle encouragement: We can offer positive reinforcement, remind you to take breaks, or give a helping hand when needed.
3. Be a sounding board: We are available to listen to your ideas or simply be someone to bounce ideas off of.
4. Help with organization: For some of us, simply having someone there to keep track of time can make a big difference in our productivity.
The goal of a body doubling session is to create a supportive and structured environment that can help people stay focused, motivated, and engaged in their creative process. The presence of another person can provide a sense of accountability and companionship, which can be especially beneficial for those who find it hard to work independently.
For over 2,000 years, polished stone mirrors were an important component of Mesoamerican attire, ritual, and symbolic imagery. This mirror is made of a single sheet of polished pyrite stone and includes a jade jaguar mosaic at its center. Mirrors often functioned as emblems of rank and office and were typically worn at the small of the back. The depiction of such mirrors in ancient murals, as worn by warriors, priests, and state officials, attests to their importance in the spectacular art of ritual performance in Teotihuacan.
Usually I feature the work of neurodivergent artists but I fell in love with this ceremonial mirror that was created about 2.5 hours or a couple of millenia from where I am now depending upon how one is counting. 😉
I thought a mirror was a fitting symbol for body doubling.
How are Body Doubling Sessions structured?
In a body-doubling session, you can expect:
1. Structured Environment: The session will likely start with a brief overview of what will happen. This could include setting specific goals or tasks for the session, but will not necessarily.
2. Presence of Other People: Being a creative can be a lonely job. We are here to let you know that you are not alone.
3. Focused Work: The session is designed for you to concentrate on your creative work. Whether it’s painting, writing, or another form of expression, the goal is to create a conducive environment for you to do your work.
4. Structured Breaks: Depending on the length of the session, there may be scheduled breaks to rest, recharge, and refocus.
5. Social Interaction: The presence of others in the session can also provide a sense of social support and camaraderie, which can be particularly beneficial for neurodiverse creatives who may find socializing challenging.
6. Safe and Non-Judgmental Space: The session will be conducted in a safe and non-judgmental space where you can freely express yourself and your creativity without fear of criticism.
7. Encouragement and Motivation: We encourage and motivate each other at the beginning and end of the session, helping us all to stay on track and reach our creative goals.
9. Mindfulness and Reflection: The session may also include moments of mindfulness or reflection to help you connect with your creative process and explore new ideas or approaches.
Overall, a body-doubling session provides a structured and supportive environment for you to focus on your creative work, and connect with others who share your interests and challenges.
Why I Offer Body Doubling Sessions:
As an artist, Wiccan, and creative coach, I have a unique perspective on the creative process, one that integrates spirituality, psychological insight, and artistic techniques. I run body-doubling sessions, which are beneficial for neurodiverse creatives for several reasons:
1. Enhanced Focus: we neurodiverse individuals may have difficulty maintaining focus due to our unique cognitive styles. Body-doubling helps by providing a supportive and structured environment that encourages sustained attention.
2. Accountability and Motivation: Sometimes, the mere presence of another person working alongside you can boost accountability and motivation. This is especially beneficial for those of us who struggle with executive function or find it hard to start or complete tasks.
3. Reduced Anxiety: Creative blocks and anxiety are common among neurodiverse individuals. By participating in a body-doubling session, we can feel more comfortable and less alone, which can help reduce anxiety and boost confidence.
4. Social Connection: For some of us neurodiverse individuals, socializing can be challenging. Body-doubling provides a structured, supportive, and non-threatening social environment that can help us feel more at ease.
5. Improved Time Management: We neurospicies may struggle with time management, which can hinder our creative output. By participating in a body-doubling session, we can learn to better manage our time and allocate it more effectively.
6. Cultivating a Creative Community: By participating in body-doubling sessions, we neurodiverse individuals can connect with others who share our interests and challenges, fostering a sense of belonging and community.
7. It’s FUN!
Overall, body-doubling sessions offer a unique and holistic approach to supporting neurodiverse creatives in our artistic endeavors, combining the benefits of social support, and structure, in a safe and inclusive environment.
How Much Do Body Doubling Sessions Cost & Where Can I Find One?
Body Doubling sessions for creatives who identify as female are free and announced in my Facebook group.
Who’s Kymba? What’s an Art Magick Coach?!
I’m a creativity coach for Witches and other people who believe in Magick who identify as female or NB and are neurodiverse/on the spectrum/have ADHD, etc. I help you get past your block, and teach you how to make your wonderfully imperfect art with the constraints imposed by your alternative neuro-operating system, aging/changing body, or demands of your job, space, or caregiving.
I teach people how to steal away the minutes that they need to start or maintain a daily artistic practice. I help people to find a way to make their authentic art and get it out there. I also help Third Age people make the pivot from corporate to creative. And I help people to rediscover the Magick in their art. You can learn more about me here!
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