The Gurdjieff Movements

In all the variety of books I read, it feels as if movement is always a theme. The Gurdjieff Movements: a communication of ancient wisdom by Wim van Dullemen brings such heart and inner resonance to these historic "Movements" that I am finding myself resonating with them to whatever degree humanly possible for me. "These Movements were Gurdjieff's creative choreographic interpretation of the dances and rituals he had seen and studied during his travels." (p.5) Listening to his musical compositions and watching the Movements was mesmerizing.

Self-study seems to be the core of his work, developing self awareness. Music and dance are means to one's self-study and to utilize one's mind, body, and emotions at once. This is what he and his students call the Fourth Way which includes all three. Many spiritual systems focus on one of the three. Respect for Georg Ivanovich Gurdjieff's tradition and legacy causes me to mention, I have only read this book. I have no direct connection to Gurdjieff or his Movements.

I found van Dullemen's book to be captivating because it felt like a direct connection to Gurdjieff and the Movements. The only thing that kept coming to the surface for me regarding Gurdjieff's system of thought was the sense that it was lacking feminine energy. "The community at Fontainebleau--a commune 'avant la letter'--was set up along patriarchal lines." (p.5) Today, our world needs a balance of the masculine and feminine.

I wonder what could be added to Gurdjieff's system to round it out. The book includes a biography, a history of his work, and some details on the Movements. I found the book very accessible.