top of page
Writer's pictureZack Newbauer
Nov 147 min read

Dancing with Developmental Stages

Updated: Nov 16

In my personal journey, I've come to recognize certain hurdles that might align with how I experienced certain developmental stages back in the day (ex. the challenge of saying no to something, or deeply trusting another person when I'm in need).


The question has emerged -


"How is what I'm experiencing now an echo of how I experienced each stage?" and "What will I find that I'm not yet aware of if I give myself a little time to use this blueprint to explore through moving my body?"

I've found it helpful to take Erikson's Developmental Stages as a jumping off point for curiosity, going through each stage and seeing what I can remember about my life then, and how the themes from each stage present themselves in my life now.


Perhaps unsurprising, I add a bit of music and movement to each chapter. I don't want to sit in front of a screen and have my thinking brain alone think it's getting to the bottom of the story and will inherently know how to integrate change. All of these memories also exist in my body, and I'm coming to believe more and more that if I give my body a jumping off point... a question or a prompt... and let it move how it does... I'll get to experience and observe those movements. I've spent enough time sitting and thinking.


Exercise -


One stage at a time:

  1. Understand what developmental milestones are considered to occur in each stage

  2. Play the song and follow the movement prompt for ~3 minutes of exploration of each stage.

    *At the bottom I will add a template you can use to take notes following the movement with each stage.


I created this to be a self-guided exploration. If you'd like to have a live session or two to explore this, find a time here.


1. Trust vs. Mistrust (Infancy: 0-1 year)

Question: Can I trust the world?


During infancy, we rely on caregivers to nurture us and meet our needs. Erikson described this phase as one of building a foundation: “the infant's first social achievement is his willingness to let the mother out of sight without undue anxiety or rage.” When trust is established, we learn to believe in the goodness of life. Reflect on this stage by asking: How do I experience trust today? or Where might mistrust still linger?


  • Songs: 

  • Movement Prompt: Begin seated or lying down. Close your eyes and focus on your breath. Let your arms extend slowly as if they’re reaching outward, feeling supported by the ground beneath you. Allow yourself to feel the gentle security of the space, moving softly as you feel guided.


2. Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt (Early Childhood: 1-3 years)

Question: Can I do things on my own?


Here, we learn independence. This is when we start saying “no,” exploring the world, and understanding boundaries. Jung believed that a key part of personal growth is the process of individuation, or the pursuit of a unique identity. As you reflect, consider: Where do I feel empowered in my life? Where do I doubt my abilities?


  • Song: 

    • Instrumental Option: "Bad Karma" by Axel Thesleff

    • With Lyrics: "Waters of Hope" by Sainte Barbe and Ladysmith Black Mambazo

  • Movement Prompt: Stand up and let your feet feel the ground beneath you. Walk in place or even stomp your feet a little, feeling the power in your legs. Let your arms swing freely. Feel the sensation of self-determination as you take up space and move independently.


3. Initiative vs. Guilt (Preschool Age: 3-5 years)

Question: Is it okay for me to do this?


This stage is about embracing curiosity, play, and risk-taking. Children at this age want to try things, ask “why,” and initiate their own ideas. Here, Erikson says we develop a sense of purpose when our explorations are supported. Jung would add that the imagination we foster at this stage carries forward as creative energy. Ask yourself: Where in my life am I initiating? Where do I hold myself back?


  • Song: 

  • Movement Prompt: Dance with lightness and playfulness. Imagine yourself as a child, perhaps jumping or skipping, moving as freely as possible. Allow yourself to be a bit silly, as if discovering dance for the first time. Embrace the spirit of exploration without judgment.


4. Industry vs. Inferiority (School Age: 5-12 years)

Question: Can I make it in the world?


In school years, we start seeking competency. This is when we learn skills, understand rules, and begin to feel pride or doubt in our abilities. Erikson notes that feeling “industrious” here can build a lifelong sense of capability. Reflect on the skills you developed and ask: Where do I feel competent? or Where do I struggle with self-doubt?


  • Song: 

  • Movement Prompt: Start with small, repetitive movements, like tapping or clapping, as if you’re “practicing” a skill. Gradually build to bigger movements. You might do something rhythmic, like a “march” in place, feeling the strength and focus that comes from dedication and practice.


5. Identity vs. Role Confusion (Adolescence: 12-18 years)

Question: Who am I?


Adolescence is a time of self-discovery and often tension, as we experiment with different identities and try to find where we fit. Erikson wrote, “In youth, one discovers the self through one’s passions.” Jung believed that adolescence is the beginning of individuation—the process of becoming who we truly are. Ask yourself: How connected am I to my authentic self? or What masks might I still be wearing?


  • Song: "

    • Instrumental Option: "Woods" by Newbauer - a song I made in a season of exploring solitude and asking myself these questions

    • With Lyrics: "where will i be" by Fred Again.. or "Miss Me Too" by Griff

  • Movement Prompt: Stand still for a moment, letting yourself feel grounded. As the music builds, let your body take on different forms or “characters” as you move. Experiment with different postures or expressions, embodying various aspects of yourself.


6. Intimacy vs. Isolation (Young Adulthood: 18-40 years)

Question: Can I love deeply?


This stage is all about forming meaningful connections. Erikson saw intimacy as “the capacity to commit oneself to concrete affiliations.” Jung, too, saw relationship as central to wholeness. Consider your closest connections and ask: How open am I to being vulnerable? or Where do I still isolate myself?


  • Song: 

  • Movement Prompt: Begin by holding your own hands or wrapping your arms around yourself. Feel the warmth and support in this gesture. Gradually, open your arms wide as if inviting others into your space. Move as though you are reaching out, connecting, and leaning in toward others.


7. Generativity vs. Stagnation (Middle Adulthood: 40-65 years)

Question: How can I contribute?


In this stage, we focus on giving back, creating, and leaving a legacy. Erikson described this as fostering a sense of purpose through creativity, work, and care for others. Reflect on how you’ve contributed and ask: What impact do I want to have? or Where do I feel stuck or stagnant?


  • Song: 

  • Movement Prompt: Move with intention, as though shaping something with your hands—building, planting, or creating. Feel a sense of purpose with each gesture, connecting with the desire to leave a positive mark on the world. End by reaching outward, as if offering your creations to others.


8. Integrity vs. Despair (Late Adulthood: 65+ years)

Question: Have I lived a meaningful life?


As we approach the end of life, we often look back, either with fulfillment or regret. Erikson called this “a sense of coherence and wholeness,” the realization that all stages are parts of a larger story. Reflect on your life journey, asking: What have I learned? or What wisdom do I want to share?


  • Song: 

  • Movement Prompt: Let your movements be slow, expansive, and reflective, as if summarizing all your previous dances in a single flow. Gently sway, turn, and stretch, feeling the entire span of your life. Move with peace, gratitude, and acceptance, as if embracing all that has been.


If you'd like to privately share a personal reflection of this exercise, or discuss the exercise further, feel free to reach out.


📝 Notes template for you to copy and paste if you'd like


If interested in exploring this exercise with a live 1:1 session, see you soon!



54 views0 comments

Commentaires

bottom of page