8 Somatic Breathing Exercises to do today.
These 8 Somatic Breathing Exercises to do today came to me as I searched for gentle ways to free my breath. You see, as a long-time yoga and somatic movement therapist, I studied many breathing techniques. Most of these dictated rules about breathing. So, for years, I imposed breathing exercises on my body. But, by giving my body the freedom...
From Fixing to Feeling With Somatics.
When people first discover somatic movement, they usually come seeking a functional fix. They want to untie a knot in their shoulder, release a tight hamstring, or manage chronic lower back pain. And somatic movement absolutely does those things. But if you only look at this practice as a form of physical therapy, you miss its most radical gift. Feeling...
Grounding Your Way Forward
Grounding your way forward may sound contradictory. But, your first step forward is based on how well you can ground through your feet, The Secret to Grounding Your Way Forward Everyone gets excited when a baby takes its first step. But few of us stop to realize that it is the baby's grounding and relationship to the earth. An entire...
Good Posture and your Pelvic Floor
Good posture enables your pelvic floor to fully lengthen and contract, while poor alignment—such as slouching or over-arching—strains these muscles, often leading to weakness, tightness, incontinence, or pelvic pain Neither Good Posture or the Pelvic Floor is Static. Good posture is not a static position we achieve. The human body is designed to move, not to be still. Holding a position, even...
4 Keys for Somatic Balance of Your Nervous System
It's natural for your nervous system to move through different states of inner and outer focus of receptivity and activity. But chronic stress, trauma, or worry can inhibit that natural flow. 4 keys for somatic balance of your nervous system is a practice you can use to build resilience in your nervous system. This guide to somatoc balance of your...
The Best Somatic Breathing Exercise
This is the best Somatic Breathing Exercise I know. It is simple, and yet it may challenge your ability to prioritize feeling and sensing over doing. To feel and sense means we are open to our experience instead of trying to control it. So, why I say this is the best exercise is because it necessitates feeling and sensing over...
A Better Way to Practice Yoga in an Aging Body
As we age, we generally have more body aches and pains. We injure ourselves more easily. Most of us accept this as the inevitable process of growing older. But what if we could continue to have ease and integrity in our movement and yoga practice as we age? Also, with aging, many people find that their bodies can no longer...
Stop Walking Duck Footed.
Did you know that walking with duck feet is often at the root of hip, knee, foot, and lower back pain? When your toes point out, it alters your body mechanics. Being duck-footed creates problems. And, it's to your benefit to stop walking duck footed. Why is it a disadvantage to walk with duck feet?. Walking with duck-footedness can hurt...
Why Stretching Will Not Relieve Psoas Tightness
And what to do instead As a Yoga teacher of nearly 40 years, I am well acquainted with the ongoing challenges of tight psoas muscles. I also have had a front seat view of how stretching will not relieve psoas tightness. This is because the nervous system controls the tension and response of the psoas muscle, and stretching will not...
