Long Neck, Heavy Head - 14 - Stack the Spine, Release The Head - Series Recap
Long Neck, Heavy Head - 14 - Stack the Spine, Release The Head - Series Recap
Stacking and grounding for elegance and reach
“We do the movements just to test ourselves if we are sleeping or are awake. That means [to distinguish] if we are able to pay attention, to do what we want, or if something inside of us, by itself, does what it wants. In other words, we are trying to stop being machines, but rather to become something closer to being a human that has awareness, knows what he is doing, and does what he wants... ”
Based on “And the Head is Free” as taught by Arlyn Zones, GCFT® and “Oscillations Around C7” by Moshe Feldenkrais (Amherst)
I started this series with the thought of helping all of us, myself included, to make rolling from the floor with a heavy, heavy head habitual. And, at least for me, the good habit is now more deeply embodied.
And this series has gone even deeper. My understanding of a stacked, stable spine, which I thought I understood, has been challenged and improved. I still have to work at getting up into C7 to balance my head securely on my spine, but my awareness is reactivated.
So for myself, and for you, we will run through the many head-balancing options presented in this series: setting the shoulder, bear hug back massage, hip to jaw connections, low back and neck connections, side bending, circling the head, stacking the spine, and balancing the head on C7. A long, profound series; so much relaxation!
Science Nerd Candy Bowl:
Spinal Motion Segment: C7-T1 (Cervicothoracic Junction Animation: Veritas Medical (2:111) - animation of how C7 and T1 vertebrae move with and opposite each other
Human Anatomy Explained: The Ultimate Guide of Cervical Spine Movements -@Anatomy.app (1:53) - animation of the front, back, side to side and twisting motion of the cervical spine
Cervical Spine Anatomy Animation: Veritas Health (2:45) Useful descriptions of the unique characteristics of each cervical vertebra
Set Up for a Supine Lesson:
On a mat with padding for head and knees as works for you, so neck and long back have room to open up and flatten. It’s perfectly fine to have support under your sit bones - and even lower ribs - for the lifted pelvis parts; it’s about the alignment of the spine, not how high you can lift and hold it.
OR sitting in a level, stable, armless chair, with knees and hips level
How you might feel after this lesson: Looser all over; Longer; Open; Breathing deeply; Relaxed jaw, shoulders and neck; Upper back massaged; Ribs released; Possible realignment of legs in hip sockets, arms in shoulder sockets; Able to let head be heavy and neck long; Able to support the head from deep in the spine; Spaced out - another trance-inducing lesson.
Wednesday 9:30 am or 6:30 pm class registration, keep using it. If you were registered for the 12:00 pm Wednesday session, you’ll need to register. Registered, paid students receive the lesson recording link on Thursday. $40/month; $15/single lesson. PayPal or Venmo to jackisue@aol.com. Or check to Jacki Katzman, PO Box 116, Bethlehem, NH 03574
For new student registration, Click Here