Long Neck, Light Head - 6 - Rooted in the Core
A giraffe tongue nimbly avoids the acacia tree barbs to feast on up to 75 pounds of leaves daily. At the end of that long neck, just a little more length.
Long Neck, Light Head - 6 - Rooted in the Core
It all comes down to the floor, of course
Based on ATM Book Lesson 10 – Movement of the Eyes Organizes the Movement of the Body by Moshe Feldenkrais, informed by “Pelvic Floor Awareness For Balance and Strength” as created by Deborah Bowes, GCFT®
Yes, another variation on the “dead bird” lesson, where spinal twists are the framework for tracking all the elements of movement. We have twisted our way from the eyes to the sit bones, up to the tongue, and now, of course, to the root of all movement, the pelvic floor.
source: www.laspine.com
We will review the components of the pelvic floor system, including the lower abs, lower back, glutes, inner thighs, diaphragm and the “trampoline” of the pelvic floor. I am also very interested in how ‘tongue posture’ affects the head’s center of gravity, helps elongate the neck and softens the jaw.
You choose to proceed with the lesson supine or side-sitting. Supine gives you more overall support and relaxation, and is easier on the hips and knees. As most of the pelvic floor lessons were supine, it makes great sense. The advantage of side-sitting is feeling the pull of gravity on spine and, fittingly, the pelvic floor.
And what’s the connection to elephants? The beautifully sinuous elephantine gait makes me think of how strong a momma elephant’s pelvic floor must be. Those babies are big.
Benefits of side sitting, source Google AI
Core and trunk strengthening: Side sitting engages and strengthens the muscles of the core and trunk, which are crucial for maintaining upright posture and balance.
Improved hip mobility: It optimizes hip mobility without putting the joint at risk.
Encourages cross-body movements: This position facilitates movements that involve reaching across the body, which is important for developing coordination and motor skills.
Aids in transitions: Side sitting can be an important developmental position for transitioning between different postures, such as moving from sitting to hands and knees or to standing.
Avoids W-sitting: By encouraging side sitting, you can discourage W-sitting, a posture that can lead to core weakness and potential knee issues in children.
Science Nerd Candy Bowl: none this week
Set Up for a Side-Seated on Floor or Supine lesson:
On a mat with room to lean back, support for hips as needed, support for supine as needed
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; Shoulders relaxed; Head balanced atop the spine; Elegant as a giraffe; Far-seeing as a maasai; Relaxed as a lioness before the prowl; As smooth as an elephant crossing the savannah; Head light as a bobble toy.
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