physikos

  ... more about Body Intelligence

This series introduces you to Continuum Movement.  In each class we build a sequence of breath, sound, and micromovement as a starting point for movement exploration.  Providing context for the experience, we delve into subjects such as the fluid nature of the body; the uses of attention, sound, and imagination in movement; and the recovery of embodiment in modern society.  You learn not only how to work with your physicality in a new way but why it makes sense to do so.

... basic elements ...

There is a lot in this course. Here are a few of the basic elements we cover.

Breath   Inhalation is the taking on of form; exhalation is the dissolving of form.- Emilie Conrad, Continuum Founder.

The recovery of natural breathing is one of the first and often least expected benefits of Continuum Movement.  Moreover the spectrum of breathing dynamics is as wide as of that of movement itself.  Breathing is, indeed, the most apparent of intrinsic motions in the body and often the way we first notice and name emotional experiences.  It is the primary gauge of the state of the body.

Sound:   "It's amazing how sound can affect your system.  Before I tried it, I just thought it was weird!"-- Body Intelligence participant.

Sound vocalization is an important contribution to somatic inquiry.  The way the throat is activated through different sounds seems to affect the rest of the soft tissue in different ways.  Because modern people are so unused to making non-verbal, non-singing sounds, the process of doing so may bring up self-consciousness at first; usually this passes quickly into curiosity about the sensations evoked.  Importantly, sounding is an exploration; there is no "right" way and you are always in free and in control regarding the type and intensity of sounding. We will watch video showing research into the interaction of sound in matter; this answers many questions (and also opens yet deeper questions).

Micromovement: "Ah ... micromovement ... This could be helpful to many people." - overheard after a BI seminar.

Micromovement takes a number of forms, the first of which is slowing way, way down, until movement deconstructs and every tiny increment can be felt.  At a physical level you are waking up new neuro-muscular and -sensory circuitry in body and brain, increasing your adaptive range regarding balance, flexibility and even strength.  Moreover, you are encountering an intrinsic capacity for creativity and innovation, found throughout the natural world.

... benefits ... 

Where to begin ... deeper breathing, greater body awareness, sense of mind-body integration ... are some of the physical effects.  New knowledge.  Skills and tools you can use almost any where, any time ... This work helps to counter stress and its health effects, may aid recovery from injury, and may be suitable post-surgical and -medical treatments protocols that result in weakness and fatigue.  People say they feel calm, relaxed and refreshed after class.

Perhaps the most important, lasting benefit of this work is a new, more positive relationship with your physical being.  I honestly don't know anyone who has not experienced this, if they were at all open to it.  This is yours whether you continue with classes or not. It is the seed of possibility.  it was always part of your living existence; it now enters your conscious awareness, and that changes everything.

In addition to the group classes, you receive a one-on-one 60-minute session with me, to be arranged before, during or up to 30 days after the course.  This allows us to explore your particular interests, needs, or questions in more depth, and go into any areas you don't want to bring to the group sessions.

After this course, you have access to our classes and workshops (with 10% off your first class or series).  The people you will meet in these sessions have a common dedication about continuing to grow, staying aware, and expanding their capacity to encounter these changing, uncertain, sometimes distressing, sometimes awe-inspiring times, with intelligence and compassion .

4 sessions, Sundays, 2-4 pm starting March 11, 2012