*Upcoming US and Europe Workshops:* inspiresomatics.com/workshops/ *Private Sessions for Assessment, Guidance, and Addressing Your Specific Patterns* Zoom sessions: inspiresomatics.com/schedule-online-video-sessions-2/ In-person sessions: inspiresomatics.com/schedule-office-2-2/ In-person for multiple days: inspiresomatics.com/travel-for-multiple-sesions/ Professional Guidance for Yoga and Somatics Teachers: inspiresomatics.com/professional-training/ All TH-cam Playlists: www.youtube.com/@ericcoopersomatics/playlists
❤YES I have seen the glimmers of my disconnection. All the words in the world are just words with no meaning until one EXPERIENCES it. Thanks for all your videos, Eric!
Yes, so true. Your somatic truth, the new freedom and space that you reclaim and reconnect to, is your truth. Only you can experience it. You are very welcome. I am happy that you are seeing it at this level. So beautiful. It has to be experienced. Wishing you suppleness and more discovery in 2024.
Yes, The deep habit of repetitive motion, tension adaptation to stress, and reaction to injury all take hold as deep habits that our brains run. What practice do you need to stay loose and supple? You can do it. You can make a change in the right direction. Have a few movements in your repertoire for Front, back, sides and some twisting. That covers most of it. Here is a long and short multi movement sequence and a seated sequence you can do in the car. Long: *Basic Somatics Miracle SEQUENCE* | Enhance Flexibility, Release Tension, Body Freedom 23m:33s Feel the power of a Somatics as practice. Move toward full-body liberation. This video targets the front, sides, back, and even incorporates gentle twisting movements. Elbows to the Sky, Side Bend, the Wishbone the Four Leaf Clover, Sunrise,Sunset+the X of the Front, th-cam.com/video/uzF6cdm5aMo/w-d-xo.html Short: *Quick Intermediate 3 Movement Practice Sequence to Feel Great* 6m:09s Elbows to the Sky, Side Bend, Wishbone + Yawn Your Wings from Costa Rica 2022 On youtube, please like, subscribe, comment: th-cam.com/video/zVxbHgZvsuo/w-d-xo.html Seated in the car: Steering Wheel Somatics Part 1 Relax Your Back and Back of Shoulders 5m:37s th-cam.com/video/87ENyL52pDA/w-d-xo.html Steering Wheel Somatics Part 2 Twisting 5m:02s th-cam.com/video/U51IKSsQLv8/w-d-xo.html Steering Wheel Somatics Part 3 Relax Your Constricted Front & Advanced Twisting 4m:30s th-cam.com/video/eUmbMHUsFss/w-d-xo.html Steering Wheel Somatics Part 4 Explanation 3m:25s th-cam.com/video/66dGhuWhIdw/w-d-xo.html Steering Wheel Somatics Part 5 Seated Low Back and Psoas Relax 3m:14s th-cam.com/video/rzY5ENQnReo/w-d-xo.html Steering Wheel Somatics Part 6 Side Waist and The Inner-X 4m:41s th-cam.com/video/Dae91a5rpxk/w-d-xo.html *Steering Wheel Somatics Parts 1 to 6 All the episodes together, distilled* 21m:13s th-cam.com/video/HmH0E0Zwv4I/w-d-xo.html
Thank you for noting that. One of my early mentors would say to me: " Results Matter." They do. To Make a change it does take doing the right movements. It only makes sense to me to address root causes (root holding patterns). Everything else is downstream.
I'm glad I found your channel. Thank you for making these videos. I've been working with a trauma therapist and it's taken me some time to understand somatics.
You are so welcome! I have a playlist that focuses on the tensions of stress and how you can further teach your nervous system out of the learned habits of tension that it loves to run in the background. Get Out of Stress! Somatics for the tensions of stress playlist: th-cam.com/play/PLFLw4vgr7ayi01UZkxj4X5X2epj74vDxf.html Again, and again, and again, remind your tension control auto-pilot how to come out of the tensions of stress. Maybe this one is helpful, too. Anxiety Attack and Panic Attack Emergency Movements th-cam.com/play/PLFLw4vgr7aygVXG376Zjs10RKdDVOhT2w.html&si=_BChJa4E4vvAdPNW
You are so welcome. I am glad this is helping make sense of it. Often the boiling-over, the discomfort, is being driven by the opposing lines of tension. For example: sore back is often the result of holding open a persistently tight front. Achy glutes are trying to hold open hidden tightness in the front of the hips. I wish you much suppleness and discovery in 2024.
You felt inspired. That is part of my mission. The beauty of it is that you were able to take yourself to that fuzzy line between knowing and not-knowing, to the edge of the amnesia we all have in varying degrees. That 15 minutes of Somatics can yield such a good change. I can go from being the guy I don't like to be, annoyed, impatient, overwhelmed, to the calm person I like to be. I hope your practice is helping you find that person you like to be.
you remind me so much of my osteopath. he has recently uncovered a lot of my physical and mental trauma and is helping me through somatic exercises. i have just stumbled across your page and watching your videos has brought tears to my eyes. i cannot wait to exercise along side you later on. thank you so much 🖤
I have had a lot of training in Osteo-articular osteopathic techniques. That knowledge is very helpful but Somatics is a more effective method in changing those osteopathic deviations. The nervous system runs the muscles which hold those bones in their positions. I encourage you to gently progress on this path of exploration. I have a playlist for you to explore. Mostly work from the top of the list downward. *Start here. Begin your Somatics Experience Here playlist:* th-cam.com/play/PLFLw4vgr7ayiIX9O0hRsMwyxhaK4LTXXF.html The most important thing is to be present in the movement, to focus your awareness, so that you are teaching your nervous system. It's not stretching. It's controlled contraction and controlled relax. If you haven't done this movement lesson, i encourage you to try it. It will show you some of my more up-to-date assessment and movements methods: *Can Gentle TWISTING Free Your BREATHING? Gentle Slow, Simplest Twisting Washrag Full Version* 17m:12s Detailed front and side breathing assessment combined with an easy, slow twisting Somatic movement exercise th-cam.com/video/lfbeq1is-ns/w-d-xo.html Please let me know if you have questions, or aha moments.
Be very gentle with those sore tight back muscles. Very likely, they are working hard to save the day. For your sore back, this can be a good movement to start with. It's gentle. *Side Lying Version: Oh, The Places Your Back Pocket Can Go:* A very gentle movement to relax a tight, sore back. (Can also be done seated) 26m:12s th-cam.com/video/RhNxOEUJKuM/w-d-xo.html I have a playlist for relaxing the back. It is important to do some psoas/hip flexion lines as that front of hip tightness recruits the back. This playlist has lots of good options to help your back relax. *Relax your BACK Playlist, in order from Gentle to Most Powerful Pandiculaitons playlist* : th-cam.com/play/PLFLw4vgr7ayg05XG5CH42QxHkgLtp8t8c.html&si=u8c4UGZqG0U3Qeah Also very important to remember is that the back gets tired of holding open a silently tight front. the front must be addressed to solve most back pain issues Hunched Postures, Rounded Shoulders, Sunken Chests Playlist: th-cam.com/play/PLFLw4vgr7ayj0YgnU5JKNCjOzUTfgZpTF.html If your back discomfort is hightly asymmetrical, it is important to clear out the asymmetrical holdings that you system may be stuck in. If Your Sides Are Different Playlist, 'A scoliosis problem is a tension problem'. Basic Asymmetry Playlist: th-cam.com/play/PLFLw4vgr7ayj1sC-HRPGz7rv_koiiaWVk.html
That was a really simple yet profound, and concise expression of body/being wisdom. The reality of what you shared resonated in me immediately and all i want to know is how to discern and understand better how and where i'm misaligned in breathing space--because i know i am from a mixture of decades-long depression, perfectionism and an extensive relationship with an instrument--and how to begin to re-coordinate/reprogram breath and nervous system choreography.
I'm glad to hear it resonated with you. You can do the self assessment process with many of my videos right here on youtube. Start with this one to learn to assess front, front diagonals and side breathing. It covers that pretty well: *Can Gentle TWISTING Free Your BREATHING? Gentle Slow, Simplest Twisting Washrag Full Version* 17m:12s Detailed front and side breathing assessment combined with an easy, slow twisting Somatic movement exercise On TH-cam : th-cam.com/video/lfbeq1is-ns/w-d-xo.html After that, this video leads with a good side breathing assessment: *Upper half of the Side Bend: DETAIL for YOUR RIGHT Side RIBS, Part 1 -*-->>>This one has a very good breathing assessment. 7m:44s th-cam.com/video/wty5R_lP7cw/w-d-xo.html DETAIL for YOUR LEFT Side RIBS, Part 2 8m:51s th-cam.com/video/XC8PySOLDS0/w-d-xo.html I need to edit some newer videos about * back breathing* . These have some: *The Scorpion Relax your back, Know torso rotation, Open back diagonals, Enjoy back rib breathing* .On TH-cam: th-cam.com/video/MSfjLt8-pcI/w-d-xo.html The Horseshoe Pandiculation, Pandiculate away your ANGER and IMPATIENCE | Turbulence to Tranquility 5m:54s, Costa Rica 2023 On youtube: th-cam.com/video/AtOvGRCBeqs/w-d-xo.html This is a more powerful *twisting* movement that focuses on breathing space: *The Amplified Angel Wing.* Free your torso twist with this advanced pandiculation 4m:56s On TH-cam: th-cam.com/video/BOCIvUYDJ4w/w-d-xo.html For the diaphragm: *Relax your Diaphragm* 15m:52s Release tension in your diaphragm, the primary muscle of respiration. This makes the exhale phase of your breathing easier, less effort. On TH-cam : th-cam.com/video/KvYQV3sND0c/w-d-xo.html The sides and the Inner-X lines: *Rib Cage Un-Caged Standing See Saw ribs* , part 1 On TH-cam: th-cam.com/video/LU8qIXVp-_k/w-d-xo.html *Inner-X rib diagonals, Part 2 On TH-cam:* th-cam.com/video/bvpAMH_Ntf4/w-d-xo.html Almost every movement I teach is about de-escalating tensions to have an easier breathing space. There are more advanced ways to make the lesson vivid, but basically, see if you can make the movements lessons for your nervous system that the breathing space is dynamic. How's that for a good start? Ps. This practice is, in some ways like playing a muscial instrument. There are dynamics, soft to loud to soft. How skillful can the crescendos and diminuendos be?
@@ericcoopersomatics More than i could have ever asked for. Thank you very much. I will start on this journey today. Truly appreciate your time, energy and skills sharing.
I have begun sloooowly following Sara Warren,but I think I have a brain problem because I just don't follow easily. When I do get through some movements I feel so good. Thank you for your channel! I will be watching.
I am glad you found my channel. I think you will find that I teach Somatics a little differently than Sarah Warren. I have cast aside some of the limits of traditional Somatics. The nervous system is more creative than just getting us stuck in 3 tension patterns. I have designed movements that allow you to teach your nervous system some different skills, a valuable viewpoint, that the torso is a dynamic space that can become more completely available for easy breathing. I encourage you to try the movements at the top of this playlist: *Start here. Begin your Somatics Experience Here playlist:* th-cam.com/play/PLFLw4vgr7ayiIX9O0hRsMwyxhaK4LTXXF.html It is probably best to explore the playlist from the top. You may find it easier for your brain to accept my style of teaching. Or maybe not. Try it. I'd love to hear about what you discover.
@@ericcoopersomatics wow I was excited to receive a response from you but never did I think it would be so entailed I truly appreciate the time it took you to type all this out Thank you so much for your passion for somatics it truly shows I will do my best to follow your advice and to get into a routine And I will certainly come back to let you know how it's going
I have developed many movements for you to address the tensions that tighten your S-curve. Those movement are a bit more advanced. It is important to be fluent in The Side bend, in order to be able to see what The Inner-X movements are leading you to see. Learn the side bend quadrants: *The Side Bend Quadrants Upper half of the Side Bend: DETAIL for YOUR RIGHT Side RIBS, Part 1* This one has a very good breathing assessment. 7m:44s th-cam.com/video/wty5R_lP7cw/w-d-xo.html *DETAIL for YOUR LEFT Side RIBS, Part 2* 8m:51s th-cam.com/video/XC8PySOLDS0/w-d-xo.html *Lower half of the Side Bend: DETAIL Part 1 for YOUR RIGHT Side Waist* th-cam.com/video/g9gcWyZ2BEA/w-d-xo.html *DETAIL Part 2 for YOUR LEFT Side Waist, Lower Half of Side Bend* th-cam.com/video/L4YZ1ZNxlbM/w-d-xo.html Then so some of the Inner-X assessments: The Inner-X lines that make S-Curve bends *Assessment of Contraction Lines Through the Body, the Inner-X Assessment What are the real patterns of how people are stuck?* On youtube: th-cam.com/video/IOaQD8Crf4M/w-d-xo.html *Rib Cage Un-Caged, standing -Do this as Inner-X assessment. Which lines are stuck? Standing See Saw ribs, Part 1* 6m:56s On TH-cam: th-cam.com/video/LU8qIXVp-_k/w-d-xo.html *Inner-X diagonals, Part 2* 8m:11s On TH-cam: th-cam.com/video/bvpAMH_Ntf4/w-d-xo.html For assessment, I think rib-cage uncaged 1 & 2 are a little more clear. Then work through the Inner-X movements *The Inner-X, an advanced movement to free your inner breathing diagonals, S Curve Scoliosis* --->>>0m:00s to 1m:44s has an explanation of the Inner-X line Tension Imbalance and how it relates to breathing constriction and how it locks you into the holding. On TH-cam: th-cam.com/video/5vRH7KdljVw/w-d-xo.html *The Inner-X Practice Sequence, Take it a little further, Explore the oblique angle lines through the body* 3m:24s On TH-cam: th-cam.com/video/ci4zu4qrUKU/w-d-xo.html Focused rotationa movements will also be very important to explore. I have many versions of the Angel Wing to teach places that keep you stuck in a twist. *Angel Wing Variations Powerful Torso Twisting Playlist* th-cam.com/play/PLFLw4vgr7ayhyIsUIFj4KOvVb-il46Db6.html&si=QUBpcenQs12rcnSB The Inner-X Playlist: *The Inner-X, Lines through the body playlist:* th-cam.com/play/PLFLw4vgr7ayhNdAbmTKQbIS4MDkEKO41y.html It takes practice to make a new habit of more freedom from these tensions. There are many other aspects to changing the S-Curve, but this will help you see it as stuckness in you your brain is breathing you.
This is my third somatic vid (of yours and actually my 3rd ever.) I really enjoy your explanations. I am 63 and have things I am trying to heal. I took bio feed back and stress management 25 years ago and got rid of my migraines. Mind body connection is awesome. Now working on hips, bursitis, shoulders. Thank you for your great explanations. By the way are you in Florida? I see one vid (jaws) where you were in Michigan but this vid looks more like my home. I am in Tarpon Springs. Nice to meet you Eric! Thanks for the help!
Thank you for your comment. The cool thing about body awareness and Somatics is that we don't know the extent of what we're missing. The separation is like an amnesia. We don't know our own amnesia. This process allows you to reconnect to, and know, the spaces and places that are forgotten and misunderstood. Yes, this video was recorded in Florida, near where my parents live(d) near Sarasota. To more effectively address hip issues, it takes looking elsewhere. I find it most effective to see the hip problem as the boiling over. Somatics for the hip itself will not get you what you are looking for. The key signature is the asymmetry of the problem. Learn your specific expression of asymmetry (this means looking beyond the simple view of asymmetry of traditional Somatics) Work deep into this playlist: (very, very important) *If Your Sides Are Different Playlist, 'A scoliosis problem is a tension problem'. Asymmetry Playlist:* th-cam.com/play/PLFLw4vgr7ayj1sC-HRPGz7rv_koiiaWVk.html Especially the *Parallelogram Pattern* movements th-cam.com/video/Q21LWQ2q7Yg/w-d-xo.html , the *Inner-X movements* th-cam.com/play/PLFLw4vgr7ayhNdAbmTKQbIS4MDkEKO41y.html and the more powerful rotational movements like the *Amplified Angel Wing* th-cam.com/video/BOCIvUYDJ4w/w-d-xo.html .
Leaving a comment to say that somatics is awesome and just to help with your channel grow. I like the way you talk and teach, maybe make a few longer lessons just talking and explaining things:D What I miss from Hanna somatics is the longer lessons formats which exist in Feldenkrais (from which Hanna somatics developed)
I am glad you are enjoying the exploration and discovery. I have more videos in the works. Currently I'm diverting that effort to help my parents through some aging transitions. I have heard that request before. This is different than Feldenkrais. The attention is more intensely focused on control. It is important to not be exploring beyond the time the awareness can be focussed. I have done longer classes and long personal practice sessions for myself. You are welcome to combine a bunch of my movements into a series. Some of my recent interest is how little practice can be enough? Also there are times I practice a for a long time. In many of my lessons I do explain what we are doing. On my list of videos to make is more explanation. *Explanation videos playlist:* th-cam.com/play/PLFLw4vgr7ayidRQCBv3Jnfj0OrRZDMlSF.html Here are some multi movement sequences that are over 20 minutes: *Basic Slow 3 Movement Sequence,* Slow and Careful Whoa, Nellie! Side Bend both sides, Elbows to the Sky 26m:27s If any part requires forcing or straining, we need to go back to some basics to make it be easy. On TH-cam: th-cam.com/video/nQWs5lKHUNA/w-d-xo.html *Basic Somatics Course Full Practice Sequence | Part 1 + Part 2* Parts 1+2, 21m:20s, The entire movement sequence from my Free Somatics Course Whoa, Nellie! for the back Elbows to the Sky for the front Breathing assessment of the sides The Side Bend, side 1 & 2 Yawn Your Wings side 1 & 2 Sunrise, Sunset + X of the Front side 1 & 2 On youtube: th-cam.com/video/jfiKPWLT11w/w-d-xo.html *Un-Twist, an Intermediate Practice Sequence* , 24m:56s Pandiculation to get unstuck from twist and rotation. The first 4m:28s has a 'good enough' twisting assessment. Side Bend, Teacup, X of the Front + Sunrise, Sunset, Angel Wing On TH-cam: th-cam.com/video/EdzH2aJH_Rw/w-d-xo.html *Basic Somatics Miracle SEQUENCE | Enhance Flexibility, Release Tension, Body Freedom* 23m:33s Feel the power of a Somatics as practice. Move toward full-body liberation. This video targets the front, sides, back, and even incorporates gentle twisting movements. Elbows to the Sky, Side Bend, the Wishbone the Four Leaf Clover, Sunrise,Sunset+the X of the Front, On youtube: th-cam.com/video/uzF6cdm5aMo/w-d-xo.html *Steering Wheel Somatics Parts 1 to 6* All the episodes together, distilled 21m:13s th-cam.com/video/HmH0E0Zwv4I/w-d-xo.html
I am glad you found this to be helpful. Zoom out in the approach. Strive to find the root holdings. Practice often. Look deeply and carefully in your Somatics practice. What parts of each opening line don't know how to open, how to relax open? That's what we are looking for. Where is the system confused about allowing easy breathing? Which direction is constricted. Please let me know if you have further questions on what to explore.
Greetings, I have a few interpretations of your question. 1) I know you are feeling the benefits of a personal Somatics practice. So in a way, you are doing the experiment and finding your own data that you may interpret as a success. 2) If you are in the position to design and obtain funding for a peer reviewed study of this powerful method, I will be of assistance as much as I can. 4) I have heard talk of one of the more traditional Somatics Institute working on a study to document the effectiveness of the traditional version. 3) Much of Somatics is based on modern neurophysiology. The alpha-gamma co-activation loop is a fact. The problematic issues of stretching, the stretch reflex, that the muculotendous junction and the tenoperiostial junctions are prone to injury with stretching, are all facts. Habituated high levels of tonus are facts that have been poorly addressed by modalities that use manipulation. Thomas Hanna compiled and integrated the work of multiple scientists; Rudolf Magnus (physiology of posture), Andrew Ferguson Fraser (Studies of Pandiculation in Biology), Berta & Karl Bobath (Neurological Rehabilitation), Hans Selye ("The father of stress research" Stress theory), The Medical School of Florida (Where he studied Neurology). Hanna was also influenced by Elenor Chriswell-Hanna (expertise in biofeedback and psychology), French philosopher Maurice Jean Jacques Merleau-Ponty (Who wrote extensively on the validity of somatic experience and spatiality), Moshe Feldenkrais (who built upon other movement pioneers, developing a method called Awareness Through Movement). Personally, I believe Hanna was deeply influenced (without giving adequate credit) by the Developmental Psychologist named Stanley Keleman (Get a copy of his book called Emotional Anatomy) . To me it is clear that Hanna may have found a lot in his work. Hanna only briefly mentioned Keleman in his advanced lectures. Mostly, the practice makes the proof. That is, currently, as much energy as I have to validate. I have other pages that I have made the explains what Somatics does. I have a webpage with an explanation for medical professionals: inspiresomatics.com/medical-professionals/ It has a graph that partially explains how pandiculation is so effective at lowering high levels of tonus (resting muscle tension).
This video starts with a lesson in (what I think) is the best way to self-assess, to use gentle breathing in this way: -->>I start many people off with this one *Can Gentle TWISTING Free Your BREATHING? Gentle Slow, Simplest Twisting Washrag Full Version* 17m:12s Detailed front and side breathing assessment combined with an easy, slow twisting Somatic movement exercise th-cam.com/video/lfbeq1is-ns/w-d-xo.html That video doesn't cover the assessment for the back th-cam.com/video/Bs2hGQHvZWs/w-d-xo.html and more complex patterns like the Inner-X *Rib Cage Un-Caged* part 1 th-cam.com/video/LU8qIXVp-_k/w-d-xo.html Part 2 th-cam.com/video/bvpAMH_Ntf4/w-d-xo.html And also how we can have breathing limits in rotation: th-cam.com/video/EdzH2aJH_Rw/w-d-xo.html Make sure you focus on how you are stuck. People think the pain is the problem. The pain is the boiling-over of the situation. If you feel sad and discouraged Look deeply into the movements of this playlist: *Stop Being Depressed Playlist. Come out of the grip of it. playlist:* th-cam.com/play/PLFLw4vgr7ayi4gUn7X4D4YtdWyZhqsrSW.html You can do it. Make simple practice, front, back sides (in any order) and... Practice often.
Yes, I have had glimpses of many people telling people to muscle out of "bad" posture. It is so much easier to teach the brain to relax the hidden tensions that are pulling us into those postures. They do mean well. They just haven't found this easier way. I have a whole playlist of movements to address this: *Hunched Postures, Rounded Shoulders, Sunken Chests Playlist:* th-cam.com/play/PLFLw4vgr7ayj0YgnU5JKNCjOzUTfgZpTF.html So many good options to free yourself from the active, automatic holdings.
It’s actually kind of crazy because I always felt my breathing was shorter than other, especially when doing cool downs in workouts, I’m not able to take in deep breaths or release with the same intensity as breathing in. Huh….crazy what u can learn
Most of my movements are designed to help you access easier breathing. If you learn the first 3-7 movements of this playlist, you may be pleased with the easy-breathing improvement. *Start here. Begin your Somatics Experience Here playlist:* th-cam.com/play/PLFLw4vgr7ayiIX9O0hRsMwyxhaK4LTXXF.html
🥀 Hi, Eric! ... So, little by little I'm trying some movements, in search of the person I would like to be... There is a state that I experience on a few occasions, after a nap... Just... There is no purpose in achieving this , it just happens... A delicious state of relaxation that, perhaps, is in my breathing... Any other attempt, (breathe like this or like this, for example) does not bring about this state... . The connection I make is in this ``lack of purpose´´.... which is what would bring this state of calm... My question is based on this idea: would there be some method of just letting the brain be and that it itself find your path making it easier to breathe? I feel that there is a fine line between effort and practice, both speak, I'm talking about what I perceive in myself... about a ``doing'', when it would have more to do with ``listening'' to oneself ...There's a missing link in this that I can't find... Thank you. 🌱
Greetings Rita, You raise a good question. I propose there are holdings that run in the background that your system doesn't understand how to relax out of. Many of the automatic holdings are so persistent that they feel like normal. Occasionally, your system may let its guard down and let you be more relaxed. But the stress of the day makes that a special occasion. The brain is good at running habits. It likes to hold your tension in an equilibrium that it prefers. These tensions define our posture. "True posture" is how your brain is wanting to hold you, not the over-riding attempts of "false posture". These movements allow you to make the easy breathing space, the slack, the relaxed state, you are seeking. These movement allow you to _teach_ your system out of that hidden baseline of tension. The system needs a lesson to re-calibrate the holding patterns. Otherwise, over time, they will ramp up and up and up. I suggest you try this one so see if you can settle the system down with a gentle movement lesson: *Can Gentle TWISTING Free Your BREATHING?* Gentle Slow, Simplest Twisting Washrag Full Version 17m:12s Detailed front and side breathing assessment combined with an easy, slow twisting Somatic movement exercise th-cam.com/video/lfbeq1is-ns/w-d-xo.html A common mistake people make is to not do the right movements. If you are starting out, perhaps work from the top of this playlist: *Start here. Begin your Somatics Experience Here playlist:* th-cam.com/play/PLFLw4vgr7ayiIX9O0hRsMwyxhaK4LTXXF.html Be careful to not go into any strain, discomfort, or pain in the movements. Give your system a loving gentle lesson on how to relax.
Eric, can I ask you for your opinion regarding a fracture of a vertebral end plate: I'm trying to help someone who had this fracture 6 weeks ago (from falling). The healing process is ongoing and can take a few months. The doctors don't recommend any movement, mostly just stay still (even wear support corset). I'm not sure if I agree. I tend to believe, that very gentle (somatic) movements (including the back) can only be beneficial, when done carefully, slowly and of course without any pain. What's your take on this? Thank you!
Greetings Peter, I cannot answer this specific question here on a youtube comment thread. My approach is to not go into strain, discomfort, or pain with any of these movements. That is how i can help people keep it safe. Holding places still quickly makes a crushing tension habit. For your friend, at this time, I can safely suggest panculating places other than the injury to de-escalate the global tensions that take hold after a serious injury. Many people are not open to looking inward so closely as this practice teaches. They just don't want to do it. I let people who are called to it do it. Those who are not, can find their own path. Free the breathing space. Be super-gentle in the movements. Be cautious. Realize: After injury the system will cling to contraction and a person will become trapped in the tensions with the resulting long-term complications. Mostly, the person in the situation you describe needs to be doing the right movements. Some of them are barely movement: (these are the _most_ gentle) These are the most gentle. The side lying version is a good place to start. *Side Lying Somatics for Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain | Gentle Sequence* 14m:01s th-cam.com/video/S9ht8jl4Q0o/w-d-xo.html *Gentle Somatics for Fibromyalgia, and Chronic Pain | Part 1 The Sides, Back, Front* 16m:04s th-cam.com/video/Z4ylCTQAnZQ/w-d-xo.html *Somatics for Fibromyalgia, and people with chronic pain | Part 2 Diagonals of the Back and Front* 10m:04s th-cam.com/video/1eCX6AdX6zc/w-d-xo.html
@@ericcoopersomatics Eric, thank you so much for this super helpful guidance! I am currently learning the lessons you suggested above myself. So that I can teach them to the injured person. Thank you again!
Yes, i see that the awareness is the tool we use. It can be focused. By focusing the awareness on the hidden disconnection of our perception of movement, in these amplified contractions and relaxes, we can re-associate. It cannot be done without the awareness. Because, it takes teaching the nervous system. With the teaching, the system falls into deep habits, the normalized drone of well practiced tensions. Without the awareness we cannot even know where we are stuck. The clarity of your focussed awareness becomes your super-power in the practice of this method. Have you tried this one? It shows you the power of more focussed awareness and control: *Gentle Torso Twisting Washrag for people with chronic pain, soreness, fibromyalgia* 10m:52s With careful crescendo and diminuendo patterns of tension control th-cam.com/video/xkevHAyqAE4/w-d-xo.html This one, too: *Side Lying Somatics for Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain | Gentle Sequence* 14m:01s On TH-cam : th-cam.com/video/S9ht8jl4Q0o/w-d-xo.html Alternate and more elaborate versions of the side-lying movement listed above: *Gentle Somatics for Fibromyalgia, and Chronic Pain | Part 1 The Sides, Back, Front* 16m:04s th-cam.com/video/Z4ylCTQAnZQ/w-d-xo.html *Somatics for Fibromyalgia, and people with chronic pain | Part 2 Diagonals of the Back and Front* 10m:04s th-cam.com/video/1eCX6AdX6zc/w-d-xo.html
*Upcoming US and Europe Workshops:* inspiresomatics.com/workshops/
*Private Sessions for Assessment, Guidance, and Addressing Your Specific Patterns*
Zoom sessions: inspiresomatics.com/schedule-online-video-sessions-2/
In-person sessions: inspiresomatics.com/schedule-office-2-2/
In-person for multiple days: inspiresomatics.com/travel-for-multiple-sesions/
Professional Guidance for Yoga and Somatics Teachers: inspiresomatics.com/professional-training/
All TH-cam Playlists: www.youtube.com/@ericcoopersomatics/playlists
Introduction of Hemi-Sync sound frequencies effect with the somatic is outstanding and unbelievable.
I like that you are experimenting and finding good changes.
did you nebtion that, i might have missed that.
❤YES I have seen the glimmers of my disconnection. All the words in the world are just words with no meaning until one EXPERIENCES it. Thanks for all your videos, Eric!
Yes, so true. Your somatic truth, the new freedom and space that you reclaim and reconnect to, is your truth. Only you can experience it. You are very welcome.
I am happy that you are seeing it at this level. So beautiful. It has to be experienced.
Wishing you suppleness and more discovery in 2024.
Ahh totally makes sense now, keep the body fluid. Thank you!!!!
Yes, The deep habit of repetitive motion, tension adaptation to stress, and reaction to injury all take hold as deep habits that our brains run. What practice do you need to stay loose and supple? You can do it. You can make a change in the right direction.
Have a few movements in your repertoire for Front, back, sides and some twisting. That covers most of it.
Here is a long and short multi movement sequence and a seated sequence you can do in the car.
Long:
*Basic Somatics Miracle SEQUENCE* | Enhance Flexibility, Release Tension, Body Freedom 23m:33s Feel the power of a Somatics as practice. Move toward full-body liberation. This video targets the front, sides, back, and even incorporates gentle twisting movements.
Elbows to the Sky, Side Bend, the Wishbone the Four Leaf Clover, Sunrise,Sunset+the X of the Front, th-cam.com/video/uzF6cdm5aMo/w-d-xo.html
Short:
*Quick Intermediate 3 Movement Practice Sequence to Feel Great* 6m:09s
Elbows to the Sky, Side Bend, Wishbone + Yawn Your Wings from Costa Rica 2022
On youtube, please like, subscribe, comment: th-cam.com/video/zVxbHgZvsuo/w-d-xo.html
Seated in the car:
Steering Wheel Somatics Part 1 Relax Your Back and Back of Shoulders 5m:37s th-cam.com/video/87ENyL52pDA/w-d-xo.html
Steering Wheel Somatics Part 2 Twisting 5m:02s th-cam.com/video/U51IKSsQLv8/w-d-xo.html
Steering Wheel Somatics Part 3 Relax Your Constricted Front & Advanced Twisting 4m:30s th-cam.com/video/eUmbMHUsFss/w-d-xo.html
Steering Wheel Somatics Part 4 Explanation 3m:25s th-cam.com/video/66dGhuWhIdw/w-d-xo.html
Steering Wheel Somatics Part 5 Seated Low Back and Psoas Relax 3m:14s th-cam.com/video/rzY5ENQnReo/w-d-xo.html
Steering Wheel Somatics Part 6 Side Waist and The Inner-X 4m:41s th-cam.com/video/Dae91a5rpxk/w-d-xo.html
*Steering Wheel Somatics Parts 1 to 6 All the episodes together, distilled* 21m:13s th-cam.com/video/HmH0E0Zwv4I/w-d-xo.html
Thank-you. Very helpful.
Thank you for noting that. One of my early mentors would say to me: " Results Matter." They do. To Make a change it does take doing the right movements. It only makes sense to me to address root causes (root holding patterns). Everything else is downstream.
I'm glad I found your channel. Thank you for making these videos. I've been working with a trauma therapist and it's taken me some time to understand somatics.
You are so welcome!
I have a playlist that focuses on the tensions of stress and how you can further teach your nervous system out of the learned habits of tension that it loves to run in the background.
Get Out of Stress! Somatics for the tensions of stress playlist: th-cam.com/play/PLFLw4vgr7ayi01UZkxj4X5X2epj74vDxf.html
Again, and again, and again, remind your tension control auto-pilot how to come out of the tensions of stress.
Maybe this one is helpful, too.
Anxiety Attack and Panic Attack Emergency Movements th-cam.com/play/PLFLw4vgr7aygVXG376Zjs10RKdDVOhT2w.html&si=_BChJa4E4vvAdPNW
I really needed to see this, so glad I found your work, thank you,
You are so welcome. I am glad this is helping make sense of it. Often the boiling-over, the discomfort, is being driven by the opposing lines of tension. For example: sore back is often the result of holding open a persistently tight front. Achy glutes are trying to hold open hidden tightness in the front of the hips. I wish you much suppleness and discovery in 2024.
Your video Inspired me to drop and spend 15 minutes on my Somatics!
You felt inspired. That is part of my mission. The beauty of it is that you were able to take yourself to that fuzzy line between knowing and not-knowing, to the edge of the amnesia we all have in varying degrees. That 15 minutes of Somatics can yield such a good change. I can go from being the guy I don't like to be, annoyed, impatient, overwhelmed, to the calm person I like to be. I hope your practice is helping you find that person you like to be.
What a lovely comment. Thank you, Eric, for your illuminating videos and for sharing your wisdom and point of view with us!
You are very welcome. Practice often to make the change into a new habit of movement freedom.
you remind me so much of my osteopath. he has recently uncovered a lot of my physical and mental trauma and is helping me through somatic exercises. i have just stumbled across your page and watching your videos has brought tears to my eyes. i cannot wait to exercise along side you later on. thank you so much 🖤
I have had a lot of training in Osteo-articular osteopathic techniques. That knowledge is very helpful but Somatics is a more effective method in changing those osteopathic deviations. The nervous system runs the muscles which hold those bones in their positions.
I encourage you to gently progress on this path of exploration. I have a playlist for you to explore. Mostly work from the top of the list downward.
*Start here. Begin your Somatics Experience Here playlist:* th-cam.com/play/PLFLw4vgr7ayiIX9O0hRsMwyxhaK4LTXXF.html
The most important thing is to be present in the movement, to focus your awareness, so that you are teaching your nervous system. It's not stretching. It's controlled contraction and controlled relax.
If you haven't done this movement lesson, i encourage you to try it. It will show you some of my more up-to-date assessment and movements methods:
*Can Gentle TWISTING Free Your BREATHING? Gentle Slow, Simplest Twisting Washrag Full Version* 17m:12s Detailed front and side breathing assessment combined with an easy, slow twisting Somatic movement exercise th-cam.com/video/lfbeq1is-ns/w-d-xo.html
Please let me know if you have questions, or aha moments.
I agree. Each time I stretch I can feel my back muscles contracts which become very painful.
Be very gentle with those sore tight back muscles. Very likely, they are working hard to save the day.
For your sore back, this can be a good movement to start with. It's gentle.
*Side Lying Version: Oh, The Places Your Back Pocket Can Go:* A very gentle movement to relax a tight, sore back.
(Can also be done seated) 26m:12s th-cam.com/video/RhNxOEUJKuM/w-d-xo.html
I have a playlist for relaxing the back. It is important to do some psoas/hip flexion lines as that front of hip tightness recruits the back. This playlist has lots of good options to help your back relax. *Relax your BACK Playlist, in order from Gentle to Most Powerful Pandiculaitons playlist* : th-cam.com/play/PLFLw4vgr7ayg05XG5CH42QxHkgLtp8t8c.html&si=u8c4UGZqG0U3Qeah
Also very important to remember is that the back gets tired of holding open a silently tight front. the front must be addressed to solve most back pain issues
Hunched Postures, Rounded Shoulders, Sunken Chests Playlist: th-cam.com/play/PLFLw4vgr7ayj0YgnU5JKNCjOzUTfgZpTF.html
If your back discomfort is hightly asymmetrical, it is important to clear out the asymmetrical holdings that you system may be stuck in.
If Your Sides Are Different Playlist, 'A scoliosis problem is a tension problem'. Basic Asymmetry Playlist: th-cam.com/play/PLFLw4vgr7ayj1sC-HRPGz7rv_koiiaWVk.html
@@ericcoopersomatics Thank you. X
That was a really simple yet profound, and concise expression of body/being wisdom. The reality of what you shared resonated in me immediately and all i want to know is how to discern and understand better how and where i'm misaligned in breathing space--because i know i am from a mixture of decades-long depression, perfectionism and an extensive relationship with an instrument--and how to begin to re-coordinate/reprogram breath and nervous system choreography.
I'm glad to hear it resonated with you.
You can do the self assessment process with many of my videos right here on youtube.
Start with this one to learn to assess front, front diagonals and side breathing.
It covers that pretty well:
*Can Gentle TWISTING Free Your BREATHING? Gentle Slow, Simplest Twisting Washrag Full Version* 17m:12s Detailed front and side breathing assessment combined with an easy, slow twisting Somatic movement exercise
On TH-cam : th-cam.com/video/lfbeq1is-ns/w-d-xo.html
After that, this video leads with a good side breathing assessment:
*Upper half of the Side Bend:
DETAIL for YOUR RIGHT Side RIBS, Part 1 -*-->>>This one has a very good breathing assessment. 7m:44s th-cam.com/video/wty5R_lP7cw/w-d-xo.html
DETAIL for YOUR LEFT Side RIBS, Part 2 8m:51s th-cam.com/video/XC8PySOLDS0/w-d-xo.html
I need to edit some newer videos about * back breathing* .
These have some:
*The Scorpion Relax your back, Know torso rotation, Open back diagonals, Enjoy back rib breathing* .On TH-cam: th-cam.com/video/MSfjLt8-pcI/w-d-xo.html
The Horseshoe Pandiculation, Pandiculate away your ANGER and IMPATIENCE | Turbulence to Tranquility 5m:54s, Costa Rica 2023
On youtube: th-cam.com/video/AtOvGRCBeqs/w-d-xo.html
This is a more powerful *twisting* movement that focuses on breathing space:
*The Amplified Angel Wing.* Free your torso twist with this advanced pandiculation 4m:56s
On TH-cam: th-cam.com/video/BOCIvUYDJ4w/w-d-xo.html
For the diaphragm:
*Relax your Diaphragm* 15m:52s
Release tension in your diaphragm, the primary muscle of respiration.
This makes the exhale phase of your breathing easier, less effort.
On TH-cam : th-cam.com/video/KvYQV3sND0c/w-d-xo.html
The sides and the Inner-X lines:
*Rib Cage Un-Caged Standing See Saw ribs* , part 1 On TH-cam: th-cam.com/video/LU8qIXVp-_k/w-d-xo.html
*Inner-X rib diagonals, Part 2 On TH-cam:* th-cam.com/video/bvpAMH_Ntf4/w-d-xo.html
Almost every movement I teach is about de-escalating tensions to have an easier breathing space. There are more advanced ways to make the lesson vivid, but basically, see if you can make the movements lessons for your nervous system that the breathing space is dynamic.
How's that for a good start?
Ps. This practice is, in some ways like playing a muscial instrument. There are dynamics, soft to loud to soft. How skillful can the crescendos and diminuendos be?
@@ericcoopersomatics More than i could have ever asked for. Thank you very much. I will start on this journey today. Truly appreciate your time, energy and skills sharing.
I have begun sloooowly following Sara Warren,but I think I have a brain problem because I just don't follow easily. When I do get through some movements I feel so good. Thank you for your channel! I will be watching.
I am glad you found my channel. I think you will find that I teach Somatics a little differently than Sarah Warren.
I have cast aside some of the limits of traditional Somatics. The nervous system is more creative than just getting us stuck in 3 tension patterns.
I have designed movements that allow you to teach your nervous system some different skills, a valuable viewpoint, that the torso is a dynamic space that can become more completely available for easy breathing.
I encourage you to try the movements at the top of this playlist:
*Start here. Begin your Somatics Experience Here playlist:* th-cam.com/play/PLFLw4vgr7ayiIX9O0hRsMwyxhaK4LTXXF.html
It is probably best to explore the playlist from the top.
You may find it easier for your brain to accept my style of teaching. Or maybe not.
Try it. I'd love to hear about what you discover.
@@ericcoopersomatics wow I was excited to receive a response from you but never did I think it would be so entailed I truly appreciate the time it took you to type all this out
Thank you so much for your passion for somatics it truly shows
I will do my best to follow your advice and to get into a routine
And I will certainly come back to let you know how it's going
I have an S curve do you suggest anything else for this?
I have developed many movements for you to address the tensions that tighten your S-curve.
Those movement are a bit more advanced. It is important to be fluent in The Side bend, in order to be able to see what The Inner-X movements are leading you to see.
Learn the side bend quadrants:
*The Side Bend Quadrants
Upper half of the Side Bend:
DETAIL for YOUR RIGHT Side RIBS, Part 1* This one has a very good breathing assessment. 7m:44s th-cam.com/video/wty5R_lP7cw/w-d-xo.html
*DETAIL for YOUR LEFT Side RIBS, Part 2* 8m:51s th-cam.com/video/XC8PySOLDS0/w-d-xo.html
*Lower half of the Side Bend:
DETAIL Part 1 for YOUR RIGHT Side Waist* th-cam.com/video/g9gcWyZ2BEA/w-d-xo.html
*DETAIL Part 2 for YOUR LEFT Side Waist, Lower Half of Side Bend* th-cam.com/video/L4YZ1ZNxlbM/w-d-xo.html
Then so some of the Inner-X assessments:
The Inner-X lines that make S-Curve bends
*Assessment of Contraction Lines Through the Body, the Inner-X Assessment
What are the real patterns of how people are stuck?*
On youtube: th-cam.com/video/IOaQD8Crf4M/w-d-xo.html
*Rib Cage Un-Caged, standing -Do this as Inner-X assessment. Which lines are stuck?
Standing See Saw ribs, Part 1* 6m:56s On TH-cam: th-cam.com/video/LU8qIXVp-_k/w-d-xo.html
*Inner-X diagonals, Part 2* 8m:11s On TH-cam: th-cam.com/video/bvpAMH_Ntf4/w-d-xo.html
For assessment, I think rib-cage uncaged 1 & 2 are a little more clear.
Then work through the Inner-X movements
*The Inner-X, an advanced movement to free your inner breathing diagonals, S Curve Scoliosis*
--->>>0m:00s to 1m:44s has an explanation of the Inner-X line Tension Imbalance and how it relates to breathing constriction and how it locks you into the holding. On TH-cam: th-cam.com/video/5vRH7KdljVw/w-d-xo.html
*The Inner-X Practice Sequence, Take it a little further, Explore the oblique angle lines through the body* 3m:24s
On TH-cam: th-cam.com/video/ci4zu4qrUKU/w-d-xo.html
Focused rotationa movements will also be very important to explore. I have many versions of the Angel Wing to teach places that keep you stuck in a twist.
*Angel Wing Variations Powerful Torso Twisting Playlist* th-cam.com/play/PLFLw4vgr7ayhyIsUIFj4KOvVb-il46Db6.html&si=QUBpcenQs12rcnSB
The Inner-X Playlist:
*The Inner-X, Lines through the body playlist:* th-cam.com/play/PLFLw4vgr7ayhNdAbmTKQbIS4MDkEKO41y.html
It takes practice to make a new habit of more freedom from these tensions.
There are many other aspects to changing the S-Curve, but this will help you see it as stuckness in you your brain is breathing you.
This is my third somatic vid (of yours and actually my 3rd ever.) I really enjoy your explanations. I am 63 and have things I am trying to heal. I took bio feed back and stress management 25 years ago and got rid of my migraines. Mind body connection is awesome. Now working on hips, bursitis, shoulders. Thank you for your great explanations.
By the way are you in Florida? I see one vid (jaws) where you were in Michigan but this vid looks more like my home. I am in Tarpon Springs. Nice to meet you Eric! Thanks for the help!
Thank you for your comment.
The cool thing about body awareness and Somatics is that we don't know the extent of what we're missing. The separation is like an amnesia. We don't know our own amnesia. This process allows you to reconnect to, and know, the spaces and places that are forgotten and misunderstood.
Yes, this video was recorded in Florida, near where my parents live(d) near Sarasota.
To more effectively address hip issues, it takes looking elsewhere. I find it most effective to see the hip problem as the boiling over. Somatics for the hip itself will not get you what you are looking for.
The key signature is the asymmetry of the problem. Learn your specific expression of asymmetry (this means looking beyond the simple view of asymmetry of traditional Somatics)
Work deep into this playlist: (very, very important)
*If Your Sides Are Different Playlist, 'A scoliosis problem is a tension problem'. Asymmetry Playlist:* th-cam.com/play/PLFLw4vgr7ayj1sC-HRPGz7rv_koiiaWVk.html
Especially the *Parallelogram Pattern* movements th-cam.com/video/Q21LWQ2q7Yg/w-d-xo.html , the *Inner-X movements* th-cam.com/play/PLFLw4vgr7ayhNdAbmTKQbIS4MDkEKO41y.html and the more powerful rotational movements like the *Amplified Angel Wing* th-cam.com/video/BOCIvUYDJ4w/w-d-xo.html
.
Leaving a comment to say that somatics is awesome and just to help with your channel grow. I like the way you talk and teach, maybe make a few longer lessons just talking and explaining things:D
What I miss from Hanna somatics is the longer lessons formats which exist in Feldenkrais (from which Hanna somatics developed)
I am glad you are enjoying the exploration and discovery. I have more videos in the works. Currently I'm diverting that effort to help my parents through some aging transitions.
I have heard that request before. This is different than Feldenkrais. The attention is more intensely focused on control. It is important to not be exploring beyond the time the awareness can be focussed. I have done longer classes and long personal practice sessions for myself. You are welcome to combine a bunch of my movements into a series.
Some of my recent interest is how little practice can be enough? Also there are times I practice a for a long time.
In many of my lessons I do explain what we are doing.
On my list of videos to make is more explanation.
*Explanation videos playlist:* th-cam.com/play/PLFLw4vgr7ayidRQCBv3Jnfj0OrRZDMlSF.html
Here are some multi movement sequences that are over 20 minutes:
*Basic Slow 3 Movement Sequence,*
Slow and Careful Whoa, Nellie! Side Bend both sides, Elbows to the Sky 26m:27s
If any part requires forcing or straining, we need to go back to some basics to make it be easy.
On TH-cam: th-cam.com/video/nQWs5lKHUNA/w-d-xo.html
*Basic Somatics Course Full Practice Sequence | Part 1 + Part 2*
Parts 1+2, 21m:20s, The entire movement sequence from my Free Somatics Course Whoa, Nellie! for the back
Elbows to the Sky for the front
Breathing assessment of the sides
The Side Bend, side 1 & 2
Yawn Your Wings side 1 & 2
Sunrise, Sunset + X of the Front side 1 & 2
On youtube: th-cam.com/video/jfiKPWLT11w/w-d-xo.html
*Un-Twist, an Intermediate Practice Sequence* , 24m:56s Pandiculation to get unstuck from twist and rotation.
The first 4m:28s has a 'good enough' twisting assessment.
Side Bend, Teacup, X of the Front + Sunrise, Sunset, Angel Wing
On TH-cam: th-cam.com/video/EdzH2aJH_Rw/w-d-xo.html
*Basic Somatics Miracle SEQUENCE | Enhance Flexibility, Release Tension, Body Freedom* 23m:33s
Feel the power of a Somatics as practice. Move toward full-body liberation. This video targets the front, sides, back, and even incorporates gentle twisting movements.
Elbows to the Sky, Side Bend, the Wishbone the Four Leaf Clover, Sunrise,Sunset+the X of the Front,
On youtube: th-cam.com/video/uzF6cdm5aMo/w-d-xo.html
*Steering Wheel Somatics Parts 1 to 6* All the episodes together, distilled 21m:13s th-cam.com/video/HmH0E0Zwv4I/w-d-xo.html
Thank you
Wow what a vaild point
Thank you sir !
I am glad you found this to be helpful. Zoom out in the approach. Strive to find the root holdings. Practice often. Look deeply and carefully in your Somatics practice. What parts of each opening line don't know how to open, how to relax open? That's what we are looking for. Where is the system confused about allowing easy breathing? Which direction is constricted.
Please let me know if you have further questions on what to explore.
Hello Eric, can you provide scientific evidence to support somatics and also your particular view of somatics?
Greetings, I have a few interpretations of your question.
1) I know you are feeling the benefits of a personal Somatics practice. So in a way, you are doing the experiment and finding your own data that you may interpret as a success.
2) If you are in the position to design and obtain funding for a peer reviewed study of this powerful method, I will be of assistance as much as I can.
4) I have heard talk of one of the more traditional Somatics Institute working on a study to document the effectiveness of the traditional version.
3) Much of Somatics is based on modern neurophysiology. The alpha-gamma co-activation loop is a fact. The problematic issues of stretching, the stretch reflex, that the muculotendous junction and the tenoperiostial junctions are prone to injury with stretching, are all facts. Habituated high levels of tonus are facts that have been poorly addressed by modalities that use manipulation. Thomas Hanna compiled and integrated the work of multiple scientists; Rudolf Magnus (physiology of posture), Andrew Ferguson Fraser (Studies of Pandiculation in Biology), Berta & Karl Bobath (Neurological Rehabilitation), Hans Selye ("The father of stress research" Stress theory), The Medical School of Florida (Where he studied Neurology).
Hanna was also influenced by Elenor Chriswell-Hanna (expertise in biofeedback and psychology), French philosopher Maurice Jean Jacques Merleau-Ponty (Who wrote extensively on the validity of somatic experience and spatiality), Moshe Feldenkrais (who built upon other movement pioneers, developing a method called Awareness Through Movement).
Personally, I believe Hanna was deeply influenced (without giving adequate credit) by the Developmental Psychologist named Stanley Keleman (Get a copy of his book called Emotional Anatomy) . To me it is clear that Hanna may have found a lot in his work. Hanna only briefly mentioned Keleman in his advanced lectures.
Mostly, the practice makes the proof. That is, currently, as much energy as I have to validate.
I have other pages that I have made the explains what Somatics does.
I have a webpage with an explanation for medical professionals: inspiresomatics.com/medical-professionals/
It has a graph that partially explains how pandiculation is so effective at lowering high levels of tonus (resting muscle tension).
😢😢😢😢Need this😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢
This video starts with a lesson in (what I think) is the best way to self-assess, to use gentle breathing in this way:
-->>I start many people off with this one
*Can Gentle TWISTING Free Your BREATHING? Gentle Slow, Simplest Twisting Washrag Full Version* 17m:12s
Detailed front and side breathing assessment combined with an easy, slow twisting Somatic movement exercise th-cam.com/video/lfbeq1is-ns/w-d-xo.html
That video doesn't cover the assessment for the back th-cam.com/video/Bs2hGQHvZWs/w-d-xo.html
and more complex patterns like the Inner-X
*Rib Cage Un-Caged* part 1 th-cam.com/video/LU8qIXVp-_k/w-d-xo.html
Part 2 th-cam.com/video/bvpAMH_Ntf4/w-d-xo.html
And also how we can have breathing limits in rotation: th-cam.com/video/EdzH2aJH_Rw/w-d-xo.html
Make sure you focus on how you are stuck. People think the pain is the problem. The pain is the boiling-over of the situation.
If you feel sad and discouraged Look deeply into the movements of this playlist:
*Stop Being Depressed Playlist. Come out of the grip of it. playlist:* th-cam.com/play/PLFLw4vgr7ayi4gUn7X4D4YtdWyZhqsrSW.html
You can do it. Make simple practice, front, back sides (in any order) and... Practice often.
I can relate to well meaning teachers instructing us to straighten up, stop slouching.
Yes, I have had glimpses of many people telling people to muscle out of "bad" posture. It is so much easier to teach the brain to relax the hidden tensions that are pulling us into those postures.
They do mean well. They just haven't found this easier way.
I have a whole playlist of movements to address this:
*Hunched Postures, Rounded Shoulders, Sunken Chests Playlist:* th-cam.com/play/PLFLw4vgr7ayj0YgnU5JKNCjOzUTfgZpTF.html
So many good options to free yourself from the active, automatic holdings.
It’s actually kind of crazy because I always felt my breathing was shorter than other, especially when doing cool downs in workouts, I’m not able to take in deep breaths or release with the same intensity as breathing in. Huh….crazy what u can learn
Most of my movements are designed to help you access easier breathing.
If you learn the first 3-7 movements of this playlist, you may be pleased with the easy-breathing improvement.
*Start here. Begin your Somatics Experience Here playlist:*
th-cam.com/play/PLFLw4vgr7ayiIX9O0hRsMwyxhaK4LTXXF.html
🥀 Hi, Eric! ... So, little by little I'm trying some movements, in search of the person I would like to be... There is a state that I experience on a few occasions, after a nap... Just... There is no purpose in achieving this , it just happens... A delicious state of relaxation that, perhaps, is in my breathing... Any other attempt, (breathe like this or like this, for example) does not bring about this state... . The connection I make is in this ``lack of purpose´´.... which is what would bring this state of calm... My question is based on this idea: would there be some method of just letting the brain be and that it itself find your path making it easier to breathe? I feel that there is a fine line between effort and practice, both speak, I'm talking about what I perceive in myself... about a ``doing'', when it would have more to do with ``listening'' to oneself ...There's a missing link in this that I can't find... Thank you. 🌱
Greetings Rita,
You raise a good question. I propose there are holdings that run in the background that your system doesn't understand how to relax out of. Many of the automatic holdings are so persistent that they feel like normal. Occasionally, your system may let its guard down and let you be more relaxed. But the stress of the day makes that a special occasion.
The brain is good at running habits. It likes to hold your tension in an equilibrium that it prefers. These tensions define our posture. "True posture" is how your brain is wanting to hold you, not the over-riding attempts of "false posture". These movements allow you to make the easy breathing space, the slack, the relaxed state, you are seeking.
These movement allow you to _teach_ your system out of that hidden baseline of tension. The system needs a lesson to re-calibrate the holding patterns. Otherwise, over time, they will ramp up and up and up.
I suggest you try this one so see if you can settle the system down with a gentle movement lesson:
*Can Gentle TWISTING Free Your BREATHING?* Gentle Slow, Simplest Twisting Washrag Full Version 17m:12s Detailed front and side breathing assessment combined with an easy, slow twisting Somatic movement exercise
th-cam.com/video/lfbeq1is-ns/w-d-xo.html
A common mistake people make is to not do the right movements.
If you are starting out, perhaps work from the top of this playlist:
*Start here. Begin your Somatics Experience Here playlist:* th-cam.com/play/PLFLw4vgr7ayiIX9O0hRsMwyxhaK4LTXXF.html
Be careful to not go into any strain, discomfort, or pain in the movements.
Give your system a loving gentle lesson on how to relax.
Eric, can I ask you for your opinion regarding a fracture of a vertebral end plate:
I'm trying to help someone who had this fracture 6 weeks ago (from falling).
The healing process is ongoing and can take a few months.
The doctors don't recommend any movement, mostly just stay still (even wear support corset). I'm not sure if I agree. I tend to believe, that very gentle (somatic) movements (including the back) can only be beneficial, when done carefully, slowly and of course without any pain. What's your take on this?
Thank you!
Greetings Peter,
I cannot answer this specific question here on a youtube comment thread. My approach is to not go into strain, discomfort, or pain with any of these movements. That is how i can help people keep it safe. Holding places still quickly makes a crushing tension habit.
For your friend, at this time, I can safely suggest panculating places other than the injury to de-escalate the global tensions that take hold after a serious injury.
Many people are not open to looking inward so closely as this practice teaches. They just don't want to do it. I let people who are called to it do it. Those who are not, can find their own path.
Free the breathing space. Be super-gentle in the movements. Be cautious. Realize: After injury the system will cling to contraction and a person will become trapped in the tensions with the resulting long-term complications.
Mostly, the person in the situation you describe needs to be doing the right movements. Some of them are barely movement: (these are the _most_ gentle)
These are the most gentle. The side lying version is a good place to start.
*Side Lying Somatics for Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain | Gentle Sequence* 14m:01s
th-cam.com/video/S9ht8jl4Q0o/w-d-xo.html
*Gentle Somatics for Fibromyalgia, and Chronic Pain | Part 1 The Sides, Back, Front* 16m:04s
th-cam.com/video/Z4ylCTQAnZQ/w-d-xo.html
*Somatics for Fibromyalgia, and people with chronic pain | Part 2 Diagonals of the Back and Front* 10m:04s th-cam.com/video/1eCX6AdX6zc/w-d-xo.html
@@ericcoopersomatics Eric, thank you so much for this super helpful guidance! I am currently learning the lessons you suggested above myself. So that I can teach them to the injured person. Thank you again!
Where awareness of movements fits into this? Some feldenkrais person says awareness is vital.
Yes, i see that the awareness is the tool we use. It can be focused. By focusing the awareness on the hidden disconnection of our perception of movement, in these amplified contractions and relaxes, we can re-associate. It cannot be done without the awareness. Because, it takes teaching the nervous system. With the teaching, the system falls into deep habits, the normalized drone of well practiced tensions. Without the awareness we cannot even know where we are stuck.
The clarity of your focussed awareness becomes your super-power in the practice of this method.
Have you tried this one? It shows you the power of more focussed awareness and control:
*Gentle Torso Twisting Washrag for people with chronic pain, soreness, fibromyalgia* 10m:52s
With careful crescendo and diminuendo patterns of tension control
th-cam.com/video/xkevHAyqAE4/w-d-xo.html
This one, too:
*Side Lying Somatics for Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain | Gentle Sequence* 14m:01s
On TH-cam : th-cam.com/video/S9ht8jl4Q0o/w-d-xo.html
Alternate and more elaborate versions of the side-lying movement listed above:
*Gentle Somatics for Fibromyalgia, and Chronic Pain | Part 1 The Sides, Back, Front* 16m:04s th-cam.com/video/Z4ylCTQAnZQ/w-d-xo.html
*Somatics for Fibromyalgia, and people with chronic pain | Part 2 Diagonals of the Back and Front* 10m:04s th-cam.com/video/1eCX6AdX6zc/w-d-xo.html