Balancing the Two Sides of the Body: Embodying Integral Pelvic, Spinal, and Brain Connections through Movement, Touch, and Consciousness (2024 Fall Series Part 1 & 2)

Get 10% off all on-demand courses! Discount is automatically applied at checkout. CLASS 1 OF THIS COURSE IS FREE! When our body is in balance, we feel in harmony within ourselves and are able to interact with others and our environment from a more grounded place. The lower spine, pelvis, and related structures establish a key internal support and, when embodied, can bring a profound sense of balance to the two sides of the body. Using a multi-systems exploration of the integral connections that underlie this support, this course explores balancing the two sides of the body by:  Recognizing and releasing neurological and tissue restrictions in the base of the pelvis and spine Revitalizing the structures of our lower pelvis and spine: bones, muscles, organs, and nerves We approach these structures through: Discovering the unique embryological origins of the lower spine and pelvis Embodying their current adult structures Integrating their cellular matrix with their spinal nerve innervation Unifying the two sympathetic ganglionic chains through the ganglion impar in front of the coccyx (sympathetic nervous system) Experiencing the sacral autonomic nervous system plexus (usually considered to be parasympathetic) as a counterbalance to the sympathetic nervous system innervation from each spinal nerve Condensing of fat cells to release stored energy, tone muscles for increased strength, and bring a sense of lightness, fluidity, and ease Clarifying fascial lines of flow to bring connectivity and flow through the whole body For those of you who have been engaged in previous series with me, this course integrates much of what we have covered before and brings exciting new insights for your ongoing practice of embodiment. For those of you new to my online series, it is an introduction to a multi-systems approach to experiencing deeper physical strength. resiliency, and inner clarity; creating a calmer, integrated, and balanced sense of self; and responding to others from an engaged and grounded place. This course is for you if you would like to: Find greater balance in the two sides of your body Expand freedom of movement through your lower spine, pelvis, and hip joints Understand the relationship between physical and emotional patterns and your anatomy Improve your posture with sustained ease Transform heavy static fat into light mobile fat Develop greater strength, flexibility, groundedness, and buoyancy Themes and material are drawn from: The coccyx, as well as being the end of the vertebral column (tail), is a site of confluence for many functions. It influences breathing, spinal support, brain and spinal cord function, sympathetic nervous system function, and the flow of energy through the central channel The distinctive embryological development of the lower portions of the spinal cord, spinal nerves, vertebral column, vertebral muscles, and pelvic organs The pelvis as four separate units – two pelvic bones, pubic disk, and sacrum The pelvic diaphragm as the foundation for movement of the lower limbs and the lower spine The unified diaphragm (thoracic and pelvic diaphragms) Sympathetic ganglionic chains (sympathetic nervous system) Filum terminale and the anchoring of the brain and spinal cord Crura of the thoracic diaphragm as support for the lower spine Anterior and posterior longitudinal ligaments as supports for the vertebral column Junction of the spinal cord between S2-S3 is the site of the autonomic nervous system plexes (S2-S4) which are commonly seen as the part of the craniosacral parasympathetic nervous system Lumbosacral plexus – nerves innervating the abdominal, pelvic, and perineal organs and the lower limbs Muscles of the lower vertebral column (S3-Coccyx) Lower urogenital organs Lower anorectal canal Fat, as one of the largest endocrine organs, affects the mobility and strength of the whole body Fascia as the tissue of connectivity and flow The practices and explorations presented in this course have a deep relationship with the lower urogenital organs, the digestive system, and the spine (lower spinal cord and the vertebral column and associated muscles. They also influence the balance between the two sides of the body, the equilibrium between parasympathetic and sympathetic functions, and autonomic and somatic pathways. Bonnie may return to the same material in some classes and present it again from different perspectives. The specific principles explored in each class can be helpful, even life changing, in themselves, but the essence that Bonnie would like to transmit is that there is a way to learn, a way to access your body and mind, a way to relate to yourself and others that emerges from the deeply rooted knowing of your cells. Bonnie shares insights and principles drawn from her more than 50 years of pioneering work in an embodied approach to anatomy, developmental movement, embryological development, and psychophysical integration. In each class, cellular consciousness guides our explorations. There are no prerequisites for taking this course. Participants should have some experience with movement practices, somatic approaches, or psychophysical disciplines. Some experience with Body-Mind Centering® can be helpful but is not necessary.  Join Bonnie with a sense of curiosity and inquiry about movement, the body, and consciousness. REGISTRATION INCLUDES 10 recorded classes (90-102 minutes each, English captions) Unlimited lifetime access to the class recordings 80 downloadable documents and illustrations A list of the material Bonnie presented in each class can be found on the 2024 Fall Series Part 1 & 2 Class Index.