I have a soft spot in my heart for Hollyhock. My history with Hollyhock dates back to the early days in the 1980’s! I came to visit with my father and we stayed in the beach suites where we enjoyed the natural wonders, gardens and locally grown food. I met a girl my age who lived on the property and we instantly connected, creating mischief together and immersing ourselves in the magic of the moment. We are still friends close to 40 years later and I had the great joy of celebrating her marriage on the lands that Hollyhock sits on.
I was delighted when Peter Wrinch asked me to put a movement meditation together for the Shine the Light celebration of Hollyhock’s 40th year. It was a chance for me to ruminate on my personal connection with Hollyhock on the beautiful island of Cortes. I realized that it had been a part of my life for so long and that over those years I not only grew into myself, but additionally had opportunities to be exposed to and learn from knowledgeable and inspiring teachers from far and wide. It also warms my heart knowing that my children spent many sunny and rainy days exploring on the Hollyhock beach and discovering campus treasures.
I taught my first retreat in the beautiful Raven studio 20 years ago (I was surprised by this number when I checked back to find the date) and still enjoy the beauty of the land, the deep learning and connection, supportive community dialogue, delicious food and wonderful people. The magical alchemy of the group dynamic and the work that people show up prepared to do and the even deeper connections that they discover and share are moving and inspiring and so rewarding physically, emotionally and spiritually.
I am grateful to have the chance to facilitate another year of movement exploration, shedding of unnecessary layers of stress and the chance for people to discover the potential of their own healing.
Join me for this wellness journey as we travel through your body and brain, re-educating the connections between them with neuromuscular training, techniques for calming the nervous system for an overall sense of ease at the Unwind retreat, June 14-19, 2024.
Watch this short video for a brief glimpse at some of the gentle movements that we will explore in the Unwind program from June 14 -19, 2024, these rolls offer myriad benefits.
Rolling up each side of the back from pelvis to skull, is a way to create a sensory and experiential anatomy road map for ourselves to improve our self awareness and proprioception.
Rolling the sternum is a simple yet powerfully effective roll for increasing breath capacity, suppleness of the rib cage, restoring youthfulness and releasing tissues relating to the neck and shoulders.
These Somatic Movements, in the tradition of Thomas Hanna, begin with a Soma Scan- where we observe ourselves and what we sense in our body in the present moment without judgement. Arch & Flatten are the fundamental base movements that address two very important reflex patterns in the body. These movements restore balance and ease between the back and front of the body, encourage better neuromuscular control and bring calmness to the nervous system. A brief soma scan at the end allows us to compare and contrast any changes that we notice from doing the movements and allows our brain to integrate these positive changes.
Every roll and movement can be adjusted to support any injuries, areas of concern and restrictions.
Gift yourself the time and space to focus on your whole self and whole health and learn the tools to continue your practice at home and walk away with a sense of renewed hope.
Benefits to Yamuna® Body Rolling & Essential Somatics®:
Rolling the back and spine serve several purposes, all aimed at improving the health, flexibility, and alignment of the spine and surrounding tissues.
Release Tension: Rolling the spine helps to release tension and tightness in the muscles, fascia, and connective tissues along the spinal column. This can be particularly beneficial for people who experience stiffness or discomfort in the back due to factors like poor posture, repetitive movements, or sedentary lifestyles.
Enhances Flexibility: By gently mobilizing the spine through rolling, improvements to spinal flexibility and range of motion are noticeable. This can contribute to greater ease of movement in daily activities and reduce the risk of stiffness or injury.
Facilitates Mind-Body Connection: By focusing attention on the sensations experienced during rolling, practitioners can develop a deeper mind-body connection and cultivate mindfulness in their movement practices.
Relieves Compression: The gentle pressure and traction applied during spine rolling can help to alleviate compression in the spinal column, particularly in areas where vertebrae may be compressed due to factors like gravity, poor posture, or muscle tension. This can contribute to a sense of spaciousness and freedom in the spine.
Promotes Alignment: Rolling the spine in specific directions and angles can help to encourage proper alignment of the vertebrae and spinal structures. Over time, this can lead to improved posture and spinal alignment, reducing strain on the back and supporting overall musculoskeletal health.
Pain Reduction: A healthy spine is associated with reduced risk of back pain and other musculoskeletal discomforts. When the spine is properly aligned and functioning optimally, it can better withstand the stresses and strains of daily activities, reducing the likelihood of pain and discomfort.
Mobility and Flexibility: A healthy spine allows for optimal mobility and flexibility. It enables us to move freely in all directions without restriction or discomfort. This mobility is essential for performing daily activities, participating in exercise and recreational activities, and maintaining independence as we age.
Organ Function: Proper spinal alignment can also support optimal function of the organs housed within the thoracic and abdominal cavities. When the spine is misaligned or under stress, it can interfere with nerve signals that control organ function, potentially leading to issues such as digestive problems or compromised respiratory function.
Energy Levels and Vitality: A healthy spine is associated with higher energy levels and vitality. When the spine is aligned and free from tension or compression, energy can flow more freely throughout the body, leaving us feeling more energized, alert, and vibrant.
Emotional Well-being: There is a strong connection between physical health and emotional well-being. Chronic pain or discomfort associated with spinal issues can have a significant impact on mood, stress levels, and overall quality of life. Conversely, a healthy spine can contribute to a sense of well-being, confidence, and resilience.
Overall, a healthy spine and thoracic cage play a critical role in supporting optimal physical, neurological, and emotional health, thereby enhancing overall quality of life and well-being. It allows us to move, function, and thrive in our daily lives with greater ease, comfort, and vitality.
