Movement Intelligence Australasia October Newsletter

I just taught a Sphincter workshop this weekend, there was one male in the group amongst a mixed age group of females ranging from middle 20’s to late 60’s. Students gave me their feedback, they were all so good that I have included them all. It was such a joy to teach this group, they were responsive, their enquiry was deep and their questions were thoughtful. They explored, they listened and developed more awareness of their own bodies. Exploring the sphincters is such potent work. For myself personally, the sphincters have supported me in so many ways from recovering after post abdominal surgery, birthing, core stability, pelvic control and strength and finally for reducing high tone and stiffness

I will run another Sphincter day on Saturday 25th November.

Time: 9am to 4pm

Cost: $100

EARLY BIRD $80 - paid by 1st November.

Where: Mullumbimby Douphraite House studio.

You will receive handout sheets to take home with you to practise and explore with at home.

Questionnaire Responses

What information did you learn from this weekend?

• Pelvic stability and the function of the sphincters and the reinforcement of memory physically as well as intellectually.

• How simple (not necessarily easy) it is to connect the body for ease of movement and function. How different body parts that seem to have no relevance to other body functions are so connected, by using a few relatively simple exercises.

• Pressing the balls of the feet back for walking propulsion in axis are useful in walking and core firming. Connecting the sphincters with the fingers. The sphincters are useful for toilet training and standing up from a chair.

• The incredible connection of the sphincters as a whole system in the body. The importance of rediscovering primal movements used with amphibian creatures, jelly fish, snakes etc. The sphincters give more spring in all movements and less rigidity – propelling movement.

• Learning how to be more in touch and connected to my body and how my body moves and reacts to certain movements was interesting and useful for my everyday life.

• The interconnectedness within the body and psycho-somatic impact of Movement Intelligence. Great support with pelvic stability, strength and ease. The excellence of the sphincter system in the body. My body needs to work more and breath finds its own rhythm.

• That effortless gives me more clear feedback. Sharing with the facilitator if I can’t understand or follow instructions help me find a way to do the movement. Awareness of the sphincters and how they relate to my whole systems function has been a revelation. And a lot more accessible than I thought.

• I found a variety of different ways to activate the sphincters in many different situations. I became more aware and could feel their responses.

What strategies can you take home with you from the workshop?

• Finding ways of incorporating activation, into existing activities eg walking plus going to the toilet. Recognizing the space between in breath and out breath as the place and time of release for change in movement.

• When exploring the Bow and Arrow – finding the balance of my pelvis. I have a wrap at home and now I will begin to use again. Index, middle and little finger and the awareness of the pelvic girdle. I loved the “cylinder” image for recruiting intra-abdominal pressure. And I loved the “SH” out-breath and then allow the in-breath.

• Finding the sit bones for comfortable sitting. Using the mouth and sound to ease movement and pain and increase strength.

• I’m going to be trying a lot of the movements and sounds on the toilet. Especially the “SH” sound.

• I particularly like the hands pulling and finger closing together, that can be practised anywhere anytime. The suckling of your thumb also is an easy strategy. The Bow and Arrow, also is a good strategy for pelvic instability.

• Lots and not to apply core strength continuously in walking and that the front and back rhythmically strengthen and relax when engaging the sphincters.

• Hopefully most of what was learnt (if remembered) is relatively easy to fit into everyday life.

• Bow and Arrow movement. Suckling movement. Body awareness. Integration.