Somatic Movement For Daily Living Richard Hudspith

Apr 18, 2013 |19:02-19:02

Somatic Movement For Daily Living (Yoga)

With all the stress in our lives, we often forget how to restore the body back to a stress-free state, one in which the muscles are relaxed and soft, rather than being tight and rigid. Somatics not only relax muscles and reduce muscle pain, but the exercises also soften and soothe the nervous system. This is a distinct and important benefit. Somatics movement is useful for everyone: from the physically active to those who are more sedentary. It prepares the body for activities like walking, running, hiking or playing sports (tennis, basketball, soccer etc.) by lengthening muscle tissue. For those who spent more time sitting, Somatic movement develops greater flexibility in the hips, back, trunk and shoulders. It also reduces the debilitating effects of back, neck and shoulder pain. All Somatic exercises are practiced slowly, actively and without force. Because the movements in Somatics are slow and deliberate, they are healing and restorative. The intent behind moving slowly and actively is so a student can, with awareness, feel how a muscle contracts and relaxes, as well as recognizing other muscles that also contract to assist that specific muscle. Through the practice of Somatics, people gain greater sensory motor awareness and body intelligence. With this increased awareness, people learn to use the muscles in their trunk and rib cage more effectively so that when they sit, stand or walk their posture is more aligned. Just as important, they realize when their muscles are out of alignment and know what to do in order to correct in this imbalance. This is the value of body intelligence. The process of aging can be either an adaptive or maladaptive process. It is often a matter of perspective and our own awareness. We learn how to be in the body through our experience and a Somatic practice can teach anyone to be in their body in a functionally healthier way. Benefits include feeling more relaxed and holding less tension in the body, reduced pain or inflammation in the body (back, shoulder, hip and neck), c reating heightened sensor motor awareness in the body, feeling more centered and open in the upper back and shoulders, feeling more awareness in the pelvis, spine and hips, your thought process being clearer/being more productive at work and improved posture when sitting.

Richard Hudspith

Richard HudspithAn educator with over 15 years experience, Richard began his exploration of Somatics in 2000. He completed 2 years of trauma training (Somatic Experiencing) and spent the next 6 years studying Hanna Somatic Education and taking Somatic workshops. (i.e. When the Body Arches). Having suffered a herniated disc, multiple car accidents and other trauma, Richard has used Somatics to heal himself and learned the valuable therapeutic and rehabilitative nature of Somatic movement. In 2007 Richard became a Level 1 Somayog instructor and recently completed his Level 2 certification. Somayog is a yoga style, which involves Somatic movement and yogic breathing. It is the Somatic perspective that inspires Richard. He encourages students to explore each pose and to be present while they practice. Through this, students discover their felt sense and greater body awareness.
www.yogaforeveryone.ca

Event Location

  • Aerobics Studio