Menu Expand
Awakening Somatic Intelligence

Awakening Somatic Intelligence

Graeme Lynn

(2016)

Additional Information

Book Details

Abstract

Focussing on distinct body practice from a range of different methods, Graeme Lynn demonstrates how to use the physical body to encourage general health and wellbeing. Starting with the fundamental concepts of movement to more advanced practice, this book will serve as a comprehensive guide to developing the physical body to transform the quality of movement, and bring greater pleasure and effectiveness into every action.

Specific lessons include The Alexander Technique, The Feldenkrais Method, and Hatha Yoga. Describing the core benefits of these methods, why they complement each other and how to use them, this is essential reading for students and practitioners of somatic methods as well as anyone interested in learning new ways to optimise health and wellbeing.


Through his uncommonly broad experience and practice with the Alexander Technique, Feldenkrais Method, Hatha yoga, Rolfing and Hanna Somatics, Graeme Lynn has clarified the underlying principles that unify them. In this thoughtful and insightful analysis, Graeme effectively highlights their similarities and differences and provides the reader with interesting and practical exploratory exercises to deepen self-understanding . His book is a 'must read' for both experienced practitioners and also for those interested in improving the quality of functional life.
Al Wadleigh, Guild Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner, owner of TheFeldenkraisStore.com
Informative and insightful. If you are interested in how you move, breathe and think, this is the book for you. Lynn's wide ranging experience and years of explorative study is clearly presented and delivered. Read it and learn more about yourself.
Carolyn Nicholls, AT teacher, head of training at Brighton Alexander Technique College, and author of Body Breath and Being, and The Posture Workbook
Graeme Lynn is a somatic integrationist, melding the ideas of Moshe Feldenkrais, F.M. Alexander and Hatha Yoga into a valuable resource for both the knowledgeable and the initiates among us. At the centre of this book lies learning, awareness and the basic principles of good self-organization. Enjoy this book and improve your health
David Zemach-Bersin, senior Feldenkrais practitioner and trainer, Feldenkrais Institute of New York, and original student of Dr Moshe Feldenkrais
I have known Graeme Lynn for over 35 years and his lifetime's study of somatic methodology shines through in this volume, "Awakening Somatic Intelligence". Graeme has brought together three unique streams of thought and practice in an exemplary fashion. A treasure chest for the neophyte but equally valuable to the experienced practitioner. An important book to include on one's journey toward conscious awareness.
Marta Hunter, senior Alexander Technique teacher and trainer, Vancouver, BC
Graeme Lynn has studied and practiced the Alexander Technique and the Feldenkrais Method for more than thirty years. He has trained as well in Hatha yoga and Ida Rolf's structural bodywork and is among a handful of individuals who studied intensively with Thomas Hanna. His continued commitment to the practice of somatic methodology has resulted in successful client-based and personal work in the resolution of functional issues.

Table of Contents

Section Title Page Action Price
Awakening Somatic Intelligence - Understanding, Learning and Practicing the Alexander Technique, Feldenkrais Method and Hatha Yoga by Graeme Lynn 3
The Natural State 9
Introduction 11
The Infinite Network of Possibility 11
Freedom from Reaction - Michael D. Frederick 14
The Nature of Water 19
Summary Views 25
The Evolution of a Technique 25
Essentials of the Work 34
Freedom 35
The foundation of learning 36
The integrity of the physical mechanism 36
Relaxation 36
The human process as an integrated psychophysical event 37
The universality of self-contracting habits of movement, coordination and acture \nand the resultant unreliability of \nself-sensing and vicious spiral of increasingly unreliable and ineffective function 38
The fourteen senses 40
The fact of a senior organizing function 42
The importance of good habits 43
Structure, Function, Self‑Organization and Use 44
Yoga: Structure and function 47
Basic Coordination 49
Motor concepts and percepts 50
The causes of pain 52
The actural dynamic 55
The hip joints, the movement of the pelvis and grounding 57
More on giving directions 58
Organizing Principles 62
Use 62
Attention (interested observation) 63
Intelligence 64
The primary control 66
Sensorimotor Unreliability 67
Self-correction 69
Self-contraction 69
Holism 71
Intention 71
The four imaginary centres 73
The frontal line 74
Tensegrity 75
Habit, learning and freedom 76
Lessons 77
A First Possible Lesson 77
A Second \n(Impossible) Lesson 86
Teaching Remarks 91
Ends and means 92
Manipulations 95
Evolutions 95
Positions of mechanical advantage 96
Elemental movements 97
Applications 98
Illustrations: Writing and lifting 98
Breathing 100
The whispered ‘ah’ 101
The Tarzan breath 102
Hands on the back of a chair 103
Alternative approaches to the organization of function 104
Awareness Through Movement 111
An analysis of movement 116
Pain as misinformation 119
Intelligence 123
Awareness 123
Release and differentiation 124
Directed movement 128
Emergent learning 129
Integration 130
Intelligence in Action 133
Abbreviations 137
Hatha Yoga 158
A Somatic Approach 158
Stretching 159
Alignment and symmetry 161
Pain as information 163
General instructions 164
Questions and Answers 181
Isn’t good posture really just a matter of holding oneself properly? 181
What makes a movement good? 183
Is the Alexander Technique a remedy for arthritis? 184
Will the Technique make me look better? 186
Can elderly people benefit from these methods? 187
Can chiropractic and massage help a bad back? 188
What about physical exercise? 190
My physiotherapist tells me to strengthen my abdominal muscles to stabilize my back: is that correct? 191
Will I always have to work on myself? 192
Can the Technique be useful in the field of healthcare? 193
Final Words 197
Individual Practice 197
The bodily patterns of effort, anxiety, protection and collapse 197
Freedom in Action 201
References 203
Recommended Reading 205
Acknowledgments 207