Clinical Somatics

Lesson 1. Hanna begins Lesson 1 with a compelling argument for why conscious and deliberate breathing is so important. He follows with a detailed anatomical exploration underlying the mechanics of breathing, and gradually segues into the means by which Red Light, or Startle Reflex is triggered. The sole movement pattern taught is the corkscrew body twist excerpted from Lesson 4 in the Myth of Aging series. Theory: 80%/Movement: 20%. ****

Lesson 2. Lesson 2 has listeners working from both lying-on-your-side positions. The top, lead, arm extends forward, up, over, and behind to open the chest for fuller breathing. Hanna waxes engagingly philosophical on the politics of freedom intermixed with the politics of breathing. (Similar to Lesson 4 in the Rounded Shoulders/ Depressed chests series.) 70%/30%. *****

Lesson 3. Listeners start supine with legs crossed to lower legs to either side, ala Lesson 4 in the Myth of Aging series. Though this movement pattern is, ostensibly, redundant there are many useful details having to do with muscular function and engagement not covered in the earlier series. Hanna builds on this exercise to achieve a relaxed and lengthened abdomen for fuller breathing. 50%/50% ****

Lesson 4. In Lesson 4 listeners begin laying prone, tossing the bent legs side-to-side. Hanna builds on this pattern to progressively release muscles of the trunk and abdomen 40%/60%. ****

Lesson 5. Here you