The Limb Patterns: Periphery & Connectivity, Moving Into Relationship
This module will build from the Spinal Vertebrate Patterns to the dynamic relationship of the Limb Patterns. These patterns manifest as balance, power, flexibility, strength and stability. They help us to synthesize three-dimensional movement internally within our body and externally through space. When integrated, movement can flow easily from center to periphery, peripheral to center, top to bottom, bottom to top, left and right, right and left, diagonally and spiralicaly. The balance of the body is able to organize multidimensionally around our central axis.
The Spinal Patterns build upon the establishment of the vertical axis in prespinal and lay the foundation for the development of the limb patterns. Movement initiated in the spine provides the base for the movement of our arms and legs. All of the limb patterns orient the limbs toward the spine and midline, and orient the spine towards the limbs and lateral lines.
The limb patterns begin with the Homologous Patterns. They establish symmetrical movement, midline orientation, and a broad base of support. They develop strength and grounding through our relationship with gravity and the earth. Our upper body and lower body differentiate and integrate.
Homolateral Patterns are the first asymmetrical patterns. They establish right and left sidedness, and lateral line orientation. These two-part patterns differentiate and integrate the two sides of our body. Embodying our left and right sides contributes to our sense of balance, and lateral shifting of weight side to side.
Contralateral Patterns build on and integrate all the previous patterns by establishing diagonal integration of the limbs. They differentiate and integrate the four diagonal quadrants of the body, and synthesize three-dimensional movement within our body and through external space.
Embryological Foundations: To deepen our embodiment of the limb patterns we will explore the development of whole body tone, the central core of the body, and the growth of the limbs.