2020 Fall Series of classes with Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen – Online!
It is through our spine that we experience the central core that we call ‘self’. When our spine moves through space, we move through space. When our spine is still, we are still.
When the forces passing through our spine and head flow freely upward and downward, our mind is quiet and calm. Forces applied perpendicular to or at a tangent to this vertical flow inhibit the energy field of our central axis and sense of self.
In this Fall Series of classes, we will explore the spine and related structures and processes, nurturing a deeper relationship with our central core. Through these explorations, you will have an opportunity to:
- Establish a dynamic and adjustable support for your spine upon the mobile pelvic bones of your legs.
- Generate the breathing support of your spine by the unified diaphragm composed of the thoracic and pelvic diaphragms.
- Free the movement of your head and neck by activating your hyoid bone on the front of your neck as a functional support of your spine.
Engage your arms and ribs to express your feelings and balance your spine. - Rest in the ease of your soft spine, the spatial channel that informs the rest of your body that it exists.
- Feel the protection of your contained spine embracing your spinal cord and brain.
In this series of classes, Bonnie will share insights and principles drawn from her 50 years of pioneering work in embodied anatomy, embodied developmental movement, embryological development, and psychophysical integration. The underlying theme of these explorations will be cellular consciousness. Each class will draw from specific anatomical, developmental, or other material and will be approached from the perspective of cellular experience and cellular knowing.
CELLULAR CONSCIOUSNESS
Each cell in our body has living intelligence. It is capable of knowing itself, initiating action, and communicating with all other cells. The individual cell and the community of cells (tissue, organ, body) exist as separate entities and as one whole at the same moment. Cellular consciousness is a state in which all cells have equal opportunity for expression, receptivity, and cooperation. Attuning ourselves to our cellular consciousness brings us to a place in which we can find the ground from which flows the intricate manifestations of our physical, psychological, and spiritual being.
EMBODIMENT
Embodiment emerges from our cells’ awareness of themselves. It is a direct experience. There are no intermediate steps or translations. There is no guide, no witness – just the fully known consciousness of the experienced moment initiated from the cells. Here, the brain is the last to know. The process of embodiment is a being process, not a doing process. It is an awareness process, not a thinking process. There is complete knowing and peaceful comprehension. Out of this embodiment process emerges feeling, sensing, thinking, witnessing, understanding, compassion. The source of this process is free; it is love.
PARTICIPANTS FOR THIS SERIES
In these classes, we will explore internal movement and awareness as a foundation for external movement through space. This will allow us to engage with movement and consciousness from a deep and open cellular perspective. There are no prerequisites for taking these classes. Participants should have some experience with movement practices, somatic approaches, or psychophysical disciplines. No previous experience with Body-Mind Centering® is necessary. Join Bonnie with a sense of curiosity and inquiry about movement, the body, and consciousness.
CLASSES
Bonnie may return to the same material in some classes and present it again from different perspectives. The specific principles explored in each class can be helpful, even life changing, in themselves, but the essence that Bonnie would like to transmit is that there is a way to learn, a way to access your body and mind, a way to relate to yourself and others that emerges from the deeply rooted knowing of your cells. This essence is not a one-time exposure to a piece of information – it is a practice in a way of perceiving through which you learn from your own cellular experience. Exploring the material in between classes is an important way to continue your practice and deepen your embodiment and understanding.
RECORDINGS
These classes will be recorded and registered participants will have access to the class recordings. Registration includes unlimited access to the video recordings of classes. You can watch them whenever you want and as many times as you want, even after the Fall Series is over.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Have questions? Answers to many Frequently Asked Questions can be found here.
DATES: October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 and November 5, 12, 19 (2020)
TIME: Thursdays 11:00 am – 12:30 pm (California, USA)
PRICE: $300