Later Prevertebrate and Spinal Vertebrate Patterns: The Central Axis, Moving Into Form and the Development of Self
The Basic Neurocellular Patterns (BNP) establish a foundation on which we build our movement, physical, perceptual, emotional and cognitive process. They guide our interaction with gravity and space, our sense of self, our relationship with others and the environment.
Each movement pattern is a reference point to experientially explore and gain insights into your practice. Once fully embodied they allow us to enter with more ease into the fullness of our being, and to live our lives with greater confidence, flexibility and presence.
This module explores the bridge between the Later Prevertebrate and Spinal Vertebrate Patterns. We will explore the transition from radial symmetry organized around the navel, to the formation of our central vertical core around the longitudinal axis. The vertical axis is composed of three tubular structures: gut tube, notochord, and neural tube. These patterns manifest as softness, flexibility, and strength in our bodies, flowing easily yet turgidly strong. They provide us with a sense of inner calm and effortlessness, and create the foundation for the later
development of our arms and legs.
Mouthing through the gut tube initiates the vertical axis from the front. In this pattern the mouth/head becomes the leading limb of the upper body and the anus/tail becomes the locomotor limb of the lower body. Together they create an undulating vertical axis, resulting in bisymmetry of the body.
In Prespinal we will explore the notochord as the central channel in the exact center of the body. It is the organizational unit of the body and is the foundation for the development of the vertebral column. The neural tube develops the vertical axis from the back of the body and is the basis for the development of our sensitive nervous system. This pattern creates our inner soft quiet spine.
Spinal is the first vertebrate pattern. In the creation of the vertebral column the bony vertebrae wrap around the notochord and neural tube. This provides containment, protection, and strength to our inner fluidity, softness, and sensitivity within our vertical axis. Movement initiated in the spine provides the foundation for the movement of our arms and legs.
Embryological Foundations
To deepen our embodiment of the later prevertebrate and spinal vertebrate patterns, we will explore the embryological three layers of the body and the structures and consciousness that manifest through our vertical axis.