really...what's in a name?
Essentials: the body of work blending ball and roller release with core activation and stretching. Body self-care that supports doing everything we care about. It was named Essentials way before the emergence of pandemic-related essential workers and essential services. And, exactly two years ago, in a moment of pandemic-induced fluidity, the name held as I pivoted to on-line sessions.
For two years now, nearly every Friday morning, from my home studio, alone together, we do the essentials. In the last year I added a monthly live class on my backyard deck. And I have my eyes on neighborhood space for maybe possibly tentatively semi-regular in person teaching. See what I mean about pandemic-induced fluidity?
But this name---Essentials. I know what it means. Those who practice appreciate the meaning in the most embodied way. But I'm feeling it's time for a re-name. A title that calls it what it is. Instead of one that leaves you wondering. So here it is: Roll, Release, Align. We roll to release. And that release opens the door for strength and length. And that, my friends, is what delivers optimal alignment.
Why alignment is crucial could be a whole ‘nother newsletter. But you might just notice the relationship of your head and spine and hips as you read. Your spine is so happy to rise straight up out of hips while your head floats effortlessly above. That's why we roll and release to align.
I’ve been up to this magic for a long time. But how the magic happens is so fluid (that word again). A continual creation in progress. Recently two new elements emerged big time: yin release and roller stability. Two practices that share three intriguing qualities: fun, pleasure, stillness. Because incorporating more fun, more pleasure, more stillness is exactly the medicine I need. And I’ve always trusted my own sensibility to move the practice in uncharted directions. Take a peek:
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What’s new on the mat always magically manifests in dance and on the treatment table. And vice versa; it's an intimate triangle. I have 30 of these soft 4 inch balls that I've slowly been incorporating in one-on-one treatment. Especially for the more tender among us. Wanna dance with them? Because they offer such immediate pleasure, we'll use them a bit in Taking Pleasure, the upcoming Wednesday Waves mini-workshop at Clara. You can pre-enroll to save/commit or drop in to any one session. Take note. April only, folks. Stay fluid...total mystery about anything beyond April. Seize this hopeful moment and move with us to explore all things pleasure. And I'll be up front this Sunday, live in the garden just in case your pleasure quotient needs max attention.
Fun, pleasure, stillness, magic...maybe it's time to make a move toward.
❤️Bella