SOMATICS AND YOGA – THE MISSING LINK
A Thomas Hanna Inspired Approach to Human Health and Healing
With Simon Low & Jane Stirzaker
Discover and experience the rich Thomas Hanna-inspired somatic approach to human health and healing. Learn how to effectively practice and teach somatic inspired yoga.
Pioneer of neurology and a philosophy professor, Thomas Hanna, created Hanna Somatic Education. The somatic movements were created to address what he saw as unhelpful movement patterns caused by held tension accumulated over the years. These movements are deliberate, slow contractions of muscles and then equally slow releasing of them. This technique is known as pandiculation and is a key foundation of this work.
This approach to movement practices has been described as the ‘missing link’ between physical therapy and yoga.
Hanna’s theory is that, to some extent, we all have "Sensory Motor Amnesia", that is unconscious, involuntary, chronic tension. Through somatic practices, this habitually held muscular tension can be shed, by gaining control and awareness, particularly in the centre of the body. Our sensory- motor system has two abilities, to unlearn what has been learned and to remember what has been forgotten. These movement practices are known to help to alleviate common musculoskeletal conditions, improve posture and movement, and prevent recurring pain and injuries.
Learn from experts and long-time students of this approach:
Simon Low and Jane Stirzaker (RYT-500, regular homeyoga.life and Yoga Academy teacher) have both studied with the US’s leading somatic trainer Martha Peterson; Jane also trained with Lisa Petersen, Ireland’s most experienced somatic and yoga trainer. Their combined experience will bring a wide perspective and knowledge to this course.
The first days of the module will be dedicated EXPERIENCING somatic practice & theory. Tasting, sensing, embodying, and ‘feeling’ the immense benefits of focused, somatic practice. The following last days we will explore how to incorporate somatic principles and movements within the practice and teaching of yoga, with a special reference to inclusion within -restorative yin yoga and mindful slower more mindful vinyasa or hatha yoga.
You will learn a range of specific yoga asana that lend themselves very effectively for the awareness of ‘sensory motor amnesia’ and the implementation of ‘pandiculation’, two of the fundamental principles underlying somatic movement education. This practice and training module offers:
Yoga & somatic teaching methodology, and teaching practice:
2+ days of dedicated guided somatic practices and principles
3+ days of combined yoga and somatic practices and principles
A detailed introduction to the theory and methodology of Hanna-inspired somatics.
Introduction to the concept, experience, and embodiment of ‘pandiculation’ .
Learning where ‘sensory motor amnesia’ exists within individuals
Anatomical teachings relating to the practices shared
Relevant yoga philosophy to support and enrich the shared content
Recommended reading and watching to support your ongoing studies
A certificate reflecting your hours of ongoing training / continuing professional development (CPD)
A supporting manual and handouts
This course is designed to give. You a deep experience of Hanna inspired Somatics and will also give you the foundation you need should you want to continue wit.h a longer course Simon & Jane are planning for 2024.
Motivations and Results of this work:
Who can join?
Please come with open minds and open hearts to maximise your enjoyment and experience. This course can be booked as a personal retreat or as a teacher training.
To better experience the effects of this approach it is not recommended to engage in practice prior to the beginning of each day of this training.
Certification
Yoga Moves is working with Simon Low and The Yoga Academy to offer Continuing Education modules, recognised by Yoga Alliance US and can be taken as hours toward Continuing Professional Development with the BWY (British Wheel of Yoga) and other organisations and trainings.
YACEP: 45 contact hours at Yoga Alliance
Dates: Tuesday- Sunday, 3-8 October 2023
Times: 11.30-18.30
Location: Yoga Moves Fly Studio | Croeselaan 209 Utrecht
Price: €849 (includes 21% vat)
Financial Need?
If you have financial need due to hardship, we offer 1-2 spots for a discounted rate. If this sounds like you, please fill out this form by 1 August with your motivation and specific reasons why you are in financial need.
About the teachers:
