Karen continues recalibrating the 8 basic movement lessons in the book Somatics, by Thomas Hanna. In this class she focuses on the third lesson, pp. 112-115, controlling the muscles of the waist. She continues to brilliantly update some of the language, content, and choice of movement examples based on her experience working with clients and teaching classes.  

After some guided assessment in sitting, she had us lie down on the floor. 
Most of this session was done in side-lying. Even though many of us sleep on our side, we often leave out side-lying and lateral movements in our daily practices. Karen is very precise in her instructions which helps us to pay attention to how we are organizing ourselves. Her guidance often leads us to challenge our expectations which may confront our comfort levels. Many of us have habituated side tilts and twists in our daily movements with no awareness that this is happening. Due to the way Karen is able to break down movements, we often begin to pick up these habituations. For example, as she led us through various side bending movements many of us began to notice how much we actually lean backward in our upper body as we side bend. With repetition and moving slowly, many of us experienced how we were able to self correct and not repeat our habitual movements, but move with a new awareness. We worked both sides of our body. When we got up and walked at the end of the session, I personally felt not only more balanced but also more 3 dimensionally aware of my body.

7/5/25: Zoom Class: Recalibration of Lesson 3 from "Somatics" by T. Hanna, Guest Teacher Karen Meyer

Jazz Combustion Uprising
David Elaine Alt

Rising

Disclaimer: These recordings are for educational purposes only.  Please do all somatic movements comfortably, slowly, and without pain or force. Please consult appropriate medical or health care providers if you have any concerns about whether the movements are suitable for you, especially if you are dealing with an illness or injury, are pregnant, or have other health, balance or mobility issues.

7/5/25: Zoom Class: Recalibration of Lesson 3 from "Somatics" by T. Hanna, Guest Teacher Karen Meyer

Susan Koenig