The challenge of simplicity is that in and of itself, simplicity is anything but simple. Simplicity is complexity that we’re not afraid of or disoriented by any longer.
introduction
The way I understand it, us humans are born with this incredible capacity to see, feel, and make sense of the world. For a number of reasons, those of us born in the West are encouraged to take that capacity for granted. What makes taking this capacity for granted possible is the fact that, for the most part, we sense, emote, feel, think, reflect, report, and negotiate with one another and the world instinctively or reflexively. Now, reflexes are extremely useful, and not only because they help us stay alive. Reflexes are extremely useful because they create the conditions necessary for the development of what is traditionally known as higher cognition or higher cognitive processes, such is abstract thinking. But where reflexes make it possible for us to feel etc., they themselves won’t really motivate nor help us reflect on complex questions like, why is it that we can feel in the first place? And what is “feeling” anyway? This is why most people relying on reflexes will do reflexively what they can for as long as they can. When they can’t any longer, many will simply stop doing. Many, unfortunately, because they won’t know at that critical point that they have other options at their disposal.
Before I started studying anatomy in an embodied sense, I intuited but didn’t know it was actually possible to differentiate between sensing, emoting, feeling, and thinking, for example, and be very precise about it. I also intuited but didn’t know it was possible to tell the difference between a feeling and an imagined feeling, or sensing and imagined sensing. And then I discovered somatics, and BMC® specifically, and I learned that I intuited correctly. One can study these things and share their observations with others. And here’s how.
OBS! As I write this, I am conscious of the fact that I’m trying very hard not to rely on professional terminology. I understand that terms like “embodied anatomy” and “somatics” can be intimidating when their meanings escape us. I am happy to specify all these terms and explain them when we meet. The analysis of the terminology itself could be interesting and a good way to outline the field of research that this work engages in.
what to prepare for
The standard class consists of three steps;
- meditation,
- movement exploration,
- touch-based exchange.
We will consider this protocol together when we meet relative to your expectations, interests, and the themes or topics we will be discussing. The themes or topics will be related to the text you are reading.
Please note,
- whatever protocol we choose to follow, you are in charge of your own experience and its boundary;
- When it comes to movement exploration, for example, the movement itself is never prescribed. You will never be asked to move in any specific way. Movement will always be a part of your own exploration. You will also never be asked to perform your movement for somebody else. I will, of course, further describe the conditions of our explorations when we meet, but perhaps good to know this ahead of time;
- Same applies to touch-based exchange. We will never take touch-based exchange for granted. If we choose to engage in a touch-based exchange, we will spend a moment negotiating the ethics of any touch-based protocol;
- Whatever we choose to do, you will want to dress comfortably;
- If your practice includes an expressive medium such is drawing, or sculpting, please bring the materials you need to engage in that practice to our meeting. In my experience, folks who have some such practice often want to draw instead of move, for example, because they perceive drawing itself as moving.
ps I like speculating, fabulating, philosophising, and above all, writing. In class/workshop, for example, I do a lot by way of storytelling. Storytelling is how I manage atmosphere, it is also how I navigate group dynamics through embodied dives. My relationship to and fascination with language is an integral aspect of my practice… but it is also evidence of my neurodivergence. I like to be conscious of that. This is why I’d like to make explicit that this class, although largely conducted through storytelling, is first and foremost based in movement, experience, and experiment.
pavleheidler
my name is pavleheidler. i go by pavle or pav. i was born in a country that doesn’t exist and currently live a short walk to and from a large body of water. i identify as trans non-binary and neuroqueer, my pronouns are they/them. i like to say that i am a movement-and-word artist and activist, an educator, and a queer critical thinker who specialises in developing research-oriented performative practices. i situate my work within the expanding fields of dance and choreography. i am a professional member of BMCA (Body-Mind Centering® Association) and a registered Somatic Movement Educator of Body-Mind Centering®.
BMC® and Body-Mind Centering® are registered service marks of Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen, used with permission.