Hanna Somatics and Bodyflow

[tjosh]

I would like to know what connections there are between Hanna Somatic Education and Coach Sonnon's work. I know Thomas Hanna is mentioned in the Bodyflow book but I would like to know what the influences and differences are.

I would like to hear about the influences other Somatic systems like Feldenkrais, Alexander technique, etc... have had.

How have all these systems been incorporated and surpassed?


Josh

[GuyRazi]

As a Kinesiology student, I am aware of the "standard" systems of Feldekrais, Alexander, Pilates, Hanna, as well as the lesser known brain gym, chi ball, etc. Body Flow, IMO, takes the best elements of motion/breathing integration and uses them in a similar but less limiting way. It is a natural evolution based upon the previous methods. In 100 years, it is possible BF will be surpassed, but until then, stick with it!

[James Boelter]

I bought "Somatics" by Hanna years ago, and always liked the book for its tone and the element of hope it presents for sufferers of pain and for people who want to break out of their self limitations. However, when I had my own 8 month episode of SI joint pain (7 years ago, but it still seems like yesterday, sheesh), it turned out that 2 private sessions with a good hatha yoga teacher did more for my discomfort and long term health than many months of trying Feldenkrais style 'awareness' movements. Somatics/Feldenkrais definitely brings something interesting to the table - but I've never seen anyone actually manage to change their structure, wellness, or vitality levels using it. (That's not to say it hasn't happened, just that I haven't seen it.).

BF, on the other hand forces the practitioner to rapidly integrate and change and the results are almost immediate visible to the onlooker when it happens. The feedback is immediate to the practioner - are you performing the movement effortlessly and with elasticity and 'springiness'? If so, you've got it. If not, you immediately come face to face with the SMA and Fear-Reactivity that are keeping you from entering the 'flow zone'.

I respect Thomas Hanna; in some ways he was a genuinely great man. But I feel that 'Somatics' as a book simply does not go far enough (or deep enough) to make a difference in most people's lives. It's entirely possible that those people who studied intensively with him 'soaked up' much deeper knowledge and training than any 'layman's book' can transmit.

[Barry Crain]

James,
I am having some ongoing SI joint pain myself; I would appreciate hearing more about your treatment. Feel free to PM me if you like.

Barry