Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/1060121
thus fundamental for aligning with the axis of the earth as well as sustaining a healthy core psoas. Coherency and organization of self is specifi cally found in the proprioceptors signaling within centered joints. The relationship of one bone to the next is signaled through each joint's neuroreceptors strung together like oceanic pearls in a vibrating song of wholeness. The oceanic journey of reimagining the fl uid midline is not complete without re-envisioning and re- languaging diaphragms. Neither a shelf nor a roof, a diaphragm is pulsating and buoyant tissue. Buoyancy is our birthright, as foot, pelvis, respiratory, mouth, skull, armpit, and hand all have resilient dome-shaped tissue capable of providing a dynamic support that is not only responsive but also adaptable. Our respiratory diaphragm as a fl uid bell-shaped tissue with jellyfi sh-like movement blossoms in multiple directions, opening up internal spaciousness and volume while simultaneously opening down, to root deep into the belly core. Diaphragms are naturally resilient and rebound with our every movement. Through fl uid connective tissue and vibrating tensegrity, ground reaction force is sensed in our fl oating bone, supple psoas, and buoyant diaphragms, supporting movement and lifting our spirits. It is therefore the very essence of expression that is key to fi nding an ever- responsive rebound. A sense of self and integrity that manifests from within the core of our being as a dynamic reciprocal call and response with the earth. Embodiment, therefore, does not require correction but connection. CORE EMBODIMENT Our arrival as newborns is a landing on earth felt deep in our bone that continues to shape our fl ourishing gestures. Like a tuning fork produces a pure tone, the psoas is in resonance with the wisdom of our bone, vibrating the very essence of life and putting a bounce in our step. Bone offers a lightness of being—a call of support from the living earth. As a core messenger, the psoas always signals skeletal issues such as bone loss, joint dysfunction, proprioceptive interruptions, torn ligaments, and imbalances between pelvis and skull. The psoas also speaks to the exhausted, undeveloped, overwhelmed, and un- resilient nervous system. Whether overwhelmed by fear or willfully recruited, the psoas will compensate for injured or lax ligaments, bone defi ciencies, and neurological and proprioceptive disruptions. Attending to the disconnect, imbalance or defi ciencies allow the psoas to let down its signal of distress and stop messaging. The psoas reveals the truth about our relationship with the earth; as messenger, the psoas is therefore rarely the problem. When assaults do happen to the psoas, it is from intentional surgical cutting and slashing. The psoas only becomes a problem when torn or indirect damage results from tumors and cysts, scar tissue adhesions, infl ammation, or bruising caused by direct palpation. FLOURISHING PSOAS Growing out of the axis mundi, referred to as the navel of the earth, the psoas emerges through the pelvic bowl into the lessor trochanter of the leg appendages. As a diagonal moving pendulum eliciting free swing of the leg, the psoas energetically connects heart to foot. Receptive, supple, fl uid, spine is overstabilized (or unstable), the other end will become disorganized. To either end, our psoas messages all core disruptions. By returning the core to its fl uid primal origins, compensatory behaviors involving the psoas often fi nd resolution. Intentionally starting a small-wave motion in either direction will elicit an undulating response all along the midline. Moving toward the direction expressed in our system acknowledges a bio-intelligence that may already be in process. Curling, freezing, and arcing are three primary gestures of safety that appear when threatened. Similar to the curling inward of a caterpillar, curling protects and provides resiliency. If I fall through space, it is my curling spine that helps me survive the fall. Without the curling response, I would splat on the ground when I landed. When a client comes into my studio and is curling or collapsed, I encourage following this gesture by rolling into a fetal curl, going into a child's pose, or by hanging over a large fi tness ball. Doing so provides completion of a biological expression that can support our capacity to self-organize. Whether our core expressions originate in prenatal birth stories, childhood conditioning, or everyday activities, when understood as an intelligent process, these gestures as expressions have the power to resolve and restore our living spine. FLUID CONNECTIVITY Bone as living tissue is part of a dynamic neural-network of communication known as proprioception. Floating within a supportive biotensegrity, a dynamic web of tension and integrity, bone provides our sense of orientation and support. Disrupted proprioception is always received and messaged by the psoas. Nurturing proprioception is 74 m a s s a g e & b o d y w o r k j a n u a r y / f e b r u a r y 2 0 1 9