• I help people fully inhabit their bodies and guide teachers to do the same • Get access to exclusive videos, articles and teachings from Domini Anne
Silence of the Hams
"Awareness is like the sun. When it shines on things, they are transformed." - Thich Nhat Hanh This insight captures the essence of our movement journey. As we shine awareness on our bodies, we often uncover fascinating paradoxes - like the role of asymmetry in human movement. Consider the baseball pitcher's dominant arm or the violinist's dexterous left hand. These asymmetries aren't flaws, but specialized adaptations. However, for most of us, certain imbalances can lead to limited mobility and unexpected issues. Imagine habitually resting on one leg, hip shifted aside. Over time, this can create uneven hamstring engagement, potentially limiting your range of motion. This imbalance might manifest as a sudden calf cramp during a jog - not because of the calf itself, but because the foot has been relying solely on its small muscles, its connection to the glutes (through the hamstring) compromised. In essence, our hamstrings fall silent, no longer communicating effectively with the rest of our lower body. In Galileo class this week, we addressed this very issue, so of course I extracted a 20-minute Mini-ball workout for you,Reader . This floorwork series uses slightly deflated balls to enhance awareness and muscle recruitment, focusing on bridges and targeted legwork. The goal isn't perfect symmetry, but a balance allowing full range of motion. I invite you to explore this workout and break the silence of your hams. Discover how small, focused movements can significantly improve your body awareness and functionality. After this little sequence, you might find yourself more attuned to subtle movements in your feet and legs. Just go with it, and keep exploring everything you feel. Birthday Celebration Classes! Finally Reader, I have exciting news! My birthday is coming up and to celebrate it with you, I'd like to offer two free online classes, open to everyone. Can you help me out with some input on the options? I've narrowed it down to three: • A Gyrotonic class (any tower model) • A Core Breathwork class • A free-form class using simple props for surprising movement environments If you're interested, please reply and let me know: • Which option(s) excite you most? • Would you prefer 60 or 90 minutes? These classes will be scheduled for late August/early September. Your feedback will help create an experience that resonates with as many of you as possible. Let's celebrate movement, awareness, and community together! Have a beautiful week and I look forward to hearing from you, Domini Anne |
Domini Anne
• I help people fully inhabit their bodies and guide teachers to do the same • Get access to exclusive videos, articles and teachings from Domini Anne
The year was 1982, I was 6 years old and it was my first summer camp. I was never much of an "outdoors" kind of kid so my parents had enrolled me in an arts program at the local Rec center. We had the typical activities: finger painting, construction paper silhouettes, making ashtrays out of clay (remember, it was the 80's) but the moment they brought out the sticks and rope, my world was forever changed. Wrapping the individual strands around the wood, then beginning to knot them together...
Read time: 5 minutes Harnessing emotional energy for productivity The art of angry self-care 7 ways to turn feelings into fuel Highlights from "I had the Spine of my Life" lecture Bonus: Kettlebell mobility routine "Dearly Beloved, we are gathered here today to get through this thing called Life." These immortal words from the Purple One himself set the stage for our exploration today. Life, with all its ups and downs, demands our full participation - even on the days when we'd rather pull...
• Read time 5-6 minutes • Musings on the Spine's role in physical and energetic health • Ancient Wisdom and modern science of spinal function • Upcoming lecture at Pilgrim's Way Bookstore in Carmel Dear Friends, Imagine shrinking down to the size of a cell, embarking on a fantastic voyage through the rivers of your own bloodstream. Picture a world where emotions manifest as swirling mists and thunderous storms within your body's landscape. These aren't just flights of fancy—they're powerful...